8 Reasons This Charlotte Mason Educator Loves Mystery of History {Review}

No Mystery here about how I feel about History!  

Most of my readers know (and hopefully tolerate) that I am an unrepentant history buff.  As many of you well know I have a tendency to lean toward exaggeration ... This IS NOT ONE OF THOSE MOMENTS.  

History is my 'Thang!

Since we are on the topic of "my 'thangs", let me just bring up history books.  Yep, I totally love them too.

As a traditionalist in the subject of history, and well, most all subjects; I prefer to teach by completely ditching the textbook. I have experienced far better results with the use of rich and vibrant living books when teaching.  Reading the classic, older books is my favorite tool for feasting on history.

The Mystery of History is the exception to this rule, every time.

Bright Ideas Press publishes one of my favorite faithful history books, Mystery of History by Linda Lacour Hobar.

I had a startling revelation recently about this curriculum . . . I have used this product for over 5 years and NEVER reviewed my experience on this blog. *gasp*

Now that you have recovered from  the reeling shock, I shall proceed. The Mystery of History series has many appeals for a Charlotte Mason educator, such as myself.  Here are just a few:

• Engaging narrative format.  The Mystery of History delivers a living book-type experience with interesting and biographical story-telling focus.  The author is passionate about her area of expertise and sharing these stories with her audience.

 

• Short lessons.  These history lessons are compacted into 2 - 3 page narratives making them 20 - 30 minutes total in reading and lesson time, coming in just under the "short lesson" format that our Ms. Mason recommends.

• Easy to notebook alongside the engaging history stories.  We use our notebooks faithfully in history, and using this curriculum has made it simpler still.  The activities and appendix provide tons of jumping-off points for our notebooking time.

This was our Trade Days at co-op last year.
The project was put on by local artisans for our Middle School
students taking Mystery of History, Volume 1 - Volume 3.

• Hands-on activities that require less materials & less fuss.  I love that there are many activities for me, as an educator, to choose from in each lesson.  The choices allow me the option of choosing the less complicated and more engaging activities.  As the children have gotten older, many activities can become project based learning opportunities.
• Excellent suggestions for living books to enrich the curriculum.  Yes, you heard me right. MORE. BOOKS.  The appendix is chalk-full of literature and history options for additional research and enjoyment.
• Multi-age and multi-level lessons.  Mystery of History is able to be used and adapted to virtually any grade level, providing options for "Younger Students", "Middle Students" and "Older Students".

This project was created by The Bug during her
study of Mystery of History, Volume I

• Easy to customize to your teaching style & your student's learning style.  The curriculum is written in such a way as to allow me the freedom to choose the activities, timelines and quizzes that best suit my children's individual learning style & our family's preferences in learning.
• Unapologetic Biblical worldview.  The truth is the truth.  The truth of God's Word never changes & is the only "True North" for which we should ever judge the history of other people, from other cultures, in other times.  Keeping a biblical worldview whilst telling the story of humankind, ensures that my children will be able to rightly relate the history they are learning, and apply what they learned to their lives through this biblical filter.

Thanks again Bright Idea Press for another great resource for this Charlotte Mason educator to love!

• Mystery of History, Volume I. Creation to the Resurrection of Christ.
• Mystery of History, Volume II. The Early Church and the Middle Ages.
• Mystery of History, Volume III. Renaissance, Reformation and Exploration.
• Mystery of History, Volume IV is now available to purchase.

Joyfully Learning with You,

The Joyful Socks Mom 

Be sure to keep up with Joyful Socks on Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

** This post may contain affiliate links.  Thank you for your support. You can read my full disclosure policy here.**

Be on the look out for our journey as we complete a new resource from Bright Ideas Press, North Star Geography.

10 + Inspirational Movies for Back-To-School

"The time has come," the Walrus said,
"To talk of many things:
Of shoes--and ships--and sealing-wax--
Of cabbages--and kings--
And why the sea is boiling hot--
And whether pigs have wings."

Um. Okay? I have never truly understood that line, although it is one of my favorite poems from Lewis Carroll.  What I DO understand is the inevitable washing in of the changing tide.

