By Finish Well Team
4.8
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The podcast currently has 213 episodes available.
In “Projects Instead of Tests,” Episode, #217, join Meredith Curtis to consider projects instead of tests for K-12 learning. Meredith shares the problems with test-taking and the benefits of hands-on projects. She gives practical examples of immersive learning that works from the beginning to high school graduation. Lots of practical ideas!
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Chemistry background for Human Anatomy – the big surprise! A-plus Chemistry students remembered nothing the next year in Human Anatomy where I needed them to know it!
Test takers – good and bad
Tests – short term memory
Purpose of learning
I recommend a little bit of test taking until high school when you can add a little more.
Example: Spelling & Math
Projects are hands-on learning experiences
Projects Immerse students in a topic of study.
Projects Require Research into the topic of study.
Projects are Fun!
Grade projects based on Content, Accuracy, Creativity, and Legibility. Require excellence. I love using rubrics to grade.
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In “Make America Literate Again,” Episode, #216, Meredith Curtis will inspire and equip you to take part in a movement to get children and teens reading quality literature again so that as teens and adults they can read great works. I know there are some out there already on board (parents and teens) – please spread the news and get more folks reading! For those who aren’t on board yet – please listen to my compelling reasons for reading quality literature, timeless classics, and great works that have changed history.
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My favorite President Ronald Reagan coined the phrase “Make America Great Again.” We needed it. We were demoralized with Watergate, POWs still held by Vietnam, hostages held by Iran, and a failing economy. President Reagan injected hope and passed laws to improve the life of everyday Americas. It was morning in America again in the early 1980s.
President Trump loved the phrase “Make America Great Again” and uses it in his campaign. Robert F Kennedy, Jr. who just endorsed Trump and will work with him if elected, has adapted the slogan “Make America Healthy Again.”
Inspired by these three men, I want to make a slogan, too: Make America Literate Again.
Leaders are Readers. The quality of what they read
Founding Fathers – Cicero, Adam Smith, John Locke, Samuel Rutherford,
Freedom is maintained by Readers & Hedonism leads to Totalitarianism
We can read ABOUT great works or read those great works THEMSELVES.
The Process with Explanations on Podcast
Brainwashing doesn’t work.
They know who the “experts” really are
They Value FREEDOM.
They discuss ideas not just people and events
At Powerline Productions, we love books! We included book lists everywhere – in cookbooks, timelines, history curriculum, geography curriculum, unit studies, and, of course, English courses.
Grab our FREE Reading Lists.
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In “Reimagine High School Government,” Episode, #215, join Meredith Curtis for an inspiring look at ways to make government fascinating to learn (if you are a teen) and motivating for your teens (if you are a parent). Making government interesting and fun was the challenge before Meredith and this is what she did! From hosting a state dinner to campaigning for a candidate to discussing current events, she learned that a government course CAN be appealing and exciting!
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Teens usually take a government class in high school that they universally call “boring”. Is it any wonder that so few Americans have read the Constitution much less remember what it says?
I have found some fun ways to engage teens to want to understand government over the years. Here are some ideas you can add to your government course to bring it alive.
Years ago, we joined John McCain’s campaign for President. We made phone calls at headquarters, passed out flyers, and held signs on election day. If that won’t work for your family or homeschool co-op, make political buttons & posters & commercials.
We hosted a State Dinner in our homeschool co-op, inviting the Prime Minister of Israel, his wife, and some of his officials to join us. We all took roles, planned a menu with American & Israeli food, and planned welcoming events.
If you’re talking about what a mayor does, show them a picture of the mayor or better yet, take a field trip to meet the mayor. Learning about the judicial system? Sit in on a court case.
We have really enjoyed videos from Prager U, Dave Barton, and Drive Thru History: America. Many of Prager U’s videos are free to watch on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/@PragerU
There are some amazing books related to government that teens love!
And for serious advanced readers
Read articles, blog posts, or listen to News podcasts and bring one current event to talk about. Then pray for those things. Another great thing to do is to read about the same event in several different news sources and compare the information given and the information withheld.
Understanding government helps students understand history! I learned this teaching 20 Century World History Online (High School Course at True North Homeschool Academy).
There is a process in Congress for a bill to become a law. Walk through that process by crafting your own bill.
Teens love to learn about the military, spy agencies, and law enforcement. Again, make it personal by introducing some individuals and their stories.
All Authority comes from God and He delegates authority to individuals (autonomy, personal responsibility) families (raising & educating children), church (making disciples, caring for the poor & needy), and government (sovereign nations, defense & protection).
