7 Sister's High School Level Online PE for Homeschool Kids Curriculum is a full semester, 1/2 credit high school course. It includes all that is needed to satisfy high school graduation requirements. Since it's online, it can be completed at your own pace
My son doesn't enjoy exercising. So, I chose this class to get him more motivated and to give him the opportunity to practice his planning and recordkeeping skills. I also chose this curriculum because it is led by a 10-year exercise veteran and I felt hopeful this would help. And I'm happy to say that:
This is a big deal if you know my son because he still has a long way to go. However, he is now doing push ups and sit ups on his own and is more conscious of his need to be more active. He also did his best to keep track of what he completed, and I see big improvements in this area as well.
The following is included in this well-written curriculum.
Suggested syllabus for the year (or semester).
Reading assignments which include explanations of different types of exercises.
Questions to help reinforce learning (fill-in-the blank, multiple choice, true/false, and some short answer).
Videos showing how to do the exercises.
Diagrams showing the muscles mentioned in the videos. You could use these to help teach anatomy!
Paperwork for keeping track. Great for teaching recordkeeping.
There are a total of four different workouts each to be completed in four weeks for a total of 16 weeks.
Nice recordkeeping logs that can be printed or your student can type in the answers using fill and sign in Adobe reader.
The curriculum is taught by Luke Josiah Samuel Hayes (video instructor). Samuel has numerous certifications including NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine), and over 10 years of experience as a fitness instructor, personal trainer, and fitness manager.
The exercise routines were above Nathan's fitness level. However, the goals set out are something any beginner could eventually reach. This is why I plan to teach this course again next year.
I'm happy to have this online PE for Homeschool Kids curriculum to use again and again if needed.
As a certified Group Fitness Instructor, I recommend this course as an online PE for homeschool kids option. Kids who are resistant to exercise and kids who are not will both benefit from the instruction. Either way, something important will be learned and PE requirements will be met for High School Graduation.
Check out 7 Sisters Homeschool Foundations for Physical Fitness by clicking here.
There are so many awesome reasons for eating more vegetables, I hardly know where to start! And there are a great many healthy vegetables to choose from. Everyone should be able to find some they like. Below are 6 reasons you need more vegetables in your diet.
I do know that I like to be reminded of the nutritional benefits of consuming more vegetables, because I find that when I am reminded, I'm inclined to eat more of them! So, for starters we're going to look at 6 reasons you need more vegetables in your diet.
One of the reasons why variety in your diet is so important is because every unique food has something special to add. This is especially true of vegetables. In fact, I believe that's one of the main reasons God created so many different kinds of vegetables.
6 reasons you need more vegetables
Low in calories – eating more vegetables will fill you up without the overload of calories and will help with weight control
Small amounts of good carbohydrates and high in Fiber
The exception to “low carbs” being starchy vegetables (potatoes, corn, winter squash)
However, all carbohydrates in vegetables are GOOD carbohydrates, so potatoes are not a BAD vegetable. And potatoes and other starchy vegetables are excellent sources of fiber when you eat the skin.
Vegetables are low in fat.
Avocados are an exception; however, avocados are excellent sources of monounsaturated fats which are good fats.
Naturally low in sodium when fresh (or canned with no salt added)
Rich in vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, B6, potassium, manganese
Now that we've discussed 6 reasons you need more vegetables in your diet, lets discuss 6 different vegetables and how their individuality can enhance your health when you eat more of them.
The wonderful thing about tomatoes is that they are available year-round, plus they are so versatile, you can sneak these vegetables into almost any diet, no matter how “vegetable hating” the individual is.
Tomatoes have a low glycemic index, are low in sodium (fresh, no salt added canned), are low in calories, and low in fat. Tomatoes are also high in fiber.
For example, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, which is about 8-10 tomatoes, only has about 27 calories, less than half a gram of fat, only 7.5 mg sodium, 5.8 grams carbs, with 1.9 of the carbohydrates being fiber.
High in Vitamins
The same serving size of tomatoes is packed with vitamins and minerals, as the list below shows.
Vitamin A (1241 IU – 25% US RDA)
Folate (6% US RDA)
B6 – (6% US RDA)
Vitamin C (18.9 mg 32% US RDA)
Vitamin K (11.8 mcg 15% US RDA)
High in Minerals
Potassium (353 mg 10% of US RDA)
Manganese (8% of RDA)
Choline (No established RDA, but significant to persons with Diabetes)
See Below for delicious recipe that contains tomatoes.
