We are in the world. Our children are going to see things about evolution. Doesn’t it make sense to teach them about creation versus evolution before they venture into the real world?

If you teach your children about God’s creation and how He made the world, then when they see evolution, they will know and be prepared for it. In fact, they will come and tell you when they encounter it. For example, last week my son came and told me about a book he is reading that says the earth is a billion years old. Even though the rest of the book is accurate, that author lost credibility with my son.

Teach About Creation

Teaching about creation is an excellent defense against encountering the theory of evolution. If you teach them when they are young, then they will not depart from it when they are old. When I was in college, evolution was taught in science courses. I wasn’t prepared when I was required to read a book that explained how man was evolved from apes. I remember the confusion it caused in what I believed. Thankfully, one of the great things about teaching our children at home is that I learned about creation versus evolution along with my children.

Creation DVDs Reinforce Learning

Our family watched the Mission Imperative Creation DVDs. We laughed, and we learned as we watched. It’s one of the reasons our son knew the earth wasn’t that old! He believed in creation and resisted the theory of evolution.

Blessings,
Harriet

Homeschool Science Courses

The post Teach Creation vs Evolution: The Best Defense was written by Harriet Yoder and first appeared on Lamp Post Homeschool CurriculumLamp Post Homeschool Curriculum - Homeschool Curriculum K-12

We hear this a lot.

• I want something different in this subject.
• It’s just not working.
• She hates it.

Here are ten reasons it’s time to change your homeschool curriculum or learn to love it.

1.    Do you and your student find any reason to avoid that subject?

Before you purchased that product, did you and your student like doing that subject?

• If yes, then this product isn’t for you. When both you and your student do not like the course material, it is time to find something else. #TimeToChange

 2. Does your student dislike it?

Is the product is working–the student is learning and progressing, then he might dislike the subject.

• A different product probably won’t solve this problem.
• Don’t rock the boat. #LearnToLoveIt
• If it works for your student now, find something you both like better next year! #LearnToLoveIt
• If your student isn’t making learning or making progress, it’s probably the product. #TimeToChange

3. Is there too much repetition?

• If your student masters the problems or questions quickly, then assign less of them. Remember if your student really knows the information, repeating the material too much is boring. #LearnToLoveIt
• But if it is boringly repetitious, and you can’t change it by skipping problems or questions. #TimeToChange

4. Does the layout hurt your brain?

You’ve picked up books before that just make your head hurt looking at the layout. Let your child look at the books and talk about the choices before you buy.

• If the layout is so bothersome that it’s detrimental, it’s #TimeToChange
• If too much color or too many pictures distracts, #TimeToChange to black and white print with less images.
• If you have almost made it to the end of the course, #LearnToLoveIt, but please look for something different next year.

5. My student liked the subject until we started using this product.

We had one father call to ask for an English program that wouldn’t bludgeon his child.

• If a particular product is sucking the joy out of learning, it is #TimeToChange!
• Remember, it may be a great product for another child with a different learning style.

6. It’s hard for me to follow the Teacher’s Guide, I need more help, or it’s too complicated.

Do you need the teacher guide for that subject?

• If  the teacher guide doesn’t have enough help, and you can’t teach with it, #TimeToChange or perhaps consider hiring a tutor or trading tutoring with a homeschool friend who likes that subject. You could tutor their child in a subject you like to teach.

7. It’s hard for me to grade the work.

Ask your children check their math answers with a calculator. School teachers have children check each other’s papers while they call out the answers.

• Perhaps you can #LearnToLoveIt with a little help from your child.
• If not, find something that is easier to grade like online courses. #TimeToChange

8. The material seems dry and boring.

You can always supplement with more interesting books or DVDs from the library. Or you can find good online videos about the subject.

• Choose something better next time. #LearnToLoveIt

9. There are too many details and too many activities.

• It’s great to have choices.
• Think back to your school days. Did you ever do every exercise or suggested project in a textbook?
• Choose the ones you like, skip material that you covered with a different course.
• Just because it is there doesn’t mean you have to do it. Do what is best for your child.
• This is probably a keeper if you know you don’t have to do every single activity: #LearnToLoveIt.

