tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3485458080855887732024-02-23T20:03:56.305-06:00Muses of a MomMuses of a Mom is by Angie Vallejo, a Writer/Blogger and Content Creator. Angie offers support, ideas and resources to parents of homeschooling teens. Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00163558386595878384noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348545808085588773.post-21575764296594533212022-03-04T10:07:00.005-06:002022-11-16T16:31:04.713-06:00National Grammar Day: Do You Commit Word Crimes? Plus Sources for Grammar Help<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7BA38dYcvkx6l_YLodnc_mb6Rj9XoAw1KbxQ88qUfxdqkkpomcywIeB5KspbEVU05QwHJLpKIEZ630Pj8nodnN6hBAl2ScFXSxXyJPBkkEurz0VZ7EQ0Je5WFPjUwEagKat-J8AUBPwByMr_nzMekGoTVY8xEkC3wPOf5iUSWO8K3wZzObQAS6fmedA=s400" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7BA38dYcvkx6l_YLodnc_mb6Rj9XoAw1KbxQ88qUfxdqkkpomcywIeB5KspbEVU05QwHJLpKIEZ630Pj8nodnN6hBAl2ScFXSxXyJPBkkEurz0VZ7EQ0Je5WFPjUwEagKat-J8AUBPwByMr_nzMekGoTVY8xEkC3wPOf5iUSWO8K3wZzObQAS6fmedA=s16000" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Read 19 other hilarious grammar memes at <a href="https://thefrangipanicreative.com/20-of-the-most-hilarious-grammar-memes-on-the-internet/" target="_blank">The Frangipani Creative</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Today is National Grammar Day! And why is that a special
day, you ask? Because evidently, it's necessary to remind people to check their
grammar.</div><p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8Gv0H-vPoDc" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Do you have any pet peeves about grammar mistakes people
make? This catchy parody by Weird Al lists some prevalent word crimes that
drive him crazy. He is a little brutal, but he makes up for the insults by
giving viewers a couple grammar lessons.
<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">Is it correct to say, "I could
care less?" <br />
Are you doing good or doing well? <br />
Can you use "quotes" too often? <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Surprisingly, Weird Al did not mention my biggest pet peeve
for grammar in his parody: using <b><i>that</i></b> instead of <b><i>who. </i></b>For
example: <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><i>An employee that goes above and
beyond should be recognized. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">INCORRECT. It should be: <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><i>An employee <b>who</b> goes
above and beyond should be recognized. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Grammarly app doesn't even find it for correction; it has
become common. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Our English has become lazy. There are several words that we
pronunciate correctly <a href="https://www.fluentu.com/blog/english/words-people-say-wrong/">but with for
the wrong reason</a>. We even say some words by just a sound instead of the
word, such as saying "teh" instead of saying "to." <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">One of my crimes isn't misspelling or using a word
incorrectly, but rather how I pronounce it: espresso – not expresso. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Two Ideal
Grammar Helps for Writers<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br />I keep grammar helpers close at hand to save time as a
writer. The most useful is <a href="http://www.grammarly.com/"><b><span style="color: #398e98; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 191;">Grammarly</span></b></a><span style="color: #398e98; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 191;">,</span> a tool
I use daily. It is a free download and works right within Microsoft Word. (The
free version is quite basic; I recommend a subscription for writers and
students.) <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br />Besides directing me to correctly place commas, Grammarly
catches all my typed sentences with two spaces after periods. Breaking the
two-space habit is hard – I remember in high school typing class when I would
get marked down on timed tests if there was only one space after a period! <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Another is <b>Google</b>. I have a Google Mini at my desk
and use it frequently as a thesaurus. It saves time from leaving Microsoft Word
and going to a browser to look up a word. Google can even send the answer right
to your phone. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">More Sources
for Grammar Help<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.grammarly.com/blog/"><b><span style="background: white; color: #398e98; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 18.5467px; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 191;">Grammarly</span></b></a><b><span style="background: white; color: #398e98; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 18.5467px; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white; color: #3f4a56;">I have already mentioned my love for Grammarly. Grammarly's blog is a source for all types of Grammarly wisdom. If reading their blog isn't enough for you, sign up for their mailing list to get tips right to your mailbox.<br /><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/grammar-girl"><b><span style="color: #398e98; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 107%; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 191;">Grammar Girl Podcast</span></b></a><b><span style="color: #398e98; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 107%; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #3f4a56; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Grammar Girl is Mignon Fogarty, the
founder of the Quick and Dirty Tips network. Her podcast can be found wherever
you like to listen to podcasts. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://grammarist.com/"><b><span style="background: white; color: #398e98; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 191;">Grammarist</span></b></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #141414; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Grammarist is a blog to help with
grammar, usage, spelling, style, and other resources. Grammarist states that
they reach a "diverse audience primarily in the U.S., the U.K., Canada,
and Australia, in that order." <br /><br /></span><span style="background: white; color: #3f4a56; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.dailywritingtips.com/"><b><span style="color: #398e98; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 191;">Daily
Writing Tips</span></b></a><b><span style="color: #398e98; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This grammar blog publishes a new <span style="background: white; color: #2c3e50;">article daily with topics ranging from grammar to
punctuation, spelling to usage, and vocabulary. For business writing tips,
check here first. Find what you need from their category list on the main page.
<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">If you have a grammar pet peeve you want to get off your chest,
post it here in the comments or tag <b>#musesofamom</b> along with <b>#nationalgrammarday</b>
on Twitter. </span><o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br />Looking for grammar errors in this post? If you find one – let
Grammarly know. <o:p></o:p></p>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00163558386595878384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348545808085588773.post-38068197343968092282022-03-02T04:00:00.002-06:002022-11-16T16:31:20.534-06:00How Washington Became the First Capital of Texas <p>On March 2,1836, the Texas Declaration of Independence was
signed at a small, unfinished frame building at a small settlement on the Brazos River in the east part of Texas. That date
is now what Texans commemorate as Texas Independence Day, and the location marks
the birthplace of the Republic of Texas. <br /><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgikZUuPQccfHIIFTrAam5OEUJbGxJ1Jk9dbW_qpWHJi78GGbdfjg6y21sPJcy8nqrcYsMkQ0GOqhyYFWfGbfVehywON2a2NSWmmttxn8p2tvamTBr_s2NjGg2biOrhi1tV167yy2HBI92JfLBxmroGbg6TgG-hJ2MlLkhY6KdnCzB9e-eu2ijY19mu7g=s550" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="412" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgikZUuPQccfHIIFTrAam5OEUJbGxJ1Jk9dbW_qpWHJi78GGbdfjg6y21sPJcy8nqrcYsMkQ0GOqhyYFWfGbfVehywON2a2NSWmmttxn8p2tvamTBr_s2NjGg2biOrhi1tV167yy2HBI92JfLBxmroGbg6TgG-hJ2MlLkhY6KdnCzB9e-eu2ijY19mu7g=s16000" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Texas Flag today. </span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<h2><b>The First Texas Capital<o:p></o:p></b></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">We recently explored <a href="https://www.thc.texas.gov/historic-sites/washington-brazos-state-historic-site">Washington
on the Brazos State Historic Site</a> in Washington, Texas. It is maintained by
the Texas Historical Commission and a must-see for those who desire to learn
more about Texas’s rich history. (The THC has preserved the stories and
locations of other Texas Republic locations, such as the San Jacinto
Battleground and San Felipe de Austin.) <br /><br /><span style="background: white; color: #4d3d2c; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkVQyN0HBBVyZWiv46G_UkTVzBCoynBuqgzq6Mj9rylmqBEAetylhUQiLaUg_jYTXhtzLDO9swJgeauT0QW_S8dAryLAFgDoqcWxm3nPZGkcQwPIhR8QTDTFAckuf3vzkIjN7NDDfMih1t2eir-rQT3zAcj3zU6J4TK1cmqqW7JyI_V6puAcIGTN857w=s550" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="549" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkVQyN0HBBVyZWiv46G_UkTVzBCoynBuqgzq6Mj9rylmqBEAetylhUQiLaUg_jYTXhtzLDO9swJgeauT0QW_S8dAryLAFgDoqcWxm3nPZGkcQwPIhR8QTDTFAckuf3vzkIjN7NDDfMih1t2eir-rQT3zAcj3zU6J4TK1cmqqW7JyI_V6puAcIGTN857w=s16000" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>While the building is far from awe-inspiring, being in the same location where significant <br />Texas history took place still felt reverential. Walking the grounds was quite peaceful. </i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br />To visit the old Texas capital, visitors must travel 20 miles north of Brenham, Texas on part of
<a href="https://texasindependencetrail.com/plan-your-adventure/historic-sites-and-cities/sites/washington-brazos-state-historic-site">the
Texas Independence Trail</a> into the remote countryside. Almost 300 acres, this site has a reconstruction of Independence Hall, the Star of the Republic Museum, and
Barrington Plantation, a currently working farm and former home of the last
president of the Texas Republic, Anson Jones. The museum and the 19<sup>th</sup>-century
farm on the site require an admission fee. However, there is still plenty to
enjoy for free: a learning area inside the welcome center, hiking trails with a
view of the Brazos River, and picnic areas. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p>
<h2><b>Washington and the Fight of Texas Independence <o:p></o:p></b></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">The story of the Texas Republic begins with Stephen F. Austin and the 300
families he encouraged to settle on the northern frontier of Mexico in 1821. By
1835, many Texans, both Anglo colonists and Tejanos, concluded that a republican
government was impossible while General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna ruled
Mexico. That December, Texans took San Antonio by force. The provisional government
in nearby San Felipe issued a call for delegates to a convention. In March 1836,
a group of 59 representatives gathered in the small town of Washington, Texas, to establish an
independent Texas republic. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In 1836, Washington was a one-street town with fewer than
200 residents. Commerce was limited to the ferry crossing on the Brazos and
crude travel accommodations. However, the town leaders offered the delegates a
free meeting hall if they would bring their convention to Washington. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There was unusually cold weather when the delegates met on
March 1, 1836. The meeting hall was a small, unspectacular framed building,
with windows covered with linen cloth and a ceiling open to the rafters. Yet,
the delegates persevered, and on the following day, March 2, independence from
Mexico was declared. <br /><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj967_ZmAIegw_sQwgN2qCfyiamED5zd4efMuQ0IjT7qoW6kkyW8zfN6QNvCmBQvjFwexqKkYI8E_96cKzwah-ZnsYqgY7-d8-OmzMoe4wj76W8o2mTCUWw-JB4ugXd8voTXOLG6zdcoTZ3m9fuyyd3A67DG5wNltsw8qX8anJ_-NY8BB19zriNLmnF1w=s2869" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2868" data-original-width="2869" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj967_ZmAIegw_sQwgN2qCfyiamED5zd4efMuQ0IjT7qoW6kkyW8zfN6QNvCmBQvjFwexqKkYI8E_96cKzwah-ZnsYqgY7-d8-OmzMoe4wj76W8o2mTCUWw-JB4ugXd8voTXOLG6zdcoTZ3m9fuyyd3A67DG5wNltsw8qX8anJ_-NY8BB19zriNLmnF1w=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">An example of the type of linen curtains that were used at the time. </span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p class="MsoNormal">Meanwhile, 150 miles to the southwest in San Antonio, the
Alamo was still under siege by General Santa Anna’s troops. When the Alamo fell
on March 6, the news panicked settlers. Many fled the countryside from the
oncoming Mexican army, known as the “<a href="https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/runaway-scrape">Runaway
Scrape</a>.”</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br />But the delegates were still in Washington. On March 17,
1836, they adopted a Constitution for the Republic of Texas and named an interim
government. Along with other townspeople, the representatives and the new
administration quickly left Washington to avoid capture by Mexican forces. Independence
was declared, but the war had yet to be won.<br /><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<h2><b>Remember the Alamo<o:p></o:p></b></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">Since March 13, the Texan army had been in retreat when it left Gonzales after
learning about the fall of the Alamo. After the massacre at Goliad on March 27,
many men left the army to assist their families who were fleeing the Mexican
Army.<br /><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjo_qCxxH4pdjGaIJupF3K3Cwfeb7JOKNOmxhv-8aN2UMlbEExqBzgHYmi9tgmJrxOPLB6228ptXvcRIlcjwAqh1TUMStaTQy_G837CvEdEBfDNIQTLre5j6VUJc4Fy_38ewkWSnCJLtm5iAaFVMh39uwlxU4-17OqVFVvAePoy51L1pcn7ZCYYmDdg7A=s812" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="812" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjo_qCxxH4pdjGaIJupF3K3Cwfeb7JOKNOmxhv-8aN2UMlbEExqBzgHYmi9tgmJrxOPLB6228ptXvcRIlcjwAqh1TUMStaTQy_G837CvEdEBfDNIQTLre5j6VUJc4Fy_38ewkWSnCJLtm5iAaFVMh39uwlxU4-17OqVFVvAePoy51L1pcn7ZCYYmDdg7A=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">A photo of the Alamo historical site when we visited in 2017. Always a popular stop for visitors, <br />this former mission displays considerable artifacts from the Texas Revolution. </span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p class="MsoNormal">Now Sam Houston had to reassemble some sort of an army. Over
the next month, he trained new recruits into something resembling a disciplined
army, then continued the march toward the Sabine River.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">With his rag-tag army of fewer than 900 men, Houston prepared
his troops (in the city now known as LaPorte) on April 21, 1836. In line with
the “<a href="https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/twin-sisters">Twin Sisters</a>”
cannon, the men were shielded by trees and a rise in the terrain.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">At 3:30 in the afternoon, during the Mexican siesta, the
Texans advanced. With cries of “Remember the Alamo” and “Remember Goliad,” the
Texan army swooped in on the Mexican army of almost 1500 men, overpowering them
and capturing Santa Anna. The <a href="https://www.sanjacinto-museum.org/The_Battle/">Battle of San Jacinto</a> lasted less than twenty minutes. Santa
Anna conceded. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p>
<h2><b>Washington after the Revolution<o:p></o:p></b></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">After the revolution was won, the town of Washington still played a pivotal
role. In 1842, Sam Houston moved the Capitol of Texas from Austin back to
Washington, and the town once again flourished as a political and trading
center.<br /><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4UbAV4fpSqMU0q-MOBd929lnT_eWJzuC2MqCvAS_YP-FdvrLl6qaxE80CAUMQEl7Ql5mcXjShF_7rgPTua8SZ3akwAlGnz39FvgVIJ2_ISWU_6EA2htb9_aSWTYvzOuBOwdNCBFo3BbytlmblEbwEWKM_xoNZvuqE_k5-6SNVI4z-sz1fJYikAmGcNg=s3834" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2875" data-original-width="3834" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4UbAV4fpSqMU0q-MOBd929lnT_eWJzuC2MqCvAS_YP-FdvrLl6qaxE80CAUMQEl7Ql5mcXjShF_7rgPTua8SZ3akwAlGnz39FvgVIJ2_ISWU_6EA2htb9_aSWTYvzOuBOwdNCBFo3BbytlmblEbwEWKM_xoNZvuqE_k5-6SNVI4z-sz1fJYikAmGcNg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">This etched glass gives an idea of what Ferry Street in Washington, Texas <br />looked like in the 1850s. I didn't succeed well with lining up the photo! </span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> When the capital was once again moved back to Austin in 1845,
Washington’s political significance declined. However, the town still
flourished due to the travel and commerce on the Brazos River. The town grew to
900 residents and enjoyed prosperity. In the 1850s, Washington town leaders rejected the "newfangled railroad" plans for the area. It was an expensive and fatal mistake, and the town began its slow and steady decline. <br /><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifff8JH6xoj24CfaPSerP36gEPyTSAMz3TL9lLFL37hX7XFkaT7MnEK1S51b9mXnx11dzJTjVao5VFxyIDePbMoXL7RhpNtmKtsafYlpfHUGJy3C4G-Bbuh_KdPib8MiJauuXaquv5iO9QIR8f3LPnGZ8F35oQ9aEsF2DFLAiKSj1rKtkQVrFmXOdEVA=s3677" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3677" data-original-width="2757" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifff8JH6xoj24CfaPSerP36gEPyTSAMz3TL9lLFL37hX7XFkaT7MnEK1S51b9mXnx11dzJTjVao5VFxyIDePbMoXL7RhpNtmKtsafYlpfHUGJy3C4G-Bbuh_KdPib8MiJauuXaquv5iO9QIR8f3LPnGZ8F35oQ9aEsF2DFLAiKSj1rKtkQVrFmXOdEVA=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">This is the monument visible on the right side of the building. The engraving is getting quite <br />hard to read; I had to take a photo from the side with the sun shining on it just right. </span></i></b><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p class="MsoNormal">Although not a native Texan, over my 20 years here, I have come to appreciate the rich history and deep roots of Texas. There is always something wonderful to see and experience. And I have so much more to explore. </p>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00163558386595878384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348545808085588773.post-2323453401119048172021-11-22T04:00:00.052-06:002021-11-22T13:31:16.714-06:003 Easy Steps to a Better Workspace in 30 Minutes<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The nice thing about working from home? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Coffee in your favorite mug. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sweatpants. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">An office with a window. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The family dog as an office companion.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Free munchies just down the hall. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s -- working from home. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As much as we may enjoy working from home, there are still
Mondays to contend with. It can be easy to be averse to Mondays when it’s been
a relaxing weekend. <br /><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">However, instead of dreading Mondays, why not institute a simple Monday morning
routine for a more optimistic work week? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Grab your coffee and complete these <i>3 Easy Steps to a Better
Workspace in 30 Minutes</i>. These simple tasks will launch you into Monday
and improve your mood about the upcoming week. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Set Up Your Desk – 5 Minutes<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">One of the biggest roadblocks to concentration and a means
of consistent distraction is a messy, unorganized desk. Take a speedy <i>five minutes</i>
to clean up your desk. Notice I didn’t say <i>work area </i>or<i> office</i>. This
is not the time for decluttering or cleaning; it’s just enough time to prepare the
place where you will sit and work today. (If you need to clean or declutter,
plan this for Friday afternoon.) <o:p></o:p></span>The purpose of these first 5 minutes is to create a space where distractions are at a minimum.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Stack similar things together (work files, projects, notes, etc.)
Put what must be done first by your keyboard.<br /><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Make piles for what needs to be filed, recycling or shredding
out of the way. (But do these chores later!) I usually put these piles on the
floor and out of the way.<br /><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Wipe off your keyboard, mouse, and screen.<br /><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Have necessary tech, planner, tools handy.<br /><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Collect and empty the trash.</span> </li></ol><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbh1xJ-_b1dx96h2NDN0WzZ_Oj4GCwAQOWhMwh6-f2V-Tc7wgOkOI1OPZlDudOR1iQgDqiSTOM4aZiHbn0C5nJp9UL0zKIlsbBvr_-vi1wMNWN1NGSrQRjZzHIlcT_92be3FgiYfC601tj/s500/planner+photo+resized+and+logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbh1xJ-_b1dx96h2NDN0WzZ_Oj4GCwAQOWhMwh6-f2V-Tc7wgOkOI1OPZlDudOR1iQgDqiSTOM4aZiHbn0C5nJp9UL0zKIlsbBvr_-vi1wMNWN1NGSrQRjZzHIlcT_92be3FgiYfC601tj/s16000/planner+photo+resized+and+logo.png" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Email – 10 minutes<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Nothing is more gloomy than checking your email inbox on
Monday morning and seeing numerous emails. Here is how to take just ten minutes to
purge and organize emails and know where to begin the week: <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><u>Purge</u></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">First, sort your inbox by Sender. Now, scroll through and batch-delete
those emails you don’t need to read, such as ads, junk mail, or newsletters. Move
low-priority emails (to read to at your leisure) to another folder, so they cannot
be seen in your primary inbox. <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><u>Organize</u></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">While the inbox is still sorted by Sender, scroll through
again quickly. For each Sender you need to contact this week, mark their <i>latest</i>
email as “unread.” Any other emails by that Sender can be marked as “read, saved
for reference, or if they can be deleted, do that now. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Finally, sort your inbox by “unread.” The latest and
priority emails will now be ready to refer to and manage. Leave your inbox at
this setting until you have worked through and have read, filed, or deleted.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Planner – 15 minutes<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: #262626;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The last 15 minutes are spent
with your planner. However, this step isn’t for planning as it is systemizing. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: #262626;"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="background: white; color: #262626;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Divide your list of tasks
throughout the workweek;<br /><br /></span></span></li><li><span style="background: white; color: #262626;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Update appointments from
texts and emails; highlight for clarity.</span></span></li></ol><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #262626;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">Don’t use a physical planner? Use this time to
make sure your work or online calendars are updated and synced. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: #262626;"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: #262626;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">After completing these three
steps, you will have a clear space to work and an outline to begin the week. Anything
else can now easily be added and prioritized. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: #262626;"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: #262626;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">While I use Google calendar
and reminders on my phone religiously, I’ve discovered that having a physical
planner assists my productivity by having more information at a simple glance. Besides
appointments and tasks, I add blog and social media scheduling without having
a separate calendar. I often will add a list of what I did accomplish during the day, which has been a handy reference. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: #262626; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #45818e;"><i>What tips can you share that have helped you start the workweek? </i></span></b><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00163558386595878384noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348545808085588773.post-16983475193255967602021-11-15T04:00:00.001-06:002022-11-16T16:28:24.259-06:00The Real Winner of the 4th Grade Spelling Bee<h4><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 4;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My youngest son, Josh, will be 19 years old in just a few days,
which seems unbelievable. In the spring, he graduated from homeschool and is now enjoys working at his first job.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 4;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Josh is quite different than my oldest son, Matt. His compassionate
heart and desire to please require that we coach him differently to guide him
toward confidence and success. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 4;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This was something that I learned several years ago when I made Josh
cry. And I will be honest and say that I really wasn’t sorry about it at the
time.<br /><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 4;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5_Kf1olLAGhkVIV1wEyEvnGJTaFCOkaref6JYDSHC1j2mhTY0jBQyGHzQBWBzFAZwDp8lCciLMLBcwquaipzX-seaI0zV_L-GxzuatlENxeFs4SG2u-NzxwVCFK4L8teHwU6UCKkKjV8b/s500/Jeremiah+177+Confidence+%2528500+x+500+px%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5_Kf1olLAGhkVIV1wEyEvnGJTaFCOkaref6JYDSHC1j2mhTY0jBQyGHzQBWBzFAZwDp8lCciLMLBcwquaipzX-seaI0zV_L-GxzuatlENxeFs4SG2u-NzxwVCFK4L8teHwU6UCKkKjV8b/s16000/Jeremiah+177+Confidence+%2528500+x+500+px%2529.png" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;">We were in crunch time of studying for the fourth-grade
spelling bee. In the public school that year, Josh was in the final group
of 15 students who would complete in just two short days in front of his peers.
He was given a list of 600 words to review only seven days before the event. Initially,
he didn’t want to compete in this elective spelling bee. Still, I knew the challenge
would teach Josh the benefits of hard work and good competition.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This particular evening, we were on word
#247. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Mom! I’m missing too many words! I CAN’T DO THIS!” <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Of course you can. You are the smartest kid I know. And the best
speller.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“No, I’m not. I can’t remember how to spell these words!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“That’s because you haven’t learned them yet. We are learning them
now.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“How many words did I miss on this page?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Don’t worry about that. We are just reviewing right now.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">After a few more misspelled words, his eyes
started to glisten with tears.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Mom! I’m not good at this. Can we stop now?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“No. I know you can do this. Just a couple more words, and we’ll
stop for the day.”<br /></span></span></i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I felt like Mother and Coach of the Year. NOT.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I was confident that I knew my child and his capabilities.
