Monday, July 13, 2009

Have You Thought About Christian Science Courses For Elementary Grades?

When educating your children at home, you have the freedom to teach them sound science that is presented from a Christian worldview. "Christian Kids Explore Earth and Space," geared at elementary students, fits the bill very well. This text is part of a series by Stephanie L. Redmond which include Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. I enjoyed teaching from this text for a number of reasons including: it requires little to no teacher prep time; it is enjoyable to work through; being from a Christian worldview, it is God-honoring; and it is written in a conversational tone that is easy to read aloud and appeals to the younger audience.

The text has 24 lessons, 2 on the Earth in general (including Creation); 5 covering the lithosphere; 4 covering the hydrosphere; 4 covering the atmosphere; 5 covering weather; and 4 covering all of outer space. The maps, forms and coloring sheets are reproducible. An applicable scripture has been chosen for each lesson. In addition, there is an appendix of recipes and additional activities, another on how to make a folderbook, and another including additional books and resources. We took the book to our local copy center and had them cut off the binding. Then we separated the reproducible sheets and had the text spiral-bound with all the glossaries and appendices.

Altogether, I found this course to be a good core text for my second-grader that was easily supplemented in a few areas. I will be using it again with my younger kids when they hit second grade. And although my second-grader and I completed the entire course, we definitely amended and expanded it to be more in-depth. One example of this was finding all nine planets covered in one short chapter! I thought this was neglecting an opportunity to excite kids about outer space, so we expanded on that section with outside materials. There is no chapter at all about biomes, which I found startling, as there is so much to intrigue children about the variety of habitats and temperature zones on this planet we call home. Again, we supplemented the study of Earth with outside materials.

In a few of the chapters it seemed as though the bulk of the reading is about the author's own experiences, although this contributes to the 'talking to a young child' tone. One of the main things I noticed about Christian Kids Explore was the lack of consistency in material from chapter to chapter. It is a curious mix of technical definitions and conversational banter.

It's always great to find a science course that gives glory to God for his creation. The first lesson was about Creation, but neglected the "on the first day, on the second day..." so we supplemented that with some reading from Genesis. In Lesson three she goes over the theory of Pangea and the worldwide flood, how some scientists and theologians have conflicting ideas. She presents it flawlessly and intelligently. Although the coloring sheets are beautiful, they have a lot of black space that can't be colored. In addition, there is one sheet for the entire unit, not individual sheets to work on while mom reads each chapter.

The benefits in this book for the upper elementary students include lots of definitions in the margins and timelines listing scientists and scientific discoveries. One thing that would have been helpful was a 'year-long list of copies to be made' in case you don't have a copier at home to do it chapter by chapter. I think this book is a good value, especially if you supplement with library materials instead of buying them.

Teresa Dear is a homeschooling mom of four kids. She and her husband of eleven years do not worry about socialization. You can read more about the Classical Education Method in general and her homeschool lifestyle in particular at http://highereducation-mama4x.blogspot.com. Find out her choices for curriculum and everything else homeschool. She divides her time between education, making a home, shopping curriculum, and stocking her http://www.mama4x.etsy.com storefront with handmade greeting cards and vintage ephemera.

The Benefits of Art For Health

Picking up the paintbrush and heading towards the canvas, or whatever form of fun art projects you chose, is often more than just an exercise in aesthetics, but instead also imparts health benefits for a growing number of people. The link between health and art may seem vague at first, but when you look at the human individual holistically, one of the first things that the discriminating eye will notice is that health consists of more than just the proper functioning of various physiological and biological components. Instead, there are various other aspects to health that create a holistically healthy person.

Mind over matter
If you have ever executed a particularly excellent color passage in your artworks, or if you have ever rendered a figure in a satisfying way, and if in general you have been enjoying the arts, one of the impressions you get from artistic endeavors is not only skills, but a sense of fulfillment that reaches a psychological level. Studies today are suggesting, however, that the same psychological fulfillment that is found in art activities has actual physiological effects as well. Parts of the brain secrete hormone during art activities which foster better health. These hormones are considered happy hormones by many scientists, and include endorphins which are released during stimulating events.

