Showing posts with label history. Show all posts
Showing posts with label history. Show all posts

9/8/14

No Boring Book of Centuries Allowed {Notebooking Construction}

The Book of Centuries has been a longtime resource for many home educators.  It is just not a new idea.  Classical and Charlotte Mason educators over the years have utilized this notebooking method to reap untold reward of learning and knowledge.  Okay, well, I don't have hard evidence or statistics to back that last statement up, but it is probably true. ;)

There are many resources across the internet to help you put together a Book of Centuries.  As a Charlotte Mason educator, this is a weekly work item for my children, and I have also incorporated it in my history classes at homeschool cooperative, as well.  The basic concept of a Book of Centuries is to learn, determine and record the important events of history, in chronological format.

The idea of a Book of Centuries page is to reflect, on one page, a set time period.  A good page entry should depict events sequentially, adding facts and pictures to make a beautiful snapshot of history on the page.  This enriching activity helps students to grasp the chronology of the time period in history they are studying.

Here are a few basic examples from our Book of Centuries:

We utilized Notebooking Pages' Book of Centuries pack for many of our entries.  It is  convenient and easy to print out the pages that my students need, and it gives a consistent uniform look to our Book of Centuries.  

Of course, we are homeschoolers, so we don't want EVERYTHING uniform.  Last year, we started adding some other creative and personal touches to our Book of Centuries that have made it an even more bright, vibrant and living collection of chronological history.  Here are some creative pages to add to your Book of Centuries:

  • Wanted Posters: The above photo are the Founding Father's Wanted Posters from our 1st Semester History Projects at co-op.
  • Biography Pages: Learning about the life of a man or woman that lived during the time period you are studying, is a profound and important tool in history.  When children connect with an individual, either by admiration or loathing, the door swings wide for true learning and loving that historical moment in time.



  • Political Cartoons: Studying political cartoons and devising your own humor of historical events or persons adds fun to any Book of Centuries.
  • Cover Page Contest:  We actually had a competition to see who could create the best Cover Page at homeschool cooperative and the teachers voted.  The picture above was our 2014 winner . . . never mind the winner just happened to be one of my kids. 
Here is a list of resources for building a Book of Centuries:

Have you tried using a Book of Centuries in your homeschool yet?

Joyfully Learning with You,
The Joyful Socks Mom 

Be sure to keep up with Joyful Socks on Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook
Posted by at No comments:

8/13/14

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!
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.

North Star Geography & WonderMaps Combo
Posted by at No comments:

8/8/14

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 

  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.**
nbts-blog-hop-calendar-2014
Posted by at No comments:

7/2/14

30 + Living Books for Learning American History

North Star Geography homeschool curriculum
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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

This is the time of year when my patriotism stirs the greatest, and I begin reflecting on what I have taught my children about our country.  I also reflect and ruminate on what I have yet to teach.  

 The coming celebration of Independence Day brings on a wave of reminders from our fore fathers, and a reflection of their character. Liberty. Faith. Courage. Fortitude. Ingenuity. Honor.
I am thankful for the many books that we have on our shelves that help me to teach and encourage a greater love of country, in both my children and myself.  I am thrilled to have set the time aside to scour my bookshelves and share these wonderful books with my readers.  There are picture books, chapter books, beautiful illustrations, and exciting narratives, all chosen for the author's ability to bring history to life with their passion for that subject.
Two words: Jean Fritz
She is hands down my most favorite historical fiction author for children.  Her engaging and entertaining narrations put her in a class by herself!  Here are her picture books that are a great read for any age really:
Jean Fritz also has several chapter books for upper elementary, or middle school students that our family has thoroughly enjoyed.

Of course, Jean Fritz doesn't corner the market in excellent living books for teaching American History.  Here are a few more of our family's favorites:

Let's not forget some great read-aloud stories.  These books are also great for older middle grades to high school students to read on their own.
I hope that you will have a chance to read a few of these amazing stories and light a spark of patriotic interest in your children.

Did I miss anything?  What is your family's favorite living books for learning American History?

Joyfully Learning with You,

The Joyful Socks Mom 

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

Posted by at 1 comment:

7/1/14

Help Your Kids to Eat Up Their History!

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

 Do your students enjoy history, or simply tolerate the subject in general? 

Teaching with a flare or passion for history can be difficult, at times, for even the most creative of home educators.  I love when I know a homeschool product is going to help in creating that all important ingredient of inspiration, for both myself and my student.  Keeping that in mind, I would like to introduce you to an excellent resource from Bright Ideas Press.

