7 Festive Fun Thanksgiving Traditions to Cultivate Gratitude

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

November 20, 2023 by Laura Leave a Comment

7 Festive Fun Thanksgiving Traditions to Cultivate Gratitude

In “7 Festive Fun Thanksgiving Traditions to Cultivate Gratitude,” episode #198, Meredith Curtis inspires homeschooling families with meaningful ways to give thanks this year. God has been good to us this year and Thanksgiving is a great day to let Him and each other know how thankful we are! Traditions include Praise Breakfast, Gratitude Guessing Game, Thankful Tree, Blessing Place cards, Pass the Praise, Old-Fashioned Hymn Sing, and Thankful Poster. Try one this year and watch gratitude grow in every heart.

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

God is good. His goodness is everywhere but we often focus on what we don’t have rather than our blessings. These traditions are easy and fun, yet they truly cultivate gratitude!

Praise Breakfast

Supplies needed: yummy breakfast food, instrument (guitar or keys), or online music, and words to songs.

Gratitude Guessing Game

Supplies needed: very small whiteboard, dry erase markers, and notebook paper for each family member.

Thankful Tree

Supplies needed: poster board, markers, and brown/orange/yellow/red construction paper.

Blessing Place Cards & Scripture Cards

Supplies needed: cardstock, markers, and Bible.

Pass the Praise

Supplies needed: basket of candy corn.

Old-Fashioned Hymn Sing

Supplies needed: hymnal and instrument (piano, guitar) or online music.

Thankful Poster

Supplies needed: poster board and colorful markers.

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Resources

Celebrate holidays with these festive, fun books and unit studies:

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

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Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: celebrating thanksgiving, Christian, Christianity, family, Finish Well, gratitude, holiday, homeschool, homeschooling, Laura Nolette, Meredith Curtis, Parent, thanksgiving

7 Ways Homeschool Families Can Stand with Israel

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

November 6, 2023 by Laura Leave a Comment

7 Ways Homeschool Families Can Stand with Israel

In “7 Ways Homeschool Families Can Stand with Israel,” episode #197, Meredith Curtis gives practical things homeschooling families can do to stand with Israel during this frightening time: pray, meet practical needs, combat antisemitism – do something! With so misinformation swirling around, we can also teach our children about Israel’s ancient history, Israel’s modern history, and why Israel is such an important ally in the Middle East.

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

After the horrific invasion, brutal torture, and heinous murder of Israeli citizens by Hamas on October 7, many homeschooling families want to stand with Israel. Here are 7 ways you can show support to the nation of Israel.

If you don’t know what happened on October 7, 2023, here is a description: https://www.idf.il/en/mini-sites/hamas-israel-war-articles-videos-and-more/general-articles/what-happened-in-the-october-7th-massacre/

Prayer

Prayer changes things! God hears our prayers and even commands His people in Psalm 122:7 to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

Here are strategic prayers for the Israeli-Hamas Conflict – yes I know some of these will take a miracle but that’s what the Lord does!

Revival in the Middle East – millions turning to Jesus
Protection and release of all hostages taken on Oct. 7
Healing for all those mourning the death and kidnapping of loved ones
Strength for those having to see the carnage
Protection from daily rockets attacking Israeli cities
Protection for innocent Palestinians who did not leave Gaza when warned weeks ago
Wisdom for leadership in Israel
Swift Israeli victory against Hamas
Reconciliation between Israel and her Arab neighbors
Iran would have no money to support Hamas and Hezbollah
Hamas would not use Palestinians or hostages as human shields
Truth in the media
Israel’s Arab neighbors would no longer want Israel to stop existing, but welcome her to the Middle East – Healing

Find Out what is Happening Locally

Is there a synagogue in your area? They may be providing things for the Israeli soldiers or victims of the terrorist attack on October 7. That might be a great place to give items of clothing, blankets, or even financial gifts.