He really was a good speller. Was I pushing him? Yes. Did I encourage him along
the way? Yes. Was it hard work? Yes. (For him and for me!) Doubts
would surface, and frustration would set in. I could see how he was
progressing, but he could not. I was hoping to build his determination, but he felt
defeat. That’s where the tears began to roll down his cheeks.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Don’t we always tell our kids that doing new
things can be difficult, but hard work pays off, and rewards are along the
way? My goal was to teach Josh this lesson. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The night before the spelling bee, we
persevered through the rest of the list, and by then, I wanted the whole thing
to be over as much as he did. When I would see frustration, I would stop,
encourage and praise him for what he was doing right. I could see that he was
nervous, but I quickly assured him that those feelings were normal. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Despite my good intentions, I neglected one
important thing: to ask him questions to determine what was really going on in
his mind. Instead, I gave encouragement based on what I was <i>seeing</i>,
not what I was <i>hearing</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My husband saw this interaction, and through his
God-given wisdom, Chris saw what I could not. Chris learned that while Josh <i>was</i>
nervous about the next day, it wasn’t about how he would do with spelling as
much as that he would disappoint his parents by failing. Josh, with his tender
heart, would do anything to please and to keep the peace. Chris not only
encouraged Josh, but he prayed with him at bedtime and stayed with him until he
was relaxed and could fall asleep. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Josh didn’t need stress relief; he needed
failure relief. He needed to understand and grasp that no matter what, he had
worked hard. Wherever he finished -- we were always his biggest cheerleaders. </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />He didn’t need my motivation as much as he
needed my patience, praise, and prayer. While Josh agreed that he <i>could</i> do
well in the spelling bee, he needed the assurance<i> </i>that he <i>would</i> be
well with us, no matter what happened. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The following morning, there was a brighter
outlook. I made a nutritious breakfast for Josh and sent him off to school on
the bus, telling him we would see him at the spelling bee. And by his request, I
promised not to sit too close.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">During the spelling bee, you know what I saw? Confidence. Josh
marched to the microphone and spelled word after word, not showing an ounce of
nervousness at each turn. Seeing the assurance in this ten-year-old as he
spelled for his peers was not the result of my coaching; it was an answer to
prayer. This was the real win, and we didn’t mind where he finished in the contest.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;"><br />He was awarded second place.<br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;"><br />Yet – I was the one who learned the 4th-grade
spelling bee. </span></p></h4><div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
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</div>
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</ul>
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Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00163558386595878384noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348545808085588773.post-47438554443547488522021-11-12T04:00:00.010-06:002021-11-12T04:00:00.201-06:0011 Fun (and Practical) Gifts Your College Student Will Love <p>Sometimes it's difficult to buy for your college student when
they live minimally in the college dorm. That was my challenge while my oldest was away at college. Those dorm rooms are only so big. If that is your dilemma, never fear -- I have found some fun, yet practical gifts your college student will love. They are small enough to pack and take back to college -- or they can show up later at their dorm
room door.<br /><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Oh, and the disclaimer. Yes, there are links that if you
click and decide to buy, I get that very small commission from Amazon. But hey,
it all helps. Other links are simply for ideas and your convenience.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /> <o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4iqpQ8PL_hYKkkK8vfLa1NNbGWbP7-gJM3xunCpWACNAEoUWMIPeoXce3P-uXWlXmf09A-KgCPveiPeatnIJ_9h88i43azgJORnJCyjZ6-4A6ZXjnSu61rGaiUB998YZDWqVmOqZx3He/s600/kira-auf-der-heide-IPx7J1n_xUc-unsplash+resized+600.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4iqpQ8PL_hYKkkK8vfLa1NNbGWbP7-gJM3xunCpWACNAEoUWMIPeoXce3P-uXWlXmf09A-KgCPveiPeatnIJ_9h88i43azgJORnJCyjZ6-4A6ZXjnSu61rGaiUB998YZDWqVmOqZx3He/s16000/kira-auf-der-heide-IPx7J1n_xUc-unsplash+resized+600.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="text-align: left;"> Photo by </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/@kadh?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText" style="text-align: left;">Kira auf der Heide</a><span style="text-align: left;"> on </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/opening-gifts?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText" style="text-align: left;">Unsplash</a></span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>Kitchen Helpers</b></h2><p class="MsoNormal">On weekends it’s hard to get up early and make it to
breakfast. A <b>mini waffle maker</b> can make a convenient breakfast (or
lunch), and they won’t have to leave the dorm. The <a href="https://amzn.to/3qcwzyE">Dash Mini Waffle Maker from Amazon</a> comes in
several colors, has a 4.5-star rating, and is affordable at $17.99. <a href="https://www.walmart.com/search?q=mini+waffle+maker">Walmart</a><b> </b>has
not only a mini waffle maker but a waffle stick maker and even an animal circus
waffle maker! To complete the gift, add a bowl, whisk, and some packages of
easy waffle mix. Try the <a href="https://amzn.to/3wloiJt">Birch Benders Waffle
mix</a>. All that has to be added is water. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">If your student doesn’t have a microwave in their room, a
small <b>popcorn maker</b> will be fun for them and their roommates too! <a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Presto-PopLite-Hot-Air-Popcorn-Popper/5969519?athbdg=L1600">The
Presto PopLite Hot Air Popcorn Maker</a> pops fast and doesn’t require oil.
With a bag of popcorn kernels, it will be less expensive than microwave
popcorn. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Most college dorms provide a <b>mini-fridge</b>. But if your
student lacks this item, consider <a href="https://amzn.to/3BQkjWo">an
affordable mini fridge/cooler combination</a> that they can use in their room
or while on the go. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">A <a href="https://amzn.to/3qbKcxO"><b>mini Keurig</b></a> is a
popular request for today’s college students! Available in several colors, choose
the best one that matches your student’s dorm décor. Have <a href="https://amzn.to/3EN7nme">a box of assorted coffees</a> sent to their college
address, and they will be ready for next semester! <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://amzn.to/3o5xyO6"><b>Mini blenders</b></a> are popular
for college students to make their own smoothies and protein shakes in their
room before heading to morning classes. An affordable choice is the <a href="https://amzn.to/3CPSFuh">Hamilton Beach Personal Blender</a>. It gets the
job done when making simple shakes and smoothies. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>Lighting</b></h2><p class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="https://amzn.to/2ZVapWV">Indoor light strands</a> </b>are
the latest dorm room décor trend. They provide a relaxing atmosphere and aren’t
intrusive to roommates. A <a href="https://amzn.to/3EINMDE"><b>rechargeable book light</b> </a>with 3 brightness settings (plus case and cable) will be helpful on
late study nights. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>Food Delivery</b></h2><p class="MsoNormal">Sending <b>pizza, Dash or Uber Eats gift cards</b> anytime will be
appreciated – especially when it’s a weekend that your student has to hunker
down and study. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>Cozy Lounging</b></h2><p class="MsoNormal">With the colder weather approaching, a soft <b>fleece throw
blanket</b> can be welcome when the dorm is chilly. <a href="https://amzn.to/3D2gr64">A red buffalo print sherpa fleece</a> or a <a href="https://amzn.to/3nZHMzL">waffled texture fleece blanket</a> in their
favorite color are great ideas, both under $20. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Loungewear</b> is the most popular clothing at college. Pick
comfortable sweats (for guys) and leggings (for gals) that are also appropriate
to wear to class. For colder areas of the country, look for sherpa-lined sweats
and hoodies. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>Subscription Boxes</b></h2><p class="MsoNormal">One of the best gifts that show you care are the unexpected care
packages. Treat your student to a monthly or bi-monthly <b>snack subscription box,</b> so their cabinet is stocked every month! Choose one of the <a href="https://amzn.to/3wluHV1">subscription boxes through Amazon</a> or get other
ideas from the My Subscription Addiction blog, where they have <a href="https://www.mysubscriptionaddiction.com/best-subscription-boxes/best-snack-boxes">rated
the best snack subscription boxes for 2021</a>. You can pick the fancy or not-so-fancy
box – whatever best fits your student.<br /><br /><br /></p><h2><b>Want to Save Money on Shopping? </b></h2><div><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Use the <a href="file:///C:/Users/Angie%20V/OneDrive/Documents/joinhoney.com/ref/qtw9pev">Honey</a> browser extension! </b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">With this extension in your browser, it will not only let you know if there is a coupon or better price somewhere else on the internet, but as a member, you earn points at hundreds of stores, regardless if there is a sale. For every 1,000 points you earn, you’ll get a $10 gift card to a favorite store. </span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Angie%20V/OneDrive/Documents/joinhoney.com/ref/qtw9pev" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Get all the details at the Honey website</a><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">. The service is free and can be used on your favorite web browser.<br /><br /></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://musesofamom.blogspot.com/2021/11/85-stocking-stuffer-ideas-for-teen-boys.html" target="_blank">For more ideas and
stocking stuffers, see my</a></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://musesofamom.blogspot.com/2021/11/85-stocking-stuffer-ideas-for-teen-boys.html" target="_blank"><b style="color: #45818e; font-size: large; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: medium;">Ultimate List of 85 S</span></b><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: medium;"><b>tocking Stuffer Ideas for Teen Boys (And College-Age too!)</b></span></span></a></div><div style="color: #45818e; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="color: #45818e; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">What has been your favorite item to send back with your college student after the holidays? Tell me in the comments below! </span></div><p></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p> </o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ZenjqvObgieBX4o0veH5W4AoIbru9X7rsgt0t0CUr6k_ZDmL8KqiRzfzLRsZh2xh3EwhLDV53z5roVOVVb3l2g80xYUCJ5au2bGak10lxhCx1Dk-udpmkcz5mX_p-QqtP8Lx64DMHtpl/s220/Angie+in+aqua+%25282%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="105" data-original-width="220" height="88" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ZenjqvObgieBX4o0veH5W4AoIbru9X7rsgt0t0CUr6k_ZDmL8KqiRzfzLRsZh2xh3EwhLDV53z5roVOVVb3l2g80xYUCJ5au2bGak10lxhCx1Dk-udpmkcz5mX_p-QqtP8Lx64DMHtpl/w184-h88/Angie+in+aqua+%25282%2529.png" width="184" /></a></p><br /><p></p>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00163558386595878384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348545808085588773.post-67397477383365660912021-11-10T04:00:00.119-06:002021-11-10T09:19:25.778-06:00Operation Christmas Child: Pack a Boy's Box With a Trip to Dollar Tree<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Recently I wrote about how this part of November was my favorite time of year -- packing shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child! <b><a href="https://musesofamom.blogspot.com/2021/11/operation-christmas-child-how-to-pack.html" target="_blank">(Visit my earlier post for more information on this wonderful project!)</a></b> <br /><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">In addition to the color-themed Operation Christmas Child boxes I finished for little girls, (ages 5-9), I wanted to use some of my remaining items to do two boy boxes. In years past, our
family always filled shoeboxes for boys to represent our two boys' ages at the
time. <br /><br /></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This year, packing for the
girl and boy boxes can be much easier by the many items that are available at Dollar Tree.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <br /><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Here are my final boxes for ideas of what to put in a boy’s shoebox. While some of my items
have been collected throughout the year from other retailers, I highlighted those items that can be found at Dollar Tree. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtqoLvwKjiYz3BZfG3ThajUkLu5f6H-NNEOvQ2nMkM4DxCHsOSa1Fd3aKx12QLpnxTcwf19ZO7GZIvVdanLtUQBcjUv3fLJ2d49slt7qBDJZ9flEe-Qvyu3noFQo6DE3z56iSqbvfUI6lg/s500/occ+3+resized.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtqoLvwKjiYz3BZfG3ThajUkLu5f6H-NNEOvQ2nMkM4DxCHsOSa1Fd3aKx12QLpnxTcwf19ZO7GZIvVdanLtUQBcjUv3fLJ2d49slt7qBDJZ9flEe-Qvyu3noFQo6DE3z56iSqbvfUI6lg/s16000/occ+3+resized.png" /></span></i></b></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ideas for an Operation Christmas Child Boy Box, Ages 5-9</span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Boy Box for ages 5-9:</b></span></div><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">T-shirt & </span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #45818e;">
Matching socks</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #45818e;">
Backpack</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">
School supply box</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">
Spiral Notebook <i><span style="color: #45818e;">(there are many notepads available at Dollar Tree)</span></i></span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #45818e;">
Crayons</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #45818e;">
Lego-type toy</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">
Small car toy</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #45818e;">
Play-doh</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">
Light-up Ball</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #45818e;">
Pencils</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #45818e;">
Extra eraser</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #45818e;">
Pencil sharpener</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #45818e;">
Bar of soap and washcloth</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #45818e;">
Toothbrush</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">
Jingle bell necklace <br /><br /></span></li></ul><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>TIP</b>: So those little items wouldn’t
get lost in the box, they were added to a snack-sized bag, and the washcloth and soap were packed in a sandwich-sized bag. <o:p></o:p></span></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEX3N5FZhovk9hBqMq-w6nR0UVpw4xj1LYHLY44z2YKqPC1aKfUO7Vsd8zJWy5DElb7pNXTffwqioxMAlQ_s0pRLGbrF-EuS1hU6TvVXvnLM82pL-VpSyBspaJ_Xzv_do8rVn3ttZMnJi/s500/occ+4+resized.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEX3N5FZhovk9hBqMq-w6nR0UVpw4xj1LYHLY44z2YKqPC1aKfUO7Vsd8zJWy5DElb7pNXTffwqioxMAlQ_s0pRLGbrF-EuS1hU6TvVXvnLM82pL-VpSyBspaJ_Xzv_do8rVn3ttZMnJi/s16000/occ+4+resized.png" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ideas for an Operation Christmas Child boy box, ages 10-14</span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Boy’s Box for 10-14:</span></h2><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">T-shirt & </span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #45818e;">
Matching socks</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #45818e;">
Backpack</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">
School supply box</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #45818e;">
Small note pad</span> (not shown)</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #45818e;">
Markers</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #45818e;">
Puzzle</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #45818e;">
Small car toy</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #45818e;">
Play-doh</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #45818e;">
Football toy</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #45818e;">
Pencils</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #45818e;">
Extra eraser</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #45818e;">
Pencil sharpener</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #45818e;">
Bar of soap and washcloth</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #45818e;">
Toothbrush</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">
Jingle bell necklace<br /><br /></span></li></ul><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>TIP</b>: Add a toy on the top of all the other items so it is the first thing they see when they open their box! <br /><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">There are <b>many choices of toys, school supplies, & hygiene items at the Dollar Tree</b> to fill up a box. Take a shoebox with you to Dollar Tree to fill it full with some of these items! <br /><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">National Collection Week <i>is November 15-22,</i> so there is still time to make up a box and take it to one of the many <b><a href="https://draft.blogger.com/u/1/blog/post/edit/348545808085588773/8771732318578485872"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: blue; padding: 0in;">drop-off locations!</span></a><br /><br /></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">If it has been some time since you have purchased items for kids, check out the many </span><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://draft.blogger.com/u/1/blog/post/edit/348545808085588773/8771732318578485872"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: blue; padding: 0in;">ideas on my Pinterest Board</span></a></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">, or can refer to <b><a href="https://draft.blogger.com/u/1/blog/post/edit/348545808085588773/8771732318578485872"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: blue; padding: 0in;">this list on the Operation Christmas Child website</span></a></b>.<br /><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Unable to pack a shoebox yet still want to help? <b><a href="https://draft.blogger.com/u/1/blog/post/edit/348545808085588773/8771732318578485872"><span style="color: blue;">B<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">uild a shoebox online. </span></span></a></b> <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><b><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you have packed a
shoebox in the past, what was a favorite item you included? What ideas can you
think of to add to a little boy’s box? </span></i></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOWx4cbxOgGLDrycVsXExCxmJYeniRaLXMTwb-slz2o2ac0D5VroVMcuTLG216FYV1ljbT3SVAlK3ZuVn2Al0ReDmYjC4g_NAWLMnEMc7UcRI3vqZKRrG4m7ECMx3HHwPkUWfaoAqZiisM/s220/Angie+in+aqua+%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="105" data-original-width="220" height="72" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOWx4cbxOgGLDrycVsXExCxmJYeniRaLXMTwb-slz2o2ac0D5VroVMcuTLG216FYV1ljbT3SVAlK3ZuVn2Al0ReDmYjC4g_NAWLMnEMc7UcRI3vqZKRrG4m7ECMx3HHwPkUWfaoAqZiisM/w151-h72/Angie+in+aqua+%25282%2529.png" width="151" /></a><br /><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></p>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00163558386595878384noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348545808085588773.post-56332449043856511672021-11-06T04:00:00.004-05:002021-11-09T14:11:44.108-06:0085 Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Teen Boys (And College-Age too!) <p>It’s November and I’m already thinking of stocking stuffers.
Why? Because teens are HARD to buy for! When my two sons entered their teen
years, choices were more challenging. Now at 24 and 19 years old, they secretly
love finding full stockings on Christmas morning. So here I am again. What can I
do differently this year? <br /><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Are you in the same dilemma? Then let’s get to my Ultimate
List of 85 Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Teenage Boys. Some ideas may be obvious, but
when you are in a time crunch, this handy list will keep you from forgetting! <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;">Read to the end of
this post for TWO EASY WAYS <br />
to save money on your online shopping!</span><span style="color: #4a9b82;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br />Oh, and the disclaimer. Yes, there are links that if you click
and decide to buy, I get that very small commission from Amazon. But hey, it all
helps. Other links are simply for ideas and your convenience. <o:p></o:p></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br />Okay, on to the list! <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0KBsWw2foOZC1Fyb1biRvB2xADKSWJF5tjEhoJK7Plll33XAY73oSsLbU7utJsQAPcjlBsZPh2u840y6B_ycaYt_8hEafgpo3ZFBTI9IHKi05m8RpJNcRMSYm6EZ9hMhhcpLuBI-e_IIM/s650/dan-lefebvre-uKj3k6WkQLk-unsplash+resized+650.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="366" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0KBsWw2foOZC1Fyb1biRvB2xADKSWJF5tjEhoJK7Plll33XAY73oSsLbU7utJsQAPcjlBsZPh2u840y6B_ycaYt_8hEafgpo3ZFBTI9IHKi05m8RpJNcRMSYm6EZ9hMhhcpLuBI-e_IIM/s16000/dan-lefebvre-uKj3k6WkQLk-unsplash+resized+650.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><p><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@danlefeb?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Dan LeFebvre</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/christmas-stockings?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></span></i></b></p><p><br style="text-align: left;" /></p></td></tr></tbody></table><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>The Classics:</b></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">1. Cool socks – see the list of <a href="https://www.kohls.com/search.jsp?submit-search=web-regular&search=novelty+socks+for+men&S=1&PPP=48&kls_sbp=76349436091626457171336380567813302169">ideas
from Kohl’s website</a> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">2. Novelty T-shirt – <a href="https://www.kohls.com/catalog/teen-guys-graphic-tees-tops-clothing.jsp?CN=Gender:Teen%20Guys+Silhouette:Graphic%20Tees+Category:Tops+Department:Clothing&icid=youngmens-VN2-graphictees&BST=2894164&pfm=browse%20p13n%20Visual%20Nav&kls_sbp=76349436091626457171336380567813302169">Kohl’s
has plenty to choose from</a> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">3. <a href="https://amzn.to/301ftc0">Polarized Sports Sunglasses</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">4. <a href="https://amzn.to/3o5z1Et">Winter hat with bluetooth
headset</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">5. Beanie hat and scarf set<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">6. <a href="https://amzn.to/3CS3sDY">Knit touchscreen gloves</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">7. Leather bracelet<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">8. <a href="https://amzn.to/3bIoAR9">Minimalist wallet </a> <o:p></o:p></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><b><br />Personal Items</b></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">9. Body Spray or Cologne – try this small <a href="https://www.target.com/p/men-39-s-cologne-sampler-gift-set-trial-size-4ct-goodfellow-38-co-8482/-/A-76151662#lnk=sametab">4
count sampler Goodfellow gift set</a> from Target<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">10. <a href="https://www.target.com/p/harry-s-body-wash-bar-soap/-/A-53675211#lnk=sametab">Harry’s
body soap bar</a> from Target or a <a href="https://amzn.to/3EIzTFq">3 pack of Dr.
Squatch natural soaps</a> if you have more than one guy to buy for.<br /><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">11. Deodorant<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">12. Face Wash <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">13. Chapstick – my fave is the <a href="https://amzn.to/3o7nEMi">4-pack
of Burt’s Bees</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">14. <a href="https://amzn.to/3mMN16s">Nail clipper set in a case</a>
– not fancy, just practical. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">15. <a href="https://amzn.to/3qabODv">New comb</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">16. Biore Strips <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">17. Electric toothbrush<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">18. New Razor Set or Electric Razor<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">19. Shoe deodorizer<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">20. <a href="https://amzn.to/31AgkRC">Sneaker Cleaning Wipes</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><b><br />Just for Fun</b></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">21. New computer game or action figures that go with a game he
plays<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">22. New art supplies - such as Quality Prismacolor Art pencils <a href="https://amzn.to/3kbLjtM">Premier 12 count</a> or the <a href="https://amzn.to/3o07FiL">Junior 36 count box</a>. Add a <a href="https://amzn.to/3bIr9mm">small electric pencil sharpener</a> too.<br /><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">23. Rubik’s cube with a new twist – like the <a href="https://amzn.to/3ENjMGW">Magic Rainbow Puzzle Ball</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">24. Card game - popular
now is <a href="https://amzn.to/3k8u50h">Taco Vs Burrito</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/3BIUY0I">Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/3wjTnNO">Exploding Kittens</a>, and <a href="https://amzn.to/3CTol1U">Cards Against Humanity Family Edition</a></p><p class="MsoNormal">25. Graphic novel or comics</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">26. Movie theater card or <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cinemark-theatres/id435965836">subscription
app for Cinemark</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">27. Christmas ornament (I try to find one that symbolizes what they were into that year)<br /><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">28. <a href="https://www.poopourri.com/collections/toilet-sprays?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=&utm_term=poo%20pourri%20spray&utm_content=&utm_funnel=&utm_campaigntype=&utm_campaigntitle=&msclkid=f239bad88ed71dd54f27db5dfc190ff2">Poo-Pourri</a>
for their bathroom<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">29. <a href="https://amzn.to/3BQ9h3I">Head massager</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">30. Ballcap with their favorite band or character.<br /><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKL0DTxS0ihVXNLmZs2ZJjortmPx5cqNCY7x0Lta8bgdoe5CRUWMn1dAH67mhzIJdfw3SbEVyPDAGHg-N9Jap5t7Lf3JrwT2yK5SsRN-GzHe1hcqEwZM8V-JcFI8gn6o316Jk7OyjQSd_z/s1080/Stocking+Stuffer+Ideas+for+Teen+Boys.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKL0DTxS0ihVXNLmZs2ZJjortmPx5cqNCY7x0Lta8bgdoe5CRUWMn1dAH67mhzIJdfw3SbEVyPDAGHg-N9Jap5t7Lf3JrwT2yK5SsRN-GzHe1hcqEwZM8V-JcFI8gn6o316Jk7OyjQSd_z/s320/Stocking+Stuffer+Ideas+for+Teen+Boys.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Want to remember this list? Pin to your Pinterest board! <br /><br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>For Teens Who Drive:</b></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">31. <a href="https://www.target.com/s?searchTerm=Car+freshners&Nao=0&facetedValue=fgi7q">Car
air freshners</a> that attach to the vents<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">32. Gas gift card <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">33. <a href="https://amzn.to/3H5D38z">Digital tire pressure
gauge</a> 150 PSI (I purchased this one for my son last year!) <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">34. Car Wash and/or Oil Change gift certificate<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">35. Unique key chain, and also a <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">36. <a href="https://www.bestbuy.com/site/tile-mate-2022-1-pack-white/6482100.p?skuId=6482100">Tile
Mate</a> for when they lose it! <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">37. <a href="https://amzn.to/3EPCZaM">Insulated Spill-Proof Travel 12 oz. Coffee Tumbler</a> in a choice of colors for hot and cold drinks or <a href="https://amzn.to/3bI8eYS">a 16 oz with a silicone sleeve</a> in various colors.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><b><br />The Useful & Practical</b></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">38. Hand sanitizer with carabiner for backpacks<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">39. New mask with a fun theme<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">40. Nice mechanical pencil with refills <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">41. Package of favorite ink pens<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">42. Barnes & Noble or Amazon gift cards for books (or college
textbook rentals) <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">43. <a href="https://amzn.to/3EINMDE">Rechargeable Book Light </a>with
3 brightness settings, case and cable (5-star rated!) <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">44. <a href="https://amzn.to/3EPlQyc">Small flashlight with carabiner</a>
(or get <a href="https://amzn.to/3bLBm1u">a set of 4 to share</a> with the
family)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">45. <a href="https://amzn.to/3o0DaJM">Leatherman multi-tool</a>
or pocket knife<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">46. Small starter tool kit, like this <a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Helping-Hand-5-piece-Tool-Kit-with-Bag/966927996">5
piece tool kit with bag from Walmart</a> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">47. Computer screen cleaning kit<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">48. <a href="https://amzn.to/3o0SPZB">Earbud cleaning kit</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">49. Smart plugs or Google smart bulbs<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">50. Extra batteries – for flashlights, wireless computer mouse, keyboard,
etc. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">51. New water bottle<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">52. <a href="https://amzn.to/3BN22cz">Headlamp</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><b><br />Novelty & Fun</b></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">53. <a href="https://www.hgtv.com/design/make-and-celebrate/handmade/5-fun-ways-to-gift-wrap-money">Money
wrapped in a fun way</a>, like replacing chocolates with rolled bills
in a box of chocolates. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">54. Create your own “Get out Free” cards that excuse your teen chores
such as taking out the trash, loading the dishwasher, etc. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">55. Pokemon cards <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">56. Oversized candy bar like this huge <a href="https://amzn.to/3ERXpjF">Hershey’s Candy Kiss</a>! <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">57. Stress ball or <a href="https://amzn.to/3GOqEpj">other fidget
stress-reliever toys</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">58. Bottle of specialty root beer <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">59. <a href="https://www.candystore.com/candy-types/retro/?msclkid=1dfeed7f1c55188b9aac8cfa6ad9714e&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=2-theme-old-fashioned-candy&utm_term=Retro%20Candy%20Store&utm_content=theme-retro-candy">Retro
candy</a> – look for ideas and share what you ate as a kid! <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">60. <a href="https://amzn.to/3o0nSoc">Brownie/Cookie skillet
kits</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">61. Scratch-off lottery tickets (if one’s a winner, give them
the cash and you cash in the ticket)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">62. Magazine – themed magazines of all kinds at Barnes & Noble
<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Check your local museum gift shops for unique gifts, which also support the museum.
