Homegrown Sonshine with Alberta Stevens Homegrown Sonshine

Happy New Year!

Welcome to Episode 12, our final episode in the series of Rituals and Practices within Home Education. It has been a fascinating year of learning, laughing, growing and building a culturally diverse community of home edders together.

In this final episode, I will be speaking to my dear sister-friend on this home-ed journey, Liz Yeboah on how she cultivates the love of learning through living books and morning time within her beautiful family.

Based in Milton Keynes, Liz Yeboah, a British home educator of Ghanaian heritage, spends her days enchanting her 5 children, ages 23 to 8, to love learning through her passion for God, her penchant for living books and travel adventures as well as her commitment to using her own spice to spread an atmosphere of love through life-giving family rituals.

This show is packed with delights and insights to captivate the entire family. Be prepared to encounter a beautiful picture of black christian marriage in motion. You may be inspired by Liz’s her heart for motherhood, and its eternal purpose in soul making for Christ.

Friends, you will also be enthralled by the list of books that make Yeboah’s cannot-leave-home-without-book-list not to mention the treasure trove of books for the home-ed mama’s heart.

I hope you will also hear and be affected by the synergy and camaraderie between this incredibly wise and radiant lady and I.

This episode is truly the perfect listen to reset your year after a week or two of out of sync festivities.

Enjoy and please don’t forget to me know thoughts on this as well other episodes in this series.

Your feedback is important to us:

If this episode inspires, challenges or encourages you, please spare a moment to let us know, either by:

- [ ] Leaving us a voice message on anchor at https://anchor.fm/homegrownsonshine/message
- [ ] Sending us an email at info@homegrownsonshine.co.uk
- [ ] Connecting with us online:
•  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com homegrown.sonshine/
•  Website - https://homegrownsonshine.co.uk/blog/
•  Twitter - https://mobile.twitter.com/homegrownsonsh1

Resources mentioned in this episode

Books for the educator
* Read aloud revival, Sarah Mckenzie
* Mere motherhood, Cindy Rollins
* Honey for a child’s heart, Gladys Hunt
* A year of poetry tea time - Christine Owens

Read aloud books for the whole family
* 1. Aesops Fables
* 2. Chew on this, Eric Schlosser
* 3. Uncle Eric Book Series, Richard Maybury
* 4. Rich Dad poor Dad, Robert Kiyosaki

Poems
* Clouds, Christina Rossetti read by Boaz Yeboah
* Spaghetti, Shel Silverstein read by Ellie Yeboah
* Sonnets are full of love, Christina Rossetti read by yours truly, Alberta Stevens

Background Music to poems
* Clouds, Blessed, Ketsa Soul, Courtesy of Free Music Archive
* Spaghetti, Fine Day, Ketsa Soul, Courtesy of Free Music Archive

Podcast Intro/Outro theme music: by Kainan Awoonor-Renner

After another necessary break, we are delighted to bring you this timely, advent-apt episode on cultivating the practice of loving and delighting in God, as part of our podcast series on the rituals and rhythms in home education.

In this thought provoking yet heartwarming episode, I have the pleasure of sitting with my amazing and super bright friend, Jack Stewart from @DaddyHomeschools. Jack is a the dudeiest of dads. A cool millennial, singer/songwriter and theology graduate, who also happens to be a single father home educating his 3 beautiful children the UK.

In this episode, Jack shares eloquently how he uses Psalm 111.2 and Psalm 127.5 to create a daily liturgy that frames the context of his home Ed philosophy.

Before philosophising on the joy and practice of putting Christ at the centre of his home education life, Jack and I go deep as we exchange notes on the challenges of being single, Christian home educating parents. We discuss how his faith helped him to find the courage to heal by being fully present for his children, in spite of the curveball of an unexpected separation.

Thrown in the mix for good measure, are deeply moving audio clips of Jack leading his children in worship in their daily liturgy.

If there was ever an episode that beckoned you to stop, pause and let your own soul draw breathe, this is the one. ☕️ 🍰 🕯

Sit tight, as we plan to bring you one more episode before the year closes!

For now, Merry Christmas and Happy listening!

Feedback:
If this episode inspires, challenges or encourages you, please spare a moment to let us know, either by:

- [ ] Leaving us a voice message on anchor at https://anchor.fm/homegrownsonshine/message
- [ ] Sending us an email at info@homegrownsonshine.co.uk
- [ ] Connecting with us online:
•  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com homegrown.sonshine/
•  Website - https://homegrownsonshine.co.uk/blog/
•  Twitter - https://mobile.twitter.com/homegrownsonsh1

Resources mentioned in this episode
* Psalm 111.2
* Psalm 127.5
* Jotham’s Journey; A story book of Advent, Arnold Ytreeide
* John Milton’s Poems
* I am the seed that grew, Fiona Waters (National Trust)


Music
* You are my song - original music written and performed by Jack Stewart
* Morning Liturgy - by Jack Stewart and his children with backing track by Robert Farmer, September, in The Shepherd’s Calendar,-courtesy of FMA

Podcast Intro/Outro theme music: by Kainan Awoonor-Renner

After a short hiatus over the summer, we are excited to bring you another lively and informative episode (E10), from our rituals and practices in home education series.

