meet Mary Hake

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Mary A. Hake, a native Oregonian, has over thirty years experience in Christian education, having taught nursery age through high school in church programs. She has also taught ladies’ Bible studies, including some she developed herself.

A freelance writer for over twenty-five years, Mary has published hundreds of articles, plus short stories, devotions, curricula, opinion, puzzles, activities, and poetry for all ages. She has been a feature reporter for a local weekly and for a regional newspaper. Nine of her stories appear in the one-year children’s devotional book Walking with Jesus, One Step at a Time. She has also contributed to compilation books, including Life Savors for Women, Seasons of a Woman’s Heart, The Gift of Prayer, His Forever, Hello Future! and Life’s Simple Guide to God. In addition, Mary has done freelance editing the past twelve years and currently edits books for VMI and Seed Faith Publishers.

Married for thirty-six years, Mary has two grown daughters, both teachers. She homeschooled ten years, taking both girls through high school. Mary has been active with home school support groups and produced a newsletter for Linn County Christian Home Educators. When her children were in college, she went back to school and earned an associate’s degree in journalism and mass communications from Linn-Benton Community College, Albany, Oregon.

Mary has also been employed by a Christian bookstore, and as a part-time teacher, teacher’s aide, and childcare provider. In addition, she volunteered as a church librarian for eight years. The current president of Oregon Christian Writers, she has been a member of OCW for over twenty-three years. She also belongs to American Christian Fiction Writers and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. She has also taught writing classes at writer’s conferences and to students in grades two through twelve, including a workshop at the public library.

An avid and eclectic reader, Mary enjoys research and appreciates accuracy. She feels passionate about providing wholesome material to encourage young people’s spiritual growth and their natural desire to learn. Currently she is working on a novel, in addition to other writing pursuits. Visit her website at www.maryhake.com.

Creation
Young learners discover Creation with 13 integrated, fun-filled lessons! Each 10-page set of instructions include math, English, science, art, spelling, and physical activities. These can be used separately, or along with Bible study.

Designed for first to fourth graders, bonus activities are also included for older and younger students so families can learn together. Web site links enhance and expand the scope of each Creation lesson, while key Bible verses link creation-themed concepts to the imaginative and fun activities.

From light to the day of rest, the book is adaptable to a variety of Christian education settings – from homeschool to Sunday schools. Written by a mom with 10 years homeschool experience and over 30 years in Christian education. Creation is an exceptional supplement to any learning program. There are also 12 character studies included and lessons about four Bible children.

Every lesson begins with an Introduction that discusses the Scriptural background, followed by an Object Lesson about the topic. At the end of each lesson is a Character Connection that relates a particular trait, such as Wisdom, Responsibility, and Kindness, to the lesson and to life. Each of these virtues has a Scripture Search with Bible verses about that trait. You can look up one, some, or all—maybe read one a day or hunt for more verses. An optional activity relating to the character quality and a practical reminder round out the connection.

Here's a sample:

Science Scene from Lesson 12 Creation Celebration

Materials Needed:
Paper and pencil
Things to taste: sweet, salty, sour, spicy, etc.
Magnifying glass and binoculars, optional
Computer and Internet, optional

Humans have five senses.
Can you name our five senses? (seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, and touching or feeling)

We will use each of our senses today as we explore.
Look around the room or out the window or go outdoors and list all the things you can see.
Next, list all the things you can hear. It may help to close your eyes while you listen.
Which sounds are quiet; which are loud?
Now, list the things you can smell. Sniff different objects and describe their odor.
What smells do you like?
Fourth, let’s taste different flavors.
Close your eyes and stick out your tongue. I will put a bit of something on your tongue. Tell me how it tastes. Repeat for each flavor.
Our fifth sense is touch. All of your skin can feel. Even your tongue and mouth have the sense of touch.
You feel hot or cold, soft or rough. Touch different objects and describe their texture.
Not everything is safe to touch.
Some things are sharp and may cut you.
What are some sharp things you need to be careful around? (broken glass, knife, scissors, electric fan, drill, etc.)
Some things are very hot and may burn you.
What things might be too hot to touch? (stove, fire, pan in oven, motor, etc.)
We must be careful around sharp or hot objects and other dangerous things.
If you see something dangerous, always tell an adult.
God wants us to be safe and healthy.
Eating proper foods helps keep our bodies healthy.
We need to eat a variety of food each day—fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products, and meat or protein foods.
God created all kinds of good food for us to eat.
You may wish to take a Nature Walk and observe God’s Creation and may collect samples, such as leaves, twigs, rocks, flowers, insects, etc.
Use your senses. Look, listen, smell, touch (carefully), and taste things that are safe to eat. Notice all the different colors. Can you see the birds you hear calling?
Try lying on the ground to get a different perspective—first on your stomach, then on your back. For each position, ask these questions:
What do you notice?
What looks different from this view?
You may wish to use a magnifying glass or binoculars in your investigations.

