Announcing a New Book!

McGuffey's Primer Flashcards, Helps & Hints

A Practical Guide to Understanding the 19th Century Mind

Authored by Sherry K. Hayes,

Edited by David M. Hayes

No program can give us a 100% guarantee that our children will learn to read no matter what they advertise, and none of us can precisely explain or predict how each child will react or what he or she will need in order to learn to read for themselves. I have utilized just about
every type of methodology ever dreamed of, and all with varying degrees of success. Children are each individual persons and for that reason quite unique.

Since I now only have three out of my 15 children
remaining that I will need to teach to read (one of these is almost already reading independently), I have been turning my attention to ways I can pass along what I have learned over these 25 years to my adult children so that they will have an easier time of it when they go to teach their own children. That is why I have been led to create reading guides to aid them in their homeschooling journey, and, in turn, I felt it would be nice to offer some of these materials to my dear readers.

After many weeks of careful consideration and work, I have finally created a collection of McGuffey flashcards, advice, and other helps to assist in the instruction of beginning reading and writing.

This has truly been a labor of love, as I set out to create an heirloom for my family by using original artwork, drawn mostly by myself, but also with several contributions from my dear son, Ryan (16). I had so much enjoyment with this project, sitting with clipboard and pen, consulting with my children as I sketched-I haven't made the time for such an artistic endeavor for many years!

I tried to put myself in the place of someone who was starting completely from scratch, and this was my focus.
I also tried to make things as user-friendly and simple to reproduce as possible, especially since I know that many mothers have a number of small children to care for as well as home-school.

I also determined to keep in mind those things I have gleaned from many of the courageous predecessors who have mentored and influenced me, and so you will find that, while I have included the technical, I have also
encouraged the joy of the process, considering the child not only as a student, but also a person, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Here is a list of the things that I have included in this collection:

An introduction to McGuffey's works and how to use them.

A portion from "The Manual of Methods" which gives an overview of different teaching styles, etc. (intended for use with the McGuffey's).

Booklet templates (instead of workbooks) to teach basic writing and comprehension skills.

Tips pages using little snippets of information which can be read easily and quickly for busy mothers.

Bookmarks with suggestions for games that can be played with the different lessons.

Phonics flashcards (with original artwork) of the basic 26 letter sounds, plus the long vowel sounds and "ch", "sh", and "th."

A short vowels and syllable practice charts (respectively).

Penmanship practice sheets.

12 copy work sheets to get started on creating your own.

Flashcards for every lesson (except for the review lessons) in the primer!

McGuffey's Primer Flashcards, Helps & Hints

Publication Date: Aug 17 2012

ISBN/EAN13: 1479148458 / 9781479148455

Page Count: 104

Binding Type: US Trade Paper

Trim Size: 8.5" x 11"

Language: English

Color: Black and White

Related Categories: Education / Teaching Methods & Materials / Reading

Announcing Homeschool Sanity

Recapture the best from the past!

Just a note to introduce my readers to my sister-in-law's new book, Homeschool Sanity. For those who are thinking about homeschooling their children this could be a great help. Right now there is a 4 for 1 special, buy her book and get her homeschool planner and two resources absolutely FREE!--William

It's not easy being a homeschooling parent today. Educating one's children is a huge responsibility. There seem to be more "answers" than there are questions! Everyone has a textbook, or a method, or a philosophy. But how are we supposed to figure out just what path to take?

We want our children to have the very best and to grow up with the God of the Bible as their frame of reference; but the best way to accomplish this seems to be just out of our reach!

For more than 23 years I have been asking these same questions about education. During my own journey, I have read books and research by the most insightful and influential homeschooling leaders such as—Dr. Raymond and Dorothy Moore, Ruth Beechick, Charlotte Mason, John Taylor Gatto, and many more. They were true pioneers of the current homeschool movement and all were dedicated to the welfare of children and their families.

Although their messages were often diverse, I began to identify a common theme. In the last few years I have discovered the Eclectic Education Series, and all those threads began to reveal an incalculably rich tapestry of education resources, that for many were lost to the past.