In this episode, I sit with the charming and vivacious Erika Alicea, from Charlotte Mason City Living, to discuss her rituals in cultivating the habit of bird study in the city. Erika, who lives with her husband and daughter in New York City, is an ex-public school teacher now turned a full time home educator and a co-pastor alongside her husband, of a local church in the Bronx. In addition, Blogger, resource creator and podcaster on the Charlotte Mason For All Podcast and co founder of Art of colour, Erika is well known for her passion for the inclusion of multicultural heritage learning within CM education.

Those of us who lives in the city know what struggle there can be in finding time to slow down enough to notice anything beyond our smartphones and busy schedules. It’s an open secret that if we really want to enjoy nature and find rest, we have just have to get away from the city, right?

Well, Erika thinks not.

Join us in this riveting conversation as she describes her beautiful, slow habit of looking up to find feathered friends in the city with her daughter throughout their home school journey. The episode also includes other engaging and relevant topics on transitioning into home schooling from traditional school and finding her unique style within the Charlotte Mason philosophy.

Whether you are a CM home-edder or not or you live in the city or have a an only child, it’s arguably impossible to listen to this episode without feeling inspired or charmed by Erika’s authenticity, her love for God, her creativity and the humble way in which she talks about her parenting struggles and triumphs.

EPISODE BLOG to follow with reflections and a detailed list of tips from this episode: https://homegrownsonshine.co.uk/blog/

FEEDBACK
Do let us know what you make of the episode or the series as a whole.
- [ ] Leave us a voice message on anchor at https://anchor.fm/homegrownsonshine/message
- [ ] Send us an email at info@homegrownsonshine.co.uk
- [ ] Join the discussion via our Facebook group: A Liturgy Of Love Morning Time Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/765110780907740
- [ ] Connect with us online:
•  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/homegrown.sonshine/
•  Website - https://homegrownsonshine.co.uk/blog/

RESOURCES
*A Liturgy of Love* A Culturally Diverse Morning Time Resource- https://homegrownsonshine.co.uk/a-liturgy-of-love-alol-2/

*Resources from Erika Alicea*

1. Feathered Friends of the City- an Urban Bird Guide- https://charlottemasoncityliving.com/product/feathered-friends-of-the-city-an-urban-bird-study/

2. Transitioning from Traditional School to Homeschool - https://charlottemasoncityliving.com/deschooling-10-tips-on-transitioning-from-traditional-school-to-homeschool/

3. Website for multicultural resources: https://charlottemasoncityliving.com

Other Nature Study Resources mentioned:

1. The Burgess Bird Book for Children: Thorton Burgess
2. The Burgess Bird Book for Children: Julia Rothman
3. The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady: Edith Holden

POETRY READINGS
*The Sparrow - written and read by Isabel Alicea Erika’s daughter - found in the Feather Friends of the City - Urban bird guide.
*The Woodpecker - Elizabeth Maddox Robert’s read by Isabel Alicea.

MUSIC
Backing Track to Poems- Ranz des Vaches, by Giochino Rossini, performed by Kevin Macleod -courtesy of FMA

Podcast Intro/Outro theme music: by Kainan Awoonor-Renner

Unlike previous episodes this season, where our focus has been on the practices and rituals that form an idyllic Home Ed experience for children’, this episode focuses on us: mothers and parents.

How do we nurture ourselves as a life-giving parents throughout our home school journey? This is the critical question that my ever-so poised and very wise friend, Min J Hwang and I unpack in this episode. Min, a Christian Home Ed mum of 4 based in New York, is much respected for her in-depth knowledge of Charlotte Mason's methods, coupled with her passion for helping Home-Ed mums chart their own life-giving, gospel based motherhood journeys.

Drawing from Charlotte Mason’s call for mothers to take time to play, rest and partner with the Holy Spirit in educating their children, Min offers us a beautiful, gospel-anchored, daily rhythm that glistens with balance and peace.

Our conversation covers a wide variety of topics including:


Mother Culture vs Mother nurture
Parental authority
Discipline and accountability
The way of the will and habit formation
Min’s rituals for nurturing a life-giving Motherhood

Lastly, interwoven throughout this episode is Min’s heartwarming personal story into motherhood, home schooling, mission work and women’s ministry.

Whether you are a Christian or not, a home-edder or not, it’s arguably impossible to listen to this episode without feeling inspired or convicted by this amazing woman’s devotion in her service to mothers, families and women, in general.

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You can find more information and a detailed list of tips from this episode and my previous blog on similar theme (Episode 3) on the corresponding blog here: https://homegrownsonshine.co.uk/blog/

As always, I would love to hear your thoughts.

