You searched for reading - Character Ink https://characterinkblog.com/ Home of the Language Lady & Cottage Classes! Sat, 08 Jul 2023 04:12:44 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Private Tutoring: In-Person and Online https://characterinkblog.com/privatetutoring/ Sat, 10 Apr 2021 04:38:36 +0000 https://characterinkblog.com/?page_id=8120 The post Private Tutoring: In-Person and Online appeared first on Character Ink.

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Private Tutoring: In-Person and Online

We offer complete remediation and/or homework help for students’ current subject(s)!

–Using student’s curriculum/assignments for one to four hours a week for homework help.

–Remediation for specific subject areas– such as reading, spelling, math and writing, etc.

Packages for one hour per week up  to four hours per week available!

Call or text to discuss how we can best serve your student(s)!

260-450-7063

Character Ink Private Tutoring Offerings

Character Ink tutors, Ray and Donna Reish, are offering private tutoring in SW Fort Wayne on various days and evenings! We offer tutoring in the following subject areas, but we are also
available for homework help in content areas (study skills, test prep, note taking, time management, etc.

Use this service in the summer to catch up or get ahead in a subject area or hire us to take a tough subject off your hands and teach your student.

1) Writing–sentence, paragraph, report, essay, story writing; all levels; Directed Writing Approach
to get non-writers writing immediately! Taught by a writing curriculum author of over 100 books
totaling over 50,000 pages!

2) Math–from elementary through twelfth grade….your curriculum or one of our choice; remedial,
brush up, SAT prep, and more. Taught by a math professional (former CPA and CMA).

3) Reading–from first grade and up; phonics, reading comprehension, reaching reading fluency,
and more. Taught by curriculum author, elementary education degree and master’s work in
Reading Specialist. Teachers have been trained in Orton-Gillingham’s multi-sensory dyslexia
methods.

4) Grammar/Usage–taught in conjunction with writing or alone; parts of speech; punctuation;
editing; spelling/structural analysis; and more. Taught by curriculum author and experienced
teacher of over 100 students each year in grammar and writing for over 20 years.

5) Science–elementary through high school–basic science, earth science, physics, biology,
advanced biology, chemistry taught by experienced science teacher who has taught all of these
subjects to many small groups for over 15 years and is a math professional.

Private Costs: Typical private tutoring for Ray and/or Donna is $35 for a 45 minute sessions ($30 for 45 minutes with two or more sessions a week.)

Minimum number of scheduled sessions must be maintained in order to take a teaching spot.

Call or email today for more information! 260-450-7063 or 260-433-4365 characterink@gmail.com

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Benefits of Homeschooling Series https://characterinkblog.com/benefits-of-homeschooling-series/ https://characterinkblog.com/benefits-of-homeschooling-series/#respond Wed, 01 Jul 2020 14:59:56 +0000 https://characterinkblog.com/?p=7986 The post Benefits of Homeschooling Series appeared first on Character Ink.

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Several years ago I wrote a series titled “Homeschool Benefits” in which each article gave one of my favorite benefits that we enjoyed through homeschooling for thirty-two years.

With so much interest in homeschooling right now, I thought I would gather these benefits all together in one place. Looking through these articles again, I am filled with joy as I see how these many years later these benefits still “benefit” us today: our children are life-long learners; I have fond memories of being together every day; my seven adult kids are truly best friends and support and love each other to this day; and I never regret the hours upon hours we spent reading aloud together.

So take a look. Pass this collection on to friends who are considering homeschooling. And know that these benefits are truly life-long and life-affecting!

#1 Spending Every Day Together 

#2 Children Can Learn At Their Own Pace

#3 Parents Can Choose Materials That Fit Their Religious Beliefs

#4 Siblings Get to Be Together Every Day

#5 Reading Aloud Together

#6 Parents Have More Control Over What Children Hear and See 

#7 The Chance to Use Delight-Directed Studies

 I would love to help you get started or continue your homeschooling journey! Take a look at some freebies, webinars, articles, videos, and products that can help you in your coming school year!

 

 Freebies, Webinars, Articles, Videos, and More!

