February 9, 2010 by KellyH.

Chapter 12 of Volume 1 is the Human Body unit. But, while we’re studying the human body, we’re also studying “family.” I’ve chosen to do some read-alouds with this unit. We’ll be taking five weeks to go through this chapter, so I have four “families” to read about.

The first week we’re covering the family institution and preparation for family living. I chose to read Abigail Adams: First Lady of Faith and Courage (Sower Series). I chose this book because I simply love the way families were structured in this time period. It’s very different than what we now see, and this book gives me a chance to discuss those differences with my children. (Having just finished John Adams the time period is still fresh in my mind, as are John and Abigail Adams.)

During the first half of week two, we’ll be studying guidelines for dating. I’ve chosen to read about Billy Graham from the book, Backpack Books: Modern Heroes. All of these families exemplify godly people, which is what I’m focusing on for this unit. I don’t know if this book will touch on his relationship with his wife or not–the Abigail Adams book talked a bit about their courtship–but I’m sure I’ll find many character traits to point out to my children during this read-aloud.

During the second half of week two and most of week three we’ll be studying marriage. I chose The Swiss Family Robinson from Christian Adventures… 4 Books In 1. I realize this is a fictional family, but it’s also a family that works together to survive. Teamwork is another trait I’m trying to instill in my children.

During week four and the first half of week five we’ll be studying death, so I’ve chosen Susanna Wesley (The Sowers). I’ve read this book before and I seem to recall that Susanna loses a few babies along the way.

None of these books are suggested in the Volume, but they are what I have on my shelves. You will need to choose your own families to study if you chose to do read-alouds. As a way to wrap-up this unit, during the last week we’ll be studying “famous families.” I’ll be asking my children to write a letter to any of the famous families we’ve read about, even the Swiss Family Robinson, and ask them questions. It should be interesting to see what they come up with!

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September 8, 2009 by KellyH.

Successful Homeschooling is having its second annual Homeschool Reviews Contest! From September 7th through September 25th, 2009, you can win prizes of up to $150 in value by telling others about your favorite products. For more details, visit Successful Homeschooling.

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July 13, 2009 by KellyH.

Check out the review I just posted about a neat Ancient History resource from Figures in Motion:

Famous Figures of Ancient Times

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June 16, 2009 by KellyH.

I just wrote a review of this fantastic Language Arts resource and posted it at my other blog:

http://thehomewriter.blogspot.com/

Check out the review, and then check out the Weekly Writer Club. If you sign up, or if you contact the owner, be sure to say that Kelly sent you!

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August 6, 2008 by KellyH.

Back in December AOP offered me the chance to help write their Web content for the Weaver line of products. After much prayer and discussion with my husband, I gladly accepted the job. When I completed the Weaver line, I was invited to help with the LIFEPAC^(R) line–again, I accepted the job. I finished my part of the job mid-February and then turned down the opportunity to help further because of the need to prepare for a writing conference I was going to attend in March.

I’m happy to announce that AOP’s new Web site is now LIVE! This is a really, really
cool site, too! An initial skim through shows that it’s not just a bunch of links–it’s information, too! And if you find the info helpful, there’s a place “rate” the page. How cool is that?!

At the risk of tooting my own horn, I’d like to point out the sections that God graciously allowed me to help with:

Start by going to http://www.aop.com/.

You’ll see four boxes, with the first being “Visit AOP Homeschooling.” Click there.

On the next page, at the left, there is an arrow next to “The Weaver Curriculum.” Click that and you’ll see “overview” and “curriculum.” Click on “curriculum.”

Click on any of the folders for the various Weaver products and you’ll be taken to short description pages. Click on the name of the product for more info, and you’ll be taken to the long description page. I wrote all those descriptions!

If you go back to the homeschooling page, you can click on the arrow next to “LIFEPAC^(R).” Click on “Grades.” Click on “3rd Grade.” That first product, the 5-Subject Set, I didn’t write. But I wrote all the other descriptions for 3rd grade!

There was minimal editing; as I compare what I wrote with what’s posted, I see they kept about 95% or more of my original descriptions.

I’m just so tickled! I’m still in awe that God brought this opportunity to me, that I could be of service to this company.

Tell all your homeschooling friends to check out the new site. And encourage them (and yourselves) to use the “Was This Page Helpful” stars to rate the pages. This will help AOP to fine tune the descriptions in the future. (Hopefully all of my descriptions will be helpful, and they’ll ask me to write more content for them in the future!) Be sure to leave a testimony (see the tabs at the bottom of the description pages) for any products you’ve used–let others know about products that you’ve found helpful!

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