Creative Word Families, Reading, and Crafting

This design is for 'ell', "WELL"

How about combining reading and crafting? Pick the word families you would like to work on and pull out some crayons, markers, scissors, pencils and paper to design a fun way for your children to discover their word families. For example; the family for 'at':

1. Have your children design 'cat' on a piece of paper. They could draw a cat on a piece of paper, color it, cut it out or work from there. They can even design their cat to be in its very own house.

2. Have your children draw, color, and cut out all the items that a cat loves or needs.

3. Once they have designed their cats room and possessions, write the word families on each of the items. For example with 'at' and 'cat' the word families are; 'bat, hat, mat, flat, gnat, rat, that, etc.'

4. Put them in a specially designed file folder listing the words on the front to have for your child's word studies later down the road.  

Follow the above procedure for the families you choose. A few other samples would be, the family for 'oat', design a boat. The family for 'ig', can begin with a 'pig. The family for 'eep', just begin with a 'sheep', and so on. This project will work well, inspire creativity, and save you money. It helps with a hands on experience and brings reading to a creative level. You could also design your own word pictures with word families to hang on your walls for supportive studies with your folders.

Hope you are enjoying teaching your children to read.
"raising faith-filled kids"
Pastor Kim

Teaching & Family Vision

Every family needs a vision, or simply put, a direction and something solid to believe. As homeschool families we see teaching our children as part of that vision for our families. Clearly this would mean to us as Christians, basing all our teaching on God's word and His ways. Looking at Proverbs 29:17-18, it is important to understand here that the Lord is directing us as parents to do some very specific things.

First and formost, it declares to parents that we are to 'correct' our children, or rather, the word here in Hebrew is "yacar", which means to; "instruct" and "teach"...  God's word declares to us that we are to instruct and teach our children! We as parents, and those called to children, need to realize the impact we are having on the lives of those we are teaching God's word. This scripture tells us how instruction based from His word pays off.

"Correct (instruct and teach) they son, (children) and he (they) shall give thee rest; yea, he (they) shall give delight unto thy soul. Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he." Proverbs 29:17-18

Vison and teaching go hand in hand. We find that our instruction and teaching of our children is defined here as 'vision'. The vision is to instruct, teach, admonish, and correct our children in the ways of God, the word of God, and keeping our Godly faith and heritage the foundation of all our children's instruction.

How does the word vision fit with this? What possibly could be 'Family Vision'? The word vision in Proverbs 29:18, (chazown), is the word in Hebrew which means; direction and prophecy. So clearly, it is defined here specifically that vision and direction comes from "the word of God" and His fulfillment of this through Jesus Christ.

As we teach our children God's word and instruct them in our home-schools based on the foundation of Christian principles, we find rest, delight, and happiness. Those who don't instruct their children based on the word of God and our Christian foundation, 'perish'.  I know this sounds intensely strong. This word perish is the Hebrew word,  para`, which means to loose, let go, or to be left alone. We don't want to loose our let go of our children...

The seriousness in instructing and teaching our children reaches to every family. Families either have 'vision' in keeping His word foundationally for their children or they do not. We are required not to 'leave our children' alone. We are required not to 'loose' them to vain philosophies, secularism, or unGodly principles. We are required to not allow our children to be placed positionally to be lost from Godly truth! From Godly principles!

It's important for you to get 'Family Vision' and teach and instruct your children in the Lord, the ways of His Word, the ways of God. This vision will delight them and you! We will be winners every time, never losers! This is for all time and throughout eternity!

"enjoying homegrown abundance"
Pastor Kim

Foundations of Homeshooling

The depth of our children is rich. Rich with color. God's hand is upon them and His heart embraces them. He tells us that we are to teach our children. In Dueteronomy 11:18-21, the Lord tells us that the most important thing we are to teach our children are His ways.

"Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." Duet. 11:19

He tells us clearly here in verses 18-20, that we are to fix His word in our hearts as parents and fix it in our thoughts. He wants us to keep our actions, (our hands), in His word and always before us. This is to be a living example to our children.


"Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads." Duet 11:18

He makes it clear that we are also to write His word on the 'doorframes' and 'gates' of our homes. This means the entrance of our home, the entrance of our children's lives, and the entrance of our children's heart. It is His desire that we let nothing in our lives or our children's lives that does not pass through His word!

I take this seriously. It is the Lord's desire that we fill our homes with His word and teach it to our children. Educating our children should be filtered through what we believe. Homeschooling our children should be established on the foundation of faith. Our faith in God's word and His ways is the strength of our children's education. As parents we have a promise that our children will grow in the wisdom and the stature of the Lord! I want nothing less for my children who are dearest in my life! If we follow Dueteronomy 11:18-21 as parents the Lord promises us that;

"...your days and the days of your children may be many in the land the Lord swore to give... as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth!" Duet 11:21


The foundations of a great homeschool is our faith!


God bless,
Pastor Kim

A School New Year!

What can the New Year hold for your school year? Something 'new' of course! Why not do something fresh and new with your children? We thought to help you kick into your New Year fresh, we would share some of our ideas. Each month we're going to share homeschool ideas to kick off your month in our KidWise Magazine.

We'll have some unit studies to share, lots of ideas, as well as projects, including the crafts and recipes the magazine already has. This will be a fun addition to your homeschool. It will be focused with the family in mind. Stay posted!

Remember, our Homeschool section begins in the February edition but until then, here's the link to this months edition of KidWise. You can also check out our magazine archive.

http://www.kicksclub.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=265&Itemid=123

We invite some of you homeschool mom's to share some of your ideas with our readers. If this is something you would like to do, contact us at,  kicksclub@kicksclub.org.

Looking forward to you being a part of what we're doing at KICKS. We hope you'll spread the news to other homeschoolers.

"enjoying home grown abundance",
Pastor Kim

Getting to Particular

So many times we get caught up in our homeschooling on the 'particulars', we miss the joy of what we are doing. What is that joy?

Teaching our children...

Reaching the heart of our children is why we chose homeschooling. Our children are the most precious and priceless gift in our lives. I would never want to share the heart of who they are with anyone who doesn't embrace their creativity, their individuality, or their uniqueness. Home education is a blessing I am so thankful for!

Just remember, don't get so caught up in standards that you miss the heart of why you are doing what you are doing. Your children are excited about learning, it just comes natural to them. As you educate at home, you are reminded each day that your children were created to draw information into their lives everyday. This comes naturally because it is the way God made them. As homeschool parents we simply want to put before them every opportunity and everything they can learn in very particular ways!

Just remember as you are 'very particular' about what your children are learning, don't get so particular that loose the design the Lord has created for your child! Their heart is made to learn each day as we offer every opportunity. Learning is what they're all about. Just be sure your not so 'particular' that you miss taking time to 'listen to the music' they're playing along the way.

"loving homegrown abundance",
Pastor Kim

Homeschooling VS. Humanistic Tilts

After going over the most current National Geographic "KIDS" magazine. (Oct 2010 edition), I wanted to share some things. Once looking through it of course, I quickly began to realize that the theme for the magazine was not a fall animal theme, but as the norm for most in October, it was a 'Special Halloween Issue".

I want to bring attention to one of its articles found on page 22 & 23. It is noted as a,  True Story", titled, "The Man Who Wants to Be a Mummy". This story describes the Anga people found in Koke, Papua New Guinea just north of Australia. The article defines 'How one culture is bringing back an ancient tradition". It is based on Chief Moimang's mummy and how his son, Chief Gematsu, is now planning on his own mummification to restore this ancient religious culture. The article gives complete description of the mummification process and shares that Chief Moimango has now fallen apart. Causing Chief Gematsu to seek out help from American mummy expert, Ronal Beckett. Now Chief Gematsu is expecting his son to honor him with the process in the position that they restore ancient religious tradition.