 

  1. FREE webinar for parents and teachers: “Help Your Kids With School”!
  2. FREE digital readers (Baby Shark and Jungle Book!) and coloring book reader
  3. FREE writing booklets and teaching videos for your students in second through twelfth grades
  4. Prioritizing video training
  5. Weight/time management/life coaching
  6. Local (Fort Wayne, Indiana) Cottage Classes
  7. Half-Day Homeschool
  8. Reading Help
  9. Writing and Grammar Digital Books
  10. Self-Integrity Training—See Episodes 19 and 20 for “Why We Don’t Do What WE Tell Ourselves We Will Do” and “Tools for Self-Integrity”

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Half-Day Homeschool https://characterinkblog.com/halfdayhomeschool/ Mon, 01 Jun 2020 19:49:33 +0000 https://characterinkblog.com/?page_id=7899 The post Half-Day Homeschool appeared first on Character Ink.

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Located in Fort Wayne, IN for 1st-12th Grades

Interested in Learning More About Our Half Day Homeschool Program?

Watch the “Short Version” Video Above

OR Call or text Ray Reish at 260-450-7063.

(Full Length Video With Class Descriptions

and Schedules for All Grades Below!)

To Enroll, please call Ray at 260 450 7063 or e-mail characterink@gmail.com

Character Ink will continue its new teaching arm – The half-day homeschool for 1st -12th grades in which all academics are taught, followed up on, recorded, and graded for YOU!

ALL of this is done as your students come to “school” for 8-12 hours a week!

The following schedule and guidelines have been developed for the 2020-2021 school year. Adaptions can be made to meet your family’s needs.

 

1) Responsible for curriculum securing, teaching, assigning, and overseeing for ALL academic subjects for 1st-12th grade students.

2) Teaching will be small group classes, block teaching, daily class meetings, one-on-one tutoring, and independent studies all in our home at 11120 Aboite Center Road Fort Wayne.

3) 180 days of instruction (and record keeping and accountability) (e-learning will be utilized for inclement weather)

4) Daily lesson plans, check sheets, and accountability (Students, Ray, and parents can check.)

5) Curriculum found and laid out for each subject

6) Math, language arts, and reading taught by/planned by specialists in these areas. All academic
areas will be covered in various sessions, blocks, and independent learning.

7) Thorough, safe, and fun environment to learn

8/12/2021 First day of class (Thurs)

1/10/2022 First day of second semester

5/132022 Last day of class (Fri)

1) Have students in class daily on time

2) Provide time in afternoon or evening for older students to complete a subject or two if needed

3) Read daily with elementary students (in addition to their daily reading lessons here)

4) Provide a final transcript for your student from your own private school (We will help with this.)

5) Send snack and drink daily if desired,

6) Pay monthly tuition the first week of each month.

7) Pay for curriculum (consumables, book rentals, and lab fees) up to $300 per year per student.

Monthly Tuition over 10 months

Students 1st -12th

1st student $310/mo

2nd student $280/mo

3rd student $240/mo

Call or email today for more information or to enroll!

260-450-7063 or 260-433-4365 characterink@gmail.com

High School Schedule (8th-12th grade)

Monday and Wed – Attend group classes at Reish’s home
Tues, Thurs, and Friday – homework at home
One private tutoring session each week to cover any subject.
Classes included: Bible/Character, Language Arts, Literature,  Math, Science, History and Social Studies as needed.

Middle School Schedule (6th -8th grade)

Monday thru Wednesday – homework at home
Thursday – Friday 8:30 – 12:00 at Reish’s home
One private tutoring session each week to cover any subject.
Classes included: Bible / Character, Reading, Math, History, Science, Language Arts, Literature

Elementary Schedule (1st -5th grade)

Monday and Wednesday – homework at home
Tuesday and Friday 12:00 – 3:00 at Reish’s home
Thursday 11:30 – 3:00 at Reish’s home
Classes included: Bible / Character, Reading, Phonics, Math, History, Science, Language Arts, Literature

Call (260) 450 – 7063 for more details or questions.

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Gratefulness Prayer Song for Your Family https://characterinkblog.com/gratefulness-prayer-song-for-your-family/ https://characterinkblog.com/gratefulness-prayer-song-for-your-family/#respond Thu, 28 Nov 2019 02:37:25 +0000 https://characterinkblog.com/?p=7747 The post Gratefulness Prayer Song for Your Family appeared first on Character Ink.

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Happy Thanksgiving!

