Faith-filled Blog

Saturday's Book Recommendation: Andrea Carter and the Price of Truth by Susan K. Marlow

Stephenie Hovland — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 18:17:00 GMT

I recently went camping for a weekend, and you know what the best part of camping is for me? Reading! I love not having to think about laundry and how dirty the floor is and whether I got that email I've been waiting for. I sit by the fire or in the camper and read, read, read!

I brought along the sixth book in the Circle C series and couldn't put it down. Really! I think I took a couple of bathroom breaks and might have eaten a s'more, but other than that, my eyes were on the book.

One of the things I really like about this series (I've read three of them now) is that you don't have to be a horse-loving girl to fall in love with the main character, Andrea Carter. If you do have horse-loving girls (and I've met lots of them!) don't hesitate to recommend the series. But, even if you don't, pick up these books for a girl who is ready for longer chapter books (not too long, though) who likes a good story. I think Susan Marlow does an excellent job of blending character and plot. I prefer plot, myself, but can't resist feeling for Andrea.

In this installment, Andrea is earning money to buy her mom a very special present. She comes from a rich family, so that speaks to her character. She's quite independent! In the process of earning money, she gets into trouble - and witnesses a horrible crime. She is faced with the easy way out (not telling the whole truth) or being honest. What would you do if even the victim's family said you should take the easy way out, and the whole town is pressuring you to do the same thing?

I know kids of Andrea's age (preteen to early teen) face this problem regularly. They will appreciate her situation and love reading about how things get worse and worse until it seems there is no way she can tell the whole truth. It is really going to cost her.

Okay, enough of me talking. You can read the first chapter of the book by clicking here. Or, just go ahead and order the whole series here.

(Full disclosure: I did receive this book free, because I said I would review it, but I've bought another in the series and plan to buy more, whether I review them or not! It didn't influence my review.)

For the classroom: These are wholesome books with a solid biblical foundation. Ms. Marlow provides study guides for her books. PERFECT for literature studies.

Saturday's Book Recommendation: Meghan Rose On Stage! by Lori Z. Scott

Stephenie Hovland — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 11:37:00 GMT

I've been meaning to read Lori Scott's Meghan Rose books for a while. I'm glad I finally did!

Meghan Rose On Stage! is a nice book for early elementary grades. I can just hear a teacher reading this to her class or see her using it in reading groups. Meghan Rose is fun to follow through this chapter book as she tries to figure out her talent. She prays about it and God gives her the answer, but it might not be what you expect.

I love that Meghan's family uses their faith in a natural way to help Meghan with her problem. She's a fun girl who lives in a real world, with challenges just like any other first grader.

A bonus for your classroom is that the Lori Scott has included discussion questions and activities at the end of the book. I love it!

Check out Lori's great website here: http://www.meghanroseseries.com/

Saturday's Book Recommendation: God's promises for boys by Jack Countryman and Amy Parker; Richard Watson (ill.)

Stephenie Hovland — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 13:05:47 GMT

God's promises for boys by Jack Countryman and Amy Parker, Illustrations by Richard Watson

This is gift type book for boys. It gives topics, like "Making Each Day Count," "Obeying Your Parents," and "God Needs Boys." Each topic gets a two page spread (this is a smaller, hardcover book.) Under the topic heading, a short rhyme introduces the idea. Then appropriate Bible verses are listed with fun illustrations.

This would be nice for family devotions, if you want to add your own discussion and prayers. You could choose a topic, read all the verses or just choose a few, then talk about it and pray together. I think it could be a great spark for family discussions.

It is visually appealing with a contemporary color scheme (that appeals to me) and fun illustrations that will appeal to little boys.

I think pre-readers to early elementary would most like this book.

I'm looking forward to giving this to my nephews.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from ThomasNelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> bookreview bloggers program. I was not required to write a positivereview. Theopinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this inaccordance withthe Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255<http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html>: “GuidesConcerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Back from Writer Conference

Stephenie Hovland — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 13:57:00 GMT

I spent one day at the Write to Publish Conference in Wheaton, IL. I wish I had the funds to spend the whole week, but I'm going to have to work on that, because it was a good resource. The previous workshops and conferences I've gone to have focused primarily on craft and haven't had many opportunities to shop manuscripts. The next time I go to WTP, I'm going to have some prepared manuscripts. I did make some good contacts, talked one-on-one with a few editors, and got some feedback on a writing idea I haven't fully developed.