Explore American exceptionalism, forms of government, the roots of freedom, our Constitution, elections, politics, military, manners (self-government), citizenship, and personal freedom in Government: God’s Blueprint/Man’s Agenda. Discover what God values in leaders and how He works in us to grow as leaders, as well as different philosophies of government and what they look like. In this one-credit high school course, you will read living books, narrate conversational text, keep up with current events, watch videos, and discover that government class isn’t boring after all!
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In “Your Prayers Can Shape History,” Episode, #214, join Meredith Curtis for an inspiring look at how God used intercessors during World War II to shape history and turn the tide. We face incredible challenges in our homes and nation today. Should we give up? No! Let the true stories of miraculous answers to prayer encourage you to always pray and never give up! God bless you and God bless America!
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I talk to so many people who are facing challenges in their families and who are so sad to see the direction in which the USA is going. In Luke 18, Jesus tells His disciples a parable so that they would always pray and never give up! He goes on to tell the familiar story of the persistent widow and the judge.
I want to encourage you with some challenging times in history (World War II) where some people chose to pray with all their hearts – and God turned the tide!
Corrie’s grandfather starts a prayer meeting.
Prayers behind the Miracles at Dunkirk
Prayer & Miraculous Answers during the Battle of Britain.
The Bible college & a soldier pray and God answer!
What challenges do you face? Do you need a miracle? That’s the best time to pray!
Right now, we face so many challenges. Many Americans are struggling to pay their bills due to inflation. There is corruption in our government. People are rejecting the Constitution and the Bible at the same time. Evil is called good and good is called evil. Our border is wide open with fentanyl, criminals, and sex traffickers crossing our borders. Is there any hope for America?
God is still a God who answers prayer! Our prayers can shape history!
20 Century World History Online (High School Course at True North Homeschool Academy)
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20 Century World History Online (High School Course at True North Homeschool Academy)
Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!
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In “US Geography Virtual Field Trips,” Episode, #213, join Meredith Curtis for a hack that bring US geography to life: virtual field trips. Meredith shares the kinds of field trips she takes her students on during the online US geography course she teaches. With general field trip ideas and a link to a sample of each kind of video, US geography will never be the same in your homeschool adventure.
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When I wrote my US geography textbook and workbook collection, I was determined to keep the theme of travel throughout. Then I taught US geography online at True North Homeschool Academy. How would I do that?
The answer: virtual field trips!
Painted Desert
https://youtu.be/x_hJbNAf8s4?si=pL967IQba2glCJ3a
Texas 4K Video UHD
https://youtu.be/M-CxFhqbApk?si=4bM603aVLY5SIHEw
Sebastian Island Florida – Sebastian Inlet Aerial View
https://youtu.be/yAQUfKtpA3I?si=tRY24YFR-ZwLMDep
Alaska USA – by drone (4K)
https://youtu.be/PRSkjM_N3Fg?si=1BqAa15eX1nfTuGF
Charleston, South Carolina / 4K Drone Footage
https://youtu.be/E0fffg9_cXw?si=wtFDfX-ezLVGmcYk
Trail Camera Setup and Pickup: Hidden Mountain Pool (Arizona Wildlife) – AZ
https://youtu.be/krdtwZbL-Os?si=3YDvZb-VV1rrvYfM
Wildlife at a Sonoran desert water hole – AZ
https://youtu.be/RtsSKMPzgIM?si=NU0PvMpKalN7gyFF
Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel – US 13 Eastern Shore Virginia – Time Lapse
https://youtu.be/IF8pDwPafxo?si=itBJ3IInt3UJu-mE
GoPro: Kayaking the Tennessee Rapids with Nick Troutman
https://youtu.be/ghzDZfRnrp4?si=0VI2VFxt911e3qmd
Slow Ride : Life and Times Along the South Carolina Intracoastal Waterway
https://youtu.be/sVeYT3EbKjY?si=F94xInwYyuyXXTIg
Mike Rowe looks at different jobs across America!