Cracker Barrel restaurants have fabulous gift shops that have many fun items to
fill up stockings!</i><br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>Electronics & Gaming</b></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">63. <a href="https://amzn.to/3bI1iLx">Waterproof Travel Carrying
case with carabiner for wireless earbuds</a> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">64. <a href="https://amzn.to/3ENjMGW">Anker PowerWave Wireless
Charger</a> for Apple or Android<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">65. <a href="https://amzn.to/3nYxj7H">Cord Wrap Case for Earbuds</a>
with winder cord reel. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">66. <a href="https://amzn.to/3q6WLut">Universal Heavy-duty Anker
10 ft charging cord</a> for any phone or tablet or a <a href="https://amzn.to/300IGE8">USAMS Multi-Charging cable</a> for Apple and
Android products.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">67. <a href="https://amzn.to/31pbJ4u">Popsocket for phone</a> –
in teen boy themes<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">68. <a href="https://amzn.to/3BOpmXI">Anker Bluetooth speaker</a>
- most rated 4.5 stars<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">69. <a href="https://amzn.to/3CPiVVn">Headphone stand with extra
USB ports</a> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">70. iTunes or other music gift cards<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">71. New game controller or gaming mouse<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">72. Gaming gift cards – Target carries XBOX, PlayStation, Nintendo,
Steam, and Fortnite<o:p></o:p></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><b><br />Don’t Forget the Food!</b></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">73. Fast food gift cards – for a one-stop-shop, Target carries
Starbucks, Dominos, Subway, Burger King, and Sonic. Don’t forget Chick-fil-a
and Whataburger (for hardcore Texans!) <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">74. For college students, Dash or Uber Eats cards will be
appreciated for sure!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">75. Favorite gum or mints<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">76. Duncan Hines mug cakes (Last year for my sons, I got two different kinds, split them, and added a new microwavable mug!)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">77. Small can of pringles (great for the “toe” part of the
stocking!) <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">78. Snack foods - small bags of nuts, beef jerky, crackers and
chips, Nutella, small bottle of BBQ sauce or hot sauce<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">79. Candy – add their favorites or give them <a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Candy-Lump-O-Coal-Candy-Tin-Coal-Shaped-Gum/48240471?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=15744&adid=22222222222000000000&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=e&wl1=o&wl2=c&wl3=10352200394&wl4=pla-1103028060075&wl5=&wl6=&wl7=&wl10=Walmart&wl11=Online&wl12=48240471_10000016517&wl14=coal%20candy&veh=sem&gclid=572211fe1fea1fadd075707b67eadaf3&gclsrc=3p.ds&msclkid=572211fe1fea1fadd075707b67eadaf3">coal
candy</a> for fun! Different types of <a href="https://www.walmart.com/search?q=sugar%20free%20hersheys&typeahead=sugar%20free%20her">Hershey
candy that are sugar-free</a> and delicious are available at many stores including
Walmart<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">80. Flavored candy cane – Walmart sells these every year in all kinds
of flavors!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">81. Specialty popcorn from <a href="https://www.thepopcornfactory.com/?r=09pfmsnnon&camid=474_376756544_kwd-76553707748829:loc-190&msclkid=de86a4d084b21ea07ff8c55501752fee&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=tpf_us_bng_sem_nontm_popcorn_desktop_exact_rlsa&utm_term=gourmet%20popcorn&utm_content=Gourmet">The
Popcorn Factory</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><b><br />Themed Stockings</b></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">82. International Foods – find many choices at World Market
or places online to create a stocking-full of treats from all over the world! <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">83. Gamer Goodies – for a hardcore gamer, select
items in relation to their favorite game, such as a novelty t-shirt, socks,
keychain, ball cap, and action figure. Select an XBOX or Playstation gift card. If he watches gaming
videos on YouTube, find their favorite YouTuber and see if they offer merch
(merchandise) with their brand. <a href="https://www.gamestop.com/holiday">GameStop</a>
offers many gamed-themed stocking stuffers too. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">84. Survival Kit - flashlight, pocket knife or multi-tool,
compass, solar phone charger, headlamp, waterproof watch, work gloves, small
first aid kit, hand warmers, insulated socks, beef jerky nuts, and granola. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">85. Game Night Pack – new card game(s), favorite pizza gift card, specialty
popcorn, multi-player computer game, sudoku puzzle book, or Rubik's cube. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">What did I forget? Add your ideas in the comments below!<br /><br /></span></i></b></p>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e;">Now - the 2 easy ways to save more money on your holiday shopping! </span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e;"> </span></b></span><p class="MsoNormal"><br />These are the two browser extensions I use that have been the
most helpful for saving money!<br /><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><a href="https://www.bing.com/stores/edge">Microsoft
Edge</a></b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> – Their built-in coupon tool pops up automatically when there is an
available coupon, cashback offer, or a better price somewhere else for your
item. </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">(Sometimes Amazon does NOT have
the cheapest price!) If you haven’t yet gotten a pop-up about this service when
on Microsoft Edge, </span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><a href="https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/167851-how-enable-disable-shopping-microsoft-edge-chromium.html">this
tutorial</a></b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> will show you how to turn the service on or off. Only
available on the Microsoft Edge browser.<br /><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Angie%20V/OneDrive/Documents/joinhoney.com/ref/qtw9pev">Honey</a>
</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">- With this extension in your browser, it will not only let you know if
there is a coupon or better price somewhere else on the internet, but as a
member, you earn points at hundreds of stores, regardless if there is a sale.
For every 1,000 points you earn, you’ll get a $10 gift card to a favorite
store. </span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Angie%20V/OneDrive/Documents/joinhoney.com/ref/qtw9pev" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Get all the details at the Honey
website</a><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">. The service is free and can be used on your favorite web browser.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0-lE-Zp3WFmU75Oc8MVQcngJ8j4nS_50vpQI7aLvDlMvTiurly-azeqc-NLGuD0VBfYwNHdUax5XfsyIxMX-r7RbQl8CHYywktocw1barC9exeeZi4ond0rfkpUfsxB2YN_PRLTv6yVd0/s220/Angie+in+aqua+%25282%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="105" data-original-width="220" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0-lE-Zp3WFmU75Oc8MVQcngJ8j4nS_50vpQI7aLvDlMvTiurly-azeqc-NLGuD0VBfYwNHdUax5XfsyIxMX-r7RbQl8CHYywktocw1barC9exeeZi4ond0rfkpUfsxB2YN_PRLTv6yVd0/w162-h77/Angie+in+aqua+%25282%2529.png" width="162" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00163558386595878384noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348545808085588773.post-87717323185784858722021-11-01T04:00:00.003-05:002021-11-10T07:49:54.176-06:00How to Participate in Operation Christmas Child -- and 14 Ideas for a Little Girl's Box (ages 5-9) <div style="margin: 6pt 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Halloween is over . . . . and now it's my favorite time of the
year! Why? Because there are three things I look forward to doing: </span></span></div><div style="margin: 6pt 0in; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0CvEArtoyfoKbhL8lUZlBTzXjvxnIyRl-kaiwJ-DIoMrOHmIHwVRXpPEDwqnaCXo-7nX6-vrZS-29HYh9ZxiiMYbdtYAQttLm6gywupTJRJILBk5_w_POBEu-qNXulGKI75ym3B4CJhP/s195/OCC-logo.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="195" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0CvEArtoyfoKbhL8lUZlBTzXjvxnIyRl-kaiwJ-DIoMrOHmIHwVRXpPEDwqnaCXo-7nX6-vrZS-29HYh9ZxiiMYbdtYAQttLm6gywupTJRJILBk5_w_POBEu-qNXulGKI75ym3B4CJhP/s0/OCC-logo.jpg" width="195" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: 107%;">1. Finding a shoebox.<br /><br /></span>2. Packing it with goodies.<br /><br />3. Sending filled shoebox to a child somewhere in the world.</span></div><div style="margin: 6pt 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="line-height: 107%;"><br />Every year I enjoy participating in <a href="https://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/"><b><span style="border: none; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="border: none;">Op<span style="border: none;">eration
Christmas Child</span></span></span></b></a> through Samaritan's Purse. Operation Christmas Child sends thousands of boxes of
goodies and necessities to children everywhere in the world who wouldn't be able
to experience any Christmas without it.</span></span></div><div style="margin: 6pt 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><i><span style="color: #3c3c3c; line-height: 107%;">Samaritan's Purse is a
nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and
physical aid to hurting people worldwide. Since 1970, Samaritan's Purse has
helped meet the needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural
disasters, disease, and famine with the purpose of sharing God's love through
His Son, Jesus Christ. The organization serves the Church worldwide to promote
the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.</span></i></span></div><div style="margin: 6pt 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="color: #3c3c3c; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i><span style="color: #3c3c3c; line-height: 107%;">An </span><span style="line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/international-crisis-response/"><span style="border: none;"><span style="border: none;">international relief
organization</span></span></a>, </span><span style="line-height: 107%;">Samaritan's Purse is often the first on
the scene after a disaster: in the United States and anywhere else in the world. <b><a href="https://www.foxnews.com/health/samaritans-purse-central-park-field-hospital-takes-in-first-patient-in-coronavirus-fight"><span style="font-weight: normal;">During the pandemic in early 2020, Samaritan's
Purse operated their mobile hospital in New York City's Central Park</span></a></b>,
helping over 300 patients with COVID-19 and relieving the burden of neighboring
Mount Sinai Hospital. Just recently, Samaritan's Purse provided a field
hospital in Haiti following the 7.2 magnitude earthquake on August 14, 2021.</span></span></div><div style="margin: 6pt 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/"><span style="border: none; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br />Operation Christmas Child</span></a></span></b><span style="line-height: 107%;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WYVjXjADq7ZWgfa8fV0wT74YD7k-QrPwJiIg0zvwSfZrqqNcjrU0K8EcV3Oy-82dptiRtGW9YLYIpsizBIdFlX_p9K2fi1DVtODopkG6eXTQkLscoZh_Th2o3SUuaCSd2hMC0P9Pokyz/s320/josh+occ.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WYVjXjADq7ZWgfa8fV0wT74YD7k-QrPwJiIg0zvwSfZrqqNcjrU0K8EcV3Oy-82dptiRtGW9YLYIpsizBIdFlX_p9K2fi1DVtODopkG6eXTQkLscoZh_Th2o3SUuaCSd2hMC0P9Pokyz/s16000/josh+occ.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>My youngest at 9 years old with his finished shoebox.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table> has been a ministry close to my heart since my youngest child was
two years old (and he turns 19 this month!). When I was a leader in <b><a href="https://www.mops.org/"><span style="font-weight: normal;">MOPS
(Mothers of Preschoolers),</span></a></b> our group would pack dozens of boxes
each November. Our family continued the tradition when our boys transitioned to elementary
school. We would take the boys shopping and let them fill a shoebox with their choice of items for a boy their age.<br /><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin: 6pt 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span><span style="line-height: 107%;">Now years later, I'm still packing goodie-filled
boxes. The Christmas Spirit begins for me in early August when I stock up on
school supplies during back-to-school sales. Anytime I'm out shopping, I look for deals on items to add to my stash so I am ready for National Collection
Week. </span></span></div><div style="margin: 6pt 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: 107%;">If you'd like to do a shoebox, there are
oodles of <b><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/vallejo_angie/occ-shoebox-ideas-for-boys/"><span style="border: none; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="border: none;">ideas <span style="border: none;">on<span style="border: none;"> my Pinter<span style="border: none;">est Board</span></span></span></span></span></a></b></span></span>, or
you can refer to <b><a href="https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/what-goes-in-my-shoebox-suggestions/"><span style="border: none; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="border: none;">t<span style="border: none;">his<span style="border: none;"> list on the Op<span style="border: none;">eration Christmas
Child website</span></span></span></span></span></a></b>.</div><div style="margin: 6pt 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /> </span><span style="line-height: 107%;">Three things I always include in shoeboxes: </span></span></div><div style="margin: 6pt 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: 107%;">1.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 107%;">School supplies: pencils,
eraser, pencil sharpener, and crayons (and/or markers),<br /><o:p></o:p></span><span style="line-height: 107%;">2.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 107%;">Toothbrush, a bar of
soap, and a nice soft washcloth,<br /><o:p></o:p></span><span style="line-height: 107%;">3.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 107%;">T-shirt and a pair of socks.</span></span></div><div style="margin: 6pt 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /><o:p></o:p></span><span style="line-height: 107%;">For my boxes this year, I am doing
color-coordinated boxes in green, blue, and pink, for three little girls. For ideas, here is what is in the green box: </span></span></div><div style="margin: 6pt 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin: 6pt 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-6IBgtsTLXdjqBXW1u8MbVwZNz-4Dub8UyjazIdetiHAnfdvuLDFu_lMcfUWctNBviL687s0-pUFrybM21uk7VsYeenyE537pqrOpD4X_JVu9Mn-URETnTkjd8rnlhg7HNQcJRntXtkL/s2048/occ+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1645" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-6IBgtsTLXdjqBXW1u8MbVwZNz-4Dub8UyjazIdetiHAnfdvuLDFu_lMcfUWctNBviL687s0-pUFrybM21uk7VsYeenyE537pqrOpD4X_JVu9Mn-URETnTkjd8rnlhg7HNQcJRntXtkL/w514-h640/occ+1.png" width="514" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTB4QCtPaV-bObK2DEwfHH63JJhw2UUkD0bk1P7bjHPWEJRTqk24OvuVU-oPPw1oLouvdSlK3avxUss_qcyqklIW_KR2bSaj0Ii5StEdZ2gmH1Be_cOlXnzOAFAA1oWdirBMhpU_Qhieid/s2048/occ+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1558" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTB4QCtPaV-bObK2DEwfHH63JJhw2UUkD0bk1P7bjHPWEJRTqk24OvuVU-oPPw1oLouvdSlK3avxUss_qcyqklIW_KR2bSaj0Ii5StEdZ2gmH1Be_cOlXnzOAFAA1oWdirBMhpU_Qhieid/s320/occ+2.png" width="243" /></a></div></div></span></div><div style="margin: 6pt 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">T-shirt </span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sling backpack</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hair scrunchie</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Water bottle</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hairbrush</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Crayons</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Markers</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Small notepad (for writing or drawing)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pencils (wrapped with ribbon she can
use for her hair)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pencil sharpener (a must!!)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Soft eraser</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Play-doh (at Walmart for 50 cents)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Little stretch toy (found in party aisle)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Little doll</span></li></ul> </span> <span style="line-height: 107%;">This year, I'm adding a handmade card to
each box. Since our shoeboxes regularly go to Mexico (since we are in Texas), I
will have my bilingual hubby help me write a word of encouragement in Spanish.</span></span></div><div style="margin: 6pt 0in; text-align: left;"><b>How you can participate</b>: For more information, visit <a href="https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/pack-a-shoe-box/"><b>How to Pack a Shoebox</b></a>. M<span style="font-family: inherit;">ost items
can be purchased at a local dollar store. Hobby Lobby offers red and green plastic shoeboxes, plus many ideas of items to include, available from their store. During summer clearance season going on at several stores right now, it's possible to find t-shirts as low as $1 (as I found at Walmart!) </span>My items were found at Dollar Tree, Walmart, and Michaels (where I got the heavier Gildan T-shirts on sale, 3 for $9.99). </div><div style="margin: 6pt 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This year's National Collection Week <i>is
November 15-22,</i> and there are <b><a href="https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/drop-off-locations/"><span style="border: none; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="border: none;">drop-off locations
everywhere!</span></span></a></b> Unable
to pack a shoebox yet still want to help? <b><a href="https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/buildonline/">B<span style="border: none; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="border: none;">uild<span style="border: none;"> a shoebox online. </span></span></span></a></b> </span></div><div style="margin: 6pt 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b><i>If you have packed a shoebox in the past, what was a favorite item you included? What ideas can you think of to add to a little girl's box? </i></b></span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt; margin: 6pt 0in;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00163558386595878384noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348545808085588773.post-45208187019914614972021-08-17T12:33:00.001-05:002021-11-09T14:34:56.683-06:00Starting to Homeschool? 6 Tips for Homeschool Beginners.<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It's
back to school time, and you have decided to homeschool. It may be because of
COVID, the school district's curriculum or philosophy, or other family dynamics.
But now you are thinking, <i>"Did I make the right decision?"<br /><br /></i> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Before
I give you my answer, let me say that I used to be right where you are now. In
fact, I delayed homeschooling my oldest son for three years because I was afraid
it would be too difficult.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But
then -- I just started. Our homeschool journey began on June 17, 2013. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Deciding
to homeschool my 16-year-old oldest son Matt happened during his Sophomore
year. After two years in an exemplary-rated high school, he wasn't reaching his
potential. It appeared as though he was going through the motions. There was no
inspiration to learn or encouragement toward a career path. Matt wasn't
a jock or in the over-achieving student group. And he was overlooked. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">While
smart enough to do AP classes, he purposely didn't take them. "Why do more
and more homework for a class? I won't learn anything different," he would
reply. There weren't extracurriculars that appealed to him. Japanese was a
language Matt wanted to learn but instead had to take Spanish. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">With
only two years left until graduation, removing him from public school was not a
simple decision! Regardless, I knew that he had to make more considerable
academic strides at home than he achieved in public school. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Because
of the decision to homeschool Matt, I kept our 9-year-old son Joshua home too.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCW1WreAvTswKTL86NxViC9VcJUoRVzChzRmtzKF0Q7oY3dOmfxgoJO-a-viokgz0p67kNYeJ7bgQLmTDkNWEXAyVPFMnSvtE7zkFaQuVLhm24f-WLwmyssWjVBpIs_pvnrTwEeddBorz/s500/Starting+to+homeschool+resized+500.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCW1WreAvTswKTL86NxViC9VcJUoRVzChzRmtzKF0Q7oY3dOmfxgoJO-a-viokgz0p67kNYeJ7bgQLmTDkNWEXAyVPFMnSvtE7zkFaQuVLhm24f-WLwmyssWjVBpIs_pvnrTwEeddBorz/s16000/Starting+to+homeschool+resized+500.png" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Share this graphic on Pinterest! </i></b></td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">What am I getting myself into?</span></i><br />
</b><br />
From a mom who went from "No way!" to "I'm all
in!" – <b>here are 6 tips to help you dive into homeschooling: </b><br />
<br />
<b>Ask for guidance from other homeschooling moms</b>. I contacted friends who had been homeschooling for some
time for their advice. It was beneficial to sit for coffee and get their
opinions, suggestions, and recommendations. Not one friend I talked to regretted
her decision. The best comment I heard was from one girlfriend who said:
"Of <i>course</i> you can do this! You'll be great!" Sometimes
that's all you need.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Once
you decide, start. </b>We started in June. Why? It helped get our feet wet by
starting with some simple subjects during the summer. Two days a week for a
couple of hours was perfect for us. I could observe my sons and determine how
they learned (audio, visual, kinesthetic), which helped me choose the best curriculum.
<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Start
simple.</b> <b><u><a href="https://musesofamom.blogspot.com/2020/10/dont-buy-curriculum-for-your-homeschool.html">It
isn't always best to buy curriculum right away</a></u></b>. Instead, start with
classes that offer free resources online or monthly tuition (if you decide to stop
and try something else). My teen began in the summer with two subjects. One was
a Music Appreciation class that was free online at the time. English literature
was the second. Literature is an easy class to implement with classic books
from the library and <b><u><a href="https://musesofamom.blogspot.com/2020/10/free-resources-for-HS-lit.html">free
study guides.</a><br /><br /></u><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Look for
learning in the everyday. </b>Use everyday activities for teaching. My husband gave our two
sons a horticultural mini-lesson as they helped him with landscaping. <b><u><a href="https://musesofamom.blogspot.com/2015/09/texashistoryroadtrip-enchanted-rock.html">When
we hiked up Enchanted Rock</a></u></b><u> </u>near Fredericksburg, Texas, he taught
some environmental biology. We incorporated American History by planning stops
on a summer vacation road trip. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Find
a homeschool group for support</b>. I joined a Facebook group that was essential in our
homeschooling years. It was a fantastic way to meet other homeschooling
families locally and give kids ways to make friends and connect. We were also able
to create mini-classes and organize group activities. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>PRAY</b>. If you are a Christ-follower and a homeschooling
parent, this is so necessary! Family dynamics will change. You may be doing
this alone with no support from your spouse. With God's direction, you will
have peace about what you are doing, no matter what may come.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Did I
make the right decision?<br /></span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Today, Matt
is 24 years old. He earned a degree in Political Science from a good regional
college, making excellent grades. While graduation was a non-event because of
COVID, he is determined to achieve his goal of teaching English in Japan once
we are through the pandemic. <br /><br /><b><i><o:p></o:p></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Was it a struggle?
Oh yes. Matt is strong-willed, and there were a lot of compromises. But --homeschooling
wasn't about working toward scholarships or acceptance into a premier college. It
was to encourage Matt to follow his passions. He was in a better environment for
learning to become the person he is meant to be. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Today if asked
whether it was worth all the work to homeschool, I will <i>always</i> tell you
this: Yes. Today I have cultivated strong, solid relationships and friendships
with both of my sons that I don't think would have happened without
homeschooling. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now to answer
your question. Did <b><i>you</i></b> make the right decision? If the decision
was prayerful and thoughtful – then yes. You made the right decision. Will it
be easy? Maybe not. Will it be fulfilling? <i>Absolutely.</i> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPC54BhfV6aaXr-wBc1PmVMAbYC2ujnAhpp2VVmEH5wL3otxpk5_IvfwfRaxlbQPaeZ4ClULjtcfyYFeK5okdc0as9KqGGKXWCN1iR767gqXxcC68g5peyYFDyYFkgAorkvn9UAfteBCu/s2048/VallejoFamily-27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPC54BhfV6aaXr-wBc1PmVMAbYC2ujnAhpp2VVmEH5wL3otxpk5_IvfwfRaxlbQPaeZ4ClULjtcfyYFeK5okdc0as9KqGGKXWCN1iR767gqXxcC68g5peyYFDyYFkgAorkvn9UAfteBCu/w266-h400/VallejoFamily-27.jpg" width="266" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /> </span><b style="font-family: inherit;"><i>For my free resources
for homeschooling high school, click on the Homeschool Resources link at the
top of the blog.</i></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i> </i></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><b>If you homeschool, share one of your best tips in the comments below! </b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@heykellybrito?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">J. Kelly Brito</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/homeschool?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></span></i></b></p>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00163558386595878384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348545808085588773.post-56589361811530906852021-08-10T15:25:00.003-05:002021-11-09T15:22:33.239-06:004 High School Electives You Must Include on Your Teen’s Homeschool Transcript<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">It’s shown that
homeschool students complete their required studies in less time than if they
were in public school. This benefit allows more time for a student to learn
other skills and discover their passions. These skills and passions can give
them a head start toward their future calling and career. <br /><br /></span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">As your student concentrates
on their pursuits, adding those activities to their homeschool transcript is
essential. These activities will represent your teen’s interests and are excellent
college prep. Colleges can see an overall picture of your teen and how they can
be a positive addition to a college’s student body. <br /><br /></span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Planning High
School Electives<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">What exactly is an elective? Electives are extra classes that round
out a transcript like PE, art, language, or music. These classes aren’t part of
the core curriculum credit necessary for graduation. Refer to your state’s
requirements for specific electives required for graduation (like two years of
language). <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Besides the standards, classes can be created based on your teen’s
likes, passions, and hobbies. What are they excited about right now? What is
going on in their life? Do they have something they would like to pursue to see
if it becomes a career? <br /><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQPhCxNxqqPbM5rDiA8axpg6klXgoPoueQHUbvZR4FgSYd71zhfsfe_9Vbn711xtVBHzVn93sIwiHIs7DGCor6u1i9Z8tZA6gmqBoqWf0kz_LBmL43R5Wr4AyjKsIoO3ldjhafWXtlCuCc/s2048/naassom-azevedo-Q_Sei-TqSlc-unsplash+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1727" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQPhCxNxqqPbM5rDiA8axpg6klXgoPoueQHUbvZR4FgSYd71zhfsfe_9Vbn711xtVBHzVn93sIwiHIs7DGCor6u1i9Z8tZA6gmqBoqWf0kz_LBmL43R5Wr4AyjKsIoO3ldjhafWXtlCuCc/s16000/naassom-azevedo-Q_Sei-TqSlc-unsplash+%25282%2529.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@naassomz1?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Naassom Azevedo</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Four Electives to
Add to a Transcript<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;">Physical
Education</span><br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Physical Education (PE) is often a required elective. Depending on
your state’s requirements, a minimum of one year, preferably two years of PE is
required for graduation. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“Physical Education” is a generic term. When your teen participates in
an organized sport such as basketball while in high school, use “Basketball” on
the transcript for each semester they participate. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">But what if your teen isn’t on a team, but team sports are important
to them? If your family participates in a local co-op or similar group, partner
with other parents to coordinate softball, soccer, volleyball, or badminton
recreational teams and schedule playing times. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">If your teen is active in many sports or physical activities, can you
add it to a transcript? Yes. A PE class can be created using a class name such
as Comprehensive Fitness, Outdoor Fitness, or Personal Fitness when this is the
case<i>. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Outdoor Fitness</span></i><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"> can be a class elective that allows your teen to
explore different sports. Think about golf, disc golf, swimming, kayaking, archery,
and skiing. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Personal Fitness </span></i><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">may be less scripted and include hiking, skateboarding,
jogging, cycling, karate, or power walking. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Comprehensive Fitness </span></i><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">is a good title for a combination of activities,
including an outdoor sport, personal fitness, and strength training or
weightlifting. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Round out each class by having your teen learn the sport’s rules and safety
and watch instructional videos. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;">Drivers
Education</span><br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This is a right of passage for
teens. Drivers Education includes hours of training and should be considered an
elective. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">In Texas, we can do parent-taught driver’s education. The state requires
the student to complete an approved online course, at least 30 hours of learning.
