homeschooling

February 4, 2020 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Growing Your Child’s Love For Jesus and Others!

As a homeschooling parent, I know growing your child’s love for Jesus and others is a priority. Like me, you probably chose to homeschool because you want your children to have a strong, spiritual foundation. We feel homeschooling will give us more of an opportunity to help our children to grow to love Jesus and others. Yet when it comes down to the day to day busyness of life (and reading, writing, and arithmetic), this often gets pushed to the side. Here’s how to make it a priority:

Make Time for Bible reading.

When we start getting behind in English or Math, reading the Bible is often the first thing we cut out. Yet knowing the Word of God will help our children throughout their lives. As children grow in their relationship with their Heavenly Father, God will be there to teach, lead and guide them.

If kids can read, I recommend the Discoverer’s Bible (https://www.sonlight.com/DB02), which is part of our Sonlight Curriculum. The Bible provides the full text (Genesis to Revelation) of the New International Reader’s Version®of the Bible. Edited for a third-grade reading level, the NIrV uses the NIV as its base, but breaks long sentences into shorter ones and substitutes simpler words where appropriate.

There are many Bible reading plans you can try, but the important thing is teaching children to read to understand … and not read to finish. Sometimes my children will read a whole chapter, during their Bible reading times. Other times, we will read one or two verses and take time to discuss them. What’s important is that God’s Word is read and God’s messages take root in children’s hearts.

And that’s why I appreciate the Sonlight Curriculum—the Bible Study is included in the lesson plan. Another wonderful book we loved, that is part of Sonlight, is Mary Jones and Her Bible (https://www.sonlight.com/HA08). This true story made us appreciate how much God’s Word should mean to us. It’s something we shouldn’t take for granted.

This is Alyssa reading from the Discoverer’s Bible in her “dramatic” voice!

Serve and Pray for Others

We can teach our kids important character traits, but we also must allow them to use those traits. Kids can learn about love, but better is allowing them to love others by holding a canned food drive. Kids can learn about being joyful, but better is them sharing their joy with an elderly family member or neighbor. When kids serve, it allows Jesus to work through them, and it’s a gift they carry into life.

We attend an inner-city church, and our kids have many opportunities to serve. One of their favorite things to do is to help babysit for the Teen Mom Support Group that I lead. My younger girls love to play with babies as the young moms receive help and instruction.

I also teach my children to pray for others—those who live close and those who live far.

One of our favorite Sonlight books was Window on the World (https://www.sonlight.com/CH04). This book is a wonderful introduction to ninety-two largely unevangelized countries and peoples of the world. From Afghanistan to the Zulus, and beyond. Each two-page spread includes a story, maps, interesting facts, full-color photos and illustrations, and suggested prayers. A treasure-trove for developing a godly heart for the world!

Grow in Gratitude

It’s easy to take all we have for granted. It’s easy to grumble when we don’t have what we want or when things haven’t gone as planned. Our family recently took on the challenge of trying to stop our grumbles and focusing on grumbling instead. You can read about it here: The Grumble Free Year

The desire for something “better” in our homeschooling day, makes us forget what we already have. Comparison with other homeschooling families always results in grumbling. Gratitude, on the other hand, reminds us of what God has done. It makes us understand that we have enough to share with others.

Do you find yourself grumbling? Take time in God’s presence to evaluate what is at the root of your grumbling and discontentment. Then, think about things you can change. Ask,

“How can I focus on the solution, not just the problem.”

Also, only God can change our hearts, and He can change our kids’ hearts too. Things change when we seek His help in our day.

Instead of simply trying to change our kids’ behavior, we can remind them that we love them, and God loves them … and they can turn to God in prayer when they need help. Then, intentionally notice and praise your kids when they are doing something well! Point out you can see how God is helping them.

Life never goes as we expect. Homeschool days never turn out as perfect as we’d planned, yet we can either grumble about those things, or we can shift our perspective. We can focus on the good blessings of having a home and a family—and a chance to grow to love Jesus and others better. It’s then we lift our eyes to God. When we remember all He’s done for us, our troubled hearts can become grateful hearts. The more we do this, the more we hard-wire our grateful response, even in the middle of our homeschooling day.

