Do you have a child interested in movie making?
Wondering where to start … how to feed their interest? How to give not only practical help but an inspiring vision of filmmaking as a calling?
You should definitely check out this substantial album of 20 CDs from Vision Forum’s recent Filmmakers’ Academy held in San Antonio in January.
More than highlights, this set contains a wealth of information and encouragement at an incredible value.
Read testimonies of those who’ve attended the Filmmakers’ Academy.
The Details
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! is a set of 19 audio CDs, each between 30 and 75 minutes, of live lectures, panel discussions or Q&A sessions.
Topics from this “technical book camp for aspiring culture changers” include:
- Cinematography
- A riveting call to see the importance of the Science Fiction genre
- The 12 most common mistakes of beginning directors
- Principles of photographic composition
- Practical tips on how you can improve a film in ten minutes
- How to understand and rightly depict violence in film
- A panel discussion with filmmakers such as Stephen Kendrick of Fireproof
… and much more!
Along with the 19 audio CDs is a DVD of slides from many of the lectures, including film stills being discussed.
Incredible value
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! teaches many practical aspects of filmmaking, but also examines the challenges and potential of how a Christian world view impacts learning the craft that you’d be hard pressed to find elsewhere.
Yet the cost of purchasing this product is a fraction of the cost of attending the Academy in person.
Also don’t forget to check for Vision Forum’s frequent generous coupons and sales.
For example, through midnight (CDT) on April 1, 2009, you can receive a free $50 gift certificate for every $95 of Vision Forum merchandise you order. (If you’re reading this after that deal expires, check Vision Forum. org for any current promotions.)
Who would benefit from this product?
Wondering if you should invest in LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!? I would recommend this product to …
- Christian teens or older children already interested in movie making
- Parents who aspire to move making who want to learn more AND instill their passion in their children
- Church or homeschool libraries
- Families interested in seeing a Christian influence return to the arts and our culture
- Anyone considering attending a future Filmmakers Academy
And if you’re wondering if people really act on the advice given by the San Antonio Film Festival and the Filmmakers’ Academy, I recently came across this competition organized by alumni.
CHRISTIAN FILMMAKERS 36-hour CONTEST
On Friday, April 10, 2009 Christian filmmakers around the world will begin producing a three-minute story on video. 36-hours later they will upload their video to YouTube. Entries will be judged on Story, Cinematography, Sound, Performance and Editing. The winner gets $500.
Nathaniel Bluedorn, administrator of Christian Filmmakers.org explains,
Our goals with this contest are to (1) have fun, (2) showcase the stories Christians are telling today and (3) connect filmmakers. Christian Filmmakers.org is a growing network of faith-based filmmakers. We’re doing this contest to help build connections between Christian screenwriters and actors and directors – all types of film professionals – around the world.
The competition will begin at noon on April 10 with the publication of a list of seven “security elements,” three of which must be included in every film submission. This will verify that the film was produced within the 36-hour time limit.
More details on the competition, including a complete list of the official rules, can be found at Christian Filmmakers.org.
Christian Filmmakers.org is the outgrowth of a Google Group originally conceived as a means for maintaining contact among alumni of the 2005 San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival.
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10 Quick Helps to Ignite Art Success in YOUR Home!
An encouraging 10-page download from Yes, You Can! Publications available TODAY ONLY at Jim Erskine’s Freebie of the Day website.
]]>[This offer is no longer active. However you can get a free excerpt of Listening Lunch here with a surprise!]
It’s an exciting week over at Yes, You Can! Publications! We’ve just released our latest ebook, this by mother of five, Kathy L. Grubb.
Not only is this 80-page resource a real gem of enouragement but for every purchaser of LISTENING LUNCH
more than a dozen homeschool publishers have donated more than $200 of freebies!
Get the low down here.
The whole package is available until Thursday, February 19, 2009. but the price will be increasing every two days so don’t put off checking it out!
What’s in Listening Lunch?