I also got some advice on revising my website, so I'm going to be posting more here and making little changes on the website. I need to get my business cards printed, too. One writer said I should add some of the sites I recommended at the critique groups. So, I'll get working on that.

Good news: I've got some solid writing projects in the works right now. I don't want to talk about them too much, because there are some confidentiality things involved, and they're far from finished. But, there's plenty to keep me busy. That's for sure. And, they pay, so that's always cool!

Teacher Tip Tuesday: What are Your Summer Plans?

Stephenie Hovland — Tue, 25 May 2010 22:11:00 GMT

I got my planner out the other day and started filling in my kids' summer activities (the ones I already know about.)
I had just set my planner aside, when I got a notice that Stephanie Shott had beat me to a great post. Well, it didn't say that exactly, but when I read it, I knew it was true.

Check out Stephanie's post about planning summer memories so you don't miss them.

After I read it, I picked my planner up again and added a few more things.

Many teachers are also moms and dads, so enjoy the summer with your kids. The next school year will roll around fast enough!

Stephanie Shott: Making Memories

Teacher Tip Tuesday: Getting Too Involved

Stephenie Hovland — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 16:18:06 GMT

When some of my friends and colleagues read the title to this blog post, I know what they're going to do. First they will either laugh or roll their eyes. Then they'll wonder if I'm going to tell you how to be overcommitted, because I do it so well.

I have to admit. My mind goes something like this:

"Whew! What a day. . . I can finally relax."

(Five minutes later)

"I feel guilty. I wonder what volunteer opportunities I can sign up for."

Yeah, it's really kind of like that. I'm not high energy. Not at all. My mind, however is always looking for new interesting things to do. So, even when I'm tired and feeling stressed out, I think "Oh, next year, I want to write for that devotional book. And, in the fall, I'm going to make sure I start a writing group for the high school. Oh, how hard would it be to do one for the elementary school, too? One for the older kids and one for the younger ones, of course. They'll love it!"

That was yesterday, while I was substitute teaching and contemplating how I would meet my writing deadline and save a Yahoo group that's about to close. No wonder I took a nap after school. But, I still decided to do all that stuff anyway.

Why?

Why do we sometimes get too involved? Well, we're just really helpful people. That's all.

And, I do have a mental process that I go through before verbalizing my commitments.

1. First, the awesome idea runs through my mind with all it's sparkle and great music. It catches my attention and makes me feel great!
2. Then, I think about what's actually involved. If it's just a time commitment, without much homework, it's easier to say yes. If it takes lots of homework but is writing-related, then it also is easier to say yes. If it isn't in my strength area (like making phone call!!) then the sparkle and music fade fast. I cross it off my list.
3. Then, I look at my mental calendar (which isn't nearly as complete as my actual calendar.) I calculate the time it will take me and think about how it will impact anything else already on my schedule.
4. I think about how it will impact my family and my future.
5. If it still sounds good, I sometimes talk to people about it.
6. Somewhere between #3 and #4 I have started praying about the idea. Is this something God thinks is a good idea, too?
7. Then, if I still have enthusiasm, I say yes. I don't turn down too many things, because they are so rewarding.

Maybe it's that good old German Lutheran guilt trip for thinking about relaxing, but I always have several things going on. My family doesn't always realize it, because lots of the things are in my head - stories, devotions, teaching ideas, etc. My brain is very busy.

Once in a while, I overcommit. My obligations overlap, and it's really a case of poor time management or (more often) unnecessary worry. I do tend to worry when I shouldn't. I need to trust that my commitment will work out like I planned (or better yet, as God has planned.)

Okay - enough for now - I have lots of stuff to do!

Saturday's Book Review: Busy People’s fast & frugal cookbook by Dawn Hall

Stephenie Hovland — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 13:50:00 GMT

Busy People's fast & frugal cookbook by Dawn Hall

Did you notice that I changed the title of this blog post? I normally only post recommendations, but I'm afraid this review isn't going to be all positive. Since I agreed to post a review for this book, I'm following through, but I'm not going to recommend you purchase it. Instead, I would encourage you to leaf through it on your own or borrow it first. Maybe it will fit your family better than it did mine.

First, let me tell you what I liked. I loved the premise of the book and the author's perspective. I didn't need to read beyond her first couple sentences to know that I could relate to her. I, too, want to save money and time when I feed my family. I like the cover. It would definitely catch my attention at a bookstore.

Some of the recipes looked good, but others did not. They just didn't look like something my family would like. So, I tried a few recipes I thought my family would like, then tried a few that I knew I would have to serve with things they liked. A couple of the recipes worked for us, but a few were just a little odd for us.