When I first started homeschooling, I believed my job was to get the schoolwork done. Yes, that is part of my job, but with each year that passes, I know that growing my children’s hearts for loving Jesus and others is truly the most important part. These are lessons this homeschooling mom is thankful for!

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September 20, 2019 by Pamela Black Leave a Comment

Calming Angry Kids With A Million Praying Moms

Today’s episode of the Million Praying Moms podcast is for every mom who has been in the whirlwind of dealing with an angry child.

You’ve asked yourself so many questions, but in the end, you just need relief…something to help turn the tide toward a more peaceful home.

Friend, today’s episode is for you.

Calming Angry Kids With A Million Praying Moms

On today’s episode of the Million Praying Moms Podcast I spoke with Erin and Brooke at Million Praying Moms. I hope you’ll find hope and help through this conversation.

Click here to tune in and listen to Calming Angry Kids With A Million Praying Moms!

Did you get your bonus? Only a few days remain!

These prints are yours FREE as a digital download (frames not included) when you become a quarterly subscriber to Pray the Word Journal on or before September 6th!

Details here!

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September 10, 2019 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

5 Ways to Stay Motivated as a Homeschool Teacher

Ways to Stay Motivated as a Homeschool Teacher

Are you struggling to find ways to stay motivated as a homeschool teacher? I know it can be rough sometimes that’s why I’m sharing what’s worked for me for almost three decades. Let’s look at what you can help ease the stress on those crazy days.

5 Ways to Stay Motivated as a Homeschool Teacher

It’s amazing to think that I’ve been a homeschool teacher now for over 25 years. That’s right–John and I made the decision to homeschool when our son Cory was ready to start kindergarten. We’ve stayed true to that choice through all the ups and downs. And with ten kids (yes, I said ten!) there have been some trying times and long days. However, through it all, we thank God that we’ve been able to see the kids grow and thrive as we’ve educated them at home.

But there are days…

That’s why, if you’re a homeschool teacher, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. I know it can be difficult and that’s why I hope these 5 Ways to Stay Motivated as a Homeschool Teacher can help you find some inspiration and peace for those days when you feel discouraged or off track.

On hard days, this is what I do:

1. Think of my kids as adults and look back on our homeschooling with fondness.

My adult children are some of my best friends. Quite often, you’ll find us sitting around the dinner table playing board games on a Friday night. My oldest son, Cory is a children’s pastor at our church, my daughter Leslie is a missionary in the Czech Republic, and my son Nathan is a Christian author just starting his career.

I’m immensely proud of them. And I know that one of the reasons they are all successful, happy and living lives dedicated to the Lord is because of our choice to homeschool. All the years we invested in the one-on-one teaching times, reading as a family, and sharing our daily lives and faith with them has paid off. That is something that never fails to inspire me.

2. Read a book together that I’ve been wanting to read for a long time.

One of the best things about the homeschool curriculum that we use from Sonlight is that it includes so many wonderful books. There isn’t a day that goes by without reading in our homeschool. Sometimes we are reading as a family, sometimes individually, and sometimes the children are reading to each other. Not only are we all learning together but we are building family bonds that will last a lifetime.

But don’t feel limited to just reading homeschool books. Read the classics like Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Read age-appropriate magazines and newspapers. Teach your children to read and understand food labels so they can make healthy choices as adults.

Teenagers especially can gain great insights from reading about current events online and being taught how to look at the reporting of those events critically. They can also find where to look for the truth in the various different sources. This can help them form strong defenses as they enter into a world that is quickly slipping into more and more ambiguity.

3. During dinner have your kids share what they’ve learned with their dad or another family member.

For part of our homeschool years, my husband John has worked from home. While that has been a huge blessing, he is still working during that time and often in another area of the house. Being able to share what they’re learning with him is something they have always looked forward to.