In Listening Lunch you will learn in detail how to put audio to work for you in your homeschool:
*Benefit from the experience of four homeschooling mothers (who have a total of 28 children!) as you hear how they incorporate audio into their homeschool
* Learn how toddlers can strengthen their pre-reading skills and attention span
* Enjoy the advice of Jim Weiss, Susan Wise Bauer, Jim Trelease and other educational experts on why they encourage the use of audio in your homeschool
* Easily find the best FREE audios online
* Understand why audio is good for EVERY learning style
* Know just HOW TO effectively use audio with math, science, geography and more
* Be blessed by practical ideas about how to present concepts of faith using audio
* Quickly find what you need with extensive ‘recommended audios books by age’ lists with instant links
You’ll also SAVE TIME putting these ideas into practice right away with our GREAT planning tools.
Why haven’t I done this before now?! My kids love music and learning videos, so why not more audio books?! Two of my close friends have talked about borrowing from the library, so I wouldn’t even need to spend any money!
Danielle H., homeschool mom,
homeschoolblogger.com/SchoolinMama
Now for the freebies …
From Jim Hodges Audio Books:
* BOYS OF GRIT WHO BECAME MEN OF
HONOR. This is a 2 hour 48 minute downloadable MP3 recording of this
Lamplighter classic, narrated by Jim Hodges, normally $18.00
From Cindy Rushton of CindyRushton.com:
* Motherhood: Leaving a Legacy.
Embracing the Ministry of Motherhood: Practical Ideas for Capturing the
Heart of Your Little Ones; Building a Legacy of Godliness, MP3
recording
* The Let’s Get Ready for the New
School Year Set (extensive workshop audios plus ebook)
When you get ready for the new school year do you need ideas? Step-by-step help? Want to retreat with other moms to really plan out a great year? This fun-filled, hands-on workshop is one that you simply CANNOT miss!! Cindy Rushton has an incredible workshop and e-book JUST FOR YOU! First, she will begin by opening up the Word of God to encourage your heart and fill your cup back up. She will give 5 ideas for what YOU can do on your summer vacation to insure that this year is the best year yet! THEN … she will take you by the hand and walk out how that can influence your “plans” for the new year.
While you specifically write out your goals, plans, and ideas with your friends, she will share 12 practical and easy ideas that are guaranteed to help any other mom get organized and ready for the best year yet!
* Organization 911: Help for the Messy Mom Workshop, included with the set above, Audio workshops and handout.
* Easy Meals for the Domestically Challenged Mom, MP3. Ever stood in your kitchen totally SICK of all of your normal meal ideas?Wished that you could just have some fresh ideas from a dear friend-AND EASYrecipes to make those ideas DO-ABLE in your busy home IMMEDIATELY?Well, you are going to LOVE this audio! In this workshop, Cindy shares some very practical help for the busy mom who wants to conquer the challenge of preparing meals for those she loves! Download by Mp3
See the rest of the freebies listed.
From Cindy Carrier of Values Driven Family:
* Pointing Our Kids in the Right Direction, pdf
* The Benefits of Essential Daily Routine, pdf
* Family Planner for Character Training, pdf
* The Role of Talk in Training, MP3 audio
From Penny Raine of Penny Raine.com:
*First Things First: A Home Schooling Parent’s Guide to Leading Family Devotions, ebook
From Terri Johnson of KnowledgeQuest and Homeschooling ABCs:
* Teaching Toddlers to Teens, MP3 audio plus relevant articles
From Felice Gerwitz of Media Angels:
* Interested in writing for children? Or inspiring your children to write? Felice Gerwitz shares on this topic, hosted by JoJo Tabares in her Say What You Mean Convention. Felice explains how she and her then homeschooled daughter, Christina, joined together to write The Truth Seekers Mystery Series. Downloadable MP3 recording.
From Katherine Loop of ChristianPerspectiv.net:
What does it mean to teach math biblically? Does it really matter? And howdo I begin? Find out in this 45-minute workshop.
From Susan Sikes of Out of the Nest and Beyond:
* The ABC’s of Proverbs 31 for Girls, pdf Let your daughter see how Proverbs 31 applies to her!
