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        The Teaching Home E-Mail Newsletter #66
        Information, Inspiration, and Encouragement

        February 10, 2004  /  Cindy Short and Sue Welch, editors

Table of Contents
     Tips You Can Use Today
          Discipline
          Preschool Calendar or Timeline
          Seasonal Organization
          Your State Home-School Convention
          Presidents' Day, Monday, February 16
     United State Government
          Government: What and How To Teach
          The Biblical Basis of Human Government
          Forms of Government
     God's Love for You:  "The Love of God"
     Sunny Side Up:  Humorous Anecdote
     Recommended Resources
          Library and Educational Services
          Bible In Living Sound
          Family Time Movies

Greetings,

     In this issue we start a new 4-part series on government,
concluding with an election-year unit study.  We will also
include many of the ideas gleaned from the surveys returned
to us by our readers.  We value your input; please let us
know how we can serve you better.

     Do you have a note of encouragement, teaching tip, or family
photo and brief story that you can share with the 20,000 other
home-school families around the world that read this newsletter?
We would like to hear from you!  See guideline for contributing at
http://www.teachinghome.com/newsletters/vol_2-no_58.cfm#a.

     Our prayer for your family is:

"Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement
     grant you to be of the same mind with one another
     according to Christ Jesus,
so that with one accord
     you may with one voice glorify the God and Father
     of our Lord Jesus Christ"  (Romans 15:5, 6).

Cordially,
Pat, Sue, Heather, Holly, and Brian Welch
The Teaching Home is a 23-year-old, home-school family business.

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An Urgent Political Action Request from Michael Farris
Regarding the Federal Marriage Amendment
     If we are ever going to save marriage--the next few
days are absolutely crucial.
* Please call the White House. (202-456-1111)
* Please call both of your U.S. Senators. (202-224-3121)
* Please call your congressman.
* Tell them "The Musgrave Amendment is not strong enough.
   We must stop civil unions also."

Here is a link to my full analysis.
   http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=1316
Here is a link to a recent article on the subject.
   http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=1317

Mike Farris
Chairman, Home School Legal Defense Association

Tips You Can Use Today

Discipline
     In dealing with willful children, we will make more headway
if we deal in grace.
     An example would be to say, "I can't let you," rather than
"I won't let you."

Preschool Calendar or Timeline
     These projects will help your preschoolers develop a sense
of chronological order as well as the concepts of months and
dates.
     Buy your child a calendar (most are on sale now) or make a
"This Year" timeline by writing the name of each month on
separate pieces of paper color coded for the seasons (spring
months in green, etc.).
     Put up the dates you know beforehand: birthdays, holidays,
trips, special events, etc.
* Add events as they happen throughout the year.
* Add drawings, pictures cut out of magazines or family photos,
   or stickers.

Seasonal Organization
     Put away your children's seasonal clothes and a portion of
their toys in your storage area.
     Your children's rooms will be easier to keep clean, and they
will be excited to see clothes and toys again when they are
brought out again and others stored away.

   Bible In Living Sound:
   Get Your Children
   Excited about the Bible!

* Professional quality, nondenominational
   dramatizations help visualize God's Word.
* 450 Bible stories on 75 tapes/CDs.
* Companion Workbooks.
* Special Offer: 5 CD Pack (30 stories) only $19.99
   plus $2 shipping (Reg. $30).
* Listen to samples online.
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   800 634-0234 Ext. 504
   http://www.BibleInLivingSound.org  E-Code: 504

Your State Home-School Convention
     The unique benefits brought together in these conventions
can renew and expand your vision for teaching and training your
children.
     Read "Getting the Most Out of Home-School Conventions,
Conferences, and Book Fairs" at
http://www.teachinghome.com/newsletters/vol_2-no_33.cfm
     Below are listed conventions to be held in February and
March.  See links to dates and information on these and
conventions in other states at:
http://www.teachinghome.com/states/results.cfm?state=all

     USA:  Alaska / Hawaii / Indiana / Utah
     Canada:  Manitoba / Saskatchewan
     Mexico:  National

     Enjoy an (Edited!)
     Movie with Your Family
          All movies have been edited
     for language, sex, and violence.
     * Free trial membership.
     * Sign up online or call (706) 692-1691.
     * New releases include: Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.
     http://www.FamilyTimeMovies.com

Presidents' Day, Monday, February 16
     This federal holiday has been set aside to honor all past
presidents of the United States of America.