BACK.TO.HOMESCHOOL.

Officially, I have been prayerfully planning the school year throughout the summer. Unofficially, I have only made true headway in the last couple of weeks.  This pressing of my time and efforts can result in making me a less-than-enjoyable mommy.  

Prayer is the best way to avoid a fear-based, panicked mommy.  Reading God's Word. Check.

Sometimes I just need to have a cup of tea and check-out.  I hope that you will allow yourself a simple moment of luxury, like this before hitting the books again.  Note: I said hitting the books, not hitting with books.  

ORIGINAL PHOTO CREDIT: via Compfight.com CC

These are some great inspirational movies for the educator preparing for going back into the trenches that I recommend:

• The Miracle Worker (1962)
• To Sir, With Love (1967)
• Lean on Me
• Dead Poet's Society
• The Great Debaters
• Amazing Grace (Not actually a teacher movie, but I love the mentor and student relationship between Newton and Wilberforce.)

• Invictus (Again, not technically a teacher movie, but more evidence that you can learn from anyone.)

• October Sky
• Remember The Titans
• Stand and Deliver (an absolute Joyfuls Socks favorite)

• Facing The Giants

What is your favorite movie for Back-To-School Inspiration?

If you missed our Curriculum post, here is what Our Charlotte Mason Education will look like this year.

• Don't forget to get your copy today! The Big Book of Homeschooling Ideas.  55 Homeschool Moms sharing their expertise on 103 Homeschooling topics.  Great read for the back-to-homeschool month!  I am also a tiny bit excited about this publication because your's truly wrote two chapters.

Joyfully Learning with You,

The Joyful Socks Mom 

Be sure to keep up with Joyful Socks on Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

** This post may contain affiliate links.  Thank you for your support. You can read my full disclosure policy here.**

Life With A History-Buff Homeschool Mom: History Reading List 2014

History and the study of the human race.

The story of the relationship of humans to their Creator, and a gracious Creator back to mankind.

The visible "Red Thread" of Christ's touch throughout recorded history.

These have ever been of highest importance to this educator. History, is given a large spotlight in our home, and taught with  fanaticism enthusiasm.  

Not because it is my favorite subject, because it is.  

Not because it is a requirement, although it is.

Not because we want our kids to have a full education, which we do.

"History is more than only important in academic sense, not only as a means to acquire knowledge, but to identify, sympathize and learn from others who went before us.  Whether good, bad or indifferent history reveals the nature of man and God's will orchestrated in the everyday using ordinary people." - The Joyful Socks Mom

Sixth Grade: The Bug, 10 years old 

• Mystery of History, Volume II
• History Living Book List: Ambleside Online, Year 7 curriculum 

1. The Birth of Britain by: Winston Churchill (Complete Volume of Churchill's History of the English Speaking People)
2. Bede's Ecclesiastical History of the English People
3. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle of Alfred the Great
4. William of Malmesbury's account of the Battle of Hastings
5. The Magna Carta
6. In Freedom's Cause by: G.A. Henty
7. History of Deeds Done Beyond the Sea by: William Tyre
8. The Daughter of Time by: Josephine Tey
9. The Life of King Alfred by: Asser
10. The Life of Joan of Arc by: Mark Twain

• Heritage History, Christian Europe & Medieval History

"What is all history but the work of ideas,
a record of incomparable energy which his infinite aspirations
infuse into man?
In its pages it is always persons we see more than principles.
Historical events are interesting to us mainly in connection with feelings,
the sufferings, and interests of those by whom they are accomplished.
In history we are surrounded by men, long dead,but whose speech and whose deeds survive . . . " ~ Ralph Waldo Emmerson

Tenth Grade: The Squeaker, 15 years old & The Scout, 15 years old

• History Living Book List:

1. The History of the English Speaking People, by: Sir Winston Churchill
2. Streams of Civilization, Volume I 
3. Streams of Civilization, Volume II
4. The Story of Liberty
5. Martin Luther
6. Luther's 95 Theses

• Heritage History, Christian Europe
• We are just reading a few stories from MOH III, since we've already used it in the past.  We love it so much it bears repeating though. ;)  Mystery of History, Volume III

What is your favorite history read?

