Chris | Heart of the Matter

August 9, 2010 By Chris 1 Comment

Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night…

“Letters to God” shares hope and redemption

We communicate through e-mail, texts, tweets and Facebook messages, but sometimes a handwritten letter says it best.

The movie “Letters to God” is the story of a young boy’s prayers, in the form of letters, sent to God through the mail. Tyler (Tanner Maguire) has spent too much time in hospitals fighting to live, but his faith is strong. He spills out his heartfelt prayers word after word, expecting God to answer.

And when a letter carrier in desperate need of redemption gets assigned to Tyler’s neighborhood? Well, sometimes God uses unconventional means to bring communities together and speak to people where they are – even when they are struggling to erase the past, save their child or carry on in the face of devastation.

Writer Patrick Doughtie lost his young son, Tyler, to cancer. His passion shines through in the film as it becomes its own letter to God, in a very real sense. The casting is ideal – Ralph Waite has the same sparkle as he did decades ago on “The Waltons.”

“Letters to God” is sweet and poignant. Though the ending is somewhat predictable, that doesn’t detract from the journey. The movie is ultimately a story of redemption and faith.

Let it inspire you and your children to write your own letters. You never know where they will end up.

“Letters to God” is rated PG for thematic material. It is available on DVD Aug. 10. Watch the trailer and write your own letter to God at www.letterstogodthemovie.com.

This is not a film for very young children. Spoiler alert!! The movie deals with alcohol, domestic situations and death. Though the Christian message comes through loud and clear, young children may be disturbed by some of the themes explored in the story.

Chris Worthy is mom to Caroline (16) and Nolan (11) and will soon celebrate 21 years of marriage to her favorite person, John. Chris practiced law before becoming a writer and stay-at-home mother more than 10 years ago. She enjoys cooking, crafting, spoiling dogs, green living and rummaging though old books. Follow along at www.chrisworthy.com.

July 8, 2010 By Chris 5 Comments

Adding high-interest subjects has positive results!

Most days, I feel like we barely squeeze in the school work that must be done. Despite that, I am taking a new approach for this school year: I am adding more.

Ack. I know what you are thinking – I am going to crash and burn by November. That may be true, but I think adding more, in this case, will mean less work and more fun in the long run.

In addition to algebra, English, Spanish, history and science, my son is doing computer science, a unit on architecture, physical education, art and guitar. All of our “extra” subjects are of my son’s choosing. They are areas of interest that either he would not have time to explore in a regular classroom or he would be required to take when he is older, but not allowed to study now.

While every child is different, my boy thrives on activity and high-interest adventures. For him, learning Visual Basic and seeing his computer program work is a source of joy. (For the record, I am married to a computer programmer, but I know nothing of it myself. What I do know how to do is find free/low cost resources when my son has an interest. I do not have to know everything in order to have him learn it.)

A $1 thrift store purchase, “Great Architecture of the World,” is resulting in a homegrown unit on architecture – styles, designers, engineering and even geography will be included. This is fun stuff. And when my son plows through his grammar lesson in order to get to the computer or to learn about columns or how Frank Lloyd Wright made Fallingwater? Well, a little incentive never hurt anyone. Just don’t tell him how much he is learning “after” school.

June 4, 2010 By Chris 7 Comments

It finally happened. I knew when we started this homeschool journey three years ago that it would come soon enough.

The boy has passed me in math.

Yes, I took algebra and geometry – 25+ years ago. We started Algebra 1 last week and I can tell you, it isn’t pretty. I have two different algebra curricula and I am ordering a third tomorrow. I am finding that I need multiple sources so that I can master each topic before teaching him.

And as much as I am relearning algebra, that’s a drop in the bucket compared to computer science. Thankfully, my husband is a computer programmer so I can smile, shrug my shoulders and say, “Ask Dad.” (I don’t know how long I can keep that up, but so far, so good.)

It truly is a challenge to teach all subjects every day, but I am enjoying learning and refreshing subjects that I missed or, ahem, skated through the first time around. This is a homeschooling by-product I didn’t expect, much like the stacks of books that breed overnight.

I don’t know what the school year will bring, but for now, I am holding my own. The boy still thinks I know everything – and since I already have one teenager, I know that will change – and all I really have to do is stay one page ahead of him.

That makes me an expert, even in algebra.

What strategies do you have for teaching subjects that are difficult for you? Do you use DVD-based or online classes? Share your tips for staying a step ahead of your children.

