Encouragment From The Heart with Emma Winingham

Foundational Scripture:



Deuteronomy 6: 6-7

And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart.

You shall teach them diligently to your children, and talk of them when you sit in your house,

When you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up.







On this show we had special guest, Emma Winingham. Emma is one of the administrators of a Christian online home school community named The Conservative Homeschooler. The Conservative Homeschooler is a special group of conservative Christian Homeschooling families who choose to take responsibility for raising their children with a conservative Christ centered education.



The mission statement of TCH:

"The Conservative Homeschooler" is a Christ centered homeschooling support group for homeschooling families with traditional, Conservative views and values. Our desire is to raise children as our Father in Heaven calls us to based on the and upon the foundation of scripture in a constantly changing world.



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Credits:



The Conservative Homeschooler



theconservativehomeschooler.ning.com



The Holy Bible- NKJ

Encouragement From The Heart with Tiany Davis

Foundational Scripture:

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Two are better than one,
Because they have a good reward for their labor.
For if they fall, one will lift up his companion,
But woe to him who is alone when he falls,
for he has no one to help him up.
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Today, we were blessed with special guest Tiany Davis from The Homeschool Lounge.
She is the founder of The Homeschool Lounge and a homeschooling mother to four little boys. She has been married to her best friend, Troy for 14 years. They live in Louisiana.

The Homeschool Lounge is a place where home school mothers can meet for encouragement and support during their home school journey. As of the broadcast of the show, THL has over a 7,000 member base. There are over 190 individual groups that are sure to have a benefit for every member. Tiany devotes much of her time to the site as she has felt a calling to minister to home schooling mothers through the help of this avenue of engagement.

During the show, we talked about all the areas where members can plug in and become active on the site. The site offers individualized groups, a vast array of forums and discussions, personal blogs, events, giveaways, the homeschool toolbar, and so much more. To become a member of The Homeschool Lounge visit the website at www.thehomeschoollounge.com . Tiany and all the other members are sure to make you feel right at home!

Credits:

Tiany Davis

www.thehomeschoollounge.com

The Holy Bible~~~NKJ

Encouragement From The Heart~~~Unveiling Unit Studies

Thank you for joining us today on "Encouragement From The Heart"!

Foundational Scriptures:

Psalms 27:7,8 & 14
Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice!
Have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
When You said, "Seek My face",
My heart said to You, "Your face, Lord, I will seek.

Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say on the Lord.
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In this episode of Encouragement from the Heart, we unveil the marvel of using Unit Studies in our home schools. We discovered how to implement Unit Studies to invoke a yearning to explore the study topic far beyond the unit itself. Also, we discussed various websites that can be used to help us gain a wealth of inspiration while planning and preparing for our unit study. Below is an outline of how to use a Unit Study within your home school.

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***Unit Studies Do Not Necessarily replace core curriculum...Math, English, Grammar, Phonics.....***

Deciding what Unit Study to teach:

Take into consideration ----- 1. Your Child's or Children's age...or ages
2. What is Developmentally Appropriate
3. Decide the length of time you will be teaching the Unit
4. Time of the year you are teaching

Planning/Preparing:

Focus on the Basic materials of the unit Study
Stay on topic
Pan to reinforce concepts taught in the core curriculum
Gather and abundance of resources
Use Guidelines, lesson plans, or and outline
Make sure Unit is taught systematically/ with order
Always check out the resources to make sure they fit your faith and what you want to teach
Prepare for the "What if" situations...be flexible
Remember your other core curriculum....make sure it doesn't overlap and overwhelm your kids

Why are Unit Studies so effective in Retention Skills?

Children retain information because learning is presented in various forms. Unit Studies adapt to all learning styles and teaching methods.
They gain a solid understanding of the topic being taught
All Ages are taught together---Assignments will be age appropriate.