If you missed our Curriculum post, here is what Our Charlotte Mason Education will look like this year.

• Don't forget to get your copy today! The Big Book of Homeschooling Ideas.  55 Homeschool Moms sharing their expertise on 103 Homeschooling topics.  Great read for the back-to-homeschool month!  I am also a tiny bit excited about this publication because your's truly wrote two chapters.

Joyfully Learning with You,

The Joyful Socks Mom 

Be sure to keep up with Joyful Socks on Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

** This post may contain affiliate links.  Thank you for your support. You can read my full disclosure policy here.**

Literature the Handmaiden of History: Reading List 2014

This is how we roll . . . 

Literature and History are two of the foundation stones upon which we are building our house of knowledge.  I have approached both of these subjects with the utmost respect since the beginning of our homeschooling days.

Not that I do not approach all subjects with such seriousness, but these two get special noteworthiness in the pantheon of educating in our home.

Literature is given a noteworthy nod in our home for its ability to explain and expand our knowledge of history, and the narrative telling of the human race.  I have once heard it told that "Literature is the handmaiden of History".  We teach Literature in the traditional Charlotte Mason, no textbooks allowed style, narration-styled discussion.  The majority of the novels that the kids are using this upcoming year are selections from Ambleside Online, with a few additions here and there to suit individual tastes and needed historical content.  

Grade 6: Medieval History
This is what I would consider a bit of an adventurous booklist!  The Bug is a reader though, and I believe this list will challenge and stretch her abilities.

• The History of English Literature for Girls and Boys by H.E. Marshall
• The Once and Future King by T.H. White
• The Age of Chivalry by Thomas Bulfinch
• Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott
• A Taste of Chaucer by Anne Malcolmson
• Watership Down by Richard Adams

FREE READING LIST: Men of Iron by: Howard Pyle, The Adventures of Robin Hood by: Howard Pyle, The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood by: Howard Pyle, Galen and the Gateway of Medicine, Door in the Wall by:Marguerite de Angeli

Poetry: Tennyson, Keats

Grade 10:

• The History of English Literature for Boys and Girls by: H.E. Marshall
• The Canterbury Tales by: Geoffrey Chaucer
• Utopia by: Sir Thomas More
• The Merchant of Venice by: William Shakespeare - We are discussing this in a group, so we will also be using the No Fear Shakespeare version.
• Paradise Lost by: John Milton
• Pilgrim's Progress in Modern English by: John Bunyan
• Silas Marner by: George Elliot
• The Tale of Two Cities by: Charles Dickens
• Frankenstein by: Mary Shelley
• Pride and Prejudice by: Jane Austen
• Animal Farm by: George Orwell

Poetry: Maynard, Donne, Milton

Family Read-A-Loud List:

Purpose Driven Life by: Rick Warren $3.97

• A Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
• The Story of the World, Volume 2 by: Susan Wise Bauer
• The Adventures of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table by: Howard Pyle

• Don Quixote by Miguel Cervantes

• God's Smuggler by Brother Andrew and John Sherrill

The Story of the Trapp Family Singers by: Maria Augusta Trapp $3.97

• The Story of the Trapp Family Singers by: Maria Augusta Trapp

• The Case For Christ by: Lee Strobel

• Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens

What is the book that you are most excited about reading with your family this year?

If you missed our Curriculum post, here is what Our Charlotte Mason Education will look like this year.

• Don't forget to get your copy today! The Big Book of Homeschooling Ideas.  55 Homeschool Moms sharing their expertise on 103 Homeschooling topics.  Great read for the back-to-homeschool month!  I am also a tiny bit excited about this publication because your's truly wrote two chapters.

Joyfully Learning with You,

The Joyful Socks Mom 

Be sure to keep up with Joyful Socks on Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

** This post may contain affiliate links.  Thank you for your support. You can read my full disclosure policy here.**

Our Charlotte Mason Education with Middle School & High School

We are in our 8th year of home educating.  We instruct utilizing a Charlotte Mason style with our 3 remaining children at home, they are 10, 15 and 15 years old.  We also attend a 3-day per week Christian Classical cooperative where the kids take a minimal amount of classes, and I help with instruction.  This can provide us with a big juggling act for time during the school, which I suppose makes us no different than any other home educating family, really.

