Discovering Christmas by Amanda Jass Illustrated by Marina Halak

Discovering Christmas by Amanda Jess illustrated by Marina Halak is a 25 Day Advent Devotional.  This is a beautiful hardback book with gold embossing on the cover.  Each day features a devotional, scripture passage, questions for discussion, things to do, and a prayer.  (Read About It Talk About It, Go About It, & Pray About It) The gorgeous pictures enhance the book and you will want your children to gather around as you read. 

I consider myself an almost expert on Advent books as I own over ten.  I can confidently say I LOVE this one.  It is easy to follow along, has good topics, and is so engaging.  The book is designed for children ages 4-8, but I think you would be able to read with your children up to nine.   This would be lovely to use at the dinner table around advent, at bedtime, or for family worship.  I highly recommend Discovering Christmas by Amanda Jass!  

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.

I’m Amanda. A children’s author, illustrator, wife, and mom of three girls ages eight & under. Being a mom is one of the greatest things ever, but it’s crazy hard too.

Between the discipline, dishes, tantrums, and messes, it can seem almost impossible to bring things like faith and fun into our days at home.

This is why I create engaging kids resources that you can trust to be consistent with biblical truth. Let’s ditch the overwhelm as we build sustainable rhythms in our homes, connect as a family, and help our littles learn about their Creator all at the same time!

When Should I Start Planning for High School? by Becky Boerner, consultant.

 
Home educators often ask me, ‘When should I start planning for high school.” My answer is usually around 7th, or 8th grade. Honestly, the end of 6th grade is not too early.

Why do you ask so early? Because, it is great to start early and think through what you want your student to accomplish. It is nice to use 7th and 8th grade to earn high school credit for learning a language, PE, or explore a fine art.

But, no matter when you start here are a few tips for planning for high school.

 1. Try to make a multiyear plan that includes 7th and 8th grade. Look at what your co-op is offering or other online classes. Find out if certain classes are only offered certain years. Making a multi-year plan will benefit your student, and prevent future stress.

2. Start with the end in mind. If your dream is to attend a certain college find out what their requirements are to attend. What does your student need to accomplish before they get to their senior year?

3. Start researching curriculum. Check out high school curriculum at conventions, ask your home school friends what they like, and borrow curriculum from others to get a good look. It is nice if you have some time to process this.

4. Think about what activities your student would like to do in high school. Do they want to volunteer, get a paid job, and what would they like to explore? What do you need to add to their resume?

5. Do you feel your student would be a good candidate for dual enrollment with college credit? Start exploring the requirements now. Do they need a recommendation or a test score? Do you think they will they be able to direct their own learning and work with a college professor? Pre-planning goes a long way.

Having a high schooler is exciting. It is wonderful to watch your student become who they were created to be. 

Helping them plan, guiding, and mentoring them is a privledge. As home educators we want to be prepared to help them the best we are able.  These are just a few ideas to think through.

 I wish you well on your journey!

Becky

PS If you would like to discuss high school curriculum, high school planning, or anything to do with home education please click here to make an appointment. I would love to help you! I love problem solving.

~Homeschool Mom to 7
~Mom to high school graduates and college graduates
~Mom to employed homeschool graduates.
~Mom to a MIT graduate
~Mom to students who have won over $100,000 in scholarships
~Certified Teacher
~M.Ed. in Reading Education


and pretty fun to talk to!

Home is Right Where You Are :Inspired by Psalm 23 by Ruth Chou Simons

 Home is Right Where You Are: Inspired by Psalm 23 written and illustrated by Ruth Chou Simons is one of the most beautiful picture books I have seen and read in a very long time. In the book you follow a child as the parent presents the paraphrased words of Psalm 23 to encourage and uplift a child.  The text and words are stunning!

I have reread the story about five times in the last week.  The words are very comforting and speak deeply to the heart of children and adults.  The watercolor pictures are stunning, peaceful and enhance the wonderful text.  I made my 12 years sit through the book because I wanted him to know the words from the story. 

I would recommend this ideally for children ages 4-8 years old.  To me this a book you would buy for each of your children that they would take with them into adulthood.  My thought is that both the parent and child would treasure the memories of reading this together. 

It would be lovely gift for a child’s a birthday, new baby’s arrival, baby shower or Christmas.  I highly recommend Home is Right Where You Are written and illustrated by RuthChou Simons.  This will be a highlight for me for 2024. 

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review. 

Before I was a published author, I started a creative business called GraceLaced, and before it was a full-fledged company, it was a blog I spent 6 years writing on. In the years before the blog, I was just tinkering with creative projects after the kids went to bed. 