So why blog about this article? Because of one important statement I found within it's content that is purely humanistic in its opinion and position. As a Christian growing up in public education, I also experienced 'humanistic' positions throughout my educational process. But today, it is even clearer that this position is more readily found throughout the education process. It seems in today's society there is now an even greater boldness in the humanistic camp to speak out against Christianity in its educational platform rather than just simply declare it's humanistic position. I see this evidence in this article as it states;

"Mummification is common in New Guinea and nearby islands, BUT Christian missionaries (in bold) discouraged Anga burial rituals because they involve beliefs in ghosts and spirits. Soon this cultural knowledge started slipping away."

Learning about 'mummies' and the Anga people in New Guinea is one thing, but, to make the statement, "soon the cultural knowledge started slipping away" due to the Christian missionaries, is all together another thing. The article clearly holds the obvious humanistic tilt that Christians should not have 'discouraged', (their word), the culture and should have allowed the culture of these people to stand as it was. I base this on the fact that the complete article is centered on the restoration of this culture and, "HOW one culture is bringing back an ancient tradition". Simply, this article focuses on  HOW this culture was obviously changed and how the new chief is reverting back to ancient religious position.


No argument that the force of Christianity did indeed change the culture. According to our faith, rightfully so! Isn't it a fact that the word of God teaches us in Mark 16:15, "Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature"? Thankfully the Anga people had faithful missionaries teach them the truth and that they believed on the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

For me regarding this article, it's just another simple reflection of 'why' choosing Christian education is absolute. As Christians it is important and we also deserve the freedom to uphold our culture, even if it influences another to change. For now, we'll continue on with our National Geographic "KIDS" magazine as I will use it for a platform to educate my children on the position of humanistic education and what it holds as its foundations.

"lovin' homegrown abundance",
Pastor Kim

Lovin' and Livin'

One thing about homeschool is the excitement that your children are becoming all that they can be rather than more of the common statistics. You can clearly see that all your children are all so very different. It's their very uniquely different personalities.

The way children learn is individual. They way they express is individual. Home is the best environment for learning. No matter the choice a parent makes, learning at home is pure livin'.

Children who attend public schools or Christian schools still need their parents help at home. Your children spend hours in the classroom to come home with work that is to include 'parent' involvement. Parents go to teacher/parent meetings to hear, 'getting involved in your children's education will help your children'. For all parents, education is 'all' the same. Parental involvement makes the difference. Why wouldn't it? The Lord has given your children into your hands for your nurture and care. A parent hears this from their church as well. So often you will hear coming from leaders in your church located in every community, "We only have your children one or two services a week, you need to teach your children at home God's word."

Not only that, it is expressed by many that "you are the example" to your children. So, the emphasis is always on our children and it is never off the parent. We as parents are to be involved in our children's lives. As for many, they have chosen homeschooling because being involved in every aspect is rewarding. Through experiencing 'life' with your children it is truly a Godly path and a wonder-filled plan of 'lovin' and livin'.

lovin' homegrown abundance,
Pastor Kim

Homeschooling?

Homeschooling? Absolutely! What is a home school about anyway? It's simply about learning in a loving family environment. The one thing I can encourage to know is that when it comes to homeschooling your children, it's not as hard as you would think. The hesitation to home school is really about the 'confidence' of whether you believe you can do it or not. Most mothers prior to stepping out to home school, wonder if it will benefit their children or hinder them. Really, this is the most challenging part of the process. That is, to believe that you 'can' do it. 'You will  never hinder your children in learning when you simply teach them'.

I want to take the time to encourage you. God has created in every child the ability to learn! Not only that, they have a real desire to experience the world around them and they are sponges to learning and applying what they gain. Just take a look at their pretend play and dress up fun.

When you realize that within your children is this God given gift, something begins to happen on the inside of you. You find within every child there is a God given ability to go after knowledge and grow with it and you see how you can inspire them as the parent. That leaves you to know that learning isn't really about you, it's about them.

