E Book Alpacas

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www.TheHomeschoolMagazine.com i Alpacas and Homeschool: A Natural Connection



www.TheHomeschoolMagazine.com ii Alpacas and Homeschool: A Natural Connection

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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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www.TheHomeschoolMagazine.com iii Alpacas and Homeschool: A Natural Connection

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



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.




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.




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!




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.




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.




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



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/

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Guam:

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Australia:

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Canada:

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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.

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...you might also enjoy some of the other resources provided by TOS.

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Curious about blogging? HomeschoolBlogger.com is our free, online blogging community designed to

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