We all LOVED the chili recipe. I had some leftover beef roast to add to a can of chili (how simple can you get!) Home run! I continue to use leftover beef roast in this manner.

Unfortunately, that was the only recipe I repeated. I also found the layout a little strange. I think it may be good for a new couple who hasn't cooked much before, but for me, it had unnecessary extra information. Some of the recipes were too simple, and I didn't find them to be overly frugal.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Tea Time with God: Day 3

Stephenie Hovland — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 02:47:00 GMT

Today's Tea Time

Tea: Chamomile (again)

Bible Verse: John 10:25-26

I read the Friday Lutheran Hour Ministries devotion online tonight. It reminded me (sadly) that I've got friends and family who are blind to Jesus. They just won't see Him. I'm at a loss of what to do sometimes. Other times I try to keep the relationships up and pray for them. I am there when they do have questions, but feel like that's not enough.

I'll keep praying that God tells/shows me what to do.

Tea Time with God: Day 2

Stephenie Hovland — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 21:48:00 GMT

Today's Tea Time

Tea: Chamomile

Bible Verse: 1 Timothy 1:12

Today I searched online for a devotion about LWML (Lutheran Women's Missionary League.) I found an old newsletter from the MN South district ( www.mnslwml.org/docs/cgnews2.pdf ) I read the devotion about how we are all important parts of God's church. We are put in the place we are right now for a purpose. God gives us the strength to fulfill that purpose.

Tonight our church will hold a meeting of minds. We've invited women to come and help restart the LWML here. My co-planner and I have mapped out the meeting and are ready to go, but there's always a little trepidation when you start something new. Some may like that fluttery feeling in their stomachs, but I don't really care for it. However, I am definitely looking forward to a vibrant LWML group. My co-planner and I have already shared some pretty great dreams for this group. We have grand and glorious revelations of the future of our group. It all starts tonight.

Tea Time with God: Day 1

Stephenie Hovland — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 21:03:00 GMT

I like to observe the Lenten season by focusing on Christ's sacrifice for me. It's not that I don't think about it other times of the year, but those 40 days leading to Easter can be a sobering time of thought. If you really focus on what Christ Jesus did, Easter is even more glorious, more miraculous, and more appreciated.

I have given up things in the past - the idea being that personal sacrifice can help you understand Christ's sacrifice (a little bit, anyway!) Also, when you're really missing thing you gave up, you turn it over to God. Every sugar pang, yearning for red meat, etc. is a personal reminder to reconnect with God.

So, this year, I was thinking about what to give up and/or add to my life that would help me observe Lent. I came up with Tea Time with God. Each day I will have a cup of tea and spend that time with God. I'll share some of my thoughts here.

Today's Tea Time:

Tea: Jasmine Blossom Green Tea

Bible verses: Psalm 23:2-3

Meditation: a devotion from Tea Time With God

The devotion mentioned the idea of using an afternoon tea time to boost your physical, emotional, social, and spiritual health. Now that’s asking a lot of a little cup of tea! I don’t know if I’ll continue in the afternoons, but this first day lined up perfectly with the devotion. I’m glad I took time out to reconnect with God for a few minutes this afternoon. And, my body was glad I wasn’t chugging another diet soda (my usual afternoon “upper.”)

- a great way to begin Lent! -

This is an affiliate link. If you purchase after clicking through from my site, I may receive compensation for the sale.

Teacher Tip Tuesday: A Few Lesson Plan Sites

Stephenie Hovland — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 12:11:00 GMT

Time to freshen up your lesson plans?
Looking for back-up plans for a sub?
Want to see what others do for your subject?

Here are a few sources you may want to scan when you've got time. Bookmark them, and use them when you can. I hope you find some useful plans to use in your classroom.

Teachers Net - Over 4000 Plans

Hummingbird - Plans for Early Childhood

A to Z Teacher Stuff - Covers a Lot

The Teacher's Corner - Seasonal Plans

The Teacher's Desk - Plans for Grades 5 and 6

Education World - Very thorough

Lesson Plan Search

Literacy Resources from IRA

Science Ideas

I have no connection to the sites listed above.

Teacher Tip Tuesday: A Passion for Teaching

Stephenie Hovland — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 01:09:00 GMT

"Anyone can dabble, but once you've made that commitment, your blood has that particular thing in it, and it's very hard for people to stop you." - Bill Cosby

Passion

Remember what it was like when you went to school to become a teacher? How exciting certain aspects of teaching were? I always loved making lesson plans, unit studies, etc. Putting them into action and pulling it off successfully was a rush, too. And, then there was the look on the students' faces. Oh, I could almost see the light bulbs turn on above their heads!