My heart was burdened with the realization that there are many others just like me that are seeking a way to simplify their homeschooling into a coherent system which makes room for a child's personality and gifts, but at the same time gives him structure as well as discipline.

I have come to realize that the modern educational systems and methods are strangely unique in our human history, and they have failed us abysmally. Never before have we had so much knowledge at our fingertips, and yet, the literacy rates of our nation's school systems are at an all-time low. Despite the fact that we live in the information age—the divorce, homicide and suicide rates are at all-time highs. Our children face greater challenges today than we would have ever dreamed, nevertheless, many don't have the tools to handle these new demands and pressures.

It is time we threw out the progressive educational philosophies and ideologies which have lead us here. We need to turn back the clock and promote the fear of God which is the beginning of wisdom. We must revive the unswerving Christian devotion that used to be lived out by our predecessors before the present narcissistic influence of humanism took over!

We can rediscover the tools of learning that helped our forefathers overcome the great obstacles of their time, that have only recently been replaced by "dumbed-down" work texts and worthless statistics which require no higher thinking on the part of young learners.

Homeschool Sanity: a Practical Guide to Redemptive Home Educating is my attempt to communicate a way back to common sense learning. It is a pathway back to the simplicity and joy of gaining the knowledge born out of the reverence for the God of the Bible. It is a journey filled with the grace and truth of Jesus Christ.

This book is easy to read. Even if one only has time for perusing, something useful and encouraging will be achieved (I have included a few pages in this article from my book for your consideration).

It is full of colorful and engaging graphics, helps, charts, templates and resources. Even the busiest mother will be able to breathe a sigh of relief as she reads just how easy it is to give her children an education that will be a blessing to them for the rest of their lives!

Here is a small portion of what I have included in Homeschool Sanity's 160 pages:

• An overview of the different methodologies of homeschooling
• A brief history of education in America
• Preschool
• Reading and literature
• Grammar
• Arithmetic 
• History
• Science

No fancy psycho-anything here. I have rediscovered precisely why things used to work, and why they are so very broken today. I hope to lead the way into a fresh attempt to bring back the best of the past in order to prepare our children for the best future possible.

In essence, I have tried to make learning the "old" ways as convenient as possible for our modern lifestyles.

This is why you will find many nifty charts and templates ready for your use. You will discover a catalog of successful methodologies for your own re-education. If you are like me, you will not feel tired and anxious after you read my book; you will be refreshed and filled with real hope!

Many thanks to Dollar Homeschool for the wonderful resources offered in the form of the Eclectic Education Series. This book would not have been possible were it not for the opportunity I had to write the guides for each of the wonderful Eclectic collections.

Faith's Checkbook--Purity of Heart and Life

Charles H. Spurgeon

Purity of Heart and Life

"Blessed are the are pure in heart: for they shall see God." (Matthew 5:8)

Purity, even purity of heart, is the main thing to be aimed at. We need to be made clean within through the Spirit and the Word, and then we shall be clean without by consecration and obedience. There is a close connection between the affections and the understanding: if we love evil we cannot understand that which is good. If the heart is foul, the eye will be dim. How can those men see a holy God who love unholy things?

What a privilege it is to see God here! A glimpse of Him is heaven below! In Christ Jesus the pure in heart behold the Father. We see Him, His truth, His love, His purpose, His sovereignty, His covenant character, yea, we see Himself in Christ. But this is only apprehended as sin is kept out of the heart. Only those who aim at godliness can cry, "Mine eyes are ever towards the Lord." The desire of Moses, "I beseech thee, show me thy glory," can only be fulfilled in us as we purify ourselves from all iniquity. We shall "see him as he is," and "every one that hath this hope in him purifieth himself." The enjoyment of present fellowship and the hope of the beatific vision are urgent motives for purity of heart and life. Lord, make us pure in heart that we may see Thee!