Mystery of History, Volume II now has available to accompany it a wonderful companion cookbook!

The Mystery of History Vol. II Cookbook
This unique cookbook includes historical recipes to follow along with the middle ages history that my child will be studying during The Mystery of History Volume II.  What a fun and creative way to experience the history, geography, and the cultures surrounding the stories of the early church and middle ages.

 We are adding this resource to our history studies with the Bug this year.  I found it an excellent opportunity to combine history class and home economics!  Any step that I can take to save myself some labor and simplify our schedule is considered a good thing.  Can I get an amen?

 I hope that you will take a moment to look at Bright Ideas Press as you are working hard on your next year's homeschool planning.  You will not be disappointed in the amazing curriculum offered at Bright Ideas.
Joyfully Learning with You,
The Joyful Socks Mom 

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

PHOTOS via BIP and Compfight.com CC {Here & Here} Thanks!

Here are some more great resources to accompany Mystery of History, Volume II:



Posted by at No comments:

12/20/13

"Take 5" Easy Notebooking Method: Notebooking Construction


Notebooking is a useful tool in our daily home learning, one that take far less effort than most people realize.  Notebooking, in its simplest form, is one of the most effective means of encouraging a child's skills in observation, independent thought and learning, as well as artistic expression.  Unfortunately, many home educators do not utilize this tool due to being so often overwhelmed by the many resources available.  Sometimes, we make the process entirely too difficult, and just need to simplify.


 When I began teaching history at the academy, I began re-evaluating the process that I used in Notebooking with my own children at home.  I needed to simplify the process in order to teach notebooking methods to my new students who had no previous notebooking knowledge (*gasp*), without taking up precious classroom hours.  

Notebooking is essential in our home education, and I wanted to give this gift of creative learning to my new students.  A student that is able to keep a notebook has excellent potential as a student and life-long learner.

In the process of my many hours of Pinterest gleaning research, I discovered a simple Notebooking assignment idea that paved the way for my creating the easiest method to teach notebooking skills, and helping my students produce excellent Notebooking pages on their own.  



I have lovingly dubbed this notebooking exercise "Take 5" Notebooking.  The students read or review their lesson, then they "Take 5" in their notebook.
  • Document 5 important or interesting facts from the lesson.
  • Create 5 illustrations to represent these facts.
  • Use 5 colors to complete the illustrations in the notebook.
This is a simple assignment with the potential for excellent outcomes for the student.  
  • The student gleans, continually, from the lesson or reading to find the information that they feel is important, or at least, interesting.  This promotes them thinking over the ideas in the living book or lesson the teacher has provided.
  • The student is building narration skills and note-taking skills that will continue to help them become excellent communicators.
  • The process of illustrating and coloring helps to ignite the creative spark in a child's imagination.  Picturing and envisioning the ideas from the reading or lesson is an essential element to help children retain what they have learned and make a permanent connection to the ideas they are learning.
  • The student utilizing this process has assimilated the information themselves, in reality teaching themselves, and providing themselves with a convenient way to review the ideas later . . . in their own notebook.
  • The process of this assignment helps a child to organize their own thoughts and begin expressing them effectively and ultimately more efficiently.
Here are a few examples of "Take 5" Notebooking assignments:



TAKE 5 on Luther & the 95 Theses
This "Take 5" did not have the 5 illustrations, but I love the creativity of using the Wittenburg church door as the center piece illustration.


TAKE 5: You can use printed clip art, magazine clippings, postcards and photos for your illustrations in notebooking.


I begin with the first "Take 5" Notebooking assignment on the first week of school.  My class is history, so we began with a History About Me: Take 5, but you can use this for any subject you are learning.  Example: Math About Me, Science About Me, Reading About Me, Writing About Me, etc.  Rather than creating a Take 5 on a lesson, they are using themselves as the "idea" to communicate.  It is an easy way to begin teaching the notebooking method, set expectations for excellent work and learn a bit more about my students.




Remember, the key to successful notebooking is you being a guide to your child.  Allow them a chance to meditate and communicate the ideas that they believe are important.  Give them the tools and allow them to use the tools in their learning.

Here are some more posts on notebooking that you may find useful:

This post is a part of the Notebook Construction series
 

Joyfully Learning with You,
The Joyful Socks Mom 

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

Here are some more homeschool resources we recommend: 
Posted by at 1 comment:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)