Get Out of the House

Strengthen Your Family Through Biblical Homeschooling

Jewelry Making at the Metal Museum

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{This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, read my disclosure policy.}

Having a child with a birthday in the same month as Christmas means you have to be a bit creative when it comes to gift giving. Teens know what they want (I have to ask) and that makes it difficult to surprise them with that special gift. Lily did receive some “stuff” for Christmas and her birthday, but I also wanted to treat her to an experience. So, we headed to the National Ornamental Metal Museum in Memphis this past weekend, so she could experience a different type of jewelry making. Her gift was to take the “Make Your Own: Multiple Link Jewelry” class.

Metal Museum

The Metal Museum has been on our list of places to visit for a while. Being a writer, I consider myself a creative. I also enjoy sewing and taking pictures. I will admit those skills are a far cry from creating fine metalwork, but you never know what you can do or what you will enjoy until you try.

The “Make Your Own: Multiple Link Jewelry” taught us how to make wire links to create our own jewelry. No previous metalwork skills were required.

The class is one for anyone with no or some or much metalwork experience.

Instructor Lori Gipson (Metal Museum Education and Community Engagement Manager) shared a bit of history about the Metal Museum, which was quite interesting. After that, the linking and jewelry making began.

The class was extremely relaxed. Although we had a project to complete, there were no expectations (no pressure) to finish something.

We had the option of working with brass and/or copper. The use of either is more of a personal preference. Lily chose brass and I chose copper. Wire gauge options were 20, 18 and 16. The lower the gauge, the thicker the wire. Lily chose 20 gauge and I chose 18 gauge to use for making our own links.

Metal Museum

Lori made the class fun and easy to understand, walking us through the steps of link making. All the supplies we needed, wire (raw/bare) and pliers, were provided.

Before starting any project, you must have a vision. Putting it on paper enables you to see where you are going and also works as a template for the links you make.

Depending on your skill level, you may end up where you planned to go. Other times, you end up where the link you actually make takes you.

Although there is room for creativity in metalwork (especially during the actual design – shaping the metal), being committed to your original design enables you to finish what you envisioned.

WIth 16 gauge wire, Lily meticulously shaped a clasp using a round nose plier.

It was the perfect finish to her beautiful bracelet.

Lily and I both enjoyed an afternoon making links and jewelry at the Metal Museum. The museum offers classes every month as well as the weekend hands-on classes. Check out “Make Your Own: Recycled Assemblages”, which will be offered on Saturday, January 26, at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Metal Museum

We are looking forward to returning to the museum in the spring for two Homeschool Roster field trips. Along with a tour of the museum, grounds and a forging demonstration, we will have another opportunity to be creative with a hands-on bracelet making class. We would love for you to join us.

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©2019 Homeschool Roster. Article by Jennifer Smeltser. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the publisher http://www.homeschoolroster.com/.

2019 Homeschool Roster Field Trips Announced!

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I cannot tell you how excited I am that 2019 has arrived. With the New Year comes new field trips and Homeschool Roster has an exciting line up this year. We are going places with 45 field trips already on our schedule. Believe it or not, I have a few more that will be added at a later date. We are also excitingly getting ready for Homeschool Prom 2019! Check out where we are going.

UPDATE: We added Peter Pan The Musical, Lion King On Ice, TheTempest, Alice in Wonderland, A Musical, Secret Garden, Snow White and Teen & High School Field Trips – Grease: School Version and High School Musical.

Do you want to join us? Join the Homeschool Roster – Get Out of the House group and sign up for the newsletter, so you do not miss out.

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©2018 Homeschool Roster. Article by Jennifer Smeltser. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the publisher http://www.homeschoolroster.com/.

Can You Believe It!? – Songs of Truth {review and giveaway}

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As a Christian parent, some of the desires of your heart are to introduce your child to Jesus Christ, the Word of God and the beauty of fellowship with His people. Although the Bible is always the best tool to use to accomplish those goals, having additional resources that appeal to your child can help with the experience. Can You Believe It!? – Songs of Truth is the latest DVD and seventh album from Hillsong Kids that incorporates song and delightful videos that children will enjoy while growing in their faith.

Can You Believe It!? – Songs of Truth . . .

“both a question and a challenge… a statement of gratitude to a loving God and an invitation to explore the very foundations of faith.”

