The Birth of Jesus Foretold

Matthew 1 - The Birth of Jesus Foretold

1. Write December memory verse in notebook - Servant of All
2. Prayer
3. Sing the books of the Old and New Testament
4, Sing Christmas Songs
5. Hymn - Adeste Fideles
6. Read Matthew 1


Also, this month we will emphasize the memory verse, that anyone who wants to be first must be the very last.

7. Story Time

December – If anyone wants to be first, he must be very last and the servant of all. Mark 9:35

The Birth of John the Baptist

Luke 1 and John 1:6 The Birth of John the Baptist

1. Write December memory verse in notebook - Servant of All
2. Prayer
3. Sing the books of the Old and New Testament
4, Sing Christmas Songs
5. Hymn - Adeste Fideles
6. Read Luke 1 and John 1:6

For this lesson we acted out the story. We used a chalkboard to write "His name is John". We also played a variety of games (hop scotch, tic tac toe) with neon duct tape and glow sticks to emphasize that John was the path to Jesus, the light of the world.

Also, this month we will emphasize the memory verse, that anyone who wants to be first must be the very last.

7. Story Time

December – If anyone wants to be first, he must be very last and the servant of all. Mark 9:35

Exodus 19 and 20 - God gives the 10 Commandments

Exodus 19 and 20 - God Gives the 10 Commandments

1. Write November memory verse in notebook - Do not fear for I am with you
2. Prayer
3. Sing the books of the Old and New Testament and other hymns
4. Hymn - When We All Get to Heaven
5. Read Exodus 19 and 20 - 10 Commandments




6. Story Time

November – So do not fear for I am with you. Do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Exodus 17 - Water from a Rock

Exodus 17 - Water from a Rock

1. Write November memory verse in notebook - Do not fear for I am with you
2. Prayer
3. Sing the books of the Old and New Testament and other hymns
4. Hymn - When We All Get to Heaven
5. Read Exodus 17 - Water from a Rock
 (You can see my husband pulling blue plastic tablecloth from under a "rock" (covered box). The plastic is connected with fishing line so as to be invisible.

6. Story Time

November – So do not fear for I am with you. Do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Exodus 16 - Quail and Manna

Exodus 16 - Quail and Manna

1. Write November memory verse in notebook - Do not fear for I am with you
2. Prayer
3. Sing the books of the Old and New Testament and other hymns
4. Hymn - When We All Get to Heaven
5. Read Exodus 16 - Quail and Manna. Spread a sheet on the floor and sprinkle Frosted Flakes "manna" down for kids to collect for 6 days. Except for day 6, if anyone gathers too much, it turns bad. We put black jelly beans in with the flakes.

6. Story Time

November – So do not fear for I am with you. Do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Exodus 12 - The Passover

Exodus 12 - The Passover

1. Write October memory verse in notebook - Do not fear for I am with you
2. Prayer
3. Sing the books of the Old and New Testament and other hymns
4. Hymn - When We All Get to Heaven
5. Read Exodus 12 - The Passover

6. Story Time

October – So do not fear for I am with you. Do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Exodus 13:17 - 14 Crossing the Red Sea

Exodus 13:17 - 14 Crossing the Red Sea

1. Write November memory verse in notebook - Do not fear for I am with you
2. Prayer
3. Sing the books of the Old and New Testament and other hymns
4. Hymn - When We All Get to Heaven
5. Read Exodus 13:17 - 14 Crossing the Red Sea







6. Story Time

November – So do not fear for I am with you. Do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Exodus 7 - 11 The 10 Plagues Against Egypt

Exodus 7 - 11 The 10 Plagues Against Egypt

1. Write September memory verse in notebook - Ask, Seek, Knock

2. Prayer

3. Sing the books of the Old and New Testament and other hymns

4. Hymn - Amazing Grace, Amazing Grace, Amazing Grace, Amazing Grace, Amazing Grace

5. Read Exodus 7 - 11 The 10 Plagues Against Egypt - I owe this all to Kristen Duke on Pinterest - great ideas!!!!!

Yes, a real cricket. . .

And we ate one! Tasted like a potato chip

• River to blood–hibiscus tea
• Frogs–gummy frogs
• Lice–black jelly beans
• Flies–gummy butterflies 
• Cattle–Mother's pink and white animal cookies
• Boils–grapes
• Hail and Fire–large marshmallows for hail and fire was Hot Tamales.
• Grasshoppers–Bacon and cheese crickets (you can find these on Amazon.com)
• Darkness–Dove dark chocolate 
• First born son–Sour Patch Kids

Moses contemplating water turned to blood

September – Ask and it will be given to you. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8

Exodus 2:11- 3 - Moses flees Egypt, gets married and sees a burning bush

Moses flees Egypt, gets married and sees a burning bush

1. Write September memory verse in notebook - Ask, Seek, Knock
2. Prayer

3. Sing the books of the Old and New Testament and other hymns

4. Hymn - Amazing Grace, Amazing Grace, Amazing Grace, Amazing Grace, Amazing Grace

Lots of versions of this spectacular hymn!!!!