And before I was creating in the margins, I was an unlikely new boy mom learning how to balance public ministry with my pastor + headmaster husband Troy (still my man, but no longer in these roles).

Further back, before I was a newlywed, I was an art major with big and impossible dreams… and even before I became an art major, I was a biochemistry major, secretly delighting in writing and creating. 

God weaves every part of our wanted and unwanted seasons into the fabric of the Story he writes for us! So, here’s to not skippin a paragraph or jumping to the end. He’s the Author of full-circle and he completes every story he writes. 

Repost: Assisted Reading with Developing and Struggling Readers.

I always get questions about how to help students with reading.  This is one of my favorite's for helping with reading.  

I have been reading a very interesting book called The Fluent Reader by Timothy V. Rasinski.  He has an interesting chapter on how to help students learn to read who are developing readers or struggling readers.  I knew all of the methods that he mentioned, but he backed up his methods with research and more effective strategies then I have seen in the past.

He discusses Paired Reading.  Paired reading is essentially where a more proficient reader, either a parent/teacher and child, older student and child, or two children read together.  Paired reading should be about 10-20 minutes at a time at least five times a week. It is recommend that the less proficient  student should be able to read 90-95 percent of the material accurately for this instruction to be the most effective.  The student and teaching reader read to together side by side.  The student follows along with his/her finger.  It is recommended that if the text is harder the teacher should read a little louder and match your reading rate to push the student.  If the text is easier then the teacher should use a quieter voice and provide less support.  When the passage is finished the teacher and the student should chat about the reading. The student should be allowed to read independently if they would like during this process.  This is really nothing new to home educators.  But what excited me was where he talked about a research study where the majority of students who participated in paired reading at least five times a week made 6 months of reading progress in six to ten weeks. (Limbrick, McNaugthon, & Cameron, 1985).  I have a video below that demonstrates this.

   The other interesting study was that which revealed the positive gains that students made when listening to audio books while following along in the text.  Students who did not follow along in the text did not make the kind of gains as those who did.  Here is an article that discusses the gains students made and some resources for audio books.  Here is another article that discusses the benefits for all readers. With many kids at many different reading levels my students often listen to audio books.  We mostly use the public library for their audio books and downloadable digital books.  I renewed my commitment to having them follow along in the book after reading these articles.

The last intriguing idea was that students who watched closed captioned programming made gains in reading.  At my house we turn on the closed captioning because there are so many loud people in our house making it challenging to hear a movie or show.  My students were pretty excited about this!

I am hopeful this helps you with some specific ways to help your struggling or developing readers.

If you want to talk more about your student and reading please click here for more information, or to make an appointment.  

Evan Miller is Waking Down by Jerel Law Book Review

 Evan Miller is Waking Down by Jerel Law is a science fiction book for middle grade readers. Evan Miller discovers he is a dreambender and can go to real places in his dreams. The rulers of his home City 47 do not like this. He goes on an adventure to learn how to use his abilities.

My son was absolutely crazy about this book. He is not a big reader, but this story spoke to him. He said it is a great story! He told me he was very invested in the characters and cared what happened to them. The unique futuristic setting held his interest and he wanted to know more. It truly is a dreambending novel.

My son said he enjoyed the adventure, characters, and the unique setting of Evan Miller is Waking Down by Jerel Law. He recommends it to all middle schoolers.

We were given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.

Jerel is an author and a pastor, which means he is passionate about telling stories of redemption, hope, and purpose…especially stories about God working through really difficult things and through people who aren’t perfect.

In his words:
“Fiction, when written well, is a made-up story about things that are deeply true. My goal is to always write about things that are true and connect with the reader in a meaningful way. I hope they’ll start to see the world differently in some way through these stories.”

“Jerel Law transports readers to a place where supernatural forces of good and evil collide. Young readers will be entertained and inspired. I heartily recommend this series.”
— Author Robert Whitlow

Would You Like Some Help on Your Homeschool Journey? by Becky Boerner, Home Education Consultant

 Navigating with a Trusted Homeschool Guide.

 I was talking to my very good friend a few weeks ago.  She shared with me when she was interested in homeschooling her pre-school son, she attended a homeschool group at church.  The homeschool group asked her why she was there with such a young child.  They told her to go home and just play with him.  She was so discouraged.  I imagine the group thought they were helpful, but my friend did not feel equipped or encouraged by their remarks.  She was asking for direction and guidance into the unknown world of home education. She wanted a road map to follow so she could forge her own path.  She instead became discouraged.  