As a working author (who also speaks and travels throughout the year) there are times when I’ve been away and get the joy of having the kids share with me what they’ve learned. Being able to teach someone what you’ve learned also reinforces that subject. It’s a win-win and a great way to build your child’s self-confidence.

4. Help a new homeschool mom. It inspires me and makes me realize how far I’ve come.

I love helping others. It gives me joy and a sense of purpose. So many others have fed into me throughout the years and I remember how much it has meant to me. When I meet a new homeschool mom at a conference now I recognize that look in her eyes–the look that says “Help!” That’s why I try to share as much as I can about how I’ve made homeschooling work for our family.

But the truth is, I can’t help everyone individually. I’m only one person. Luckily, I found a way to reproduce myself–through writing. Through my books, I can reach so many more people. My friend Kristy Clover and I joined together and wrote Homeschool Basics. We dish out practical help on getting started and staying the course. Homeschool Basics will remind you that the best homeschooling starts with the heart. It’s packed with ideas to help you push aside your fears and raise kids who will grow to be life-long learners.

Kristi and I believe that homeschooling can transform your life, your home, and your family. Mostly, we believe homeschool can truly prepare your children for the life God’s called them to live.

5. Take your homeschool outside the house: serve in the community, join a Bible Study together.

I started a local Teen MOPS group when my three oldest children were still young. At times, I worried that I wasn’t doing enough teaching. That maybe I wasn’t the best homeschool mom when I brought them on errands with me to serve in our community. But what I learned as I’ve gotten older (and so have my kids) is that they were learning–they were learning what it means to serve God and surrender your life to His call.

We are still serving teen moms and their families. But now, we all help. Every week we get the opportunity to love on teen mothers and their children at our church in Little Rock, Arkansas. Seeing my children serving together and finding joy and purpose in that has taught me homeschooling works. We have made loving and serving others part of our education. And of all the things we hope to teach our children, knowing and loving God–and others–should be our number one goal. If we have done that, we have taught them well.

I understand the struggles:

– I work from home.

– I teach multiple grades at once.

– Sometimes the kids are unmotivated.

-Sometimes I am.

-I have kids with learning disabilities.

-Some of my kids need special help and get speech and occupational therapy.

-Three of my kids are dyslexic.

I’m an ordinary mom who is sometimes tempted to scroll Facebook instead of reading aloud. BUT I’ve also figured out sure-fire ways to make sure the important stuff gets taught, I’m not too overwhelmed, and the kids have fun while learning. (At least most of the time.)

If you’re ready to find Homeschool Success then my Homeschool Success Course might be right for you!

Let me share all the practical tips and tricks I’ve learned to:

—Homeschool multiple levels in four hours a day.

—Understand the basics of homeschool laws and what your kids need to graduate and go to college.

—Discover your gifts as a homeschool teacher.

—Finding extra help for special needs kids.

…and so much more!

Here is my welcome module to give you a glimpse of this course!

YOU can give the gift of a homeschool education to your family by joining me here: www.homeschoolsuccesscourse.com

August 23, 2019 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

The Goyer Homeschool Classroom 2019-2020~A Sneak Peek!

The Goyer Homeschool Classroom 2019-2020

I’m so excited about sharing The Goyer Homeschool Classroom 2019-2020 with you! Every year is a new journey and I look forward to it with joy because I have seen the fruits of home education in my family for decades. Let’s look at what homeschool will look like this year in the Goyer house.

The Goyer Homeschool Classroom 2019-2020

Welcome to The Goyer Homeschool Classroom 2019-2020. I want to give you a sneak peek into the room where we have our homeschool day. The truth is, we just use our dining room. We don’t have a fancy classroom. But we’ve managed to make this space into a wonderful classroom and learning center for our children.

If you’ve followed me for any time at all, you know I use Sonlight to homeschool all my children together. It works great. What makes Sonlight Homeschool Curriculum easy is that Teacher’s Guide has everything listed out—what needs to be done each day. There are also handouts and worksheets to go with the books. Since everything is figured out for me, there is little prep.