Unit Studies are enjoyable!!!
Have Fun with them!
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Sites for Review:

Cindy Downes Unit Studies
oklahomahomeschool.com/unitstudies

Amanda Bennett
unitstudy.com/articles/The%20Basics.htm

unitstudies.com

Homeschool Helper
homeschoolhelperonline.com/units.htm

The Homeschool Mom
thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/unitstudies.php

homeschooling-about.com/od/unitstudies/unit_study_tips_ideas_and_online_studies.htm

J. Anne Huss
The-Simple-Homeschool.com

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All of the Above Websites

The Holy Bible (NKJ)

Encouragement From The Heart with Bobbie Howard

We had a great show with Bobbie Howard! Bobbie is a Home school mom that taught both of her children through High School and is now helping her daughter home school their second generation of six. She is the author of the first devotional written for homeschooling parents, "Encouragement Along the Way" and its Sequel "Adventures Along the Way" . She has been married to her precious hubby for almost 36 years. Bobbie is a total joy to know as her life is a testimony to the greatness of our God. Please join us for a totally encouraging hour from our precious guest Bobbie Howard.

Bobbie shared so many inspirational words of wisdom for all of us to savor for the week. We learned so much about how to hear and follow the Lord in our home schools.

Foundational Scripture:

James 4:17
Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is a sin.

Credit:

Bobbie Howard:
"Encouragement Along The Way"

http://www.mthoward.com/mybooks.htm

http://www.thehomeschoollounge.com/

The Holy Bible (NKJ)

How To Enjoy Your Home School By Living Healthier And More Abundant Lives

Thank you for joining us today on Encouragement From The Heart. This shows airing was to encourage you to take a stand for the safety and health of your home school home. Terry Hoover and Stacey Powell were our special guest for the program. They began to elaborate on the hidden dangers that lurk in our own homes. Also, that there are safer alternatives to the retail store bought cleaners. These ladies are a part of a fabulous group of ladies called
"The Families In Faith" team. This group of Christian ladies can help us to live more abundant, physical, financial, and spiritual life at home. It is my sincere hope that this program has given you the extra encouragement and support we all need when things are getting really tough during our home school year. I am sure you have walked away with a renewed vision of succeeding abundantly, physically, financially, and spiritually with this ever growing group of Christian ladies.

Below is a list of stunning facts from various trusted organizations. Also, at the bottom of the blog is a list of sites and credits for the preparation of this show.

Next week, we will have very special guest Bobbie Howard. She has graduated both of her children from home school high school and now helps to home school her six grand children! She is also the fabulous author of two Devotional books written especially for home schooling parents. Bobbie will surely give us the much needed support and encouragement we need as we are completing our year and beginning to look forward to next school year. Join us next Tuesday at 1:00PM and meet our very special guest Bobbie Howard.

FACTS :

In one decade, there has been a 42% increase in asthma (29% for men; 82% for women-the higher rate for women is believed to be due to women's longer exposure times to household chemicals) (Source: Center for Disease Control)·

Over 150 chemicals found in the average home have been linked to allergies, birth defects, cancer and psychological abnormalities. (Source): Consumer Product Safety Commission) ·

A product that kills 50% of lab animals through ingestion or inhalation can still be designated "non-toxic." (Source: Consumer Product Safety Commission) ·

Many of the Household Chemicals used have never been adequately tested for their negative health effect, and almost none have been tested in combination with other chemicals (Source: Consumer Product Safety Commission) ·

There is an increased risk for leukemia in children where parents have used common Household Chemicals and Pesticides in the home or garden before the child's birth. (Source: National Cancer Institute) ·

There has been a 28% increase in childhood cancer since the addition of pesticides into household products. (Source: National Cancer Institute) ·

There has been a 26% increase in breast cancer since 1982. Breast cancer is the Number ONE killer of women between the ages of 35 and 54. Primary suspects are laundry detergents, household cleaners and pesticides. (Source: National Cancer Institute) ·

