Scrapbook Max 2.0 software offers a user-friendly drag-and-drop workspace that makes digital scrapbooking fast, fun and easy for everyone.

Even computer novices can make great looking scrapbooks in little time. Start with a ready-to-use scrapbook layout, and then rearrange everything to make it your own.

Here are sample pages made by children ages 5 to 17.

Add your own titles and journal text – it’s as easy as pointing and clicking with your mouse.

You can be as creative as you like with paper scraps, tags, speech bubbles, corners and more (there are thousands of embellishments included with the software).

Scrapbook MAX even includes professional features like cropping, rotation, resizing, red-eye reduction, scratch removal and special effects.

Heart of Wisdom offers scrapbook kits for thematic unit studies. Click on specific page to view the scrapbook kit.

Free Creation Scrapbook Kit

Adam to Abraham Kit and Bible Kit

Mesopotamia

R

Ancient Rome Kit

Light Kit

Energy Kit

Colonies Kit

Your students can start with a pre-made template or make pages from scratch for all sorts of purposes – printed reports and assignments, electronic student portfolios, even cool multimedia slideshow presentations. Help unleash your students’ limitless creativity!

See more information at ScrapbookingtoLearn

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30 Days to Understanding the Bible

I love learning the Bible in 12 ears instead of 66 books. I labeled our Bible timeline with the 12 Eras.

Click for a larger image

I’m working on a lapbook now where my boys put a book of the Bible card into the appropriate Bible era pocket. I’ll post more when I take photos.

30 Days to Understanding the Bible the innovative teach-yourself guide that’s helped so many readers get more out of the Bible, just got even better! Now Max Anders’ remarkable resource for Bible learning is available in a new, expanded edition, with all the features that made the original so popular – plus much more.

Proven effective by over 200,000 readers, 30 Days to Understanding the Bible helps you learn to position key Bible characters, places, and events in chronological order so that you can “think your way through” the entire Word of God. Through interesting, memory-enhancing exercises, 30 Days to Understanding the Bible acquaints readers with the core teachings of Scripture in just 15 minutes a day!

Bible study leaders and Sunday school teachers will appreciate the new Teaching Plan with activities and directions for a 12-week group study, complete with overhead transparency masters for class or home group use.

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This book is recommended in every Heart of Wisdom Unit Study. Throughout the lessons you are asked to correct students spelling, capitalization, punctuation, grammar, sentence structure, subject/verb agreement, consistent verb tense, and word usage in all writing by marking the error with a number that corresponds with a rule from Writers INC. The student refers to the rule in the book and corrects his paper and turns it back in.

It is important to read through “The Writing Process” in Writers INC with your student. It is important for your student to understand the writing process: Prewriting, Drafting, Revising, Editing and Publishing. Explain to your student that you will accept his or her writing in different stages. Requiring all work to be “published” can discourage writing.

Throughout the lessons your student will be asked to write summaries, paraphrases, letters, essays, etc. Much of the time you can accept rough drafts, but occasionally (especially adding work to the portfolio) your student needs to go through the entire process.

Through the writing assignments students will learn:

• Writing Skills: context, form, mechanics, editing and revision
• Spelling Skills: create a personal spelling dictionary
• Increase Vocabulary create a personal vocabulary notebook
• Handwriting Skills: practice writing Bible verses
• Critical Thinking Skills: manage and use information to solve problems, interrelate knowledge, effectively communicate learning outcomes.
• Character development through assignment completion: attentiveness, commitment, confidence, decisiveness, efficiency, faithfulness, perseverance, promptness, responsibility, and self-control
• more writing and revising strategies based on the six traits of effective writing;
• expanded guidelines for writing expository and persuasive essays;
• additional information on writing research papers including writing MLA thesis statements, using APA research guidelines, searching for information—in the library and on the Internet, and citing electronic sources;
• updated strategies for writing with computers including writing multimedia reports and publishing on-line;
• more information on thinking and learning skills including viewing, note taking, and test-taking skills.

Give your students an invaluable resource they’ll turn to again and again school and beyond.

The mechanics of writing should be taught as part of the overall process of writing .Gaining control of the mechanics of writin–punctuation, spelling, and correct usage– clearly important to becoming an effective writer. Research has shown that grammar lessons taught without making connections to the context of authentic writing do not typically help students better write or edit their own work (Hillocks, 1986;Weaver, 1997).

Many experts on writing and cognition emphasize the importance of learning these conventions in the context of the students’ own writing (e.g., Atwell,1987; Calkins, 1994; Graves, 1983; Spandel, 2001; Weaver, 1997). Routman (2000)points out, “Writers learn to control conventions best ‘at the point of need,’ that is, in the context of real writing.” This is not to say that mechanics, usage, and grammar should not be introduced in lessons directed by the teacher. What is necessary is that once introduced, these skills are made meaningful only by practice in the context of students– own writing. In addition, these skills should be reinforced as appropriate with mini-lessons.

Teacher Review

“This is a handbook not a textbook,therefore allowing the opportunity to use it not only during the English block, but throughout the curriculum. This handbook is a resource tool and a reference guide for my students to use as a means of mastering the beauty of the written word. It is a way for them to learn to express their thoughts and feelings in a variety of ways including journals, reports, poetry and story writing .

When I looked at this handbook for the first time, I was hooked! I knew I had found a tool that was child-friendly and illustrated the traits all good writers possess .

