Archive for Bible
Capable of Sustaining Liberty
Posted by: | CommentsThe Bible is our standard for living, not our brother or sister, not our friend or neighbor. God’s Living Word is the center of our life, or at least it’s supposed to be the center. Stray very far from the precepts of The Bible and it doesn’t take long for life to get out of kilter.
Judah Bible Curriculum supports The Bible, as The Master textbook. Making The Bible the source of every aspect of education.
Click to read – What is the Judah Bible Curriculum? – from the website.
The author, Bill Burtness, uses the Principle Approach as the foundation for Judah Bible Curriculum. I’m sorry to say, I wasn’t familiar with Principle Approach, as a philosophy or method, before my introduction to this curriculum. On my own, I’ve implemented pieces and parts, but not the whole. Principle Approach “is designed to build character in teacher and student capable of sustaining liberty.” I’ve spent years focusing on and building Godly character, but not with one eye, so to speak, on the goal of sustaining our liberty.
This is what Mr. Burtness says, “As America has veered away from God, and increased in dependence on the state, while becoming more chaotic, the critical need is to educate a generation of Christians who are intelligent based in Truth, self-taught not media taught, and self-governed under God not dependent on state control. With the Judah Bible Curriculum, your children will be studying The Bible, not just studying about The Bible.” Personally, I can wholeheartedly embrace this.
Judah Bible Curriculum is time intensive. It involves preparation for the parent/teacher, as student AND then as the teacher. JBC gives you the tools, to learn to teach, on 8 MP3 downloads. I was overwhelmed, at times. I’ve taught Bible for years, and some days felt like I didn’t know anything.
Written for all students, K-12, the lessons, themselves, are not difficult. Though, the program is set up for 5 days of study per week, it is flexible. Following the design, you learn and teach The Old Testament the first semester, and The New Testament the second semester. The Bible is divided into five, chronological, time periods -
- Creation
- The Plan of Redemption Begins
- Kingdom of Israel
- Kingdom of God
- Early Church
Throughout the study you’re asking: Where do you see the hand of God? Where do you see the character of God? and Where does the Key (individual, event, institution, or document) belong in His purpose? The student is taught to research, reason, and apply. It is a methodical, step by step, precept upon precept, process of study.
We use the Judah Bible Curriculum as a family Bible study. We start each lesson with prayer, then read the selected verses from Scripture. Discussion flows through note taking, utilizing the Key Notes that are supplied. I might add drawing, map reading, coloring pages, dictionary or concordance work, and additional reading, as a supplement to the lesson, according to the needs of each of my children. But, I also have the freedom to not add anything, and move on to the next lesson.
The design of the curriculum focuses repeatedly on the main themes, adding different details over the years and expanding with the age or knowledge of the student. I set the pace for my family.
~
“The resulting character we are striving to produce in ourselves and our students will be capable of sustaining freedom without anarchy, order without tyranny, peace and prosperity.” “We should be totally and internally governed by His Word.”
Click to read - Judah Bible Curriculum Philosophy
~
Judah Bible Curriculum delivered online is $44.00
-Judah Bible Curriculum K-12 Manual, ebook
-Elementary Notebooks Ideas booklet, ebook
-8 lecture teacher training seminar, listen online or download
Judah Bible Curriculum w/Hard Copy is $69.00, plus s/h
-Judah Bible Curriculum K-12 Manual, print version
-Elementary Notebooks Ideas booklet, print version
-8 lecture teacher training seminar CD
~
Comments or Questions?
The Judah Bible Curriculum
P.O. Box 122
Urbana, IL 61803
217-344-5672
I think this is just what our homes and our country needs. I hope you’ll follow my links and visit their website. You can also read what my crew mates have to say when you click the graphic below.
Blessings,
Disclaimer* A downloadable copy of this product was given to me, free of charge, in exchange for my honest review, as a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew. I receive no other compensation for my reviews on this blog. The opinions expressed are my own.
Truly, they do! Thank you.
Contents of this blog are copyrighted; they are the property of Knee Deep In Grace and may not be used without written permission.
Maintaining Biblical Standards
Posted by: | CommentsI don’t read every book that my older children read, now. When they were younger I did. Still, I am mindful of what they’re reading, what music they’re listening to, what movies they’re watching, and who their friends are. I know their friends by name. I trust my children, at this age, to make wise choices, following the standards we’ve set, in their reading material, music, viewing habits, and relationships. They also keep themselves accountable. I can pick up the current book they’re reading, borrow their MP3 player at any time, go to the movies with them, or sit in on one of their gatherings.