Hillsong Church is a contemporary church in Sydney, Australia that was founded by Brian and Bobbie Houston. The first introduction to the church, for many in America, was through its music ministry, Hillsong United. Some memorable songs include “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” and “What a Beautiful Name”. Both are included on Can You Believe It!?. The church’s ministry has extended its reach through Hillsong Kids with worship curriculum and more to assist parents, and church pastors and leaders with teaching children about the gospel.

Using a variety of songs and engaging videos, children will find themselves singing and dancing to the songs, and laughing at the corny jokes told by Funny Man Dan. Although the presentation is fun and at times silly, the content remains focused and directs children to “God’s love and grace for them.”

Along with some classic songs, you will hear a number of new and original ones like “As The World Shakes” and “Heaven Is Our Home”. We especially liked “We Came To Meet With You”, which is also Funny Man Dan’s favorite song.

Another special treat for both children and adults are the in studio interviews where you get to meet some of the worship leaders who minister through song on the Live In The Studio segments. The interviews are short enough to keep the interest of younger children. They are also ones teenagers and adults will enjoy, because you get to learn more about the meaning behind the songs and the people singing them.

If you are looking for a DVD everyone in your family may enjoy or a nice stocking stuffer for the Christmas holiday, Can You Believe It!? is a great option to fill both.

Can You Believe It!? – Songs of Truth has just been released and you may purchase your DVD now or even better, register to win a copy of the DVD. The only thing you have to do is tell me you want to win. There are also two other options to earn extra entries. Register now!


Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from Propeller/FlyBy Promotions (our sponsor) in the last 30 days or the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

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©2018 Homeschool Roster. Article by Jennifer Smeltser. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the publisher http://www.homeschoolroster.com/.

Express Yourself Through The Color of Music Art Contest

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When listening to music, several pictures may come to mind depending upon the tune, the instruments used in the music and the personal experiences of the listener. The interpretation of a piece of music is not the same from one person to another. Through the annual The Color of Music art contest, students are able to express themselves using artwork as their voice to share their interpretation of a piece of music.

The Color of Music is presented by the Jackson Symphony League for students in kindergarten through the eighth grade. It is in its twenty-second year with the goals of:

• Providing an opportunity for listening to and visually interpreting classical music.
• Increasing awareness of The Jackson Symphony and familiarize students with repertoires presented by The Jackson Symphony.
• Encouraging a lifelong appreciation of symphonic music by young people.

See 2017-2018 homeschool winners.

See 2016-2017 homeschool winners.

Each year, students across West Tennessee have shared their artistic talent and creativity producing beautiful artwork that has brought to life the number of music selections chosen over the years for the contest. The music selections for this year are “Carmen-Habanera”, by George Bizet and “La Traviata – Brindisi” by Giuseppe Verdi. Students are to listen to the music and choose one piece to interpret through art.

One of the nice things about this competition is you do not have to be an artist to participate. The student is challenged to share his interpretation, which alone is art.

There are a number of categories for which students will be recognized with prizes including cash, T-shirts, art supplies and symphony tickets. Student winners will be presented at an awards ceremony that will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2019 at the Carl Perkins Civic Center. Finalist entries will be on display at the center in the lobby. The winning pieces of The Jackson Symphony League Bravo Award; the Conductor Awards; Blue Ribbon and Honorable Mention Awards will be displayed at another TBD location in Jackson. All prize-winning artwork will also be available online for viewing.

If your homeschool student would like to participate, please contact Jennifer Smeltser to receive the contest packet. All art submissions must be submitted to Jennifer Smeltser by Friday, January 25, 2019. Read the rules, so you may learn how your student may participate. The contest is open to students in Madison County and its surrounding counties (i.e.: Carroll, Chester, Crockett, Gibson, Hardeman, Haywood, Madison, McNairy and Weakley) only.

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©2018 Homeschool Roster. Article by Jennifer Smeltser. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the publisher http://www.homeschoolroster.com/.

Holy Roar by Chris Tomlin {review and giveaway}

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It has been two years since Chris Tomlin last released a CD and now he is back on the scene with Holy Roar.

Chris Tomlin has been writing music since the age of 14. He honed his skill on the guitar while listening to Willie Nelson songs. That early beginning was the start of a career that has spanned more than 20 years. Today, Tomlin is not only known as an accomplished guitar player and vocalist, but also a talented songwriter and worship leader. Along with selling “more than eight million albums and 11.3 million digital tracks with 16 #1 singles”, Tomlin has received several music awards that include an “American Music Award, three Billboard Music Awards, 21 Dove Awards, a BMI Songwriter of the Year Award and more“. He is also one of only four artists ever to receive the Sound Exchange Digital Radio Award for over one billion digital radio streams; the other three artists being Garth Brooks, Pitbull and Justin Timberlake. That may give you an idea of how his music has managed to not only touch people in the Christian community, but also has crossed into the mainstream sector.