Join the discussion via our Facebook group: A Liturgy Of Love Morning Time Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/765110780907740

Other ways to connect:

•  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/homegrown.sonshine/

•  Website https://homegrownsonshine.co.uk/blog/

•  Twitter https://mobile.twitter.com/homegrownsonsh1

Resources from Min

Blog, resources and habit forming aids: https://minjunghwang.com

LifeGiving Motherhood Membership Wait List: https://minjunghwang.com/membership/

Reading 1: Psalm 23 read by Min Hwang’s daughter. Backing Track: 'Cherry Blossom' by John Bartmann courtesy of FMA

Intro/outro theme music: by Kainan Awoonor-Renner

This week, I have the honour of sitting with my dear friend, Molly Ashton; Christian home-ed mum of four, author, blogger and podcaster; as we unpack the rituals and practices that make up her lifegiving, Charlotte-Masonesque, country-living home education life.
With over 18 years home education experience under her belt with two young adult children now in higher education, Molly is an exemplary veteran home edder, whose relaxed, spiritual and literary based education style is both a beacon and breath of fresh air to new and old home-edders alike.
In this episode, we discuss Molly’s journey to home education for both her birth and adopted children. We explore the challenges around managing the schedules of multiple aged children, as well as meeting the demands of a child with additional needs. We then unpack why Sally Clarkson plays an important role in Molly's home school journey whilst holding a large space for the Ashton family's list of must read -read aloud books.
If you find yourself in the trenches of parenting in the wobbles, be it due to having a new baby like me, or you have just started your adoption journey; or perhaps you may be struggling with balancing the needs of multiple-aged children; maybe you have a child with a learning or neuro-diverse need, or perhaps you are coping with a family crisis;  whatever your wobble may be, be assured that there will be something of comfort or hope in this episode for you.
So, why not grab yourself a warm drink, get comfy and let Molly and I take you on a charming conversation about homeschooling through every season in the English countryside.
You can find more information and a detailed list of tips from this episode on the corresponding blog here: https://homegrownsonshine.co.uk/blog/
I would love to hear your thoughts.
Join the discussion via our Facebook group: A Liturgy Of Love Morning Time Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/765110780907740
Other ways to connect:
•  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/homegrown.sonshine/
•  Website https://homegrownsonshine.co.uk/blog/
•  Twitter https://mobile.twitter.com/homegrownsonsh1
Molly Ashton’s Resources from this episode
Book: The Kite's Tale: A Story of Adoption:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kites-Tale-Story-Adoption/dp/152899101X 
Blog: https://motheringthroughtheseasons.com
Podcast: https://mendedteacups.wordpress.com
Poem 1:
The End, AA Milne, read by O Ashton
Backing Track Music: Bach: Prelude in F minor by Nico de Napoli courtesy Free Music Archive
Poem 2:
Lady Smock,  by Ms Ashton
Vivaldi’s Four Seasons track by John Harrison, Robert Turizziani and Wichita State University Chamber Players. Courtesy of FMA
Theme music: by Kainan Awoonor-Renner

In this episode, I have the privilege and joy of discussing art study rituals with the talented art historian and home Ed mum of three, Rebecca Jemmett of @meet.the.artists.family.

Rebecca and I not only her rituals and practices around cultivating the love of art and artist study at home but; as with all my guests, we also delve into her why home educate journey as well as take a sneak look at some of thevhabits and passion that make her such a well balanced home-ed mum.

Drawing from her vast wealth of knowledge, personal Home Ed practice and her recently launched series of comprehensive and diverse range of weekly art study resources, Rebecca lays a banquent of tips, insights and practical how-tos to spark the flames of a vibrant and creative art-loving home atmosphere.

So, if you’ve ever wondered how art connoisseurs encourage art and creativity in their homes, then this episode is definitely for you!

Do grab your favorite drink and notepads, find comfy seat as we serve yet another a delicious feast of artist/art study gems in today's episode.

You can find more information and a detailed list of tips from this episode on the corresponding blog here: https://homegrownsonshine.co.uk/blog/

I would love to hear your thoughts.

Join the discussion via our Facebook group: A Liturgy Of Love Morning Time Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/765110780907740

Other ways to connect:
• Instagram https://www.instagram.com/homegrown.sonshine/

• Website https://homegrownsonshine.co.uk/blog/

• Twitter https://mobile.twitter.com/homegrownsonsh1

Resources from this episode

Rebecca’s current range of four artist study courses can be found at https://www.meettheartistsfamily.co.uk/courses

Other art study resources mentioned include:
Homegrown Sonshine’s A Liturgy of Love Morning Time Resource -Artist Study Guide- https://homegrownsonshine.co.uk/a-liturgy-of-love-alol-2/

Michael Bird’s Vincent's Starry Night and Other Stories: A Children's History of Art:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/178067614X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_FZKHQYZDVE0K1RBTH882?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

James Mayhew’s Katie Art book series- James Mayhew Katie 10 Books Bundle Collection Set:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/9444468453/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_5VETYPQATNZJGRK87MSE


Poem 1:
Stealing The Scream: by Monica Youn, Read by Leah Jemmett
Backing Track Music: Reveller, Little Night Thoughts, by Dee Van Kay, Courtesy of FMA

Poem 2:
Ozymandias: by Percy Bysshe Shelley, Read by Kainan Awoonor-Renner
Backing Track Music: Laare, by Salam, Senegalese band, Courtesy of FMA

Theme music: by Kainan Awoonor-Renner

All backing tracks:  Courtesy of FMA