Thursday's Learning Spotlight: Imprisoned in Iran by Dan Baumann

There are many educational resources and ideas that I would love to share. They whirl through my head but I rarely sit down and write about them. So I've decided that each Thursday (time permitting) I will briefly "spotlight" one resource or idea that may benefit others.

This week I am reading "Imprisoned In Iran: Love's Victory over Fear" by Dan Baumann (my Christmas gift from Dave). Dan Baumann was imprisoned in solitary confinement for nine weeks on false charges. Dan's account exposes his weakness and fear, and God's faithfulness and power.

Reading "Imprisoned in Iran" has felt like an encounter with God! I have been filled with awe at God's awesome love, what he is willing to do to save people, and the way he sets us free. I have prayed afresh that God will set us on fire for Him and cause us to trust Him with everything. I have been reminded of the suffering believers face in Muslim countries, and the desperate need to pray for the growth of the church in those places.

This book will definitely be kept on our shelf, in the hope of reading it to our children one day or including it as part of our studies. The book would not only be a wonderful way to teach children about who God is, it would also provide a useful point of discussion about geography, mission, people groups and culture. This is the fourth book in the International Adventures series that I have had the pleasure of reading. Every one of them has been a gripping account of God's work across the world.

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The Zulu of Africa

 It has been fun to check out some books from our local library that could be useful in teaching Elnathan about his South African heritage. The Zulu of Africa is full of lovely photos. It focuses on traditional and rural Zulu culture. This means that it does not give a detailed idea of what Zulu life is generally like today. However, it is useful from a historical perspective. It is also an enjoyable read because it focuses on the province of Kwa-Zulu Natal, where Dave spent several happy years. We have also spent a lot of time together there. Thsi book might be worth owning. I believe that it is good to own books that you want children to identify with as part of their childhood and history. I remember reading and re-reading books about Tasmanian aboriginal people as a child, because we had these in our home.

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Crafty Ideas A-Z

I have to start this blog with one of my favourite educational resources for the tiny ones! I can't wait for Elnathan to be old enough to begin these fun activities.

I first came across this book when I was working with Kinder/Prep students at Seabrook Christian School, and loved it so much that I purchased it. Crafty Ideas A-Z contains a craft for each letter and further ideas for teaching that sound. There is only one craft per letter, so it does not contain all the phonetic sounds.  However, it is a wonderful way to supplement a full phonics program. In my experience, children love these crafts! They also make lovely displays. You can see inside Crafty Ideas A-Z online!

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