Putting children in an atmosphere where they can draw from their Godly environment and inspiring them to go after what interests them, is rewarding to you as a parent. It's a parent who knows their child the best. The commitment isn't really for your children, they are willing and ready, the commitment really lies within you. 

Go for it! The blessing goes beyond all that you can ask or think!

'lovin home abundance',
Pastor Kim

Shared by Homeschool Mom! Pass it on!

What's in a Home School?

What's in a home school? Most importantly, you, your children, and your faith! 

I looked up the many dictionary results on home and school and want to break it down for you. As home school parents, seeing these defined will inspire you in your home educating endeavors.

Home: a residence for a family where one's domestic affections are centered and a dwelling place for retreat, a refuge, a place where something is in common, holds destination and goals, a principle place of operations or activities, a place that pertains to your products as a principle main office or 'center of operations, deep to the heart and is a driving point as when something hits home, hits 'home' is reaching a mark, like home base, reaching a desired position, in proper stowed position as an anchor, provision, setting towards a home base, where something is clarified and brought home to understanding, having safely reached a goal as in 'home free' as likened to; finishing, accomplishing, succeeding, and secured.

Wow, what home means to our lives and our children's lives with the light of God's word and His ways in the center of it, is amazing. Our responsibility and honor is to train our children in the center of our affections in that place of refuge where great accomplishments and successes are secured.

School: an institution where instruction is given, even in a particular skill or field, a regular course of meetings with students for instruction, the activity or process of learning under instruction, one's formal education, a building housing a school, "any place, situation, etc., tending to teach anything", pupils who are taught to master a system, method, "a group of artists, as painters, writers, or musicians, whose works reflect a common conceptual, regional, or personal influence", "any group of persons having common attitudes or beliefs", "to educate in or as if in a school; teach; train"

Wow, what home and school mean together for our children can be seen and defined richly. As we develop our schools to teach our children at home, we find our school is to be filled with common attitudes and beliefs at the very center. Isn't that the reason we as parents have chosen 'home and school' as a combination? Absolutely! 

Our affections are set at the heart of what we believe and as we teach our children, we can train them not only in the excellence of academics, but keep everything centered around our faith. That in itself is the value of every home school and nothing compares to the value of our children!

lovin' home abundance,
Pastor Kim

Families that Stick Together

European Home "Dutch Village",  Holland, Michigan

European families have always held high interest for me. Living in Germany for many years and traveling through Europe has given some interesting and unique influence in taste, decorating. One thing interesting is the history of European families.

In the 18th century, these families consisted of grandparents, their children and grandchildren living in one home. These families consisted of five or more children. These families consider their children 'assets' in their lives.

Father and Son at the "Dutch Village", Holland, Michigan

Rick Brainard states on his website, "The family was the social security then". As in history past, the poor usually missed education and were trained for work. Although according to Brainard times weren't so good for the children with the poor, the upper class families had tutors to teach them.

How amazing if families during those times would have understood the principle of 'home education'. Teaching their own children to read and write as well as the basic concepts of math. If in a family line just 'one' person learned the principles of education, how wonderful to have also passed this along to their children.

Windmill at "Dutch Village, Holland, Michigan

Just as many of these 18th century families could have learned from our 'home education' concepts in the 21st century, we can learn from their family concepts. The importance of families sticking together was obvious. They could actually live together throughout the years and enjoy each other. They could pass their trades along, and be friends for a lifetime.


The Lord refers to Himself as the God of "Abraham, Issac, and Jacob".  You can see in Genesis 12:2-3 the blessing He gave Abraham and His family. Not only did He bless this family, He stood behind them calling Himself the God of Abraham and His sons. The Lord shows us in His word that He takes families seriously.

To tie your family together with the word and the blessing is what the Lord would have us to do. He calls families and He designs them. Let's follow the design He has destined for our families. Embrace His ideals and the clear vision the Lord has for the families of the earth. To bless them and make them a blessing. Not only through out the earth, but within the home itself. 

