Posted by Cindy on August 16, 2007
Mahayla pretty much learned to read without my help. By 1st grade, she was reading chapter books. So I didn’t feel the need to back up and teach phonics rules when she was intrisically figuring it all out. We did use Spelling Workout for two and a half years which taught many spelling rules, but she hated the repitition of the same words day after day. By Friday, test day, she would easily make 100%, but wasn’t always transferring the spelling rules into other words.
Fast forward to this year. There are a few spelling mistakes that I have watched her make over and over again – even after talking about them. So, I decided daily spelling instruction needed to be put back on the curriculum schedule. I wanted to do something that really taught the rules this time. Something that would help her to use the rule to spell any word – not just the 20 or 30 for a test.
I decided to use Spelling Works from Scholastic. The lessons cover spelling rules using all kinds of words – there is no word list. Each day, Mahayla completes a lesson where she has to use the rule in a variety of ways. By Friday, test day, I give her 20 or 30 words that follow the rule. She may or may not have seen the words through the week, but if she learned the rule she should still be able to make 100%.
I’m after an understanding of spelling rather than memorizing a set list. I’ve already seen a big improvement in everyday spelling on the words that follow the rules we’ve covered so far. That puts a big smile on my face and has given her more confidence in her writing!
Posted by Cindy on June 6, 2007
My children pulled all the Miller’s books out again the other day. I can’t tell you how much we’ve enjoyed these books!
From the time they were preschoolers and we started reading Storytime With the Millers and on through each of the other books, my children have intently listened to and learned from the stories. I think they’re so good, in fact, that they were read during devotion time usually.
Even though the books come from a very conservative Amish-Mennonite perspective, I found them to be very useful in teaching topics like trusting God, manners, friendship, obedience, respect, forgiveness, self-sacrifice and much, much more! Each story centers around a Bible verse and that verse is used at some point within the story. Many of the stories are full of some excitement, too. That helps to keep my son’s attention!
Choosing a favorite is hard, but I would probably choose Missionary Stories and the Millers as my personal favorite. This book is just full of the true adventure stories of actual missionaries. Some I had heard of, some I hadn’t. I have read other reviews that said the stories in this book were a little too much for their younger children, but mine had no problems it. Be warned, though, that the real stories of missionaries aren’t always smily, joyful stories. But in each, God’s faithfulness and care shine through!!
Timberdoodle sells these books at a very reasonable price. I hope you enjoy (or have already enjoyed) them, too!
Posted by Cindy on May 27, 2007
Sorry I’ve been so long in posting this. We’ve been so busy this week, I couldn’t find the time to download pictures until now.
Warning: Potential Spoilers!! If you want to experience the museum yourself, read no further.
WOW!! That word about sums up our experience. I don’t know what more to say, but will try to put together some sort of description that might give it some justice. Sorry if I overuse the exclamation points. 
First, it’s beautiful! From the building to the outdoor walk around the lake to the displays – beautiful!
Next, it’s very well done! Realistic displays, amazing fossil examples, great “story” as you walk through of the Seven C’s. (Creation, Corruption, Catastrophe, Confusion, Christ, Crucifixion, Consumation)
Awesome Films! A very moving film towards the end of the journey about Christ and his sacrifice, a very cool special effects theater (I won’t spill the beans on this one!) and a spectacular planetarium show!!
There’s lots to keep the attention of little ones all the way to adults. It was me alone with my children this time around and we only tipped the iceberg of things to see and learn!!
A great bookstore! Anything and everything your heart could desire to teach children, teens and adults about creation vs. evolution and Biblical truths. I have a lot of their material already, so I only bought a cute car decal of a fish called “Truth” eating a little evolutionary fish called “Darwin”. Too cute!
Great food if you want to eat at the museum. We brought our lunch yesterday, but ate there last summer during a construction preview.
Very friendly staff!
Very visual police force with bomb dogs!! Yep, you read right – bomb dogs. Answers in Genesis and the Creation Museum have been under some pretty stiff criticism and even some threats. It made me feel safe to know all precautions were being taken to protect our safety.
Very friendly crowd of guests!
And most of all, a great witnessing tool!!!! If you have children or family or friends in doubt, this would be a great trip to take with them.
So to sum up, if you are within the driving distance of, say Australia or China, it’s worth the trip!! )
One side note: This was a preview week for members and several things weren’t completed yet. Not a lot, but several things here and there. Even a couple of bigger rooms/displays. They’re hoping to be fully finished by the grand opening next week. If you’re planning to go soon, you may want to hold off a couple of weeks or call ahead to be sure everything is done before you go. I just want you to get your money’s worth, especially if you’re driving quite some distance.
Second side note: I ran across a great entry at Pattycake’s site that helps you defend your faith and the Bible’s authenticity. I just thought it fit in really well with the theme of this post!
Visit the official Creation Museum site here. Visit Answers in Genesis here.
My camera doesn’t take the best pictures, but here’s a very brief veiwing.