10. My friend, who’s a veteran homeschooler, told me about something better.

• Check it out and do your research. It’s great to have friends who give you homeschool support and encouragement! Keep in mind that each child is unique with different learning styles and talents.

• If it is better, decide where you are in the school year—is it worth making a change now or wait until next year?

Hope this helps you with your decision to change or keep your homeschool curriculum.

Blessings,

Harriet

The post 10 Reasons to Keep or Change Your Homeschool Curriculum was written by Harriet Yoder and first appeared on Lamp Post Homeschool CurriculumLamp Post Homeschool Curriculum - Homeschool Curriculum K-12

Baking bread counts for homeschooling. Yes, it does! When you homeschool, everything is a teaching and learning experience. Homeschool baking class may not look like a classroom, but learning is happening. Here are some ways to count it for school.

The Family That Bakes Together

When we make bread, everyone helps. A little bit of dough will keep a toddler’s little hands busy. Our mixer makes dough for 5-6 loaves at a time. We usually freeze some dough–takes less space and provides hot goodness later.

Baking bread creates lots of happy and funny memories. Once I left the filter off the grain mill. Can you picture wheat flour flying all over the kitchen? Our children have baked bread and sold it to make money for Christmas gifts. It is a great family experience. They got orders, bought the ingredients, cooked all day and late into the night. The next morning they delivered all the orders of the day.  The children worked together as a team and shared in the profits.

I guess you aren’t surprised that the whole experience counts for school. Here are ways to log Homeschool Baking Class 101.

• Math: Measuring, multiplying, telling time, and calculating order totals
• Home Economics (or Consumer Science): Baking bread, kneading dough, food storage, etc.
• Science: Learning about yeast counts for life science or biology
• Entrepreneurship: Marketing; designing order forms, business cards, product labels; business math; product pricing
• PE: Yup, running around to deliver products–I don’t mention why, just that they ran
• Character Development: Working all day and staying up late to finish orders builds character. Working as a team and keeping the peace builds character. Getting up early to make deliveries builds character. Cleaning up the kitchen after the great baking day builds character, too!

When we have family reunions, someone always brings up the baking bread days. Laughs and happy memories flow.

Do you have baking days that you count for school? What are your best moments when your family bakes together? We would love to hear your stories.

Blessings,
Harriet

The post Homeschool Baking Class 101 was written by Harriet Yoder and first appeared on Lamp Post Homeschool CurriculumLamp Post Homeschool Curriculum - Homeschool Curriculum K-12

This week I checked at the U.S. Geological Survey for news about the latest California earthquake. Like a lot of you, we have family and friends who live there. That site has “real time” reporting of recent earthquakes around the world.

There’s more to be learned there than earthquake updates. The science topics range from droughts and volcanoes to energy and minerals. It’s very educational!

• Earthquakes for Kids

Disclaimer: While it’s full of information, be on the lookout for controversial topics such as global warming, evolution, etc. Be willing to discuss these with your children.

Pray for families around the world who have experienced an earthquake.

Related Science Curriculum at Lamp Post Homeschool

The post Learn About Earthquakes was written by Harriet Yoder and first appeared on Lamp Post Homeschool CurriculumLamp Post Homeschool Curriculum - Homeschool Curriculum K-12

Taking Your Children Out of Public or Private School?

It’s not that complicated.

Here’s what you need to know to start homeschooling today:

• Take a deep breath. Tell yourself thousands of parents have taken the first step and survived.
• Pat yourself on the back for making a great decision about your child’s future.
• Don’t feel rushed to run out and buy curriculum today—Take your time. Snap decisions and buying curriculum too quickly typically results in overbuying and unused books.
• If you really need to get started today, make a trip to your local library. Find a book or two on a topic in each subject.
  Here are some suggestions for books and DVDs:
  • Literature: find a classic or two, or grade-level reading books for the younger child.
  • Science (topical books, hands-on science activities, history of science, biographies of famous scientists, and don’t forget science DVDs)
  • History (non-fiction, biography, historical fiction, history DVDs)
  • Math (yes, there are some fun educational math reading books out there)
• While you are at the library, check out a book for yourself about homeschooling, if available.
• Assign readings to your children while you choose homeschool curriculum for each child.
• Check out the homeschool law of your state to find the legal requirements.
• Look for a local homeschool support with an internet search to help you find a homeschool support group in your area.
  Most veteran homeschoolers are happy to help newbies!
• Complete Homeschool Curriculum—if you are looking for a complete program with lots of parent help.