 "And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you [with abundant increase of favors] and make your name famous and distinguished, and you will be a blessing [dispensing good to others].    And I will bless those who bless you [who confer prosperity or happiness upon you] and curse him who curses or uses insolent language toward you; in you will all the families and kindred of the earth be blessed [and by you they will bless themselves]." Genesis 12"2-3 AMP 

lovin' home abundance,
Pastor Kim


RESEARCH LOCATION:
by Rick Brainard
http://www.history1700s.com/articles/article1015.shtml
"Rick Brainard, is an independent scholar and a past member of the American Historical Association. His main historical area of interest is 18th century history with a special emphasis on Colonial America"

Sybil Ludington

Micah Morgan plays Sybil.

I love history and my kids love history! Researching about American history and sharing it with your kids can have great advantage and can be fun. We as a ministry produced a movie I wrote and directed about the 'female Paul Revere' Sybil Ludington. I loved doing this with  my kids and now, my kids are excited about history too.

Did you ever think about making your own documentary with your kids? Well, simply take out your home video and have your kids act it out :) Research some historical characters and learn about them with your kids. Write a story and put it to film. It'll make a great home school project! Have fun!!!


You can check out more about our family movie at our web site, www.sybilludingtonmovie.com. It's also being shown at the Kids First Film Festivals this summer, www.kidsfirst.org. Here's a link for a review on the movie. Click on it and scroll down until you find "Sybil Ludington", http://www.kidsfirst.org/ages/8-12.html

lovin' home abundance,
Pastor Kim

"May is Over and June is Coming"

'Yeah for May and Fun in June'. Many homeschool families are heading for summer fun. Why not incorporate it into learning? Now you can head for nature parks and bug studies, animal fun at the zoo, and even water studies with chlorine and salt water. Just because summer break may be here for many of you, just remember, your kids never stop learning. They are always soaking in what's around them. Take advantage of it, especially with God's word. Don't let any day or any moment be without your impartation. Your children are always looking to you and as you share the simple things in life, especially God's word and prayer, and what you believe about the Lord and His ways, filling everyday with information about the simple things around them and how they work, you are teaching your children in relational ways. That's the best part of learning and the best part of it all~

God bless you in all you do with your kids!


lovin' home abundance,
Pastor Kim

Home Schooling is Worth It!

If you haven't noticed, home schooling your children is worth it. Your children will find themselves advanced and informed and 'loving' to learn. There is a difference with learning and having an interest in learning. Have you ever watched a child before entering in school? Your pre-schoolers and toddlers are always gaining and processing information everyday of their lives. They watch, they listen, they process, and before you know it, they are talking, walking, and following your lead. As parents, if you can take that process and continue with it, realizing that children learn from all these various different areas of their environment, you can gain an revelation of education from the Lord's perspective. That's why the Lord tells us in the book of Deuteronomy 11:19 to teach His ways and His word to our children with specific instruction. He says,

"Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."

The Lord knows that your children are always gathering and gaining information at all times and in every part of their day. He wants us to realize that we are to teach them His ways and live them before them every moment of every day. You can see, children are obtaining information and processing it at all times. Take this opportunity to see them as sponges that retain, not only the water of His word but all the things you put before them, even in your home schooling curriculum.

To simplify it, what you put before them is what they will learn. Watch what you put before your children. That's why many parents have chosen home schooling. They want their children to have excellent things put before them that they may gain greatness and achieve their highest potential as individuals.

As you move forward with your home schooling plans, and as you fulfill the requirements to fill a certain amount of hours each day with teaching, remember, your children never stop learning. Learning doesn't turn off when school is over, so take advantage of every moment. Don't just teach your children at one scheduled time. Rather impart to them God's word and live a gracious example before them. Not just a Godly example, but also an example of a Godly and quality education.

lovin' home abundance,
Pastor Kim

Foggy?