Combat Antisemitism

If you watch the news, you can hear angry chants against Jewish people in the Pro-Palestinian/Hamas demonstrations. So far, Jewish students have been verbally abused by other students (and a professor), manhandled, and threatened. We don’t want this to escalate.

My sister Julie’s text to me. We can be like Julie!

Teach Children about Ancient Israel History

If you have read the Old Testament, you know a little about the history of the Jewish people.

Calling of Abraham
Patriarchs
Egypt to Slavery in Egypt
Taking the Promised Land
Judges – Kings – Captivity
Rebuilding of Wall & Temple
Greeks – Kingdom of Judea – Roman Empire
Destruction of the Temple in 70 AD & Diaspora

Teach Children about Modern Middle East History

Turks – Ottoman Empire – World War I
Balfour Declaration
British Mandate
Creation of Jordan
Holocaust
Creation of Modern Israel – 1948

Explain to Children Why Israel is Such an Important US Ally.

Israel shares our values of freedom, government by the people. Israel stands at our side militarily, in trade, and technological innovation. She is one of our biggest trade partners.
Israel & US share intelligence & Israel helps US with security threats
Israel helps US learn to employ counterterrorism at home
Cold War to Today
Israel develops advanced military technology & shares with US (Iron Dome)
Israel is a source of wisdom and creativity when it comes to agriculture, renewable energy, water conservation, recycling, technology, and computers.
Israel is a free democracy in the Middle East. Their citizens enjoy their God-given freedoms – including freedom to worship (Jewish, Christian, Muslim).
While Arab nations deny that Israel has a right to exist and cry out “death to Israel,” all Israel wants is to live in peace. Israel only goes to war when attacked and before she attacks, she sends leaflets warning people what is coming and urging them to flee.

Take a Stand Like Corrie

Less than 100 years ago, a madman tried to exterminate the Jews. Hitler hated Jews. No one stopped him. What would you have done?
A middle-aged Dutch woman and her father and sister stood against the Nazis by taking in Jews and hiding them in a secret room. Eventually, they were arrested and sent to concentration camps. Two died and one lived. Corrie ten Boom spent the rest of her life traveling to speak on forgiveness and having a relationship with Jesus.
When the time came, Corrie loved truth and righteousness more than her own life. She protected the Jewish people God brought into her life.
All of us can do something. We can speak out. We can pray. We can call our US and state representatives and senators to stand with Israel. We can share news articles and videos on social media. We can love.

God bless you and God bless Israel.

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Resources

Learn more about Israel, the Middle East, and the rest of 20^th Century history. The HIS Story of the 20^thCentury series comes with a textbook and workbook with timelines, narration, and projects to make the 20^thcentury come alive!

HIS Story of the 20th Century by Meredith Curtis

HIS Story of the 20th Century: High School Workbook by Meredith Curtis

HIS Story of the 20th Century High School Workbook Answer Key

HIS Story of the 20th Century Middle School Workbook

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

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Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: Christian, Christianity, family, Finish Well, history, homeschool, homeschooling, Israel, Jerusalem, Jew, Jewish, Laura Nolette, Meredith Curtis, Parent, support, war

Stress-Free Weddings II: The Team

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

October 16, 2023 by Laura Leave a Comment

Stress-Free Weddings II: The Team

In “Stress-Free Weddings II: The Team,” episode #196, Meredith Curtis talks to families with a wedding on the horizon who long for a peaceful, joy-filled celebration. In part II, Meredith helps you gather and utilize a team of friends and family members to get rid of chaos and enjoy smooth sailing through the photo shoots, parties, rehearsal, and wedding day. From the practical to the relational, you will receive wisdom from an experienced Mother of the Bride.

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

You just found out! Celebrate, invest emotionally, make a plan with the couple

Take a Deep Breath!

In Stress-Free Weddings I: The Task, I share all the things that are part of planning a wedding. I encouraged the wedding planner (usually mom) to relax, celebrate, and pray first. Often a quiet dinner with the couple where they are free to dream big (later you can pare down) is a great start to the wedding festivities.