Lincoln's Birthday: February 12
Washington's Birthday: February 22
     Look up George Washington and Abraham Lincoln in your
Christian history books and/or spend some time together
exploring these excellent websites.

A short biography and portrait of each president.
   http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents/index.html
Christian website. Decorations, celebrations, coloring
   pages, recipes, patriotic links, games, puzzles, crafts.
   http://www.annieshomepage.com/presidentskids.html
Information and documents of all the presidents' speeches,
   writings, biographies.
   http://odur.let.rug.nl/~usa/P/
Presidents' Day. Washington and Lincoln.
   http://www.patriotism.org/presidents_day
Was George Washington a Christian?
   http://www.christiananswers.net/q-wall/wal-g011.html
Was Abraham Lincoln a Christian?
   http://www.crministries.org/TTT/010219.htm

Visit The Teaching Home's Website
1.  Buy Back Issues of The Teaching Home Magazine
     Search for specific topics in 51 printed magazine back issues
     for sale online.  http://theteachinghomen.goemerchant7.com/
2.  Find Quality Home-School Curriculum and Supplies
     Link to 182 home-school suppliers; view or order their products.
     http://www.teachinghome.com/resources/index.cfm
3.  Get More Information, Inspiration, and Encouragement
     Read hundreds of pages of articles online with practical home-school
     information.  http://www.teachinghome.com/started/index.cfm
     http://www.teachinghome.com/newsletters/
4.  Track Your Bible Reading This Year
     Find schedules for reading the Bible through in one year.
     http://www.teachinghome.com/supplement/bible/index.cfm

Government: A 4-Part Series

1.  Introduction (Issue #66 -- This Issue)
     Government: What and How To Teach
     The Biblical Basis of Human Government
     Forms of Government
2.  United State Government (Issue #67)
3.  Our Responsibilities in Government (Issue #68)
4.  An Election Year Unit Study (Issue #69)

     This series is intended to introduce the basics of government
and provide a general outline for your studies.  Children of all
ages can participate at their own levels.
     Please note that although home schoolers in many countries
read this newsletter, 99% live in the United States.  Therefore,
we will be writing this series referring to "our" country, but
you can apply it to the country of which you are a citizen and/or
study the government of the United States.

Government: What and How To Teach
     The guidelines below will help you cover the subject of
government.  We also recommend that you consider using Christian
curriculum.

1.  Christian Curriculum
     Christian textbooks and worktexts on government and history
from the publishers listed below are highly recommended.
* They provide a comprehensive treatment of the subject.
* They incorporate a Christian worldview throughout.
* They include such helps as illustrations, charts, maps,
   biographies, activities, discussion questions, teacher's
   manuals, or videos.

A Beka Book http://www.abeka.org/th
Bob Jones University Press http://www.bjup.com
Christian Liberty Press http://www.christianlibertypress.com
Digital Learning Network http://www.dlnvcr.com
Understanding the Times by David Noebel http://www.summit.org
ACE School of Tomorrow http://www.schooloftomorrow.com
Alpha Omega Publications http://www.aop.com

2.  Types of Government
     Learn the major types of government and examples of each
with special emphasis on and comparison to the United States
government (see "Forms of Government" below).

3. History
* Study history carefully, noting the conditions surrounding
   various events and the roles played by Christians.  See the
   article on the Protestant Reformation at
   http://www.teachinghome.com/newsletters/vol_2-no_53.cfm
* Look for trends, principles, and the hand of God as you
   evaluate historic actions scripturally.
* Teach the history of the formation of our nation and our
   government:  how and why it was formed the way it was and
   the structure and operation of our government (see upcoming
   issue #67).
* History of the events upon which our present form of government
   and freedoms are based (see upcoming issue #67).
* Our Christian heritage (see upcoming issue #67).
* You might want to use the Presidents as a chronological outline
   to study American history.

4.  Teach National, State, and Local Government
* Learn about the Constitution, what it says and means, as well
   as its writing, background, and authors.
   http://www.senate.gov/civics/constitution_item/constitution.htm
* Use source documents such as the Constitution, Declaration of
   Independence, the Federalist and Anti-Federalist essays.
   http://www.archives.gov/national_archives_experience/charters.html
* Learn the structure of local, state, and federal governments
   and how they function (see upcoming issue #67).
* Learn how a bill becomes law (see upcoming issue #67) and how
   candidates are nominated and run for election (see upcoming
   issue #69 for an election-year unit study).