I begin each year by teaching the six-traits of effective writing, introducing my students to journal writing and portfolio management. We then spend time building paragraphs and writing short essays while simultaneously learning the steps in the writing process. Then we branch out across the curriculum incorporating our writing s kills in every aspect of our day…

The illustrations help present the important information in a fun and exciting way. The format breaks the writing process into simple steps and more importantly, it gives real-life examples (samples) of writing done by other kids. The checklists and proofreading guides are invaluable. It also teaches students how to use a dictionary, a thesaurus, how to become a better speller,punctuation skills, test-taking strategies as well as how to work in cooperative groups.

Write Source

Write Source is a group of teachers and writers who develop materials for students and instructors from kindergarten through twelfth grade.  Visit the links below for supporting materials for Writers Inc provided by Write Source.

Writing Topics

• My craziest experience in a restaurant or shopping mall
• The hardest thing I’ve ever done
• My first encounter with a bully
• Let’s hear it for my favorite senior citizen.
• The toys I’ll never give up
• A friend who moved away
• I couldn’t believe that my mother volunteered me for that job.
• Putting my foot in my mouth
• What if school sports were dropped?
• Who knows me best?
• What do I worry about?
• My muscles were so sore after . . .
• What do we Americans do well?
• “Obstacles are what you see when you take your eyes off the goal.”
• I admit it; I enjoy professional wrestling.
• An unforgettable dream
• My worst vacation
• A “visit” to a hospital, doctor’s office, or dentist’s office
• Coping with brothers and sisters
• A typical evening at home
• Morning madness
• When I was a discipline problem
• A meaningful gift I’ve given or received
• We all make mistakes.
• Why do I deserve the job?
• My brother (or sister) made me so mad!
• Hanging out
• Something this school really needs is . . .
• Why are soap operas so popular?
• I take some things too seriously.
• What do I do to break routine?
• More topics.

Student Models

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• Personal Writing (9-12)
• Extended Personal Narrative: The Climb
• Extended Personal Narrative: Caught in the Net
• Extended Personal Narrative: The Boy with John Travolta Blue Eyes
• Personal Essay: It’s a Boy!
• Personal Essay: Take Me to Casablanca
• Personal Essay: My Greatest Instrument
• Personal Essay: Snapshots

• Subject Writing (9-12)
• Descriptive Writing: H’s Hickory Chips
• News Feature: Internet Plagiarism
• Eyewitness Account: Anticipating the Dream
• Profile of a Person: Rosa Parks
• Profile of a Person: From Bed Bound to Breaking Boards
• Interview Report: Student Entrepreneur . . .

• Persuasive Writing (9-12)
• Pet Peeve Essay: Mosquito Madness Editorial

• Creative Writing (9-12)
• Patterned Fiction: The House on Medford Avenue
• Poetry: Mama’s Stitches
• Play: The KHS Press

• Academic Writing (9-12)
• Process Essay: Huddling Together
• Cause/Effect Essay: Save the Elephants
• Essay of Comparison: If Only They Knew

• Writing About Literature (9-12)
• Personal Response to Literature: Adam’s Train of Ghosts
• Personal Response to Literature: Diary of Gaspard
• Literary Analysis: My Interpretation of The Joy Luck Club

• Research Writing (9-12)
• Research Paper: Should Smoking Be Banned in Public Restaurants?
• Research Paper: The Killer Bean

• Workplace Writing (9-12)
• Memo: Mid-project Report
• Business Letter: Dear Ms. Cline

Multimedia Reports

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The “Multimedia Reports” chapter of this book shows how to prepare a multimedia presentation and an interactive report. The following presentation and report are based on the storyboard in that chapter. To play these files on your computer, you will need the PowerPoint program (Windows or Mac) or the PowerPoint Viewer (Windows only).

For your convenience, we have also provided a link to a Web slide-show version of each presentation or report (without sound or slide transitions).

Multimedia Presentation

Download the “Save Now, or Pay Later” multimedia presentation.

Launch the Web slide-show version.

Interactive Report

Download the “Save Now, or Pay Later” interactive report.

Launch the Web slide-show version.

Visit the Write Source blog for their writers’ latest thoughts on the process and teaching of writing.

Writers Inc.: A Student Handbook for Writing And Learning
By Sebranek, Patrick Sebranek, Dave Kemper, Verne Meyer

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YouTube Videos Tips and Tricks

10 Reasons for Using YouTube Videos in Your Classroom

Science Videos

There are thousandsof  science videos online. HOw Stuff Works, The Discovery Chanel, The Learning Chanel and Science Chanel have combined all their videos in one search engine. So when you go to any of the liink below you will have the same list of videos:

• How Stuff Works
  
• Discovery Chanel
• Science Channel
  
• The Leaning Channel
  

Do you use the Internet in your homeschool day? Tell us about it.

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Click image for larger view

Four Years Repeated Three Times=12 Years

History is taught Chronologically. Science is taught in the Days of Creation Order.

• Year 1 History: Adam to Abraham, Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Israel, Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, Messiah
• Year 1 Science: Creation, Light, Energy, Matter, Motion, Electricity
• Year 2 History: Early Church, Vikings, Middle Ages, Renaissance, Reformation
• Year 2 Science: Weather, Oceans, Plants, Geology, Astronomy
• Year 3 History Exploration, Colonies, New Nation, Civil War, American West
• Year 3 Science Ocean Animals, Birds, Insects, Land Animals
• Year 4 History: Industrial Era, WWI, Depression, WWII, Holocaust, 1960 to Present
• Year 4 Science: Anatomy human body

Required Books

• Bible
• Writing handbook
• The Heart of Wisdom Teaching Approach.