When our kids were growing up, dinner time was a crucial time of day for us–so much so that we made a protocol of “family all home together at least four nights per week”! Yes, it was that important to us.

Prayer before meals, reading Scriptures and devotionals, and having meaningful conversation at the table were highlights of our day. We often had specific questions set to ask the kids so we would have meaningful conversation. We sometimes had “affirmation” meals–where we went around the table and said affirming things about each other and to each other.

(And yes, we also had toddlers throwing down food, children who had to be removed and sent to bed, and cranky parents! But those things never stopped us!)

One of the things we loved to do at dinner or during family worship after dinner (before fun and games or just before bed!) was singing Scripture songs. To this day, our kids can sing dozens of Scriptures from our time together as a family singing the Bible.

One of those songs (though not-Scripture per se) was a prayer song. It began with the chorus of a popular song forty years ago, “Thank-You, Lord, for Saving My Soul.” From there, I added another verse to make it a mealtime prayer song.

I love this little prayer song! It brings back so many good memories–and there are times in the morning when I first wake up when I begin singing gratefulness songs before my eyes are fully open–and this little prayer song springs forth.

So I wanted to share it for this holiday season. It’s a powerful chorus to sing together before meals. It is also a reminder to our children that everything we have comes from God.

And…It is actually a really cool tool to use in situations with unbelievers as well. Even if our extended family members didn’t want to pray, they were delighted for our kids to sing this prayer song before we ate.

So here is the graphic–and below that is the link to the PDF so you can print it off for all of your guests or family members to sing together! And keep it handy for family meals after Thanksgiving too! It is simple to memorize and can become a wonderful family tradition in your home as well! It isn’t just a holiday prayer!

 

 

Click HERE for PDF download

Love and hope,

Donna…

…who is immensely grateful that God sought me and saved me 42 years ago when I was seventeen–and gave me children to raise for Him!

P.S. If you’re too busy right now, pin this for later here!

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ABC Recognition and Sound Letter Recognition Tips https://characterinkblog.com/abc-recognition-and-sound-letter-recognition-tips/ https://characterinkblog.com/abc-recognition-and-sound-letter-recognition-tips/#respond Sun, 07 Jul 2019 23:06:43 +0000 https://characterinkblog.com/?p=7655 The post ABC Recognition and Sound Letter Recognition Tips appeared first on Character Ink.

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Are you following me (or better yet, being my friend!!!??) on FB to watch my Donna Daily live videos? I hope so as I am having so much fun sharing the many things I love (and mannnny years of experience ha ha!) in these live videos!

So I have put a recent live broadcast at YouTube and here for you to watch with its detailed outline any time. How convenient is that? 🙂

Let me know if you need help or have questions….I’d love to help you out!

A. Natural Tips

1. Master’s work in Reading Specialist/thesis on natural readers—natural readers had many commonalities, including access to print, being read to a lot, letters and rhyming words activities all the time, natural teaching
2. Our protocol: Not teach anything from a workbook that could be taught naturally

a. Letters everywhere!
b. Sounds
c. Rhyming words
d. Games
e. Reading to child helps introduce letters, etc.

3. Alphabet books of all kinds are fine for reviewing and fun, but be sure that instructional materials are more specific (see below)

 

B. Tips for Choosing Letter Recognition Program

1. Letters should be written with the same font the student writes (ball and stick for a; no straight line for j, etc.)
2. Do upper and lower case letters together at first (separate them later—put both at same time so that they have more chance for success at first). As the student sees these together, the connection will be better between upper and lower for him.
3. Call upper and lower case letters the same thing all the time—capital/big/upper case; little/inferior case…be consistent; use same wording child does.
4. Best of all—primary letters with lines. This will give the student the proper orientation (how far up the little l goes or how far down the little p goes).
5. Using ABC letter cards (Here are mine)

a. Both upper and lower on cards for a while
b. Then matching upper cards and lower cards
c. Play Go Fish or Memory with the upper and lower cards

C. Using ABC Song and Order of Letters for Teaching

1. Use a poster or posterette with the ABC’s lined up exactly as they are sung.
2. Sing it with the student SLOWLY while pointing to the letters. Do not let him run them all together. (I let kiddos do that at the end—after we’ve done them painfully slow with the poster!)
3. Hang ABC posters around house
4. ABC order vs more specifically keeping short a, e, I far from each other and b and d not close to each other?

