Lisa Nehring | True North Academy

Traveling with a Large Family

What is traveling with a large family really like? My family recently moved to California, half a continent away from my grassy South Dakota hometown. This has some benefits, as now we have the opportunity to plan a special trip when I am able to travel out to visit. This year, we chose to visit our first major national park (unless you count the Badlands in Western South Dakota, which are lovely but small and not very crowded). Eleven children, two parents and my brother’s guest, who just graduated from (homeschool) high school, loaded suitcases under the seats, to spend a two night stay in Yosemite National Park. Every age group of kids, from nine months old to adults of their early twenties was represented in our caravan. A baby, a toddler, ten older kids, and two parents, along with my 16 year old brother’s friend; fourteen people in all.

The most challenging part of large family travel is getting from place to place and having enough energy to enjoy the destination. In the past, my mother has used sticker books and long lasting suckers to keep the natives happy, but this year the baby of the family-a teething nine month old with a strong set of lungs, was too young to be impressed. Squeezable baby food packets, teething biscuits, and organic dried mango helped to buy time in the carseat. Rights to the coveted front seats are rotated between the children. The privileged spot comes with the responsibility of playing with the baby. The young men of the family take the job seriously and use creativity to devise the entertainment. The newest sport on the planet, Fidora Frisbee was invented in this way. The goal of the game is to throw a hat directly on the baby’s face, to her delight. It’s probably only a matter of time till this game becomes known worldwide, from its humble birthplace in the middle benches of the blue fifteen passenger van between Stockton, CA and Yosemite National Park.

Once we arrived at Yosemite National Park, walking shorter distances rather than driving allows the family a welcome break from the car. A few of the middle school aged kids take advantage of the freedom, however, and try to branch off on their own. This means moving as a group is sometimes more like herding sheep, and before leaving a location a headcount is mandatory. Though I believe we’ve only left someone behind once in the entire family history, there was one near miss this trip before getting on a bus. Fortunately, our family friend noticed the missing child and made quick trip to check the bathrooms seconds before we boarded.

Traveling With a Large Family, True North Academy

The beginning of the day is always very enjoyable on foot, but in the afternoon the younger kids lag behind. The wide age span in the family is an advantage at this point, and the three year old and five year old enjoyed shoulder rides courtesy of the teen boys for the last half of the day, to their delight. In the past we have transported children in strollers, but my mom chose to bring a baby carrier this time for added mobility. The baby was much happier being carried close to mom, and we didn’t have to use valuable car space to store it or tote one up stairs.

Motion sickness is not a unique trouble to a large family, but the high backed seats and bumpy back rows of the fifteen passenger van are particularly rough on stomachs. After many years of enduring the smells of half digested lunches, the family now always packs a large stash of Ziplock bags. Drives through curvy mountain roads are new to the family, and in the future child friendly nausea medication will be essential.

Stay tuned for Part II of Traveling with a Large Family tomorrow!

You might also be interested in reading The Remarkable Gift of Grit and Homeschooling High School: You Can Do This! Check out our Catalog for exciting live on-line and anytime classes, testing, Academic Advising and more offerings at a price even the largest family can afford!

Sarah Frederes is a homeschool graduate and a Dakota Corps Scholarship recipient, which allowed her to attend and graduate from college debt free with a Summa Cum Laude and a BSN. She is the oldest of eleven children and has a love and passion for music, parrots, writing, gardening and photography. You can find more of her writing and lovely photography on her personal blog All That is Gold

Dreaming Englishmen and Treason

by Lisa Nehring | History

Our Founding Father’s were dreaming Englishmen who committed treason. Their dream was about about a place that allowed freedom of idea, thought and expression. It was about a place where the common man could forge his or her own destiny. They believed in the hope of that dream so much they were willing to commit treason against their fatherland, family and friends.

We are political watchers in our house and we are grieved by the denegration of that dream and the easy disposal of the liberties we’ve been afforded as Americans. It’s as if because the reality isn’t a picture perfect version of the dream, the immense good that people HAVE in America should be completely thrown away.

