Goodies, Crafts, and More
December 2, 2020
In This Issue:
A High Value on Family

Hey Mama,

Right now it’s a frenzy, especially during the holidays. Feed them, house them, school them, disciple them. Clean, cook, answer calls, pay bills, show up, be available, clean up the crises—and there are plenty of those. We rush from one holiday to the next. How was Thanksgiving? Crazy busy, I bet, BUT . . . fast forward 20-30 years. What might that look like?

You’re not young. But you have grandkids. Your children are still your life. But those grandkids are your absolute joy. Sometimes your children clean up after you now. The projects they complete on your behalf, you never thought you’d see the day. That boy? He was a hyper-monkey. All he understood was Legos and snacks.

Yet . . . fast forward a few more decades: Your pretty new kitchen counters—your son did those! That fabulous Thanksgiving meal you just had—your daughter-in-law lovingly served you that. The shawl about your shoulders—your beloved daughter keeps it on you. The countless drawings plastered on your fridge—yeah, you have a lot of grandkids—even some great grands!

But hey, Mama, that’s partly your doing. You led a life with a HIGH VALUE placed on family. You invested; unabashedly, you served. Unashamedly, you kept them by your side, lovingly training them up as God instructs. Children were your life; your family was first. Didn’t you think those values would get passed along? Didn’t you think your kids were watching?

Well, they were. And you are going to look around one day and see the fruit, in full bloom, all around you. They were watching. And now they watch over you.

Need reminders that the investment is worth it and every little goody you bake and craft you make are planting eternal seeds? Take a look at these articles in The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine.

When It Rains, the Fun Pours! by Kristen Heider
Desserts in TOS 2010 Holiday Digital Supplement

And remember, Mama . . .

Today, keep at it. Mama, keep cooking. Your kids love your food, and they love your smile. They don’t always recognize it, but they even love your correction and instruction towards them. Someday they’ll tell you. Someday they will thank you. May they someday rise up and call you blessed. Here’s to a great start to the holiday season!

- gena
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Dashing Through the Christmas Season with a Flurry of Fun

Cold air snaps, and cinnamon fills the air. Days grow shorter, and the Christmas season rises brighter. Christmas is a glorious season filled with opportunities to ponder God’s Gift to the world, His Son Jesus. It’s a time as a family to snuggle by a fire or on a couch. It’s time to make time for special goodies to bake, crafts to create, and projects to pursue. It’s time to press pause on your trusted curriculum and press play to enjoy some fresh lesson plans for a couple of weeks. Here are some ideas that can decorate your lesson plans for Christmas. 

Devotions: Read the prophecies about the coming of Jesus and the New Testament fulfillment. 
Reading: Read out loud the original classic A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
Grammar and Punctuation: Learn proper ways to write addresses and Christmas cards. Learn the common mistakes people make when crafting a Christmas card. 
Spelling: Make a list of Christmas words and create a crossword puzzle or word search. Make copies and share them at your gatherings. 
Writing: Interview a grandparent about their favorite Christmas and write their story. Frame the story and give it as a Christmas gift. 
Math: Have your children create math word problems using Christmas words and scenarios. The more hilarious, the better! 
History: Learn about Christmas traditions from cultures around the world or from long ago. 
Science: Grow crystals on a cardboard Christmas tree or make a diorama of the first Christmas on Mars. 
Music: Study the hymns that have become Christmas favorites. Go Christmas caroling or listen to Handel’s Messiah
Art: Research art that depicts the nativity scene; then create your own nativity scene. 
Cooking: Bake Christmas treats from around the world. 
Physical Education: Spend time trudging through the snow or take a walk on a nature trail.
Hospitality: Host a neighborhood Christmas party or pancake breakfast. Visit those who are alone. 

May my list inspire you to create your own Christmas lesson plans that will make your Christmas homeschool memories last a lifetime!

You can find Beth Mora jogging while singing off-key near her home in Washington. She is the creator and teacher-on-camera for Here to Help Learning's Homeschool Writing Program for grades 1-6. She is a welcomed speaker at homeschool conferences and women's events. She loves blogging at Home to Home, and Peak Performance, HTHL's blogs for moms and homeschool businesses. Every week, she serves up HTHL's Writing Tip of the Week for those who are serious about teaching their kiddos how to write. Everything she does, whether laughable or heart gripping, is done to honor One, without apology. God's grace is the salve that has healed her own life, and God's grace is what she offers liberally to others.
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 Carole P. Roman is the award-winning author of over fifty children's books. Her books have enchanted educators, parents, and a diverse audience of children. 
Memories that Matter

When I was in the fourth grade, I read Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell. I was supposed to make a diorama of the island for school. My mom scoffed at the idea of a shoebox project and handed me a piece of plywood, newspapers, and paint. I papier-mâchéd an island, soaked toothpicks to bend into whale bone ribs for the walls of a hut, and glued dried grass to the roof. I can still remember the smell of the little dried fish my mom gave me to hang from a line outside the hut. I don't remember all the books I read when I was young, but I'll never forget the story of a girl marooned on an island and her will to survive.