From Lorraine Curry of Easy Homeschooling:
* Cultivating Christian Curriculum, pdf
* Easy Teaching Tips, pdf
*Morality, Subject by Subject, pdf
*Printable copywork, pdf
And much more!
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What do you think?!
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- The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness, it’s indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it’s indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it’s indifference. Elie Wiesel
- God does not call us to do great things but to do small things with great love. Mother Theresa
- How can there be too many children? That’s like saying there are too many flowers. Mother Theresa
- I do not pray for success. I ask for faithfulness. Mother Theresa
- A man, sir, should keep his friendships in a constant state of repair. Boswell
To handwrite beautifully and to live well.
Michelle
Real life encouragement from a real life mom …
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]]>Interested in entering? Check out this wearable art contest.
Even if you don’t want to enter a design yourself, you can vote for your favorites through March 1, 2009.
Learning elements of design is a key componant of learning to think like an artist. The current designs would make a good conversation starter with your children.
- What makes a good t-shirt design? (Think: space limitation; visual appeal from a distance; the need for simplicity etc)
- Are there any entries that wouldn’t look good at all?
- Do you prefer the bold colored designs or the softer ones?
- Which would look better from afar?
- Are there any designs that use repetition, especially of three objects, each slightly different? Why might that make a good design?
What did you ask your children? Did they have any good quotes?!
Michelle
Real life encouragement from a real life mom …
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PROJECT:Make a Thanksgiving ‘Thank You’ Banner!
Years ago I wanted to do something tangible to help my young children understand being thankful. So when my eldest were three and five-years-old, and with an 11-month-old in tow, we set out to make a small Thanksgiving banner.
Over the past decade or so, our banner has grown to 22-feet long and has become a treasured chronicle and a tangible prompt to remind us what our attitude should be.
In this month’s newsletter for Yes, You Can Teach Art!
, I’ve written everything you need to know to start the tradition of growing a Thanksgiving banner in your family.
You can download your free copy of the newsletter here:
DOWNLOAD THE COMPLETE NEWSLETTER and instructions
Right click on the link above and click ‘Save’ or “Save Link As’ for Firefox users.
In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thess. 5:18 (nasb)
Stay in Touch!
Want to read more reviews like this one? Don’t miss a thing: Receive them directly by email.
Looking for more seasonal art help?
Click on the book cover of our popular resource Artful Advent! to find out more.
]]>When I first read about Character Italics: Building Character Through Handwriting by Martine Cox and Wendy Shaw, I gave a great whoop of excitement.
This was an idea that was bound to happen.
Take the handwriting model of the phenomenally successful … but secular … Italic Handwriting program published by Portland State University Press. Then write a whole new series of character-laden copywork quotes using that hand. Maximize the time your child employs handwriting and create beauty for the eye and beauty in the heart.
And why Italic?
In our decade or more of homeschooling, the original Getty Dubay Italic handwriting program has been the ONLY constant throughout the years. Everything else from specific math programs to phonics curriculum has come and gone in our homeschool.
But I’ve never even considered another handwriting curriculum because this method is so effective, attractive and easy to implement whatever the state of your own handwriting. In fact many moms report their own hand improving beyond recognition as they’ve learned alongside their children.
So what does this have to do with art?
I truly believe there’s a connection between the visual skills required to copy a legible hand, and the skill it takes to, say, draw a baby bird resting on the side of your page. Also, that the beauty expressed in lovely handwriting is in itself a form of art.
I allowed my son who was struggling with the fine motor skills of handwriting to take a season off from writing and concentrate on a drawing program such as Mark Kistler’s Draw Squad.
To help you get more of a feel for this product, here’s an interview I did with Martine Cox, co-author of the new Character Building Italics.
An Interview with co-author Martine Cox!
Q: Martine, how would you describe your new handwriting books?
Italic Builders’ Character Italics Series are handwriting books which combine the simple yet beautifull Getty Dubay Italic (GDI) font with the benefits of copywork and character learning.
We believe that children should be filling their minds with beautiful, noble and valuable ideas. Each book focuses on twelve character traits which the student learns by copying great quotes or poems of outstanding historical figures. At the same time, the student is perfecting his handwriting skills.