There are organizations, and companies that assist me, as a parent, in maintaining the Biblical standards that my husband and I set for our family. They’ve put the time and effort into watching, listening, or reading, and reviewing for me. Many of these are run by other parents, with similar standards, like Progeny Press.
Progeny Press was started in 1992, and is still family owned and operated. They present good literature, teaching good literary analysis, measuring all things in the light of Scripture. There are now more than 100 Study Guides available to instruct writers and readers in grades K – 12.
Study Guides can be found for Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary, Middle School, and High School.
They can be purchased Book-bound, PDF on CD, or email with attached PDF file. The content is the same, no matter the form of delivery.
From $10.99 single guide to $27.99 book/CD set.
I have students using the Middle School Study Guide for The Cay, by Theodore Taylor -
“Eleven-year-old Phillip lives with his parents on an island off the coast of Venezuela in 1942, but when the Nazi’s begin torpedoing ships nearby, Phillip’s mother insists that he and she return to the United States. Their ship is torpedoed by a Nazi submarine long before they reach the U.S., however, and Phillip finds himself marooned on an island with an old, but strong, black deckhand named Timothy. But when Phillip goes blind from an injury, he slowly realizes how caring, wise, and resourceful Timothy really is, and the color of their skins is unimportant.”
AND other students using the High School Study Guide for The Screwtape Letters, by C. S. Lewis -
“Screwtape, an undersecretary in the Lowerarchy of Hell, has undertaken the guidance and tutelage of his nephew Wormwood, who has been assigned a human patient to secure for eternity. In a series of letters, Screwtape guides the young demon through the finer points of temptation, the weaknesses and foibles of human beings, and the disaster of his patient becoming a Christian. Though this certainly complicates things, the two infernal beings won’t let it stop them.
From this very skewed perspective, C. S. Lewis digs into the human nature, revealing some interesting, and sometimes embarrassing, tendencies. Touching on everything from sleeplessness to the “absurdity” of God’s love for humanity, Screwtape imparts his wicked wisdom to Wormwood. Though the mirror he holds up to humanity is warped and cracked, it is still painfully revealing. Wit and parody mask a very serious analysis of what makes humans tick; and though it may make readers smile, it will also make us squirm as Screwtape picks at the cracks in our facades.”
With each Study Guide, students need access to a good dictionary, a thesaurus, a Bible, and the internet or an encyclopedia.
It is suggested that the complete novel be read first. We didn’t know how we felt about this, as opposed to reading the book and the guide together from the beginning, but it actually makes the use of the Study Guide a little easier. I imagine the creators of the guides already knew this. After reading the story, the student works through the guide with the book as a constant reference.
Prereading activities are offered -
- Written report
- Map work
- Time line
- Vocabulary
- Art work
- Biography
Each Study Guide covers relative information -
- Story Synopsis
- About the Author
- Background/Setting
Did I mention that Progeny Press Study Guides for Literature are interactive for 4th – 12th grade? They can still be printed, if you like, but the student has the capability of placing answers directly on the PC and saving his work as he progresses. The parent/teacher is able to grade the work in the same manner, on the PC, and leave notes or comments. My children love it! Especially, my son, who would rather do nearly anything instead of writing. The Study Guides are designed so he can clearly work through the questions and vocabulary, give his attention to critical analysis, dig deeper and consider the issues portrayed in the story, while viewing each through a consistent Biblical standard. In his case, he can give complete answers, because his biggest obstacle is removed – he’s released from hand-writing and has the option to type. Amazing!
Optional activities include -
- Presentations
- Volunteer work
- Essays
- Research
- Interviews
- Brief report
- Word search
Final essays are provided and post reading activities are discretionary. High School credits are obtained 1/4 credit per Study Guide in 8 – 12 weeks.
(4) Completed Study Guides = (1) H.S. Credit
Click the graphic below to browse the Progeny Press Catalog.
If you would like more information, please, follow the links I’ve provided throughout this post. Progeny Press has a website that’s easy to navigate.
Also, read other reviews, from The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Review Crew members.
Comments or Questions? Go directly to the source -
Progeny Press
P. O. Box 100
Fall Creek, WI 54742
~
Toll Free 1.877.776.4369
or
Phone 715.877.9951 ext. 100
~
Email - progeny@progenypress.com
and
Follow on facebook
I have no doubt these will be the first of many Progeny Press Study Guides for Literature we’ll use. Let me know which guide you choose, and what you think of it.
