e book alpacas
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www.TheHomeschoolMagazine.com i Alpacas and Homeschool: A Natural Connection
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AAllppaaccaass aanndd HHoommeesscchhooooll:: AA NNaattuurraall CCoonnnneeccttiioonn
Alison Christy
© 2009 The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC
P.O. Box 8426, Gray, TN 37615
Printed in the United States of America
All rights reserved
Project Manager: Charlotte McKinney
Cover and Text Layout: Krystin Corneilson
Cover Template Artist: Christi Gifford, www.ArtDesignsbyChristi.com
Photographs by Alison Christy, edited by Megs Colleen
Unless otherwise noted, all Scriptural references contained in this E-Book are taken from the King James
Version of the Bible.
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websites, advertisements and other content and links or references to external sources (collectively, “Content”) not
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Table of Contents
Introduction ....................................................................... 1
A Change of Course ............................................................. 1
Raising Alpacas .................................................................. 2
Softening Hearts ................................................................. 3
Integrating With Homeschool ................................................ 4
Conclusion ......................................................................... 5
Further Resources ............................................................... 6
Appendix ........................................................................... 7
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www.TheHomeschoolMagazine.com 1 Alpacas and Homeschool: A Natural Connection
IInnttrroodduuccttiioonn
s a spinner and weaver, I picturehomeschooling as a way to help
weave our children’s tapestry of life.Some yarns are stronger, some are
brighter colors, some have more texture,and sometimes an extra strand of yarn
needs to be added, but when you step
back and look at the whole project, it allblends together to make a beautiful, full,
and complete creation. Our adventure withalpaca ranching has added much richnessand beauty to our family tapestry, withreflections of God throughout.
AA CChhaannggee oof f CCoouurrssee
n 2006, my work with Neighborhood Family Centers came to an end
when the program funding for parenting services to families was lost.During my 10+ years there, my coworkers and I worked side by side
with many families and many children with challenges. My training as aregistered nurse and infant mental health specialist enabled me to work with
teen moms and dads, developmentally disabled children, families at risk,and everyone in between. In my
community, the closing of our office left ahole for families with specific needs. It also
left a hole in me, as I had been blessed towork with these families and make a
difference. I was searching for a new niche
and wondering what was next.
During the years I worked with families, wealso homeschooled and raised sheep. Our
children, Meg, now 16 and Cari, 14, learned
to care for the animals and helped in allaspects of their care. Our daughters asked if we could go in a little different direction. We searched and visited ranches
and studied many animals. In 2007 we changed our course and decided toraise alpacas. We felt drawn to their gentle nature and mischievous ways,
and they seemed to reach a special place in our hearts.
A
II
Our adventure with
alpaca ranching has
added much richness
and beauty to our
family tapestry, with
reflections of God
throughout.
An example of one of our craft kits,
which are sold via our website.
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R R aaiissiinngg AAllppaaccaass
lpacas are clean animals in that they do their “duties” in certain areas,so you don’t have to watch every step in the pasture. Care is easy, as
they graze in the summer, and eat hay in the winter—add some waterand TLC and you’ve pretty much got it. I shear them once a year with
Fiskars® scissors, and we send much of the luxurious fiber to a co-op, which
sends us back mittens, socks, hats, and
other alpaca products. We sell theseproducts in a small ranch store. We also
spin and weave some of our own itemsand have our store listed on an artist’sstudio tour annually. Every year on theFriday and Saturday after Thanksgiving,
several art studios in our county havean open house so that customers can
come and see them work and shop intheir studios. This brings a very
diverse group to our shop, and the art studios work together to advertise. Itis a wonderful time for sales and kicks off our busy Christmas season. My
husband and I wanted to have our daughters continue to care for animalsand learn from all of the experiences and responsibilities that go with that
care. Our alpaca endeavor gave us so much more than that.
We began our venture with a few male alpacas.