5.  Observe Government
* Observe proceedings of local, state, and national governments
   in person or on TV.  Check for free educational materials
   available to teachers from C-Span.
   http://www.c-span.org/classroom/index.asp?code=Classroom
* Attend meetings of school boards, city councils, county
   commissions, commissioner's court, or any local or state
   government.
* Observe court cases and jury selection at a courthouse and
   learn about grand juries.
* Tour city halls, courthouses, law enforcement centers, branches
   of armed services, or reserve centers.
* Take children with you to observe when you vote.

     (Note: You might need to check to see if the subject matter
at meetings or court cases being tried are appropriate for
children to hear.)

6.  Research
* Read books, newsletters, magazines, newspaper editorials, and
   letters to the editor on issues of concern.
   http://www.worldmag.com/world/home.asp
* Study the Scriptures that apply to our relationships with
   government (see upcoming issue #67) as well as Scriptural
   principles behind all issues to be decided by each branch or
   by general vote.
* Study Supreme Court cases and follow their progress.
   http://www.supremecourtus.gov
* Study legislative bills and follow their progress.
   http://www.access.gpo.gov/congress/
* Research agencies such as Health and Human Services, Social
   Security, Housing and Urban Development, and Internal Revenue
   Service and discuss biblical alternatives.
   http://www.whitehouse.gov/government/cabinet.html
   http://www.whitehouse.gov/government/independent-agencies.html
* Find out who your representatives are in local, state, and
   national government and what committee(s) they are on.
   http://capwiz.com/fof/home/

7.  Make It Personal
* The unit study ideas in issue #56 can be used to make your
   study more interesting and memorable.
   http://www.teachinghome.com/newsletters/vol_2-no_56.cfm
* Invite an official or candidate to speak or answer questions at
   a meeting.
* Learn and use the pledge of allegiance, care of the flag,
   patriotic songs, and the history of national holidays.
   http://www.usflag.org/toc.html
* Develop public speaking or writing skills and enter speech or
   writing competitions on government and citizenship.
   http://www.myersinstitute.net/Search.bok?category=Communication
   See contests at
   http://www.teachinghome.com/newsletters/vol_2-no_51.cfm
* Learn parliamentary procedure.
   http://www.newkent.net/rulesoforder.html
* Discuss the rights and responsibilities given to citizens.
   (See upcoming issue #68.)

8.  Take Action
     Prayerfully choose and participate in political action that
is appropriate for your family (see article in upcoming issue
#68).

The Biblical Basis of Government

1.  God is the ultimate authority over all His creation.
     "The LORD has established His throne in the heavens, And
His sovereignty rules over all." (Psalm 22:28)

2.  God establishes governments.
     "Every person is to be in subjection to the governing
authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those
which exist are established by God." (Romans 13:1).

3.  Human government is to punish evil and reward good.
     "Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human
institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to
governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the
praise of those who do right." (I Peter 2:13)

4.  God can use even evil rulers to accomplish His purposes.
     "The Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind, And
bestows it on whom He wishes And sets over it the lowliest of
men." (Daniel 4:17)

5.  God influences the thoughts of kings.
     "The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of
the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes." (Proverbs 21:1)

6.  God can remove and replace rulers at any time.
     "He removes kings and establishes kings." (Daniel 2:21)

7.  The ideal government supports righteousness, justice,
     and peace.
     "First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers,
petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for
kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a
tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.
     "This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our
Savior,  who desires all men to be saved and to come to the
knowledge of the truth." (I Timothy 2:1-4)

Forms of Government
     Government is a system of social control under which the
right to make laws, and the right to enforce them, is vested in
a particular group in society.
     There are many classifications of government.  According to
the classical formula, governments are distinguished by whether
power is held by one man, a few, or a majority.
     Today it is common to distinguish between types of
government on the basis of institutional organization and the
degree of control exercised over the society.
     Organizationally, governments may be classified into
parliamentary or presidential systems, depending on the
relationship between executive and legislature.
     Government may also be classified according to the
distribution of power at different levels.  It may be unitary
(i.e., with the central government controlling local affairs) or
it may be federated or confederated, according to the degree of
autonomy of local government.
     The basic law determining the form of government is called
the constitution and may be written, as in the United States, or
largely unwritten, as in Great Britain.
     Modern governments perform many functions besides the
traditional ones of providing internal and external security,
order, and justice; most are involved in providing welfare
services, regulating the economy, and establishing educational
systems.
     The extreme case of governmental regulation of every aspect
of people's lives is totalitarianism.
     The above information is from the Columbia Encyclopedia,
Sixth Edition, Copyright 2004 and may be viewed at
http://www.encyclopedia.com/html/g1/governme.asp