Blessings,
A trial period of this product was given to me, free of charge, in exchange, for my honest review, as a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew. I receive no other compensation for my reviews on this blog. The opinions expressed are my own.
Thanks for your comments.
*Contents of this blog are copyrighted; they are the property of Knee Deep In Grace and may not be used without written permission.
The Art of Argument
Posted by: | CommentsI consider myself to be a logical person, but I have had no formal training in Logic. I usually hold my own in a debate, if I am knowledgeable or passionate about a subject. I’m comfortable making a sensible statement from my point of view. Until recently, I didn’t realize that the art of reasonable argument can be taught. I didn’t know that curriculum is available for teaching Logic, and that “mastery of logic is a requisite skill for mastering other subjects.”
The Art of Argument, is one of the exceptional studies offered by Classical Academic Press. It teaches the ability to reason and to recognize poor reasoning.
It covers 28 fallacies of relevance, presumption and clarity, over 28 chapters. This is an introduction to the informal fallacies. It was designed with Junior High students in mind, but my older children, who have had no previous teaching in logic, are learning the definitions and fallacies that are presented, as well. The more they practice them, the quicker they are able to recognize them.
The publisher states that “fallacies are present on the political left and right (and in the middle) and in the arguments of people of all kinds of political, religious, and cultural viewpoints. No one ‘school of thought’ is fallacy-free!” We and our children are bombarded with political jargon, especially in this election year, advertisements and commercials, editorials, etc. Having the skills to wade through the swamp of errant information and clearly identify the flawed arguments is critical to finding the truth.
We have not completed this course, but we already utilize what we have learned. We have more awareness of the need to filter and evaluate what we hear, plus we’re learning to use the tools of detection and analysis that we’ve been given. Yes, I said we. I am learning to be even more logically reasonable in my arguments discussions. Jokingly, my husband is not amused, as he already believed my talents have been wasted and I should have become a lawyer. I reason that I’d do well to take advantage of learning logic now, making sure my children don’t get ahead of me!
Classical Academic Press offers classical curricula and media in Latin, Spanish, Greek, French, Logic, Bible and Poetry. They back their products with a 30-day money back guarantee.
The Art of Argument student book is a workbook – text and discussion, questions and essays. It is $21.95.
The Teacher’s Edition, includes the complete student text, answer keys, quizzes and tests, for $24.95.
A set of 5 DVD’s, teaching videos to complement The Art of Argument, is available for $54.95.
Although, I have not been familiar with the teaching of Logic, I see the value of it, and we will pursue it. I found it somewhat difficult to teach, probably because of my lack of familiarity, and the children thought it was dry. We tend to follow a living school or school-of-life system of learning, and The Art of Argument doesn’t seem easily adaptable. If it is something you are interested in, I suggest you examine the CAP curriculum. Their focus is “clear design and structure, incremental and systematic instruction, all with a touch of delight, creativity and flair.”
For your convenience, I’ve provided links throughout this post that you can follow for more information. You’ll also find my crew mates reviews by clicking on the TOS graphic, below.
Comments or Questions?
Classical Academic Press
3920 Market Street
Camp Hill, PA 17011
~
Toll Free: 866-730-0711
Phone: 717-730-0711
~
and follow on facebook
Euripides is credited with saying, “reason can wrestle and overthrow terror.” Maybe he knew The Old Testament Scripture, Isaiah 41:10, “fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Seems logical to me.
Blessings,
A trial period of this product was given to me, free of charge, in exchange, for my honest review, as a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew. I receive no other compensation for my reviews on this blog. The opinions expressed are my own.
*Contents of this blog are copyrighted; they are the property of Knee Deep In Grace and may not be used without written permission.
What Will Your Child Believe?
Posted by: | CommentsFrom the time our children are born we teach them that they are fearfully and wonderfully made. They grow knowing it, because they hear it often. When they’re a little older, they’re often amazed the first time we share The Scripture, from Psalm 139:13-16, with them, because they realize it’s not just momma and daddy, being momma & daddy and saying they are wonderful and unique, God said it.
“For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.”
The Bible is our touchstone. It is the measure by which the validity or merit of something can be evaluated. We view knowledge through The Bible. We believe it is the ultimate authority. We desire to live by faith in Christ Jesus and anchor our world-view in Him.