Happy hormones
The physiological effects of happy hormones include increased blood circulation, better sense perception, as well as an increase in the performance of the immune system. While further research and development studies are needed to fully establish the connection between art and health, one thing that scientists and doctors are concluding is that health is more than just a combination of vitamins and supplements, a good diet, and physical workouts and exercise. It also includes recreation. In fact, companies and large corporations are beginning to see correlations between personnel performance and employees who are holistically healthy.

Healthy lifestyles
Health and fun art projects also naturally go together because a healthy lifestyle is often necessary for many delicate artistic maneuvers. In painting and sculpture, for instance, one of the recommendations is to avoid smoking which can lead to shaky hands which are bad for painting in details especially in smaller canvasses. Many artists also find that a healthy lifestyle which includes exercise, plenty of sleep, and a good diet are some of the most artistically stimulating conditions for creating works of arts, contrary to popular and often exaggerated notions of the starved and homeless artist.

Artistic options
Progressive doctors on the cutting edge of these new developments are now including forms of artistic recreation in the medical prescription to ensure that patients with health problems are better able to cope with their various diseases. One of the primary reasons why art is so useful in the healing process is that, aside from the hormonal discharges that result from satisfying art activities, it is also one of the least physically straining activities that an invalid can enjoy. Aside from this, fun art projects come in various form allowing greater options for the patient to choose from. For instance, painting is just one of the many artistic endeavors that a person can indulge in, and already there are many sub-categories and options within the field of painting alone. You can try out oil painting, water color painting, gouache painting, and even mixed media.

Learn Painting and Drawing The Way You've Always Wanted To

For More Tips Visit: http://www.diyartprojects.com/


Friday, July 10, 2009

How to Keep Your Bird Active

If you have decided that your pet of choice is a bird then you must realize your pet will require exercise just like any pet. It is important that your pet bird gets enough exercise to main its good health and well being. Smaller birds can get enough exercise while they are in the cage, but if you are getting a larger breed your bird will have to be removed from the cage. In this article I would like to give you some tips to show how to give your bird the proper exercise.

First, most important is is the size of cage you choose. Your bird must be able to extend both wings inside of the cage. The bars must be strong enough to hold up to your birds biting them. The bars must be close enough together so your bird can not get their head stuck between the bars.

Second, many birds like to climb and cages with horizontal bars are good for this. You must make sure the bars are strong enough to hold up to your birds weight. Perches and swings are another great source of exercise for your bird while they are still in the cage. You want the perches to be made of different substances and be of different diamaters so your bird can exercise their feet.

Third, bird toys are an excellent source of entertainment and exercise for your bird. Make sure you choose appropriate size toys for your bird. You also want to make sure these toys are in good condition so your bird can not be hurt or swallow a piece of a toy. You also want to make sure the toys are painted with non-toxic paints. Paint can be very dangerous for your bird.

Lastly, if you have a larger bird it is good to exercise them outside of the cage. If this is an option you must provide a safe secure area for your bird to be exercised. You do not want to risk your bird either escaping or being harmed or frightened. A well exercised bird makes for a very happy and healthy bird.

Get: Bird Exercise Tips

How to: Find Bird Information

Bryan Burbank is an expert in the field of Animals and Pet Issues

Ballroom Dancing - A Brief History

When you think of Ballroom dancing, you generally think of flowing gowns and dark tuxedos. You also think of beautiful, willowy, women and tall, dark, handsome men waltzing their way around the dance floor. However, ballroom dance is not just the Waltz, it is a lot more. From the elegant and stately waltz, a hot, sultry and sexy Tango or Paso Doble, or a good bit of lively fun like the Fox Trot, Jive or Quick Step, ballroom dancing is all of these.

Technically, ballroom dancing is defined as "Any of various, usually social dances in which couples perform set moves". However, the word "ball" (not the child's toy) comes from the Latin "ballare" meaning to dance and forms the base for the word ballroom (a room for dancing), ballet (a dance), and ballerina (a dancer).

Ballroom dancing was very popular among the gentry (or upper class) of England, in the late 18th and early 19th centuries and didn't really catch on with the working class until the late 19th and early 20th century.

