Homeschool History and Geography Ideas

A Survey of History for Children
The Story of the World by Susan Wise Bauer contains 4 books that cover World History from Ancient Times to The Modern Age. They can be read aloud as a family, or read independently by older children... read more

American History through Historical Fiction
Using historical fiction books, your family can read through American History.

World History Through Historical Fiction
Using historical fiction books, your family can read through World History.

History and Geography DVDs
Here are some ideas for learning from DVDs...read more

Games to Buy
Made for Trade
Hail to the Chief
Name That Country
Geo Derby
Snapshots Across America
The Lewis and Clark Adventure Game
Trailblazer
World Dash

Homeschool Science Ideas

Real Life Science
It is surprising how much science we learn about everyday. I've noticed that my kids have a natural desire to learn about science, especially if it is hands-on. Here are some real life ways to learn science... read more

Refrigerator Science List
I noticed that my kids hadn't been doing a lot of science lately. So, I thought up a bunch of ideas and taped the list to the refrigerator. Here's what I put on the list...read more

Question What You See, Look Up the Answer
We’ve added something new to our homeschooling. It’s not a new idea, but new to our family. When we have a question about something, we look it up on the Internet... read more

Science Games on the Internet
FunSchool Math and Science Games
Prongo
Room 108 Science Games
IKnowThat
PrimaryGames
Scholastic Kids
KidsKnowIt Games

Science Games and Kits to Buy
Grow a Flower Board Game
Herd Your Horses
Bioviva
Mars 2020
Planet Quest
Ultimate Rocket Kit
Microscope Set
Ultimate Robot Kit
K'Nex Building Set

Homeschool Language Arts Ideas

Real Life Writing Ideas
Here are some ideas for real life writing that don't involve a text book... read more

Real Life Spelling Ideas
I noticed that I was getting frustrated with the Spelling lists that my kids were using. They consisted of words that people seldom ever write. In real life... read more

A Frugal Reading Tip
Some people spend $30 a year on a Reading Text and I’m not sure why. You probably do not need a Reading program beyond Phonics. Instead - read library books. Here are some links to Reading Lists of Library Books... read more

Play Your Way Through Language Arts
If you have a few kids, it’s probably more affordable to buy Language Arts games rather than Language Arts texts and workbooks. There are many games that teach children phonics, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and writing skills... read more

6 Years of Grammar in One Book
Simply Grammar is a non-consumable book that you can use with all of your children during the 3rd - 8th grades. It has... read more

12 Years of Spelling in One Book
Spelling Power is a non-consumable book that you can use with all of your children during the 1st - 12th grades. Some points about Spelling Power are... read more

12 Years of Vocabulary in One Book
Roots and Fruits: A Comprehensive Vocabulary Curriculum You can use this one book with all of your children in grades 1 - 12th. This curriculum... read more

13 Years of Writing/Composition in One Book
Comprehensive Composition by Kathyrn Stout will help you teach children in grades K-12 the writing process. This book teaches the following writing skills... read more

Homeschool Math Ideas

Low-Cost Math
It’s been a big financial help to our family using Spectrum Math . The workbooks cost only $8.99 each. There is about 1 page for each day of the school year and an answer key in the back. We use these workbooks through 8th grade and then switch to Alpha Omega Math for the High School years.

Real Life Math
My kids do math workbooks, but we don't go overboard with the thick textbooks. I let them do the assignments at their own pace. They keep up with the lessons, because they want to get ahead in Math. I don't want them to dislike math. It's such an important and necessary part of life. Here are some real life ways to learn math...read more

Use What You Already Have
You don't really need to buy math manipulatives, counters, and fancy clocks. You can use things around your house, things that you already have. read more

10 Easy Steps to Multiplication Memorization
After struggling with 3 kids through multiplication, I came across an easy way to memorize the times tables. It's set up and explained in 10 simple steps. read more

Personal Finance Skills
I think that one of the most important things for a child to learn about is personal finance. If a lot of adults had successfully learned this, there wouldn't be so many of us in debt and financial frustration. Crown Financial is a Christian ministry that teaches God’s financial principles so that Christians may know Christ more intimately, be financially free to serve Him, and help fund the Great Commission. Their website material and radio advice is free. Here are some ideas for helping your children learn about good personal finance skills... read more

Math Games on the Internet
FunBrain
KidsPlayGames
FunSchool
Prongo
Room 108 Math Games
Primary Games

Free Christmas Unit Study

Educational Christmas Activities and Lesson Plans that will keep homeschoolers and students busy for a month.

This huge Christmas Unit Study is divided into the following categories:

• Math Activities
• Language Arts Activities
• History and Geography Activities
• Science Activities
• Art Activities
• Bible Activities and Ministry
• Music Activities
• PE Activities
  

Hope for the Heart - Free Training

You can listen to June Hunt's
Hope for the Heart Radio Show for free at Oneplace.com
She usually covers a new topic every week.