We provide preplanned unit studies for Year 1. You can use Heart of Wisdom methods with any curricula. You don’t really need a preplanned unit study.

Year One Unit Studies

We provide the unit studies for Year One because most ancient-history studies (even many Christian-based texts) concentrate on the pagans in ancient times, ignoring God’s people. Most homeschool parents do not have this Israel focused education background.

For example, Heart of Wisdom’s Ancient Egypt unit the focus is on Joseph, Moses, the Exodus, and God’s people (rather than on the pyramids and gods of Egypt). HOW’s Ancient Greece and Rome units focus on the Israelites fighting against idolatry under Greek and Roman rule (rather than on Greek mythology and Roman gods). Ancient History: Adam to Messiah includes all 7 history studies listed above chronologically. It includes Bible, history, geography, literature, government, composition, agriculture, religion, science, economics, and more. The lessons are full and require minimum preparation.

• Free Sample Lessons
• Create a Heart of Wisdom Year One Package
• Heart of Wisdom Link and Video Library

Recommendations for Year 2, 3, and 4

There are many, many fine preplanned studies that are appropriate for years 2, 3, and 4 from other publishers. We are working on specific list for each year now and will announce via email when they are complete.  Here are examples of the unit studies we recommend:

• Homeschooling in the Woods American History Studies
• Apologia Young Explorers Science Studies
• Teacher Created Thematic Unit Studies

Remember, You Have the Greatest Curriculum Available!

You have the best manuscript existing for teaching and instruction! All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).

Is the Bible enough if you are teaching a doctor, attorney, accountant, architect, etc.? Do you want them to be a wise, righteous doctor, attorney, accountant, architect, etc.? The Bible is the only place you can find true wisdom and righteousness.

1. Begin with God’s Word—build your foundation like the wise man who built his house upon a rock (Matthew 7:24).
2. Pray for direction.
3. Have faith God God will provide.
4. Wait on God—enjoy the journey!—be excited about what He has in store.

God’s will is to lead us to the Promised Land of our homeschool journey, but we’ll only relax and enjoy the journey if we understand His plan for getting us there. A lack of understanding will result in confusion and bewilderment.

You can schedule by faith with confidence because God is reliable. If you ask Him he will show you–His grace, His mercy, His dependability. God promised to strengthen and equip you; to guide you in every situation; to meet all your needs; and never to leave you. He will consistently kept these promises. Have you asked Him to lead you in your homeschool? He will.

God has a plan for each of us, and He will lead you to the resources you need. We have listed hundreds of books on the topics contained in the four-year plan, divided by categories and years.

Curl up with your children and a living book. Teach them to love to learn!

Free Book Lists by Grade Levels

Ready to start? Go to Create a Heart of Wisdom Year One Package

We help you get comfortable with this approach providing the preplanned studies for the first year and guide you to other studies for the remaining years. The following prepared, 4-Step lesson unit studies are available from Heart of Wisdom:

1. Wisdom

HOW History Unit Studies

1. Adam to Abraham
2. Mesopotamia
3. Ancient Egypt
4. Ancient Israel
5. Ancient Greece
6. Ancient Rome
7. The Messiah

HOW Science Unit Studies

1. Creation
2. Light
3. Energy

Related Links

• Sample of a Delight Directed Day
• Multi-Level Teaching Sample Day (Knights)
• Teaching Grades K-3
• God Has a Plan for YOUR Homeschool
• Reading Aloud the Classics (download free 30 page guide by age level)

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Charlotte Mason said, “Now our objective in this most important part of education is to give the children the knowledge of God.”

Kill two proverbial birds with one stone by having your children practice handwriting with these FREE printable Bible verses in manuscript, cursive, or D’Nealian.

Below  are links to the printable the pages I made for my boys from NIV. We were memorizing KJV but our church uses NIV and I found the  modern language easier for the boys to understand and remember.

If you like a verse not listed here, request in the comments. I’ll try to get them for you.

Cursive, dotted, lined

D’Nealian, dotted, lines

Bookmark this page to return to check back for more verses

Tips and Options

• Younger children can trce the dotted words.
• Older children can use the blank line under the words to write the verses
• Copy verses to index cards
• Copy pictorials on index cards to jog your memory

• Also see BibleStoryPrintables.com Includes K-5 bible printables. Bible Coloring Pages, Bible lapbooks, Bible StoryBoards, Bible Timelines, Bible Copywork, Bible Games and more

  

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Download Free Printables

Download Adobe Reader to view and print PDF files.

• ABC Bible Verses 1
• ABC Bible Verses 2
• ABC Bible Verses 3
• ABC Bible Verses 4
• ABC Bible Verses 5

More Freebies

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A coloring page goes on the front of the folder. Inside is a game board and two pockets. One pocket is for game pieces, the other is for Bible memory verses.

I found this game board at EbibleTeacher.com and adapted it.

Game Cards with questions.

This is a Bible Trading Card from EBibleTeacher.com They are free to print out (you can also purchase them).

We are using all the cards in another lapbook dividing stories into the 12 Bible history eras. I’ll post directions when we complete it– if the comment reveal an interest.

This is meant to be the back of the card. I LOVE these cards! They really help the children get a grasp of when the story took place. Click here to learn more about the symbols.