For road training, the state provides a complete checklist of necessary skills to
be taught, a total of 30 hours. With additional practice driving, there are
enough hours to give a ½ credit. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;">Voluntary
Public Service </span><br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Volunteering is an opportunity for your teen to learn social and
communication skills, discipline, and responsibility. It requires a time commitment
and shows service and community-mindedness.
Where can your student volunteer? Try .... <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Shelving books at the public library<br />
Tutor a sibling or other homeschool student<br />
Teach art or craft class to other homeschool students <br />
Help out at church<br />
Work at a community garden<br />
Lend a hand at a neighborhood or charity event<br />
Pack boxes at a local food bank<br />
Walking dogs at a local dog shelter. <br />
<br />Whether they spend time volunteering at one location or several, all of their
time counts! Just keep track of dates, activities, places, and times of
service. Sometimes if a location has
many student volunteers, they may already have a system for tracking volunteer
time for public school students. If so, ask them for a summary at the end of
the school year. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br />TIP</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">: If your student has worked consistently over
time for an organization, ask for a letter of reference. If they volunteered at
several different places, have your teen write a summary of their experiences
for a college portfolio or add to a job application. <br /><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;">Leadership</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />Leadership skills are a
positive addition to a transcript. What can you add to an elective for
Leadership? Have there been instances where your teen has shown leadership
skills such as initiative, strategic thinking, or entrepreneurship? Are they
part of an organization where they are learning leadership skills (such as
Scouts)? </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />Do they ....<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />Offer tutorials (to other
students or online)?<br />
Assistant coach an activity (such as a kids’ rec soccer team)? <br />
Lead a church youth group or captain a sports team? <br />
Run their own small business? (Landscaping, pet care, tutoring, baking, etc.)?<br />
Organize a fundraiser (Neighborhood food drive, holiday toy drive at the
homeschool co-op)?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />These types of activities illustrate
a teen’s commitment toward completing projects, involvement in their local community,
and that they can work well within a team situation. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />Along with their endeavors, add a component of
reading. Have them read a book such as the </span><a href="https://amzn.to/3AuRcrp"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">7
Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey</span></i></b></a><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (there is also a student version if you can find
it). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br />Recording
Activity for a Transcript<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">How do I record activities and time? </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Use a system that is easy for your student to keep track of their
activities. (Notice that I said “your student.” They need to understand the
importance of tracking activities to complete their transcript.)<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">One method of recording is to use a student calendar or printed monthly
calendar. Note the activity and the amount of time on that particular day. (It’s
easier to keep time in half and one-hour increments.) Tally times at the end of each month. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: medium;">How much time is needed to count as a class? </span><br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Here is a good formula: <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span style="background: white; color: #262626; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;">Academic classes: 150 hours = 1 credit hour class. (Approximately
5 hours per week.)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="background: white; color: #262626; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;">Elective classes: 75 hours = ½ credit hour class.
(Approximately 2 to 2-1/2 hours a week.) <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">
What if my student doesn’t complete enough hours in one semester for credit?</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">It is at the parent’s discretion whether enough
time and education have been completed for class credit. But here are some
other ways to complete a class for credit: </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Complement
the class with some type of academic work. Have your student research, read
books, watch videos or write a summary of their experience. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Continue
the activity during available time in the summer months. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Combine activity
hours over the entire year or longer. (For example, my son volunteered at our
public library for two years. Because he worked only an hour or so a week, I
added all his hours over the two-year period, which was enough time for a ½ credit.
I recorded the elective on his transcript on the semester he finished his
service.)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">4.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Consider an
event like a year-end piano recital, dance performance, or art exhibition as
their “final exam” that ends the class. Preparation for these events requires
extra practice time. <br /><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Is it necessary to keep track of everything they complete for a class?
</span><br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">No, not always. It depends on your state requirements or your own
discretion. It’s up to you to decide whether your teen has completed enough
time, practice or work. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">So that you are confident that your teen has completed enough work,
the calendar works well to track participation hours. When applying for college,
it’s is good practice to write thorough class descriptions. This is essential
if creating a college portfolio. <br /> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Not only that, keeping a record of what one teen completed will save
time in the future with your other kids.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Have you created electives for your teen’s transcripts?</span></span></i></b></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Share your tips in the comments for other readers! </span></span></i></b></div></b><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><br /></b><p></p>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00163558386595878384noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348545808085588773.post-26104789444469809112021-08-05T04:00:00.003-05:002021-11-09T14:25:16.587-06:004 Reliable Companies to Trade in Old Tech, Books, and More Online<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">During the height
of the pandemic, as we sheltered in place, social media was filled with posts
about the many decluttering, purging, and donation projects taking place. I was
in on the trend too. Cleaning closets, pantries, and cabinets made me feel accomplished,
and it provided a sense of control during the chaos. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">This May, I completed
another decluttering and organizing project. I had accumulated boxes of books,
CDs, and DVDs from the past year that I hadn’t donated. Also discovered was
some old technology, still in exceptional condition, that certainly had some
value. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">Instead of
Facebook Marketplace or eBay, there had to be businesses where I could easily make
some cash out of all my stuff. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">Need some
quick cash? Here are 4 reliable companies I use to trade-in old
tech, books, and other media and get some payback. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRK9qPWsEZjEM9pSOKPN3nitrQ-eZxLupcYzc9iNHjUsNjKX3DcdOpHs3g13bTIwir9OKAXioRxJe82Gn21N4sdm315hE99OnEpJ0yxuwL3CfsJ6PZ0TKG9zpdOih1hAxvxDA4NtStFj41/s600/jonas-vandermeiren-m9ZBN6NxofY-unsplash+resized+600.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRK9qPWsEZjEM9pSOKPN3nitrQ-eZxLupcYzc9iNHjUsNjKX3DcdOpHs3g13bTIwir9OKAXioRxJe82Gn21N4sdm315hE99OnEpJ0yxuwL3CfsJ6PZ0TKG9zpdOih1hAxvxDA4NtStFj41/s16000/jonas-vandermeiren-m9ZBN6NxofY-unsplash+resized+600.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="text-align: left;">Photo by </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/@jonasvandermeiren?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText" style="text-align: left;">Jonas Vandermeiren</a><span style="text-align: left;"> on </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/old-iphones?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText" style="text-align: left;">Unsplash</a></span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"> </span><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><b><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="line-height: 107%;">Keep scrolling for tips on
how to get<br /> </span></b><b><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="line-height: 107%;">
the most money for your trade-in items!<br /><br /></span></b></span></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"> </span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><a href="https://www.buybackworld.com" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">BuyBack World</span></b></a></span></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><br />BuyBack World
takes </span><b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">smartphones, iPads, iPods, MacBooks, gaming consoles, and more</b><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">. I
traded in an Apple AirPort and router for $65, paid to my PayPal account. The online
process was simple. </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"> <br /><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">Pros:<br /><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">Free
postage with a provided mailing label.<br /><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">Quick
processing of your items.<br /> <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">Emailed when trade-in received, and detailed email
with inspection status and confirmed offer.<br /> <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">Once
processed, there is immediate payment to PayPal.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"><br /><o:p></o:p></span><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">After
completing the online process and getting a mailing label by email, I packaged
and shipped my items just one day later. From the day of shipping to my PayPal payment
was just 5 DAYS.<br /><br /></span></div><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">Cons: </span></b><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">none<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"><a href="https://www.decluttr.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Decluttr</span></a></span></b></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><br />Decluttr accepts </span><b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">technology, plus books (including textbooks), CDs, DVDs, games,
and consoles</b><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">. My two successful trades included a 6</span><sup style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">th</sup><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"> generation
iPod, video games, and several CDs.<br /><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">And parents –
<i><u>they even buy back Legos by the pound</u>! <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">Use their
free app to quickly scan your media to discover which titles they accept. Most
of my CDs weren’t worth more than 25 cents, but free shipping made moving them
off my shelves easy.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="text-indent: -24px;">After completing the trade-in process on the app, I packaged and mailed my items one day later. Trade-ins were received in about 9 days, and from mailing day to payment was 14 days.</span><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"><br /></span><b><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"><br />Pros:</span></b></p><div style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: 0px;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="text-indent: 0px;">Free postage with a provided mailing label.</span><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"><br /><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">Status
of trade-ins is available on the app.<br /> <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">Notification
by email when a trade-in is received and when payment is sent to PayPal.<br /> <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">Quick turn around.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">Cons: <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">Decluttr
inundates you with email, so if you aren’t interested in making future purchases,
be sure to unsubscribe. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"> <br /></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"><a href="http://amazon.com"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Amazon</span></a></span></b></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><br />Amazon offers
buy-back on their technology. I sent them an old Kindle Fire and received a $10
credit on my Amazon account once they received the item.<br /><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">Pros: <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><div style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">Free shipping by Amazon. </span><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"><br /> <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">From
shipping day to my credit was 7 days.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">Cons: <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><div style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">You get an offer after they receive your item.</span></div><div style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">They only accept their tech (Kindle, Alexa, etc.).</span></div><div style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">They no longer buy back books.</span></div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l7 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l7 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -0.25in;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5mLsP2KqGm1FwS16X1EUIDsbngIMH8wCiJ1dpESZRhl-x0d5M7IMtAQxO63oY1tElMkgrdcl0dF2l-4yr-JXoCXbJHLdJQVIIYYfsuXsMuPmeL43Te11bAhUluSDOTYv8gLcgr0HNTWno/s600/hello-i-m-nik-BoCP6u24h4s-unsplash+resized+600.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5mLsP2KqGm1FwS16X1EUIDsbngIMH8wCiJ1dpESZRhl-x0d5M7IMtAQxO63oY1tElMkgrdcl0dF2l-4yr-JXoCXbJHLdJQVIIYYfsuXsMuPmeL43Te11bAhUluSDOTYv8gLcgr0HNTWno/s16000/hello-i-m-nik-BoCP6u24h4s-unsplash+resized+600.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="text-align: left;">Photo by </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/@helloimnik?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText" style="text-align: left;">Hello I'm Nik</a><span style="text-align: left;"> on </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/book-stacks?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText" style="text-align: left;">Unsplash</a></span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"><a href="http://sellbackyourbook.com"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">EZ Book Recycle (Sell BackYour Book)</span></b></a></span></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"><br />EZ Book Recycle
offers sell back for books, including textbooks. Scanning ISBN codes was easy
using their free app. Shipping to payment was a slower process, but I contribute
this to the larger boxes I sent. It was also Media Mail delivery, which takes
longer. </span><b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.sellbackyourbook.com/book-condition-guidelines.php">For more information on the items they accept, refer to their FAQ page</a></b><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">.<br /><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">Pros</span></b><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">: <o:p></o:p></span></p><div style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">Free shipping is provided via Media Mail. <br /></span><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">They offer textbook rentals.</span><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"><br /><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">From
shipping to payment was approximately 3 weeks. <o:p></o:p></span></div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><b><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"><br />Cons:</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">There is a minimum of $9.00 in trade-in value before you can mail your books. <br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">You cannot sell back more than one copy of a title. <br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Book
values can be as low as 10 cents. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Bonus: </b></span></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"><br /><a href="http://hpb.com"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Half Price Books</span></a></span></b></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"><br />Although this business only accepts buy-backs at their physical store locations, I felt that this was worth the mention. Half Price Books has been my brick and mortar, go-to place for trading in books, textbooks, CDs,
DVDs, and video games for several years. Each store is unique, and you never
know what you’ll find on their shelves. <b><a href="https://www.hpb.com/all-stores-list">Several states now have Half Price
Books locations</a>. </b>Their founders coined the phrase, “We buy and sell
everything ever printed or recorded (except yesterday’s newspaper).” </span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="text-indent: -24px;">HPB has a strong commitment to the communities where they serve by supporting literacy and environmental groups.<br /><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">Pros: <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><div style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">Trade-in offers qualify for immediate cash or in-store credit.</span><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"><br /> <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">Teachers
can sign up to receive a 10% discount on educational items.<br /> <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">HPB
offers a fair trade-in value for homeschool curriculum. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">Cons:</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Most
stores only give a blanket offer on your total trade-in and don’t allow you to pick
and choose what you want to trade and what you prefer to keep.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"> </span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"><span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: x-large;">Trade-In Tips</span></span></b></div><p class="MsoNormal"><u><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif"><br />Send in spotless
technology</span></u><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">. Take off
any cases (clean and donate those) and thoroughly wipe surfaces and clean
crevices. You may know that your device is in excellent working condition, but
make it look that way to get a top offer. <br /><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">Be fair in
your assessment</span></u><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">. Follow
the guidelines on the trade-in website for the qualifications necessary to get the
best offer. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">Ship
carefully</span></u><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">. Send your
items in suitably sized and sturdy shipping boxes. Add peanuts or bubble wrap
to protect your items. Put them in the original boxes if you still have them. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">Send your trade-in
immediately</span></u><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">. Each
company has time limits once you receive an offer, so be diligent. Take items the
next day to the appropriate drop-off site or arrange for pick-ups.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><u><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">See if the
company gives personal offers</span></u><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif">
for tech not listed on their website. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00163558386595878384noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348545808085588773.post-3451981919205234622021-08-02T05:00:00.027-05:002021-11-09T14:26:24.309-06:0021 Screen-Free Family Activities for End of Summer Fun<p></p><div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">The start of the school year is on
the horizon for many families in the U.S. The summer may be winding down, but
before back-to-school preparations swing into gear, take some time to slow down
and enjoy each other’s company. There is still time to plan some screen-free
family activities before the hustle and bustle of the school year begins. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /><br /></span></span><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><u>August is Family Fun Month</u>, so
enlist all family members to participate in planning. One idea is to give each
family member strips of paper to write down things they would like to do. Put
the strips in a jar and take turns drawing an activity. <br /><br /></span><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">If you have teenagers, they may grumble
and act as though they don’t want to participate, but asking them to create or
pick an activity may surprise you. They may like to learn how you make those
fabulous Saturday pancakes (with just a touch of cinnamon!) or build a new
stone fire pit for the backyard. Encourage them to research places with
activities that include younger siblings or allow the family dog. If they have
a friend who feels like part of the family, have them come along. This may take
your teen from “this is so lame” to “alright, let’s do this!” <br /><br /></span><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">If your family is competitive, create
teams for different activities. Ask your teen to team up with a younger sibling
or have parents versus kids. Have “teams” wear a specific color shirt, or have
everyone wear their favorite sports team jersey. <br /><br /></span><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Here are 21 screen-free, indoor and
outdoor activities for family fun and celebrate the rest of the summer. To make
it more interesting, coincide your activity with its special day on the August calendar.<br /><br /></span><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h1 style="line-height: 150%; margin-top: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Backyard Fun: <o:p></o:p></span></b></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Do some camping</span></b><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">. Set up the tent and spend the
night among the stars. Have a picnic dinner, collect lightning bugs, tell some scary
stories, or identify constellations. If not courageous enough to sleep outside,
bring in the sleeping bags and camp out on the living room floor. This is one
night everyone stays up late. <br /><br /></span><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">S’mores over a fire</span></b><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">. For <i><u>National S’mores Day on
August 10</u>, </i>make a fire pit and enjoy S’mores for dessert. Sing silly camp
songs to make the activity complete. <br /><br /></span><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdODpAPEQFsIC0K10a-cIS4FV5ge0UUlbJOPv-EaVJbt6N3PBPbUbDa4omJJpaB8_uttGYiydlKrWrh1qfpd1Y5UyRlEghbfBqCtgmZiq4fNI549WNbklDkGaUWRVh09x-quxZLHHbQB9T/s600/jessica-ruscello-J72ua0Tm-CA-unsplash+resized+600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdODpAPEQFsIC0K10a-cIS4FV5ge0UUlbJOPv-EaVJbt6N3PBPbUbDa4omJJpaB8_uttGYiydlKrWrh1qfpd1Y5UyRlEghbfBqCtgmZiq4fNI549WNbklDkGaUWRVh09x-quxZLHHbQB9T/s16000/jessica-ruscello-J72ua0Tm-CA-unsplash+resized+600.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@jruscello?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Jessica Ruscello</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/smores?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></b></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Read outside</span></b><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">. <i><u>National Relaxation Day is
August 15</u></i>. Put the tent back up and put pillows, sleeping bags, and snacks inside
for an afternoon of reading. <br /><br /></span><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Get
soaked</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. Set up the <b><a href="https://amzn.to/3xK7Hiv">slip-and-slide</a></b>
or lawn sprinklers to get cooled off. (Extra points if someone gets the dog to join!)
For team play, have fun with super soakers or water balloons (sponges are an
excellent environmentally-friendly option). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /><br /></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Bird watching. </span></b><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">This activity is best if there is
already an established birdfeeder in your yard, with morning or evening as the
best time for viewing. Have binoculars handy, along with a guide of the local
background birds. <br /><br /></span><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h1 style="line-height: 150%; margin-top: 0in;"><b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Creative License: <o:p></o:p></span></b></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Set up a lemonade stand. </span></b><i><u>National Lemonade Day is August 20</u>. </i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Have the teens help build the stand and let
the younger kids run it. Have family members vote on what charity will receive
the profits. If you have a neighborhood forum or Facebook group, let neighbors
know when the stand will be open for business and what charity is being
supported. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /><br /></span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Design an obstacle course</span></b> for the family dog. <i><u>National Dog Day is
August 26</u>. </i>Create a team event if your family has more than one dog. See
what team can get their mascot through the course with the fewest distractions.
<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Create sidewalk art. </span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Divide the driveway or portions of the
sidewalk in front of your house and have each family member show off their
artistry. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /><br /></span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Collect
rocks and paint them. </span></b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Take a walk as a family and find several smooth stones.
Get out the paint and make colorful creations. After they dry, covertly deliver
them to neighbors as a surprise by placing them in their gardens or on the front
step.<br /><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZo1OdVuCbtdQyZGQAQ_wk3fEvYqfD_Hj4gDVOw09ke0v5MhHmAvZKUj2ulDFUK1RpRQb9ANNqfUq_9pQAvQaFkOfG17WZ5ceYOBttxebYafkLOKDZh8x0l-Cum_sQUwpXKYDjWVoIfVtO/s532/painted+rock+with+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="painted rock by Muses of a Mom" border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="355" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZo1OdVuCbtdQyZGQAQ_wk3fEvYqfD_Hj4gDVOw09ke0v5MhHmAvZKUj2ulDFUK1RpRQb9ANNqfUq_9pQAvQaFkOfG17WZ5ceYOBttxebYafkLOKDZh8x0l-Cum_sQUwpXKYDjWVoIfVtO/w268-h400/painted+rock+with+logo.jpg" title="Painted rock" width="268" /></a></div><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Make a
summer memories time capsule</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. Collect photos, write down stories and
toss in a few souvenirs to preserve the good times for enjoyment later. Mason
jars and shoe boxes make great capsule containers. <br /><br /></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h1 style="line-height: 150%; margin-top: 0in;"><b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In the
Kitchen: <o:p></o:p></span></b></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Bake a batch of cookies together</span></b><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"> to celebrate <i><u>National Chocolate
Chip Cookie Day on August 4.</u> </i>Dig out your family’s favorite recipe or visit
Very Best Baking for the <b><a href="https://www.verybestbaking.com/toll-house/recipes/original-nestle-toll-house-chocolate-chip-cookies/">Original
NESTLÉ® TOLLHOUSE® Chocolate Chip Cookie</a></b> recipe. Freeze part of the
batch so the kids can look forward to one of their cookies showing up in their
lunch box once school starts. <br /><br /></span><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Make
homemade popsicles or ice cream</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> for a chilly and enjoyable way to cool
off! Visit Good Housekeeping for <b><a href="https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/dessert/g32689282/popsicle-recipes/">28
Easy and Refreshing Popsicle Recipes</a></b> and AllRecipes for <b><a href="https://www.allrecipes.com/article/make-ice-cream-without-machine/">4
Ways to Make Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Machine</a></b>. <br /><br /></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi82c3UsoThPiaT6ivLWpSM3GBrsSpLtvo13czzj9DK64pKdVVkJPF-dNQ9HHUM0N2KPMPQlXx5OCwZXsKM4wu7jOOdoDc-z51Ss0_2pWURmcEeJzYtDCYLE39G7re-8jMuAbEqp_0RuBvI/s600/goran-ivos-2KBGaj7Qzxg-unsplash+resized+600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi82c3UsoThPiaT6ivLWpSM3GBrsSpLtvo13czzj9DK64pKdVVkJPF-dNQ9HHUM0N2KPMPQlXx5OCwZXsKM4wu7jOOdoDc-z51Ss0_2pWURmcEeJzYtDCYLE39G7re-8jMuAbEqp_0RuBvI/w400-h300/goran-ivos-2KBGaj7Qzxg-unsplash+resized+600.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@goran_ivos?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Goran Ivos</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/homemade-ice-cream?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Do a flip-flop and <b>enjoy breakfast for
dinner</b>. <i><u>National Waffle Day is August 24</u></i>, and a delicious reason to
dig out the waffle maker. Don’t have one? <b><a href="https://www.walmart.com/search/?cat_id=0&facet=retailer%3AWalmart.com&query=waffle+maker">Walmart
has a couple for under $20, and even a personal size for about $10.</a></b> To
be daring, change it up with having chicken and waffles. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Set up a build-your-own buffet.</span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Dinner can be more interactive by offering individual
size pizzas and letting each family member choose their toppings from a fixings
“bar.” Have the family help by gathering and preparing items (cooking meat, shredding
cheese, slicing mushrooms). Another idea is a taco bar or even an ice cream sundae
bar with all the trimmings! <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Turn an
everyday dinner into a different experience</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. For a fancy affair, pull out the cloth
napkins and candlesticks for the dinner table. Serve ice water in wine glasses
and make a toast before you dine. For a more laid-back event, get out a blanket
and have a picnic on the living room floor. <br /><br /></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h1 style="line-height: 150%; margin-top: 0in;"><b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Getting
in the Game: <o:p></o:p></span></b></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; color: black;">Yard Games</span></b><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"> – Learn some of the classic games
such as <b><a href="https://www.llbean.com/customerService/assemblyInstructions/images/130520_CroquetSetInstructions.pdf">croquet</a></b>,
<b><a href="https://www.playcornhole.org/pages/rules">cornhole</a></b>, or <b><a href="https://images.homedepot-static.com/catalog/pdfImages/6f/6ff6c258-6445-455c-b045-2d68c35b3e32.pdf">horseshoes</a></b>.
(Click to each for the rules of each game.)<br /><br /></span><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Game Night</b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> – Get everyone around the dining room table
and play a board game or card game. Play a favorite, learn a new one or share
one you played as a kid. Don’t forget to think outside the box and include
games like charades.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black;">Karaoke</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> – Try a
twist where the parents sing the kids’ favorite hits and the kids sing songs
from when the parents were young. There is no need for a Karaoke machine; make
a list of songs and search on YouTube for soundtracks with lyrics. <br /><br /></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h1 style="line-height: 150%; margin-top: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">For the Neighborhood: <o:p></o:p></span></b></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Bike through the neighborhood</span></b><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">. When was the last time the entire
family got on bikes and took a spin around your neighborhood? Venture out on a cool
evening, taking the time to stop and introduce the family to a neighbor outside
you do not know yet. <br /><br /></span><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Collect items for the local food
bank. </span></b><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">With a
constant need at local food banks, collect nonperishables from neighbors to donate.
Call the food bank to find out their immediate needs, then use your
neighborhood forum or Facebook group to share the information and announce what
day your family will pick up items. You may get other families asking to help! <br /><br /></span><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Host a movie night in your driveway</span></b><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">. Project a movie on the garage
door. Ask other families to join and bring a chair and a drink, and your family
provides the popcorn. <br /><br /></span><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>Know of some other great screen-free activities?
Post them below in the comments!</b></span></i></p></div><p></p>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00163558386595878384noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348545808085588773.post-82406271357022744432021-07-01T06:00:00.001-05:002021-11-09T14:48:50.528-06:00What You Learned About America's Liberty Bell That May Not Be True<p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Today, July 8, is considered "Liberty Bell Day" on some calendars.
Tradition tells us that on this day in 1776, the Liberty Bell rang out the
sound of freedom from the tower of the State House (now Independence Hall) in
Philadelphia. The ringing summoned citizens to hear the first public reading of
the Declaration of Independence by </span><b style="color: #333333;"><a href="https://www.founderoftheday.com/founder-of-the-day/john-nixon">Colonel
John Nixon</a></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">.</span></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Well, that isn't wholly true. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt;"><i><span style="background: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">{sound of brakes screeching}<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It's one of the lovely stories about America's
icon we may have heard or read in books. Unfortunately, this particular story
is unlikely. Why?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333;">Historians agree that the Liberty Bell was not
rung on July 8, 1776. The steeple of Independence Hall was in terrible
condition at the time, so it was doubtful that the Bell could have even been rung.