That's why we incorporate crafts, food art, and activities into our homeschool. By working on ideas with our hands, our kids can learn about the Bible, history, and God's Creation. Our youngest two boys are graduating this year and next—and I'm so glad we took the time to reinforce what they were learning with hands-on fun as they were growing up.

We've made Egyptian papier-mâché death masks while reading Exodus. The boys measured and chalked a whale in the street when learning about marine animals (of course they laid inside it to see how Jonah must have felt being swallowed by a sea monster). Our kids have created a cupcake solar system—and one made out of painted styrofoam balls and stuck together with craft sticks, and we talked about how God created and named each star (Psalm 147:4). We've created found-object armor while studying Ephesians chapter 6 and then dressed up in the full armor of God.

Crafts, fun snacks, and activities are not just a time-filler. They are meaningful projects that create memories, cement facts and ideas, and inspire lifelong passions.

Danika Cooley is an award-winning children's author. Her upcoming books include a guide to help your kids learn and love Scripture (Bethany House, 2021), and a new line of Christian history for 3rd to 5th graders (Christian Focus Publications, 2021). Grab your complimentary three-week sample of her popular Bible Road Trip™ curriculum.
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MoneySmart Family: Making Frugal Fun!
Steve & Annette Economides
Cool Christmas Savings

It’s December and we’re running full-speed ahead toward Christmas. When the kids were younger, we took our break from Homeschool between Thanksgiving and New Years. The weather here in Arizona is very enjoyable at that time of year. 

We spent that time doing extra chores, fun activities, baking, wrapping presents, visiting family and friends, and going to special events around town.

Traditions are the glue that helps make enduring memories—some of which we hold dear, and others we just laugh at. 

One tradition we had was playing the Chipmunks Christmas album while we decorated the Christmas tree. The goofy part was that the kids would start dancing around the room as the music played. One year, Abbey (our youngest) grabbed the Christmas tree skirt and put it around her waist like a real skirt and started dancing.
Read these articles for more Christmas Savings and Fun. . .

We have put together a YouTube Christmas Video Playlist that includes. . . 
  • How to Make Pinecone Firestarters
  • How to Make an Easy Tinsel Wreath
  • Make a Yardstick Light Up Star
  • Make a Felt Christmas Tree
  • How to Fix Christmas Tree Lights That Won’t Light
We’d love to hear some of your fun and memorable family traditions—you can message us.

From our home to yours, we hope you have a blessed, frugal, and family-filled Christmas.

Steve & Annette Economides are New York Times Best Selling authors, homeschool parents of five grown children, and family finance experts. They are passionate about living the frugal lifestyle and sharing the fun and freedom they’ve experienced. They have authored three books: America’s Cheapest Family Gets You Right on the Money; Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half; The MoneySmart Family System—Teaching Financial Independence to Children of Every Age.

Steve & Annette’s enthusiasm about household finances has earned them appearances on Good Morning America, Today Show, Dr. Phil, CNN, Fox News, 20/20, Nightline, Yahoo Finance, People Magazine, and more.

Their message of Financial Hope is reaching millions around the globe. Visit them at https://MoneySmartFamily.com.

MoneySmart Family is produced by Economiser Publications, LLC.  This company is not owned by The Old Schoolhouse, LLC (TOS), and TOS is not responsible for the content produced by MoneySmart Family. TOS may not approve of or endorse all content, resources, and other companies promoted by MoneySmart Family in its columns. The views and opinions expressed in this column or newsletter are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of TOS on any subject matter. The financial advice and recommendations promoted by MoneySmart Family are not a substitute for expert financial advice. You should consult a qualified financial adviser for financial guidance tailored to your individual needs.
Check out homeschooling ideas on horses, music, the Trojan War, and so much more in the Winter edition of The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, the premier homeschool trade magazine! Subscribe today: US $29/yr, Canada/Int. $59/yr. www.TOSmag.com
Now is your time to shine! Parents all over the world are considering homeschooling and we are asking YOU to share your experience with them—this is YOUR chance to be a light in a dark hour! 

Why did you begin homeschooling? How did your children feel about it in the beginning? What have you learned over the years? 

Whether your children have already graduated or they are learning their ABCs, if you have homeschooled your children, we want to hear your story. Simply share an encouraging video about your homeschooling experience with The Old Schoolhouse® to inspire families considering home education. All approved entrants will receive a $20 Amazon gift card or $25 gift card to the Schoolhouse Store (winner’s choice and not applicable on magazine subscriptions)! Judges will also choose ONE winning video each month through the end of 2020! Each winner will receive a Best of Video Award and a $150 Amazon gift card or cash (winner’s choice) and will be featured in The Homeschool Minute. 