To teach all my children together, I use two different levels of the curriculum. For the older kids I use 100 and for the younger kids I use D. We are doing American History so there are several things that we read altogether. To keep us organized, I use a large whiteboard where we post and track the assignments for each of the kids. It’s extremely helpful to do it this way because we can just erase as needed and make changes quickly. It also allows us a visual way to track our progress.

The Goyer Homeschool Classroom 2019-2020

My high schoolers have their own set of assignments. I am so blessed that my older son who is a college student helps organize this and also helps tutor the girls in math and science. Our homeschooling truly is a family affair and we love that. Not only are my children learning, but they are building bonds that will last a lifetime.

As you will see in the video below, we use lots of storage crates and bins to keep our classroom organized. Each child has their own crate containing their books which allows them to easily access their own work and work more independently. This is especially helpful for my high schoolers. This is probably the most organized our classroom will be all year…but even if the crayons will all soon be dumped together–new crayons are a joy.

EnJOY Your Day

Speaking of Joy, that’s the scent I diffuse into my classroom most often. I’ve been using Young Living oils for years and find that it helps calm and refresh both the kids and me during our homeschool day.

There’s so much that goes into a great homeschool year, but the number one ingredient is love–and a lot of patience. Having such a great curriculum from Sonlight also makes the days go smoothly and leads my kids to be better equipped as believers in Christ and stewards of the world God has given us.

Check out my video for more ways we set up the Goyer Homeschool Classroom 2019-2020!

You might also enjoy these top posts on homeschooling!

Hope and Refreshment for Homeschooling Parents

Need more ideas and advice on homeschooling? Pick up a copy of Homeschool Basics. Receive tried-and-true homeschool advice from veteran homeschooling moms Tricia Goyer and Kristi Clover. We dish out practical help on getting started and staying the course. Homeschool Basics will remind you that the best homeschooling starts with the heart. Packed with ideas to help you push aside your fears and raise kids who will grow to be life-long learners.

Kristi and I believe that homeschooling can transform your life, your home, and your family. Mostly, we believe homeschool can truly prepare your children for the life God’s called them to live.

Don’t let doubts hold you back any longer.

Get Homeschool Basics on Amazon Now!

The Goyer Homeschool Classroom 2019-2020 and Homeschool Success

Now, more than ever, parents are having to figure out homeschooling FAST!

I understand the struggles:

– I work from home and I teach multiple grades at once.

– Sometimes my kids are unmotivated.

-Sometimes I am.

-I have kids with learning disabilities.

-Some of my kids need special help and get speech and occupational therapy.

-Three of my kids are dyslexic.

If you’re ready to find Homeschool Success then my Homeschool Success Course might be right for you!

Let me share all the practical tips and tricks I’ve learned to:

—Homeschool multiple levels in four hours a day.

—Understand the basics of homeschool laws and what your kids need to graduate and go to college.

—Discover your gifts as a homeschool teacher.

—Finding extra help for special needs kids.

…and so much more!

Here is my welcome module to give you a glimpse of this course!

YOU can give the gift of a homeschool education to your family by joining me here: www.homeschoolsuccesscourse.com

July 25, 2019 by Tricia Goyer 1 Comment

Join Me at the Back2Homeschool Virtual Conference

Join Me at the Back2Homeschool Virtual Conference!

What if this year you could be more prepared, focused, and confident in your homeschooling?

What if you could start the year ready to dive in headfirst and teach your children the things that matter most?

For most of us, it’s been a couple of months since we finished our “official” homeschool year. Now, it’s time to start making our plans to head Back2Homeschool (or, maybe this is the start of your first year ever–yay!) Even though I’ve been homeschooling for 25 years (no kidding!) I still get excited every year to go Back2Homeschool.

This year, I want to make sure you’re more ready than ever to head Back2Homeschool and have the best year ever.

That’s exactly what you’ll be when you join more than 50 of the best writers and speakers in the homeschool movement today–including me–as we share ideas, tips, lessons learned, encouragements, and more in the first-ever Back2Homeschool Virtual Conference.