Holy Roar is described as:

the freedom, the experience, the wonder of worship. It is seeing the church come together, hands lifted to God, pouring out our praise with an eternal song in our hearts. It’s every voice together, changing the way we worship.

The CD contains 12 tracks that stay true to what we always expect from Tomlin, which is music that causes us to raise our arms in worship to the Lord:

1. “Holy Roar”
2. “Nobody Loves Me Like You”
3. “Resurrection Power”
4. “Goodness, Love And Mercy”
5. “Satisfied”
6. “Impact”
7. “Praise Him Forever”
8. “Is He Worthy”
9. “Forever Young”
10. “I Stand in Awe”
11. “Praise Is The Highway”
12. “How Sweet It Is”

Some of the songs from Holy Roar that I really like are:

“Resurrection Power” and “Impact” are both songs you have probably heard played on the radio. They are great worship songs about the power of God.

I love the beat on “Satisfied”. This song will have worshippers bopping their head a bit while singing. Can we do that in church? Certainly!

“Is He Worthy?” and “I Stand in Awe” are characteristic Tomlin songs. These are the type of Tomlin songs that cause you to stand still right where you are, with your arms raised in private and personal prayer with God. This is happening all while you are in the midst of others doing the same (in church) or at home alone. “I Stand in Awe” and “How Sweet It Is” both touch my heart like Tomlin’s song “Good Good Father”.

The Holy Roar CD has songs you will enjoy listening to and singing along with, while driving in your car, as you are doing work around your home, and delight in hearing at your church during worship service.

Tomlin is all about bringing others together to worship and Holy Roar continues his ministry with praise and worship.

If you are a fan of Chris Tomlin, you may catch him in concert.

Holy Roar has just been released and you may purchase your CD now or even better, register to win a copy of the CD.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from Propeller/FlyBy Promotions (our sponsor) in the last 30 days or the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

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©2018 Homeschool Roster. Article by Jennifer Smeltser. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the publisher http://www.homeschoolroster.com/.

MACN College Fair Returns to Memphis

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MACN college fair

Once again the Memphis Area College Night (MACN) college fair returns to the West Tennessee area. If you have a high school student, this is an event they should attend. The MACN college fair has been held annually in Memphis for several years. It has given college – bound students an opportunity to connect with representatives from noted colleges and universities from across the country all in one place.

The free college fair is open to high school students only and their parents. September is a major month for students beginning the application process for post-secondary education. The MCAN can give seniors a last minute look at some schools to consider. There are more than 100 colleges and universities with representatives scheduled to attend the event to speak to potential students. Schools from California to Missouri to Connecticut will be represented. Several schools from Tennessee – for those parents who may want to keep their children close to home – will also be onsite.

Although the event is geared towards students who already plan to attend college, you should also encourage your high school student, who does not have college on their mind, to attend. Having the opportunity to see what options are available to that child may cause them to reconsider their path after high school graduation. Because plans change, students should take advantage of as many opportunities that are now open to them.

The MACN is only two hours long, which is not a lot of time to visit with all of the schools. Students should review the vendor list to see which vendors they want to visit. Coming prepared with questions for the representatives will enable students to make thoughtful decisions regarding schools they are considering attending after high school.

The MACN will be held on Monday, September 17, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Agricenter International {7777 Walnut Grove, Memphis, 38120}. There is no need to register to attend. Call (901) 569-3427 or e-mail MACN for more information.

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©2018 Homeschool Roster. Article by Jennifer Smeltser. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the publisher http://www.homeschoolroster.com/.

Homeschool Day at Union University

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Homeschool Day at the U

I had never heard of Union University (UU) until I moved to West Tennessee. Once here, it still just remained, to me, one of the many schools in Tennessee for higher education. As we became more involved in the homeschool community, Union University often came up as the college where many of those students pursued their education after high school. On Friday, September 14, Union University is holding Homeschool Day at the U to share why it is one of the top choices of universities by homeschool students.