Practice

After you taught for a while, you got better and better at your strengths and were able to identify your weaknesses. Now that you know what your strengths are, let me encourage you to keep at them. Practicing your strengths leads to expertise. Consider getting a higher degree or another degree in areas of your strength. It may help reignite the passion for teaching you experienced when you started. In the meantime, don't ignore your weaknesses, but don't fret over them either. According to John Maxwell, when you invest time in your strengths (not your weaknesses) you "are making an investment into your success."

Persistence

So, commit to teaching. If you've always thought about it, but haven't invested the time and money in the necessary degrees, now is the time! Don't dabble - commit! If you've been teaching in a subject area that isn't your strength, look for a way to move into your strength. Many teachers who experience burn-out do so because they forget about the passion, they don't practice in their strength areas, or they get stuck in a weak subject area.

Admit it, as a student, don't you want a teacher who is full of passion for his or her subject area? Your students want it, too. Now is the time to have passion, practice your strengths, and be persistent.

Teacher Tip Tuesday: St. Nick

Stephenie Hovland — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:31:00 GMT

Invite St. Nick into your classroom in a less materialistic fashion.

I'm posting some links and books for you to use. If you don't use it this year (I realize it's getting late for planning this year, but just in case you need something last minute) you can save these links to plan for next year.

http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/churchandministry/churchhistory/vonBuseck_Saint_Nicholas_Santa.aspx

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/episodes/december-4-2009/saint-nicholas-tradition/5147/

http://www.devotions.co.uk/st-nicholas.shtml

http://www.share-christmas.com/stories/stnick/

http://www.whychristmas.com/customs/fatherchristmas.shtml

Here's a link to more Christmas ideas for your classroom: http://www.teach-nology.com/teachers/lesson_plans/holidays/christmas/

Enjoy the holidays!

Saturday's Book Recommendation: Celebrating Christmas by Christina Goodings

Stephenie Hovland — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 20:14:00 GMT

I was at my local library earlier this week and decided to grab a couple Christmas books from the kids' section. I fell in love with Celebrating Christmas by Christina Goodings, but was saddened to see that it's not that easy to find anywhere else.

I thought about not recommending it, but it's a great book, so even though it may be hard to find, it's worth looking for.

In Celebrating Christmas you'll find plenty of poems, legends, recipes, and more. You can learn how to make paper punch advent stars, nativity pageant costumes (easy to make,) a Christmas tree out of poles and string, etc.

This book is a great coffee table book for the holidays. Whether you're in the mood to read the legend of St. Nick (a different version than the one I'm used to) or want to learn how to wrap presents, this book would appeal especially to kids in grades 3-8. Crafty kids and their parents may try a few new things, while other families may read aloud by the fire place.

It's too bad this isn't being sold widely any more. I would keep the title and author on a piece of paper in my purse and then look for it in the used book stores. It's well worth owning.

Teacher Tip Tuesday: Work Smarter (and maybe harder, too)

Stephenie Hovland — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:49:00 GMT

Some students don't want to put any effort into school. I'm not necessarily aiming this post at them. I'm thinking about the students who come to me after a test and say, "I studied for hours before that test, so how come I still failed?"

I usually ask that student exactly how she studied. A lot of times the answer is very obvious. If it's not obvious from how she studied (crammed) for the test, then we go back and talk about note-taking, asking questions, etc. Here are some other things you can check with your struggling students who are already putting some effort into it.

First, be sure to give them some positive feedback for putting effort into the class and not giving up (even if you suspect she has.)
Skim before diving in. This is a skill that I don't think of much. I do it all the time, though. Before starting the next chapter in science, the student should browse the pages, looking at the pictures, reading the headings, and searching for a way to relate the new chapter to things she already knows.
Capitalize on what works. If there is a study method that you or the student has found any success with, then use that even more. Often a student doesn't realize what has worked, so you may need to point it out and experiment a little.
Set goals. For the struggling student especially, this should not be a grade goal. Don't aim for an A or 100%, but try for a behavior instead. In reading, the goal could be to read so many pages by a certain date. Or, in the social studies book, a goal might be to write notes about all the vocabulary words highlighted in the text before the class gets to the review. Again, this may be something that a teacher or parent needs to help with. A long-term goal of raising a grade from an F to a D will be more attainable with concrete behavioral short-term goals.
Take notes. I encourage this as early as possible. Taking notes, even if the student never looks at it again, can be so good for the brain. Writing out even just the key words of the text or lecture can help anchor the memory. You are encouraging the skill of summarizing. If the student reviews her notes once a week, then reads them all before the test, even poor memorizers can find success (hey, I know - I'm one of those horrible memorizers!)
Say it, don't just think it. Find opportunities for students to teach the material they just learned. They can present it to the class, to another class. They can tutor younger students. They can do a more formal presentation like a science fair. I tell my students that if they think they know it, they might, but if they can explain it to someone else so the other person can understand, THEN they know it for sure.