Cancer is the Number ONE cause of death for children. (Source: National Cancer Institute) · National Cancer Institute & EPA released results of a 15-year study concluding that women who work in the home are at a 54% higher risk of developing cancer than women who work outside the home. This is due to the increased exposure to household toxins and chemicals. (Source: National Cancer Institute) ·

The average home today contains 62 toxic chemicals - more than a chemistry lab at the turn of the century. (Source: Environmental Protection Agency) ·

More than 72,000 synthetic chemicals have been produced since WW II. (Source: Environmental Protection Agency) ·

Less than 2% of synthetic chemicals have been tested for toxicity, mutagenic, carcinogenic, or birth defects. (Source: Environmental Protection Agency) ·

EPA survey concluded that indoor air was 3 to 70 times more polluted than outdoor air. (Source: Environmental Protection Agency) · EPA study stated that the toxic chemicals in household cleaners are 3 times more likely to cause cancer than outdoor air. (Source: Environmental Protection Agency).


Pesticides and Household Chemicals only have to include active ingredients on the labels, even though the inert (inactive) ingredients may account for 99%, many of which are toxic and poisons. (Source: Environmental Protection Agency).


CHEC reports that houses today are so energy efficient that “out gassing” of chemicals have nowhere to go, so it builds up inside the home. Source: (Children’s Health Environmental Coalition)


Credits:

Contact STACEY POWELL at (513)933-9995

ourfamiliesinfaith.com

The Holy Bible (NKJ)

Encouragement From The Heart with Brenda Smith

Foundational Scripture:

Psalms 127: 3-5
3Lo, children are a heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. 4As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. 5Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.


Thank you so much for joining us today on Encouragement From The Heart. Our special guest today was Brenda Smith. Brenda is a homeschooling mother of 13 children....and one little angel in Heaven. In addition to home schooling her wonderful blessings from God, she has written a fabulous book entitled Polkadot Star Flowers . This book is wonderfully entertaining and written with a Christ centered message to help all people in so many areas of life. She also journals regularly in her entertaining and encouraging blog that is for all to read and gain insight as we venture in home schooling our families.

We discussed how there is "no rewind button" in life and how we need to enjoy home schooling our children as the days will slip quickly into the past. Brenda has two rules that she has learned as her journey has progressed from year to year. They are: *Do What Works for Your Family* and *Have Fun*!!!!

In her book Polkadot Starflowers, she delves into "life" and how we need to enjoy God's blessings. She shares her own heartwarming story of her personal setbacks and how she has overcome so many obstacles in her life through the love of Jesus Christ. This book is an awesome read for all who are living with stumbling blocks that are keeping them from all that God has promised. The link to her blog and the books web page are at the bottom of this entry.

Next week, I will introduce you to two fabulous moms(Terry Hoover and Stacey Powell)who are helping other mothers to live a more abundant, physical, financial, and spiritual life at home with the help of a special group of ladies called Families In Faith. This program will give you the extra encouragement and support we all need when things are getting really tough during our home school year. You are sure to walk away with a renewed vision of succeeding abundantly, physically, financially, and spiritually with this ever growing group of Christian ladies.



Credits:

The Holy Bible KJ
Brenda Smith Polkadot Starflowers
http://polkadotstarflowers.com/

Don't Be Afraid!!!!

Thank you for joining us today. We are delighted that Lee Binz has taken her precious time to share so many personal experiences with us from her home schooling journey. She has so much insight into the daily preparation of home schooling through high school.

I invite all of you to visit her website listed at the bottom of this post. Let her know what an encouragement she is to your home school. If you would like a personal chat with Lee, she has free office hours on Wednesdays. Remember, Lee has many awesome resources to help you in your quest for home schooling through high school.

We will not be broadcasting next week. It is our "rest" week from BlogTalkRadio. However, we will be airing our next program on May 5Th at 1:00pm EST with special guest Barbara Smith. She is a homeschooling mother of 13 children....and one little angel in Heaven.