(I love listening to this Godly woman teach about Biblical Counseling. I decided I was going to become a Christian Counselor because of her radio shows.)

Some her topics are:

• anger
• alcohol and drug abuse
  
• codependency
• communication
• conflict resolution
• confrontation
• critical spirit
• cults
• decision making
  
• depression
• forgiveness
• God's will
  
• grief
• hope
  
• manipulation
• reconciliation
• rejection
• self-worth
• success through failure
• verbal and emotional abuse
  
• victimization

Learn more about the Hope for the Heart Ministry and the products available.

New Life Live - Free Training

New Life Live, hosted by Stephen Arterburn, is a Christian counseling radio show you can hear online.

This interactive talk radio program deals with mental health, emotional, relational and spiritual issues from a biblical perspective. It serves program listeners by providing an interactive resource for them to use by calling in to the live program with questions, listening to the broadcasts, seeking resources or getting referrals from their 24 hour hotline.

At the New Life Ministries site you can access over 659 free counseling articles.

Recommend to Hurting Women

These are some of the best books that I recommend to women.

Healing is a Choice Book and Workbook by Stephen Arterburn This book and workbook helps free people who struggle from self-inflicted bondage so they can experience the healing that is available from God. It is God's choice to heal, when to heal, and how healing will occur. Sadly we often make choices that prevent God's healing or interfere with His timing. Millions suffer from emotional, spiritual, and even physical wounds that God may choose to heal. Experience emotional, spiritual, and sometimes physical healing. Transform brokenness into new life mission. Identify the 10 big lies that prevent experiencing emotional, spiritual, and even physical healing.

Lose it for Life Book and Workbook by Stephen Arterburn and Dr. Linda Mintle This book and workbook uses a holistic approach to health that doesn't stop at "physical" fitness. Physical, emotional and especially spiritual elements that lead to permanent weight loss are dealt with in this workbook. Through a variety of exercises and activities you will learn: why you do what you do, how you can shed bad habits for good, and how, with the help of God and others, you can develop a whole new approach to life, to eating, and to living healthy and free.

Your Money Map: A Proven 7-Step Guide to True Financial Freedom by Howard Dayton Just as road maps guide you to unfamiliar destinations, this "atlas" of biblical principles will lead you out of debt and into financial freedom. Dayton's simple yet comprehensive guide provides you with the realistic steps and necessary tools to reach seven goals-from saving $1,000 to creating a spending plan and making wise investments.

How to Forgive . . . When You Don't Feel Like It by June Hunt Forgiveness is very hard for most of us, especially if the wrong done against you was very painful or the person who hurt you is not repentant. How can you forgive when you don't feel like it? Sometimes it seems easier to cling to resentment rather than letting go. In "How to Forgive...When You Don't Feel Like It" Biblical counselor June Hunt uses compassion and truth to help readers learn from Jesus' own example of how to forgive.

Avoiding Mr. Wrong: And What To Do If You Didn't by Stephen Arterburn Complete with a diagnostic quiz and quick reference lists, Avoiding Mr. Wrong is ideal for women whose hopes have been dashed again and again by a seemingly promising relationship. The book helps them to see more clearly, think more rationally, and act more wisely in the pursuit of Mr. Right.

Finding Mr. Right by Stephen Arterburn The author recognizes that wanting to get married is a legitimate desire. You can take steps toward a strong, satisfying marriage relationship, including: becoming the confident woman who can attract the right kind of man for you, make lifestyle choices that increase your odds of meeting someone, and avoid the behaviors that sabotage a good relationship.

Social Services Referrals

Make a List of the Social Services available in your area. (Include physical addresses, phone numbers, and Internet addresses.)

Many of the hurting women you talk to will also need their physical needs met.

• Pregnancy Care Centers
• Christian Counselors
• Support Groups
• Food Assistance
• WIC
  
• Free Clothing Services
  
• Homeless Shelters
• Shelters for Abused Women and Children
• Government Health Insurance
  
• Heating Assistance
• Women in Transition Agency
• Substance Abuse Services
• Parenting and Work Skills
  
• Agency on Aging
  

Start a Group

Have you thought about starting a growth group or support group at your church?

Here are some ideas:

• Healing is a Choice
  
• Lose it for Life Permanent Weight Loss
  
• True Financial Freedom Money Management
  
• The Treasure Principal - Generosity and Stewardship
  
• Boundaries
  
• Get Out of That Pit
  
• Pathway to Purpose
  
• Finding Mr. Right and Avoiding Mr. Wrong
• Divorce Care
  

Biblical Counseling DVD Curriculum

Extraordinary Women


Extraordinary Women is a distance learning 5 part, 30 lesson training program designed to educate and equip a community of helpers within the church to offer careful, Biblical encouragement, direction, hope, and personal growth to women in a complex world.