Faith's Checkbook by C.H. Spurgeon

Announcing a Fasting/Prayer Event, scheduled for March 26 - April 1, 2012 at Calvary Temple!

This fast is for seven days or less. William Hayes and many others will be there for the entire seven days. You can come in to pray and fellowship anytime during the event. Everyone is welcome--come fast with us for as long as you can (an hour or the entire seven day period), or just pray if you are not able to fast. The doors of the church will be opened at 6:00 a.m. and locked after midnight.

Bring a sleeping bag if you wish to stay over night. There are showers available, so bring personal items to stay clean (wash cloth, towel, soap, toothbrush, etc.). Please do not bring valuables (TV's, CD players, etc.) except for your Bible and musical instruments. There will be prayer, fellowship, testimonies, studies and music for everyone who attends.

This event is to encourage believers to seek God with all their minds, with all their hearts and all their strength. The purpose is to call God's people to a deeper commitment to the work of the Kingdom of God within their own communities.

We believe the Lord wants to win the city of Central Point, and only through His power can this be accomplished. In order to break the strongholds over God's people and to unite the body of believers within our community--we must pray and fast!

So please join us to really seek His face, repent, and to ask his assistance and power to bring revival and freedom for our community. 

"Every one that falleth on that stone shall be broken to pieces; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will scatter him as dust." (Luke 20:18)

Our ultimate purpose is to become broken before God and to die to self--and to learn to be led by His Holy Spirit!

If you are interested remember to contact William Hayes or Calvary Temple in Central Point, Oregon.

If you would like to learn more about our ministry please refer to the following link for an article that was written about the work we do: Sons to Glory / Men of Thunder Ministries article. 

Faith's Checkbook--As a watered garden

"Their soul shall be as a watered garden." 

Their soul shall be as a watered garden. (Jeremiah 31:12)

Oh, to have one's soul under heavenly cultivation; no longer a wilderness but a garden of the Lord! Enclosed from the waste, walled around by grace, planted by instruction, visited by love, weeded by heavenly discipline, and guarded by divine power, one's favored soul is prepared to yield fruit unto the Lord.

But a garden may become parched for want of water, and then all its herbs decline and are ready to die. O my soul, how soon would this be the case were the Lord to leave thee! In the East, a garden without water soon ceases to be a garden at all: nothing can come to perfection, grow, or even live. When irrigation is kept up, the result is charming. Oh, to have one's soul watered by the Holy Spirit uniformly—every part of the garden having its own stream; plentifully—a sufficient refreshment coming to every tree and herb, however thirsty by nature it may be; continually—each hour bringing not only its heat, but its refreshment; wisely—each plant receiving just what it needs. In a garden you can see by the verdure where the water flows, and you can soon perceive when the Spirit of God comes.

O Lord, water me this day and cause me to yield Thee a full reward for Jesus' sake. Amen.
  
Faith's Checkbook by C. H. Spurgeon's

God boring?

I once read about an atheist apologist who didn't want to go to heaven. He didn't want to go there because he considered that praising God for eternity would be the most boring thing he could possibly think to do.

God boring? Never!

Morning has broken.

I don't know what dark cavern he had been living in, but it occurred to me that he must have missed out on ever watching the sky in the still of the morning as the sun quietly arose, or as it dramatically set in the cool of the evening.

Somehow he had never experienced the breathtaking wonder and awe of a thunderstorm, or listened to the surf when the sea was churning and the breaking waves struck the rocks upon the shore.

He must have never watched a newborn baby sleep or enjoyed the sweet scent of a fragrant flower in bloom. Perhaps he had never enjoyed the taste of a deliciously ripe orange so full of juice that it dripped down his chin.

He never considered the complexity involved in photosynthesis, the process by which all of life on earth is sustained (follow this link for a YouTube video that will impress you with God as the master-builder). He must have missed the memo that, with all of our "vast" scientific knowledge, we have barely begun to decipher just one level of DNA coding.

And what about the far-flung universe? Those lovely lights in the night sky aren't just stars, they are galaxies--an estimated 100,000,000,000 galaxies each containing 100,000,000,000 stars!