Bell Pepper
Low in Calories, (15 calories in one small pepper), fat, sodium (similar to tomatoes), and carbs, 6.9 carbs, 2.5 fiber
One of the best sources of Vitamin C of any vegetable. One small bell pepper will provide you with 100% of your needs for the day.
Also, a significant source of vitamin B6. This is important because vitamin B6 is low in many diets. This is because of high intake of enriched breads and cereals, which have been stripped of the outer bran and endosperm.
Bell peppers are not as good a source of potassium as other vegetables, but they do have potassium. And, it all adds up, right?
Broccoli
Low in calories, sodium, fat, and carbohydrates. For example:
“Beets are highly nutritious and “cardiovascular health” friendly root vegetables. Certain unique pigment antioxidants in this root and its top greens have been found to offer protection against coronary artery disease and stroke. These antioxidants also lower cholesterol levels within the body and have anti-aging effects.”
Carrots
Like most other vegetables, carrots are low in calories, fat, carbohydrates, and excellent sources of fiber.
One thing about carrots stands out, however:
Carrots are a supersonic source of vitamin A. For example, 1 cup chopped carrots contains 12,383 IU of vitamin A (a whopping 428% of US RDA)!
In addition, 1 cup chopped carrots provides 13% of your daily needs of vitamin C, 21% of vitamin K, and 6% of folate and vitamin B6.
And carrots contain more than 400 mg of potassium per 1 cup serving.
Mushrooms
Of course, mushrooms are low in calories, fat, carbohydrates, and sodium like other vegetables. However, mushrooms are totally unique on this list.
First, mushrooms are not actually vegetables. They are technically fungus. Second, mushrooms are “the only vegetarian food” that are known to have their own vitamin D.
I always suspected this is because they naturally grow in the sun. And that's what science says.
When mushrooms are exposed to UV (sun) rays, they make their own vitamin D. This increases the vitamin D content of them for eating. I don't know about you, but that is so cool!
According to www.Berkeleywellness.com:
“Mushrooms contain a “pro-vitamin,” or precursor, called ergosterol that is converted into vitamin D when exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This is like how your skin synthesizes vitamin D in response to sun exposure. However, commercially cultivated mushrooms are almost always grown indoors in the dark. As a result, they usually have negligible amounts of vitamin D. In contrast, wild mushrooms—notably chanterelles, maitake, and morels—are usually rich in D because they get sun exposure.”
In honor of Mother's Day and to give you some ideas for the new mom (and not so new mom as well), I put together 25 gifts a new mom will love. Most of these links will bring you to a page with lots of choices. I have included a few specific recommendations as well. (post contains affiliate links).
25 Gifts A New Mom Will Love
(For the Kitchen)
Kitchen Utensil Set-This is an inexpensive way to buy a combination of essential kitchen tools such as a can opener, pizza cutter, knife sharpener, tea strainer, spatulas, slotted spoons, pasta forks, wire whisks, and more. Buying a holder for the saves drawer space and makes it more convenient to access the tools when you need them.
Cutting Board Set -Ideally cutting boards should be separated by type of food. In food service, health code regulations require a red board for meat, a green board for vegetables, a blue board for seafood, and a white for other all purpose uses such as cutting bread.
Set of knives – Everyone can use a good set of knives. The link will give you lots of ideas.
Spice Rack Organizer– If your mom already has spices in stock, then this will be a helpful organization tool.
Food Storage Container Set – Practical gift. There are stackable options available which make storage easier, especially in tight spaces.
Hand Immersion Blender – I love to use myKitchenAid hand immersion blender for my smoothies in the morning and to puree vegetables and soups. This will make it super easy to make fresh, pureed baby food as well. It's portable, easy to clean, and perfect for small recipes and quick work. I just recently bought the KitchenAid one because my other one stopped working. This one works better and does more. For example, I wasn't able to puree anything hot in the other blender because it would splatter everywhere. This blender has a closed container so you don't have that problem.
Hand or Stand Mixer – Everyone needs one of these. The Kitchen Aid mixers are cool because there are attachments you can add. For example, I just bought my husband a slicer grater attachment for our anniversary, and he loves it. It's super fast and easy to grate cheese and shred carrots, potatoes and other vegetables. He hasn't used the slicer yet, but it will be perfect for slicing potatoes for potatoes au gratin. You can also dry your own bread and make bread crumbs with it.
Mixing Bowl Set– Mixers usually come with at least one. However, different size mixing bowls are really handy to have in the kitchen. For example, when I bake banana bread, I use a separate bowl for the wet ingredients, and two bowls to prepare the dry ingredients.