Hope this helps!

The post Start Homeschooling Today! was written by Harriet Yoder and first appeared on Lamp Post Homeschool CurriculumLamp Post Homeschool Curriculum - Homeschool Curriculum K-12

If you make it a game, teaching geography can be fun. I have fond memories of doing geography flash cards with my grandmother. Another memory is of my sons playing geography games with a family friend who is a missionary and loves geography. She taught them all sorts of wonderful things about the world.

Most states require a geography course in high school. It can be one semester or a full year. Check your state’s homeschool requirements.

Country names and boundaries can change over time. It’s good to stay updated on current world events.

It is wonderful when God sends reinforcements, such as our missionary friend to help in our home school. I pray that He opens your eyes to see those opportunities and that He sends reinforcements when you need help and encouragement.

Hope this helps!

Blessings,
Harriet

The post Where in the World? was written by Harriet Yoder and first appeared on Lamp Post Homeschool CurriculumLamp Post Homeschool Curriculum - Homeschool Curriculum K-12

Teach your children about the persecuted church around the world with books, activity books, graphic novels, and more at Voice of the Martyrs.

There ar so many options from which to choose. You can purchase the print versions which helps support the ministry. Free downloads are available for some items, and you can always make a donation if you are so inspired.

Courageous Series Box Set

VOM’s Courageous Series books are inspirational true stories of biblical heroes and saints. The series highlights the lives of faithful Christians from history and shows how they boldly proclaimed Christ in the face of persecution.

Torchlighters Activity Book

The 144-page, full-color Torchlighters Ultimate Activity Book complements the award-winning children’s animated video series by providing historical facts about each hero of the faith along with devotionals, fun activities and beautiful coloring pages that will inspire children to grow in their faith. With the purchase, you will recieve the Torchlighters Ultimate Activity Book along with digital access to all 16 episodes of the series, Use Torchlighters for homeschoolers, Sunday school classes and family devotions.

Voices of the Martyrs Graphic Novel

This full-color, graphic novel anthology covers the earliest period of church history — from A.D. 34 to A.D. 203 — including the time of the apostles and early church martyrs.

Learn, Grow and Go! Kit

This kit includes digital access to the Learn, Grow and Go! Study Series, 12 activity books, 2 sets of collectible and shareable Bible Story Cards, 1 set of Bible Discussion cards, 3 Witnesses Trilogy graphic novels and digital access to The Witnesses Trilogy animated films.

Using these free resources is a great way to supplement a world history or geography course when you study.

Hope this helps!

Blessings,
Harriet

Christian Worldview and Logic Curriculum at Lamp Post Homeschool

The post Resources for Youth and Children at Voice of the Martyrs was written by Harriet Yoder and first appeared on Lamp Post Homeschool CurriculumLamp Post Homeschool Curriculum - Homeschool Curriculum K-12

We’ve always loved listening to the recordings from Jim Hodges Audiobooks, but now there is something even better!

Jim Hodges launched a new streaming platform that makes listening to his books anywhere easier. The new platform at Stream.JimHodgesAudioBooks.com has every Jim Hodges audiobook in one location! It streams directly to any internet-connected devices.

Who doesn’t enjoy listening to an audio book when you are on a long road trip? You will appreciate Mr. Hodges’ excellent reading voice.

With over 900 hours of audio for 119 titles at $6.99 a month, it is a bargain!

I love JAHB’s motto or tagline: “Because Mom Can Only Read So Much.” Listening to audio books gives a mother a break from reading aloud while it gives children a alternative to screen time.

How Can You Use These Great Audio Books in Your Homeschool?

Besides listening to the audio books on car trips, you can supplement any history curriculum with stories or books from that time period. Or you can use the audio books in your history unit studies. There is classic literature and good stories about people with good character.

• Learn more about the history of the time.
• Learn new vocabulary words and proper pronunciation.
• Great stories have been selected to build great character.
• In the G. A. Henty books, you will find exciting stories about boys in various time periods of British history! There is science hidden in the Henty books. In a way, the young men in the Henty books are like McGyver—coming up with solutions to problems with what is on hand! Try it and see what I mean. Let your children look for the science in each Henty book. (Catapaults, wolves, and more.)
• Multi-level stories are available for the entire family to listen together. **
• Reinforce family values and help instill godly character.