From academics to organization, discipleship to building stronger family relationships, we invite you to join us as we all explore new ideas to implement in your homeschool. This virtual conference offers incredibly practical workshops as well as many that will be foundational for kicking off your new homeschool year– and staying the course– with the right focus.

Here is what you get when you Join Me at the Back2Homeschool Virtual Conference:

Workshops going LIVE all week of July 22-26
More than 50 Speakers
More than 60 Different Workshops
Lifetime Access
Swag Bags for All Who Register
Virtual Exhibit Hall with more than 40 companies like Apologia, Alpha Omega, Notgrass, Creating a Masterpiece, Mystery of History, and many more.
Plus so Much More!

Invest in your homeschool and your family, and pursue your calling to the best of your ability and join me at the Back2Homeschool Virtual Conference!

Don’t Miss the Swag!

Come for the speakers, but don’t miss the swag! Everyone who signs up will get access to a fantastic collection of resources and tools provided by the speakers and sponsors. This multi-page pdf contains some amazing deals and wonderful helps for you just in time for the start of school! Including information from me on Calming Angry Kids.

In Calming Angry Kids I share our family’s story of how we were able to overcome anger and find hope and peace for our home. Watch this short video to find out more.

Jump In Anytime

They will start releasing workshops on Monday, July 22 and the last of the workshops will be released on Friday, July 26. But feel free to jump in anytime. Maybe you’ll watch at least some of the videos on the day they are released, BUT you will have access to them all indefinitely!

I’m sure that this will become a great resource for those days when you’re not sure you can go on, or how to handle a new situation, or are just looking for fresh ideas to mix up your routine a bit. No matter what your needs, or when you watch, I hope you’ll join me at the Back2Homeschool Virtual Conference.

Have you checked out my homeschool success course yet?

Let me share all the practical tips and tricks I’ve learned to:

—Homeschool multiple levels in four hours a day.

—Understand the basics of homeschool laws and what your kids need to graduate and go to college.

—Discover your gifts as a homeschool teacher.

—Finding extra help for special needs kids.

…and so much more!

Here is my welcome module to give you a glimpse of this course!

YOU can give the gift of a homeschool education to your family by joining me here: www.homeschoolsuccesscourse.com

July 12, 2019 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Ignite Your Child’s Mind with Hands-On History Kits

Sonlight’s Hands-On History Kits are here and we are so excited!

We brought our kids home to homeschool after adoption. Because the older girls had been in public school all their lives they had an idea of what school looked like—lots of lessons and worksheets and counting down the hours until they can play. When we started homeschooling with Sonlight, they didn’t know what to think. Not only was mom spending hours a day reading wonderful books to them, but their hands were also often free to be creative while they listened to me read.

That’s why I love Sonlight’s Hands-On History kits. It not only gives my kids an opportunity to be tactile while I read the lesson to them, but it reinforces the lesson while they play. And they love it! Happy homeschooling kids mean a happy homeschooling mom–and less stress!

Happy Kids=Happy Mom

My kids just seem to pay attention better when their hands are busy. With Hands-On History Kits, we are both happy. And they aren’t just learning–they’re getting a 360-degree education using all their senses. That means they will retain more of every lesson.

One reason homeschool moms crash is from trying to do too much. These hands-on kits mean I no longer need to spend hours searching through Pinterest or make a dozen trips to the store. Sonlight’s Hands-On History Kits have all the pieces to make a history lesson fit into our busy schedule. With Sonlight, I know I can easily plan my lessons and be prepared no matter what life throws our way. As a busy mom of ten (yes ten!) I rely on Sonlight to take care of the details so I can focus on what matters most–interacting with my children and teaching them with my whole heart.

All Hands-On Deck for a Great Value

Each box is a year’s worth of hands-on projects that’ll enrich your learning in one low-priced package! The Hands-On World Cultures Kit covers history, geography, and cultures (from Egypt to the invention of the motor vehicle.) The kit includes everything you need to complete 9 projects throughout the year, including a large 100+ page full-color illustrated instruction booklet, chock-full of diagrams for each step of the way.

These new hands-on supplements are perfect for any history program.