Another review – Things to remember

You are throwing a party for your family & friends to celebrate
You can be simple (low cost) or extravagant
A Wedding Planner with a Timetable is essential – I made copies of certain pages for certain people
God is the God of Miracles!
Pastor/Premarital Counseling
Bride & Groom Choose Support Team (wedding party)
Mom, you choose your support team because usually the wedding coordinator is you!

Who Can Be Part of Your Team

Parents of the Bride & Groom
Wedding Party Members
Siblings, Cousins, Aunts, Uncles, Other Family Members
Friends from Church
People Who Just Love a Wedding
Paid People – Photographer, Caterer, Florist, etc.

How Can You Utilize Your Team

To have a small or big part of the special day or preparations beforehand

Match skills to tasks
My friend Pattie had 1 task – to get the bride down the aisle on time
Communicate with others in charge of things (e.g. Rehearsal/Rehearsal dinner blunder)

Here are some things they might do

Pass out corsages & boutenierres
Carry an “Emergency Kit”
Keep Everyone Hydrated
Set up Tables for Reception
Decorate Tables for Reception
Build a Dance Floor
Cook and Bring Food for Reception
Make Wedding Veil
Make Silk Flower Arrangments
Make Decorations
Keep Punch Bowl Filled
Decorate Church (we had wedding party do this after rehearsal – everyone had a task and it went super quick!)
Set Up Photo Booth
Take Extra Photos during Ceremony & Reception (Wanda)
Designate a Photographer at each Pre-Wedding Event
Attend Guest Book
Play Piano or do a Solo

Ways to Communicate with Team

Keep a list – printed or in phone
Keep Everything CLEAR & CONCISE (people tune you out if you go into too much detail)
Repsonsbility Cards for Wedding Party
Talk with Anyone who is Offering to Pay for Part of the Wedding (have a backup plan)
Group Text (send reminders but don’t be annoying)
Lots of Smiles & Thank You’s
Thank You Cards

Be careful

Only use volunteers who are

Faithful
On time
Responsible
Kind

Things to NOT Delegate

Paying Vendors & Pastor
Helping Bride Get Ready
Welcoming/Greeting Guests

Wedding Planner Notebook

I created a wedding planner for my daughters and several close friends. Some opted to use the print version and other wanted the eBook to print only the pages that applied to them.

Everything you need is here!

Purchase Ultimate Christian Wedding Planner eBook at PowerlineProd.com: https://www.powerlineprod.com/shop/ultimate-christian-wedding-planner/

Purchase Ultimate Christian Wedding Planner in print at Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Christian-Wedding-Planner-Meredith/dp/179515425X

You pick and choose what you want to include and not include. You choose where the money is spent. You choose how and when and where the big day will take place. A wedding planner keeps you organized.

With checklists and schedules, you will be able to keep you head in all the planning. Family trees, memory pages, comparison pages, budget sheets, vendor payment tracking charts, table arrangement planners, sample invitations, sample schedules, and sample itineraries. But, there’s more!

The Ultimate Christian Wedding Planner has prayers, studies, and meditations to help prepare to be a godly wife. Discover where wedding traditions and symbols come from. Learn all about wedding protocol and who is responsible for what. And lots of Christian encouragment!

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Resources

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

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Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: banquet, bride, Christian, Christianity, event, Event Planning, family, Finish Well, groom, history, homeschool, homeschooling, Laura Nolette, Meredith Curtis, mother-of-the-bride, Parent, party, planning, wedding, weddings

Stress-Free Weddings I: The Task

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

October 2, 2023 by Laura Leave a Comment

Stress-Free Weddings I: The Task

In “Stress-Free Weddings I: The Task,” episode #196, Meredith Curtis talks to families with a wedding on the horizon who long for a peaceful, joy-filled celebration. In part I, Meredith helps you take a deep breath, list and prioritize expectations, and plod peacefully through the planning. She looks at the ceremony, guests, venues, photography, food, clothing, decorations, music, budget, and itinerary. From the practical to the relational, you will receive wisdom from an experienced Mother of the Bride.