It wasn't until the early 1920's that competitive ballroom dancing began gaining popularity. As a result, the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (formerly known as The Imperial Society of Dance Teachers) formed a Ballroom Branch whose function was to standardize the ballroom dances.

Today, modern ballroom dancing revolves around five dances comprising: the Modern Waltz; the Viennese Waltz; the Slow Foxtrot; Tango; and the Quickstep.

Latin American ballroom is short for Latin and American - not a reference to Latin countries and its dances are the Samba; Rumba; Paso Doble; Cha-Cha; and the Jive.

The modern ballroom dances all involve a couple dancing in a closed hold and vary in tempo (beats per minute) and rhythm (structure). A closed hold involves 5 bodily points of contact between the couple. Three of these points involve the hands, the males left hand holding the females right, the females left hand on top of the males right upper arm (for the Tango the females hand would go behind his arm) and the males right hand on the females back resting on her left shoulder blade. The other two points of contact are the females left elbow resting on the males right elbow and the right side of the females chest touching the right side of the males chest. This dance posture provides a very elegant look as the couple floats across the dance floor and has its origins in the European royal courts.

There is some conjecture that the right side-to-right side contact of the closed hold may have originated from a time when men danced while wearing their swords, which were hung on their left sides. Additionally, this theory would also explain the counter clockwise movement around the dance floor as the man would've stood on the inside of the circle so he wouldn't inadvertently hit any of the people watching the dancers with his sword as he danced past.

The dancing posture for Latin American ballroom varies from dance to dance with some dances using the closed hold and others where the partners hold each other with only one hand.

Both Modern Ballroom and Latin American Ballroom has been standardized for teaching purposes and has a set, internationally recognized vocabulary, technique, rhythm and tempo.

About the Author

Charly Leetham has an abiding interest in Ballroom Dancing with both of her children undertaking Ballroom Dancing classes and performing exceptionally well.

Learn More About Ballroom Dancing.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Latest Cricket News For Cricket Fanatics

Though England is the birthplace of cricket but the game has gained immense popularity across the globe for the sheer excitement and engaging spectacle incorporated in it. As a matter of fact in many countries like India, Australia etc. cricket is synonymous to the religion. People from all age groups strive most to acquire the Latest Cricket News related to the popular cricket stars and also the matches and tournaments.

The excitement level reaches the summit when the mega tournament called cricket world cup takes place. It is held once in every four years and almost all eminent cricket teams from different countries contest for the World cup. The Latest Cricket News says that to meet the growing expectations of the audiences many small world class tournaments have also been initiated. These include the Tea twenty world cup and Twenty-twenty world cup tournaments.

County cricket is another spectacular event that many cricket lovers long for through out the year. The Latest Cricket News about the England county cricket tops the chart of the sports news. Many of the popular players fly down to join the various teams which contest each other to win the league. The news updates are featured on televisions and also on the web.

As a matter of fact internet is considered the best resource for the Latest Cricket News. Many people log into the numerous sports websites that feature news related to the games, matches and also the personal details of the cricketers which makes an important part of the Latest Cricket News.

Those who feel that cricket is only the game for men are quite wrong; women's cricket is also gaining fame these days as they play well and also feature a lot of nice shots and moves. Genuine cricket lovers often watch the women's cricket matches and enjoy their magnificent display of skills. A separate world cup series is also held for women.

Which cricketer signed up a new contract and who is chucked off from the team are crucial scoops for the news channels and sports websites as people consider them fascinating Latest Cricket News. Anticipations and expectations with the cricket matches are pretty high these days as more number of people is taking interest in the game. There are numerous contests and competitions announced every day on the web wherein interested people can take part and win lucrative prizes.

Cricket is not only a game but it is the bestseller sports in the worldwide market. Fans of cricket are present all over the world and there is no chance that the popularity of the game will decrease over a certain period of time. Whichever area of cricket might sound interesting to you- be it the cricketers' personal lives or technicalities of cricket, Latest Cricket News covers them all.

Be the first one to know the most secret or recently revealed news about cricket. So keep an eye on the good cricket websites and not a single piece of Latest Cricket News will skip your eyes.

