"It is impossible to overestimate the influence of parents who understand the hearts of their children." (Elder Robert D. Hales. April 2010)

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Some Things to do in Kern County

Murrays Family Farm
www.murryfamilyfarms.com
Indian Point Ostrich Ranch in Tehachapi
www.Indianpointranch.com



Hiking and camping on Nuooah Nature trail.
Tehachapi Mountain Park. (661)868-7000
Located eight miles southwest of Tehachapi on Water Canyon Road. Elevation ranges form 5,500 to 7,000 feet. Some campsites with horse corrals, cabin facilities for large groups.

Brite Valley Aquatic Recreation Area (661)822-3228 Brite Lake -day use only fee is $5 per vehicle per day, boat launching $3 per boat per day, day use and boat launching $8 per day. Over nignt cxamping is also available.











Thursday, August 5, 2010

Setting up my school room

I have been very blessed and very excited to turn my mother-in-law suite into a "SCHOOL" room! I know I will still spend a lot of time at the kitchen table and in the computer room and on the couch, but it is so nice to have all my books in one room, all organized with all my school stuff.
oops sideways picture. Love this organizer! I use labeled, clear shoeboxes to keep all my school stuff from pencils to art supplies to manipulatives.


Our newest addition: Work boxes or as I call them, Super boxes. For a full explanation, follow the link http://heartofwisdom.com/blog/workbox-directory/ I use one set of boxes for Ty and Chaz, and the other for Ben and DJ.



This system is amazing! Really, I can't say enough good things about it. Superboxes are easy, and sooo helpful to keep me organized and prepared and most importantly, to keep me following through!
Close up of a super box with number and velcro:










These shelves came from Ikea. Each child has a square to keep their own binders and grade specific workbooks. I use the file to keep files, workbooks, lapbooks and unit specific stuff.




The older kid's bulletin board on European History and British Literature includes our timeline. We will add to it as the year progresses, but I am so visual, I need this to keep on task as to what I have taught and where I am heading.












I use Letter of the Week to stay on track with the younger kids. Here is a closeup of how I use pages of the Friend to teach while using Letter of the Week.
The younger kids bulletin board. I used ideas from this month's Ensign to put up pictures of Adam, Noah and the Animals, and Angels while teaching Letter A. I will be teaching a unit on animals for science and Adam for scripture study.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Our Parental Duty to God and to the Rising Generation

SUMMARY

Elder Robert D. Hales, "Our Parental Duty to God and to the Rising Generation," Ensign, Aug 2010, 30–34

The Lord has given us the charge to "bring up [our] children in light and truth." May we respond to this charge with faith and determination to fulfill our duty to the

rising generation.

One of a parent's most important responsibilities is to teach. As declared in "The Family: A Proclamation to the World," "parents have a sacred duty … to teach [their children—sons and daughters] to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live."1

Set in Order Your Own House

The purpose of the Lord's work is "to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man" (Moses 1:39). Parents can help accomplish this great work by teaching their children "the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands" (D&C 68:25).

In a revelation given through the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord rebuked Frederick G. Williams (1787–1842), a member of the First Presidency, for not teaching his children as he should:

"You have not taught your children light and truth, according to the commandments; and that wicked one hath power, as yet, over you, and this is the cause of your affliction.

"And now a commandment I give unto you—if you will be delivered you shall set in order your own house, for there are many things that are not right in your house" (D&C 93:42–43).

Do we have the courage to teach light and truth in our homes? Or are we experiencing affliction within our families because we are neglecting these duties? As we ponder and pray, we will be given spiritual strength and guidance to help us set our homes in order.

A House of Learning

The scriptures direct us to "establish … a house of learning" (D&C 88:119). Let me suggest several ways we as parents can fulfill this duty to God and to our children...

Focus the minds and hearts of children on the Savior. Faith and testimony must be centered in Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice. We should express to our children our own feelings about the Savior and share scriptures or experiences that have strengthened our testimony of Him. We should help them understand the significance of the Atonement and how it can be a daily blessing in their lives.

Lead and teach by example

Establish righteous patterns in the home

Encourage meaningful personal prayer and scripture study.

Use tools the Church provides to parents.