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

You just found out! Celebrate, invest emotionally, make a plan with the couple

Take a Deep Breath!

This is exciting! Celebrate the engagement!

Pray – What is God’s will?

Quiet Dinner – “What are you thinking?”

Dream Big – pare down

Things to remember

You are throwing a party for your family & friends to celebrate
You can be simple (low cost) or extravagant
A Wedding Planner with a Timetable is essential
God is the God of Miracles!
Pastor/Premarital Counseling
Bride & Groom Choose Support Team (wedding party)
Mom, you choose your support team because usually the wedding coordinator is you!

Ceremony

Intimate? Large? Honoring Christ? Honoring Parents & One Another?
Where?
Special Things (Unity Candle, Communion, Sing to One Another)
Remember you are getting ready for a Marriage – keep your eyes on the important thing!

Guests

Who do you want to celebrate with you?

Bride, Groom, Parents Lists
Save the Date, Invitations
Gifts – Thank You’s
Out of Towners

Venues

Choose, Reserve, Downpayment for Venues/Choose Date
Ceremony—Church, Garden, Other?
Reception—Fellowship Hall,

Photography

Photos last a lifetime
Photographer, Guests, Table Cameras
Place to upload photos

Food

Caterer or Do Food Self

Cake & Punch
Dessert Bar
Breakfast or Brunch Buffet
Sit Down Dinner
Casual Lunch Buffet

Clothing

Wedding Gown
Girl’s Dresses
Guys Tuxes

Decorations

What “feel” do you want?
Start a Shared Pinterest Board

Money

Make a Budget
Avoid Debt
Priorities (What matters most? What do you want to remember?)

To-Do Lists

A Wedding Planner with a Timetable is essential

Plan Ceremony/Itinerary
Plan Reception/Itinerary
Choose Emcee
Choose Music & Musicians (or Audio)
Pick Out, Address, & Mail Invitations
Choose & Hire Photographer
Bridal Registry
Parties: Shower, Bridesmaid Luncheon, Bachelor Party

Wedding Planner Notebook

I created a wedding planner for my daughters and several close friends. Some opted to use the print version and other wanted the eBook to print only the pages that applied to them.

Everything you need is here!

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Resources

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

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Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: Archaeology, banquet, Christian, Christianity, Education, family, Finish Well, history, homeschool, homeschooling, Laura Nolette, Meredith Curtis, Parent, party

Backyard Archaeology Dig

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

September 18, 2023 by Laura Leave a Comment

Backyard Archaeology Dig

In “Backyard Archaeology Dig,” Episode, #194, Meredith Curtis invites you to dig a big hole in the backyard for educational purposes. Hosting an archaeology dig for your family and a few friends is a great way to experience archaeology and its investigation into history. If you’re willing to make and break artifacts, dig a hole, string it into sections, and let kids dig with a small trowel and brush, you can go on an amazing educational adventure! Meredith explains how to prepare the artifacts, set up the dig, and “clean” the finds.

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

What is archaeology and what do archaeologists do?

Archaeology always fascinated my kids but just for a moment. I could never pass on how fascinating the work could be. Worksheets didn’t help. Until….

Let’s Have Our Own Dig!

We decided to have our own dig! Wow! It sounded exciting to the boys to dig in the dirt.

Lessons from our first dig

Preparing Artifacts

Prepare artifacts in Ancient History Homeschool Co-op.

First Layer: Minoan Mosaics; Second: Egyptian Clay Pots; Top Layer: Greek Plates

Readying the Dig Site

Dig Large Rectangle

Break and Layer Artifacts carefully with a layer of dirt between

Stakes every 12 feet around the hole. Tie strings to make a checkerboard. Number sections.