April 30, 2010 By Chris 6 Comments

Three years into this homeschool adventure, I still feel like the newbie in so many ways.

It is not uncommon for me to hear a discussion among homeschooling moms about some must-have book or product that everyone uses – except I’ve never heard of it. I am forever trying to figure out a way to consolidate records and portfolios and paperwork. I am sure all the experienced folks have that down pat. And I have changed curriculum horses so many times, I can’t get out of midstream.

But in the past few months, I have fielded more and more calls and e-mails from moms who want my advice about how to start homeschooling. I always warn them that I am the new kid on the block, relatively speaking, so I don’t have all the answers. I do live in an area where homeschooling numbers (at least by my anecdotal measure) are increasing exponentially and for that, I feel very blessed.

Then the parents who ask me about homeschooling worry about their ability to be a teacher and about the notion that their children will become sunlight-deprived, friendless oddballs who wear socks with flip-flops and spend every conversational moment staring at the ground.

The second concern is easy to alleviate, at least where I live. There are more co-op programs available than a student could possibly do. Classes, field trip opportunities and activity groups abound for all ages and needs. The biggest problem for homeschoolers here is finding time to be at home.

However, alleviating a parent’s fear of failing their child is a much tougher sell.

We worry we will fall short because we don’t have enough education, enough money or enough patience – or because we don’t know the “magic teacher words” that permeate discussions of public education. (What is “adequate yearly progress” anyway? And don’t I want more than adequacy?)

This newbie still falls short in that department sometimes. I can work myself into a frenzy feeling that I have shorted my son’s education in some way. But as I try to remember and convey to those new homeschoolers, I have been his educator since his first breath – even before, in many ways – and I have to trust that I can do this now. And I pray a lot. And I run up a lot of late fees at the library.

When we count the experience we have educating our children since that first reading of “Goodnight Moon,” even the newbies can feel equipped.

What is your advice to parents considering homeschooling? How do you alleviate their teaching fears?

Chris Worthy is mom to Caroline (16) and Nolan (11) and will soon celebrate 21 years of marriage to her favorite person, John. Chris practiced law before becoming a writer and stay-at-home mother more than 11 years ago. She enjoys cooking, crafting, spoiling dogs, green living and rummaging though old books. Follow along at www.chrisworthy.com

March 29, 2010 By Chris 3 Comments

People who haven’t known my family for very long might assume that my son is quiet around strangers because he is an isolated, unsocialized homeschooler.

You know that isn’t the case.

I have found that homeschooling has actually taught my boy the art of conversation in some very unexpected ways.

By way of background, this is the same child who sat on my lap and sobbed while the rest of his preschool class presented their Christmas program on stage and who burst into tears when, in kindergarten, the school nurse wanted to perform a cursory (and required) eye exam.

Interacting with strangers is not his cup of tea.

However, since we brought him home, that same boy can converse with adults as we wait in line at the bank, play guitar on stage with his co-op classmates and rush to get the door for an elderly lady at the post office. He is still quiet but the difference is astounding.

I know that much of this newfound change comes from maturity. He is older and the world isn’t as scary to him as it once was. But I also know that his confidence has grown as he has tried new things and succeeded at classroom and real world challenges. He has time to pursue his passions and stretch his limits beyond what he thought was possible. The safety of his daily environment inspires him to step out into the unknown, to risk failure and to surprise himself. That might be the biggest benefit of homeschooling at our house.

Just ask him. He’ll be glad to tell you about it.

Chris Worthy is mom to Caroline (15) and Nolan (10) and will soon celebrate 20 years of marriage to her favorite person, John. Chris practiced law before becoming a writer and stay-at-home mother more than 10 years ago. She enjoys cooking, crafting, spoiling dogs, green living and rummaging though old books. Follow along at www.chrisworthy.com

February 15, 2010 By Chris 5 Comments

When “summer school” is a good thing

The calendar isn’t binding me now. I have relied on it since my daughter started kindergarten. In our state, the school year is 180 days from August through May, give or take. While that is still true for my high schooler who is in public school, we answer to no timetable in our homeschool.

Schooling year-round has incredible benefits. Even though our summer school weeks are only a couple of days each, with respites for camp and vacation, the result shows in both maintenance and advancement. We transition from one grade to the next, with only our state-mandated paperwork as proof that anything has changed. The study of history is a cycle that moves forward without regard to grade. My math loving boy advances as needed. When he finishes pre-algebra, our study of algebra will start. Why wait (or move forward) based on some arbitrary date?