From Lesson 7:
Character Connection: COOPERATION
Some of the sea creatures God created cooperate to help each other out.
The little cleaner shrimp uses its claws to pick stuff from fishes’ bodies and even get inside their mouths to clean their teeth. The shrimp helps the fish keep clean and uses what it finds on the fish for food. These sea creatures cooperate for the good of both.
Co means “with” or “together.” Operate means “to act” or “to work.”
Co + operate = Cooperate. Together this makes the word cooperate.
Working together with someone else makes the work easier and faster.
It’s also more fun to work with another person.
Cooperation means working together and helping each other.
Cooperation means taking turns and sharing.
Cooperation means solving problems together. …



You can download a sample of the 1st chapter here.

There is an interactive full-color version is available from Seed Faith Books on CD, with other material included and geared toward homeschool.

Mary skillfully presents twelve quality lessons with hands-on activities plus bonus ACTIVE HYPERLINKS to many helpful websites which enhance each lesson. Just click on the website links and go directly to that website.

Also included: Parent letter, scope & sequence, suggestions on various ways to utilize the curriculum, lists of “Materials Needed” for each area of study, and two Creation Songs.

Extra Features: Homeschool Curriculum DVD
Power Point Presentations of the following:
1. Creation Big Book - 32 pages
2. Creation - Animal features
3. Character Connections: 12 Lessons on Character Traits (2 pages each)
4. Sixty Poems with Clues to guess creatures
5. Psalm 139 God Made Me - 18 p. illustrated pocket book
6. God Made Me - 32 p. picture book
7. How Big Is God's Love? - 32 p. picture book

To see the great layout of this book, click here. It's an incredible book and curriculum!


You can purchase Creation at Amazon, CBD and Seed Faith Books.

Welcome to Patterings, Mary! Tell us about your epiphany moment when you decided you were going to seriously pursue writing.
I have loved to write since I first learned how as a child. I wrote poems, songs, and stories as soon as I could print. I didn’t mind essays in school since I enjoyed research and composition. Teachers encouraged me, but I was not confident enough to pursue publishing until I had children and more life experiences to draw from.
My younger daughter had a story published in a SS children’s paper before I ever did.

I served as copyeditor of my college newspaper, and can’t help noticing errors in written material.
I even corrected my biology teacher’s syllabus. But that led to work editing books, so you never know what doors God will open …

What prompted you to write this book?
David and Helen Haidle asked me to consider writing for homeschoolers. They wanted a book to accompany their Creation picture book. I came up with the idea for organizing it with various subjects, much as I used to do for special studies with my own children. I wanted to encourage learning about and exploring God’s wonderful creation.

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?
Organizing my time and focus. I have so many interests that it’s difficult to stick to one project or type of writing. I try to seek God’s direction for what He wants me to do each day and to be open to His inspiration.

What is your strangest habit?
I sleep with a light covering over my head to keep it warm so I don’t get a sinus headache and to block out the light that would awaken me (too early).

What would a perfect day for you look like?
Feeling healthy and full of energy. No allergy symptoms or heart problems. Free to read and write and not worry about all the other things that need to be done.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
Historicals, mysteries, contemporary fiction, any type of wholesome reading that lifts my spirits. Also Bible studies.

Are there certain foods or snacks keeps the words flowing for you?

No. Just try to drink enough water, but you know what that leads to (bathroom breaks).
I also like licorice tea.

What lesson is the Lord teaching you right now or recently taught you?

Keep trusting Him for each moment, each day, and all the future.

When is your next book due out and can you tell us about it?

I am pursuing novel writing and do not have a contract, although there is some interest.
I have a completed Young Adult manuscript and am working on a woman’s contemporary.

Thanks so much for being with us this week, Mary!

Mary is giving away two copies of Creation. To be entered in the book giveaways, leave a comment and check back on Thursday, September 24th to see if you've won. If you want to guarantee that you're notified if you win, then leave your email address in the comment, otherwise, you can just check back and email me through the button in my sidebar. OR you could sign up to have Patterings updates delivered to your inbox. If you do, it will give you a bonus entry in the giveaway, otherwise you can enter twice--once for each post you leave a comment on. :^)

Oh! It's a winners day!! I almost forgot! LoL--truly.
The winner of Candy Arrington's When Your Aging Parent Needs Care: Practical Help for This Season of Life is Carmen and Edna is the winner of Terry Brennan's book A Sacred Cipher. Enjoy your books, ladies! Carrie Turansky's giveaway is still going on--be sure to leave a comment to be enter in her book drawing.

On deck for tomorrow is Maureen Lang!
(and don't forget to leave a comment for Mary!)

27 comments:

  1. Hello everyone,
    Hope you enjoy learning to know me a bit better. I want to mention the free books are courtesy of the publisher, New Leaf Press. I orginally designed it for homeschoolers, and they wanted to expand the market so that churches, schools and others can benefit from the material. Several churches are now using it, especially the Bible study portions.