In addition to home schooling her wonderful blessings from God, she has written a fabulous book entitled Polkadot Star Flowers . This book is wonderfully entertaining and written with a Christ centered message to help all people in so many areas of life.

The topic of our show will be home schooling a large family and how to do it all!!! This is sure to be an awesome program filled with many ideas to make home schooling super-sized families manageable! LOL!!!

For more information on Barbara and her book, visit her website at the bottom of this post.

Thank you and have a wonderfully blessed home school week!

Dana Carroll

Credits:

The Holy Bible (NKJ)

http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon.asp?SermonID=132994&ContributorID=9610

http://polkadotstarflowers.com/Home.html ~~~Barbara Smith~~~

http://www.thehomescholar.com/ ~~~Lee Binz~~~

Show 2---Show Notes and Credits

Thank you for joining us today. In this show, we explored what to do when we feel like we are failing and our daily routine just isn't working. We talked about how to implement different curriculum, change routines, and even vie for a different teaching method. We also began to tap into different learning styles within our families.

Credits:

Encouragement Along The Way......Bobbie Howard

The Holy Bible---NKJ

http://www.christianperspective.net/

Show 2---What do you do when "it" is not working?

List of Questions To Figure Out the "It" Problem

Routine:

1. Are your children bored with the routine?---Restless behaviour
2. Is your routine too Ridged?---Too strict?
3. Is your routine too Loose?---Not enough routine?
4. Are your children resisting the normal routine?
5. Have they outgrown your normal routine?

If you answered "No" to all of these questions, move on to the Curriculum section.

Curriculum:

1. Are your children bored with the curriculum?---Not Challenging enough
2. Is the curriculum too Ridged?---Too structured---Not enough exciting activities
3. Is the curriculum too loose?---Too little structure---It can't keep their attention
4. DOES the curriculum FIT your child's LEARNING STYLE?---Kinesthetic, Auditory, Visual

If you answered "No" to all of these questions, move on to the Teaching Method section.

In realizing that your child's learning style does not fit the curriculum, you have two options.

1. Change your method of teaching the current curriculum.
2. Completely change the curriculum to a curriculum that better suits your child's learning style.

Your predominate teaching method may not be the same as your child's learning style.
Step out of the box and try something new.
Incorporate new techniques to your existing curriculum or change the curriculum completely.

Try these:

**Do more activities
**Games--homemade are the best
**Try Lap Books
**Field Trips
**Songs (Music)
**Art

Once you figure out the "It" problem, you can begin to correct it and move on productively.

Encouraging, Helpful, and Testing Sites.....

Encouraging/Helpful Sites:

http://www.thehomeschoollounge.com/

http://www.hslda.org/Default.asp?bhcp=1

http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/

http://www.mothers-home.com/activities/sherri2.htm

http://www.sitesforteachers.com/index.html

http://www.cathyduffyreviews.com/creative-learning/hands-of-a-child.htm

http://ajourneythroughlearning.com/

http://www.lamppostpublishing.com/index.htm

http://www.proverbs31.org/

http://www.titus2.com/

http://www.thehomescholar.com/

http://www.mthoward.com/mybooks.htm

http://www.polkadotstarflowers.com/

http://www.utmostway.com/

http://notebook.organizedhome.com/household-notebook-planner-organized-home

http://showmomthemoney.com/timesavers.php


Testing Sites:

http://www.familylearning.org/

http://www.thurbers.net/

http://www.homeschooltests.com/

http://www.lighthouseedu.net/

http://www.baysideschoolservices.com/

http://www.setonhome.org/testing/default.php

Show 1- "Homeschooling through the difficult times"

This is our first show! We are so excited that you have joined us today. In this show, we discussed homeschooling through the difficult times. We talked about finances, curriculum, socialization, and the daily up keep of our homes.

I hope you have enjoyed our program today, and hope you come back again next week for a little Encouragement From The Heart.

Credits:

Practical Homeschooling Today

Christian Perspective.net

Lamppostpublishing.com

The Holy Bible (NKJ)