Saturday's Book Recommendation: The Nightmakers by Blair Kennaley

Stephenie Hovland — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:39:00 GMT

I was given a copy of The Nightmakers by Blair Kennaley. I followed the main character who is afraid of the nighttime into a fantasy world where creatures change the world from day to night. I think Kennaley has done a pretty good job of gently showing a different way to view the night. It goes from being scary and unknown to fascinating. I hope the author will consider going beyond self-publishing. This story idea was clever.

If used in a school/home school, I could definitely see that oldie-but-goodie art project where you would use crayons to make a daytime scene (draw firmly, depositing plenty of wax.) Then, use black paint (I think you can use water colors or tempera paint) to cover the entire paper. It would be a terrific tie-in to illustrate the day-to-night idea.

Teacher Tip Tuesday: Parent Teacher Conferences

Stephenie Hovland — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:24:00 GMT

A few tips for teachers who will be meeting with parents for conferences:

Whether you've scheduled a special conference or this is the mandatory conference around report card time, there are a few things you can do to help the conference go well.

Give the parents a clue. Especially if you've called a special meeting, you need to let the parents know what you would like to discuss at least a few days ahead of time.
Give the parents a chance to weigh in. Before the conference, send a note home asking them what THEY would like to discuss. It will help you prepare and avoid being ambushed.
Start with the agreeable topics. Begin your conversation with something you're sure you agree on. It doesn't necessarily have to be positive. Don't assume you agree on things, though. You may be surprised!
Be objective. Don't point fingers at people but at the problem. It's very easy for a conference to turn defensive.
Be positive. Even if your main objective is to discuss problems, be sure to bring up the positive. You don't want parents walking away thinking you don't like their child.
Be clear. Don't generalize or use educationeze. Be specific and use language every parent can understand. Avoid misunderstandings.
Clarify. When a parent says something to you, don't be afraid to repeat what they said, making sure you understand.
Sum it up. At the end of the conference, review the main points of your talk, any game plans for the future, and set up a follow up conference if necessary.

Have a great conference!

Next Book Review May Be Tasty

Stephenie Hovland — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:37:00 GMT

I just requested my next Thomas Nelson review book. I decided to take a cookbook. After reading part of the author's introduction and skimming the recipe list, I'm looking forward to making my family some new dishes.

Can't wait to share the review with you.

Teacher Tip Tuesday: Nonfiction Resource

Stephenie Hovland — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:15:00 GMT

Anastasia Suen (get to know her name, if you don't already) hosts Nonfiction Monday on her blog. You will find out about great nonfiction books you may want to use in your classroom. I especially like the tips that help you teach the 6 Traits of Writing.

Check in every Monday to find out the hottest nonfiction for kids: Nonfiction Monday

Saturday's Book Recommendation: Everyday Greatness by Stephen R. Covey

Stephenie Hovland — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 22:05:00 GMT

I know it's been a few weeks since I've done a review, but I've been chewing on a big book:

Everyday Greatness is a treasure of life application insights and inspirations. David K. Hatch has compiled the collection of personal stories from Reader’s Digest, while Stephen Covey provides commentary. Each trait (such as responsibility, unity, and perseverance) is followed up with anectdotes, quotations, and thoughtful questions.

As soon as I skimmed this book, I decided it was one of those books that I need to keep, revisit, and absorb. Later, as I read it, I thought about my pastor who could use this book for sermon illustrations. I also thought about my daughter’s school as they focus on character traits. From team-building businesses to personal improvement, this book has plenty for everyone.

I read the stories, lingered over the quotations, and wanted to discuss the questions with others. I also wanted to take at least a year to go through the book.

Although I usually read books from cover to cover, this is one of those books that allows you to hop around, digging into the traits you need to explore.

My only disappointment was that it could have included more Christian elements. The Bible certainly speaks to the character traits presented. However, I understand that this book will be accessible to a variety of people who may have been put off by spiritual overtones.