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Bells <i>did </i>ring throughout the city
on July 8 when renowned Colonel John Nixon, a wealthy merchant from
Philadelphia, completed the public reading of the Declaration of Independence. As
for the public hearing it there for the <i>first </i>time, the Declaration had
already been printed in the July 6 edition of Benjamin Towne's <i>Saturday
Evening Post.</i></span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Another tradition tells us that the Bell
rang on July 4, 1776, for America's first <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Independence Day. This is also not true. It
was a m</span><span style="color: #262b30;">agazine writer in 1847 who invented this story. Neither did the Bell
toll on this day to celebrate the Declaration of Independence. The historic
document was actually at the printers and hadn't yet been released to the
public. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt;"><span style="color: #262b30;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Another myth is that the bell we now know as the Liberty Bell was
commissioned at the time of our country's independence. However, the Bell was
part of Philadelphia well before the Revolutionary War. Today's bell wasn't even
the first one commissioned. It seems as though not everyone was happy with how
the original bell sounded, and it was decided that a new bell would be ordered.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt;"><span style="color: #262b30;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The first name of our country’s icon was not the "Liberty
Bell." It was initially known as the State House Bell. In the late 1830s, it
acquired its current name of the “Liberty Bell” when it became a symbol of the
anti-slavery movement. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #262b30;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">More American folklore comes from how the Bell was cracked. This
is a considerable debate among historians. No one actually knows for sure when
the Bell was first fractured. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt;"><span style="color: #262b30;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">One story is that the Bell got its first crack in 1752 when it
was tested upon its arrival in Philadelphia. Also unproven is that on July 8,1835,
the Bell cracked during the funeral procession for Chief Justice John Marshall.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt;"><span style="color: #262b30;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So when did the Bell crack up? It literally happened in February
1846 when it was rung on <b><a href="https://musesofamom.blogspot.com/2021/02/presidents-day-or-presidents-day-what.html">President's
Day, Washington's birthday.</a></b> It stopped ringing because of the damage
from the large crack. </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://pixabay.com/users/andreahamilton264-3668851" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjDL4xJM2N8MO9skGaCCWXjmmhlC4aQ-qF6TWFM78uxH3dcGQtrll4iC73u9SPnT-4GaGNc-KIpXIiANRgjYEBu3ZDm86U770GbscUQ_M_6pL5qdgIONhIRZsARqdEwBiIjMhx5FBsL2Z/s16000/liberty-bell-2345150_1920-resized650.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Photo by Andrea Hamilton / Pixabay</i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt;">From 1753 to 1846, the Bell in the State
House tolled for many momentous occasions. In the 18</span><sup style="background-color: transparent;">th</sup><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt;"> century, the
Bell rang for these events:<br /><br /></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">February 1757 – during the meeting of the Assembly, which
would send Benjamin Franklin to England to address Colonial grievances<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">March 1757 – upon the arrival of Lord Louden from New York<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">February 1761 – in honor of King George III ascending the
throne<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">September 1764 – upon the repeal of the Sugar Act<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">October 1765 – to summon citizens to a public meeting to
discuss the Stamp Act<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">September 1770 – after a resolution claiming that the British
Parliament's latest taxation schemes were subversive of Pennsylvanians'
constitutional rights.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">February 1771 – to call the Assembly together to petition the
King for a repeal of tea duties<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">December 25, 1773 – when the ship <i>Polly</i> was bringing "monopoly"
tea into Philadelphia, and it wouldn’t be allowed to land nor bring its tea to
the custom house<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">June 1774 – even though the steeple needed repair, a muffled
tolling announced the Intolerable Acts, which included the closure of the Port
of Boston<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">April 1775 – to announce the Battle of Lexington and Concord<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1787 – the Bell was rung upon the ratification of the
Constitution<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1790 – tolled at the death of Benjamin Franklin<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">March 1797 – rung during the inauguration of John Adams<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">December 1799 – tolled during the death of George Washington<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When war came to the Philadelphia region, the bell was taken
down in September 1777, shipped inland, and hidden in an Allentown church
basement for its protection. This was to keep the British from confiscating it and
using the material for cannons. In June 1778, the Bell was brought back to Philadelphia.
Sadly, it couldn't be hung because the steeple was in worse condition than
before. The Bell was put back in storage for seven more years. It wasn't until
1785 that the Bell was rehung in the rebuilt State House steeple. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="https://www.nps.gov/inde/upload/Liberty-Bell-E-Day-WIP-1944-Mono-on-Left-s-edit.mp3">You can listen to the sound of the Liberty Bell on D-Day, June 6, 1944, during a radio
broadcast.</a></b> While the sound doesn’t sound as majestic as expected, it is
because the bell is no longer rung the traditional way, but with a mallet
tapping the side of the Bell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /><br /></span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Bell was brought down from the steeple of Independence
Hall and placed in the "Declaration Chamber" in 1852. Since that
time, it has traveled around the eastern half of the United States for significant
patriotic events. Now the Bell is in a permanent home <a href="https://www.nps.gov/inde/planyourvisit/libertybellcenter.htm"><b>at the
Liberty Bell Center, opened to the public in 2003 and operated by the National
Park Service</b>.</a> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><o:p><u style="font-weight: bold;">Resources Used</u><b>: </b><br /></o:p><a href="https://constitutioncenter.org/interactive-constitution/blog/10-fascinating-facts-about-the-liberty-bell">10
fascinating facts about the Liberty Bell | The National Constitution Center</a> <br /><a href="https://www.ushistory.org/">US History</a> –
Independence Hall Association <br /><a href="https://www.taraross.com/blog">This Day in History,
by Tara Ross</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"> </span></o:p></p>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00163558386595878384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348545808085588773.post-86375569578515400472021-06-07T07:00:00.050-05:002021-11-09T15:22:59.496-06:00Homeschool Life Magazine: A Great Resource for Homeschooling Parents<p>As we homeschool, we continually look for ideas, tips, and resources to help us. We scour blogs and websites for worksheets, unit studies, and other things that complement what we are teaching. We also know that some of the best information can come from other homeschool parents! </p><p><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYodRm-rtKzlhRrxMwE43gGMZVoiRdahcwvo6xQRiM14ECF3WdnSAiZ7goocdxb-oHc0GvBAZjcdEEhnhuQb30-u7EBWlkmvj-uAKEuLszlAyg4f7ugrlfts9ePY2YvBhj3R9sf6OM9pN/s900/annie-spratt-ZsWaYLImZFs-unsplash+resized+600.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYodRm-rtKzlhRrxMwE43gGMZVoiRdahcwvo6xQRiM14ECF3WdnSAiZ7goocdxb-oHc0GvBAZjcdEEhnhuQb30-u7EBWlkmvj-uAKEuLszlAyg4f7ugrlfts9ePY2YvBhj3R9sf6OM9pN/s16000/annie-spratt-ZsWaYLImZFs-unsplash+resized+600.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@anniespratt?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Annie Spratt</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/homeschool?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><b><a href="http://www.homeschoollifemagazine.com/">Homeschool Life Magazine</a></b> is just such a resource. This quarterly digital magazine provides a wide selection of articles -- written by other homeschooling parents -- to help you in your homeschool journey. </p><p><br /></p><p>What I have discovered about homeschooling is that there is a multitude of veteran homeschool parents who are delighted to share their knowledge and resources with you. </p><p><br /></p><p>In the newly released <a href="http://www.homeschoollifemagazine.com/"><b>Summer 2021 issue of Homeschool Life Magazine</b></a>, I share with readers <i>"How to Start a Book Club." </i>A homeschool literature book club was something our local homeschool group coordinated and I share how you can successfully do it too. <br /><br /></p><p>To get more information and see the list of articles in the latest issue of Homeschool Life Magazine, <b><a href="http://www.homeschoollifemagazine.com/" target="_blank">visit their website</a></b>. Also, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HomeschoolLifeMagazine/"><b>be sure to follow Homeschool Life Magazine on Facebook</b></a>!</p>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00163558386595878384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348545808085588773.post-31402653530925570852021-06-04T07:00:00.007-05:002022-11-16T16:28:58.561-06:0016 Inspiring and Motivational Quotes to Share with Your High School Graduate<p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It's graduation season, and I'm proud to say that I have graduated my youngest from high school! We have homeschooled since 2013, and while there have been bumps in the road, it's been one of the best things I've done for my two sons. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our grads will be listening to many inspiring speeches at their graduation ceremonies this year. Here are 16 motivational quotes from the masters to share with your graduate. Write one of these quotes inside a card to them as inspiration for their next step in life!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“There are
far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.”</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">-</span><strong style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-weight: normal; padding: 0in;"> </span></strong><strong style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">C.S. Lewis</span></strong></div></span><p></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“The best
way to predict your future is to create it.” </span></div><strong><div style="text-align: center;"><strong style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-weight: normal; padding: 0in;">–</span></strong><strong style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;"> </span></strong><strong style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-weight: normal; padding: 0in;"><b><span style="color: windowtext;">Abraham
Lincoln</span></b></span></strong></div></strong></span><p></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-weight: normal; padding: 0in;"><b><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration-line: none;"><br /></span></b><o:p></o:p></span></strong>“Successful
and unsuccessful people do not vary greatly in their abilities.<br />
They vary in their desires to reach their potential.”<br /><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-weight: normal; padding: 0in;">–</span></strong><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;"> </span></strong><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-weight: normal; padding: 0in;"><b><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration-line: none;">John Maxwell</span></b></span></strong></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-weight: normal; padding: 0in;"><b><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration-line: none;"><br /></span></b></span></strong>“Success is
not final, failure is not fatal:<br />
it is the courage to continue that counts.”<br />
- <strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">Winston
Churchill</span></strong></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;"><br /></span></strong>“Don’t judge
each day by the harvest you reap<br />
but by the seeds that you plant.”<br />
- <strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">Robert
Louis Stevenson</span></strong></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;"><br /></span></strong>“Do not
follow where the path may lead.<br />
Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail.”<br />
– <strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: windowtext; padding: 0in; text-decoration-line: none;">Ralph Waldo Emerson</span></strong></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: windowtext; padding: 0in; text-decoration-line: none;"><br /></span></strong><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration-line: none;">“Your
imagination is your preview of life’s coming attractions.” <br /></span><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration-line: none;">
- <strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">Albert
Einstein</span></strong></span></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration-line: none;"><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;"><br /></span></strong></span><o:p> </o:p>“Opportunity
is missed by most people because<br />it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” <br />- <b>T<span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">homas
Edison</span></b></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9N9zkauSqa4CZKtXgpGx7bRTRgNh55GMABIWGMIL9uIUpn9tfkLfKSaLB0lLlcUiBxqfcLAORbKs7nOYJPWFBQmGTo3_x7oifh7-ti3uTxaaIJL-kkIK5gZsMGH9rFIVZEYAO-bqyEDQg/s749/zachary-olson-iPjAS-aTBdE-unsplash+resized+500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="749" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9N9zkauSqa4CZKtXgpGx7bRTRgNh55GMABIWGMIL9uIUpn9tfkLfKSaLB0lLlcUiBxqfcLAORbKs7nOYJPWFBQmGTo3_x7oifh7-ti3uTxaaIJL-kkIK5gZsMGH9rFIVZEYAO-bqyEDQg/s16000/zachary-olson-iPjAS-aTBdE-unsplash+resized+500.jpg" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: left;">Photo by </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/@zacharyolson?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText" style="text-align: left;">Zachary Olson</a><span style="text-align: left;"> on </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/graduation-cap?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText" style="text-align: left;">Unsplash</a></span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Life is 10%
what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.”</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">– </span><strong style="font-family: inherit; text-align: start;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">Charles
R. Swindoll</span></strong></span></div><p></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Tough times
don’t last. Tough people do.”</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">– </span><strong style="font-family: inherit; text-align: start;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">Robert
H. Schuller</span></strong></div></span><p></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Difficult
roads always lead to beautiful destinations.”</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">– </span><strong style="font-family: inherit; text-align: start;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">Zig
Ziglar</span></strong></div></span><p></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong style="text-align: start;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;"><br /></span></strong>“Be patient
with yourself. Self-growth is tender; it’s holy ground.<br />
There’s no greater investment.”<br /> – <strong style="text-align: start;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">Stephen
Covey</span></strong></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong style="text-align: start;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;"><br /></span></strong>“Always do
your best. What you plant now, you will harvest later.”<br /> – <strong style="text-align: start;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">Og
Mandino</span></strong></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong style="text-align: start;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;"><br /><o:p></o:p></span></strong>“You don’t
have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.”<br /><span style="text-align: start;">– </span><strong style="text-align: start;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">Martin
Luther King, Jr</span></strong><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-weight: normal; padding: 0in;">.</span></strong></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-weight: normal; padding: 0in;"><br /><o:p></o:p></span></strong>“Twenty
years from now you will be more disappointed by the things<br />
that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.”<br />
– <strong style="text-align: start;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">Mark
Twain</span></strong></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong style="text-align: start;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;"><br /><o:p></o:p></span></strong><o:p> </o:p>“Kid, you’ll
move mountains. Today is your day!<br />Your mountain is waiting so get on your way!”<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>“You
have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes.<br />
You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.”<br />
- <b><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: windowtext; padding: 0in; text-decoration-line: none;">Dr. Seuss<br /></span></b><o:p> </o:p><br /></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b>And one that I shared with my graduate:</b></i><br /><br /></span></div><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">“People are the
stocks into which we are to invest our time … <br />
the best of all investments you can make is to help people <br />
come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. <br />
You can make a commitment right here and now …<br />
I’m asking you today not to graduate but commence<br />a new life for God every step of the way.” <br />
- <b>Rev. Billy Graham</b><o:p></o:p></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.5pt; line-height: 107%; padding: 0in;"> </span></strong></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-align: left;">
</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00163558386595878384noreply@blogger.com5Texas, USA31.9685988 -99.90181313.6583649638211533 -135.0580631 60.278832636178848 -64.7455631tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348545808085588773.post-68988538272008183982021-06-03T07:00:00.003-05:002022-11-16T16:29:31.500-06:00Why Children Need to Memorize Bible Scripture <p><span style="font-family: inherit;">When
I was a small child attending Sunday School, there was always a challenge to
memorize Bible verses. A white King James Version Award Bible with <i>Holy
Bible</i> imprinted with gold on the cover was my reward for memorizing and reciting
several Bible verses. I was 5 years old. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">I
still have that Bible.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">During
Vacation Bible School every summer, one of my favorite games was the Sword
Drill. Everyone would raise their Bible high in the air (and every child had a Bible).
A Scripture address would be read. Once the leader would say, “Charge!” it was
a race to see who could find the verse first and stand to read it. It was a
fabulous tool for us kids to learn the books of the Bible.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">I
can still recite the Old and New Testament books in order by memory. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">As
a teen, I attended a Christian high school. Large chunks of Scripture were
assigned each month. Every morning, our class would read aloud the passage
together, and by the end of the month, we were to recite it verbatim to our
teacher for a grade.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">I
remember most of those Scripture passages.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">While
attending a Christian college for two years, we memorized Scripture passages
for Old Testament and New Testament Survey classes. We sang Bible verses as worship
songs in our small group every evening.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p>
</p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">I
haven’t forgotten what I learned.<br /></span><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlfCSy2FZjTSzJEAjz9nob9vYAA5kWlSjt04Pg4Zja8vilzjnJxtuc0uSvFcCA_mgX_0jKNZe0JUjrTYmuN6vNYsNzmAg0EABJ2DYqjp1WHjULZYSrFbL9wpEwyOeSbiK4owOemg3FJAwp/s600/ben-white-4K2lIP0zc_k-unsplash+resized+600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlfCSy2FZjTSzJEAjz9nob9vYAA5kWlSjt04Pg4Zja8vilzjnJxtuc0uSvFcCA_mgX_0jKNZe0JUjrTYmuN6vNYsNzmAg0EABJ2DYqjp1WHjULZYSrFbL9wpEwyOeSbiK4owOemg3FJAwp/s16000/ben-white-4K2lIP0zc_k-unsplash+resized+600.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@benwhitephotography?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Ben White</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/bible?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Why
is it important to memorize Scripture? </span></i></b></h3><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 <span><span> 1. </span></span>First, <u>because God tells us to</u>. <br /><br />Colossians
3:16 says: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” This happens when we meditate
on His precepts and not forget His Word. (Psalm 119:15-16 NKJV). Jesus set the
example for us by quoting Scripture when teaching. <br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">2.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> 2. </span><u>It will transform us</u>. <br /><br />Scripture will renew our minds and help us to
“test and approve what God’s will is – his good and pleasing will” (Romans 12:2
NIV). Scripture has the supernatural power to mold us into Christ-likeness,
giving us the same mindset as Jesus. (Philippians 2:5 NIV)<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">3.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> 3. </span><u>It will help us live in obedience</u>. <br /><br />Scripture hidden in our hearts will keep us
on the right path, living according to His Word. (Psalm 119:9-11 NIV) <br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">4.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> 4. </span><!--[endif]--><u>It is vital
in our fight with the enemy</u>. <br /><br />The Word of God is the only <i>offensive</i>
fighting weapon we are equipped with (Eph. 6:17). That is because God’s Word is “living and
powerful” (Hebrews 4:12) and “God-breathed, useful for teaching, rebuking,
correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be
thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV) Jesus used the power of God’s Word when Satan
tried to tempt Him in the wilderness. (Matthew 4:1-11)<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">5.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> 5. </span><u>We can use it to encourage and give others
hope</u>. <br /><br />Romans 15:4 says that “through
the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide, we
might have hope.” Our words are always supposed to be helpful for building
others up according to their needs.
(Ephesians 4:29)<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">6.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> 6. </span><u>Finally, it will help us as we communicate the
Gospel</u>. <br /><br />Paul instructs us that we
are to “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2
ESV). We are to “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you
to give the reason for the hope that you have.” (I Peter 3:15 NIV) <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">All
that memorization didn’t seem necessary to me at the time. However, when going
through tough times, a verse I memorized in the past popped into my mind. When
I needed encouragement, it became a habit to sing one of the songs I learned in
my college small group.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">It
appears that in many churches today, children are introduced to the Bible, but
memorization doesn’t seem to be a vital part of teaching. Without having this strong
attachment to Scripture, it is no wonder that many young people are leaving the
church. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Is
there an easy way to memorize Scripture?</span></i></b></h3><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Everyone learns differently.
This shouldn’t be a daunting task but something enjoyable to do! Here are some tips for memorizing
Scripture - for adults and kids:<br /><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><u style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">Memorize the Word of God in community</u><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">.
If you are in a small group through your church, use that opportunity to
memorize Scripture together. <br /><br /></span></li><li><u style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">Memorize together as a family</u><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">. When memorizing Scripture as a family, your
children will see the importance of the example you set for them. <br /><br /></span></li><li><u style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">Use note cards</u><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">. Write out each verse(s) and keep them handy
to look over during the day. <br /><br /></span></li><li><u style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">Read Scripture out loud or write it down</u><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">. Sometimes reading the passage aloud a few
times a day or writing it out by hand helps with memorization. Doing both helps with two learning styles:
visual and auditory. As a family, read it together every night before bed. <br /><br /></span></li><li><u style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">Use it in song</u><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">. There are many praise songs and children’s
songs that teach Scripture! Once the
song gets stuck in your head, so will the lyrics. Search for YouTube videos (many include
lyrics) or try other websites like </span><a href="http://www.truevinemusic.com/scripture_songs.htm" style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">True Vine Music</a><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">. <br /><br /></span></li><li><u style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">Know the context of the verse</u><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">. Knowing the </span><i style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">what, where, when, how, and
why</i><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"> of a passage will add value because you will also know how to apply
it. Don’t forget to memorize the
reference too! <br /><br /></span></li><li><u style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">Pray for God to help you</u><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">. He is the One Who wants Scripture to dwell
within us, so He will answer your prayer for help!</span></li></ul><p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><u>Some information used from the following websites</u>:<br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br />Unlocking the Bible – </span><a href="https://unlockingthebible.org/2016/11/reasons-memorize-scripture-bible/" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Reasons
to Memorize Scripture</a><br /><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span>Un</span>locking the Bible – </span><a href="https://unlockingthebible.org/2016/04/how-to-memorize-scripture-bible-verses/" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">How
to Memorize Scripture</a><br /><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Desiring God – </span><a href="https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/why-memorize-scripture" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Why Memorize
Scripture</a></p>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00163558386595878384noreply@blogger.com3Texas, USA31.9685988 -99.90181313.6583649638211533 -135.0580631 60.278832636178848 -64.7455631tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348545808085588773.post-45968512579028548442021-06-01T07:00:00.013-05:002021-11-09T14:32:07.159-06:004 Crucial Steps to Include in Your Family Emergency Preparedness Plan<p class="MsoNormal">June is National Safety Month and the opportune time to assess
your Emergency Preparedness Plan. This is something that should definitely be reviewed
together as a family! For those of us
along the Southern coast, <b><a href="https://www.weather.gov/wrn/summer-safety">being
prepared for summer weather-related emergencies is vital</a>, </b>and it’s much
easier when the entire family helps. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This post will cover 4 steps that need to be a part of your
family emergency preparedness plan:<br /><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Family Ready Kit <br /></span></b><b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Financials<br /></span></b><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Bug-Out Bags<br /></span></b></span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: medium;">Pet Plan</span><br /><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhljly-wovDVTsp5rPDV2Re-XGFxNIyV_9tOeSjNWfEfLSh_va8MBvCxvZX8hNkqrfrIC9QJtnWtg6aL5B9O9A2smJOyNfFOfc7C0Xyb8PXZIqoA_gzFPqSvSWPEZ3Velz8dOOIYawaxlN2/s625/max-larochelle-uu-Jw5SunYI-unsplash-resized+500.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhljly-wovDVTsp5rPDV2Re-XGFxNIyV_9tOeSjNWfEfLSh_va8MBvCxvZX8hNkqrfrIC9QJtnWtg6aL5B9O9A2smJOyNfFOfc7C0Xyb8PXZIqoA_gzFPqSvSWPEZ3Velz8dOOIYawaxlN2/s16000/max-larochelle-uu-Jw5SunYI-unsplash-resized+500.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@maxlarochelle?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Max LaRochelle</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/@amvallejo311/likes?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></b></div><p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l6 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<h1 style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #45818e;">Family Ready Kit</span></b></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal">A Family Ready Kit refers to items purchased or collected
that are stored for easy access in an emergency. (You may consider purchasing <b><a href="https://amzn.to/3p8uotp">a storage bin with rollers</a></b> for supplies
to help roll it to a vehicle without difficulty.) <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="https://www.ready.gov/kit">FEMA</a> </b>has an
extensive list of items for an emergency kit with a <b><a href="https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2021-02/ready_checklist.pdf">printable
checklist</a></b>. Here are the things I found most essential: </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Water – one gallon per day per person for several days for drinking
and sanitation</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Food – at least a three-day supply of non-perishable foods
per person</span></li><li><span style="color: #1b1b1b; font-family: inherit;">Hand
wipes, cleaning wipes (with bleach), garbage bags, and plastic gloves</span></li><li><span style="color: #1b1b1b; font-family: inherit;">Wrench
or pliers to turn off utilities</span></li><li><span style="color: #1b1b1b; font-family: inherit;">Prescription
medicines (have your drug store app updated on your phone too)</span></li><li><span style="color: #1b1b1b; font-family: inherit;">Non-prescription
medicines such as pain relievers, antacids, etc.</span></li><li><span style="color: #1b1b1b; font-family: inherit;">Fire
extinguisher</span></li><li><span style="color: #1b1b1b; font-family: inherit;">Matches
in a waterproof container (or lighter)</span></li><li><span style="color: #1b1b1b; font-family: inherit;">Sleeping
bag or warm blanket for each person (store with Bug-Out-Bags)</span></li><li><span style="color: #1b1b1b; font-family: inherit;">Paper
plates, cups, paper towels, plastic utensils</span></li><li><span style="color: #1b1b1b; font-family: inherit;">Infant
formula/baby food, diapers, and other essentials</span></li><li><span style="color: #1b1b1b; font-family: inherit;">NOAA
Weather Radio </span><b style="color: #1b1b1b; font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3c7Mp5I">like this one with battery
charger, reading light, and more.</a><br /><br /></b></li></ul><p></p><b><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Create a First
Aid Kit<br /></span></span></b><br />Have an extensive first aid kit assembled in another bag to
add to your Family Ready Kit. <b><a href="https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/anatomy-of-a-first-aid-kit.html">Visit
the Red Cross for their list of items that need to go into a First Aid Kit.</a></b><br /> <br /><b><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Have
Essentials in Your Vehicle<br /><br /></span></span></b>Having your primary vehicles cleaned and loaded with essentials
will take the pressure off when on the road. To help with this task, visit my
post, <b><a href="https://musesofamom.blogspot.com/2020/10/50-essential-things-to-keep-in-the-car.html">50
Essential Things to Keep in Your Car, which includes a free printable PDF checklist</a></b>. <div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><h1 style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #45818e;">Financials</span></b></h1><p class="MsoNormal">To be prepared for <i>any</i> emergency, important papers must
be organized! Take time now to collect and organize your documents: <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Insurance Policies</li><li>Social Security Cards</li><li>Birth Certificates</li><li>Passports</li><li>Deeds or Leases</li><li>Vehicle titles</li><li>Marriage license and divorce decrees (even if you have remarried)</li><li>School transcripts (crucial for homeschoolers!)<br /><br /></li></ul><o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Shred,
Scan, Save</span></span></b></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Shred anything with personal information if you no longer
need it. </li><li>Scan all important documents and save them on a thumb drive
or an external hard drive.</li><li>Make a PDF of your latest tax return and add it to the thumb
drive or an external hard drive.</li><li>Use a 5” x 7” manila envelope for each family member’s
personal documents: social security card, birth certificate, passport, etc.</li><li>Put all documents in a waterproof container or a portable
fire safe. Have it in a secure location in your home but accessible enough for
a family member to grab when it’s time to leave. <br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Q1unVMT7hACHeyCSsi8k9DMrx4EUXOeySMQWaUlnByMhjMKTF667q0crEkkvlhc7lQkdxjFgvvPIp36cu5OnUSBcn78Xpi_kLawFO5vcCCxomPWfZt5S1pQgxPRzUr4mAapxQT8PA1Nw/s600/phillip-flores-38wqGW802RM-unsplash-resized+600.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Q1unVMT7hACHeyCSsi8k9DMrx4EUXOeySMQWaUlnByMhjMKTF667q0crEkkvlhc7lQkdxjFgvvPIp36cu5OnUSBcn78Xpi_kLawFO5vcCCxomPWfZt5S1pQgxPRzUr4mAapxQT8PA1Nw/s16000/phillip-flores-38wqGW802RM-unsplash-resized+600.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@pflores?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Phillip Flores</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/flood?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></span></i></td></tr></tbody></table></li></ul><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><o:p></o:p></p><h1 style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #45818e;">Bug-Out Bags</span></b></h1><p class="MsoNormal">A Bug-Out-Bag (BOB) is a backpack, one for each family
member, with necessities needed when it is time to “bug out.” <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">When leaving home in your vehicle to escape a hurricane or
flood, here are the things I recommend for Bug-Out-Bags<i>, in addition to</i>
the Family Ready Kit. Store filled backpacks with sleeping bags in a safe, climate-controlled
space where they can be retrieved quickly.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Adult and
Teen BOBs: </span></span></b></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Smartphone (or cell phone) and wallet (with Driver’s License
/ ID) </li><li>Face mask(s)</li><li>Hand sanitizer and/or hand wipes</li><li>2-3 bottles of water</li><li><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #1b1b1b;">Travel-sized
hygiene items (or feminine hygiene products)</span></li><li>Prescription glasses (if contacts aren’t probable on the go)</li><li>Small notebook and pen/pencil</li><li>Individual-sized packages of high protein snacks: peanut butter
crackers, small <i>cans</i> of fruit, beans, or tuna (with pull lid), protein
bars, plus a plastic fork and spoon </li><li>Long-lasting, fully charged battery for cell phone <u>AND</u>
charging cords</li><li>Small LED flashlight with carabiner (to hook on backpack or
clothes)</li><li>Complete set of clothing appropriate for the climate and
sturdy shoes.</li><li>Cash – in small bills (We are so used to debit cards that we
forget they are useless if there is no electricity!)<br /><br /></li></ul><o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p></div><b><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">8 to 12
Year BOBs:<br /><br /></span></span></b>Depending on the child, they can carry many items on the
proceeding list, other than maybe medicines, cash, and fewer water bottles.<br /><br />Allow them to bring a creature comfort, such as a stuffed
animal, paperback book, or card game. If carrying an iPad or tablet, remember that
battery power will be a premium if there is no electricity.<br /><br /><b><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">7 Years
and Younger BOBs:<br /><br /></span></span></b>Your young child can still have their own backpack. While
they cannot carry all the items on the list, they can take a couple snacks, a small
bottle of water, an extra shirt, and a stuffed animal or another creature
comfort. Items they cannot carry can be added to the Family Ready Kit.<div><br /><div><h2 style="text-align: left;"></h2><h1 style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #45818e;">Pets</span></b></h1><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Plan ahead for your pet(s), so they can’t escape or get hurt.