5. Read Exodus 2:11- 3 Moses flees Egypt, gets married and sees a burning bush

Our burning bush. Bamboo plus orange Halloween lights.

6. Story Time

September – Ask and it will be given to you. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8

Exodus - 1 - 2:10 Moses is Born

Moses is Born

1. Write September memory verse in notebook - Ask, Seek, Knock
2. Prayer

3. Sing the books of the Old and New Testament and other hymns
4. Sing Jacob's Sons Song 

4. Hymn - Amazing Grace, Amazing Grace, Amazing Grace, Amazing Grace, Amazing Grace

Lots of versions of this spectacular hymn!!!!

5. Read Exodus 1 - 2:10 Moses is Born. Act out Story.

Crocodiles in the Nile River by baby Moses

"Do you know someone who can take care of this baby?"

"It must be a Hebrew baby"

6. Story Time

September – Ask and it will be given to you. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8

Genesis 44 - 48 The End of the Story of Joseph

The End of the Story of Joseph

1. Write August memory verse in notebook - Do Not be Anxious
2. Prayer

3. Sing the books of the Old and New Testament and other hymns
4. Sing Jacob's Sons Song 

4. Hymn - All Creatures of our God and King

5. Read Genesis 44 - 48 - The End of the Story of Joseph

    Distribute 11 bags to 11 sons. Fill each bag with grain - the sons pay you money. Then, you secretly replace the money in the bags and put a silver thimble in Benjamin's bag. Let the sons go on their way back home. Have 2 soldiers stop the sons and search the bags for the thimble. Carry on with the story.

Benjamin, opening his sack and finding silver cup

Egyptian Artwork

6. Story time

August Memory Verse - – Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Put it to Music - Singing to Learn

I can still sing the lyrics to the McDonald's Big Mac song from the 70's. 

"Two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a seasame seed bun".

When you put something to music it is a breeze to memorize.

Homeschool mentor, Carole Joy Seid introduced to me a company called Seeds Family Worship. Professional sounding scripture songs that the whole family can enjoy. What I love about these songs is that they are strictly scripture - nothing added. Also, vocals are primarily adults singing with a little help from kids, instead of the other way around.

For young children, I've enjoyed using Steve Green's Hide em In Your Heart scripture songs. Lots of little voices with Steve mixed in. My only complaint is that there is too much talking.

When my kids were growing we always had Mr. Donut Man going in the car. His CDs usually follow a theme with one scripture memory verse per CD. Again, too much extraneous talking but a wide variety of musical styles.

There are so many more scripture song resources on YouTube. Just type in "scripture memory songs" and you are set. Troy and Genie Nilsson, Integrity Music, God's Kids Worship, are just a few.

Genesis 43 - The Second Journey to Egypt

The Second Journey to Egypt

1. Write August memory verse in notebook - Do Not be Anxious
2. The Lord's Prayer Matthew 6:9-13 KJV

3. Sing the books of the Old and New Testament and other hymns
4. Sing Jacob's Sons Song 

4. Hymn - All Creatures of our God and King

5. Read Genesis 43 - The Second Journey to Egypt
6. Serve Falafels and Pita Bread from Egypt

Note: Making falafels from scratch was a huge undertaking for me! Two batches and both not quite right. Next time I would buy the mix at the store. Just sayin. Although, watching dedemed.com on YouTube was great and helped a lot.

7. Story time

August Memory Verse - – Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Falafel Recipe from www.dedemed.com

1 lb chickpeas
1 onion
1 bunch parsley
1 bunch cilantro
6 cloves of garlic
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 tablespoon flour (or more if necessary)
Neutral oil for frying

In food processor, pulse chickpeas until smooth. In the same food processor, combine the onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro. Pulse until you obtain a paste. Add this mixture to the chickpeas and mix with a spatula. Add cumin, coriander, salt, pepper and flour and mix well. If dough is too soft, add more flour, a teaspoon at a time, until firm enough to form balls. Add baking soda just before frying. Mix well. Heat a large pan with vegetable oil and bring to about 350 F. Make small balls about the size of a ping pong ball. Gently place the balls in hot oil without overloading the pan. Fry until one side is golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes. Then turn over and fry on the other side for another 1 to 2 minutes. Take out of the oil with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels. Falafels should be crisp on the outside and soft inside.