 

D. Sight Sound ABC Recognition

1. Use fun materials and teach naturally—Walmart starts the same as William does!
2. Be sure clue pictures are the following

a. Easily recognized, preferably nouns (not pointing to a hand where student wonders if it is a finger, wrist, hand, or palm)
b. Be sure the sound is not ambiguous (not orca for o—either short o (otter) or long o (oatmeal). Also do not use blends (star vs sun) or digraphs (chop vs cat)
c. Don’t do short vowel and long vowel (or soft and hard c/g) at the same time—my ABC cards and songs programs both use short vowels first time through then additional cards to do the long vowel beginning sounds
d. Use same clue words over and over again until sight sound mastery is reached. Student should always be able to say A says a as in ax and apple) (See ABC Song Posters)
e. Use clue words that are as short in length as possible (hat not hippopotamus—I use words from Dolch and Fry word lists so that the clue words are also the first words they will have in their readers when they learn to read!

3. Using ABC cards and clue picture cards together

a. Can use upper and lower case letters together if they are still unsure of them separately
b. Can use upper and lower separately if they are mastered
c. Match letters with picture that makes that sound (best if pictures come in two options—with the letters on them or on back and without the letters)

 

E. Resources

1. ABC products at our store: https://characterinkstore.com/?s=ABC 
2. Vocabulary-controlled readers from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=donna+reish+readers&ref=nb_sb_noss 
3. Color and read readers for new readers: https://characterinkstore.com/?s=color+and+read+readers 
4. Videos and Podcasts about teaching: https://characterinkblog.com/podcasts/ 
5. Follow or friend me so you don’t miss any Donna Daily teaching videos!

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Using Word Cards in Reading Instruction https://characterinkblog.com/using-word-cards-reading-instruction/ https://characterinkblog.com/using-word-cards-reading-instruction/#respond Tue, 04 Jun 2019 15:20:27 +0000 http://characterinkblog.com/?p=5271     Tips for Using Word Cards in Reading Instruction   1) Don’t use word cards with words the student has never encountered. Word cards are for practicing words used in instruction, not for long lists of words never encountered before. 2) Create word cards with words from a reader or book that your student […]

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Using Word Cards in Reading Instruction

 

Tips for Using Word Cards in Reading Instruction

 

1) Don’t use word cards with words the student has never encountered. Word cards are for practicing words used in instruction, not for long lists of words never encountered before.

2) Create word cards with words from a reader or book that your student is working through with you right now. Reading words in context (with pictures, sentence rhythm, etc.) is easier than isolated words. I like to be sure my student knows the words out of context. You can test to see if the word needs added to your word card stack by writing the word on the board. If there is instant recognition, then it probably doesn’t need to go on a card. If there is guessing or cues needed, then it could go in the word card stack.

CLICK TO WATCH!

Using Word Cards in Reading Instruction

 

3) Once many words are added to your stack of cards, divide them into difficulty level so that the student has a pretty successful pack; a needs some help pack; etc. And don’t do all of them at once—this will be too many word cards at once and can get discouraging.

 

4) Add words from one family all to the same stack. For example, all at words in one stack together (as opposed to dividing into different stacks/collections). This gives the student a chance to practice the same family at once—and you have the one family all together to use as needed for further instruction.

 

5) Add sight words from the books you are reading. Do not add random sight words or too many at one time. We call these Remember Words because she has to remember them—but I still point out any phonetic components to them as we work through them. Give all the tricks, cues, and tools that you can.

 

6) I like to do the cards after she reads a book or two to me. (We are still in Bob Books for this student, so the books are short.) This way she has had success in context before using isolated words.

 

7) Develop a protocol for guessing words. In the video, I use my “punishment time” approach—which is a little joke that we have. When she guesses a word that does not at least begin with the first letter of the word on the card, I say, “Punishment time…what is this letter?” She has to say the letter then I say, “What sound does it make?” And she has to say the sound. BOTH things. This makes her not want to randomly guess the words because it annoys her to have to say the letter then its sound. It is a quick way to break a student from guessing the word—the student at least should guess a word that starts with that sound!  🙂 It’s not real punishment—just our joke. But if the word punishment bothers you (or your student), you could call it “First Letter Rule” or “No Guess Rule” or something like that. Guessing is fine, but if the student isn’t at least looking at the first letter in guessing, it can become a really bad habit.