Dreaming Englishmen and Treason

We read the Declaration of Independence on July 4. It used to be what towns and cities gathered for. To read, hear and remember. To appreciate that the liberties we experience as commoners in America are hard fought or non-existent in many places through time, history and our current landscape.

So we read, we listen, we remember. We thank God for men and women who were bold enough to be treasonous in the face of corruption and elitism, for those who dreamed of a land where we could pursue life, liberty and happiness, and that they were willing to lay down their fortunes, families and lives for this cause.

Dreaming Englishmen & Treason

It’s not a perfect place. It is not utopia. We have a long history of not living the dream for others we want so dearly for ourselves. But, in my long and involved study of history, I can still say that America is beautiful, that it is the beautifully flawed and beautifully imperfect land of the free and home of the brave. I am grateful to be an American, grateful to still hope in a dream, however imperfectly executed, that still inspires people around the globe to want to live here.

To fully understand what America is all about; dreams, flaws and all check out Humanities: U.S. Foundations– a 2 1/2 credit course including American History, American Literature and Fine Arts, taught by Cindy Brumbarger as well as Government and Economics, taught by Jeff Burdick.

U.S. Foundations American History, Literature, Fine Arts

Western Civilizations II

From Homeschooler to Film Producer

by Lisa Nehring | Uncategorized

Sharon Wilharm, from Homeschooler to Film Producer

Sharonis a former homeschooler turned film producer, having created, along with her husband and children, several documentaries and full length films. Sharon describes herself as an “Accidental Filmmaker” having been encouraged by her husband, who had a broadcast journalism degree, to write a documentary for his first film, a historical documentary. Since then Sharon has studied and worked diligently to learn the craft of script writing, acting, directing and producing. Sharon, and her family, continue to work on films together, with each person taking an aspect of the project that they are good at; for instance, Sharon’s husband does the behind the scenes management while Sharon works on all aspects of the films look, such as costuming, props, etc as well as managing the cast and crew. In fact, for the Summer of ’67 Movie, Sharon sewed most of the costumes, using vintage patterns and fabrics, scoured at garage sales and thrift shops. Apparently, being a film producer means that you get involved in the nitty-gritty details of things more than ever!

Sharon was gracious enough to speak with my by phone regarding breaking into the film industry and what it looks like from a training and career perspective.

Sharon’s tips for Homeschoolers interested in becoming a Film Producer, Screen Writer or Director:

Realize that 90% of all films don’t break even- most people who work in the movie industry have other streams of income and additional jobs. (Skill Set: Learn how to fail well)
Be constantly honing your craft; reading, going to workshops and film festivals, watching movies, networking with other writers and producers. (Skill Set: Become a Life Long Learner)
Understand the aspect of story really well and follow them – all movies follow the same basic outline: inciting events, debating reaction, act upon the reaction either positively or negatively, mid or turning point, resolution or climax. Literature analysis in action! (Skill Set: How to Write a Story, Literary Analysis).
Budget well – Post production is as much a part of film making as shooting the film so save money for post production including color and sound. Post production does for a film what a good editor does for a book. (Skill Set: Financial Acumen and Responsibility).
Learn how to manage details and people well (Skill Set: Communication Skills, Executive Functioning Skills)

Sharon’s top books/ helps to learn how to become a Film Producer, Screen Writer or Director:

Save the Cat (for the beginner)
Write a Movie in a Month
Story by Robert McKee (more advanced)

Sharon also recommends going to Film Festivals around the country, as there are tons of classes, recruiters, producers and great films to be watched, along with contests, speakers and sponsors.

Fred and Sharon Wilharm

Where does Sharon come up with ideas for a screenplay? Often though real life. Her last film was inspired by her Dad’s involvement in Vietnam, the rich history surrounding where they lived.

Sharon mentioned the need to feed her creativity which she does by reading, listening to music, especially period music related to the time of which she is writing, watching movies and attending workshops, classes and festivals.

Film-making is an alluring field but Sharon mentioned that creating a film takes 200% commitment. Being involved in writing and producing a film is something that will take over every aspect of your life. Having your family 100+% committed helps as well, which is why Sharon is glad that she and her family have been involved in the work together.