Click here to watch my unboxing of the Hands-On History Kit:

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July 8, 2019 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

5 Grand Ways Kids Can Love Their Grandparents

This summer as your kids are searching for something to beat the boredom, it’s a great opportunity to teach your kids how to love their grandparents.

Did you know? 10% of American children live with one or more grandparents.

1. Send them a letter.

Even if they live nearby and even though it may cost mere cents, it’s still a grand gesture to send some snail mail. Toddlers can draw pictures (& moms can translate the picture if necessary.) Thanking them for their love and respecting their stories is always a beautiful thing to give elders.

2. Ask them questions.

Asking anyone questions implies that you value their knowledge and expertise. The elders in our community have valuable advice to give us! Your kids can get a good list of questions going. Pose this to your youngsters: “What 3 questions would you ask someone that’s been alive for __ years?”

What 3 questions would you ask someone that’s been alive for 70+ years? @TriciaGoyer

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3. Offer to help.

If distance is not too big an obstacle, how might you be able to help around the house? Kids can love their grandparents through service–can they pick up leaves? Mow the lawn? Dust off that one bookshelf? Paint a wall? Run some errands?

4. Make something with them.

Baking, carpentry, fishing, even writing can be great ways to show respect and love for your grandparents. Who knows?! You might finally get your hands on that heirloom recipe you’ve had your eye on!

5. Walk them through your family’s photo album.

If you’ve got access to recent photos, walk them through your favorites from the past year. Remind them of that performance their grandkid starred in, those report cards, soccer trophies, and science projects. Grandparents love to discover new ways to brag.

What are some ways your kids love their grandparents?

In my book Walk It Out I share how God helped me walk out love for my own grandmother by bringing her to live in our home instead of allowing her to spend her golden years alone in a nursing home. The truth is, it’s been a huge blessing to our family and my children continue to learn from her wisdom daily. To learn more visit Walk It Out.

Are you new here? You might want to subscribe to my email updates, or follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, or Instagram.

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June 17, 2019 by Tricia Goyer 1 Comment

End of Summer (or anytime) Cookie Recipe

During the summer my kids are like little mice–always in the kitchen scurrying around to find a snack. They especially love a sweet summer treat. Of course, chocolate chip cookies are a favorite for us so I thought I’d share a cookie recipe guest post from Lathe Weymouth. Now that we are ending summer, your little mice will still love this as a school snack. Or really, who doesn’t love these ANYTIME!?

Be sure to give it a try and let me know what you think!

Everyone’s Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

In my family, there is one recipe book to end all recipe books. It is the last word on cookery. This wonderful book contains numerous recipes requiring bathtub-size mixing bowls and is the only place where I’ve ever found the instructions necessary to make both Butter Soup (what???), Head Cheese, and Pickled Pigs Feet.

The cookbook is called The Mennonite Treasury of Recipes (A Canadian Best-Seller), and today I’m here to share with you my family’s favorite treat as featured in the Treasury. Don’t worry, it’s not Head Cheese. It’s a recipe for Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies which I’ve made countless times. They’re by far my husband’s favorite baked good, and I’ve never met anyone who didn’t like these cookies. I generally make them in batches of 5 dozen, and they’re gone within one or two days. Without further ado, here is the recipe for Everyone’s Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies. As you can see, it’s what we call a “scratch and sniff” cookie recipe around here.

Print The Recipe

Everyone’s Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Author: Mrs. Eleanor Neustaedter

From “The Mennonite Treasury of Recipes”

Ingredients

1 cup shortening (I use butter)
⅔ cup white sugar
⅔ cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 package chocolate chips
½ cup chopped nuts or shredded coconut if desired
2 cups oatmeal

Instructions

Cream shortening/butter.
Add sugars gradually.
Add eggs and vanilla and beat well.
Sift flour, salt and soda and add to creamed mixture.
Add nuts, chocolate chips and oatmeal last.
Drop by spoonfuls onto greased cookie sheets and bake in a 350-degree oven for 12 minutes.