I didn’t always feel this way. Last summer was our first with real school days, but the results are undeniable for us. With most of the week left for the pool, play and (gasp!) video games, our two days a week didn’t seem like a burden to either of us. We could take school with us outdoors or poolside. When the new school year officially started, we just continued. There was no need for review or regrouping and no lost knowledge.

We are still in the depths of winter now and warm, sunny days feel a long way off. But used curriculum sales are coming – and they are as sure a sign of spring as the bluebird. I am shopping early and getting ready. Pool school awaits.

December 31, 2009 By Chris 2 Comments

Start 2010 with a new organizational habit

Are you ready to flip the calendar? Ready or not, 2010 is upon us. While I am not a proponent of ringing in the New Year with resolutions, I do suggest trying your hand at a new strategy for the coming months.

We are at the midpoint in our school year at my house. The weather is uninviting and it is far too easy for me to bury my head under the covers (at least mentally) until spring. I find that a little organization keeps the days and weeks from peeling away into moments I can’t recall.

For her best New Year’s tip, I called on Lil Nolan O’Keeffe, a certified professional organizer with ABC (Anything But Chaos) Professionals. Lil specializes in working with those who are chronically disorganized and those who have Attention Deficit Disorder. She organizes businesses and homes, including homeschooling families, and is also a mother of three.

For all families, Lil says a control center for activities is a basic starting point. She recommends buying a large desk calendar, available for $1 – $2.

“I cut off each page and put it on the refrigerator with magnets,” she says. “It really is good. Everything is done in pencil and everyone can see the calendar. I color-code with highlighters. At a glance, I see Friday has three blue stripes and I know we have three going to basketball.”

A different color could be used for sports, co-op, music lessons, church activities, etc.

It sounds daunting at first, but Lil’s system keeps everyone aware of activities outside the home and makes children responsible for their own schedules.

“They check the calendar every day,” she says. “If it’s on the calendar and they’ve missed it, that puts the responsibility on their plate. They know where to go to find that information. It’s a life lesson. I work with people that have never had that teaching from home and these people are lost.”

Also on her refrigerator/control center are Lil’s menu plan and shopping list for the week. She sets aside time a few days before the end of each month to organize the next month’s calendar. That time is an investment that results in less stress and a calmer environment at home.

“If you value your time and less stress in your life, put a bit of effort in it and you reap the rewards,” she says. “It’s a life change. A habit takes 21 days to form and 21 days to break. Getting organized doesn’t take a lot of money. It takes time to get it set up and then just maintenance. People think everything has to be perfect. That is a myth. Organization is functional.”

And that’s a New Year’s habit that can last for a lifetime.

January is “Go” month for the National Association of Professional Organizers. The organization will feature tips and information online at www.napo.net.

Chris Worthy is mom to Caroline (15) and Nolan (10) and will soon celebrate 20 years of marriage to her favorite person, John. Chris practiced law before becoming a writer and stay-at-home mother more than 10 years ago. She enjoys cooking, crafting, spoiling dogs, green living and rummaging though old books. Follow along at www.chrisworthy.com

November 12, 2009 By Chris 1 Comment

Explore the science and the history behind the Biblical event that signaled the Messiah’s birth

It is easy to relegate it to an afterthought in a nativity scene or as just another tradition when it is placed atop the tree, but law professor Rick Larson wants everyone to take another look at the star that signaled the arrival of the Messiah.

Larson isn’t an astronomer, but he is passionate about the star and its part in God’s miraculous plan. After hanging a star as an outdoor decoration at Christmas, Larson began to question what the star as we know it really was. He researched and studied extensively until he found his answer. He shares both his historical and scientific findings – as well as his faith – in The Star of Bethlehem, a beautifully produced DVD of the presentation he has given to many live audiences. It is a story Larson feels he is divinely directed to share.

“I couldn’t have dreamed up something like this,” Larson said. “I did not need this project. My plate was full. All I really felt I did was to keep saying yes. It happened a little piece at a time. It feels like a calling. I put thousands of hours in the research but it didn’t feel like work.”

Larson’s presentation outlines real astronomical events that occurred around the time of the birth of Jesus, correlates those events to the Bible and presents what he terms the poetry planned by God and evidenced in the sky. Larson is as emotional when discussing the project as he is during the presentation included on the DVD. For him, this is more than a Christmas tradition – it is the revelation of God’s omnipotence for all to see.