Download the Lapbook Printables

1. Coloring Page Cover
2. Game board
3. Game cards
4. Pocket for game pieces
5. Pocket for memory verses and Bible Trading Card
6. Memory Verses
7. Blank Cards (write your own verses)
8. Bible Trading Card (external link)

To complete the game you need dice and game pieces. I used color form circles (trace around a penny and cut out). If the child lands on a positive number they go ahead that number of spaces. If they land on a negative number they go back that number of spaces.

Laminating Directions for Bible Trading Cards

I laminate the Bible Trading Cards because we are using them in another project plus it keeps the back and front together like a regular trading card.

Cut the cards out and tape front and back together with double sided tape in the middle. Run through the laminating machine using a 4×6″ laminating pouch. NOTE: Do not run the whole whole 8.5×11 sheet of card through the laminator — the front and back won’t stick when cut.

This YouTube video was made from a Bible story film strips made by the Moody Bible Institute, circa 1955 (as old as me!)

Would you like more free lapbooks? Just let me know in the comments.

“Ask and ye shall receive” But you have to let me know.

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Some of the best books available on Hebrew roots now available in a discount package.

Each of these is a must have for your Hebrew roots library! Dr. John Garr is one of the most balance authors in this area.

Add to cart

$105.00 Now $67.50

Free Excerpts from Dr John Garr Books

Bless You! by Dr. John Garr is a systematic, comprehensive study of the biblically Hebraic concept of blessing. God has forever focused on confirming his covenantal blessings and bringing this good news to all humankind. The blessing that was first given to Adam and Eve is God’ s intention for everyone.

Excerpt (8 pages) Read More

Add to cart Family Sanctuary: Restoring the Biblically Hebraic Home Family Sanctuary by Dr. John Garr is a provocative look at the modern home that offers clear answers for families in crisis and for those who want to restore their families to biblical foundations. This book is a systematic, comprehensive study of the biblically Hebraic concepts of family. Reviews are calling this by far his best book ever!

Excerpt 1 (11 pages) Read More

Add to cart Restoring Our Lost Legacy

“We’ve been robbed!” These words of a Methodist bishop in Brazil, an Anglican church leader in India, and a Pentecostal overseer in Africa express the sentiments of thousands of Christians when they discover through the challenging teaching of Dr. John D. Garr the extent to which they have been deprived of the Hebrew heritage of their Christian faith. $15.00

Excerpt (18 pages) Read More

Add to cart God’s Lamp, Man’s Light: Mysteries of the Menorah

A a masterful analysis of the menorah, the only biblical symbol that has the distinction of being designed by God himself. The only comprehensive study of the menorah in existence, this book is filled with valuable information about the history, design, and function of the menorah in both the Israelite sanctuary and in the earliest church. By Dr. John Garr. $15.00

Excerpt (22 pages) Read More

Add to cart Living Emblems: Ancient Symbols of Our Faith Living Emblems helps believers everywhere understand the biblical emblems that were designed by God and by his people Israel to emphasize divine truths and to call believers to remembrance of their opportunity and responsibility to worship and honor their Creator. Failure to understand the implications of these important symbols has robbed millions of Christians of vital, spiritually-enriching information. $15.00 Excerpt (15 pages) Read More

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More Free Excerpts

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Add to cart Holy Cow: Does God Care What We Eat? Holy Cow: What the Bible Says About Eating Meat begins with the author’s attention-grabbing story personal story. The author was raised as a Jew but only discovers what the Bible really says about eating after she becomes a Christian. She shares the challenges she had to face when she tried to share her new found Bible truth to her husband. A balanced view on this toopic. $14.00

Read More and view excerpt

Add to cart ; Listening to the Language of the Bible Listening to the Language of the Bible is a guide for discovering the richness of the Scriptures in their Hebraic setting. From seemingly odd phrases, it shares important insights from Hebrew and Jewish culture that clarify reading and deepen Bible study. It also looks at the powerful sayings of Jesus in light of the Jewish culture of his time. The book contains more than 60 brief, illustrated devotional articles that unpack the meaning of a biblical word or phrase for our lives. It is intended both for personal reflection or group discussion. $11.95.

Read More

Add to cart

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We have completed several polls concerning the Heart of Wisdom teaching approach, and the results show the top reasons why homeschoolers choose Heart of Wisdom’s materials:

1. Our Bible-first focus. Read our philosophy.
2. We teach children to love to learn. Read about Charlotte Mason’s methods.
3. We believe in focusing on children’s gifts and talents. Read about Delight-Directed Learning.
4. We teach to all four learning styles in every lesson. Read about the Four-Step Lessons.
5. Minimal preparation: most of the work has been done for you. HOW unit study lessons are ready to use with no more than a quick overview.
6. HOW lessons are systematic, presenting history chronologically and science in the order of the days of Creation. View our Scope and Sequence.
7. We believe in teaching the same way that teaching is outlined in God’s Word. Read about Ancient Greek vs. Biblical Education.
8. We use real, living books, full of fascinating and colorful information which are chosen to inspire, educate, and entertain you and your children.
9. It’s an excellent value. The more children you have the more you save.
10. The Internet links save hours of time. See our new Link Library.
11. Our lessons are oriented to a Christian worldview. See Four Questions Reveal Your Worldview.
12. Our ancient history unit studies focus on the Hebrews (as opposed to other curricula which focus on the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans).
13. Our literature focuses on the classics and biographies of godly men and women. View our definition of classics (free 31 page download)
    
14. Godly character is taught through HOW units, especially in the Life Skills units.
15. HOW lessons offer a wide variety of hands-on and writing activities.
16. The Heart of Wisdom store offers  shopping convenience. See Homeschool-Books.com
17. The HOW approach saves time; parents with children of several ages can teach most subjects to all of them together. See Teaching Multi-Ages.
18. We offer lots of materials and free samples online to help you make a decision. Heart of Wisdom Free Book Excerpts

What Your Need to Get Started

Reasons People May Not Choose Heart of Wisdom

Our main book, The Heart of Wisdom Teaching Approach, is a helpful guide examining what the Bible says about teaching and learning. It explains how to use a combination of several successful homeschool methods. It is intended to be used like a cookbook–adapted to your family’s needs no matter what curriculum you decide upon. You can download 60+ pages from this book here.