The BEST Things to Do in CODY, Wyoming: A WILD WEST Adventure! – WY
https://youtu.be/T86VFuxW8mw?si=LaGEt0jHrYE49aGq
10 Best Places to See in Michigan
https://youtu.be/eoeVn3Ja4rg?si=TRPAdAVybxGLmvtq
Tide Pools Sebastian Inlet State Park & Vero Beach Ghost Crabs
https://youtu.be/Dv1OCfHD7_k?si=ROUA1_EFkgQsFeyZ
10 Things We WISH We Knew BEFORE Moving To AMERICAN SAMOA
https://youtu.be/MudQP_aW-2g?si=_OXY3PI0U3GHFcAf
Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor (New York)
https://youtu.be/Ly4PxyeTs9o?si=_ZN1sl2Zh0i_co5j
Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore
(937) Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore – YouTube
Dover Air Force Base
https://youtu.be/6CbeDVtKYcg?si=mWtGAAeaDTrP17BX
Naval Base Kitsap Overview
https://youtu.be/h5PHiKWQAYM?si=oRKODNeNQiM-of6K
Why It’s Hard Eating Healthy in the South
https://youtu.be/CHl9yXeJSBg?si=b_abVpRQnHrEPH26
Ma’am in Not an Insult
https://youtu.be/X4o1WuZjelg?si=T3wuyq7mvzvrf8oF
Signs You Were Born In The Midwest
https://youtu.be/VC_p1DzgN0U?si=a7hthUhM9co14orz
LA vs NY / Jimmy Kimmel Live
https://youtu.be/ekOPaKqPKsU?si=VcrYU92Bizmk-pwR
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In “Reading Adds Joy to Life,” Episode, #212, join Meredith Curtis for inspiration for parents and teens to read books for pure enjoyment! Reading excellent literature for fun works out your brain, stretches your vocabulary, increases your attention span, cultivates compassion, and builds character. Plus when you read for fun, you release endorphins and add joy to life!
Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!
Reading for fun is enriching and education.
Flex your brain muscles – improve comphrehension, build thinking & logic skills
Classical literature and well-written works will expose you to a richer vicoabulary. Older books have more description, conversation, and character development.
Opening a book takes us away from short blogs, short movie scenes, and shorter commercials. Trains our brain to focus.
Times change but human problems remain the same. Choosing books with good role models can impact you. He who walks with the wise grows wise.
Everyone loves a good story! Everyone loves an intellectual challenge like a mystery. Or a lovely romance. Or a grand adventure.
Check our reading lists for every age imaginable: https://www.powerlineprod.com/homeschooling/reading-lists/
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In “Career Choices & Decisions,” Episode, #211, join Meredith Curtis on a challenging adventure to make career decisions or guide teens through the process. Some teens know what career path they want to choose early on but most teens graduate from high school not sure what they want to do with the rest of their lives. And that is okay. Exploring career options will help you narrow down your focus. There are specific ways to explore career options and cultivate general work world skills.
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Let’s talk about careers.
Balance between following your dream & earning a living – choose career!
God has a unique call on your life.
Teens are wired for Passion! If they don’t find it serving God, they will look elsewhere
Career Exploration is part of my Economics, Finances, and Business course, a one-credit high school class. Purchase Economics, Finances, & Business in print at Amazon. Purchase the E-book at PowerlineProd.
Economics, Finances, and Business covers everything your teen ever wanted to know about economics, managing household finances, career, college, buying a car, renting an apartment, making a will, and starting a home business.
Soft Skills
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In “Family Road Trips Exploring Early US History,” Episode, #210, Meredith Curtis talks to teens and parents about the benefits of travel to explore Early American History. Meredith takes you to early settlements, colonial towns, the Museum of the Bible, American Revolution sites, Presidential Homes, living museums, and federal buildings.
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We have a beautiful heritage of freedom in the USA. It’s fun to jump in the family van and explore our early history on site! Taking our children to visit amazing places across this beautiful nation of ours can help inspire a love of freedom.
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In “Celebrate 5 Moms Who Changed the World,” Episode, #209, Meredith Curtis invites you to meet 5 amazing women who changed the world! A Jewish momma, a pastor’s wife, a Victorian mother, the mother of a President, and a modern woman have or are all changing the world. Each faced or face challenges, yet each woman perseveres. Be inspired and encouraged by the lives of these women!
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The hand that rock the cradle rules the world. Meet five women who changed the world!
A young Jewish wife and mother who had only a few years to impart her faith in her son who would grow up to be the deliverer Moses.
After giving birth to 19 children, 10 made it infancy. Two of her sons led a revival in England, one writing over 1,000 hymns. Susannah was purposeful in raising her children for the glory of God.
When Thomas exasperated his teachers, they labeled him “dumb” and “lazy” so Mary kept him home and taught him herself.
Nelle’s alcoholic husband made life difficult for Nelle and her two sons. But her faith in God and heart to serve others gave a future President a good foundation.
In choosing to homeschool, you are changing the world – here’s why!
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In “Teen Life Skill: Plan a Road Trip!,” Episode, #208, Meredith Curtis talks to teens and parents about the benefits of teens planning the next family road trip! She gives the practicals of what to plan and how to budget for a trip. Teens can pack their suitcase, pack the car, and map out the trip. Oh, and don’t forget the itinerary!
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Most homeschool families hit the road in the spring or summer for that wonderful family vacation! Hey Teens, why not plan the next family road trip (with some input and help financially, of course). It’s super-fun and you should get homeschool credit for it!
What does your family love? Sports, beach, mountains, museums, theme parks, boating, hiking?
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The podcast currently has 213 episodes available.