Deciding to home educate your children is a fantastic choice.  It is a wonderful journey filled with adventure, challenges, and choosing a path that will benefit your family.  

But sometimes it is nice to have an experienced guide on your journey to help you navigate new territory.  

This is my twentieth-year homeschooling, and my background is in education.  I love helping families get started homeschooling.  There are things you can do to make the start a little bit easier.  I would love to talk to you about getting started, where to look for curriculum, what to avoid, and generally encouraging you on one of the best decisions you will make for your family. 

If you would like to meet with a trusted guide, please consider contacting me to schedule a coaching/consult session.  I LOVE to talk about homeschooling, schedules, curriculum, getting started, and how to make your day flow better.  I hope to talk to you soon. 

It is my passion to help others on the journey!

Click here to schedule.  

Becky  

~Homeschool Mom to 7
~Mom to high school graduates and college graduates
~Mom to employed homeschool graduates.

~Mom to students who have won over $100,000 in scholarships
~Certified Teacher
~M.Ed. in Reading Education

and pretty fun to talk to!  

K9 Mattis on the Job! by Mark Tappan Illustrated by Donald Wu

 Here is our sweet dog Comet sharing with you K9 Mattis On the Job by Mark Tappan.  This is a beautiful picture book that shares the world of Sergeant Mark  and K9 Mattis, the German Shepherd who works with Mark.  Mark is a police office and the story shares a day of his life with K9 Mattis.  The story is beautifully illustrated, written with engaging text,  and filled with "Fun Facts" about police dogs.   I learned so much from the story.

K9 Mattis  On the Job is appropriate for ages 4-8, but I think 9 year old's would enjoy sharing with a younger sibling. This would be a great way to share with children about police and the role they play in our lives, to introduce the idea of working dogs, and community helpers.  I highly recommend K9 Mattis on the Job. 

I was given a copy of the book by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.  

Update on Services and a GIVEAWAY!!

Giveaway!  Scroll down to enter! 

I am excited to announce  my homeschool consulting and coaching packages to you.  With feedback from families I have created packages that I think will be helpful for your family.  The packages focus on coaching, transcripts, planning curriculum, high school planning, getting unstuck, and college readiness.  I am also continuing with $45 for 40 minutes for a single session of coaching or consulting.   I am happy to brainstorm ideas with you on helping your student read, write, or work through educational issues. You can also write me and I will create a specialized package for your family.

I am so thrilled about my packages that  I am giving away a $45 credit towards any package, consulting, coaching, or portfolio reviews.  Enter below to win! 

Hoping the beginning of your school year is going well, and that we can chat soon!

Becky Boerner

M. Ed in Education and homeschool mom 

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My Packages!  

Email Consulting. Would you like some insight on a homeschool issue or problem? Email consulting may be a good fit for you. I will be offering answers to your questions, insight, and a detailed response with up to 3 emails. The cost is $45. (That does not include clarifying questions) Please write me for more information. Click Here to Schedule 

Consulting by Zoom or Phone. Do you want to talk to a veteran homeschooler and certified teacher to help with your home education? Topics for discussion include Getting started homeschooling, Helping my child learn to read. Working with a struggling reader, Planning for high school, homeschooling multiple ages, I feel stuck, and What happens after high school? Price is $45 for 40 minutes.  Click Here to Schedule    I have evening and weekend hours.  

Homeschool Coaching Would you like to meet with me on zoom or by phone for 2-4 consecutive times for encouragement and/or accountability? Someone to talk through your homeschool day and suggest some changes that could be helpful? This may be what you need. We would schedule at least two appointments for 40 minutes.  $45 per 40-minute session Click here to Schedule 

Coaching Package A    Three 40 minute Zoom or Phone sessions $110 ($10 discount Sessions must be used within 4 months) You make one appointment and then I send you a link to make the rest. Click here to Schedule. 

Coaching Package B    Five 40-minute Zoom or Phone sessions $195 ($30 discount! Sessions must be used within 7 months.) You make one appointment and then I send you a link to make the rest. To Schedule 

Coaching Package C TWO 90-minute Zoom or Phone Sessions $180 ($10 discount Sessions must be used within 3 months.) You make one appointment and then I send you a link to make the rest.  To Schedule 

College Readiness I am happy to help you plan high school classes, discuss College Credit Plus, create a transcript, write a counselor letter, a school profile, think through different options for the future for your student. I have had students accepted at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), Georgia Tech, University of Cincinnati, Ohio State, Vanderbilt, Cedarville, Purdue, Taylor and Cincinnati State. I am happy to start talking with you as early as 7th grade. 