We also offer unit studies. To help you to make an informed decision, we offer this list (based on feedback we received from customer’s reasons for not choosing Heart of Wisdom).  It in no way is meant to imply that our unit studies are the only worthwhile choice.  Everyone must choose based on their individual family’s needs and situation.  We all go through different seasons of homeschooling and needs change. We pray this list is helpful

Someone may not want to use Heart of Wisdom materials if they:

1. Want a non-religious program. All of our lessons are Bible-focused. Our goal is to see Christ in every lesson. There is no way to leave off part of a lesson and not see God in our studies. Our approach focuses on  Bible first daily. Read our Statement of Faith.
2. Prefer self-teaching programs with minimal interaction. Heart of Wisdom is structured so parents  are involved (Parents often learn as much as the children). Read about the Four-Step Lessons. Parents spend the most time leading steps 1 and 2 and overseeing childrens’ activities in steps 3 and 4.
3. Prefer a traditional classroom-type environment, with quizzes, tests and grading. Our approach is a structured unit study (4-Step Lessons) with options for different learning styles.
4. Feel most comfortable by following a traditional scope and sequence. We recommend and encourage (whatever curriculum you use) to follow the Holy Spirit (see Scheduling by Faith) and the children’ delights. Read about Delight-Directed Learning.
5. Want to study American history each year. We don’t. Click to view our Scope and Sequence.
6. Want to focus on the Greek classics of “Great Books.” We don’t. Read our definition of classics.
7. Want to physically see materials before buying. I wish we could meet you at a curriculum fair but we are too busy writing. We provide free sample lessons online
8. Want or need telephone support. Read what we offer instead.
9. Prefer a workbook approach. Some of our lessons include links to work pages but this is not a workbook approach.
10. Need lesson plans for grades K-3. Our approach is for grades K-12. We offer lessons for grades 4-12. For grades K-3 we recommend following the 4-Year Plan using the Charlotte Mason approach of reading aloud living books on history and science topics. Read about a Sample K-3  Day here.
11. Need to know now what you will use in the future. We provide the Year One package with lessons. We give recommendations for Years Two, Three and Four recommendations as possible choices (there are many good programs available).  See recommendations for Years 2-4

Still Worried About Your Making Curriculum Decisions? There is no reason to worry! I can make one sincere promise. If you pray about your choices–God will lead you. Remember, You Have the Greatest Curriculum Available! You have the best manuscript existing for teaching and instruction! All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). Is the Bible enough if you are teaching a doctor, attorney, accountant, architect, etc.? Do you want them to be a wise, righteous doctor, attorney, accountant, architect, etc.? The Bible is the only place you can find true wisdom and righteousness.

1. Begin with God’s Word—build your foundation like the wise man who built his house upon a rock (Matthew 7:24).
2. Pray for direction..
3. Have faith God that will provide what you need.
4. Wait on God—enjoy the journey!—be excited about what He has in store!

The key to understanding God’s plan for the journey is in knowing how He thinks. God doesn’t think the way we do, but we always try to relate to Him according to our way of thinking. He’d rather we understood the way He thinks so that we can enjoy fellowship with Him. Using Heart of Wisdom unit studies is just one option for following the four-year suggested course. God has a plan for each of us, and He will lead you to the resources you need. “This is why I tell you: do not be worried about the food and drink you need in order to stay alive, or about clothes for your body. After all isn’t life worth more than food? And isn’t the body worth more than clothes?… Can any of you live a bit longer by worrying about it?… And why worry about clothes? Look at how the wild flowers grow: they do not work or make clothes for themselves. But I tell you that not even King Solomon with all his wealth had clothes as beautiful as one of these flowers. It is God who clothes the wild grass – grass that is here today and gone tomorrow, burned up in the oven. Won’t be all the more sure to clothe you? What little faith you have!” [Matthew 6:25, 27-30]

The Heart of Wisdom Teaching Approach: Bible-Based Homeschooling

The Heart of Wisdom Teaching Approach is for all homeschoolers who want to make the Bible the center of their school day. This giant 500+ page book provides you with the methods, program, and resources for a course of study where students spend half the school day studying God’s Word and the other half studying God’s world (academics). Students study history chronologically and science in the order of the days of Creation. This book will encourage, motivate you and instruct you, step by step, how to give your child a Bible-focused, comprehensive education from preschool through high school; one that will train him or her to read, to study, to understand, to love to learn and, most importantly, to desire and seek true wisdom. This approach can be used for all grade levels.

When homeschoolers are asked about this book, one word continues to come up over and over–Wow! Read the excerpt today to see what all the wow is about.