If you are a true Cricket fan and wish to know all Latest Cricket News then check out http://www.cricketfanatic.com

Funny Birthday Poems - Give the Gift of Laughter

Rather than giving the same old card you send every year, why not take advantage of our funny birthday poems? We have a great selection of hilarious rhymes that will bring a smile to the face of any birthday boy or girl. Who would not appreciate a creative, entertaining addition to their special day, given by a loved one who is thrilled to see them smile?

If you have a friend who is depressed about turning another year older and greyer, why not lighten the occasion with a crack at his advanced age? We have poems that can get even the most reluctant birthday boy or girl to crack a smile.

A humorous birthday card can be a great way to let someone know you are thinking about them. Adding funny birthday poems to a card or a gift is a personal touch that will not soon be forgotten. Especially on those milestone birthdays (40, 50, 60 years, for example), you can have fun ribbing your loved ones about being over the hill with a funny or silly rhyme.

Here's an example from our collection of funny birthday poems:

It's your birthday, I nearly forgot,
Searched online, bought you squat.
Hope you don't turn all bitter,
Since you've never been a quitter.

You can imagine the smirks a funny birthday poem will bring - don't be surprised if you find your friends passing it around the room for everyone to enjoy. Of course it is understood that you did not really forget such an important occasion, but it is fun to get a charge out of giving the birthday "kid" a hard time.

If you know any funny birthday poems, we would love to hear yours. You can submit a poem to our site,as long as you do not mind sharing them with others. You can feel free to share the poems you find here with your friends and family - nothing gets a laugh during a birthday celebration than a humorous and poignant rhyme.

As most of us know, a gift is meaningful because of the thought that goes into it, not how much the giver has spent. An expensive gift can be cold and impersonal if it is not given with love and care, whereas a less-expensive present is made all the more precious by adding something really personal.

You can entertain and touch someone's life at the same time when you choose to add funny birthday poems to the gifts you give to all your friends and loved ones.

For family and friends who live far away, nothing lets them know that they are in your thoughts as much as a personal note or funny birthday poem. Even when the miles keep you apart, your wit and personality can be present when you choose to send amusing birthday poems with your card or gift.

Our funny birthday poems are free for you to share with all of your friends, but please don't forget to give the author credit for his or her creativity. We hope you enjoy all of our birthday poems, and that all the occasions for celebration in your life are truly special.

My appreciation for poetry inspired me to create Special Birthday Poems. This is a website where I share my rhyming funny birthday poems and encourage everyone to share them with their family and friends. I have been writing these poems for nearly 3 years.

My selection of verses has poems that are suitable for any birthday celebration. Each category contains a number of meaningful verses that are created to make each birthday a day to remember forever. Feel free to browse the entire selection of birthday poems and choose the one that says exactly what you are trying to express on this very special day.

My inspiration to write more birthday poetry increases every time I receive an email from grateful visitors. I must admit, it's an extremely rewarding experience.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Developing a Success Mindset

Success is achievable through the persistent and coherent application of successful habits that are supported by a "success mindset". So what is a success mind set and how can one develop it easily and effortlessly?

A success mindset is one that embodies positive thoughts such as:

1. I deserve success
2. I am capable of anything I apply myself to
3. The universe loves me and supports me in everything I do
4. Positive opportunities come easily and effortlessly into my life
5. I trust that all will unfold in a positive manner in its own time and manner
6. I attract positive experiences into my life because I am inherently magnetic

Such thoughts are also supported and fuelled by corresponding feelings or emotions such as:

1. The feeling of worthiness
2. Feelings of inner peace, joy, contentment and easiness about life
3. Feelings of love for life and an enthusiasm and desire for unlimited new adventures
4. Feelings of gratitude
5. Feelings of self confidence and self esteem
6. A desire to create a fulfilling and ever evolving life experience

What's more, the success mind set is not something one must constantly work at, it just simply "is" who and what one "is" effortlessly. Sound like a tall and improbable reality? Well if so, it is so only because you have forgotten who you are and what you are truly capable of.

You are more likely to "believe" that life is hard, that it is unwise to hope for too much here lest you be disappointed, or that you are unworthy of success etc. You may also "feel" unworthy, undeserving, stuck in the status quo, self doubting about your capabilities and so on. Why is this your "set point" of existence?