“We really wanted to do this because we felt like homeschoolers don’t really understand the huge opportunity Union provides students who want a top-ranked education in a safe, Christian environment,” said Greg Shawgo, who is a Union University Undergraduate Admissions Enrollment Counselor.

Just a few facts about Union University, which was founded in 1823:

  • The Student body is less than 3,500 students.
  • There are more than 100 programs of study.
  • The ratio of student to faculty is 10:1.
  • One hundred percent of the incoming freshman are financial aid recipients.

Another fact to consider is more than 80 percent of the faculty has earned the highest degree that is possible in their field.

Homeschool Day at the U is a full campus, all-day experience for high school, homeschooled students and their families. Everything will be provided and is free including the meals (ex: breakfast, lunch, etc.) for all families attending with their high school aged student.

“Everything being done is being organized with the homeschooler in mind,” said Shawgo. “The panel is comprised of homeschool students and faculty with extra faculty/staff being used in areas that seem to be important to the typical homeschool family.”

Students and their parents will also learn about the honors program, resident life and attend a chapel service, which is required by all enrolled UU students.

Enrollment counselors will also be available to answer questions about the various academic programs, admissions process and financial aid opportunities.

“Union is a school that is very friendly to the admissions process for homeschoolers. There aren’t any extra steps families have to jump through,” said Shawgo. “We have the same admissions requirement for a homeschooler and a public school student.”

Homeschool Day at the U Schedule

9 a.m. – Check-in and welcome in Grant Events Center
10 a.m. – Chapel
11 a.m. – Parent and student panel
12 p.m. – Lunch for the family and enrollment session
1 p.m. – Department visit
2 p.m. – Campus tour
3:15 p.m. – Wrap-up

Register for Homeschool Day at the U. If you are not able to attend the event, there are other opportunities for you to visit the UU campus.

“We are excited to welcome the homeschool community to the Union campus, as they continue to be an integral part of campus life at Union University,” said Shawgo.

If you have any questions, call (800) 33 UNION (86766) for more information.

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©2018 Homeschool Roster. Article by Jennifer Smeltser. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the publisher http://www.homeschoolroster.com/.

August 1 is a Magical Day

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There is something to be said about a new beginning. It is a new beginning! It is a chance to start from the beginning and do it better than you did it before. Of course there will be failures, but there will also be successes. That is pretty much how your homeschool year is going to happen. So realize it, stay encouraged even when you feel like you are drowning and push through. August 1 is a new beginning with many exciting opportunities happening for homeschoolers.

Homeschool Roster
I have been planning all summer long filling the Homeschool Roster calendar with educational and fun field trips. Today is our first official day of the season and our first event is tomorrow for the annual Back-to-Homeschool Splash. After that, we continue the season with some new and some family favorite field trips that I hope all of you enjoy. Homeschool Roster is a free online resource for homeschool families. Although our focus is West Tennessee, we also share homeschool news and events that are of interest to all homeschoolers.

Public School Sports
If your child plans to play sports at your local public school, the letter of intent to homeschool is due today. Be sure to hand deliver it to the school board office. The next step is to ensure you notify the school principal and coach of the team for which your child would like to play. A try out does not guarantee your child will be accepted onto the team, but they do have the right to try out, even as a homeschooler. If you are with an umbrella school, you may also maintain that coverage.

TN Promise
The Tennessee Promise application opens today. What is that you ask? Well, if you have a graduating high school senior, they may apply for the Tennessee Promise scholarship, which provides seniors two years of free tuition at Tennessee community colleges and technical colleges. Over the two years, students may earn an associate’s degree and, if desired, continue to a four-year institution to further their education. If your senior is graduating this school year, be sure they apply for the TN Promise. Even if they have already decided they will not attend a TN Promise technical school or college, they may change their minds. Believe me, it happens too often and the scholarship opportunity is no longer available to them. With the TN Promise, you do not have to use it, but once the deadline has passed to apply, there is no second chance. Students have only one opportunity to apply for this scholarship, which is during their graduating senior year. The application closes on Thursday, November 1, and they ain’t playin’!

FAFSA
Does your child need money for college? Check out FAFSA! The FAFSA application is now open. If you have a child who will be entering college next fall or one who will be returning, be sure to get that FAFSA application completed. The financial aid is granted on a first-come, first-serve basis, so get started on completing those applications and do not wait until the last minute.