“It is inherently interesting and also has enormous impact,” he said. “It isn’t just information. It is a worshipful experience.”

For homeschoolers, it also makes for a wonderful unit study. Larson includes research and supplemental information about ancient documents on his web site.

“You get to do history, math and astronomy,” he said. Students can “have a blast learning about astronomy and first Century history. You get to do math with Kepler and Newton.”

And, most importantly for Larson, the story of the birth of Messiah is told – even to those who have no interest in opening a Bible.

“I have been praying that God would take it to the world,” he said. “He put it in the sky for everyone.”

Though his life has been taken on a different course, Larson is thrilled to tell the story of the star of Bethlehem.

“What could be better?” he asked. “What more could I possibly ask than to bring people into the awe of God?”

“The Star of Bethlehem” is $12.95 on DVD and is available at Christian retailers and online. Total running time is 65 minutes. For more information, including movie trailers, an overview and more, visit www.thestarofbethlehemmovie.com.

Chris Worthy is mom to Caroline (16) and Nolan (11) and has been married for 20 years to her favorite person, John. Chris practiced law before becoming a writer and stay-at-home mother more than 10 years ago. She enjoys cooking, crafting, spoiling dogs, green living and rummaging though old books. Follow along at www.chrisworthy.com

September 24, 2009 By Chris 3 Comments

Mnemonic devices are super glue for the mind

The lines and spaces were stretched out before me like an endless trek. Dots on or between those lines were supposed to translate to music? Impossible.

But then I discovered that Every Good Boy Does Fine (and Every Good Bird Does Fly) and All Cows Eat Grass (and unfortunately, All Cars Eat Gas) and we all have a FACE. Suddenly, music – at least the reading of it – was easy.

Mnemonic devices, handy ways to remember a list, have all new appeal to me as a homeschool teacher. Once learned, I know they will stick with my son forever, long after he has left our little classroom. I can guarantee he will be the dad helping his child with the classification of living things by announcing that King Phillip Came Over For Good Spaghetti ¹.

Mentioning this rediscovered technique recently I found that it is used from beginning piano students to college kids taught by a friend. At my mention of King Phillip, he countered with “Help Five Police To Find Ten Missing Prisoners²” and “Happy Henry Lithely Began Baking Cakes, Not Omitting Four Necessities³.”

Though I want my son to have a deep understanding of what we study, along with the ability to apply it in real life, sometimes you just have to memorize a list. Mnemonic devices make it painless. Search online for mnemonics for just about everything you could possibly have to memorize in school – or work with your child to make your own.

In the meantime, while I gaze upon Roy G. Biv ⁴, Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally ⁵.

————————————————-

1. Taxonomic order: Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family Genus Species
2. The bones of the lower limb: Hip, Femur, Patella, Tibia, Fibula, Tarsals, Metatarsals, Phalanges
3. Elements 1 – 10 of the Periodic Table: Hydrogen, Helium, Lithium, Beryllium, Boron, Carbon, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Flourine, Neon
4. The colors of the rainbow: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet
5. Order of Operations: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction

August 28, 2009 By Chris 9 Comments

I’ve hit the sales at office supply stores and have a stack of one-cent packages of notebook paper and a ready supply of mechanical pencils. Workbooks and teacher’s guides are stacked. Sticky notes are ready for page numbers and I have a few treats stashed for desperate/joyful/hard lesson days.

But I’ve decided to make my Christmas list in August – those mostly intangible, largely unpurchaseable things I want the UPS guy to leave right next to my book order.

On second thought, let’s try a more reliable source.

I will leave the wish lists for under the tree and make this my prayer list for the new school year.

Dear God,

Please bless our learning with:

• fewer sighs and more shouts of joy
• science experiments that work on the first (or second ) try
• books that make it back to the library on time
• markers that don’t dry out
• software that doesn’t give error messages
• reading material that is devoured like candy
• candy
• a strong grasp of the big picture
• exuberance for the minutiae
• long lasting printer cartridges
• field trips
• pool school
• car school
• blanket-on-the-grass school
• eternal thirst quenching
• insatiable hunger for learning
• a teacher who finds balance
• a student who grows in wisdom and knowledge
• good, clean fun (while getting our hands dirty)
• the best memories of our little classroom.

And Lord, I would like to note for the record that this year I didn’t ask for patience.

Heart of the Matter

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