Faith Training: Raising Kids Who Love the Lord

I have read many parenting books. One of the best I've ever read is by Joe White. It's called Faith Training: Raising Kids Who Love the Lord. In his book, he states that 80% of all high school Christian kids abandon their faith sometime during their college days. White gives concrete ways that parents can be effective faith trainers. From his own experience of raising 4 kids, he shares with us "how to pass the baton" from generation to generation. This is not a book of philosophy; it is a book filled with practical application.

The author encourages us by letting us know that it is never too late. In fact, he started late with some of his kids. He writes of a time when he was more involved in his work than with his family. A friend looked him in the eye and told him that he was messing up by not placing a higher priority on his wife and kids.

This book is a practical how-to book filled with anecdotes. It's encouraging as it gives all of us hope when it comes to raising kids who love the Lord. While this book is appropriate for parents of kids all ages, White addresses many of the tough issues facing our teens.

Have a blessed day, Robin

Study Skills: A Must for Academic Success

Being a lifelong learner is a discipline we all should cultivate even into adulthood.The best learning takes place when several senses are tapped into (visual, auditory, kinesthetic). Below are ways to learn new material as well as review for tests.
Read and take notes.
Read aloud.
Organize information.
Listen and take notes.
Recopy notes highlighting important information.
Write out info and then rewrite it over and over.
Use index cards both white and colored as flashcards - great for memorization.
Use time in the car or while exercising to listen to lectures or audio books.
Start a study group - This works well when it doesn't become a social event. I don't think I could have passed my comprehensive exams for my master's degree without weekly study group meetings.
Review - review - review. Repetition helps us to remember.
These methods of studying tap into all styles of learning. This is just a sampling as there are many more to add to this list.
Have a great day, Robin

A Key to Learning

Good study habits are a great skill to master at any age. I didn't learn any study skills until my junior year in high school. A good friend who was a straight A student taught me how to study. I still use some of the skills she taught me as well as some tips I have picked up along the way. Part of the learning process and developing good study habits come with knowing what kind of learner you are. There are those who are auditory learners (learn by hearing) and those who are visual learners (learn by reading or seeing). There are also kinesthetic learners (learn by touching or doing). The best learning (studying) takes place when all of these methods are used.

In her book, Home-Life: The Key to Your Child's Success at School, Cheri Fuller writes about the different learning styles. She tells how to determine which learning style(s) you or your child has. She also gives activities and methods of studying that fit each style of learning.

Tips on how to study are coming soon.

Have a great day,Robin


Increase your vocabulary: curmudgeon
Would you say thank you if someone called you a curmudgeon?
Check www.m-w.com for the answer.