The wondrous Andromeda Galaxy

It occurs to me that God is anything but boring! I consider Him to be the most vibrant, creative, loving, interesting Person I could ever conceive of knowing! I don't think I'll ever run out of reasons to praise Him, not for an eternity!

He failed to grasp the basic truth that everything we enjoy, every mercy that covers us, every drop of rain or ray of sunshine, comes from God. We are not apart from God, but we are a part of Him--Acts 17:8, "In Him we live, and move, and have our being". This atheist did not realize that God causes the rain to fall on the just and unjust alike (Matthew 5:45)--He is not a respecter of persons--it is because of His mercy that we are not consumed.

"It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed,
because His compassions fail not.

They are new every morning: great is your faithfulness."
(Lamentations 3:22-23)

I am sad to report that this dear man is no longer among us--he has already met his eternal "reward". I hope that he repented and accepted the free gift of God through his son, Jesus, before he passed (even the thief on the cross was forgiven by Jesus).

"And Jesus said to him, Truly I say to you, today shall you be with me in paradise." (Luke 23:43)

If not, he will definitely not be forced to praise God, but he will also have to miss out on all of His benefits--without any comfort, no enjoyment, no communication, cut off from everyone and everything,...forever.

"And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: And he said to him, Friend, how came you in here not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen." (Matthew 22:11-14)

Why not try believing?

Fear is a bully

There was no escape!

Daniel was not very big for his age. He was one of those fellows who loved school, and he loved to read. For whatever reason, George, tall for his age, began to target Daniel. He pestered him every day on their way home from school.

Daniel tried everything to avoid a confrontation. He took different routes home, waited after school, stayed inside whenever George was outside hanging around for him.

The day came when there was no choice; George cornered Daniel. There was no escape!

But George had misjudged the other young man. Within a few moments it was clear who was going to go home crying to his mama, and it was Daniel who had reluctantly, yet, finally faced his fears. The table was suddenly turned and George would never be the same. From that day forward George left Daniel alone.

Fear sometimes finds its root deep within our souls. It is the "bully" we carry within—intimidating us with the "facts". It is the voice that makes us question whether or not God will really take care of us.

The Israelites were way-laid by it on their journey to the Promised Land. Ten of the twelve spies sent out by Joshua came back from Canaan with a factual, yet, evil report—the cities were fortified, the men were giants. No matter that God had proven time and again he was able to overcome any obstacle, the recently freed slaves could not see beyond the "reality" of the situation—to mix the promise of God with faith in His word! 

It was this fatal flaw that threatened their very existence as their reluctance to trust the Lord brought about His fierce wrath. Rather than looking past the giants to the God of the promise, they instead, allowed fear to win and bully them across the desert as they wandered endlessly for 40 years until that faithless generation finally all perished in the wilderness.

Israel crossing the Jordan

As the next generation crossed the Jordan River, God reminded Joshua repeatedly, "Be strong and of good courage." In fact, He says, "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." 

God knew the intimidating power of fear, so He actually commanded Joshua not to pay attention to it, but rather look to and depend upon His great power.

David was not free from fear. At one time, while being chased without cause by an furious King Saul, he escape his grasp by pressing into close proximity with his mortal enemies, the Philistines, and to save his life feigned madness himself. He describes his plight with great distress in Psalm 88:

O lord God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before thee:Let my prayer come before thee: incline thine ear unto my cry; For my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth nigh unto the grave. 

I am counted with them that go down into the pit: I am as a man that hath no strength: 

Free among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave, whom thou rememberest no more: and they are cut off from thy hand. 

Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps. Thy wrath lieth hard upon me, and thou hast afflicted me with all thy waves. Selah. 

Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me; thou hast made me an abomination unto them: I am shut up, and I cannot come forth. 

Mine eye mourneth by reason of affliction: LORD, I have called daily upon thee, I have stretched out my hands unto thee. 