 

Hope these tips help! What else can I help you with in your language arts, reading, writing, grammar, spelling, speech, or word analysis teaching?

 

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Character Ink Private Tutoring Online or In Person 2019-2020 https://characterinkblog.com/character-ink-private-tutoring-online-or-in-person-2019-2020/ https://characterinkblog.com/character-ink-private-tutoring-online-or-in-person-2019-2020/#respond Mon, 29 Apr 2019 04:18:29 +0000 https://characterinkblog.com/?p=7421 The post Character Ink Private Tutoring Online or In Person 2019-2020 appeared first on Character Ink.

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Character Ink Private Tutoring Offerings

 

Over the past year since Ray has “semi retired” (lol), he has expanded our class offerings, added a Half-Day Homeschool option for local families, and taken on dozens of private tutoring students. It has been a busy year for Character Ink!

We will be continuing the private tutoring options as long as we have spaces available for the upcoming summer and next school year.

We have also had success this year with Ray doing private math tutoring via Skype or FaceTime and Donna teaching small writing classes via an online classroom. Both of these options will be available next year as requested.

We offer tutoring in the following subject areas, but
we are also available for homework help in content areas (study skills, test prep, note taking, time
management, etc.).

Use this service in the summer to catch up or get ahead in a subject area. Or to stay on-task during the academic year in areas that are harder for Mom or Dad to get around to. Let us know what would help you the most!

1) Writing–sentence, paragraph, report, essay, story writing; all levels; Directed Writing Approach
to get non-writers writing immediately! Taught by a writing curriculum author of over 100 books
totaling over 50,000 pages!

2) Math–from elementary through twelfth grade….your curriculum or one of our choice; remedial,
brush up, SAT prep, and more. Taught by a math professional (former CPA and CMA).

3) Reading–from first grade and up; phonics, reading comprehension, reaching reading fluency,
and more. Taught by curriculum author, elementary education degree and master’s work in
Reading Specialist.

4) Grammar/Usage–taught in conjunction with writing or alone; parts of speech; punctuation;
editing; spelling/structural analysis; and more. Taught by curriculum author and experienced
teacher of over 100 students each year in grammar and writing for over 20 years.

5) Science–elementary through high school–basic science, earth science, physics, biology,
advanced biology, chemistry; taught by experienced science teacher who has taught all of these
subjects to many small groups for over 15 years and is a math professional/former CPA.

Private Costs: Private tutoring for Ray and/or Donna is $30 for a 55 minute hour for once a week;
$25 for a 55 minute hour for students who come twice a week, and $20 / hour for three or more
hours per week.

Minimum number of scheduled sessions must be maintained in order to take a
teaching spot.

 

Call or email today for more information! 260-450-7063 characterink@gmail.com

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Half Day Homeschool Expanded for 2019-2020 School Year https://characterinkblog.com/half-day-homeschool-expanded-for-2019-2020-school-year/ https://characterinkblog.com/half-day-homeschool-expanded-for-2019-2020-school-year/#respond Mon, 29 Apr 2019 02:39:31 +0000 https://characterinkblog.com/?p=7395 The post Half Day Homeschool Expanded for 2019-2020 School Year appeared first on Character Ink.

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CHARACTER INK HALF DAY HOMESCHOOL STARTS AUGUST 12, 2019!

 

Character Ink will continue its new teaching arm – The half-day homeschool for 4th -12th grades and expand it for K-3rd grades – in which all academics are taught, followed up on, recorded, and graded for YOU!

ALL of this is done as your students come to “school” for 8-15 hours a week!

The following schedule and guidelines have been developed for the 2019-2020 school year. Adaptions can be made to meet your family’s needs.