• The Heart of Wisdom Teaching Approach ( 60-page excerpt PDF File)
• Start reading the Ebook today! $17.00 Add to cart
• Order the bound book. Retail $34.95 NOW $27.95 Add to cart

Comments

1. Comment by Sharon :

   Of all the books I have read on homeschooling this book is a 5 star! plus. I used Robin’s new book to introduce my son to the approach and also to help me to use the HOW Approach. I am writting my own lessons using the HOW approach as my son has hearing lost and I am deaf (oral/verbal), I also use hearing aids and have limited hearing. You will not be disappointed with the book.

   The book has really help me in improving the way I teach and also what I teach and how not to worry about when my son learns something. Just because He doesn’t learn something in 2nd grade, doesn’t mean he can’t do it in 3rd grade. Most schools here in Indiana teach the state history (required) in the 4th grade. I don’t have to do it in his 4 grade year, but can do it now or when he is in 5 or 6 or 7 th grades. As longs as he does do it. All I do is help him learn and let him learn at his pace and when he is ready for something, he does it with delight! Our homeschool experience is much better and most of all I am not burned out as I was last year. I am even experience much delight in our lessons and have learned a few things myself.

2. Comment by Mary :

   It’s here! It’s here! Thank you Homeschool-Books and Robin! I’ve only gotten through the 8th chapter of the Ebook so far, but it’s the best book I’ve read so far, other than the Scriptures, of course.

3. Comment by Caroline J. :

   I am so very excited to get this book! I’ve had this continual feeling that there just wasn’t enough focus on the word or that it was just tacked on for a few minutes each morning. This book will help me accomplish the goal of Christ being the central focus of all we do in our homeschool and life. This is the first “how-to” that I will be able to pass to skeptical relatives and say, “Here is my philosphy on education”. Thank you, Robin, for putting into words what I have needed for so long!

4. Comment by TAMMI F :

   . I enjoyed reading the sample pages, but I am so looking forward to the book. I cannot wait for some encouragement–which I know I will find in this book. I have recently been thinking that homeschooling is getting too tough.

   I am reminded by thinking of Moses that God called me to homeschool–not just until it got tough, but until he leads me down another path.

5. Comment by Chris Gurzler :

   Second that — love the samples! Actually, I’m very glad that more of the wisdom you have to share will soon be available. It isn’t easy to leave Egypt and go boldly into the Promised Land, but that is what the Lord would have for us, after all, what He told Joshua applies to us as well, “Be strong and of good courage … for I am with you!”
   Your work helps me to remember that truth.

6. Comment by Michelle R. :

   Thank you for your encouraging sample pages. It’s been really hard homeschooling my 5 children and I know the Lord has put it on my heart two years ago to do this and I haven’t been doing well with this. I have been using textbooks and the kids think its too hard and boring and dont want to do it.

   My dad gave me this book called”Things We Wish We’d Known” and I had it since Dec. but just read it a month ago.I I read your article in it and I loved it!

   I looked up your website on heart of wisdom and teared up because this is what I have been looking for.Praise the Lord! Now this is my answered prayer. This is perfect for all my children to enjoy and have fun.

7. Comment by Nancy G :

   EVERY homeschool parent should read this book. I have been reading this very slowly. There is so much information my Bible is right next to me when I read this book. I was even reading some of it to my children. I know I will be reading this a second time.

   I would love for my children to read parts of it. This book will encourage anyone looking into homeschooling or people who have been homeschooling and need some encouragement. Don’t miss this book. It was well worth the wait. I have been reading this after my morning Bible reading before the children wake up. By doing this it is allowing me to stay focused on the Lord and giving me the motivation I need to teach and serve the Lord.

   This is the BEST book I have read in my 15 years of homeschooling. This book takes a hard (but is a good way) look at the way we need to teach our children. That we need to train them for the LORD not train them for the WORLD. Thank you, this book came at just the right time in my homeschooling journey. May God richly bless you and your family.

8. Comment by Tonya Smith :

   Love the sample pages! Thank you, thank you for the much needed inspiration. I am in tears of relief that someone out there understands and supports God’s word in teaching. I have renewed hope for the coming years.
   My little girl is four, so will begin ‘education’ soon. I know now that God is answering my prayers for direction in our education efforts. In Christ. T. Smith

9. Comment by Rebecca Innocenti (innocentifamily@juno.com) :

   I just purchased this book at a homeschool convention at the beginning of June. It is exactly the tool we need for our family right now! We’ve considered using HOW unit studies after falling in love with the biblical holidays guide.
   This book is encouraging me to design our units based on where we are right now and we look forward to using some of the HOW units along the way, too. Thanks so much for all you do to help each family find peace while learning together. Blessings on your ministry!

10. Comment by Helen J. Marshall :

    This book is a must-read for Christian homeschool teachers. With dedicated prayer and insight, Robin Sampson has created a new approach to teaching that filters every subject through the Bible. The framework she provides at first seems complex, but after immersing yourself in it for a few days it becomes very clear and logical. I am so excited about this new school year and I am certain I will learn as much as my kids. That’s one of the best things about this approach.

    It is applicable to you as well as to your students. It allows lots of room for creativity with options for scrapbooking, drawing, writing and anything else that can be documented for a portfolio. Even instituting a portion of the suggestions made in this book will revitalize your Christian homeschool and alleviate burnout for you, the teacher.

11. Comment by Amy R. Mucklestone :

    If I had to choose only one homeschooling book, HOWTA would be the one! Amazing, stupendous work by Robin Sampson! I can’t believe I’m so blessed to have found what I will use for the rest of my homeschool years this early on!

    I was homeschooled growing up, and worked in a homeschool bookstore. I’ve seen it all, and THIS is what it’s all about. The resource section alone is worth its weight in gold. I can’t possibly recommend it highly enough!!!