Bakeware Set – Metal Bakeware sets usually consist of muffin pans, cookie sheets, a loaf pan, and cake pans. Other bakeware sets are glass or stoneware. One of my favorite bakeware sets is the French White CorningWare round and oval set with lids. One of the reasons I like it is because it's so pretty. You can take the item straight from the oven and serve it. Also, CorningWare is so easy to clean! It stays white forever. In addition, this set has never chipped despite years of use.
Instant Pot or Crock Pot– I love using a crock pot because I usually have more energy in the morning. Plus, the obvious, you can leave it and not worry about it, and you have dinner ready at night. I recently received an Instant Pot and I love it even more! We have used it to make cranberry sauce, rice, roast beef, and pinto beans, just to name a few dishes. Our rice cooker just stopped working. So the timing was perfect. White rice cooks in less than 15 minutes and tastes just as delicious. Make sure that if you buy the Instant Pot, you buy the one with the pressure cooker setting, because they don't all have this option.
Instant Pot Accessory Kit – If mom already has an Instant Pot, there are lots of useful accessories that will make Instant Pot even more versatile.
Magnetic Safety Locks – These are handy for keeping little ones out of the cupboards.
Kitchen Shears – An absolutely essential item. Uses include opening food packages, cutting meat into smaller pieces, trimming fruit, cutting cooked spaghetti, and more.
Kitchen Timer – No one can have too many kitchen timers!
Cooking Thermometer – This includes thermometers for measuring candy temperatures. Candy often requires very specific temperatures to turn out correctly. Also meat thermometers are important for making sure your meats are cooked to the proper temperature and thus are safe to eat.
Wooden Spoons Set– Wooden spoons are inexpensive and they protect your pots and pans from scratching.
Kitchen Towel Set – One can't have too many kitchen towels. Seasonal is one way to go if your mom already owns “plenty” of towels.
A Good Basic Cookbook – My favorite basic cookbooks are by Betty Crocker and Better Homes and Gardens.
Tongs – I used the thin grab tongs growing up. I was in heaven once I discovered the clam grabbing tongs. They are much more effective at picking up meats and such.
Pizza Pan – Having a pizza pan in-house will make it easier to throw in a quick pizza on a busy night, or you can use it for your homemade pizzas.
Pie Holder – (Or cake holder). Pie and cake holders are designed to keep your pies and cakes fresh. Many types are available for carrying out of the house for a party or get-together as well.
Spice Set – If the new mom is just starting out, you can purchase a spice set with the actual spices included.
Breakfast Sandwich Maker – This little gadget is just one example of many convenient gadgets available today, including waffle irons, panini makers, simple griddles for making pancakes, indoor barbecues, etc.
Coffee Machine – A good coffee machine will last a long time. And new moms often need the extra caffeine to get through the day.
Standing Blender – For making larger recipe smoothies and shakes, pureeing vegetables and more.
So, there you have it. 25 gifts a new mom will love. This is just a few ideas I found to help you with your shopping for the new mom in your life. If you found this list helpful, please share it with your friends. 🙂
There is a lot of conflict today related to the concept of race. And there are a lot of accusations flying around. But what exactly does the bible say about race? Or better yet, what does the bible NOT say? Below are 4 things the bible does not say about race.
1. The Bible does not say there are separate races.
What would you say if I told you there is no such thing as race? And that differences in the color of our skin, have nothing to do with “race?”
First of all, the bible says we all descended from Adam and Eve:
“From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.” Acts 17:26 NIV
This means Adam and Eve carried the entire original gene pool. All of the genetic potential wrapped up in two people. And it went downhill from there with the Fall of Mankind.
By the way, Adam and Eve were highly unlikely to have been light skinned or blue-eyed.
In fact, I bet you didn't know that blue eyes are actually the result of a genetic mutation. That's right!
But what exactly is a genetic mutation?
“Put simply, a genetic mutation is when something in our DNA doesn't quite do what it's supposed to do. People generally associate the term with birth defects and, indeed, conditions such as albinism, deformities and even some mental conditions.” (Reference below)
So, what does this mean? This means that blonde hair and blue eyes are not superior like Hitler believed.
Second of all, we are all descended from Noah and his sons.
It says in the bible that the only survivors of the Biblical Worldwide Flood were Noah, his wife, his three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth, and their 3 wives.