Because I am a dog person, this is how I will prepare for my dog, Zoey: <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Kennel – Keep one on hand for
emergencies, even if your dog doesn’t normally use one. Having your pet in
their kennel for transport to a vehicle will keep them from getting spooked and
running off. When in a shelter or other accommodation, having your dog (or cat)
in a kennel will be essential (if allowed).</li><li>Water – Don’t forget to add extra
water to the family water. <b><a href="https://amzn.to/3fVPJlv">A travel water
bottle</a></b> for your dog is handy for long walks and car rides, in addition
to emergencies.</li><li>Food Bowl – <b><a href="https://amzn.to/2SJNNEG">Collapsible bowls are space-saving. and easy to
pack</a></b>.</li><li>A familiar toy or blanket; treats,
leash, and/or halter.</li></ul><o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="color: #45818e;">Remember – Emergency Preparedness is something the entire
family should do together. It’s important to discuss and allow every family
member’s input. Gather and pack supplies and make sure everyone knows where
they are stored. Practice the plan together and make sure each person knows
their job. When there is preparation, there will be less anxiety and chaos when
disaster strikes.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #45818e;"><i style="color: black; font-size: small;">Disclosure: As an Amazon affiliate, there may be links in this post, which if you click through and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission that helps support this blog. You are in no way obligated to use these links. </i></span></p></div><p></p></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00163558386595878384noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348545808085588773.post-69787340515152551742021-05-25T07:00:00.006-05:002021-11-09T15:19:34.694-06:00Is Rosetta Stone -- or Any Language Curriculum -- Worth the Money? <p><span style="font-family: inherit;">We made a specific promise to our oldest son, Matt. When we took him out of
public school after 10<sup>th</sup> grade to homeschool, we would find
a way for him to study Japanese. Learning Japanese was his passion, and the
public high school did not offer that option. Matt's dream was to go to Japan
one day to teach or work, so we wanted to make good on that promise. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">This was 2013. That summer, my husband and I went to a homeschool
convention. The sessions were quite beneficial, but the curriculum area was
eye-opening—so many things to chose from, whether you wanted to teach Christian
or secular homeschooling. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">I made no plans to purchase curriculum because I had a plan set for the coming year, but I wanted to see what else was available as I planned for the
future. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">As we explored the curriculum fair, we saw the Rosetta Stone booth. Who hasn't heard about Rosetta Stone with its recognizable yellow packaging? It's been around for ages. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">And surprise – they were having a sale on their language editions
specifically for homeschool, and Japanese was included. In fact, instead of
getting a one-year course, we could purchase the three-year edition for a
special, low price. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our oldest son's desire was to learn Japanese. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">We promised. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p>
</p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">We bought the three-year software package. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQs6Sd2vF8qz8uWXoTsBuoZ2ubhNZWzXvLTBa2L0S1T9yTyo3mRkUR5Nsak-uj0EDiKpzXMQ_0be0K5F3Qcq9v14JUJdIxO2bDeZW85zSQCENw6CLlKBVWMTA_NzRv86RhBQfy1kfWsu2/s500/chris-yates-iqELIpzpARI-unsplash+resize+500.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" data-original-height="334" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQs6Sd2vF8qz8uWXoTsBuoZ2ubhNZWzXvLTBa2L0S1T9yTyo3mRkUR5Nsak-uj0EDiKpzXMQ_0be0K5F3Qcq9v14JUJdIxO2bDeZW85zSQCENw6CLlKBVWMTA_NzRv86RhBQfy1kfWsu2/s16000/chris-yates-iqELIpzpARI-unsplash+resize+500.jpg" /></span></i></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@chrjy?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Chris Yates</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/cd?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Matt was ecstatic. The homeschool version was arranged in daily lessons and provided me a way to track his progress. He eagerly
completed Japanese lessons every day for a few months.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Then he stopped, never to finish the final two years of the program. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">While he did learn a good deal of conversational Japanese, he found a website that provided better, more in-depth lessons to learn Japanese -- for free.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #4a9a82; mso-themecolor: accent3; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">See the end of this post for
websites where your<br /> </span></span></b><b><span style="color: #4a9a82; mso-themecolor: accent3; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
homeschooler can learn a foreign language for FREE.</span></span></b></h3><p align="center" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #4a9a82; mso-themecolor: accent3; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></b></p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">With his disinterest in Rosetta Stone, I decided to try selling <b><i>the
software we purchased</i></b> on eBay to get some of our money back. The auction was successful, but the
buyer never paid. A week later, I found out that we were not allowed to resell the
Rosetta Stone software because it was against the agreement made when we
purchased it. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">After more research, I discovered what the convention salesperson failed to
tell us -- we weren't <i><b>purchasing</b></i> software but merely </span><b style="font-family: inherit;"><i>leasing</i></b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> it.
For this reason, it is not resellable, especially on eBay.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">I wasn't necessarily angry that $249 was spent on software that didn't work
for my son. Instead, I was upset that the product was sold to us without making
it clear that (1) we didn't <u>own</u> the copy of the software and (2) the "lease"
was only for one student, not siblings. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Oh, sure. Read the fine print. But in 2013, when we were still purchasing
software on CDs, why think we weren't buying a copy of the software to own for
our use? <o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">While I thought this was our mistake, a search on the internet brought to
light many other stories like ours. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Because of our experience, we chose the traditional route with our youngest
son. Josh learned Spanish 1 & 2
through our homeschool co-op from a qualified Spanish instructor. It was more
in-depth and worth the extra cost. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Today, Matt can speak Japanese and he is continuing to learn it. Not just the
language conversationally, but also grammar, sentence structure, and how to write it. His plan is still to teach English in Japan when borders re-open from the COVID
pandemic. While he is there, Matt will take the competency test, certifying his
proficiency in the Japanese language. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">I asked Matt why he stopped using Rosetta Stone for Japanese after one year
in high school, and his answers are worth sharing for other homeschoolers who want to learn an Asian language. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">First, Rosetta Stone primarily teaches students to learn language
conversationally and with memorization. There are sentence examples with their meanings,
but not enough help is given so the student can apply those sentences
situationally. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Additionally, the Rosetta Stone method encourages students to learn intuitively.
While this may work more effectively for German or Spanish, it is frustrating for
Japanese. This is because such a distinctively different language as Japanese will
rarely have exact word-by-word translations. Unless there is an understanding of the specific
fundamentals of grammar and sentence structure of that Asian language, it will
hinder the student from constructing their own sentences and speaking more fluently. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">You can still buy Rosetta Stone (Best Buy offers it for $199), but the
better option would be to subscribe through the Rosetta Stone website if you want to try it. They do offer a free trial, but it is only <i>three</i> days. When the trial is over, you
will automatically be charged the one-year subscription price (with the option
to cancel anytime). Since you have to give your credit card information to get
a three-day trial, I would recommend that you instead sign up for a one-month
subscription of $12 for 30 days. Try out everything included in the
subscription to determine if it is best for your student. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Matt's advice for homeschoolers wanting to learn a foreign language is not to
spend <u>any</u> money on curriculum! With so many free websites and YouTube, students
have at their fingertips all the necessary resources to learn a language.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">There are several free websites your student can explore to help
determine what language they want to learn. Read <a href="https://musesofamom.blogspot.com/2018/08/where-to-find-free-spanish-lessons.html"><b><span style="color: #4a9a82; mso-themecolor: accent3; mso-themeshade: 191;">"Where to
Find Free Spanish Lessons and Courses,"</span></b></a> or the <a href="https://musesofamom.blogspot.com/2019/10/help-your-teen-with-foreign-language.html"><b><span style="color: #4a9a82; mso-themecolor: accent3; mso-themeshade: 191;">"Best
Websites to Homeschool Foreign Language,"</span></b></a> here at Muses of
a Mom.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>I'd love to get your opinions on Rosetta Stone or another foreign language curriculum you used. What is the best or the worst? What were your successes? Let me know in the comments!!</i></b></span></p>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00163558386595878384noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348545808085588773.post-91783485008423910702021-05-21T07:00:00.031-05:002021-11-09T14:29:03.183-06:0012 Unique Scavenger Hunt Ideas for the Younger Homeschooler<p>Monday, May 24 is a fun day to celebrate: National Scavenger Hunt Day! <br /><br /></p><p>The creation of this day is credited to Elsa Maxwell (1883-1963),
an American gossip columnist, author, songwriter, and professional hostess. She
introduced the scavenger hunt as a party game.<br /><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We all know how the game works. Someone devises a list
of odd items, either random or themed. Participants hunt for these items, sometimes in a marked
geographical area. While it is not allowed to buy the items, part of the fun is
to beg, barter or even work to retrieve an item! The participant (or team) who
finds the most, or all the items on the list, is the winner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /><br /></span><o:p></o:p></p>
Scavenger hunts are ideal for homeschoolers. It provides a break from other activities, can be a learning tool, and especially, get them away from screens. <br /><div><br /></div><div>Here are <b>12 exceptional scavenger hunt ideas for younger kids from other homeschool moms</b>. All of them include <b>free printables</b> to get you started quickly! Many of these ideas are for children 3 to 7 years old; however, try adapting some of these ideas for older students, or pair an older child with a younger child to work together! </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhnBDD44wbWNTFvf9fx2bYFilT1ial5Cphjx5h_otbiXUO1dxRX0etAz4Wjph41ASKQR_sYl5KGnzHqGo7QBqrvzDIJdzKaxHrflviri2_-DprSZ-DQY-Xu3EiYoJcAW-P5LpMfP7qbLu6/s600/n-RFId0_7kep4-unsplash-resized+600.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhnBDD44wbWNTFvf9fx2bYFilT1ial5Cphjx5h_otbiXUO1dxRX0etAz4Wjph41ASKQR_sYl5KGnzHqGo7QBqrvzDIJdzKaxHrflviri2_-DprSZ-DQY-Xu3EiYoJcAW-P5LpMfP7qbLu6/s16000/n-RFId0_7kep4-unsplash-resized+600.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@ellladee?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">N.</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/@amvallejo311/likes?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">Get Them Outside: </h2><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://heartandsoulhomeschooling.com/scavenger-hunt-in-spring/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">Heart and Soul Homeschooling</span></a></h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Sara's <b><a href="https://heartandsoulhomeschooling.com/scavenger-hunt-in-spring/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">spring-themed hunt</span></a></b> will get your kids outside to enjoy the beginning of warmer weather!<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://organized31.com/nature-scavenger-hunt-summer/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">Organized 31</span></a></h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The best hunts are whether you are in the woods or in the suburbs! Susan shares 4 free printables with 30 different items <b><a href="https://organized31.com/nature-scavenger-hunt-summer/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">that can be found outside</span><span style="color: #45818e;">.</span></a></b><br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.upliftingmayhem.com/rock-scavenger-hunt/ "><span style="color: #45818e;">Uplifting Mayhem</span></a></h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">With a twist on a nature hunt, Marcy came up with a unique idea
– <b><a href="https://www.upliftingmayhem.com/rock-scavenger-hunt/ " target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">an Epic Rock hunt</span></a></b>! This activity is great for older kids, with different ways to use the rocks found during the hunt. <br /><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://ourkiwihomeschool.com/free-beach-scavenger-hunt/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">Our Kiwi Homeschool</span></a></h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Live near the beach or planning a trip soon?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Naomi shares a <b><a href="https://ourkiwihomeschool.com/free-beach-scavenger-hunt/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">beach-themed hunt</span></a></b> on her blog.<br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span><o:p></o:p></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">Keep Them Busy When You Have to Go Out</h2><h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://lovinghomeschool.com/pet-store-scavenger-hunt/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">Loving Homeschool</span></a></h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There are always times when errands have to get done during
the day, but that doesn’t mean fun and learning can't be a part! Cindy has a great idea for a hunt <a href="https://lovinghomeschool.com/pet-store-scavenger-hunt/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">in the pet store</span></b></a> when you have to shop for pet
supplies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /><br /></span><o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://thathomeschoolfamily.com/5-free-scavenger-hunts-for-kids-that-will-make-any-outing-educational/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">That Homeschool Family</span></a></h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Elizabeth shares 5 types of hunts (alphabet, colors, numbers, shapes, and textures)<a href="https://thathomeschoolfamily.com/5-free-scavenger-hunts-for-kids-that-will-make-any-outing-educational/" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"> <span style="color: #6aa84f;">that can make any outing educational.</span></a> With additional suggestions for incorporating them, this hunt would be one that a team of one young child with one older child would work well. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p>
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>When You Want to Stay Home: </b></h2><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://homeschoolsuperfreak.com/scavenger-hunt/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">Homeschool Super Freak</span></a></h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For 2021, there may still be some virtual events for
homeschoolers or even homeschool co-ops. Jacqueline suggests a <a href="https://homeschoolsuperfreak.com/scavenger-hunt/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">virtual way to have fun with a scavenger hunt.</span></b></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> <br /></span><br /></span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #45818e; mso-spacerun: yes;"><a href="https://www.flandersfamily.info/web/2020/05/23/stay-at-home-scavenger-hunt-free-printable/" target="_blank">Flanders Family Homelife</a></span></h3><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: left;">Jennifer has <b><a href="https://www.flandersfamily.info/web/2020/05/23/stay-at-home-scavenger-hunt-free-printable/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">two ideas (with adorable printables!) for inside scavenger hunts</span></a></b>: one a search for items and another that incorporates <i>chores</i>! Brilliant!</div><div><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">Teaching Opportunities:</h2><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://thisreadingmama.com/printable-scavenger-hunts-at-home/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">This Reading Mama</span></a></h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Becky had an awesome set of <b><a href="https://thisreadingmama.com/printable-scavenger-hunts-at-home/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">9 scavenger hunt printable sets for teaching</span></a></b> at home, including rhyming,
geography, math scavenger hunts, and many more!|<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://homeschoolpreschool.net/zoo-scavenger-hunt/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">Homeschool Preschool</span></a></h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">One of the outings we always do (multiple times!) with preschoolers is
the zoo!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On her website, Tara has<b><a href="https://homeschoolpreschool.net/zoo-scavenger-hunt/" target="_blank"> <span style="color: #6aa84f;">5 zoo-themed hunts</span></a></b> for reading, pictures, ABCs, counting, and sensory. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">Seasonal Ideas: </h2><h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://homeschoolpreschool.net/zoo-scavenger-hunt/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">Rock Your Homeschool</span></a></h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Keep this one in your pocket for the fall when you start-up
schooling again. Make your first day one to look forward to with this <b><a href="https://homeschoolpreschool.net/zoo-scavenger-hunt/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">First Day of Homeschool Scavenger Hunt</span></a></b>! <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://asformeandmyhomestead.com/christmas-lights-scavenger-hunt/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">As For Me and My Homestead</span></a></h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Any time is a great time for a scavenger hunt – even Christmas!
Jamie has a fun printable for a <b><a href="https://asformeandmyhomestead.com/christmas-lights-scavenger-hunt/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Christmas lights scavenger hunt</span></a></b> -- perfect to take along on a Christmas stroll or drive.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">Bonus Ideas: </h2><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Even <b>Chick-fil-A </b>has two fun scavenger hunts on their Pinterest page: <br /><b><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/383157880800801714/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Let's Play: Kids Scavenger Hunt </span></a></b>and <b><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/383157880800686565/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Let's Explore: Scavenger Hunt</span></a></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="https://www.spanish.academy/blog/8-activity-ideas-for-your-scavenger-hunt-in-spanish/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Visit this Spanish Academy website</span> </a></b>for scavenger hunt ideas if your child is learning Spanish. <br /><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="https://craftivitydesigns.com/nature-scavenger-hunt-kids/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Craftivity Designs</span></a></b> has another idea for a nature hunt with a cool printable. <br /><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://scavengerhuntidea.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Try this entire website devoted to scavenger hunt ideas</span></a></b> by age and topic, plus tips
and tricks to plan the perfect hunt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">My blogging friend over at The Martha Review <a href="http://themarthareview.com/national-scavenger-hunt-day/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">has a fabulous idea for a hunt using paint chips!</span></b></a> <br /><br /></span></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: medium;">Have some other ideas for scavenger hunts? Comment below or tweet them using <b>#ScavengerHuntDay and @musesofamom!</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></p></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00163558386595878384noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348545808085588773.post-53065727030139166622021-05-18T07:00:00.165-05:002021-11-09T15:19:03.054-06:00How the Great State of Texas Almost Became French<div style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;">Today is International Museum Day, a day to raise
awareness that "museums are an important means of cultural exchange,
enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and
peace among peoples. (<b><a href="https://icom.museum/en/our-actions/events/international-museum-day/"><span style="color: #318b71;">ICOM</span></a></b>) </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><br />In other words, museums are cool. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;">In <b>#InternationalMuseumDay #InternationalMuseumDay2021</b><br /><br /></span></span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;">We have
always loved visiting </span><span style="color: #318b71; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.thestoryoftexas.com/"><b><span style="background: white; color: #318b71;">The Bullock Texas State History Museum</span></b></a><b><span style="background: white;">, </span></b></span><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;">downtown Austin, Texas. (Or what
we locals call the Bob Bullock Museum.) If you want the scoop about Texas history, it's the place to go!<br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />And there is a LOT of history in Texas, the state that has flown six flags: </span></span><span style="background-color: white; orphans: 1;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Spain (1519–1685; 1690–1821), France (1685–1690), Mexico (1821–1836), the Republic of Texas (1836–1845), the Confederate States of America (1861–1865), and the United States of America (1845–1861; 1865–present).</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="background: white; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pOuCeBL44zs" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><br /><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><i>(Continue reading to find out how about the Bullock Museum's distance
learning program, open to homeschoolers!</i></span><i><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background: white; line-height: 107%;">)</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background: white; line-height: 107%;">While the museum focuses on Texas History, visitors will find <b><a href="https://www.thestoryoftexas.com/visit/exhibits/on-exhibit"><span style="color: #318b71;">traveling or
other special exhibits</span></a></b> on the main floor. During a visit in 2015, we had
the opportunity to see a new permanent display: the rescued wreckage of a 300-year-old
French ship, <i>La Belle</i>, excavated off the Texas coast by the Texas
Historical Commission. <i>La Belle </i>sunk in 1684 when French explorer La
Salle failed at his attempt to establish a colony in the Gulf of Mexico. <br /><br /></span><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0UgD42Gt56Hsnfnu4-1yMoyL37JI71P8wakt3hbXNAd2UHkFKAc72hdCyWa7lO0aziLKkI7-1al8TC28MnlFYgASbDuJXE1B5enGaJVTemjt5NxI0nAAGP8Bgz-7WOR5k_6rL2n581rEC/s2048/IMG_4462+with+logo.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0UgD42Gt56Hsnfnu4-1yMoyL37JI71P8wakt3hbXNAd2UHkFKAc72hdCyWa7lO0aziLKkI7-1al8TC28MnlFYgASbDuJXE1B5enGaJVTemjt5NxI0nAAGP8Bgz-7WOR5k_6rL2n581rEC/s16000/IMG_4462+with+logo.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visitors could watch the ship being assembled in real-time. </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white;">We explore the exhibit and saw original items that were found in the ship's hull during excavation, including colonial household items, a bronze
cannon (see below photo), navigation tools, weapons, and trade goods.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZTE8lMZEvKSdJ4-ZSvX-ugTRtfYu2hrhdRgZAZifHNYZrOb_KjRtU7F73pFe3MITOfRH1Xg9oyuqQ_C5y0pNstkMCi5qFwaee59fsbE0FFXJd_iFTFOCEGoBeEivYZ7VjzuOChjElGsQo/s2048/IMG_4451+with+logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZTE8lMZEvKSdJ4-ZSvX-ugTRtfYu2hrhdRgZAZifHNYZrOb_KjRtU7F73pFe3MITOfRH1Xg9oyuqQ_C5y0pNstkMCi5qFwaee59fsbE0FFXJd_iFTFOCEGoBeEivYZ7VjzuOChjElGsQo/w640-h480/IMG_4451+with+logo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">History of the voyage</span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><br />In 1684, French King Louis XIV sent explorer
René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, across the ocean with four ships to North America. La Salle was to land at the mouth of the
Mississippi River, establish a colony and trade routes and locate Spanish
silver mines. The plan was never realized.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background: white; line-height: 107%;">La Salle landed with 180 colonists (including women, children, and many youths barely out of their teens. The first living structure built was a two-story structure of four rooms, built from hewn logs and timbers salvaged from La Salle's wrecked supply ship, <i>Aimable. </i>It was to serve as a look-out point for the new settlement<i>,</i> which from journals of La Salle's brother, was called fort St. Louis. However, there are no other records of "Fort St. Louis," other than an account stating that the lookout had 8 cannons but no cannonballs. <br /><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background: white; line-height: 107%;">The colony suffered from exposure, disease, bad treatment, and poor diet, and their number dwindled to less than half in six months. From October 1685 to January 1687, La Salle left the colony on three occasions to explore. It was during his first long absence that the remaining ship, <i>Belle, </i>wrecked in Matagorda Bay, leaving the colony marooned. During Christmas 1688, the Karankowa Indians fell on the colony, killing all and taking women and children with them. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal">For La Salle, in a <span style="background-color: white;">series of remarkable
circumstances, La Salle lost ships to pirates and disaster, sailed past his
destination, and was murdered by his own men.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><b><span style="color: #318b71;"><a href="https://texashighways.com/culture/history/landing-of-la-belle-exhibit-la-salle/"><span style="color: #318b71;">Read more history of the Landing of La Belle</span></a> </span></b>from Texas Highways Magazine and the <b><a href="https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/la-salles-texas-settlement"><span style="color: #318b71;">Texas State Historical Association</span></a></b>. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8oiFNs0CZkpwnopWU86H-24zZwL9BgnxHlq8gcHYwFxZ1iNjHJqp7OB4yF6GuS3RQxYp2s9RD8YMOmmVu-cOFjbSUraRBPQirCFFhXsHty9_UZa8y5siHILgKSQcyUwy5FLXu7_LiZgPw/s2048/IMG_4452+with+logo.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8oiFNs0CZkpwnopWU86H-24zZwL9BgnxHlq8gcHYwFxZ1iNjHJqp7OB4yF6GuS3RQxYp2s9RD8YMOmmVu-cOFjbSUraRBPQirCFFhXsHty9_UZa8y5siHILgKSQcyUwy5FLXu7_LiZgPw/w640-h480/IMG_4452+with+logo.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A display model of La Belle and how she would have looked.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 107%;">When </span><em style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Belle </span></em><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 107%;">wrecked in a
storm and sank to the muddy bottom of Matagorda Bay, it rested
undisturbed for over 300 years. In 1995, archaeologists located the 17th-century
ship. They began a decades-long and often unprecedented process of excavating,
recovering, and conserving the ship's hull, along with more than 1.6 million
artifacts. <i>(information from the museum website)</i></span></span></div><div><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 107%;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 107%;"><p class="MsoNormal"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 17.12px;">Watch how they discovered and excavated <i>La Belle</i> in the Gulf of Mexico! <br /><br /></span></p></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OIuHy2TDmWU" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><b><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background: white; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">A permanent exhibit</span></b></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background: white; line-height: 107%;">The museum is now the permanent home of <i>La
Belle</i>. <b><a href="https://www.thestoryoftexas.com/la-belle/the-exhibit/artifacts"><span style="color: #318b71;">Artifacts</span></a></b></span><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"> are the property of France from the collection
of the Musée National de la Marine, courtesy of the Texas Historical Commission.<br /><br /></span><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background: white; line-height: 107%;">When you visit, you will experience the<b> <a href="https://www.thestoryoftexas.com/visit/exhibits/becoming-texas/la-belle-augmented-reality"><span style="color: #318b71;">new and exciting additions</span></a>,</b> including: </span><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background: white; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Augmented Reality – interact with <i>La
Belle</i> and experience the ship life-size and under sail from various
angles and vistas.<br /><br /></span></li><li><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background: white; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Multi-sensory film - <i>Shipwrecked</i> is an experience of the journey
of the <i>La Belle</i> with special effects that being the voyage right to your seat.</span></li></ul><p></p><p> </p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background: white; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">Distance learning opportunity </span></strong></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="line-height: 107%;">Homeschoolers can take a virtual visit to the Bullock
Museum to learn Texas history!<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.thestoryoftexas.com/education/distance-learning"><b><span style="color: #318b71;">Distance Learning
Programs</span></b></a> are for elementary and middle school audiences with
these options:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Join the Texas History Tuesday Livestream
with a Museum Educator;<br /><br /></span></li><li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Sign up for a regularly scheduled live
interactive distance learning program with a Museum Educator (follow
instructions to register);<br /><br /></span></li><li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Watch a recording of some past
programs (including one about </span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">La Belle</i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">).</span></li></ul><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background: white; line-height: 107%;">For more information on <i>La Belle</i>, <b><a href="https://www.thestoryoftexas.com/la-belle/the-exhibit"><span style="color: #318b71;">visit the landing page at the Bullock Museum website</span></a></b>. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><br />#BullockMuseum</span></strong></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk70876364;"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="background: white; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="background: white; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="background: white; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="background: white; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="background: white; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="background: white; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00163558386595878384noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348545808085588773.post-79925671738416201182021-03-30T07:00:00.018-05:002021-11-09T14:46:08.367-06:00Things You May Not Know About Hans Christian Andersen - Literature Activity for Homeschooling Teens<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">#childrensbookday<br /><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Once
my sons could sit in my lap, I read to them. With colorful board books or favorite
Golden Books, we would find a comfy spot, and they would pick what book they wanted
to read next. Soon, they were "reading" the books to themselves.</span></p><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
<br />
Developing a love for reading continued in elementary school. I believe a lot
of that had to do with the school librarian, Mrs. Kanak. With a delightful
and enthusiastic personality, she was always ready to recommend the perfect book for
each student. (When I would volunteer at the school library, she would even
give <i>me</i> adult book recommendations!) Mrs.