As our children become preteens and teenagers we challenge them to apply themselves to know why they believe what they believe. Yes, we want them to know The Truth, and to believe it, but it will not hold them fast if they don’t own it themselves. If you don’t know why you are waiting to have sex until after you’re married, inevitably you’ll find yourself in a situation of compromise. If you don’t know why you think a baby is a baby before it’s earthside, abortion is a possibility. If you don’t know why you believe in Jesus Christ as The Way, The Truth, and The Life, someone may come along and give you a good enough reason to think He isn’t.
What will my children believe when they stand on their own? What will your child believe when he’s 15?
Who Am I, And What Am I Doing Here?, by Apologia, gives you foundational truths to teach your children. You’ll know what they believe, and they’ll know why they believe it.
Written for ages 6-14; “based on the Biblical Christian worldview, which affirms that truth is absolute and knowable through the revelation of God. It affirms that knowledge of God is the beginning of wisdom and the key to understanding the world around us.” $39.
Comments or Questions?
Contact ~
Write
Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc.
1106 Meridian Plaza, Suite 220/340
Anderson, IN 46016
Phone
888.524.4724
or
765.608.3280
biblicalworldview@apologia.com
Blessings,
Penny
This product was given to me, free of charge, in exchange, for my honest review, as a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew. I receive no other compensation for my reviews on this blog. The opinions expressed are my own.
The World’s Greatest Stories
Posted by: | CommentsI believe in God. I believe He actually came to earth, in the flesh as Jesus Christ, because He loved each of us so much. I believe in The Bible, as the inspired, inerrant Word of God. I believe it is the world’s greatest book and the more we read it and hear it, the better chance we have of applying it to our daily life.
The World’s Greatest Stories are quoted directly, word for word, from The Bible, and narrated by master storyteller, George W. Sarris. These stories are true to the words of Scripture and they are dynamically, vocally illustrated by Mr. Sarris. He captivates your attention, while The Word of God is being spoken into your Spirit!
Currently, there are six volumes available, in CD format:
- The Prophets
- The Life of Christ
- Beginnings
- Joshua and Esther
- Joseph and His Brothers
- Defeating Giants
23 stories covered in approximately 6 hours of audio! Each CD is $7.95, and is available in the King James Version (KJV) and the New International Version (NIV) of The Bible. The investment is minimal, especially in light of the eternal value.
Comments or Questions?
Contact:
email – GeorgeSarris@gmail.com
or
and
George W. Sarris facebook page
It’s my opinion that this is an outstanding Biblical resource! You can read additional opinions, written by my TOS crew mates, when you click on the graphic below.
Abundant Blessings to you and yours,
This product was given to me, free of charge, in exchange, for my honest review, as a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew. I receive no other compensation for my reviews on this blog. The opinions expressed are my own.
*Contents of this blog are copyrighted; they are the property of Knee Deep In Grace and may not be used without written permission.
Clever Dragons Discount!
Posted by: | CommentsClever Dragons launches it’s smart fun for boy’s only, today! My son has been waiting weeks for this, as I wrote in my review of a scoop of laughter, a scoop of learning, Always Icecream, for girl’s only!
I’ll be posting a review of this site, soon, but couldn’t wait to tell you that Clever Dragons is online and they are offering a discounted membership rate for a limited time only.
* Now through November 27th *
Launch Special Price
$39.99 for Lifetime Membership
No promo code needed.
Find Clever Dragons on facebook for the latest updates.
Blessings,
Clever Dragons, nor anyone affiliated with them, asked me to write this post. I received no compensation and any expressed opinions are my own.
Thanks for your comments. PK
For Girls Only!
Posted by: | CommentsFinding one’s place in a big family can sometimes be difficult. Having something that belongs just to you or that didn’t belong to a sibling before you doesn’t happen often, but sometimes it’s nice. It’s a little affirmation that you are one-of-a-kind and not just part of the group. I look for ways to let my children know that I see them as individuals.
Our youngest daughter is the youngest of 11. She loves her position, but we’ve made it a point to let her know that she wasn’t an afterthought. She was/is wanted and she is an important part of our family. It would be easy for everything she owns – clothes, toys, books & games – to be a hand-me-down, much is, but not all. Truly, she probably wouldn’t even mind, but I would; so, when I recently had the opportunity to review an ad-free learning website, for girls only, I was just a wee-bit excited about the possibilities! I wasn’t disappointed.