Character Ink Half-Day Homeschool will offer the following:

 

1) Responsible for curriculum securing, teaching, assigning, and overseeing for ALL academic subjects for K-12th grade students.
2) Teaching will be small group classes, block teaching, daily class meetings, one-on-one tutoring, and independent studies all in our home at 11120 Aboite Center Road Fort Wayne and at First Assembly of God Church (on Mondays).
3) 180 days of instruction (and record keeping and accountability) (e-learning will be utilized for inclement weather)
4) Daily lesson plans, checksheets, and accountability (Students, Ray, and parents can check.)
5) Curriculum found and laid out for each subject
6) Math, language arts, and reading taught by/planned by specialists in these areas. All academic areas will be covered in various sessions, blocks, and independent learning.
7) Thorough, safe, and fun environment to learn

 

General Schedule (180 days)

 

8/12/2019         First day of class

1/6/2020           First day of second semester

5/22/2020        Last day of class

 

 

Parents’ Responsibilities

 

1) Have students in class daily on time
2) Provide time in afternoon or evening for older students to complete a subject or two if needed
3) Read daily with elementary students (in addition to their daily reading lessons here)
4) Provide a final transcript for your student from your own private school (We will help with this.)
5) Send snack and drink daily if desired and lunch for high school students on Wed.
6) Pay monthly tuition the first week of each month.
7) Pay for curriculum (consumables, book rentals, and lab fees) up to $300 per year per student.

To Enroll:

1) E-mail characterink@gmail.com with the following information

Student name
Birthdate
Grade level (in fall)
Parent’s names
Any allergies or medical conditions we should know about

2) We will have a phone conference or meet in person to confirm curriculum for year.

3) Will need $200 deposit to start purchasing curriculum (after conference).

4) First day of class — 8/12.

 

High School Schedule (8th-12th grade)

Monday – Attend group classes at First Assembly of God
Tuesday – 8:30-12:00 at Reish’s home
Wednesday 8:30-2:45 at Reish’s home
Th and Fri – homework at home or Reish’s home
Classes included: Bible / Character, Literature, Math, American History, Science, Language Arts, Economics

 

Middle School Schedule (4th -7th grade)

Monday – homework at home
Tues-Fri 8:30 – 12:00 at Reish’s home
Classes included: Bible / Character, Reading, Math, History, Science, Language Arts, Literature

Elementary (K – 3rd grade)

Monday and Wednesday – homework at home
Tues, Thurs, and Fri 12:15 – 2:45 at Reish’s home
Classes included: Bible / Character, Reading, Math, Phonics, Science / Social Studies units

 

Call (260) 450 – 7063 for more details or questions.

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Christmas in the Car {reprint} https://characterinkblog.com/christmas-in-the-car-reprint/ https://characterinkblog.com/christmas-in-the-car-reprint/#respond Wed, 19 Dec 2018 05:48:00 +0000 http://characterinkblog.com/christmas-in-the-car-reprint/   Tonight as we drove home from an extended family Christmas gathering, reading aloud and singing, I was reminded of an old article I wrote for our newsletter several years ago—Christmas in the Car. I will post it in its entirety below—gotta sneak in those family times any chance we get as our kids get […]

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Tonight as we drove home from an extended family Christmas gathering, reading aloud and singing, I was reminded of an old article I wrote for our newsletter several years ago—Christmas in the Car. I will post it in its entirety below—gotta sneak in those family times any chance we get as our kids get older!

From 2004:

If your children are growing up as fast as ours are, and if you travel distances to church, piano lessons, grandparents, etc. as we do, you might want to try some of our “Christmas in the Car” tips. Basically, every year I see the holiday time slipping away from us. The girls are taking college classes; off to Spanish or piano; teaching their own guitar, language arts, and piano students; working at their jobs; and more. Every time I think we’re going to have a sing-along/reading time tonight, someone announces that she has a Spanish test tomorrow and has to study all evening! Thus, our “Christmas in the Car” time was born.

We spend a great deal of time in the vehicle each week—driving to lessons, church, grandparents, etc.—all forty-five minutes away from us minimum. Being the efficiency expert that I am (of sorts!), I began utilizing this time in the vehicle to keep some of our holiday traditions alive. Try some of our “Christmas in the Car” ideas—and keep those traditions going strong:

*Sing carols as you drive.

*Listen to Christmas radio dramas (Focus on the Family has good ones), Uncle Dan and Aunt Sue Christmas stories, Christmas books on tape, Adventures in Oddysey Christmas stories, etc. as you are driving.