Here's a great home-school idea for you. Do a study on fog. As you study fog you can count it as science. But, one part of your studies can be studying the fog of God. What is the 'fog' of God? One thing, the F.O.G.is, The Favor Of God! The scripture base for your fog studies?

"For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield." Psalm 5:12 (NKJ)

Let your kids learn about how fog is a fallen cloud and all the details. Then connect those details with the Creator of the Universe Himself! Talk to them that God has caused His favor to fall on us like a cloud!

First, through Jesus coming from Heaven to earth. He is the fog.

Secondly, then after He raised Him from the dead and into Heaven, Jesus has come by the power of His spirit to pour out on us, His fog again. To pour out His power and His healing in the F.O.G.

Thirdly, the blessing of the Lord, who has made us righteous, has poured out His favor on us and surrounded us. Surrounded us so much that His favor has become a shield. A shield of His good unmerited favor in our lives. His favor, meaning His love, joy, peace, and wonder-filled outpouring of Himself to us. His favor is for all us, is a cloud that touches life after life, after lives after lives! The favor of God!

“My Lord, if I have now found favor in Your sight, do not pass on by Your servant."

Genesis 18:3 (NKJ)

God's favor is for your children! Teach them about it in your school! Use it with science studies and Bible. Use it for your literature too. The greatest lit piece ever written- The Bible! As your kids study the verses in the Bible, as they read it, teach them how God has poured out His promises to us like a fog and that we are free to be who we are in Him, through Him, and by His fog! Use it for spelling as you make a test of spelling words from your fun studies about fog Your children will grow in stature and in favor!

"And the child Samuel grew in stature, and in favor both with the LORD and men. " 1 Samuel 2:26 (NKJ)

God bless, and remember, "We've got the F.O.G."

lovin' home abundance,
Pastor Kim

Continuing my thougths on wisdom!

I talked sometime ago on the importance of wisdom. Again, simply put, wisdom is the ability to take the things you know and apply them. That is a great way to understand wisdom. We can teach our children so many things everyday of their lives but... if we do not teach them wisdom then we have taught them nothing that they can apply in their lives. If our children cannot take what they have learned and apply it, then we have done an injustice. You can teach your children about God's word, and if they never act on the wisdom of God to apply it to their lives and receive what the Lord has for them, then... we have not completed the training.

The Bible tells us that Jesus has been made unto us wisdom! He is the Wisdom of the ages, the spoken word of God that became flesh, and has become the absolute in our lives. When we realize and believe that it is He that brings to pass those absolutes then we release His wisdom working on our behalf in a very special and powerful way. First and foremost we must again remember that the Bible tells us that "the fear of the Lord, which means to HATE ALL EVIL, is the beginning of wisdom!" In that our children can learn to apply wisdom by simply walking away from evil! It's one thing to know that stealing is wrong But it is wisdom to know it is wrong and walk away from doing it!

I watched 2 movies this last evening in order to do reviews on them for families. These two were in the genre for young adults. "They were so awful!" Watching something that goes against God's word and His character goes against the grain of what I believe in and stand for and I very much dislike it! I actually HATE the evil that is set before me such as; murder, sex, swearing, bitterness, hate, debauchery, and the more! Right here is a great place to start teaching your children wisdom! Don't put evil before them letting it get in their eyes, their ears, their hearts! Then don't just tell them no you can't but, teach them "why" your are telling me this and why you want them to do what you are saying! Show them what's wrong, what is evil and tell them how one should not follow it! Keep these movies and TV stuff that supports things contrary to God's word and Jesus off! Keep them away from what is ungodly and goes against His word and ways in every area of their lives! Teach your children to hate evil and not allow it to grace their lives in anyway! Then wisdom will begin to work highly in their lives and "He" Jesus will do great things for them in honor of their faithfulness and obedience to His word!

Charles Spurgeon said,

"Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is wisdom."

lovin' home abundance,
Pastor Kim