Unearthing Treasures & Cleaning

Wear loose modest comfortable clothing. Hyrdate, hydrate, hydrate. Snack table with fruit and granola bars.

Open in prayer.

Dig with small plastic beach toy shovels (gentle – won’t destroy artifact) and brushes. Shout and cheer whenever someone finds an artifact or piece of artifact.

Take a photo, measure depth, record all information, brush off dirt, another photo, clean artifact at Research tent.

Researchers keep log.

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Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: Archaeology, banquet, Christian, Christianity, Education, family, Finish Well, history, homeschool, homeschooling, Laura Nolette, Meredith Curtis, Parent, party

Backyard Ancient Greek Olympics

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

September 4, 2023 by Laura Leave a Comment

Backyard Ancient Greek Olympics

In “Backyard Ancient Greek Olympics,” Episode, #193, Meredith Curtis invites you to have your own Ancient Greek Olympics in the backyard. Don’t worry! We’ll wear clothes and dedicate the games to Jesus instead of the idol/gods of Greece. We will of course update all the games to make them fun and easy for all athletic abilities. Are you ready for a fun way to explore Ancient Greek history? Let Meredith give you a blueprint to have your own Olympics and make memories at the same time.

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

What is unique about the Ancient Greek city-states and their Olympic competition each year? Olympic Truce

Why these games will help build a love for history in your children and teens.

Ancient Olympic Games: Stade Foot Race, Diaulos Foot Race, Hippicus Foot Race, Chariot Race, Discus Throw, Jumping Event, Hoplite Races, Boxing, Wrestling, Javelin Throw, Pentathlon (Wrestling, Stade Foot Race, Long Jump, Javelin Throw, Discus Throw).

Itinerary:

Day 1: Sacrificing to idol/god and idol/goddesses. Boys wrestling, boxing, running.
Day 2: Procession of horses, riders, chariots into hippodrome. Running, wrestling, discus, javelin, long jump. First athlete to win 3 events crowned the winner.
Day 3: Another procession ending at temple of Zeus to offer sacrifices. Long races, sprints.
Day 4: Wrestling & Boxing ending day with Hoplite race.
Day 5: Celebrate victors. Procession of coaches, athletes, and spectators to Temple of Zeus to offer more sacrifices. Young boy offers olive branch – afterward woven into wreaths. Evening feast.

Planning the Games

Venue: Backyard, field, or park

Just family or friends, too

Each city-state team wears a different color (Athens, Sparta, Rhodes, Marathon, Crete, Smyrna, etc.)

Gather supplies and prepare what will happen when and where.

Our Olympic Competitions

Archery
Relay Race
“Luge”
One-Stade Running Race
Two-Stade Running Race
Landscape Timber Balance Wrestling
Pool Noodle Javelin Toss
Frisbee Discus
Long Jump

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Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: banquet, Christian, Christianity, Education, family, feast, Finish Well, history, homeschool, homeschooling, Laura Nolette, medieval, Meredith Curtis, Middle Ages, Parent, party

Organize Your Homeschool

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

August 21, 2023 by Laura Leave a Comment

Organize Your Homeschool

In “Organize Your Home School,” Episode, #192, Meredith Curtis tackles organization. Don’t panic! It is possible to organize the year ahead, schedule, and the stuff you use to teach with – books, papers, assignments. Meredith even walks through setting up the homeschool room for easy storage and clean up each day after school. And how do you eat an elephant-or get organized? One step at a time. So let’s do this!

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

No one ever warned me that homeschooling creates piles of papers, stacks of books, and a myriad of simple choices – like how many pages to read this week or where should I store my stuff or “Mom, what should I do today?”

So, let’s tackle organization step by step.

Organize the Homeschool Room

Start first or if not enough time, work on slowly thru year and move on to lesson planning & scheduling.