Very soon, we knew we needed baby alpacas tomake things complete, so now we have
seventeen alpacas, including three 2009 babies(called “cria”), our rare gray appaloosa babe from
2008, and two guard llamas to keep awaycoyotes. In observing how the alpacas reacted to
Meg and Cari, and vice versa, I began to see howalpacas could be used effectively as therapy
animals for children in crisis or disabledindividuals. Observing positive interactions
between the alpacas and children who visited ourranch was encouraging.
A
A simple barn is all you need!
Care is easy, as
they graze in the
summer, and eat
hay in the winter —
add some water
and TLC and
you’ve pretty
much got it.
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SSoof f tteenniinngg HHeeaarrttss
ometimes animals can helpsoften hearts that are
hardened and hurt from
abuse, neglect, or other traumas.Sometimes animals can break
through to the disabled and bringthem joy at a level we cannot
understand. Sometimes individualswho cannot express themselves well
can connect with an alpaca thatcomes up and nuzzles with
unconditional acceptance.Sometimes we can feel drawn to an
animal that accepts us— just as we are—and we can shed our tears and tellour secrets, knowing that’s where our secrets will stay. I observed my
daughters nurturing and treating with great respect our “special” visitors,abused or handicapped children and adults. These visitors became a
tremendous gift to us, and I could see glimpses of Christ reflected through
my children as they interacted with them.
One beautiful fall day, we had six disabled children come for a visit, alongwith their teachers. Our barn has a paved area for wheelchairs, and we
brought the group in. Those who were able to sit on bales of hay did so. Carihaltered Rudolph, our resident spoiled alpaca, and he let everyone stroke his
long, flowing locks. After that, we let the females just wander in, and Flurry,our kisser, had to nuzzle everyone—at least once or twice, probably more.
Lots of giggles and hand clapping took place. Then there was even moreexcitement as Luke Skywalker, our fuzz-ball alpaca, entered the barn.
Each child was excited to receive a felted ball and an alpaca finger puppet to
remind him or her of the visit that day. The group had brought their luncheswith them, and we ate together in the shade. During their time here, I
recognized two of the teen boys. When they
were infants I had done home visits with
them! It brought tears to my eyes to see “my kids” grown up. When I realized this, Iknew that God had brought me full circle
into another ministry. But even better, thisis now a ministry that we share as a family.
My husband, Vernon, and our daughters,Meg and Cari, also are tending to our
visitors and sharing and caring for them.
SS
Sometimes animalscan help softenhearts that are
hardened and hurt from abuse, neglect,
or other traumas.
Rudolph, our flirt!
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One of the boys visiting that day had never
been observed laughing before by histeachers, but he cackled and giggled while
he was here. What an honor and a blessingto be part of these special moments. And
which one of us is not challenged? We allhave our burdens, and we all have times
when we just need a peaceful place to go.
On another occasion, a group of
developmentally disabled adults visited our
ranch. A blind lady was going to remain onthe bus, but we encouraged her to comeout. This precious lady got to touch thealpacas’ silky fiber (which is likened to
cashmere), be nuzzled, smell the fresh hay, and feed the alpacas. I’ve never
experienced such an outpouring of appreciation from someone. We had theopportunity to share God’s love with her, and it was overwhelming. These
experiences have been very bright and colorful additions to our children’stapestries, with deep, warm textures, helping them become living reflections
of Christ.
IInntteeggrraattiinngg WWiitthh HHoommeesscchhooooll
s we homeschool teenage daughters onour alpaca ranch, the lessons they learn
both in caring for our alpacas and inlovingly caring for our visitors are invaluable.
We have opened up an alpaca shop on ourranch—a cute little shop with some mittens,
socks, and various other alpaca items. Thisendeavor has turned into a nice local business
with worldwide Internet sales as well. Ourneedle felting craft kits sell well on eBay®,
and as a ministry we include a printed copy of the twenty-third Psalm with every sale. Our
Survival Socks are in great demand byoutdoorsmen as well as moms with tired feet,
because alpaca is warmer than wool and is
much softer; it comes in twenty-two naturalcolors.