     The following are the major forms of government that have
existed throughout history and around the world.  These
definitions were excerpted and adapted from American Government
and Economics in Christian Perspective, a highly recommended
textbook published by A Beka Books.
https://www.abeka.com/ABekaOnline/ABekaOnline.acgi$bookInfo?38733

Theocracy
     A government ruled personally by God or through priests,
judges, and prophets chosen by Him.

Absolute Monarchy, Autocracy
     An authoritarian government controlled by one person, a
king, queen, emperor, empress, etc. who inherits power and is not
responsible to the people or their elected representatives.

Constitutional Monarchy
     A government headed by a king or queen whose power is
limited by law or custom and who shares power with an elected
representative assembly.

Oligarchy
     A government controlled by a small group of individuals
whose power depends upon wealth, military strength, or social
class. Two types of oligarchies are aristocracy, or rule by the
"best" citizens (nobility), and plutocracy, or rule by the
wealthy.

Dictatorship
     In ancient Rome, a dictator was an official to whom absolute
power was given temporarily during a time of crisis. A
dictatorship is thus authoritarian rule by one man who has
usually come to power by some means other than inheritance.
Fascism is a form of dictatorship in which there is private
ownership of the economy with heavy government regulation; it is
also know as national socialism (Nazism) or state socialism.

Communism
     A political and economic system in which the ownership and
operation of the means of production are in the hands of the
state. As it exists today, however, Communism is an atheistic,
totalitarian form of government with a one-party system and a
complete denial of individual liberties "for the good of the
state."

Socialism
     An economic system adopted in different degrees by various
governments for the purpose of redistributing wealth. Extreme
socialists believe that society in its entirety should be subject
to political control.

Democracy
     A form of government in which the citizens hold all
authority.  In a direct or pure democracy (necessarily small),
all citizens play a direct role in governing themselves.

Republic
     A form of government in which political power rests in all
citizens entitled to vote (electorate) but is exercised through
elected representatives. A republic is usually a mixed system,
with a division of powers among an executive, a legislature, and
a judiciary. A unitary republic has one central government.
Confederacy is a loose alliance of separate states. A Federal
republic (e.g., U.S.A. since 1789) has a strong, but limited,
central government uniting separate state and local governments.

Anarchy
     The total absence of law and order.

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This song beautifully describes God’s love for you.

"The Love of God"
Words by Frederick M. Lehman
(written in 1917, Public Domain)

God’s Love Is Unsurpassable.
The love of God is greater far
     Than tongue or pen can ever tell;
It goes beyond the highest star,
     And reaches to the lowest hell.
The guilty pair, bowed down with care,
     God gave His Son to win;
His erring child He reconciled,
     And pardoned from his sin.

Chorus:
O love of God, how rich and pure!
     How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure
     The saints' and angels' song.

God’s Love Is Unconditional.
When hoary time shall pass away,
     And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall;
When men who here refuse to pray,
     On rocks and hills and mountains call;
God's love, so sure, shall still endure,
     All measureless and strong;
Redeeming grace to Adam's race,
     The saints' and angels' song.

God’s Love Is Indescribable.
Could we with ink the ocean fill,
     And were the skies of parchment made;
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
     And every man a scribe by trade;
To write the love of God above
     Would drain the ocean dry;
Nor could the scroll contain the
     Whole, though stretched from sky to sky.

God's Wonderful Plan of Salvation
     http://www.teachinghome.com/about/salvation.cfm

Sunny Side Up:  Dead or Alive
     When we visited our state capitol of Springfield we had just
studied about Abraham Lincoln.  It was particularly interesting to
see the various sights there pertaining to Lincoln.
     While driving through the city, we spotted the sign for
Lincoln's Tomb. Our 5-year-old son asked, "Is Mr. Lincoln still
buried in that tomb?"
     His big sister was on hand with an immediate reply. "Oh,
yes, Andrew! He'll be dead the rest of his life!"
     Submitted by Ruth S., Illinois.

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