Storage, book shelves, school year book shelf, place for children to store all their stuff together

Stuff Use most, easiest to access and put away

Places for piles- shelf, children’s tote

Lesson Planning

Subjects, classes, books, projects

Mapping the Year/ Leave Catch Up Weeks

Handy-Dandy Folder Method

Scheduling

Family Calendar, Mom Schedule, Kid’s Schedules

Flexible Block Scheduling

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Throw a Luau to Learn about Hawaii

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

August 7, 2023 by Laura Leave a Comment

Throw a Luau to Learn about Hawaii

In “Throw a Luau to Learn about Hawaii,” Episode, #191, Meredith Curtis inspires you to plan and host a Luau to learn all about Hawaii the fun way. shares the educational benefits of hosting a luau with all the how-tos. Learn about venue, food, costumes, decorations, music, and party fun. She shares funny and poignant memories of past luaus and how it impacted learning about our 50^th state. Teach history and geography the fun way with a luau!

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

Nothing is boring when you throw a party! How planning, hosting, and participating in history parties is educational as well as fun!

Benefits of a Luau

Planning & hosting vs. Attending
Research crops, food, clothing, history
Learn about Hawaiian culture, food, history
FUN!

Venue/Guests

Near Water (pool, ocean, lake) good!

Decorations make it! Tropical flowers, shells, fishnets, surfboards

Play Hawaiian/Beach music in the background

Greet guests with leis

Encourage everyone to dress Hawaiian

Set Up/Clean Up

Swim area/extra towels
Buffet Table/Drink Table
Activity Area
Greeter with leis near entrance

Food

Roasted Pig or Pork
Poke Bowls
Tropical Fruit Salad
Hawaiian Pizza
Hawaiian Bread
Chinese/Japanese Dishes
Main Dishes with Pineapple/Coconut (Sweet & Sour Chicken)
Coconut Cake
Pineapple Desserts
Alcohol-Free Pina Coladas
Kona Coffee

Activities

Limbo
Swimming/Pool Volleyball
Poi Eating Contest
Hula Lessons
Ukulele Playing

Costumes

Hawaiian Shirts, Mumus, Modest Bathing Suits with Grass Skirts

Leis, Flowered Wristlets & Anklets

Flowers in Hair

Resource

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Resources

Let's Have Our Own Luau by Meredith Curtis

Let's Have Our Own Medieval Banquet by Meredith Curtis and Laura Nolette with Powerline Productions, Inc.

Let's Have Our Own Victorian Tea by Meredith Curtis

Let's Have Our Own Archaeological Dig by Meredith Curtis

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

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Host Your Own Medieval Banquet for Middle Ages History Fun!

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

July 17, 2023 by Laura Leave a Comment

Host Your Own Medieval Banquet for Middle Ages History Fun!

In “Host Your Own Medieval Banquet for Middle Ages History Fun,” Episode, #190, Meredith Curtis inspires you to host a Medieval Banquet to culminate your Middle Ages History studies. She shares the educational benefits of hosting the feast, along with all the how-tos. Learn about venue, food, costumes, jousting with pool noodles, pageantry, and remembering the rank and file. She shares funny and poignant memories of their Middle Ages Feast along with some of the bloopers like the roasted pig that looked like Alf. Teach history the fun way with a medieval banquet!

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

Nothing is boring when you throw a party! How planning, hosting, and participating in history parties is educational as well as fun!

Benefits of a Medieval Banquet

Planning & hosting vs. Attending
Crops, food, manners, protocol
Pageantry: family crest, flags
Costumes: royalty, peasants, monks, priests, jester, hunchback, herald
Crowns: king, queen, prince, princess, duke, duchess, lord, lady

Venue

Choose a venue.