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a fabulous book! I am in my second year of homeschooling. I started teaching first grade level work a few weeks ago to my 6 year old son and I am always looking for new or supplemental curriculum to use. I am enjoying homeschooling and I am amazed by how much my 2 year old is picking up listening to me teach her brother. I hope to continue homeschooling for a long time to come but I do have to admit that I find the thought of the high school years a bit daunting. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of your wonderful book.

    cherierj(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  3. I am a subscriber to Patterings.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love studying about God's Creation. I'd love to win Thanks.

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm also on your e-mail list

    Thanks

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  6. Mary Hake10:17 AM

    Cherie, I loved teaching and learning with my children. My book has things that can be used for a variety of ages. You can pick certain items to do now and others for future years so it can be used a long time. That's one of the benefits of it and of homeschooling.

    I taught my girls through high school and now they are both teachers and did very well in college. You can go the distance! I've available for questions and encouragement. Find me on my website or Facebook.

    Mary

    ReplyDelete
  7. Mary Hake11:46 AM

    New Leaf Publishers has the book available on their website also, as do a number or other creation and homeschool sites, and I have copies for sale too at a discount price $11 plus shipping.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Please enter me into your contest as I am always wanting to learn more about God and the Bible.

    May God be with you and I enjoyed your post,


    mamat2739(at)charter(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  9. It was inspiring to read about your passion of writing and to learn more about you. Thank you for influencing the upcoming generation in the ways of God.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Anonymous1:09 PM

    Just here to say hi, Mom.
    :) K

    ReplyDelete
  11. Mary Hake1:19 PM

    Hello to all and thanks for sharing.
    I noticed the link to my website didn't work when I clicked on it, so try pasting or typing it in.

    Mary

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi, Mary!
    What a great interview!! So good to see you here.
    Love,
    Leslie

    ReplyDelete
  13. Mary Hake2:54 PM

    Hi, Leslie, thanks.

    The link if fixed now.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hi Mary,
    Thoroughly enjoyed your interview and finding out about your writing-both in the breadth and the scope of it. I, too, homeschooled my kids--for 6 years. The real kicker was that I did not start until my oldest was a junior in high school, second was a sophomore, and my daughter a 7th grader. Not an optimal time to start, that's for sure, but it is NEVER too late! I would encourage any mom to start as young as at all possible. I am looking forward to your novel!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Good Day,

    Ellen Gerig is a co-worker of my husbands. Knowing that we homeschool our three kiddos thought to pass along your Creation curriculum information. I will be forwarding her email to the homeschool group I am involved with. I am so thankful for men and women that take the time and have the passion to make wonderful Christian curriculum for the homeschooling community. Thank you for you work!!!

    tkbelgarde@centurytel.net

    ReplyDelete
  16. Mary Hake6:31 PM

    So nice to make connections here.
    Thanks to everyone.
    Mary

    ReplyDelete
  17. I would like to be entered for this giveaway. Thank so much!

    ohiobuckeye91[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  18. I'd love to win this! A great resource!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Wow! Curriculum giveaway! Super. We have homeschooled since, 1989. My youngest just turned four years old but I would save this for her.

    Thanks,

    gahome2mom/at/gmail/dot/com

    ReplyDelete
  20. Anonymous2:04 AM

    The Creation Curriculum looks wonderful. Helen and David Haidle are precious people...how wonderful you got to work together to write a creation curriculum for older students! Hope we get to see it someday!

    ReplyDelete
  21. This looks wonderful Mary! I would love to win it to use with my children.

    ReplyDelete
  22. It sounds like a great curriculum, Mary! I homeschooled my boys from kindergarten through high school,(Both are now college grads.) and we used a Creation-based curriculum for kindergarten. It was a lot of fun. Your curriculum might be a good addition to our church library, or I could pass it along to a younger homeschooler, as I still have an online homeschooling list.

    maas(dot)susan(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hi Mary, I have seen your name every now and then and it's nice to be introduced to you via Patterings! I am a home schooling mom of 8 with ages ranging from 23 to 5! Your Creation material looks like a wonderful addition to a home school program! Thanks for developing this material. The need for it is great and I will be happy to refer to it as resource material when approached for advice! Blessings to you! (kknepp@bresnan.net)

    ReplyDelete
  24. Mary Hake5:03 PM

    Thanks Kay, Nicole, Susan and all. I still support and encourage homeschooling and will be teaching writing again to friends' children this year.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Wow, this sounds incredible. I would love to have this book to work with my first grader. The interactive learning style is a MUST for his energy level and this sounds wonderful.

    Thanks Patty and Mary.

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  26. MARY HAKE10:01 AM

    Congratulations Leslie and Kay. Enjoy the book. The picture book by the Haidles called Creation is a great addition to the curriculum.
    Mary

    ReplyDelete
  27. I am very excited to be a winner and to be able to use this in addition to my current curriculum!! Thanks so much for offering this! -Kay

    ReplyDelete

Thanks so much for stopping by! I love hearing from you.

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