Planning for High School Package $75 (Includes One 40-minute Phone or Zoom session and up to 3 emails about planning for homeschool high school with curriculum suggestions and long range planning) ($15 savings)  Click here to Schedule 

Transcript Getting Started Package $150 (Includes TWO 40-minute Zoom or Phone sessions and up to 1 hour of reviewing your student's high school transcript, feedback via email, and email support.) You make one appointment and then I send you a link to make the rest.  Click here to Schedule

Parent Document Package $250 (Includes up to FOUR hours of consulting for transcripts, course descriptions, counselor letter, finding scholarships, and school profile. You may use the hours through Zoom, phone, email, my time to review documents. All hours must be used within 7 months. ) You make one appointment and then I send you a link to make the rest.  Click here to Schedule 

Portfolio Reviews I will also continue to provide portfolio reviews for families  .Click Here to Schedule.  

Please email me if I can help.  ohiohomeschool@gmail.com 

Becky Boerner ~

~Homeschool Mom to 7
~Mom to high school graduates and college graduates
~Mom to employed homeschool graduates.

~Mom to students who have won over $100,000 in scholarships
~Certified Teacher
~M.Ed. in Reading Education

Indescribably Atlas Adventures by Louie Giglio Illustrated by Nicola Anderson & Lynsey Wilson

Do you enjoy learning about countries, people, and/or new ideas? I love to learn new things and was excited to get to see the book Indescribable Atlas Adventures by Louie Giglio Illustrated by Nicola Anderson & Lynsey Wilson by published @tommynelsonbooks.

The Indescribable Atlas Adventures by Louie Giglio is a beautifully illustrated hard cover book! The book is the size of legal pad and filled with colorful illustrations, infographics, and maps. It shares interesting facts about countries, animals, vegetation, continents, oceans, and people. It is very inviting and educational for children.

The Indescribable Atlas Adventure is broken down by continent and from there into one- or two-page spreads on each country. A child can open to any page to begin reading and learning something new about the world. There are biblical references to people, places and the faiths for each country. For instance, on the page with Turkey we see animals, information on the apostle Paul, key facts, language and basic country facts.

The Indescribable Atlas is a beautifully written and illustrated Atlas. It would be a delight for any child ages 7 to 12. I see it as a homeschool resource, a gift for a child, or for anyone who wants to learn more about the world around them. I highly recommend The Indescribably Atlas by Louie Giglio.

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.

Should I Bother with an Assessment? by Becky Boerner, Home Education Consultant

 

1.  Will you continue to provide homeschool portfolio reviews for families. 

  YES, I will!  

I am now open to completing portfolio review/assessments  for any family in any state.

2.  Do you think I still need to complete an assessment? 

Yes! I believe it would be beneficial for your  to complete some type of assessment that demonstrates your student has made progress.  As good home educators of our students we need to keep  records and show progress.  

3. Is it really necessary?  I only worried about my district in the past.  

YES! I am seeing the new law as a transfer of responsibility.  Your district kept your homeschool records in the past. They could confidently share that a family was pursuing home education from a notification of intent and that a student made progress from an assessment.  I believe the responsibility is NOW on home school parents to keep records of their students that demonstrate they made progress. 

Child Protective Services(CPS) contacts me about a family several times every year.  (I never speak to them without permission from the family) They ask me if a family has shared work with me and made progress. I have always sent CPS back to the family's school district, because the school district held the student's records. CPS would  then check in with the district. 

As a family you will be responsible to demonstrate that you are home educating and your student is making progress.   I believe now it is  even more important to keep good records and demonstrate your student has made progress.  Please understand this is my opinion.  

I realize there is a low chance that CPS or someone will contact you.  But, I believe as good home educators of our students we want to have record keeping  that demonstrate our students' educational progress. We all care about our students and want the best for them.  

4.  Are you going to continue with assessments for your students?  

 YES!  I believe in good record keeping, and want to demonstrate my students made progress.  (I also have talked to CPS one too many times) 

5.  When and how often should I complete an assessment?

I would complete one yearly.  The advantage in 2024 and beyond is that there is no particular time of year for a deadline.  I will be working year round and now have more of a limited schedule in the summer.  You are able to complete something mid year, at the end of summer, or in the fall.  You control the schedule now!  Do what works best for your family.  

6.  What should I do with my portfolio assessment paperwork after your review?

If you keep physical paperwork, I would keep the assessment with the work samples in a file folder preferably in a fire proof box.  If you are a digital person  I would use Google Drive or OneNote to store the paperwork.  

From a family. . .

What a remarkable year we’ve had. And I never fully believe it until I do this assessment. Thank you for your heart and your fluid, encouraging assessment process, Becky!

