Anyone for some Tea?

Now, if you know me, then you will also know that we all drink tea.Green tea, herbal tea, redbush....it's all good.
It is also good for children. I was brought up on tea. I didn't really drink squash. In fact in those days the colourings made me feel sick, and sometimes be sick.
I have decided for years that I would rather give my children tea than squash, and a few years ago I actually banned it. Why? I hear you cry. Well,I have good reason; squash either has loads of sugar, or sweeteners. (Until recently sweeteners were banned for children under five, and we don't know the long term effects, but I do know they make me and my son very ill.)
I am often met with surprise when the children ask for tea to drink. I guess it is seen as unsuitable for children. However, let's look at the facts:
1) Contain antioxidants.
2) Especially green tea contains free radicals, which are known to fight cancer and such.
3) Low in sugar. (As long as none is added, and if you have sweet tooth try Tetley green tea with passion fruit, and add milk)
4) With milk added (I even add it to herbal tea) it I a source of calcium, B vitamins, vitamin D,protein, iodine, and iron.
What's not to love? Especially when we are consuming way too much sugar.

Exam Encouragement for Home Education

Recently, I posted about taking exams as a home educator. This was all new to us, and new in our home education walk.
We didn't really have the extra cash to splurge on tutors, so decided to just press on as best we could. After all home education is also equipping your children to be able to research and study themselves. Physics was the one that made me most nervous, as I didn't take Physics in school. However, I needn't have worried too much, as whatever he was stuck on he was able to find online.
I was fortunate too, as they didn't need to be badgered to study too much. One of the great advantages to home education; you teach them self motivation.
We had our results last week, and my science orientated son got an A in Physics and English. My writing daughter got an A* in English, and my son who hates writing got a D. I believe he would have got a grade C if coursework was allowed, but it was all exam, and they threw in an extra writing excerpt for good measure! Be prepared for the unexpected.
Anyway, I hope this encourages someone, as at one point I was lead to believe that you don't attempt any exams without tutors and online courses. Yes, these can be a life saver, but are most certainly not imperative.

Memorising Bible Verses

Recently I was given an adult colouring book, and I have since discovered that it is great for memorising bible verses. Ha, don't know why I hadn't thought of it before, but before Christmas I had the idea. I write the bible verse to memorise (King James version is so much better, esp for memorising) and then colour while meditating on the verse.

I don't have more than a few minutes time free for colouring each day, but this way I am memorising scripture. I find after a few days I have memorised the verse.

Mango Fool

Here is a lovely quick recipe to make in a blender, and can be done with fresh, frozen, or canned mago pulp.

Ingredients needed:
Serves 12
500 ml Greek yogurt
300 ml carton double cream
3 ripe mangos chopped, or half a can of mango pulp (Tesco Indian aisle), or a packet of frozen chopped mango. ( also Tesco)

Method:
Put the mango in blender, and then add double cream. Whizz till it slows, then add the yoghurt. If you use the normal mango you may have to add sugar to taste. I found it sweet enough with the mango pulp. Oh, and the mango pulp makes a great cheesecake topper, but two of mine don't like cheesecake, hence my deviation. All the children enjoy this, though.
It is a nice touch to add some mango to the top of it.

Prayer Journal

I was blessed to receive a rather lovely journal a few months ago. I was wondering what to do with it, then I had the inspiration to use it as a prayer journal. After all, I already had a providence journal, which is invaluable for reflecting on God's goodness, and protection.

I have included a few different sections, prayers for family and friends, general prayers, answers to prayer, poems of praise, and just general reflective poetry. So far it is proving a blessing, and also reminding me of important needs to pray for. So easy to be forgetful. A good idea to date each entry, too.