The following topics are covered by well know Christian counselors, authors, and speakers:

• Woman & Her God: Prayer, Devotion, & the Spiritual Life
• A Woman & Her Body: Fitness, Diet, Beauty, & Healthy Living
• A Woman’s Soul: Self-Concept, Identity, & Fulfillment
• A Woman’s Ministry: Sharing the Faith & Growing the Church
• A Woman’s Finances: Finding and Keeping Financial Freedom
• A Woman’s Personality: Understanding Yourself & Others
• Being a Godly Woman: Just Between Us Girls
• “I’m in love!”: Dating and Preparing for Marriage
• Fifty is Gold! Life Through and Beyond Menopause
• Seasons of a Woman’s Life
• A Woman’s Guide to Handling Conflict
• Living Beyond Your Circumstances
• Women and Depression
• Managing Stress and Overcoming Anxiety
• I’ve Got to Get Control! Body Image & Eating Disorders
• On the Threshold of Hope: Healing from Sexual Abuse
• No More! Standing Against and Healing Spousal Abuse
• Unity in the Church: With One Heart
• Make Yours a Great Marriage!
• Female Sexuality and Satisfaction
• Spiritual Intimacy: Embracing the Heart of God in Marriage
• Beyond Betrayal
• Talk, Touch, and Tenderness in Marriage
• A Marriage without Regret
• “Always Daddy’s Girl”: The influence of Your Family of Origin
• Mothering Strategies to Help Kids Through Changing Times
• Encouragement and Strategies for Single Moms
• Passing On Your Faith without Turning Off Your Kids
• Beyond the Empty Nest
• A Woman’s World: What’s for Sale in the Marketplace of Ideas

Caring for People God's Way

Caring for People God’s Way is a distance learning 5 part-30 lesson training program designed to educate and equip a community of helpers within the church to offer careful, Biblical encouragement, direction, hope and personal growth to hurting people in a hurting world.

The following topics are covered by well know Christian counselors, authors, and speakers:

• Becoming a Christian Counselor
• Using Your Spiritual Gifts in Counseling
• Helping others find Significance in Life
• The Power of Truth
• Overcoming Depression
• Surviving Sexual Abuse: On the Threshold of Hope
• The Effective People Helper
• Bringing People into God’s Presence
• How to Help People Change
• Heart Matters: Repentance and Godly Sorrow
• Forgiveness: Letting Go of the Past and Pain
• Freedom in Christ: Life in Abba’s Arms
• Marriage: Keeping the Love Alive
• Guilt: Love’s Unseen Enemy
• Great Sex: A Biblical Perspective
• Hope-Focused Marriage Counseling
• Divorce Recovery: Starting Over Again
• Caught in the Middle: Children of Divorce
• What Would Jesus Think and Do? Understanding the Way of Christ
• Ethical and Legal Issues In Lay Ministry
• Family Systems: Breaking Unhealthy Patterns
• Sexual Issues: Affairs, Homosexuality, Intimacy Roadblocks, Dysfunctions
• Pain & Suffering: Helping People in a Hurting World
• Breaking the Bonds of Sexual Addiction
• Managing Stress and Anxiety
• Grief and Loss
• Psychiatric Care and Medication
• The Helper’s Chair: Special Skills and Practice
• Financial Bondage: Strategies for Freedom
  

Liberty University Online Programs

Liberty University is a Christian university in Lynchburg, Virginia.

They offer a -
Bachelor of Science in Psychology program that can be done completely online.

Liberty offers these online Master's Programs:

• Master of Arts in Professional Counseling
  
• Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
  
• Master of Arts in Human Services

They offer a Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling (PhD) blended program, too.

Regent University Online Programs

Regent University is a Christian university in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

They offer a:

• Bachelor of Science in Psychology online program.
• Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling online program.
• Doctoral Program in Counselor Education and Supervision online program.
  

Kitchen Table Counseling

This is the book I am currently reading.

It's exactly what I've been looking for. However, I'm not too impressed with the title, because a kitchen table is not required. You can use the information anywhere - church, coffee shop, through the Internet.

Kitchen Table Counseling: A Practical and Biblical Guide for Women Helping Others address your own needs so you can be effective in helping others will tell you what questions to ask will tell you what Scriptures to use take people to Jesus without taking on responsibility for their burdens discern whether others really want to change and grow, or just complain balance a counseling ministry with your other life priorities

This book by Muriel L. Cook & Shelly Cook Volkhardt covers the following topics:

• anger
• controlling husbands
• depression and burnout
• difficult family members
• fear
• grief
• married and tempted
• married to an unbeliever
• overbearing parents
• pornography
• sexual abuse and rape
• singleness
• spiritual strongholds
• suicide
• worth