Always Icecream is geared for girls, ages 7-12, and it looks like it was created just for them. It’s pink and fun, and frufru and fun, and cute & sweet and fun! Much to my youngest son’s dismay, the website for boys only hasn’t been completed, yet, but I hear it is in the works. If I’d allow it, he’d learn & play right alongside his sister, but since I haven’t, he can not wait for his site! Why have a site, for girls only? My guys and girls get along very well together. My guys are a little more sensitive, considerate and compassionate and my girls are comfortable catching bugs and fishing, because of their interaction with each other, but it’s not that way in every home or classroom.
- “Online games for girls are games that have been specifically designed to meet the interests and curiosity of girls. This gender-focus makes it possible that “girls can be girls” without the fear of being bothered by boys who tend to make fun of everything that girls consider “cute.”
- “Within the target age group of 7-12 years, children’s preferences and ways in which they can be motivated tend to be influenced by gender. Collaborative play (girls) versus competitive play (boys) and girls tend to be attracted by virtual goods that are “decorative”, such as clothes, versus “useful”, such as machines or armor.”
“Notwithstanding the differences in brain development and socialization, Always Icecream is adamantly opposed to stereotypes such as “girls are not interested in science or math.” The site challenges its young members to engage in learning activities across a broad spectrum of subjects:
Language Arts
Math (basic and advanced)
Science
Computer Skills
Geography
History
Foreign Languages
Music & Arts
and Religious Education
I asked my daughter for her opinion of Always Icecream. She said, and I quote:
“I love it! You get to make your own house and you get your own pet. It’s fun! The learning is still fun, too. I am learning, you know. There are so many activities, I can’t even tell you! I’m practicing typing and I’m learning my states. Want me to show you? I’m getting higher and higher in my math and I got all of the Bible questions right, last time, because we had just learned about two of them in Children’s Church! The pet world thingy-place is my favorite! The pets can play games and do stuff. You can buy them accessories, (yes, that’s her word. We are big Fancy Nancy fans, but I’ll save that for another time) like a necklace or a bow. You use your $coops to buy stuff. ($coops is the earned currency in the Always Icecream world.) You buy them food and feed them, like carrots for the rabbit, not bacon or dog bones, of course. You give them cuddles and love and their hearts go up! I already said it, I just love it!“
School time. Learning time.
Play time. Reward time.
Parental participation, behind the scenes, is encouraged. Parents sign-up to receive a progress report, once a week, and may choose a number of $coops to be rewarded for special in-real-life projects, chores or accomplishments. My kids are on a rotation to clean the cat’s litter box. Our youngest was rewarded $coops for doing it without having to be reminded. Granted, she would like to go to Dairy Queen in the future for real-world ice cream in exchange for a real-world chore, but since she usually only gets a “thank you” she thought getting $coops was actually “pretty cool.”
The girls earn $coops currency for completing their learning tasks, challenges, games & videos. They create a mini-me avatar and can switch her clothes, buy rooms for the house and purchase furniture, pets and more. My girl loved this!
There is also a social feature available, set up by the parent, that enables or not, the girls to “make friends” and communicate with one another safely through Always Icecream. Although we didn’t choose to activate this feature, I do appreciate the excellent safety measures that are in place for the girls. Click the graphic below for more information.
* $4.99 per month * $29.99 per year * $99.99 for a lifetime membership *Take a quick tour of the site and try out FREE GAMES before you buy. “Satisfaction guaranteed: Your daughter will have fun and learn relevant skills – or you get your money back!”
You’ll want to read more reviews by my crew mates and their girls. Click the TOS banner below to get the full $coop!
Contact:
email – feedback@always-icecream.com
or visit
Blessings to you and your girls,
This product was given to me, free of charge, in exchange, for my honest review, as a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew. I receive no other compensation for my reviews on this blog. The opinions expressed are my own.
*Contents of this blog are copyrighted; they are the property of Knee Deep In Grace and may not be used without written permission.
Wordless Wednesday
Posted by: | Comments“From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of The Lord is to be praised!” Psalm 113:3
May the peace of The Lord be with you,
*Contents and photographs of this blog are copyrighted; they are the property of Knee Deep In Grace and may not be used without written permission.
Wordless Wednesday
Posted by: | Comments
“Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105
Blessings,
*Photographs and content of this blog are copyrighted; are the property of Knee Deep In Grace and may not be used without written permission. 
Thank you for your comments. May your life be enriched for having stopped here. PK
Wordless Wednesday
Posted by: | Comments
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” Ephesians 5:1-2
Abundant Blessings,
*Photographs and contents of this blog are the property of Knee Deep In Grace and may not be used without written permission.
Thank you for your comments.