A
In observing how thealpacas reacted toMeg and Cari, and
vice versa, I began tosee how alpacascould be used
effectively as therapyanimals for childrenin crisis or disabled
individuals.
Now we have seventeen alpaca,including three 2009 babies (called
“cria”), our rare gray appaloosababe from 2008, and two guard llamas to keep away coyotes.
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Meg and Cari competently serve customers
and meet their needs and sometimesconduct a full tour of the ranch by
themselves. They are able to share whatthey have learned about alpacas and
answer questions in depth. Involvementwith decisions about finances, feed, any
medical needs, fencing, organic methods,web design, and all other aspects of alpacaranching will help them with any future
endeavors. Their interaction with customers
has given them confidence and given us anopportunity to teach integrity and ethical business operation.
There is a show circuit for alpacas, which gives them good experience
related not only to caring for their animals, but also related to interacting
with many other alpaca ranchers and interested individuals. Some alpacaowners raise these animals for fiber alone, and some raise alpacas to
develop quality bloodlines. We raise alpacas for both reasons. As we looktoward this summer, we will have some beginner herd packages for sale and
will have to part with some of our beloved alpacas, but that is also a lessonto be learned.
CCoonncclluussiioonn
hen my former nursing position was lost, I had no idea what my
future held. My full-time job was being a homeschooling mom, butI’d always had my fingers in other areas, especially reaching out to
those in need. Losing that position was a blessing in disguise, because itopened up new opportunities to not only help those in need, but also to
stretch my family and expand our homeschooling to include natural lessonsin entrepreneurship and economics, character and leadership—lessons I
don’t think could have been taught from a book and certainly not to thisextent.
Our girls are earning their wings of flight as they prepare to launch out into
the world and weave their own personal tapestries. They will have thefoundation of a personal business experience and much loving service, which
will guide them as they reach out and move forward. Each will carry with her
all of the deep textures and colors of her experiences, adding her owndimensions and qualities, with reflections of God woven into her life’s
handiwork.
WW
Flurry was a Green Bay Packer fan from the beginning.
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FFuurrtthheerr R R eessoouurrcceess
The Farming Game, by The Weekend Farmer Company Life on the Farm Board Game, by We R Fun Games
E-Book: Goats Milk For Your Maidens, by Mrs. Lisa Mesko E-Book: Home Business Resource Guide, by Laurie Neumann E-Book: As a Hen Gathers Her Chicks, by Mrs. Lisa Mesko E-Book: WeE-book™-The Pitfalls and Possibilities of Being a Work-At-
Home Mom, by Carol Topp, CPA
Alison Christy resides with her husband, Vernon, and two teendaughters on 80 acres in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.Combining homeschooling and raising alpacas withinternational internet sales of natural, organic alpaca and wool
products provides a broad experience as well as a diversemission field. Incorporating outreach, both to the community and with each sale, enriches our experiences and allows
personal contact and interaction. We also operate a small gift shop at our ranch. Alison Christy is a registered nurse and infant mental health specialist who enjoys spinning, weaving,
people, and producing wool craft kits (our main product for 5 years!) for sale on our website. Alison’s blog: http://lambkinwool.blogspot.com/
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AAppppeennddiixx
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How to Begin Homeschooling1. Discuss With Your Spouse: Educating your child at home is a huge decision and should
be one that is made with your spouse. Do not begin unless you are in agreement aboutthis decision. You will need the support of your spouse not only at the beginning, but also
throughout the year.
2. Research the Homeschool Laws Applicable in your Area: Be fully aware of the legal
requirements before you begin and especially before you take a child out of public
school. For the U.S., each state’s legal requirements can be found on the
www.HomeschoolLegal.com website. Internationally, refer to www.HSLDA.org.