If you have any questions please feel free to write me.  please feel free to write me.  

Just in Case You Ever Feel Alone by Max Lucado

Just in Case You Ever Feel Alone by Max Lucado is a sweet picture book for children 2-8 years old.  This sweet story has gorgeous pictures illustrated by Even Tharlet. The lyrical story communicates eloquently to your child that you will be there for them and also that God will always be there for them.  I think the book opens up conversation with your child to talk about your faith, how much you deeply care for them, and remind them that they are never really alone.  A beautifully written story with gorgeous pictures!

I highly recommend Just in Case You Ever FeelAlone by Max Lucado and illustrated by Eve Tharlet. This would make a great gift for a grandchild, godchild, or any child that you treasure.   

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review. 

Max Lucado is a pastor, speaker, and best-selling author who, in his own words, “writes books for people who don’t read books.” He serves the people of Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, and his message is for the hurting, the guilty, the lonely, and the discouraged: God loves you; let him.

As a writer, Max is known for combining poetic storytelling and homespun humor with the heart of a pastor. All of his trade books began as sermon series at Oak Hills Church, and his sermons all begin with Max asking himself this question: “What can I say on Sunday that will still matter on Monday?” He’s been dubbed “America’s Pastor” by Christianity Today, and “The Best Preacher in America” by Reader’s Digest.

Only Light Can Do That by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness, on light can do that.  Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that. "  Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Only Light Can Do That is a  60 day devotional.  Each day shares a Bible verse, a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, a story about Dr. Martin Luther King, and a prayer.  There are also biographies of others activities throughout the book.  

I found this book very informative and thought provoking. It is a powerful book in that it helps children to think bigger and consider how they can make a difference in the world.  I enjoyed the themes of your worth, community, hope, forgiveness and reconciliation, compassion, courage, pursuing justice, sacrifice  and love in action.

 For me the best part is the book is broken down into bit sized portions for kids.  I feel like this is a great way to open up discussion with your kids about forgiveness, reconciliation and topics that are not always thought of in daily conversation.  

Only Light Can Do That a 60 Day Devotional is a great devotional for students age 6-12.  The reading level is 4th-6th grade.  I think it would make a wonderful addition to your family library.  I highly recommend.  

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a review.    

2024 Give-Away for a Portfolio Review or Credit Towards Consulting.

 

Contest runs through Tuesday January 23 at 11:59.  Please enter!  

I  am giving away TWO  (valued at $45.00 each) service credits. They can be redeemed towards consulting or a portfolio review.You may redeem your prize anytime between now and July 1, 2024. The prize is non-transferable.  

Use the Rafflecopter entry form below to enter.  Please hurry the contest ends January 22nd at 11:59pm 

Please know I verify all winning entries. If you need help, email me: ohiohomeschool@gmail.com  

How to become a Public Follower.

To become a follower, look under: "I would love it if you would follow my blog publicly, Please click on "Follow" below."  After clicking on that button follow the steps. You may use a Google Account, Twitter Account or Yahoo Account to follow. Click on one and follow the steps. In order for your entry to count you must follow publicly.

If you are on a mobile phone... go to the end of this post and click on the words "View web version" (It is under a HOME button) It will take you to a page where if you look in the top right corner you will see the FOLLOW button. Click on that and Follow Publicly.

Please know that I verify the winning entry. If you need help with a step please email me. ohiohomeschool@gmail.com 

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What's in a Dumpling, Grandma? by Sandra Eide and illustrated by Linda Meeker

 

What’s in a Dumpling, Grandma is a gorgeous picture book by Linda Meeker and illustrated by Sandra Eide.  In our story Grey and Mila ask their grandmother to how to make dumplings.  The story shares how to make dumplings and takes the reader step by step through the process with a recipe for fish sauce at the end.   

What’s in a Dumpling, Grandma is beautifully illustrated.  The pictures draw you into the story and you can not help, but smile as you read the book.  I loved the sweet relationship between the children and their grandmother.  Though the story shares about making dumplings, but it is truly so much more.   It shares themes of family, love, and celebrating traditions. 

What’s in a Dumpling, Grandma is a charming story with beautiful illustrations, relatable themes, and celebrates family.  I highly recommend. 

I was given a complimentary copy and not required to write a review

 

Linda Meeker is a first-generation Vietnamese American author. Her first book, Thank You, Mama, was based on the videos of her son, Grey, trying new foods with gratitude, which brought her social media popularity on TikTok and Instagram (@greyandmama). Linda, her husband, and Grey live in Seattle, Washington.