Genesis 42 - Joseph's Brothers go to Egypt

Joseph's Brothers go to Egypt

1. Write August memory verse in notebook - Do Not be Anxious
2. Prayer

3. Sing the books of the Old and New Testament and other hymns
4. Sing Jacob's Sons Song 

4. Hymn - All Creatures of our God and King

5. Read Genesis 42 - Joseph's Brothers go to Egypt
6. Craft - Make Egyptian Cartouche

7. Story time

August Memory Verse - – Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Genesis 41 - Pharaoh's Dreams

Pharaoh's Dreams

1. Write July memory verse in notebook
2. Prayer

3. Sing the books of the Old and New Testament and other hymns
4. Sing Jacob's Sons Song 

4. Hymn - Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee

5. Read Genesis 41 - Pharaoh's Dreams
6. Story time

July Memory Verse - For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Genesis 40 - The Cupbearer and the Baker

The Cupbearer and the Baker

1. Write July memory verse in notebook - Sing memory verse song For God So Loved the World. 

2. Prayer

3. Sing the books of the Old and New Testament and other hymns
4. Sing Jacob's Sons Song 

4. Hymn - Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee
5. Read Genesis 40 - The Cupbearer and the Baker. Act out story.

Props. . .3 baskets, bread, bird puppet, cluster of grapes, Pharaoh's cup.

The Baker, The Cupbearer and Joseph in Prison

In 3 days the cupbearer will be released

Pharaoh drinks wine from his cupbearer

Bird eats bread from the Baker's basket

6. Story time
7. Pass ball around and repeat sections of the memory verse.

* For God so loved the world

* that He gave His only begotten Son

* that whosoever believeth in Him

* should not perish

* but have everlasting life

* John 3:16.

July Memory Verse - For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Genesis 39 - Joseph and Potiphar's Wife

Joseph and Potiphar's Wife

1. Write July memory verse in notebook - Sing memory verse song For God So Loved the World. 

2. Prayer

3. Sing the books of the Old and New Testament and other hymns
4. Sing Jacob's Sons Song 

4. Hymn - Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee

5. Read Genesis 39 - Joseph and Potiphar's Wife
6. Play Potiphar's Wife Tag

7. Make Jacob's sons paper dolls

8. Story time

July Memory Verse - For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Our List of Hymns for 2016, minus 2

Our Hymn List This Year

When I began to make this list I tended toward the more upbeat hymns, ones the kids would find fun and, well, LOUD. I didn't want to use recordings that used little kids as the singers but rather shoot for better quality. I wanted it to sound like it did when we went to church 30 years ago with pipe organ and a choir.

As time progresses I've had the thought that in addition to learning the hymns, homeschooling kids would learn about different styles of music. At first I dismissed Amazing Grace played on the bagpipes. But so many artists have recorded this hymn in different styles that I decided to play the bagpipes, gospel, country, and any other version I can find.

The world became my oyster and I'm looking forward to how these styles will go over with the kids.

I'm still in the process of deciding two more hymns. If you have any suggestions, please feel free to comment. Happy singing.

January – Angels We Have Heard on High
February – Holy, Holy, Holy
March – Christ the Lord is Risen Today
April – To God be the Glory
May – Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow
June – Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
July -
August – All Creatures of our God and King
September – Amazing Grace
October - When We All Get to Heaven
November – We Gather Together
December – Adeste Fideles

Hymn Study

Why Study Hymns

Most hymns are rich in theology and Biblical truth. Try reading through all the verses to Holy, Holy, Holy. You will hear about the Holy Trinity and get a taste of the Heavenly throne room in Revelation 4 ,

These guys like to sing and run at the same time!

Even if you prefer to sing praise songs, your faith will be strengthened by reading and studying the words of the hymns. Many of them are rich in theology and Biblical truth. And they are a part of our Christian heritage!

Genesis 37 - Joseph's Dreams and Betrayal

Joseph's Dreams and Betrayal

1. Write July memory verse in notebook - Sing memory verse song For God So Loved the World

2. Prayer

3. Sing the books of the Old and New Testament
4. Sing Jacob's Sons Song 

4. Hymn - Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee

5. Read Genesis 37 - Joseph's Dreams and Betrayal

7. Make Jacob's sons paper dolls

8. Story time

July Memory Verse - For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Genesis 33

Jacob Meets Esau

1. Write June memory verse in notebook - Sing memory verse song I Can Do All Things

2. Prayer

3. Sing the books of the Old and New Testament
4. Sing Jacob's Sons Song 

4. Hymn - Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee

5. Read Genesis 33 - Jacob Meets Esau

7. Make Jacob's sons paper dolls

8. Story time

June Memory Verse - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Genesis 32and 33 - Jacob Wrestles with God & Jacob Meets Esau

Jacob Wrestles With God

1. Write June memory verse in notebook - Sing memory verse song I Can Do All Things.

2. Prayer

3. Sing the books of the Old and New Testament
4. Sing Jacob's Sons Song 

4. Hymn - Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee

5. Read Genesis 32 and 33 - Jacob Wrestles With God & Jacob Meets Esau

Jacob Wrestling with the Angel, REMBRANDT Harmenszoon van Rijn

7. Make Jacob's sons paper dolls

8. Story time

June Memory Verse - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

It's a Small World

We have quite a diverse class this year. Here are some of the countries represented by either member or visitor.

India

Kenya

Brazil

Mexico

Spain

Taiwan

Bulgaria

United States

Flag of Peru

Puerto Rico