3. Research Styles of Home Education: There is no single right way to educate your child
at home; however, there are many differing philosophies you may want to consider.
Charlotte Mason: Based on a method introduced by nineteenth-century educator
Charlotte Mason, this approach includes nature studies/journaling, narration, and
living books.
Classical: Based on Dorothy Sayers’ The Lost Tools of Learning, in which child
development is broken up into three “stages” of learning commonly called “the
Trivium.”
Delight Directed: This puts the learning in the hands of the child, based on his or her
interests. Parents help facilitate this type of learning with appropriate instructional
materials.
Eclectic: A mix of philosophies and curricula to accommodate each child’s abilitiesand interests. Parents choose from any method or style only those components that fit
their specific needs.
The Principle Approach: An approach based on the principles of our Founding
Fathers and an emphasis on God’s Word as the basis for every subject.
Traditional Textbook: Normally uses a full-range, packaged, textbook-type
curriculum that also may include a scope and sequence, testing, and recordkeeping.
Unit Studies: All or most core subjects are covered while studying any one topic or
unit of study, using a variety of resources and supplemental activities.
Unschooling: A relaxed setting where learning is directed by the child. Parts of this
philosophy are based on research by John Taylor Gatto and John Holt.
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4. Find Support: After finding your style of choice (or a mix of more than one choice), you
may want to choose a support group that reflects that specific style or just a general
homeschool support group in your area. Meeting with other home educators offers
encouragement as well as knowledge and assistance with your homeschool questions.
Often, organized classes or activities for your children are offered through support groups
as well. For information about homeschool support groups in your area, check theselistings:
U.S.:
www.TheHomeschoolMagazine.com/Homeschool_Nations/State_Listings.php
www.HomeschoolLegal.com
UK:
http://www.home-service.org/
http://www.heas.org.uk/
New Zealand:http://www.che.org.nz/
http://hef.org.nz/
http://www.ahe.org.nz/
http://www.homeschoolers.wellington.net.nz/
http://community.library.org.nz/cgi-bin/display.pl?id=296
Guam:
www.HomeschoolBlogger.com/guam
http://www.tumon.com/ghsa
Australia:
http://www.hea.asn.au/hea/
Canada:
www.shbe.info
www.machs.mb.ca
www.aheaonline.com
http://nshea.webcentre.ca/
http://www.eho.org/support/canada.asp
5. Gather Resources: Some families start with a complete curriculum package, while
others start with a notebook and a library card. Choosing your resources depends on your
style or method of education and your own interests. If you are financially burdened,
there are free homeschooling resources on the web, as well as discounted, used books in
abundance.
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You Can Do This! Parents around the world are taking back their God-given responsibility to
educate their children, and you can too. We have developed two downloads to help you get
started:
Homeschool With Confidence
Simple Recipes for Successful Homeschooling
Disclaimer: The above information is not intended as legal advice and should not be
construed as such. Please check the legal requirements in your area .
To a Homeschool MomBy Amelia Harper
He gave this gift with gentle hands,
A treasure rich and rare;
But sand and rock and rugged stone
Obscured the gem so fair.
“I give this gift to you,” He said,
“To polish and to prime;
The future lies within your hands,
So make use of the time.”
Some others placed their precious gifts
Within another’s care,
Because they knew the craft took time —
And time they could not spare.
But you were not content to trust
This task to other hands.
You sought to teach yourself the craft
That such a task demands.
For, you said, “No other hand
Can craft this gem so fair;
My loving eyes can better see
The treasure hidden there.”
So carefully you chipped away
Till brilliance sprang from stone.
You shaped each facet, smoothed each face,
Until the task was done.
Some days you feared that you would fail;
Some days, you saw success.
But still you labored on with love
And gentle tenderness.
Thus, soon the gem He gave to you
Reflected Light sublime;
And then you knew no other task
Was better worth your time.
www.HomeScholarBooks.com
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...you might also enjoy some of the other resources provided by TOS.
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