Back-to-Homeschool and Registration
For many homeschool families, today is the first day of school. Also, if you have not already registered to homeschool with your local school board or an umbrella school, submit that application. If going the school board route, you must register with your local school board by the first day of school in your area. If going the umbrella school route, you may register after August 1, but fees usually increase on or after that date.

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©2018 Homeschool Roster. Article by Jennifer Smeltser. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the publisher http://www.homeschoolroster.com/.

Free Bowling and Skating Fun for Kids

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kids bowl and skate freeSummer is not far away and it is already time to start thinking about activities for our children to do. For many children, summer signifies sleeping in and spending the remaining waking hours on electronics playing video games, watching television, texting and anything else that can be done while in a reclined position. If figuring out ways to keep your children physically active during the summer months is challenging, I have got some ideas for you and both are free.

Kids Bowl Free and Kids Skate Free are two individual summer programs that provide an opportunity for children to get up, get out, exercise and have some fun. Children registered in the bowling program receive two free games per day at the participating center. The skating program allows participants to skate free during specified hours using issued program passes.

Both bowling and skating can be enjoyed by children of all skill levels from the first-time player or skater to the more skilled in either sport. Participation in one or both programs will provide regular exercise, help your child burn calories and give them an alternative to being sedentary during summer vacation.

There are several locations throughout the United States participating in both programs with centers and rinks across the country. You must register with the locations you want to use. Below is a list of participating bowling centers and skating rinks in Tennessee. Check the participating location to learn the days your child may bowl and skate for free, as well as the age of child that may participate in the programs. Most centers only cater to young children. A skate or bowling shoe rental fee may apply.

Tennessee Bowling Centers

{Participating TN bowling centers.}

Cities: Bartlett, Chattanooga, Clarksville, Collierville, Columbia, Cookeville, Cordova, Crossville, Dickson, Greeneville, Harrogate, Hendersonville, Hermitage, Hixson, Johnson City, Knoxville, Lewisburg, Memphis, Murfreesboro, Nashville, Oak Ridge, Savannah, Smyrna and Tullahoma.

Can’t Find a Bowling Center in Your Area?

If you do not see a center in your area, learn how you may change that.

Tennessee Skating Centers

{Participating TN skating centers.}

Cities: Clarksville, Cordova, Jackson, Memphis, Murfreesboro and Union City.

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©2018 Homeschool Roster. Article by Jennifer Smeltser. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the publisher http://www.homeschoolroster.com/.

Yes! Homeschoolers Do Prom

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homeschool prom

I am not certain when the rumor started that birthed the myth: homeschoolers lack social skills and opportunities. Our view last week looked a little like this – of course, there was school, but there was also theatre practice, serving as a home tour docent at a cemetery (of all places), soccer games, a field trip and we finished the week with the 2018 Hardeman County Homeschool (HCH) Prom: A Night Under the Stars.

UPDATE 2019: Join us for Homeschool Prom 2019! – “Once Upon a Time”

It is weeks, just like the last one that make me laugh when I hear someone’s concern about my children missing out on opportunities, because I have chosen to homeschool them. So far, we have not missed out on much. Because of our free time flexible schedule, homeschooling has opened a number of doors to us. Along with opportunities, my children have made some great friends.

homeschool prom

These girls, along with other homeschool friends, enjoyed a night out together at the 2018 HCH Prom that was held at The Franklin Courtyard in Mississippi this past weekend. Homeschoolers came from all over to attend the homeschool prom. I will tell you this much, homeschoolers know how to party (good and clean) and have some fun.

Their friendship was formed on the volleyball court playing for the West Tennessee Homeschool Sports and Activities (WTHSA) organization. Just a note that there are a number of homeschool organizations in West Tennessee that provide opportunities – music, speech and debate, athletics, art, field trips, dance, science fairs, gymnastics – for homeschoolers. You name it, homeschoolers have got it . . . and, yes, prom.

homeschool prom

I can honestly say these girls and their other teammates immediately bonded. I know that may sound weird, but it is actually quite normal; we’re homeschoolers. We can be serious, but can also get a little bit silly sometimes.

homeschool prom

How is that for socialization?

homeschool prom

I would say, as homeschoolers, my children are not lacking in opportunities. The real challenge is me learning how to say, “no,” because we just cannot do everything.

homeschool prom
How many of you can relate to that?

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©2018 Homeschool Roster. Article by Jennifer Smeltser. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the publisher http://www.homeschoolroster.com/.

Join Us for Field Trips and Fun

DO YOU HAVE A HIGHSCHOOLER?