Kanak dressed up in costume for all holidays and even book holidays. Her passion
for books and reading was infectious.<br /></span><b><br /></b></span><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwIrARb3VyPi9rPxqjGN7s2yXZJxMPsxdba1HSbph04wb_b9Y7PJGEI7uvag7Ow01sq53a_A4V35onksx_BXraasWXZu_L18zAx3u-fXj_PtaPc6KK89QkzjfsTE9aJmrKz2d6JpPQkwg/s500/debby-hudson-ERb-JXVwAfo-unsplash+resized+500.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwIrARb3VyPi9rPxqjGN7s2yXZJxMPsxdba1HSbph04wb_b9Y7PJGEI7uvag7Ow01sq53a_A4V35onksx_BXraasWXZu_L18zAx3u-fXj_PtaPc6KK89QkzjfsTE9aJmrKz2d6JpPQkwg/s16000/debby-hudson-ERb-JXVwAfo-unsplash+resized+500.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://unsplash.com/@hudsoncrafted?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText" style="text-align: left;">Debby Hudson</a><span style="text-align: left;"> <span style="color: #2b00fe;">on</span> </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/children-books?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText" style="text-align: left;">Unsplash</a></span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">To
celebrate children's literature, April 2 is <b><a href="https://www.usbby.org/international-childrens-book-day.html">International
Children's Book Day</a></b>, hosted by the International Board on Books for
Young People (IBBY). The reason for this celebration from their website: <i>"Since 1967, International
Children's Book Day has been celebrated on or around the Danish author Hans
Christian Andersen's birthday (April 2) to inspire a love of reading and call
attention to children's books."</i></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div>Previously, I shared <b><a href="https://musesofamom.blogspot.com/2021/03/8%20book%20series%20young%20children%20need%20to%20read.html">my recommendations for book series young children need to read</a>.</b></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="line-height: 107%;">
You cannot think of classic fairy tales without thinking of Hans Christian
Andersen. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4HEM1MG-YMV_gmX7z2bWOtTyDwNsqb0QEEiP2TMLm2cDhJsC33wzw2tpm4w7wzx2h2P_JSmngcxaLHFpX3aHgWRwj605DPGR5Q5BoKqzduTG4iUkhI5yzLi5onDOvh0J2Y1TXOmij7Rm/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="342" data-original-width="223" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4HEM1MG-YMV_gmX7z2bWOtTyDwNsqb0QEEiP2TMLm2cDhJsC33wzw2tpm4w7wzx2h2P_JSmngcxaLHFpX3aHgWRwj605DPGR5Q5BoKqzduTG4iUkhI5yzLi5onDOvh0J2Y1TXOmij7Rm/w209-h320/image.png" width="209" /></a></div>Today, Andersen's stories
are translated into more than 125 languages. His lessons of virtue and
resilience in the face of adversity are not only for children but also for adult
readers. Although best remembered for writing fairy tales, he was also a prolific writer
of plays, </span>travelogues, novels, and poems. Known in Denmark as H.C.
Andersen, he is considered a national treasure.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="line-height: 107%;">I couldn't remember the last time I
read a story by Hans Christian Andersen, so I <b><a href="https://amzn.to/3m3FdLz">purchased
this compilation for Kindle for only 99 cents</a>. </b>The book contains all his stories, organized by publication date. Other than the toned-down versions of Andersen's most famous stories I read as a kid, I never took the opportunity to read anything else. Until this past weekend. It was an enlightening look at what was deemed fairy tales in the 19th century. I also learned that many of his stories didn't have happy endings. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">This list of <a href="http://hca.gilead.org.il/" style="font-weight: bold;">Andersen's
168 tales </a>are<b> </b>chronological by publication date.<br /><br /></span></span></div><div>As a child, you may have read some of his popular fairy
tales or even watched the classic film, <i>Hans Christian Andersen.</i> With the
talented Danny Kaye, it is definitely one to rewatch with your homeschoolers.
(At the time of this writing, <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTYd0wWBd5o">YouTube offers the entire
movie free with ads</a></b>.) I still remember the tune to the theme song, <b><a href="http://hca.gilead.org.il/imhca.html">"I'm Hans Christian
Andersen"</a></b><i>:<br /><br /></i></div><div><br /></div><div>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KJzwC_8f6nA" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><br /><br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>8 other things to know about Hans Christian Andersen: </b></h3>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->1)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Hans was born in poverty on <span style="background: white;">April 2, 1805, in Odense, Denmark. His
father was a shoemaker, and his mother a washerwoman. </span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="background: white; text-indent: -0.25in;">As a little boy, he spent days listening to the old women in
the local insane asylum as they spun their yarn and spun their tales to pass
the time. Listening to peasant storytelling in the oral tradition of folklore would
help Andersen create his own stories. </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">2)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Andersen's father only received an elementary
school education. Still, he introduced Hans to Danish legends and stories from <i>The</i>
<i>Arabian Nights</i>. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">3)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>In 1819, Hans moved to Copenhagen. He originally
wanted to be an actor in the Royal Theatre or a dancer but was told he didn't
have the talent. Instead, he was sent to school for more education. He declared
it later as the worst time in his life. As the oldest of the students, he endured
bullying, even from the schoolmaster. After hearing about Andersen's life at
school, his benefactors brought him home to learn from a tutor. He later
graduated from the University of Copenhagen. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">4)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>It wasn't until he was 30 that he started
writing fairy tales. The first four fairy tales published by Andersen were in a
paper booklet: The Princess and the Pea, The Tinderbox, Little Clause and Big
Claus, and Little Ida's Flowers. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">5)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Many stories, such as The Ugly Duckling, come
from Andersen's own recollections of his life experiences, including feelings
of alienation and bullying he had endured. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">6)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Most of Andersen's
fairy tales have unhappy endings. In fact, Disney's version of The Little Mermaid
portrays an entirely different ending than the original story. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">7)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Gaining fame for his storytelling, Andersen
traveled extensively throughout Europe. He met Charles Dickens, Felix Mendelssohn,
and the Brothers Grimm, all of whom respected him as a literary genius. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">8)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->His first complete book of fairy tales was
published around 1835 and included all nine of those previously published as small
paper booklets: <i>The Tinderbox,
Little Claus and Big Claus, The Princess and the Pea, Little Ida's Flowers,
Thumbelina, The Naughty Boy, The Travelling Companion, The Little Mermaid, and
The Emperor's New Clothes.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Read more about Andersen, Denmark, his fairytales, and
novels at the <b><a href="http://visitandersen.com/">Visit Andersen website</a></b>,
the <i>"leading online world for everyone interested in or seeking information
about Hans Christian Andersen."</i> <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>Homeschool High School Activities </b></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal">Here are some things your high school teen can complete for
English or Literature credit: <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->1)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Check local libraries, bookstores, or other
literary groups for storytelling workshops and book reading events relating to
children's book authors. Look for virtual events with authors. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->2)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Have your teen read a short children's book out loud.
Have them practice reading as if they were recording an audiobook, practicing voice
characterizations and inflection. If you have more than one student, have them
write and act out a short story. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><i>3)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></i><!--[endif]-->Research the background of Hans Christian
Andersen. Because many stories include reflections of his negative life
experiences, list periods of his life that may have translated into his
writing.<i><o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->4)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Purchase or <b><a href="https://amzn.to/3m3FdLz">download
a book of Andersen's Fairy Tales</a></b>. Some of Andersen's stories have more depressing
endings or endings that seem abrupt. Have your student select one of these tales
and have them write a different conclusion.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><i>5)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></i><!--[endif]-->Choose one of Andersen's tales that is geared
more toward adults. Have your teen write an essay. <i>What makes this story for
an adult rather than a child? What is Andersen trying to convey with the story?
Is there a moral? If so, what is it? <o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><i>6)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></i> Select one of the famous stories that your
teen knows. Have them write an essay. <i>Do people have a tendency to want more
happy endings for their stories or more angst? Give some reasons why that may
be. What attributes of the story could be a reflection of one a life experience
of Andersen's? <o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->7)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Share books: Find some books from your home
library that can be passed on. See if your public library is accepting donations.
Share the books with neighbors through a community Facebook page or other
community group or charity. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: left;"><o:p> </o:p>Other upcoming book events:</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 254, 254); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">Week of April 4-10, 2021 – <b><a href="http://www.ala.org/conferencesevents/celebrationweeks/natlibraryweek">National
Library Week</a><br />
</b><span style="color: #333333;">Tuesday, April 6 - </span><b><a href="http://ala-apa.org/nlwd/" title="National Library Workers Day"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">National Library Workers Day</span></span></a><span style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(254, 254, 254); line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #333333;">Wednesday,
April 7 - </span><b><a href="http://www.ala.org/offices/olos/nbdhome" title="National Bookmobile Day"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in; text-decoration-line: none;">National </span><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">Library Outreach Day (formerly </span><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in; text-decoration-line: none;">Bookmobile Da</span><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">y)</span></span></a></b><span style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background: white;">Do you have a favorite fairy tale?
Tell us in the comments below! </span></b><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u>Resources</u></b>: <span class="MsoHyperlink" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> <br /></span></span></span><span style="background: white; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><a href="http://www.ala.org/aboutala/offices/resources/happybirthdayhanshtml">American
Library Association<o:p></o:p></a> </span><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><a href="https://thegreatestbooks.org/authors/4863">The Greatest Books</a> </span><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><a href="https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/authors/hans-christian-andersen/">Hans
Christian Andersen - Scholastic</a> </span><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hans_Christian_Andersen">Hans Christian
Andersen - Wikipedia</a></span></p></div><p></p>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00163558386595878384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348545808085588773.post-11956384218185573022021-03-29T07:00:00.012-05:002022-04-03T18:21:19.475-05:0028 Inspirational Quotes About Leadership and How to Use Them for Homeschooling Teens<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">What is the best definition of
Leadership? </span></h3><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Is it simply having the office or position
of a leader? </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Or is it the action of leading a
group of people or an organization?<br /></span></span></p><div style="text-indent: -24px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />Leadership doesn't have anything
to do with seniority or position of hierarchy. It also doesn't have anything to
do with titles or personal attributes. <br /><br />I found a good definition of
leadership from <a href="https://draft.blogger.com/u/1/blog/post/edit/348545808085588773/1195638421818557302"><b>Kevin Kruse, a contributor at Forbes</b></a><b> </b>and the author of<i> <b><a href="https://amzn.to/3ruqnPc">"Great Leaders Have No
Rules."</a></b></i><b><a href="https://amzn.to/3ruqnPc"> </a></b>He said: <b>"Leadership is a process of social
influence, which maximizes the efforts of others, toward the achievement of a
goal." </b>It is this capacity to lead with influence while
empowering others that make the most significant impact. <br /><br />True leadership is about inspiring people to do their best. To encourage them to keep learning and achieving. It's about people, not processes. It's actually not about you, but what you do to help others. This is something that my husband is mastering well in his leadership position. There is more success in an organization when you focus more on your people and not managing "all the things." (To read more about this concept, he highly recommends <b><i><a href="https://amzn.to/39m6zY9">"People Before Things"</a></i></b> by Chris Laping. A good read for teens too.)<br /></span></div><div style="text-indent: -24px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />Following are 28 inspirational quotes
about leadership. <b><u>For your homeschool:</u></b> Choose one quote to read each day. Create a conversation with your teen about the meaning of that quote. What skills and characteristics are given as the essentials of leadership? Have your teen respond with how they can use their new wisdom to display good leadership right now. <br /><br /></span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhChpqZF1SN8x_hEK15uxjNU-j7AxGD_McAQkpeBbhAQtR6C8NH3Lw6SP2H5NaZN51ayEbpqdEaHZdIJLtf_Xc6bKEYGfFTJSwQTyhIYRyZ1CZIe8bPovBeX_8wgd-T31Jug4GH6LztgIlf/s600/anastasia-petrova-xu2WYJek5AI-unsplash+resized+600.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="381" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhChpqZF1SN8x_hEK15uxjNU-j7AxGD_McAQkpeBbhAQtR6C8NH3Lw6SP2H5NaZN51ayEbpqdEaHZdIJLtf_Xc6bKEYGfFTJSwQTyhIYRyZ1CZIe8bPovBeX_8wgd-T31Jug4GH6LztgIlf/s16000/anastasia-petrova-xu2WYJek5AI-unsplash+resized+600.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@anastasia_p?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Anastasia Petrova</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/vision?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"If your actions inspire others
to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a
leader." <b>--John Quincy Adams<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"True
leadership must be for the benefit of the followers, not to enrich the
leader." <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">--John
C. Maxwell</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">"Nothing so conclusively proves a man's ability to lead others as what he does from day to day to lead himself." </span><b style="font-size: 16px;">--Thomas J. Watson, Sr.</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;">"There is no more noble occupation in the world than to assist another human being - to help someone succeed." <b>--Alan Loy McGinnis</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p>"We
are here to add what we can to, not get what we can from life." </span><b style="font-size: 12pt;">--Sir
William Osler</b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"A
leader is best when people barely know he exists when his work is done, his aim
fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves." <b>--Lao Tzu<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"We
must be silent before we can listen. We must listen before we can learn. We
must learn before we can prepare. We must prepare before we can serve. We must
serve before we can lead." <b>--William Arthur Ward<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Leadership
should be born out of the understanding of the needs of those who would be
affected by it." <b>--Marian Anderson<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">"My
research debunks the myth that many people seem to have . . . that you become a
leader by fighting your way to the top. Rather, you become a leader by helping
others to the top. Helping your employees is as important, and many times more
so, than trying to get the most work out of them." </span><b style="font-size: 12pt;">--William Cohen</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"The
most valuable "currency" of any organization is the initiative and
creativity of its members. Every leader has the solemn moral responsibility to
develop these to the maximum in all his people. This is the leader's highest
priority." <b>--W. Edwards Deming<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"People
do not care how much you know until they know how much you care." <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">--John
C. Maxwell<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"The
leaders who work most effectively, it seems to me, never say 'I.' And that's
not because they have trained themselves not to say 'I.' They don't think 'I.'
They think 'we'; they think 'team.' They understand their job to be to make the
team function. They accept responsibility and don't sidestep it, but 'we' gets
the credit... This is what creates trust, what enables you to get the task
done." <b>--Peter F. Drucker<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"The
goal of many leaders is to get people to think more highly of the leader. The
goal of a great leader is to help people to think more highly of
themselves." <b>--J. Carla Nortcutt<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"If
leadership serves only the leader, it will fail. Ego satisfaction, financial
gain, and status can all be valuable tools for a leader, but if they become the
only motivations, they will eventually destroy a leader. Only when service for
a common good is the primary purpose are you truly leading." <b>--Sheila
Murray Bethel<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"A
person who is worthy of being a leader wants power not for himself, but in
order to be of service." <b>--U.S. Senator Sam J. Ervin, Jr.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"The
challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak;
be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid;
be proud, but not arrogant; have humor but without folly." <b>--Jim
Rohn<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Use
power to help people. For we are given power not to advance our own purposes
nor to make a great show in the world, not a name. There is but one just use of
power, and it is to serve people." <b>–U.S. President George
Bush<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"As
leaders shift their focus to customers and quality, they realize that the old
authoritarian leadership style does not work anymore. To achieve quality,
service, and rapid response, leaders must utilize all available talent. They
must find ways to inspire, involve, and empower employees. They must create a
work environment that encourages commitment, innovation, and cooperation.
Instead of evaluating, leaders now coach. Instead of doing, they delegate.
Instead of telling, they facilitate. No one is expected to boss anyone.
Everyone is expected to participate." <b>--Dr. Suzanne Willis Zoglio<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">"He
that cannot obey cannot command." </span><b style="font-size: 12pt;">--Benjamin Franklin</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"If
you want to build a ship, don't drum up people together to collect wood and
don't assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless
immensity of the sea." <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">--Antoine
de Saint-Exupery<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Leadership
is getting people to help you when they are not obligated to do so." <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">--John
C. Maxwell<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Outstanding
leaders go out of their way to boost the self-esteem of their personnel. If
people believe in themselves, it's amazing what they can
accomplish." <b>--Sam Walton<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"No
leader can possibly have all the answers . . . . The actual solutions about how
best to meet the challenges of the moment have to be made by the people closest
to the action…the leader has to find the way to empower those frontline people,
to challenge them, to provide them with the resources they need, and then to
hold them accountable. As they struggle with . . . this challenge, the leader
becomes their coach, teacher, and facilitator. Change how you define
leadership, and you change how you run a company." <b>--Steve Miller<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"To
lead the people, walk behind them." <b>--Lao Tzu<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"As
we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower
others." <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">--Bill
Gates<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Leaders
don't inflict pain - they share pain." <b>--Max Depree<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Leaders
must be close enough to relate to others, but far enough ahead to motivate
them." <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">--John
Maxwell<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"People
are more inclined to be drawn in if their leader has a compelling vision. Great
leaders help people get in touch with their own aspirations and then will help
them forge those aspirations into a personal vision." <b>--John
Kotter<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Disclosure: This post have affiliate links. When you click on the link and purchase the item, I receive a small commission from Amazon. You are not required to purchase through the link, but if you do, it does help support this blog. Thanks! </span><p></p>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00163558386595878384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348545808085588773.post-81211936578073228692021-03-16T07:00:00.008-05:002021-11-09T15:05:40.214-06:00St. Patrick's Day and Irish American Heritage Unit Study for Homeschooling Teens<p>On St. Patrick's Day, they say everyone is Irish. <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/news/nation/st-patricks-day-traditions-explained"><b>Some
like to wear a little green for Irish solidarity (mostly not to get pinched)</b></a>,
feast on corn beef and cabbage, or <a href="https://www.kron4.com/holidays/krispy-kreme-reveals-new-doughnuts-for-st-patricks-day/"><b>enjoy
a sweet, green treat</b></a>. My favorite treat for St. Paddy's day was always a Shamrock
Shake at McDonald's. <a href="https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us/product/shamrock-shake-small.html"><b>They
still have them</b></a>, albeit made a little different than back in the 80s
and 90s when I purchased them.<br /><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxrG783SHtf7fvpSDk_vQ1SgN4fgKlKq7NA6HGdt02Or7BS_nCm9xy_LJLUz-Ci2mC4KDYGPMFjPgSl5aq7a1YwLKi6zsnE3LiZDAE32eYRZpLxVRmTKSUuHp6NbljUT8m1WyiVgtZnx1/s500/harris-vo-tv-9EmBJ1uk-unsplash+resized+500.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxrG783SHtf7fvpSDk_vQ1SgN4fgKlKq7NA6HGdt02Or7BS_nCm9xy_LJLUz-Ci2mC4KDYGPMFjPgSl5aq7a1YwLKi6zsnE3LiZDAE32eYRZpLxVRmTKSUuHp6NbljUT8m1WyiVgtZnx1/s16000/harris-vo-tv-9EmBJ1uk-unsplash+resized+500.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="https://unsplash.com/@hoanvokim?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Harris Vo</a> on <a href="/s/photos/clover?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Today's unit study can give teens a break from regular homeschool studies to
learn more about Irish history, as March is <a href="https://www.archives.gov/news/topics/irish-american-heritage"><b>Irish
American Heritage Month</b></a>. Discover
important events in Ireland, who St. Patrick really was, and why we love to
celebrate this holiday, <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/history-of-the-st-patricks-day-parade-1773800"><b>especially
with parades</b></a><b> </b>and<b> </b><a href="https://www.bhg.com/holidays/st-patricks-day/traditions/history-of-leprechauns/"><b>stories
about leprechauns</b></a>.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Several checked links are provided through this unit study to make it easier
for your student to explore and research independently.<br /><br />
</p><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Heading1Char"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Who
really was St. Patrick?</span></span></b></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br />Was St. Patrick a real person? Yes, he was! But <a href="https://www.irishcentral.com/roots/history/st-patricks-real-name-maewyn-succat"><b>his
actual name was </b><b><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Maewyn Succat</span></b></a><span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">, the son of a Roman-British officer and deacon. He was not
born in Ireland but in England (in today's county of Northamptonshire). Yep. </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Watch this
short video that gives all the facts about St. Patrick and the myths:<br /><br /></span><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/h5KNQ1xciMQ" width="560"></iframe></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />How did St. Patrick's Day become a celebration?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br />St. Patrick's Day is an American-made holiday, which first began in New York in
1762. (New York is also the location of the first St. Patrick's Day parade.)
Now, it is celebrated all over the country <a href="https://youtu.be/jEKY1H86Kqw"><b>and globally</b></a>! (video). Many
cities go all out to celebrate the Irish, including Chicago, <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/us/chicago-st-patricks-day-green-river-surprise"><b>dying
the Chicago River green</b></a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
Read these two articles to get more background on St. Patrick's Day origins: <br />
<a href="https://www.history.com/topics/st-patricks-day/history-of-st-patricks-day"><b>History
of St. Patrick's Day |History.com</b></a><b> <br />
</b><a href="https://www.history.com/news/st-patricks-day-origins-america"><b>How
St. Patrick's Day Was Made in America - HISTORY</b></a><b><br />
</b><b><a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Saint-Patricks-Day">Saint
Patrick's Day | History, Traditions, & Facts | Britannica</a><br /><br /></b><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Traditional Irish Foods</span></b></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">Believe it or not, corn beef and cabbage, what we usually associate with St.