Who Attends

Everyone! Including dogs!
Lord & Lady (costume)
Bishop (costume)
Nobility (costume)
Herald, Squire, Page, Priests, Merchants (costume)
Entertainers such as Jugglers, Musicians, Bards, Jester, Acrobats, Dancers, Magicians (costume)
Monk or Abbot (costume)
Peasants (costume)

Setting Up Tables

Above the salt
Royal table
Descending Tables

Procession In

Herald announces. Priest in front. Process in by Rank.

Food

Roasted Pig or Deer (Alf meatloaf)
Wooden Bowls & Spoons but silver for royalty, knives, sometimes spoons, no forks, goblets or cups
Broth, salad, cheese, soup, vegetable & meats, desert (fruit, cake, pudding), cheese
Cider, grape juice
Venison, pork, wild boar, beef tongue, chicken, swan, heron, peacock, pheasant, quail, partridges, crane, eel, fish, rabbit
Peas, rice, broth, soups, dried fruits, eggs, white sauces, white puddings, tarts, jellies, fritters, pastries, and fruit dumplings, baskets of bread

Activities

Jousting with pool noodles
Melee (capture the flag)
Archery
Chess Tournament
Ladies folk dancing
Bard performs
Mystery or miracle play

Costumes

Robin Hood, fairy tale prince & princesses, monks, peasants, executioner, hunchback

Resource

Let’s Have Our Own Medieval Banquet by Meredith Curtis & Laura Nolette

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Resources

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Free Speech gave us the Constitution & Bill of Rights

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

July 3, 2023 by Laura Leave a Comment

Free Speech gave us the Constitution & Bill of Rights

In “Free Speech gave us the Constitution & Bill of Rights,” Episode, #189, Meredith Curtis introduces you to the men and women who fought just as hard after the American Revolution about the Constitution. Meet the Federalists: George Washington, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay. Meet the Anti-Federalists: Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, Richard Henry Lee, John Randolph. The battle raged in newspapers and public squares across the country – free speech in action. What were the men so passionate about? Who won the battle? What did the losers do?

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

When 13 little colonies won the Revolutionary War, the Great Experiment began. Was it working? Some thought the Articles of Confederation needed tweaking and others thought they needed overhauling.

A Constitutional Convention was called, but some refused to go.

Concerns of the Federalists

Believed the Federal government was too weak and were concerned about the debt and possible invasions.

Concerns of the Anti-Federalists

Believed a powerful federal government could become corrupt leading to tyranny.

How They Battled

They battled in the newspapers of America writing letters back and forth, for and against the Constitution.

Federalist letters were written to defend the new Constitution. Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison wrote most of them. Now called Federalist Papers.

Anti-federalist letters were written to defend the Articles of Confederation. Thomas Jefferson, John Randolph, Richard Henry Lee, Patrick Henry, and Robert Yates were some of the Anti-Federalist writers.

Valid Points of the Federalists

Need for a federal government strong enough to pay off debt & protect the nation.

Valid Points of the Anti-Federalists

When a federal government has too much power it is out of touch, corrupt, and tyrannical.

Constitutional Convention

Trying to rewrite the Articles of Confederation – a brand new Consitution was written by a group who argued and compromised and argued some more.

Who Won?

The Federalists won, but the Anti-Federalists didn’t give up. The Constitution divided power into three branches: executive, judicial, and legislative. Written in 1787, it was ratified in 1788 and became effective in 1789.

What Did the Anti-Federalists Do?

Ran for office. Added the Bill of Rights to the Constitution.

Life Lesson from the President of the Constitutional Convention

His first cabinet was polarized – federalist and antifederalist. President Washington’s Farewell Address (1797)urged Americans to trust in God, live moral lives, and avoid entanglement with other nations. He urged Americans to stay neutral. He also encouraged Americans to avoid sectionalism that would splinter Americans from one another.

Life Lesson from the Anti-Federalists

When you lose, don’t take your marbles & go home. Adjust and continue to fight for what you believe in. In order to protect individual and states’ rights, the Bill of Rights, the first 10 Amendments, was added in 1789 and ratified in 1791.