Category: High School(9-12)

Happy New Year by E.G. White

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“This beautiful morning of January 1, 1881, I greet the children and youth of the Instructor with a Happy New Year. The old year, 1880, with its burden of records, has passed out, and the new year, with its prospects, hopes, and labors, has come.

My dear youthful readers, will you not pause, while standing upon the very threshold of 1881, and inquire of your own hearts what has been the character of the life record that has passed up to Heaven for you? The past year’s record, be it good or evil, cannot be changed. If you feel that your past life has been almost a failure, how much reason have you for gratitude to God that your probation did not close with the old year!

Another year now opens its fair unwritten pages before you. The recording angel stands ready to write.quill paper Your course of action will determine what shall be traced by him. You may make your future life good or evil; and this will determine for you whether the year upon which you have just entered will be to you a Happy New Year. It is in your power to make it such for yourself and for those around you. If you connect with God, you may make bright sunshine in the family circle by thoughtfulness of others’ comfort, putting away all discontent, and being cheerful, courteous, and obedient, or you may pursue a course that will bring a dark shadow upon the hearts of those who have ever loved you, watched over you, and cared for you from your earliest infancy.

Will the youth who read the Instructor ask themselves the question whether they are a blessing to their parents, or a source of anxiety and a curse? It would be a great satisfaction to them to know that you are trying to be dutiful and kind; but nothing can give them so much real happiness, this new year, as the knowledge that you have made Jesus a gift of yourselves, and that your daily prayer is, “My Father, be thou the guide of my youth.” Begin the new year, then, by giving yourselves to God, if you have not already done so; and every day you spend in his service will bring blessings to you and all connected with you.”

Excerpt from Youth’s Instructor, January 5, 1881

The remainder of the article can be found HERE

Nature Study with Older Students

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leaf shapesThinking about nature study with your teenagers?   Here’s a link with some helpful ideas and links to keep both you and your teens motivated.

Nature Study Ideas For Teens

 

My Favorite Math Manipulatives

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math mani headerI’ve always believed that early math learning does not require  a formal math curriculum.  When my children were young,  we had lots of fun exploring math concepts through manipulative play.   Let me share a few of my favorite math manipulatives.

1. Every homeschool math explorer needs a balance.  With simple play, understanding of the concepts of balance, heavier, lighter, more, less and even will easily become clear.  Most of my other favorite manipulatives have been weighed in this balance.

2 & 3.  Colorful counters. The foam cubes(2) were purchased in a large pack for a dollar a great value!  I’ve also seen wooden ones that are very nice.  The rubber animal counters (3) are just plain fun.    A set of counters is great for weighing, patterning, matching,  one-to-one correspondence, sorting/classification and beginning addition/subtraction.

4. Geoboard.  Creating designs on a geoboard  requires more critical thinking than one may realize. I’ve noticed that even my middle & high school aged children have not outgrown enjoying  our set of geoboards.

math manipulatives
Math manipulatives don’t have to be expensive – start with the dollar bin at your favorite store.

5.  Pattern blocks.  I inherited these transparent pattern blocks from a teacher friend many years ago.  These are invaluable!  You can find lots of great pattern block printables that your children will enjoy for many years.

6. Dominoes.   You can make up matching games using dominoes, work on one-to-one correspondence and practice beginning addition.  Don’t forget to line them up and knock them over!

7.  Connecting cubes. These are my favorites for patterning, non-standard measurement and learning to count by fives and tens.

Looking to add to your collection of math manipulatives?   Try checking the dollar store and used homeschool materials websites.   Also, try searching for “printable math manipulatives” – there are lots available.   If you have a handy/crafty friend or relative, they can make you a set of wooden counters, as well as a geoboard.

Do you have some math manipulatives that are your favorites?   Leave a comment and tell me about how you use them in your homeschool.

From Kitchen Table to Brick & Mortar

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Here’s an interesting quick read about a homeschooled student making the transition from homeschooling to college.

Home-school students do well first time in college

Current research is supporting the claims that homeschoolers are not at a disadvantage when it comes to transitioning to college.   Encouraging news for those of us who are homeschooling high school-aged students.

Printable World Flags

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Mr Printables is such a neat site!  I came across this great printable  today and I just had to share it with you.
flag buntingPrintable World Flags – how fun!   Click on the image to go directly to the page, but be sure to browse around the site as well.

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SonLight Education Ministry Download #5 Now Available

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Download # 5  includes Year 2 Quarter 4 of the Family Bible Lessons; the rest of lessons 7-8 in the 2-8 program, and the 23 Psalm for Children Reader.  Click HERE to go directly to the SonLight download page for links and instructions.

http://www.sonlighteducation.com

The October 2013 Newsletter has more detailed information if you need assistance.

Science Ideas for Grades 7-12

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Looking to add interest to your middle/high schooler’s science curriculum?  Here are a few Pinterest ideas that we’ve posted lately.