Well largely because throughout your life you were "programmed" or "conditioned" with negative beliefs and feelings about yourself and what you were capable of. Such beliefs and feelings are stored in your unconscious mind and are generated and supported there by the negative memories they are associated with.

Did you know that it is possible to completely erase this programming and start afresh? Well it is! The net result is a "remembrance" and "re-emergence" spontaneously, effortlessly and permanently of your true empowered and attractive self.

If you are interested in re-instating your success mind set then I invite you to visit the web site below where you can learn more about a process that will help you and where you can also request a free introductory telephone consultation to help you experience it firsthand.

Nick Arrizza MD, a former Psychiatrist and Medical Doctor is an International Life, Executive, Organizational Tele-Coach, Author, Keynote Speaker, Trainer and Facilitator. He is also on Faculty at Akamai University in Hawaii. He is the CEO and Founder of Arrizza Performance Coaching Inc. and the developer of the powerful Mind Resonance Process® (MRP).

A Free 1 Hour Introductory MRP Telephone Consultation is available upon request. (You will be asked to cover your own long distance telephone charges)

Web Site: http://telecoaching4u.com

'Be Happy Inside' is a Lesson Everyone Should Learn

One of the best lessons you should learn in life is to be happy inside. It is one of the simplest lessons that you can learn although it is also quite the hardest to become. It is a fact that as humans we cannot be happy all the time especially with the stress that we experience daily and the problems that we encounter. But it is possible to achieve happiness.

To be truly happy inside, one needs to be genuinely happy. It is but a given that happiness is a choice. A choice that one has to make despite the worries that one has in life. Some people think that in order to be happy one has to have everything.

Check out people who are rich and people who seem to have everything. They are the unhappiest people on earth. It is not about wealth or material things. One of the ways to be truly unhappy is to equate happiness with material possessions. If there are material things that you want in your life, all you got to do is do the secret. Focus on what you want and work hard for it. You will eventually get it.

There are steps to be genuinely happy. One is to think more of others than of yourself. So do good to those who need it the most. You will begin to understand what being happy is. Do not forget to enjoy the journey. It may be the most difficult journey you will ever take but it will be the most worth it.

Cheryl Forbes owns and operates the website http://www.behappyinside.com.

Benefits of Bikram Yoga

Bikram yoga is a form of hot yoga that is very restorative and healing. It has recently gained popularity in the United States for the many healing benefits that can be experienced with regular practice. Most people start practicing Bikram yoga with the desire to lose weight and end up benefiting from many more aspects such as relief of migraines, arthritis, chronic injuries, depression, etc... This type of hot yoga is practiced in a room maintained at a temperature of 105 degrees Fahrenheit. A typical yoga session involves a set of twenty six poses, done at this temperature. This promotes profuse sweating, which is said to rid the body of toxins. The temperature also promotes flexibility.

There are two descriptions of the 26 poses. They are asanas (postures) and pranayama (breathing exercises), both of which rely on each other to deliver positive results. Most people only use up to 50 percent of their lung capacity, and just like any muscle, the lungs must be stretched and with time will be able to withstand holding more oxygen.

How often does one need to practice Bikram yoga to see results? It is said that to experience weight loss and relief from chronic conditions, one must practice Bikram yoga ten times (or more) per month. Positive changes are usually seen after about 15 sessions. Remember, it most likely took years of bad eating and sleeping habits to gain the weight. Also, chronic conditions, such as arthritis, depression and muscle tension may have been part of your life for years as well. It will take hard work, persistence and time to change your body.


Basic Yoga Techniques For Beginners

For those who want to pursue a mind-body connection, yoga techniques offer a dynamic conditioning program that will help you achieve a mental and physical balance in your life. Yoga is not only about building strength and doing gentle stretching; it will allow you to explore positive thinking, meditation, concentration, emotion, and spiritualism.

Begin With the Sun Salute

There are hundreds of yoga techniques but beginners will start with a series of twelve poses called the Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar). It is performed in a single, graceful flow.

Basic yoga poses work from the inside out to improve and condition the health of the mind and body. You move in an ever progressing sequence of poses, known as Asanas. As you move slowly in and out from one asana to another, your body produces a high body heat that purifies muscles and organs. Asanas are taught in a sequential order and each should be mastered before proceeding to the next. This gradual training develops the strength and balance required for more advanced levels.