What Type of Books Are Available in the Jim Hodges Audio Books Streaming Package?

The categories of the books include:

• Amy Puetz History Books
• Christian Titles such as variousTrailblazers Books (which are out of print), Moody’s Great Sermons, God’s Mighty Hand Stories by Richard “Little Bear” Wheeler,
• Classic Literature -Treasure Island, Robinson Crusoe, King Arthur, Robin Hood, Joan of Arc (the Mark Twain classic), and more.
• George Alfred Henty Historical Novels – mainly focused on British history, but covers around the globe wherever the British colonized.
• Old Time Radio Shows such as You Were There, Old Time Radio Shows, Classic Literature Radio Theater, and more!
• The Hardy Boys Collection-three Hardy Boys books at this time.
• Young Listener’s Recordings include such titles as:
  • The Nursery Book of Bible Stories
  • The Adventures of Munford series
  • Susan Marlow Goldtown Adventure Series
  • American History Stories

** I will add that some of the Henty Books might be too old for younger children. You will have to be the judge of that. There are enough other books in the JHAB Streaming Package for younger children.

Disclaimer: Our review is a labor of love for a great product that we can highly recommend. We received no compensation. We wrote it because it is something we believe will be a great addition to your homeschool program! Over the years, Lamp Post Homeschool has been a vendor for JHAB. We loved carrying his products and working with his company. This new streaming solution is a game changer. It is one of the best options for educational audio books for our homeschool customers.

“HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! by LampPostHomeschool.com and the Yoder Family”

The post Review: New Streaming Platform at Jim Hodges Audiobooks was written by Harriet Yoder and first appeared on Lamp Post Homeschool CurriculumLamp Post Homeschool Curriculum - Homeschool Curriculum K-12

My mother, who loves history and English, would quiz us on how to spell the names of rivers, cities, states and other landmarks. Yes, we visited every Civil War battleground and antebellum mansion in the southeast.

Trips took longer because we stopped to read every historical marker she saw in time to ask my dad to stop the car! We did pass a few. If we had stopped at every marker, our trips would have taken weeks.

My engineer/scientist/inventor father would show us how to compute driving time to the next destination. Or he would ask how many miles to the next Tennessee Valley Authority engineering project—yes, we toured all of those, too.  One year we frequently stopped by the roadside to take pictures of rare wildflowers. [Disclaimer: don’t pick them! My dad was commissioned to take pictures for a book and was allowed to pick one sample to submit to the scientist who was looking for new species, but that was it.]

All of those experiences made long boring driving trips fun. It took two days of driving time to reach the grandparents’ homes. My siblings and I didn’t realize how much our parents were teaching us along the way. Even though we went to public school, we were partially homeschooled–so to speak.

Besides using a United States map, an excellent way to memorize the names of the states is to study all 50 states.

Oh! Don’t forget to point out the wildlife along the roadside, particularly the kangaroos! If we were too quiet in the back, my father would tell us he thought he saw a kangaroo. No, we weren’t in Australia. He was stationed there in World War II and loved kangaroos and koala bears. It was a family joke.

Blessings,
Harriet

Geography Homeschool Kits at Lamp Post Homeschool

The post Homeschool Geography on the Road was written by Harriet Yoder and first appeared on Lamp Post Homeschool CurriculumLamp Post Homeschool Curriculum - Homeschool Curriculum K-12

It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23 KJV

Aren’t you glad that the Lord’s mercies are new every morning? Are you showing new mercies each morning to your children?

Did you have a bad day yesterday?  Wipe that slate clean!

Forgive and forget. Start over. It’s a new day.

It hurts and saddens when you have a non-stellar home school day (or any kind of day for that matter.) Maybe it wasn’t your finest moment. Whew! I am so happy that God starts over each day with me.

Pass it on to your children–everyone you meet for that matter!

Blessings,
Harriet

The post New Every Morning was written by Harriet Yoder and first appeared on Lamp Post Homeschool CurriculumLamp Post Homeschool Curriculum - Homeschool Curriculum K-12