This cookie recipe, as printed in the Mennonite Treasury, makes about 2.5 dozen cookies. If you want to make 5 like I do, you’ll have to double the recipe. To add a copy of the Mennonite Treasury to your cookbook library, you can purchase a copy here. It’s somewhat pricy, as it’s hard to find but well worth the money if you ask me. All the recipes are tried and true, submitted by Mennonite homemakers. Credit for this chocolate chip cookie recipe goes to Mrs. Eleanor Neustaedter in Steinbach, Manitoba.

Want to save the recipe in your Pinterest? You can find it here on my Pinterest board for Delish Desserts!

~Tricia

Homeschool Curriculum Unboxing~Sonlight 2019

One of my favorite times of the year is when my new homeschool curriculum arrives. The last couple of years I’ve used Sonlight to homeschool all my children together. It works great!! I’m doing the same thing this year, too. Join me for a fun unboxing.

My children are Level D (ages 8-11) and Level 100 (ages 12-16) in the Sonlight homeschool curriculum. But I love to combine levels to teach all my kids together and I’m looking forward to the 2019-2020 School Year!

Homeschool Scheduling Hope

In order to make the most of our homeschool day, I literally put the two together and do the Read Alouds to both groups. Last time it took me 1 ½ years to go through the doubled-up curriculum this way, but none of us minded. The younger kids enjoyed the older kids’ books and the older kids loved the young kids’ books. This really helps the kids bond. From ages 7-15 (and 46!) we all enjoy the stories together. I can’t tell you the number of times all the kids were either laughing or crying at the same time. It’s fun to hear them talking about the stories months later.

I usually spend 2 – 2 ½ hours each day reading aloud to all my kids together. While I’m reading they’re usually coloring, playing with Legos, doing puzzles or crafts. I pause every few pages and ask questions to make sure people are paying attention. Sometimes the older girls take turns reading too.

Then, after the read-aloud time, everyone breaks up to do their individual work. This takes anywhere from 1-4 more hours, depending on the age of the child, how much work and independent reading there is, and how motivated they are.

Teacher’s Guide

What makes Sonlight Homeschool Curriculum easy is that Teacher’s Guide has everything listed out—what needs to be done each day. There are also handouts and worksheets to go with the books. Since everything is figured out for me, there is little prep.

I’ll admit that we don’t cover every single thing in the teacher’s guide. Sometimes I’ll choose not to do all the extra activities, and we just read the books. That’s okay. My kids are learning a ton and excelling!

Watch the video unboxing here:

You might also enjoy this post on homeschooling!

Hope and Refreshment for Homeschooling Parents

Kristi and I believe that homeschooling can transform your life, your home, and your family. Mostly, we believe homeschool can truly prepare your children for the life God’s called them to live.

Don’t let doubts hold you back any longer.

Get Homeschool Basics on Amazon Now!

Have you checked out my homeschool success course yet?

Let me share all the practical tips and tricks I’ve learned to:

—Homeschool multiple levels in four hours a day.

—Understand the basics of homeschool laws and what your kids need to graduate and go to college.

—Discover your gifts as a homeschool teacher.

—Finding extra help for special needs kids.

…and so much more!

Here is my welcome module to give you a glimpse of this course!

YOU can give the gift of a homeschool education to your family by joining me here: www.homeschoolsuccesscourse.com

May 27, 2019 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Giving Your Children a Heart for the World {Guestpost}

Our Life

I felt like the worst homeschooling mom ever. While other parents were taking their kids on nature walks and art classes, I was dragging my three children along with me to the pregnancy resource center that I just helped to start. Cory, Leslie and Nathan—all in elementary school—helped me to fold baby clothes and sort diapers. As we remodeled the new center, they helped rip up carpet. They held babies while I talked with teen moms. They sat on the porch and read while I met with the other leaders to plan and to pray.

Our Impact

It wasn’t until years later that I realized the impact of this time. During the morning my kids and I read many books in our homeschool, including missionary stories. And in the afternoon my children were walking with me, learning how to serve. I just wish I would have realized one important truth sooner: I was giving my children a heart for the world by teaching them about it and serving others with them by my side.