“And Noah had three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth.” Genesis 6:10
“On that very day Noah entered the ark, along with his sons Shem, Ham, and Japheth, and his wife, and the three wives of his sons.” Genesis 7:13
“And every living thing on the face of the earth was destroyed—man and livestock, crawling creatures and birds of the air; they were blotted out from the earth, and only Noah remained, and those with him in the ark.” Genesis 7:23
“Then God said to Noah, “'Come out of the ark, you and your wife and your sons and your sons’ wives.'” Genesis 8:16
“So Noah came out, along with his sons and his wife and his sons’ wives. Every living creature, every creeping thing, and every bird—everything that moves upon the earth—came out of the ark, kind by kind.” Genesis 8:18-19
Thus, we are all descended from one of the three sons, Ham, Shem, and Japheth. We are all from the same family.
Third of all, the bible never uses the word “race” in reference to people. Plus it says in the New Testament that all people are “One Blood.” Acts 17:26
2. The Bible does not say that “races should not mix.”
I think some of the confusion regarding this idea comes from God's order in the book of Genesis for the people to scatter as a result of their rebellion at the Tower of Babel.
“When God scattered the people of the time, he also confused languages. As a result, they could not communicate with each other. That is why it was called Babel –because there the LORD confused the language of the whole world. From there the LORD scattered them over the face of the whole earth.” Genesis 11:9
It says nothing here about changing genes
So the people who were given the Chinese language, for example, scattered in the same direction as other people who spoke the same language.
I can't imagine that God would have given an entirely different language to each individual person. I believe there would have been a group of people who were given the same language. As a result of sharing the same language, they separated themselves from others who didn't speak the same language. Thus, they carried their unique genes with them.
This is NOT an example of race.
When people scattered throughout the earth, they took their own unique “gene pool” with them. In other words, whatever innate genetic characteristics they contained in their DNA would have affected the way their children looked. This explains why people who live in different geographic regions have a similar outer appearance.
3. The Bible does not say that slavery based on skin color and perceived inferiority is okay.
Some people think the bible supports slavery. This is most definitely not true.
It is true that slavery existed in the bible. For example, Abraham and Sarai had at least one slave, Hagar (Genesis 16:8). However, this does not mean that God condones it. Slavery in the bible existed as the result of sin. Not only that, but the slavery that existed in the bible was not the result of “race” OR color of skin. Click here for an excellent article on this subject.
4. The bible does not say one race is superior to another race.
Darwin's theory of evolution played a big part in the propagation of the idea of certain races being inferior. For example, he taught in his “Origin of Species” book that the “negro” was lower on the evolutionary scale than the white man (I read those words myself years ago when I had access to the actual book). Also, Ernst Haeckel popularized the idea of “ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny.”
“Ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny” basically says that during embryonic development, the fetus repeats “historical” evolutionary development until it becomes fully human, just before birth.
NOTE: This theory has been disproved, though there are still secular textbooks showing Haeckel's famous pictures. And, unfortunately, it is still holding sway towards belief in evolution.
(No doubt this is why our society is becoming more and more calloused against the idea of abortion–but I digress…)
Back to Haeckel. His quote from 1876 is insightful:
“At the lowest stage of human mental development are the Australians, some tribes of the Polynesians, and the Bushmen, Hottentots, and some of the Negro tribes. Nothing, however, is perhaps more remarkable in this respect, than that some of the wildest tribes in southern Asia and eastern Africa have no trace whatever of the first foundations of all human civilization, of family life, and marriage. They live together in herds, like apes.”
One concrete example of the influence of Darwin's and Haeckel's ideas was an African pygmy man named Ota Benga who was kept in a zoo on display as an example of evolution in progress.
“Ota Benga later ended up at the Bronx Zoo, where he was put on display in the monkey house. Although zoo director Hornaday insisted he was merely offering an ‘intriguing exhibit’ for the public’s edification, he ‘apparently saw no difference between a wild beast and the little Black man; for the first time in any American zoo, a human being was displayed in a cage. Benga was given cage-mates to keep him company in his captivity—a parrot and an Orangutan named Dohong’.” (Ota Benga, The Man Who Was Put on Display at the Zoo)
Back to the Tower of Babel story in the Book of Genesis. It says that the people were dispersed and separated. History shows that some people groups are more isolated, and as a direct result, less developed. This gives the appearance to that these isolated people are more primitive. Not even close. So called “primitive” tribes are just as capable as “civilized” tribes once they are introduced to modern knowledge.
Ask any missionary who has spent time around “primitive” tribes. Which reminds me. One of the most AMAZING books I have ever read is, “Eternity in Their Hearts.” This book was written by a man named Don Richardson, a missionary who worked with cannibalistic tribes in Papua New Guinea back in the 1960s.