As the filming gets under way, Sharon plans everything meticulously out ahead of time- blocking, timing, location and communicates with her cast and crew via a FB group page. When people show up for the shoot, they know exactly what to expect. This meticulous attention to detail saves time and money as everyone understands the goal of each days shoot. (Skill Set: Time Management).

Because the cast and crew spend so much time together during a shoot, Sharon cooks homemade meals for her team, freezing meals ahead of time for her 100 + person team. (Skill Set: Cooking, Once a Month Cooking, Hospitality, Budgeting).

For the film industry you don’t particularly need a degree; there are many internships that will provide hands on learning. The down side is that often these internships are unpaid. For that reason, it’s good to have training in areas that are easily non-location dependent and flexible in regards to work schedule. Many people in the film industry do not work in it full time and are very location dependent. In other words, jobs are located in a few, often high COLA, areas.

An often overlooked aspect of the film industry that provides more stability is to work for a large company creating training video or shooting commercials. While not considered as compelling as working in on the next big blockbuster, but there is job security and benefits with this work.

While Sharon and her family have made seven feature length films and enjoyed their time in the film industry, Sharon is hanging up her screenwriter/producers hat Summer of ’67 . That doesn’t mean she is stepping away from the creative life as she plans to to focus on writing novels and teaching the art of screen-writing and directing.

Sharon’s parting words of wisdom have less to do with the film industry and more to do with one interacts with others. She mentioned that she and her husband were doing videography work for a company (her husband also owns a videography business) and were treated badly by the people they were working for, as if they were less then others. Her goal has always been to approach whom they work with with a servant’s heart, doing small things for people to showing them respect and dignity. (Skill Set: empathy, compassion, personal development). Wise words for all us to take in, regardless of what profession we find ourselves in.

Thank-you Sharon Wilharm, former homeschooler turned film producer, for a warm and wonderful interview! Wishing you the best of luck as you go from film producer to novelist!

Before you go, check out our Humanities: U.S. Foundations course as well as our Literature and Composition Course.

How to Create a Unit Study

by Lisa Nehring | Electives

Unit Study

A unit study is a theme or topic that you approach from various angles and resources. Content areas such as History, Math, Science, Bible, and the Arts are better suited for unit studies than skill areas like math and English because these areas must be taught precept upon precept. Of course, there are many fine companies that provide pre-made unit studies, such as Amanda Bennett, Hands of a Child and Beautiful Feet, but, perhaps you’d like to create your own.

Here’s how to Create a Unit Study

Brainstorm your initial topic and get it defined to the point that you can create a course description with objectives and goals. (i.e. my 8 year old wants to learn more about horses, my 11 year old wants to learn more about the 1800’s, my 16 needs a great study on the 20^th century for a high school lit/history unit.
Do an internet search/ initial research on your topic and refine as needed, (i.e. define it clearly enough so that it is not so broad that it consumes the entirety of your elementary life, or so narrow that there is not information about it).
Create a reading, movie, T.V. list based on your course description and research
Brainstorm activities and projects, for instance:

dioramas
presentations/short skits
field trips
community experts
cooking/foods
games
posters
oral and written reports
maps/geography
memory work
scrapbook
video/ stop action animation
Blog article (or a blog created to showcase the unit/YouTube
Play mobile / Lego re-enactments,
lap books

Fit the activities and projects that you’ve chosen into various curriculum areas:
literature
history
science
math
the Arts (music, fine arts, drama)
phys.ed.

6. Plan your Study (Create a notebook for your study- you might want to do it again!)

Determine the time for the study- how long will it be, how often will you work on it.
Schedule the resources you have readily available- books, DVD’s, people, etc.
Schedule the projects for the unit –allow enough time for them!
Schedule the reading for the unit
Schedule the memory work for the unit
Schedule field trips
Create a fitting close to your successfully completed unit study like a grand finale field trip or a presentation/reenactment for Dad and Grandparents!

Unit studies are fun for young and old alike and can be either simple (the zoo) or complex (the 20^thCentury). They are only limited by your imagination!

I’d love to hear about the unit studies that you are creating!