The Result

Now those three kids are all adults and each of them loves God and serves Him in amazing ways. My oldest son is teaching his own kids about Jesus, and he also leads children’s church. My oldest daughter is a missionary and teaches college in Europe, and my third oldest child had his first Christian novel published. They are an amazing example for their seven younger adopted siblings.

So how do you give your children a heart for the world? Read the rest of this post on A Reason For Homeschool!

Homeschooling is more than just an educational choice, it’s an opportunity to instill your love for God and the ways you walk that out in serving the world for Him.

Would you like more help and advice for your homeschooling journey? Pick up a copy of Homeschool Basics. Receive tried-and-true homeschool advice from veteran homeschooling moms Tricia Goyer and Kristi Clover. We dish out practical help on getting started and staying the course. Homeschool Basics will remind you that the best homeschooling starts with the heart. Packed with ideas to help you push aside your fears and raise kids who will grow to be life-long learners and fully devoted followers of Christ.

Kristi and I believe that homeschooling can transform your life, your home, and your family. Mostly, we believe homeschool can truly prepare your children for the life God’s called them to live.

Don’t let doubts hold you back any longer. Hope and refreshment await.

Find out more about Homeschool Basics and get your copy HERE.

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May 6, 2019 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Spring is a Celebration!

They say ‘April showers bring May flowers.’ But when you’re an author (and a homeschooling mom!) it also brings a busy conference season!

However, when May comes around the first thing I think about is my WWII friends. Because my first novel From Dust To Ashes was inspired by the liberation of Mauthausen Concentration Camp on May 5, 1945, this time of year is always significant to me.

And I have to admit, April was full to the rim … but it was joyful because I was intentionally focused on celebrating what is important.

Celebrating Family

First of all, our family went away to celebrate Easter. Because of this, we were able to focus on our Savior and His resurrection in a peaceful, joy-filled space. We spent quality time together without the distractions of home life.

Second, my sweet grandbaby Amelia came to visit from the Czech Republic. The holiday allowed for a more relaxed schedule and consequently, she got to bond with us all individually. (This is her with Uncle Nathan!)

Certainly, a highlight was meeting my long-lost brother! (Who I just discovered as a result of taking a DNA test through 23 and Me!)

I had no idea I had another brother until a few months ago, and we look so much alike!

Celebrating Homeschooling

I LOVED speaking at homeschool conferences this spring, and I’m thankful my kids get to travel the US with me. Here are Jordan and Bella in Ft. Worth (on our way to Waco).

I also loved meeting so many of you! It’s always a highlight of conferences when I get to connect with my readers and friends in person.

I’ll be in Mobile, AL this weekend. If you’re nearby, please come say hello!

Celebrating Heroes

On May 5, 1945, Mauthausen Concentration Camp was liberated by the members of the 11^th Armored Division. I met members of that division fifty-six years after the fact. Having known them is one of my greatest joys. Here is a photo from an Austrian newspaper of my friend LeRoy “Pete” Petersohn being honored at Mauthausen. Listening to Pete’s stories (and those of other veterans) inspired me to write my novels From Dust and Ashes and Night Song.

To honor these men, these novels are back in print. (And I even designed the covers myself!)

You can buy them here.

THANK YOU for all those who have loved these stories and shared them. It’s so important to me that these stories go on. Please enter to win a free copy of From Dust to Ashes!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I love my new covers, and I love reading inspiring reviews, like this one from GoodReads:

Finally, to tie it all together … I’m thankful for the men and women who fought for freedom, so I can enjoy life and enjoy my family. Their sacrifice is not forgotten!

I’m thankful for the men I once knew, for they’ve grown my appreciation for the family I have today!

(This was me with Tom in 2002 … what an honor to know these veterans!)

Celebrating Relationships

Above all, I’m thankful for YOU friend! May you hug your family close as we remember the liberation of Mauthausen and what we celebrate at Easter–the day God liberated us all from sin and death through Jesus Christ!

Tricia