Patrick's Day and the Irish, is actually an American twist on an Irish meal.
The Irish usually prefers pork, but when many immigrated here to the United
States, they found that beef was a more affordable choice at the time. <br />
<br />
Teens love to eat, and learning about a new culture is a reason to have some
fun in the kitchen making traditional foods. Here are two recipes to give your
teen some experience in the kitchen: <i>Potato Pancakes and Soda Bread. <br />
<br />
</i>The famous Irish Potato Pancakes are called Boxty. They can be made from
leftover mashed potatoes and some grated potatoes for the best texture. <a href="https://veggiedesserts.com/boxty-irish-potato-pancakes/"><b>I found this
simple recipe for Boxty using buttermilk.</b></a> There are also some
suggestions for variations if you want them savory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For a recipe that doesn't use buttermilk, try
this one at <a href="https://www.thespruceeats.com/boxty-irish-potato-cakes-recipe-1809575"><b>The
Spruce Eats</b></a>. <br />
<br />
If you watch any British cooking shows, you have probably noticed that <a href="https://www.landolakes.com/recipe/18736/irish-soda-bread/"><b>Irish Soda
Bread</b></a> is standard. This may be because no yeast is needed to make this
tasty bread. You will need buttermilk for this recipe too, and raisins don't
necessarily have to be added.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
If neither of these is appealing, you can always go rogue and make guacamole as
a green St. Paddy's day food. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Visit Ireland Virtually</span></b></div>
<p style="margin-bottom: 8.4pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 8.4pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /><a href="https://talesfromthelens.com/2020/05/25/virtual-tours-dublin-ireland/">There
are many museums to learn about Ireland</a></b><b>,
</b>but these will get you started:<br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />(1)</span><b style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;"> <a href="https://epicchq.com/education/secondary-schools/" style="font-family: inherit;">EPIC
The Irish Emigration Museum Dublin</a></b><b style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;"> </b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">–
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">scroll down the page </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">to find the link for a virtual tour, plus teaching tools.<br />(2) </span></span><a href="https://www.museum.ie/en-IE/Museum-at-Home/Virtual-tours-and-visits" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><b>National
Museum of Ireland</b></a><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"> – explore archeology, natural history, art, and history.<br />(3) </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">For medieval history, check out the </span><a href="http://www.waterfordtreasures.com/medieval-museum/the-experience/virtual-tour" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><b>Medieval
Museum</b></a><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"> with galleries featuring great </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">treasures of medieval Ireland and
Europe and <a href="https://dublinia.ie/online-learning/"><b>Dublinia
Medieval Dublin</b></a><b>.</b></span><b style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></b></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></o:p></b></div></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span class="Heading1Char"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Irish Music Experience</span></span></b></span></h2>
The traditional music in Ireland is quite the experience. It expresses much
about the national identity, affected by cultural suppression, emigration, and
other music genres. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://vagabondtoursofireland.com/where-did-irish-music-come-from"><b>Read
more about the origins of Irish music</b></a>: the instruments, how it can be
traced to the Iron Age Celtic era, changes in modern music from the Irish
Diaspora, and its 1960s revival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b><a href="https://www.claddaghdesign.com/ireland/traditional-irish-music-whats-it-all-about/">This
website</a></b> is another resource for information about what traditional Irish
music is all about. <o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">U.S. Presidents with Irish Heritage</span></b></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br />Interestingly, <a href="https://epicchq.com/story/us-presidents-with-irish-heritage/"><b>23 U.S.
presidents have Irish heritage</b></a>, including President Joe Biden. The most
notable president with a strong Irish heritage was John F. Kennedy. He was also
Catholic, which created some hesitation at the time for Protestant voters. Many
incorrectly believed that Catholics who ran for office would make dual
commitments to the United States and the Vatican. Kennedy, the second Catholic to
run for president (the first, Al Smith, was unsuccessful in 1928), told voters<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">:<i><span style="background: white; color: #181818;"> "I am the Democratic Party's
candidate for president, who happens also to be a Catholic. I do not speak for
my church on public matters, and the church does not speak for me."<br />
<br />
</span></i></span><a href="https://education.blogs.archives.gov/2016/03/17/st-patricks-day/"><b><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Read at the National Archives</span></b></a><b><span style="background: white; color: #181818; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></b><span style="background: white; color: #181818; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">about St. Patrick's Day activities with former presidents along
with a photo of the general order by George Washington on March 16, 1780,
granting St. Patrick's Day as a holiday to the troops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
</span><u>ESSAY ASSIGNMENT</u>: During 1851 – 1920, over 3 million Irish
immigrated to the United States. However, <a href="https://www.history.com/news/when-america-despised-the-irish-the-19th-centurys-refugee-crisis"><b>many
Irish were mistreated</b></a> (video) called "dirty and diseased" and
could only find jobs no one else would do. Do research on the presidents with
Irish heritage who held office during this time. Did the public know of their
Irish heritage? Did this help or hinder them? If so, how? Did they do anything
to help the Irish while they were in office?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Write an <a href="https://musesofamom.blogspot.com/2021/03/4-writing-tools-your-homeschooling-teen-needs-to-master.html"><b>expository
essay</b></a> with your opinion on your research.<br /><br /><u>JOURNALING</u>:
James Garfield (the 20th U.S.
president) said, <i>"A pound of pluck is worth a ton of luck."</i> What
do you think he meant? Do you agree? Why or why not?</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span><o:p></o:p></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Important Events in Ireland's History </span></b></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">There
are many important historical events in Irish history. In the 17<sup>th</sup>
Century, the English, </span><a href="https://www.historynet.com/irish-confederate-wars-oliver-cromwells-conquest-of-ireland.htm"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">led by
Oliver Cromwell</span></b></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">, succeeded in subduing Ireland after several
rebellions. Considerable amounts of land, especially in the north, was
subsequently colonized by Scottish and English Protestants. The rest of Ireland
was predominantly Catholic. <br />
<br />
During the 19<sup>th</sup> Century, the North and South grew further apart due
to economic differences. With Anglican Protestants owning most of the land, the
result was a low standard of living for the Catholic population.<br />
<br />
Protestants and Catholics begin to war over the issue of Irish home rule in the
20<sup>th</sup> century. <span style="background: white; color: #333333;">Most
Irish Catholics desired complete independence from Britain. Still, Irish
Protestants were fearful of living in a country ruled by a Catholic majority. <br />
<br />
<u>ESSAY ASSIGNMENT</u><b>: </b>Spend some time reading about the critical
Irish events below. For this assignment, write a </span></span><a href="https://musesofamom.blogspot.com/2021/03/4-writing-tools-your-homeschooling-teen-needs-to-master.html"><b><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">narrative essay</span></b></a><span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> on one of these
events. Use good imagery and <i>describe what life was like for the Irish
during that time</i>. <br />
<br /></span></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
Battle of Boyne (1690)</span></li><li><span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
The Great Famine (1845-1849)</span></li><li><span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
The Irish Emigration (1851-1920)</span></li><li><span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
Government of Ireland Act (1920) </span></li><li><span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
The Irish Free State and Northern Ireland (1921)</span></li><li><span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
Bloody Sunday 1972</span></li><li><span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
The Troubles (beginning 1968) </span></li><li><span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
Good Friday Agreement (1998)</span></li></ul><br /><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Movies with Irish History</span></b></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We
know students love to watch movies, and these are some recommended for Ireland
history. The list is in chronological order, the date in parenthesis is the
movie release date. Check Netflix, Amazon Prime, or another preferred movie
service to watch. <br />
<br />
<b><span style="background: white; color: #1e1e1e;">Black '47 (2018)<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This is a dark revenge drama set in
1847 during the Irish Famine when a massive emigration wave accelerated the
conflict with the occupying British Empire. <br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
Wind that Shakes the Barley (2006)<br />
</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #1e1e1e; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This is a war drama set in rural Ireland during
the Irish War of Independence (1919-1921) and the Irish Civil War (1922-1923).
It tells a fictitious story of two brothers from County Cork. They join the IRA
to fight against the United Kingdom for Irish independence. <br />
<br />
<b>Michael Collins (1996)<br />
</b>This biographical drama portrays how the controversial Michael Collins (the
notorious Irish patriot known as the "Lion of Ireland") led a war
against the British and helped found the Irish Free State in 1922. <br />
<br />
<b>Angela's Ashes (1999)</b><br />
Based on an autobiography by Irish-American author Frank McCourt, this movie
focuses on his childhood experiences and impoverished family life in Limerick
in the 1930s and 1940s. His father battles both unemployment and alcoholism,
while his mother, Angela, becomes stricken with loss and depression as The
Great Depression hits Ireland hard.<br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Brooklyn (2015)<br />
</span></b><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">While not necessarily an Irish historical film,
it's still work watching. The story is about an Irish immigrant in 1950s New
York City, and she has to decide between life in Brooklyn or her old one back
home. The film was nominated for three Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best
Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Great topic for discussion. <br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="background: white; color: #1e1e1e; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Hunger (2008)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #1e1e1e; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">A historical drama about the Irish
hunger strike in 1981: it's a compelling and detailed look at prison life
during the hunger strike, led by Bobby Sands.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Literature by Irish Authors</span></span></b></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white;"><br />To include some classical literature, two famous Irish authors to read are:<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></span></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="background: white;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oscar_Wilde" style="font-weight: bold; text-indent: -0.25in;">Oscar Wilde</a></span></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="background-color: white;"> <br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Wrote several books, but best remembered for</span><span style="text-indent: -24px;"> </span><a href="https://amzn.to/3tp0qSE" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">The Happy Prince (1888)</span></b></a><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"> </span></b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-indent: -0.25in;">or </span><a href="https://amzn.to/2OXoDR5" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Picture of Dorian Gray (1891)</span></b></a><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"> </span></b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(both free for
Kindle with these links through Amazon)</span></span></h4><p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><a href="https://poets.org/poet/w-b-yeats"><b><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">W. B. Yeats</span></b></a><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">Through this
link to poets.org, you can read several poems by Yeats. A couple of his famous
poems are</span> </span><a href="https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43290/the-second-coming"><b><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Second Coming</span></b></a><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <span style="font-weight: normal;">and </span></span><a href="https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/57587/the-tower-56d23b4072cea"><b><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Tower</span></b></a><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></h4>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00163558386595878384noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348545808085588773.post-89393159504232009852021-03-04T18:25:00.003-06:002022-11-16T16:37:31.565-06:004 Writing Formats Your Homeschooling Teen Needs to Master<p><b> #NationalGrammarDay</b><br /><br /></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">While in high school, your student should be writing. And writing.
And writing. Writing assignments will develop skills and keep them sharp,
making it easier for your teen to do coursework in college.<br />
<br />
It's tough to get them to write, isn't it? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is something my teen always procrastinates
and hopes that I forget. If given a choice, he would much rather write for
pleasure. I certainly understand that because I was the same way in high
school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
I have learned to help my teen become more writing-ready without adding extra
work or courses. Instead of new projects, I stagger writing assignments
alongside topics he is currently studying. Instead of a traditional exam at the
end of the semester, I will assign a research paper instead. English credit can
still be given on a high school transcript without creating an entirely
different class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
Ensure your high school homeschooler has good experience with the 4 writing formats:
traditional report writing, essays, research papers, and creative writing.<br /><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqhB4RENFXNrXjiXLkZ7sXx8nYdtLyLUlUe8uiAhfzsuQYHTB9bhS9kKHcfSBtAjdP9gV6gYxPtZPnD6F7yhyE4ll0srfi1jx2e_Z8Nd-F0Sp6DXBPDMEVU1-UeN_CthwbZLhyqh0OeaV/s500/4+Writing+Formats+resized+500.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqhB4RENFXNrXjiXLkZ7sXx8nYdtLyLUlUe8uiAhfzsuQYHTB9bhS9kKHcfSBtAjdP9gV6gYxPtZPnD6F7yhyE4ll0srfi1jx2e_Z8Nd-F0Sp6DXBPDMEVU1-UeN_CthwbZLhyqh0OeaV/s16000/4+Writing+Formats+resized+500.png" /></a></div><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Reports</span><br /><br />
</b>These are straightforward and typically short, averaging about 600-800
words - the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">average length of a blog post. I like to think of reports as continual practice in reading comprehension. <br /></span><br /></span></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The 2 most common reports are:
</span></h4><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">(1) book report that gives a personal opinion or review on a book that was read<br />
(2) paper that presents conclusions from specific reading material, such as a
speech or article.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Essays</span><br />
<br />
</b>Essays are longer than reports and can be anywhere from 300 to 1000 words. <i>(Scribblr)</i>
These papers must have an introduction, body, and conclusion. <br />
<br />
</span><p></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><u>The 4 common types of essays: </u></span></h4><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">(1)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Narrative – tells a story about a
real-life experience<br />
(2)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Descriptive – paints a picture with
words, communicating a more in-depth meaning<br />
(3)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Expository – presents an
informative, balanced analysis of a topic<br />
(4)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Persuasive – convinces the reader to
accept the writer's point of view. <i>(Time4Writing)</i><br />
<br />
Reports and essays give your teen practice with grammar and sentence crafting. There
are numerous online tools your student can use to assist them with spelling and
grammar. Here are the best: <br />
<br />
(1) <b>Grammarly.com </b>– Most people now know about Grammarly. They have an
online version, but their app can be easily downloaded for Word and works along
in the margin. The premium version has many more helpful options and worth the
investment while your teen is in college. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">(2)
<b>Grammar.com</b> – if you want a simple cut and paste option online to check
for grammar and spelling errors, this can be the way to go. They offer a free
extension that can be added to Chrome. Check out the website for their other
offerings, including grammar ebooks. <br />
<br />
A great resource to bookmark for grammar and English is Mignon Fogarty's
website, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b><a href="https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/grammar-girl">Grammar Girl: Quick and
Dirty Tips.<span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> </span></a></b></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">She
offers numerous tips, videos, and even a podcast. Now your English grammar
lesson plan is complete. You're welcome. <br />
<br />
</span></span><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;">Research Papers</span></span></b><span style="color: black;"> <br />
<br />
The length of a research paper depends on the topic and what has been assigned.
Generally, research papers can be five to ten pages long, not counting the
title or bibliography pages. Instructors usually give their parameters on what
is expected on a research paper assignment. Most importantly, the topic must be
thoroughly researched (always cite a couple more sources than required), and the
body of the paper is well-developed and written concisely. (Instructors can
always tell when there is "word padding" to make the number of words
required!) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
</span></span></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Three main types of research papers are: </span></span></h4><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">(1)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Argumentative – presents two sides
of a controversial issue<br />
(2)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Analytical – analyzes different
viewpoints from a factual rather than an opinionated standpoint<br />
(3) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Definitive <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- describes a topic from a factual standpoint;
however, the information is unanalyzed. There is no opinion from the writer. <br />
<br />
Unlike the "old days" when we had to find a book with the latest
formats to use for research papers, now there are quick and easy ways to get
help online. There are many places to find help with the formats that colleges
require for research papers. A free resource for help using the APA, MLA, or
other formats is the <b><a href="https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/purdue_owl.html">Purdue
Owl Writing Lab</a></b> website which many other colleges also use. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
One of the more challenging parts of a paper is the bibliography. Well, there is
an excellent, free resource to make that much easier too – a <b><a href="https://www.citethisforme.com/us/citation-generator">FREE Citation Machine: Accurate & Easy-to-Use
called Cite This For Me</a>.<br />
<br /><span style="font-size: large;">
Creative Writing</span><br />
<br />
</b>This</span><span style="color: black;"> is what I call a catch-all
category, but it is just as important as the rest. </span><span style="color: black;">Give </span><span style="color: black;">carte
blanc to your teen to write whatever, whenever. It can be </span><b><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fan_fiction">fan
fiction</a></span></b><span style="color: black;">, </span><span style="color: black;">short stories, a chapter of a novel </span><span style="color: black;">(regardless </span><span style="color: black;">if it doesn't go any further), skits/scripts, poetry,
or</span><span style="color: black;"> journaling. </span><span style="color: black;">This is where your teen becomes very comfortable with
a thesaurus and builds their vocabulary. <br /><br />
</span></span><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><b>How Do I Check for Plagiarism?</b></span></span></h4><p></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">While
we are <b><i>sure</i></b> that our homeschoolers would never cheat, sometimes it
can be easy to use too much of a website's content verbatim in their paper. Before
they turn in a paper, have them check what they have written using one of these
websites. <br />
<br />
(1)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b><a href="https://papersowl.com/free-plagiarism-checker">Free Plagiarism Checker
Online for Students - PapersOwl</a></b></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">(2)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><b><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://grademiners.com/plagiarism-checker">FREE Plagiarism Checker: 100%
Correct Result In One Click <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- grademiners.com</a></span></b><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">(3)<b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b></span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;"><a href="https://www.grammarly.com/">Grammarly.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p align="center" class="trt0xe" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><span style="color: red; text-decoration: none;">What has been
helpful writing tools have you used while homeschooling your teen? <br />
Tell us in the comments!</span></b></span><b><span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Articles referred to for this post: <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://www.scribbr.com/academic-essay/length/">https://www.scribbr.com/academic-essay/length/</a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="trt0xe" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://www.time4writing.com/writing-resources/types-of-essays/">https://www.time4writing.com/writing-resources/types-of-essays/</a></span><span style="color: #202124; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00163558386595878384noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348545808085588773.post-66829952473057793472021-03-02T12:21:00.002-06:002021-11-09T14:23:04.021-06:008 Book Series Young Children Need to Read<p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;">#ReadAcrossAmerica<br /><br /></span></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Today is <b>National Read Across America
Day</b>, a celebration of reading in the United States. It is a kick-off to a
year-round reading program (started in 1998 by the <b><a href="https://www.nea.org/professional-excellence/student-engagement/read-across-america">National
Education Association</a></b>), which focuses on motivating children and teens
to read.<br /><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/03/01/a-proclamation-on-read-across-america-day-2021/">Click
here to read the official White House Proclamation</a></span></b><span style="line-height: 107%;">.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #202124; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As decades
have passed, more and more authors flood the marketplace with children’s books,
covering many topics and ideas. Some are lovely and entertaining. Others, I
believe, are too modernized or political for young minds.<br /><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #202124; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtxHdHSTJubEEMZsbNMuPYMP-NbbqDl0BTRqhuGPErKRoUh0tb97P9WxMBu7_TunSGzYFbGyX42hrjnsPUtN1JeU1QJdintq6eEuHwRORuEwAf5mvix7rwa053aDSgAvUAqB20YzKn7g7p/s500/aaron-burden-6jYoil2GhVk-unsplash-RESIZED+500.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtxHdHSTJubEEMZsbNMuPYMP-NbbqDl0BTRqhuGPErKRoUh0tb97P9WxMBu7_TunSGzYFbGyX42hrjnsPUtN1JeU1QJdintq6eEuHwRORuEwAf5mvix7rwa053aDSgAvUAqB20YzKn7g7p/s16000/aaron-burden-6jYoil2GhVk-unsplash-RESIZED+500.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@aaronburden?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Aaron Burden</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/kids-reading-books?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">To cultivate
a child’s love for reading, it is important to encourage them to read books they
</span><b style="font-family: inherit;"><i>want</i></b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> to read and appropriate for their age. If they find a
series they love and want to read all the books available and nothing else, we
need to cheer them on! </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">When kids are elementary
age, a parent’s job isn’t to worry about variety – the goal is to help them develop
a love for reading. The only way to establish that relationship is to direct
them, but not make them read particular books.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #202124; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #202124; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sometimes
we may want our child to read a specific series because it covers a historical
topic they are learning about in homeschooling. That’s a great idea! But to
make it more exciting instead of an assignment, read the book to them, or read
it together. <br /><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Books Develop Imagination</span></span></b></h3><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #202122; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
<i>"Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is
limited, <br />
whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, <br />
giving birth to evolution."</i></span><span style="color: #202122; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
</span><span style="background: white; color: #202122; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br />-</span></span><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Einstein" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" title="w:Albert Einstein"><span style="background: white; color: #3366bb; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Albert
Einstein</span></a><span style="background: white; color: #202122;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">, </span></span><a href="https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Albert_Einstein" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" title="q:Albert Einstein"><span style="background: white; color: #3366bb; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">What
Life Means to Einstein</span></a><span style="background: white; color: #202122;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> (1924)<br /><br /></span></span></span><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #202124; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Imagination
is something we as parents should continuously cultivate in our kids. It is
through imagination where kids develop creativity, ingenuity, and problem-solving.
Remember when our kids were small how we loved seeing them “play pretend?” Now
that they’re older, it is vital to inspire the same activity, only into books. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #202124; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.literacyworks.org/news/2015/5/20/why-read-reason-6-knowledge-is-power-but-imagination-is-more-valuable#:~:text=Reading%20broadens%20our%20imagination%20by,the%20world%20through%20others'%20lives.&text=They%20found%20that%20becoming%20engrossed,brain%20and%20improves%20brain%20function.">From
this article on the Literacy Works website</a></span></b><span style="background: white; color: #202124; line-height: 107%;">, “r</span><span style="color: #0f0000; line-height: 107%;">eading broadens our imagination
by stimulating the right side of our brain. It literally opens our minds to new
possibilities and new ideas, helping us experience and analyze the world
through others' lives.” When engrossed in their reading, children are enhancing
connectivity in the brain that improves brain function. In studies, it was
found that reading fiction improved “the reader’s imagination in a way similar
to muscle memory in sports.” <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: start; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background: white; color: #202124; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As they
read, kids will create in their minds what they think the characters and
locations look like and may adapt what they know and currently experience. They
will also imagine what other worlds may have been like, either by traveling
through time in a treehouse, or following the adventures of Laura, who really lived
in that little house on the prairie. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #202124; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We
recognize this as adult readers. How often have you read an incredible novel
and feel so invested in the characters’ lives when you finish? And if that book
is made into a movie or tv series, were you disappointed when the characters or
locations were not as you imagined? That is the result of your own unique
imagination.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pick Age-Appropriate Books</span></span></b></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: inherit;">There are many good books and series available for elementary-aged students;
however, there are many too culturally modernized. By this, I refer to books with
storylines that give approval to bad behaviors by kids, actions with no
consequences, or societal themes too advanced for a young child to understand.<br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: inherit;"><br />Today, we
see many adults who feel that kids, at an early age, need to be introduced to
what the world is really like, and will have their children read books to that
end. I have to disagree. If kids are presented with subjects too mature or too complex
from the world that </span><i style="color: #202124; font-family: inherit;">they</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: inherit;"> currently see, their minds cannot process it,
nor even articulate questions about it. Trying to educate a child on the “real
world” not only takes away their innocence, but can take away the freedom to
imagine and create, and develop into their own unique personality.</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #202124; line-height: 107%;"><br /> </span><span style="background: white; color: #202124; line-height: 107%;">Instead,
have them read some of the older, more classic series of books that will draw more on their imagination. Just as students in their teens and older
are reading and studying the classics, so should young students read classics. Here
are 8 book series that your young child should still read:</span></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: center;"></p><h4><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><span style="background: white; color: #202124; line-height: 107%;"><span>For ages 5 – 8</span></span></u><span style="background: white; color: #202124; line-height: 107%;"><span>:</span><br /></span></span></h4><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #202124; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3bPm0bQ">The Magic Treehouse</a> </span></b><span style="background: white; color: #202124; line-height: 107%;">- Mary Pope
Osborne<br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3dYvswg">Hank the Cowdog</a></span></b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 107%;"> - John R.
Erickson<br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3uPHkGL">Flat Stanley</a></span></b><span style="line-height: 107%;"> - Jeff Brown<br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://amzn.to/37Z7pcz">The Boxcar Children</a> – </span></b><span style="line-height: 107%;">Gertrude Chandler Warner</span></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span></p><h4><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><span style="background: white; color: #202124; line-height: 17.12px;"><span>For ages 8 – 12</span></span></u><span style="background: white; color: #202124; line-height: 17.12px;"><span>:</span><br /></span></span></h4><p><span style="background: white; color: #202124; line-height: 17.12px;"><b style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3kDJ55t">Nancy Drew</a> - </span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; line-height: 17.12px;">Carolyn Keene</span><br /></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 17.12px;"><b style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2NX10YP">The Hardy Boys</a></span></b><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 17.12px;"> - Franklin W. Dixon</span><br /></span><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><b style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><a href="https://amzn.to/384GtIz">Anne of Green Gables</a> –</span></b><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 17.12px;"> L.M. Montgomery</span><br /></span><b style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3uMpCnF">Little House on the Prairie</a> – </span></b><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 17.12px;">Laura Ingalls Wilder</span></p></div><span style="line-height: 107%;"><p></p></span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%;">I love all these series and have read
them as a kid, or have read them with my kids. There are timeless lessons in
these books. Many may say that they are too old-fashioned, but when it comes to
reading, nothing is old-fashioned really – they are classics.<br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: red; line-height: 107%;">What
was your favorite series as a child? </span></b><b style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: red; line-height: 107%;">What series is your child a big fan of?</span></b></div></span><span><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;"><b style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: red; line-height: 107%;">Let
us know in the comments!</span></b></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;"><b style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: red; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;"><b style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: red; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">As an Amazon affiliate, this post contains links to the books recommended. If you click through and make any purchases, I receive a small commission, which helps with the maintenance of this blog. Thank you! </span></i></div></div></div></span></div>
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