You might also be interested in Clubs and our Course Catalog

Lisa Nehring has been involved in both highly planned and detailed as well as fly by the seat of your pants unit studies for years, some of which have turned into professional and ministry pursuits.

Godly Patterns- How to Teach Math, Logic & Patterns in Homeschooling

by Lisa Nehring | Math

The Anti-Logic of Post-Modernism

The prevalent philosophy of today’s culture is post-modern. I know this is supposed to be about Math, Logic and Patterns but indulge me for a minute, o.k.?

The definition of post-modern: Relating to, or being any of various movements reacting to Modernism, typically characterized by ironic self-reference and absurdity. This means that definitions are negotiable, often absurd, patterns meaningless, and there is no truth outside of what we define it to be (Merriam-Webster Dictionary).

There you have it. A whole philosophy whose purpose is to undermine truth, logic and patterns. As someone who has bound themselves to Truth, I live in opposition to this. By Truth with a capitol “T” I mean the person of Truth, Jesus Christ (John 14:6). While I fail often, I am committed to living by Truth, as those who truly follow Jesus with integrity must be. I’ve thought about it a great deal and I really believe that one cannot truly endorse post-modernism and Christianity; they are in fundamental opposition to each other.

So, you wonder, why am I babbling on about philosophy in a post that is supposed to be about curriculum picks for math, logic and patterns?

It is because I believe that we need to teach our children concepts that directly correspond to realities that ARE regardless of an ever present social-political environment that calls in to question non-negotiable such as logic, patterns, consequences, causality, and truth. Why we do what we do is just as important as what we do. Theory defines practice and practice informs theory. So, the math program you pick should be a reflection of your belief system. Teaching logic, by definition, declares that your theory about life acknowledges a set of principles by which to understand things.

Teach and Memorize Math
Teach a good solid math program. One that demands logical thought, clear answers, detailed explanations. There are several really great ones on the market (go here for some great ones). Expect your kids to know and memorize math facts. Memory work allows your kids to own the material. 2 + 2 does equal 4, not 5 or 9 or whatever you feel it might; “creative math” exists but not really at the level most of us function mathematically, so expect clear explanations and correct answers. Teach your kids to line up the math facts to add, subtract, multiply, and divide, write neatly and write out the steps on paper. Orderly habits save time, frustration and incorrect answers in the end.

Teach Fallacies, Logic, Critical and Literary Analysis
Teach fallacies, forms of logic and critical and literary analysis. I don’t agree with the group that states that simply reading for enjoyment is good enough and teaching analysis spoils the fun. Really learning critical and literary analysis will take your kids on a learning curve like most other learning curves While your kids are learning lit analysis or critical analysis they will probably be hyper aware of plot, character, themes, the authors and various other questions and concerns. This might make them less aware of how much they enjoy the book or movie or program initially, but it will ultimately allow them a deeper, more complex and vibrant understanding of it all in the end. Don’t sacrifice the profound joy of complexity for the passing pleasure of fun.

Teach Truth
Teach Truth. Teach Truth. Teach Truth. As a Christian there is one path and it is found in following the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob, the Master of the Universe and His Son, Jesus Christ. Don’t agree? Let’s chat. If you are on board with what I’m saying, you are probably wondering what Truth has to do with logic and math and patterns. Well, it’s all there in the beginning. God is a God of order (Gen 1 -3). He has a plan and a purpose and rules, regulations and principals. To deny that, denies the Master of the Universe (see C.S. Lewis’ Space Trilogy). They go together. By learning Truth and His ways you are committing yourself to learning and observing the way of logic and patterns.

Be an Intentional Consumer
Assess fantasy as it comes through the door; be a gate-keeper. It’s not whether the genre is fantasy or not, but the principles that are being taught. Good writing teaches good thinking. Effective critical thinking skills are vital in sorting through social/relational problems. Good fantasy reflects this same discipline. One of the rules of good writing is believability – you’ll find this in the fantasy writing of Ray Bradbury, C.S. Lewis, Madeline L’Engle, Orson Scott Card, etc. Much of today’s fantasy breaks fundamental rules, undermining our kids natural inclination to make real sense out of things.