RULES: 
  1. Create a video about your homeschooling experience being mindful of background noise and the setting.
  2. Maximum length: seven minutes.
  3. REQUIRED: Begin the video by using the most appropriate statement:
  • Hello, I'm a homeschool Mom. Let me tell you my story.
  • Hello, I'm a homeschool Dad. Let me tell you my story.
  • Hello, I'm a homeschool Graduate. Let me tell you my story.
  • Hello, I'm a homeschool Grandparent. Let me tell you my story.
  • Hello, I’m a former homeschool (fill in the blank Mom, Dad, etc.) and have graduated (#) children. Let me tell you my story. 
  • Hello, I'm a homeschool SchoolhouseTeachers.com Lesson Designer. Let me tell you my story. 
  • Hello, I’m a homeschool Ambassador for TOS. Let me tell you my story.
  • Hello, I’m a homeschool Mom and TOS staff member. Let me tell you my story.
  • Hello, I’m a homeschool Dad and TOS staff member. Let me tell you my story. 
 
4. Include three or more of the following talking points in your video:
  • Why I began homeschooling
  • What my kids thought about homeschooling at first
  • What has helped me along the way
  • How my kids have grown through homeschooling
  • Here is a success story
  • This is why I didn't give up
  • How I teach/taught multiple ages
  • How I deal with or dealt with socialization
  • Teaching is easier than I thought! Here's why
  • What I have learned in my homeschooling experience
  • Why I believe my family is tighter because of homeschooling
  • How I’ve seen the love of Christ manifested in our homeschool
5. Please do not include the following in your submitted video: 
  • Why you gave up homeschooling
  • Why you put your kids back into public/private school
  • Political rants
  • Bashing any curriculum
  • Profanity, complaining, murmuring of any kind
  • Copyrighted music in the background (feel free to include your child’s original music)
6. Email your name, email address, video title, short video description, and video link to jriddle@theoldschoolhouse.com. Include 2020 CONTEST SUBMISSION in the subject line.

Please do NOT send the actual video but only the link to the video. Simply upload the video to Dropbox or WeTransfer (both have free options). By submitting your content you are giving TOS ownership of the video and the permission to use your video for promotional purposes. Changes may be made to the titles and descriptions to meet our SEO criteria. Winners will be chosen and contacted by email after the judges have reviewed the videos received during the submission period. 
Are you looking for more weekly encouragement and ideas? We have a team of homeschool moms who share their heart on a wide variety of topics. Some write about fun ideas of things to do, food to make, and places to go. Others tell of obstacles, struggles, milestones, and everyday life while going through this homeschooling journey. By receiving our weekly e-mail, you will not miss out on any of the great articles that are shared on our blog. Head over to receive your first e-mail on Saturday.
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Need some fun activities for your family during the long indoor months? Want some fresh ideas for the holidays? Check out what SchoolhouseTeachers.com has to offer! Our Christmas Corner offers dozens of Christmas-themed lessons and activities. And check out our seasonal activities for some additional ideas for family fun.
in the fall issue of
The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine.
Congratulations to Charissa Reed from Great Falls, Montana, who won our October giveaway!
Contest Corner
for the month of December

Continent Race
Byron’s Games

Continent Race is a game that features the national flags of countries throughout the world! The first player to collect the required number of cards from each continent wins! There are several supporting materials:

1 World Map
5 Continent Lists with Maps
205 Country Cards
3 Antarctica Wild Cards

This is for ages 7+ and for 2 and more players! It is color-coded so that children catch on quickly. This game has won 3 different toy awards including Creative Child Magazine's Game of the Year award, Tillywigs Top Fun award, and Mom's Choice Gold Award! 

Review
I love using products in our homeschool that can bring us all together as a family while we are learning. As geography is sometimes a subject that is completed in isolation (labeling a map, coloring in different nations on a printout, etc.), it is nice to have a game where we can all be together and learn about the nations around us. I found the game to be a lot of fun to play (even though I have never won).

Our six-year-old said, "If you don't know a lot about the continents and countries, the game can help you learn about the world." He likes that the capitals of the countries are printed on the cards. He said, "It could be the best continent/country game for kids." One of his favorite parts was using the Continent Lists with Maps. I can see him using them outside of the game, too, for his homeschooling.

Here's a Crew Member's review from A Mom’s Quest to Teach." or "Check out this Crew Member review from A Mom’s Quest to Teach.

This is a brief description and review of the Continent Race board game. You can see the whole description and 60 reviews from homeschool moms describing their families’ experience with this game on the Homeschool Review Crew site. 

Go to the contest page of our site where you can ENTER TO WIN Continent Race board game.
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