Don Richardson also wrote the book “Peace Child.” In this book he talks about how difficult it was for the tribe members to understand the gospel because they idealized treachery and they had never seen a sheep. So he had to use other means to get the gospel message across. But the point is, they were NOT INFERIOR INTELLECTUALLY or in any other way.
The good news is that most scientists today admit that, biologically speaking, there is only one “race” of humans.
Scientists recognize that different skin colors are the result of different amounts of melanin. And they acknowledge that differences between “races” are primarily cultural.
Don't you just love it when science finally catches up with the bible? 🙂
Before I list the 13 benefits of Omega-3s, let me explain what I mean when I discuss Omega-3s.
Omega-3s are unsaturated fats that are important for good health for everyone. This includes babies, children, and adults. These essential fats are also important for children with special needs such as Autism and ADHD.
Omega-3s reduce the risk of certain diseases in aging adults.
For example, Omega-3s have benefits for persons with conditions such as coronary artery disease (CAD), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and macular degeneration.
Omega-3 fats and oils cannot be made in the body, or there is limited production. For example, there are three different omega-3s:
EPA, which stands for Eicosapentaenoic acid
DHA, or Docosahexaenoic acid
and ALA, which stands for Alpha-Linolenic Acid.
DHA can be converted to EPA. Also, ALA can be converted to DHA, but both processes are inefficient.
As a result:
Sufficient amounts of Omega-3s, require consuming adequate amounts in your diet to prevent deficiency.
2. Omega-3 fats are anti-inflammatory.
Inflammation is what your body does in response to injury or sickness. When a part of your body experiences redness, swelling or pain, you are experiencing inflammation.
3. Omega-3 fats work to decrease Inflammation associated with diseases such as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a disease of inflammation of the joints. And Omega-3s have been shown to decrease the inflammation associated with RA.
4. Omega-3s have been shown to reduce the severity of Macular Degeneration.
In case you aren't familiar, macular degeneration causes age-related loss of sight. This disease has been shown in some studies to improve as a result of omega-3 therapy.
5. Lower risk of death from coronary artery disease (CAD) is associated with sufficient amounts of Omega-3s.
For example, CAD is one form of heart disease that is caused by clogged arteries. Omega-3s have been shown to reduce the risk of dying from this CAD.
6. Omega-3s may reduce the risk of stroke.
For example, Ischemic stroke may be reduced as the result of sufficient dietary intake of omega-3s.
7. Omega-3s improve the blood cholesterol profile.
Specifically, Omega-3 supplementation may decrease levels of triglycerides in the blood. They may also decrease HDL, which is considered to be the good cholesterol.
8. Sufficient omega-3 levels are crucial to adequate brain development of babies before and after birth.
9. Additionally, omega-3s enhance immunity in pregnant moms who take omega-3s or eat fish regularly.
In fact, one of the reasons breastmilk is so healthful is because Omega-3s are naturally in breastmilk. The US started fortifying baby formulas in the 1990s for this very reason. Adding omega-3s is another example of how science is doing its best to mimic breastmilk.
10. Omega-3s are associated with a reduced risk of asthma. For example, one study showed this result in teenage children of women who took fish oil during pregnancy.
11. Omega-3s, particularly EPA, may help treat depression in some people.
12. And treatment of ADHD and autism has shown promise, though research is mixed.
13. Research shows that diets high in fish are associated with reduced risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s.
14. Treatment of Type-2 diabetes has shown some promise as well. (Wait that's 14)!
So which omega-3s should you take?
I'm so glad you asked because three different Omega-3 fats must be taken in through the diet. Read below to find out more.
EPA – Eicosapentaenoic acid
Sources
Fatty fish such as salmon
Swordfish
Tuna
Mackerel
Supplements
EPA can be converted from ALA or DHA, but is not efficient.
DHA – Docosahexaenoic acid
Sources
Fish only (or fish oil supplements)
Cold-water fish, including mackerel
Herring
Tuna
Halibut
Salmon
Cod liver (oil)
Whale and Seal blubber
DHA can be converted from ALA in the body but is not an efficient process
Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA)
Sources
Nuts (particularly black walnuts) and nut butters
Chia and flax seeds
Soybean oil
Canola oil
Olive oil
Avocado
Below are three different fish oils we have used, and that I recommend. They are some of the highest quality on the market, and the dosages are not too high. These are Amazon affiliate links.
The one on the left is the one our family takes. We gave our 13-year-old the Carlson Kids Chewable until about six months ago. He really liked them, but I wanted to give him a higher dose. He tried the fish oil in the middle but didn't like it after a while. It is very lemony (and they have orange too), but not sweet at all.
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