*Sing your way through the Christmas story. Start with “Mary, Did You Know?” and move on to “Oh, Little Town of Bethlehem,” then move onto anything having to do with the shepherds (“The First Noel,” “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” “Angels We Have Heard on High”). Next move into the birth/after the birth with “Silent Night,” “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “Away in a Manger,” and “We Three Kings.” Lastly, sing of the joy of his arrival: “Joy to the World” and “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.”

*Tell the Christmas story in one sentence increments as you go around the van, person-by-person. (This gets interesting with the little ones who might have them fleeing Herod’s wrath before Jesus is even born!)

*If a passenger can read without being sick, you might read your way through a favorite (pictureless) holiday book. We enjoy reading Cosmic Christmas by Max Lucado and The Birth by Gene Edwards. Everyone looks forward to reading another chapter the next time we get in the van.

*Likewise, we read “devotional” type books about Christmas while we drive. This year, we are enjoying short chapters in the book Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas (see review). We have also enjoyed Christmas Stories From the Heart, The Christmas Reader, and more in years past.

*Use the driving time to memorize the Christmas story from the book of Luke. (We like to assign one verse to each person and go from person to person.)

*We enjoy memorizing all the verses from a certain Christmas song each year. In years past, we have memorized “Away in a Manger,” “Twelve Days of Christmas,” and “We Three Kings.” We can still sing most of the verses today!

*Drive by Christmas lights on your evening travels.

*Go through a drive-through or walk-through nativity while driving by one.

*Deliver goodies to those in route.

*Play “20 Questions Christmas-Style” or “Name That Christmas Tune.”

*New game: A person picks three things about the Christmas story that are really true or just thought to be true (or embellished, such as the little drummer boy playing for Jesus), and the others try to guess which two things are really in the Bible and which one is not. This is eye-opening.

*Sing whatever Christmas song you are reminded of by the decorations you see—stars, snowmen, angels, etc.

*Make up your own humorous twelve days of Christmas song, with each person getting to add their own items to the list as you sing around the van.

*Play the ABC Christmas game—“What I love about Christmas is A for angel, B for baby, C for candy, etc.” Go around and each person starts with A and tries to remember what was previously said. (This is a spin-off of the “I went to Grandma’s and I took A for applesauce, B for blankets, etc.)

*My personal favorite: Have someone write your holiday cooking and shopping list and holiday menus down for you while you drive and dictate to them. (Be forewarned: No comments about the spelling or penmanship are allowed when the child is done writing for you!)

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Charlie Brown Christmas (reprint) https://characterinkblog.com/charlie-brown-christmas-reprint/ https://characterinkblog.com/charlie-brown-christmas-reprint/#comments Mon, 17 Dec 2018 21:30:00 +0000 http://characterinkblog.com/charlie-brown-christmas-reprint/   “Linus’ reading of the story of the Nativity was, quite simply, the dramatic highlight of the season.” Harriet Van Horne in the “New York World Telegram” December 1965 Every year our family enjoys reading about Christmas traditions and songs—how they began, what they mean, etc. One of my favorite readings is the story of […]

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“Linus’ reading of the story of the Nativity was, quite simply, the dramatic highlight of the season.” Harriet Van Horne in the “New York World Telegram” December 1965

Every year our family enjoys reading about Christmas traditions and songs—how they began, what they mean, etc. One of my favorite readings is the story of how “A Charlie Brown Christmas” came about—and continues to bless people today. Read my “story behind the Charlie Brown Christmas” below aloud to your family—then watch the movie (or at least check out the given links from youtube). Have fun!

On Thursday, December 9, 1965 (nearly fifty years ago!), “A Charlie Brown Christmas” made its debut on CBS on television screens all over the United States. Surprising the network executives, this darling Christmas story was an immediate hit. It seems that its creator, Charles Schulz, battled with the powers-that-be at the network concerning the show’s religious content (CBS thought it was too religious) and the kids’ voices (citing that they should be professional actors, not children). Additionally, they felt that Vince Guaraldi’s theme music was too modern for kids’ tastes. (The jazz soundtrack has, by the way, become a classic.)

Rumor has it that through the years it has been suggested that Linus’ reading of the Christmas story from Luke be taken out of the movie. However, forty-five years later, this classic still contains that powerful passage from Luke, those sweet child voices, and that catchy music*—and each year the true story of Jesus’ birth and the reason for the season—is proclaimed via the secular media.

 

 

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