Along with poses and learning proper alignment of the body, which is very important in yoga techniques, beginners will also learn the art of breath control (Pranayama).

Moving Meditation

This dynamic flow of moving meditation is linked together with a breathing and movement technique called Vinyasa. Vi means "to go" and nyasa means "placing" so the term is describing a method of entering and exiting one asana to another. Each movement is accompanied by one breath.

Beginners and novices will learn the Sun Salute sequence including poses such as Downward Facing Dog and Plank. Many yoga techniques look similar to exercises used in bodyweight resistance training, although they are known by different names. They are some of the best tools you will ever learn for building strength in your muscles and bones.

Each pose can be modified so that yoga can be practiced by anyone at any age level and at any fitness level. To increase the level of difficulty, hold each asana longer, and later on, increase the speed and repetition of each series of poses (vinyasa).

A yoga instructor can help you with proper alignment of the body, breathing, and explain how to draw on lines of energy, the directional path of force moving through your body during a pose.

The Benefits of Yoga

Classical Ashtanga Yoga is a vigorous type of Vinyasa-style yoga in that the poses flow from one to the next, in the same order, without pause, incorporating rhythmic breathing. The meditation technique of focusing on the intense physical aspect of each movement helps to bring calmness to your mind and shut out distractions. The most important product of Vinyasa series is producing cleansing sweat. Performing the Asanas creates heat and pushes toxins out the body through sweat.

The regular practice of yoga techniques has multiple wellness benefits for the body, and many people begin yoga with the goal of losing weight. Since yoga uniquely involves the training of the mind as well as the body, you will begin to overcome bad habits and learn control that applies to many aspects of your life. Your appetite, cravings, and other longings will diminish, and you will shed unwanted pounds through the purifying heat of the sweat and cleansing that yoga provides.

Tune In to Your Inner Self

Ideally, you should learn yoga techniques at a local class taught by an instructor who has at least 200 hours of certified training. You should never have any discomfort after the class, but feel centered, calm, and rejuvenated. If classes are not available in your area, there are excellent books and DVDs on how to get started in yoga on your own. With just a session or two, you will begin to learn how to tune in to your inner self and establish a close mind-body connection through the practice of yoga.

About the Author:

Kevin Urban writes for http://www.HomeGymAdviser.com - Visit the site for reviews of the best home gyms

Copyright 2009 HomeGymAdviser.com

Quick Loans For Unemployed - Grab Instant Cash For Urgencies

The word "unemployed" is another word "tarnishing" if you are an unemployed person and are in need of quick cash then it is an obstruction in your way to apply for the loan. Banks or lending firms provide the loan based on the borrower's monthly income proof as well as job proof. Both proofs are required to fax in the process of loan. In that case, you are worthless that is mean, you can not get the loan through these lending sources. However, you need not worry. You have another option of quick loans for unemployed that can help you at your eleventh hour of efforts. By the help of these loans you can meet your personal or uninvited needs very soon. These loans are transferred to the bank account of the borrowers within 24 hours or even less of applying.

The lenders of quick loans for unemployed usually take work as the criteria of your ability to repay loan without default. Up till now unemployed with considerable assets would find it easier to qualify for these loans. A home equity line of credit can provide financial assurance for the unemployed. There is two way to draw on the equity of your home. You can get a home equity loan which is a lump sum and paid back in some specified time. Or an unemployed can fetch a home equity line of credit which is in the vein of a credit card with gyratory balance. You draw aligned with it when you covet, reminiscent of utilizing a credit card, and as you repay the balance, the credit becomes accessible again.

The persons are out of the job can also access debt consolidation loans and it will construct easier for them to normalize their debts and also significantly at a lower rate of interest. Unemployment is a temporary condition and it may be made by preference other than it is not often inexpensively gratifying. Quick loans for unemployed can be expedient from lenders based in the traditional as well as online lenders. On the other hand, applying online is considered to be fast and approves the amount in the least span of time. Likewise, on comparing the rate quotes of various lenders, the borrower can fetch a better loan deal.