We are a culture committed to fun and fantasy. We spend billions of dollars a year on movies and games that we allow our children to sit passively in front of as their minds are filled with bizarre aliens, violent creatures and apocalyptic un-redemptive doom. Personally, I love good dystopian literature; but really, if it’s not redemptive, it’s not good. Seriously reconsider WHAT you bring in to your home, beginning with the benign looking Disney movies that ohsooften make any man look like a buffoon and any woman look like a conquering hero with little respect for roles and gender differences.

The Difference between Fiction and Fantasy
There is a clear distinction between fiction and fantasy; I’m clearly not an advocate of the no fiction rule. I am also strongly opposed to the idea of allowing your kids to read just anything because “at least they’re reading.” Good and great literature abounds, so choose that and don’t make excuses for being too lazy to have good and Godly standards.

Horror Undermines
Be careful of allowing your children to view horror. Horrific events do happen (subscribe to Voice of the Martyrs if you want to be aware of how to pray for the persecuted church), but allowing your kids to indulge in it taps into irrational thought patterns. Expecting the ax murderer to jump out at you in the basement does not teach logical thinking, triggers negative reactivity and violates scripture. Same with exposing your kids to network news. Much of it is geared towards sensationalism and very little of it is actual news reporting anymore. If you want your kids to get news, subscribe to God’s World News, Science News (if you can dismiss the evolutionist perspective), or other quality news outlets.

Immerse Yourself in God’s World
Nature studies teach patterns and logic. If you allow your kids to spend copious amounts of time outdoors they will discover math and it’s cousins, because nature speaks to kids. Spend time on the trampoline star gazing and grab some good, simple astronomy books to check out the patterns and designs and amazing math all around us. The NASA web-site is a great way to get up close and personal with science nerds form all over the world who are so invested in the patterns of the universe that they’ll go to any lengths (even Mars) to understand it. And don’t forget to go to the beach and learn about shells, because that’s a whole math class in and of itself. The Jason Project curriculum is, hands down, amazing, and check out Reasons (to Believe) Academy.

Got weather? Even the most violent of storms follow patterns and predictability. The NOAA web-site is a daily favorite around here and if you get your kids hooked on weather they will learn direction and causality and how to predict what’s coming, as well as season and a whole host of other things.

Be Ready to Give Answer for the Hope that Lies Within You
God’s world is based on principles that are always true to themselves. Apologetics should be part of how you teach patterns and logic because the world of faith is all about how to live. Life is not a live and let live proposition – you are either for God or against Him and aligning yourself with the Master of the Universe means following patterns of thought and behavior. Living a life of faith is not about living by a set of rules. It is aligning yourself with a pattern where grace and law intertwine; weaving a beautiful tapestry that bind us to the heart of our Creator God.

Live it Out
Live what you believe in front of your kids; don’t be a say as I say and not as I do parent. Patterns, by their very nature, are consistent. Create patterns in your family and interactions of constancy for your kids. Habits are ingrained patterns of behavior that let one function on auto-pilot, accomplish more and cost less.

To read more about teaching Math, Logic and Patterns in Homeschooling, check these related posts:

Our {almost} FREE 2nd and 4th Grade Math Program by Susan @ Homeschooling Hearts & Minds

Supercharged Science’s Mathemagic by Kristi K. @ The Potter’s Hand Academy

Math & Logic Resources by Chareen @ Every Bed of Roses

How We Tackle Middle School Math, Logic & Science by Christy @ Unexpected Homeschool

A Peek into our Homeschool: Math & Logic by Brittney @ Mom’s Heart

Math and Logic: Patterns and Reasoning by Leah@As We Walk Along the Road

2014 Virtual Curriculum Fair: Discovering Patterns: Mathematics, Logic, and Science by Stacie @Super Mommy To The Rescue

Virtual Curriculum Fair: The World of Patterns and Logic by Joelle

Discovering Science & Math w/ Apologia & Saxon by LynnP @ Ladybug Chronicles

Make Math Fun: Your Kids Will Thank You by Tauna @ Proverbial Homemaker

Our Curriculum Choices 2014 ~ Mathematics by Renata @ Sunnyside Farm Fun