Our new school year actually begins in September this year, although we will be back at homeschool cooperative before then.  We are trying a different calendar to compliment our year-round school schedule.  We will not be taking "traditional" school breaks, but instead we will be attempting a 3 months on, 1 month off-type schedule.  I'll let you know how it goes.

Our Homeschool Curriculum -  I have highlighted our basic curriculum below.  We have been utilizing Ambleside Online for over 3 years now for our base curriculum.  I will post later this week discussing reading selections for Literature and History this year, as we will not be strictly following the regular Ambleside schedule.  I have included links to the curriculum we use (some affiliate), other links are free downloads, PDF's and eBooks.

GRADE 6

The Bug is in Grade 6 & she is 10 years old.

                                                                     

Grammar: Daily - Book recommendations from Ambleside Online Year 7
Language Lessons for Secondary Student, Volume 1 and Editor In Chief A

     

Spelling: Daily - All About Spelling Level 2
Bi-Weekly -  Spelling Journals (I think I should post how we use these soon.)

Latin: Visual Latin 1

French: Bi-Weekly - Middlebury French I (review coming is September 2014)

  

Math: Daily - Teaching Textbooks 6, Life of Fred: Kidneys, Liver, Mine Shaft

Bible, Science, History: Book selections from Ambleside Online Year 7; 

***Mystery of History: Volume 2 at Homeschool Cooperative

Geography: North Star Geography 

GRADE 10

The Scout & the Squeaker are both entering Grade 10 and both 15 years old.

Grammar:  Language Lessons for the High School Student; Editor in Chief, High School; Writers Inc.

Latin:Visual Latin 2

Spanish: *** Spanish 1 at Homeschool Cooperative

Math: Saxon Algebra I 

Bible: Book selections from Ambleside Online Year 10

History & Literature:

     

Science: Apologia - *** Exploring Creation with Biology at Homeschool Cooperative

Geography: Ambleside Online Year 10, North Star Geography 

FAMILY STUDIES

Here is what we will be studying together as a family.  Some family studies take place in the evening, specifically so that dad can take part or lead discussion.  Other family studies are covered during the day with multi-level instruction.

• HISTORY: (evening) Yes, we need more history lessons, or maybe just dad and mom! ---> History of America, A Christian Study Course (DVD series)
• WRITING: (evening) Right Words, I am loving this family writing curriculum that we purchased at the Heritage Homestead last November.
• Plutarch's Lives: (evening) Ambleside Online Schedule
• Handicrafts: We rotate every term for each child - Term 1: The Bug - Sewing, The Squeaker - Paper Mache, The Scout - Woodworking

• Life-skills: Each of the children our focusing on their own small business ventures.  (Should blog about this later.  It has been fun to help them with this interest-led learning.)

• Nature Study: Ambleside Online Schedule, Outdoor Hour Challenge, and NaturExplores e-books
• Shakespeare Study: Ambleside Online Schedule
• Artist/Composer Study:*Notebooking using Harmony Fine Arts* I recently not so recently purchased the Harmony Fine Arts Medieval and Renaissance - Middle School which we will use in conjunction with the Mark Kisler's Draw Squad book.  We attempted to complete this last year, but only finished 12 weeks on the curriculum . . . Ack!  Let's try this again, shall we??

The curriculum is set and the planning is all complete, all that is left is prayer.  As I pray for God's continued blessing, guidance and favor on our home and education, I would like to pray for you, my readers and friends.  

How can we join you in prayer and pray for your family and homeschool?

Don't forget to get your copy today!

The Big Book of Homeschooling Ideas.  55 Homeschool Moms sharing their expertise on 103 Homeschooling topics.  Great read for the back-to-homeschool month!  I am also a tiny bit excited about this publication because your's truly wrote two chapters.

Joyfully Learning with You,

The Joyful Socks Mom 

Be sure to keep up with Joyful Socks on Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

** This post may contain affiliate links.  Thank you for your support. You can read my full disclosure policy here.**