12. Comment by Sheila Wearing :

    I say WOW after reading HOW. I feel blessed to have stumbled across this book because for me it has been a prayer answered. I found it while looking for information on how to apply the Charlotte Mason teaching method. I withdrew my son from school and started home-schooling him with little warning and no planning.

    Although I knew this was the right decision it left me in a difficult position. I either had time to research how and what to teach him or to teach him but not both at the same time. The HOWTA has given me a frame on which to mount the canvas of our home-schooling. There are many great points about this method but there are two in particular which I love.

    The first is that is has such a sound biblical base – which is something which is so important to both myself and my son. This really shows through in all subjects.

    The other really wonderful thing is that I am inclined to go for a delight driven approach but sometimes lack confidence in this as it has no structure and is very difficult to plan round or collect resources for in advance.

    The HOWTA has given me the confidence that I lacked because it shows how to follow the delight driven path while being within a structure. And because it is a biblical structure I feel comfortable and secure using it. I have since purchased other items by Robin Sampson and was not disappointed and I plan to buy more as our home-school journey progresses.

13. Comment by Randy Vandyke :

    WOW! what a relief… THE SOLUTION is here. I am so relieved to have found this book. The most important key to a childs growth and success in this world is how to obtain and walk in wisdom. This book clearly defines what true wisdom is and where to find it as well as how to teach it. Robin Sampson has done and incredible job in answering all of a mom’s concerns about education today.

    I am overjoyed to have this book as a tool to guide me as I help my children discover their hearts of wisdom. Every parent should read this book.

14. Comment by Kimberly A. Depaolo I :

    n her book, rich with biblical and historical references, Robin Sampson makes a solid case for putting God first in home education curriculum. Quite unlike many other books I’ve read, Mrs. Sampson consistently encourages her readers to have God direct their home education efforts not the state, friends, family, etc. After reading this book, I’ve lost those nasty “first time” home education jitters and feel confirmed in my calling to educate my child with a focus on training her in the way GOD would have her go.

    This is the second book I’ve purchased from Heart of Wisdom and I highly recommend this author. The first was the equally excellent “What your child needs to know when…” With God as our “principal”, I am confident that we are in good hands!

15. Comment by Stephani N. Whitaker :

    WOW! I am sooo excited about using HOW this year. At the end of spring I began praying about what the Lrod would have me use for curr. this year. I was thoroughly researching the Veritas Press and HOW; after reading all I could about veritas and the HOW book, I have a firm conviction that the Lord wants us to use the HOW for our family from now on! I have throughly enjoyed all the knowledge and wisdom that I have gleened from reading Sections 1 and 2 about rethinking christian education. It has really been a blessing to be challenged to think about the methods by which we educate our children.

    I truly desire to pull away from the greek and secular worlviews of teaching and to embrace a more Hebriatic way of educating. There is so much to learn and I know that Robin Sampson has worked very hard to create such a through rescource; but I am very anxious to begin learning with my children all the things that I was not taught in my education; wisdom!!!!!!! A must read for any homeschool parent!!!!!!!!!

16. Comment by P. Weed :

    While reading this book I kept telling myself, “This is what I wanted/hoped for when I started Homeschooling!”. I am so glad I have found it now. I love the 4 Mat system and Robin’s use of it in her unit studies. She goes into detail of how you can use her unit studies, make your own, or implement someone elses. It fits everyone’s needs who wants a biblical based education for their children.

    Even if you don’t want a biblical based education it goes in depth of how to create a unit study of an area where your child shows delight (good example of a horse study). If you are new to homeschooling it helps support your decision and gives resources for you to use that have taken veteran homeschoolers years to discover. It gives you the best of the best!

17. Comment by Stephanie F. :

    This book is a gem! After homeschooling for six years I was needing a new focus. HOW is it! Unlike many books on the subject this is invaluable to both the new and the seasoned homeschool family. It energized us and gave the Biblical focus that we were searching for all along.

    Robin’s writing style helps explain her approach to unit studies as well as the Hebraic method in a conversational way. It makes you feel like your having tea with a friend! Her reasoning is solid and her explanations clear. This is a must read for those looking at unit studies for the first time, those needing a jolt of the Spirit in their lessons, or those just wanting a change. It’s definitely at DELIGHT!

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Homeschool Share offers hundreds and hundreds homeschool lapbooks, unit studies and notebooking pages for FREE. These resources go beautifully with Heart of Wisdom unit studies (as well as Five in a Row and other popular homeschool curricula). If you are studying Ancient Egypt, Greece, or Rome with HOW check out Homeschool Share lapbooks for more options.

Use the search on the main page to look for any topic.