Wilt thou shew wonders to the dead? shall the dead arise and praise thee? Selah. 

Shall thy lovingkindness be declared in the grave? or thy faithfulness in destruction? 

Shall thy wonders be known in the dark? and thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness? 

But unto thee have I cried, O LORD; and in the morning shall my prayer prevent thee. 

LORD, why castest thou off my soul? why hidest thou thy face from me? 

I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up: while I suffer thy terrors I am distracted. 

Thy fierce wrath goeth over me; thy terrors have cut me off. They came round about me daily like water; they compassed me about together. 

Lover and friend hast thou put far from me, and mine acquaintance into darkness.

King Saul attacks young David

But David also knew where to go for help—not to the advisers and soothsayers. There was certainly no solace to be found in the temples of foreign gods. He didn't hide by imbibing in much wine or personal diversion. No, he pleaded his case before the Almighty—he learned to hide in a place no enemy could reach.

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 

I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. 

Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. 

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. 

Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day. (Psalm 91: 1-5)

As Christians, we are not immune to difficulties and hardships any more than King David was. There is no amount of preparedness that will in the end keep us from the perils of this life. Our best hope is to learn to dwell in that place David found—abiding under the shadow of the Almighty. 

It is in a surrendered life that we find true peace.

Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all. (Psalm 34:19)

Caleb claims his inheritance

Caleb, at the ripe old age of 85, finally got his chance to stand up against the giants of Canaan and conquer his mountain. His faith had ensured that, even as an old man, his strength was not abated. 

Forty years old was I when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadesh Barnea to espy out the land; and I brought him word again as it was in mine heart. 

Nevertheless my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the people melt: but I wholly followed the LORD my God. 

And Moses sware on that day, saying, Surely the land whereon thy feet have trodden shall be thine inheritance, and thy children's for ever, because thou hast wholly followed the LORD my God. 

And now, behold, the LORD hath kept me alive, as he said, these forty and five years, even since the LORD spake this word unto Moses, while the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness: and now, lo, I am this day fourscore and five years old. 

As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in. 

Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the LORD spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the LORD will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the LORD said. (Numbers 14:7-14)

And it happened just as he said.

In order to become an overcomer we must face our fears straight-on. A young David, too small to fit into the King's armor, faced his giant with a few stones and a sling in the name of the Lord God Almighty.

18 year old mother during the Depression

Warriors are not the only ones who become distressed and overwhelmed. We mothers face mountains every day that loom over us. Keeping a home together and blessed is no job for the faint of heart. The mother of many children often finds herself with more challenges than she has resources to deal with! A new, fussy infant; a child with special needs; a entire family ill with the flu, a reduction in finances due to extended unemployment—these are just some of the situations we can find ourselves in today. It seems so tempting to allow our knees to buckle and give in to those that would wag their fingers at us and mock us with their tongues!

I have stood at the feet of so many giants over the years. I have faced poverty, loneliness, illness, sleep-deprivation, depression and discouraging company. By God I was able to stand strong and hold fast. Each time I saw Him work all things out for the good, my strength through faith was increased. As I release, submit and surrender to Him, it is becoming easier to stare down the devil, with all his clever disguises, until he backs off and flees!

The Giant 

There came a giant to my door, 
A giant, fierce and strong. 
His step was heavy on the floor, 
His arms were ten yards long. 

He scowled and frowned: He shook the ground: 
I trembled through and through; 
At length I looked him in the face, 
And cried, "Who cares for you?"

The mighty giant, as I spoke, 
Grew pale, and thin, and small;
And through his body, as 't were smoke, 
I saw the sunshine fall.

His blood-red eyes turned blue as skies, 
He whispered soft and low. 
"Is this," I cried, with growing pride,
"Is this the mighty foe?"

He sank before my earnest face, 
He vanished quite away, 
And left no shadow in his place 
Between me and the day.

Such giants come to strike us dumb; 
But, weak in every part, 
They melt before the strong man's eyes, 
And fly the true of heart.

Guest post from Sherry K. Hayes