Q: When was the series released?
After seeing a need for additional practice with GDI handwriting and after discussing our ideas with Inga Dubay and Barbara Getty, they generously gave us the go ahead to create workbooks to complement their already successful program. We set right to work and were able to make our first books available in June 2008.
We have received tremendous feedback and are excited that we have designed something that others have been looking for to meet the handwriting needs of their students.
We have already begun to revise our first books and are working toward releasing other copywork books (one focusing on science and one on American history are currently on the drawing board).
Q: What need do you see your books fulfilling that aren’t met by other handwriting curriculum?
There is an abundance of handwriting curriculum available for homeschoolers.
Italic Builders was created out of a need that we saw primarily in relation to the Getty Dubay Italic series. Wendy Shaw (the co-author of Character Italics) has been using GDI for ten years and would often have to buy several copies of the same book just to get more focused practice for her children. Thus, we wanted to make extra italic practice available.
But, more importantly, we wanted to enhance the quality of the content of the handwriting selections. As mentioned before, we believe children should be filling their minds with and spending their time focusing on noble ideas. Hence, Character Italics was born to fulfill both of these needs.
I want to mention here that anyone can benefit from the content of Character Italics. Even if you choose not to use GDI as your method of handwriting, each Character Italics book contains a wealth of character lessons that can be copied in any form of handwriting.
Q: Why do you prefer the italic hand as a model for handwriting?
The GDI font is a natural form of writing that is easy to learn. The student first learns the basic italic letterforms (printing) and then transitions to cursive by learning how to join those letterforms. Most handwriting styles require the student to learn two distinct forms of handwriting - printing and cursive.
Yet, with GDI there are only two letters of the alphabet that change their forms when going from print to cursive. The result is simple, legible and elegant handwriting.
The biggest reason why I prefer Italic is because of the success my children have had with it. We did not start out using this form of handwriting, and I must say, I was not too pleased with my children’s writing. After years of frustration in this area, I was ready to give up. Two of my children (my twin sons) were getting ready to learn cursive. One of them had dyslexic tendencies and was left-handed as well. Needless to say, this intimidated me and I was about ready to forget about jumping into cursive.
Then I was introduced to GDI handwriting.
I switched the boys to it and decided to switch my 5th grade daughter to it as well. My 6th grade daughter didn’t want to be left out, so she decided to try to learn Italic on her own. The results were amazing for all of them! They all learned quickly with minimal help from me and their handwriting became beautiful.
I really have nothing but praise for the GDI method. Anyone can learn to have beautiful handwriting no matter how long they have been writing using other methods.
Q: How important do you think good handwriting is for a homeschool student?
Ah. You’ve hit on a favorite subject of mine.
In fact, I discuss this topic at the Ultimate Homeschool Expo. Many do not really feel that excelling in handwriting is very important whether they verbally express this idea or not. They tend to not spend much time or effort on handwriting or they simply do not expect excellence in handwriting from their children.
Yet, I firmly believe that expecting good, legible handwriting from a homeschool student is truly essential.
- First, coming from a Christian perspective, we need to do all things to the glory of God.
- Second, good handwriting shines a positive light on the writer as well as on homeschooling as a whole.
- Finally, handwriting is an important form of communication which should be properly developed in our children. We can have great thoughts, but if someone can’t read what we’ve written or if our writing is sloppy that presentation affects the overall perception of what we are trying to say.
Q: Do you think there’s a connection between handwriting and enjoying art?
To be honest, I have never thought about a connection between handwriting and enjoying art.
Yet, when one looks back in history, handwriting was considered an art form in itself. Take the beautiful illuminated manuscripts as an example. In years gone by the aesthetic value of writing was developed in young scholars. Elegant handwriting was considered essential to a complete education. Unfortunately, all this is lost in today’s pragmatic progressive education.
Q: Martine, could you describe your current special offer?
Sure, through August 31st, 2008, we are offering the entire set of Character Italics for $50.00. That includes all 4 levels, which is a total of 8 books.
