“The youth should stand in a position where their hearts may be wholly the Lord’s; where they are honoring God with their strength. God will then honor them by giving them knowledge and wisdom. Thus did Daniel in the courts of Babylon, standing true to principle amid the corruptions of the heathen. “Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank.”
The Youth’s Instructor, October 25, 1894
“For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.” Exodus 20:11
Photo Credit: Rufous Hummingbird ©2013 Nathan Clark. Used by permission.
Planning on studying American history this coming school year? Digital History is a site full of multi-media resources that will enhance any U.S. History curriculum or help you develop your own. There are timelines, glossaries, music, lesson plans, quizzes, handouts and more.
Click on the link above or the image above to visit this great resource.
“Dear Children,
I have been thinking how much good every one of you might do, if you would only try. Some children are willing to part with some of their little treasures to make others happy. They are quite free to give when it is in their power, but there is something more that they can do. It costs nothing, yet it is more difficult to give than all their treasures. It is kind words. I have been in families where unkind, fretful
words cast a shadow upon the whole household, and I have felt the same darkness falling upon me. I have heard older children speak unkindly and fretfully to the younger members of the family, and have watched its effects upon the little ones who possessed happy dispositions, but were soured and spoilt through unkind and fretting words.
How careful an older sister should be of her young brother or sister lest her influence should prove an injury to him or her. Above all things should she exert a happy influence upon the young members of the family. If she tries, she can do much to make home happy, and shed a sunshine in the family. But it is too often the case that the older children do not realize that their influence tells, and that they are responsible for the influence they exert. I have felt grieved as I have seen them watch almost every move of the little brother or sister, not with a view to help them, to encourage them, to make them happy; but to fret at, complain of, and tease them, until there is stamped upon their countenance a disagreeable, cross expression. This can be removed now if the work is taken hold of cheerfully, patiently and energetically; and happy countenances may be seen, and sunshine be in the dwelling instead of a shadow.
When the sister is tempted to break out into a fretful, fault-finding strain, I would say, Stop, ask yourself what good result will your words produce? Will they make the little brother or sister any better? or will they plant in their little breasts bitter, unhappy feelings? Then say to yourself, I will try to speak just as sweetly and pleasantly as I can. It will act like a charm. You may not see the good results in a moment, but every time you check this fretful, fault-finding spirit, it will give you grace to stand against the next temptation. Persevere. Don’t be discouraged if you do fail at first. If the tongue goes in its wonted course a few times when you are not on your guard, do not give up the battle. Go to God, and often plead with him for strength. It will be given. Jesus has promised to hear the needy when they cry. Claim the promise; it will be verified. Try in the strength of the Lord to cast a sunshine in the family. There are no shadows in heaven. All is happiness. There will be no fretful ones there; no unhappy looks; no unkind words; but every countenance will be radiant with joy. In heaven there will be an eternal sunshine.”
Ellen G. White.
The Youth’s Instructor – May 1, 1859
“For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.” Exodus 20:11
Photo Credit: ©2013 Nathan Clark. Used by permission.
The local public library can be a homeschooling family’s best resource. Are you making maximum use of the libraries near you? Here are some ideas for utilizing the libraries in your area:
1.Don’t just go to your nearest library, make an effort to visit all of the libraries available to you in your area. Different amenities may be available at each location. Get cards from multiple libraries if necessary.
2.Call and inquire if the colleges and universities in your area will allow you to check out materials. Colleges with teacher education programs often have excellent educational materials . Even if you cannot have borrowing privileges, you can still stop by and use the resources in-house.
3.Contact your local school district about borrowing privileges in the school libraries.
4.Be sure to pick up fliers listing the resources and activities available at each library. What classes, story times, lecture series and tutoring programs are available?
5.Take time to meet the children’s librarian as well as the reference librarian. These librarians are excellent resources for unit study ideas and research projects. They can alert you to resources that you may not know about. Share what you are planning to study for the year, and give the librarians a copy of the textbooks and literature selections you would like to use. Many times children’s and reference librarians are looking for ideas on new books to order, and your curriculum plans may help.
6.Take note of library book sales. Savvy homeschool moms will be there when the doors open to purchase books for mere pennies.
7.Check to see if your library offers inter-library loans for books and videos.
8.Do you have an e-book reader? Be sure to share your e-book requests with the librarians as well.
9.What online resources does your library offer? Online catalogs are very helpful for searching from the comfort of home. Can you renew your library books online? Does your library give out passwords for special online collections and sites? Many libraries have subscriptions to reference resources online. Be sure to ask for a list of those subscriptions.
10.If your library does not give receipts for books checked out, make it a habit to have your children complete a library book log to keep track of how many books to return. Assign a child to mark the due date on a calendar as soon as you return home.
11.Are there conference or meeting rooms available for you to reserve to work on a research project? A conference room may be a more comfortable space to work in if you are also bringing younger children along.
12.the library have display space available for larger homeschool projects? Perhaps your library may allow your child to display his science project for a week or two.
13.Are there special library privileges for teachers that you can also use, such as longer check-out dates, or sets of themed materials. It never hurts to ask!
14.Genealogical resource rooms are full of inspiration for great local and state history study. Be sure to go in and browse.
15.Are there library-related service projects available for your child to participate in? Creating a themed bulletin board, sorting books for a book sale, organizing display cases, etc.
These state and national flag printables will add color and fun to a lapbook , poster, report or passport. Don’t have sticker paper? Just print on regular paper and glue on to your project. There are several different types of images to choose from. Click on the link above or on the image to find the printables.
The Adventist Home Educator 