• Homeschool Share Lap Books
• Homeschool Share Unit Studies (by age level)
• Homeschool Share Notebooking Pages
• Homeschool Share Geography Resources
• Homeschool Share Subject Index
• Homeschool Share  Message Board

Here is a small sampling

Free Lapbooks

1. Abraham Lincoln ~ Boy Who Loved Books Lapbook
2. Abuela’s Weave Lapbook
3. Aesop’s Fables Lapbook
4. Albert (FIAR)
5. All About Me Lapbook
6. Alphabet Lap ~n~ Note
7. American Girl Templates
8. Ancient Egypt Lapbook
9. Ancient Greece Lapbook
10. Ancient Rome Lapbook
11. Angelo (FIAR)
12. Angus Lost Lapbook
13. Animal Classification Lapbook
14. Annika’s Secret Wish Lapbook
15. Another Celebrated Dancing Bear (FIAR)
16. Ants Lapbook
17. Apple and the Arrow Lapbook
18. Apple Pie Tree, The
19. Are You My Mother?
20. Atlantic Lapbook
21. Attentiveness (Character Quality)
22. Baby in a Basket Lapbook
23. Backyard Birds Lap ~n~ Note
24. Ballet Lap ~n~ Note
25. Bears Lapbook
26. Bears Lapbook (Karma Wilson)
27. Beavers Lapbook
28. Bee Tree, The (FIAR)
29. Benjamin Franklin Lapbook (D’Aulaire)
30. Berlioz the Bear Lapbook

Click here for complete list of Lapbooks

Free Multi-Age Unit Studies

1. Animal Study Lapbooks
2. Attentiveness (Character Quality)
3. Ballet Lapbook
4. Boy Scouts ~ Citizenship
5. Boy Scouts ~ Family Life
6. Cheerfulness (Character Quality)
7. Choose-a-Country Lapbook
8. Christmas Around the World
9. Civil War Lapbook
10. Compassion (Character Quality)
11. Cooking Lapbook
12. Dependability (Character Quality)
13. Diligence (Character Quality)
14. Forgiveness (Character Quality)
15. Hanukkah Lapbook
16. Helpfulness (Character Quality)
17. Ice Cream
18. Kindness (Character Quality)
19. Lapbook-a-Person
20. Obedience (Character Quality)
21. Passover Lapbook
22. Soccer Lapbook
23. Solar System Lapbook
24. Spanish Lessons & Lapbook
25. Stewardship (Character Quality)
26. Summer Olympics 2008
27. Thankfulness (Character Quality)
28. Volcano
29. Zoo

For more unit studies clcik Homeschool Share Unit Studies (by age level)

You can submit material to Homeschool Share. Go here to read how.

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I created Google email accounts (free safe Gmail’s plus-addressing) for my boys so I could email educational game links to their laptop computers. I didn’t realize how motivating email would be. They began writing letters to their father, grand parents, brothers and sisters.

Writing and receiving emails makes learning fun. Much more fun than traditional “skill-and-drill”.  Students write on topics that they enjoy. Receiving email gives interaction and feedback.

Students need to know how to compose an email. The New York Times reported ” Businesses are spending as much as $3.1 billion annually to teach white-collar professionals how to write clear, concise emails, reports, and other texts.”

Research from the BBC

• A survey of 3,001 children aged nine to 16 found that 24% had their own blog and 82% sent text messages at least once a month.  73% use instant messaging services to chat online with friends.
• …Of the children who neither blogged nor used social network sites, 47% rated their writing as “good” or “very good”, while 61% of the bloggers and 56% of the social networkers said the same.
• “Our research suggests a strong correlation between kids using technology and wider patterns of reading and writing,” Jonathan Douglas, director of the National Literacy Trust, told BBC News.
• “Engagement with online technology drives their enthusiasm for writing short stories, letters, song lyrics or diaries.”
• “Our research results are conclusive – the more forms of communications children use the stronger their core literary skills.”
• Use a basic checklist before sennding mail: Are you sending it to the right person? Check for spelling mistakes in the address and message body.

Email Tips for  Readers

• Introduce your child the basic parts of a letter with attention to: salutation or greeting, body, closing and signature.
• Be available to help with spelling. Keep a list of words they ask about.
• Print out list of frequently words in alphabetical order for reference. (Please, thank you, etc)
• Give them a dictionary (or child’s dictionary) and teach them to use it.
• Use graphic organizers to help a child compose an email.
• Teach the child to attach photos, draw pictures and use other computer resources over time to enhance the emails.
• Teach them to use the spell checker and teach them how often spell checkers fail.

Email Tips for Non- Readers

• Use Charlotte Mason’s narration methods.
• Ask someone to write to your child. When your child receives an email, read the email to the child and ask if she wants to respond. Type the response for your child.
• Continue writing for the child until he has the typing and language skills to go it alone.

Email Safety

Gmail’s plus-addressing feature to create filtered in boxes and send-from address for  kids. Children can send and receive emails from their own address without being exposed to  spam of a full-fledged account, and you can keep an eye on what kind of communication their mail .

How to give your young children a personalized (managed) email address

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Using these worksheets will help your child (and you) extract pertinent materials from the Bible reading, analyze it, categorize it, and produce a reference sheet for his or her Bible portfolio. This is not busywork- its writing to learn.

These can be used for all ages even non readers! Mom can fill in the pages for younger students using Charlotte Mason narration principles (child tells mom what happened, mom fills in worksheet).

Sample of Bible Character Worksheet

Sample of Bible Event Worksheet

Teaching Tips

Do not give them a worksheet and walk away. Motivate students by asking questions. Help them use Bible study tools if needed.

Allow students more than one worksheet,  tell them to  plan on writing and rewriting information so that they can condense, arrange, and write the summary in the best fashion.

As they rewrite and reread, they select, eliminate, and add information with your prompts. The student is conveying in his  own words (paraphrasing) the meaning of what was read, using the fewest number of words and sentences.

Don’t underestimate the filling in process. Students develop excellence in achievement by completing the worksheets ; they develop diligence by continually practicing clarity, accuracy, relevance, prioritizing, consistency, depth, and breadth through writing activities.

Use the worksheets as a way of testing. You will find out what students already know and encourage them to learn.

Download Bible Worksheets (12 page PDF)

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