Also on special is any one complete level for $14.00 or any single book for $8.00.
After September, these prices will go up.
Thanks, Martine for taking the time to answer our questions and especially for the hard work it takes to produce a well thought out, excellent product such as this.
Here’s the link to the special offer.
You’ll also find a helpful comparison chart showing where the Character Italics levels fit with the original Getty Dubay Italic series.
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]]>- Get rid of the idea that there’s a perfect curriculum out there that you haven’t yet found
- Resolve to let your children make a mess this year … at least every so often(!)
- Remember that making mistakes is often the best way of learning … both your mistakes and your children’s.
Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes.
Art is knowing which ones to keep.
Scott Adams, Dilbert Cartoonist
The One Thing I Do
- Answer this question yourself: If there was one art project I could enjoy with my children this year, what would it be?
- Ask your children: If there was just one art project you could do this year, something you’ve always wanted to do, what would it be?
- What’s keeping you from doing those art projects?
Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing
because he could only do a little.
Edmund Burke
Say it Out Loud!
What is the one thing you’re going to do this year? How about your children? And what is stopping you?
If you let me know in the comments below, not only can we rejoice with you when you meet your goal, I can help you with specific future posts that address your needs.
Let’s keep each other accountable.
]]>Here’s the start of a series to help your children see the relevance of art to everyday life.
Credit: BOCOG
The Emblem
My kids are enjoying their Olympic Unit Study books from the wonderful Notgrass family. (There’s still time to send off for one if you’re interested.)
Included is a lesson about the design of the emblem and mascot of each Olympics. They’ve been busy thinking up their own designs for our home city if the games were ever held here.
This naturally whet their appetite to look more closely at the Beijing emblem. I thought this was an interesting study in how the ancient art of calligraphy and Chinese symbol writing have been adapted to a modern use.
The official emblem of Beijing 2008 entitled “Chinese Seal - Dancing Beijing” cleverly combines the Chinese seal and the art of calligraphy with sporting features, transforming the elements into a human figure running forward and embracing triumph. The figure resembles the Chinese character “Jing,” which stands for the name of the host city and represents a particularly significant Chinese style. The artwork embodies four messages:
- Chinese culture,
- the color of red China
- Beijing welcomes friends from all over the world
- to challenge the extreme and achieve the perfect and promote the Olympic motto of “Citius, Altius, Fortius (Faster, Higher, Stronger).
from this site
Now, I’m not sure how much of this is propaganda (China really welcomes friends who bear Bibles?) but it was interesting to read the thinking behind the design.
The Medals
Credit: BOCOG
For the first time jade is used for the Beijing Olympic medals. The medals have been designed with inspiration coming from “bi,” China’s ancient jade piece inscribed with a dragon pattern. The medals symbolize nobility and virtue and are the embodiment of traditional Chinese values of ethics and honor, emitting a strong Chinese flavor.
Noble and elegant, the medals are a blending of traditional Chinese culture and Olympism. On their obverse side, the medals reflect the Greek character of the Olympic Games: the goddess of victory Nike pictured in the Panathinaikos Stadium. While on their reverse side, the medals are inlaid with jade with the Beijing Games emblem engraved in the metal centerpiece. The design inspiration of the medal hook derives from jade “huang,” a ceremonial jade piece decorated with a double dragon pattern and “Pu,” the reed mat pattern.
From this page
Credit: BOCOG
How Does This Apply to Your Homeschool?
- Show your children the emblem and medals.
- Talk about just how much thought and symbolism went into each design element.
- Print out the designs from the sites referenced above and keep the images in your Family Art Notebook.
- Is there something closer to home you can relate to such as the state quarter designed for your home state? What symbolism did they use?
- Design your own family medals to honor someone who works hard or deserves a medal.
One More Thought
Think about Chinese character writing and how very different it is from the way English is written, with an opportunity to include art and image in communication.
Did you know researchers have unearthed an amazing connection between the earliest characters and the details of Genesis?
For example the character for “garden” consisted of dust + breath + two persons + enclosure = garden.
There’s a great article about it here.
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