The Lord's Tender Care Toward us

Of late I have been aware of just how much God keeps us, and tailors the plan he has for us. When you find things tough it is good to look back and see just how the Lord provided over that time, whether it be finances, health, or just general struggles.Also, when we find things tough, to trust that God will always get us through it, and make a way. Not that the way will be easy, though! Think of Elijah, who just wanted to die. Despair had almost overtaken him.
I was reading today from Isaiah 40:11 "He shall fed his flock like a shepherd:he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young." Wow, thinking of this on terms with sheep, it goes to show how the care encompasses sheep.
Sheep need fresh green pastures in order to thrive, and water. We need God's Word, but obviously we also need physical food, too.
Sheep need access to vitamins and minerals, that they might not get from the pasture. We need to make sure we dig deeper into His Word, and prayer, or we will be spiritually deficient.
Sheep need some top ups sometimes of nuts, and sugar beet, especially around pregnancy. We are vulnerable in pregnancy, and as mothers, and the Lord gives us the sustaining strength we need, and leads our steps. We need to make sure we follow them, and seek His will, as trials are hard, but harder is a trial that is brought on by our own foolishness, or disobedience.


The Lord is a God who cares. I love the part where it says he carries the lambs to his bosom. Sometimes, we just need that extra help! Of course with sheep there are always those hardy ones who need hardly any help, but vulnerable ones, too who need hand rearing. We are all different, but we must prioritise hearing the 'Shepherd's voice' and not grumble when things get tough, but trust, as He knows best.

Home Education and Exams

Many assume that if you home educate, then your child will not be able to take exams. Not so, just it can be a little tricky logistically, but once those issues are overcome then it is fairly straightforward. I will endeavour to explain the steps below.
1) Decide which subjects your child wants to take.
I would say the most important are English, Maths, and the Sciences. (In doing this, it may be pertinent to ask, are these actually necessary? I will add that qualifications are not quite as important as most seem to think. Employers being primarily concerned with how you present yourself, teamwork, and interaction. None of these can be taught in the classroom!)
2) Choose an exam board:
Now, there are about three options as far as I know. Cambridge, edexcel, and AQA.
We opted for Cambridge I.G.C.S.E as it is more rigorous, and it offered alternatives to coursework. The subjects chosen were Maths, Chemistry, English Language, and Physics.
3) Thoroughly check the syllabus, but before buying any books check out the exam wiki http://he-exams.wikia.com/wiki/HE_Exams_Wiki Alternatively, check the exam board's list of accredited schools. (these will all be private schools) Don't be afraid to ring them, and ask to speak to the exam's officer.
4) Finalise the 'sitting' arrangements. Once you have found a school willing to take on external candidates, you will then obviously want to register for the exams. This is usually done in January for the Summer session, and in September for the Autumn session. (though some boards sit in January)
Schools differ here, and some will want you to have an identification card. We just had to attend a pre- interview where all that was covered.
Also, check your local home ed group. Some have private exam centres.



COST?
I hear you wondering how much this will cost. This will differ from school to school. Expect to pay around £100 per exam, and pay for an invigilator, too if needed.The C.I.E exams cost around £50 each for I.G.C.S.E. The extra cost is the school's administration fee. Sometimes the admin fee will be a one off per child. As for buying the books, check on Amazon. Often they have slightly outdated books for a fraction of the cost. Just make sure you know all the updates on the syllabus.




We didn't engage the use of tutors, as the expense would have been too much. Don't be afraid thinking you don't know enough to help your child. My subject is not Physics, but I was able to help my children in early home education develop the skills they needed to research, and do more self directed studies! Difficulties can often be overcome by google, or a friend in the know!


Remember, if you do take this route, that you will be representing the home ed community as a whole. It is important to be on time, courteous, and well turned out. The schools don't have to do this, and it sometimes can create a lot of extra work for them! I spoke to a teacher who had been overwhelmed with the numbers sitting externally, so much so that she had chosen to stop taking candidates altogether.


To conclude,some people get into a worry about home education. They think their child won't sit exams, and won't get to Uni. However, consistently this has been proved wrong. I know many home educated who have done exams, and gone onto Uni. I will also say qualifications count for little in the real job's market, as my eldest has been finding out. We all know the names of those people who made it to the top with little, or no qualifications. In short, employers want people who can work on their own initiative, can engage with all age groups, are positive, and always ready to learn new things. None of that can be taught in the classroom. This is where home education can have the upper hand. Our children haven't become dependent on being spoonfed, and are instead able to research and study for themselves. Skills which are an imperative in University, and the working would.