Showing posts with label literature. Show all posts
Showing posts with label literature. Show all posts

8/6/14

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year are selections from Ambleside Online, with a few additions here and there to suit individual tastes and needed historical content.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.
Family Read-A-Loud List:
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.**
nbts-blog-hop-calendar-2014
Posted by at No comments:

10/21/13

Childlike Self {Poem}

Mitya Ku via Compfight cc
Childlike Self
Like a little child and her baby doll,
soft and gentle mothering.
Like a little child's hope,
let this ever be my maternal covering.

 Like a little child prays,
let my faith today and always be.
Like a little child loves,
my heart, oh LORD, ever towards Thee.

 Let my own spirit strive toward this,
Like I expect my own little child to honor, be and love,
Like a little child surrendered and true,
handing them upward to Thy Providence above.

Matthew 19:14

King James Version (KJV)
"But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven."

Joyfully Learning with You,
The Joyful Socks Mom 

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

HERE are other blog posts you might enjoy:
Posted by at No comments:

10/20/12

The Party, Hopscotch & Buttermilk Pie! --->10 Days of Little House Learning


The act of simply being content with right where you are in life.  The joy of family and friends, that are not perfect, just like you.  The faith in the God who has always met your needs and has never let you down.  The heritage of courage on the western frontier.  This is why we love Little House books and come back to them again and again.

PHOTO CREDIT
My youngest daughter, The Bug, is especially entranced by all things Wilder and Pioneer in origin.  She has read most of the Laura Ingalls Wilder series.  She recently rented "Frontier House", a PBS reality series on pioneer living and tortured her old brother with 4 hours of viewing during our recent vacation.  This viewing has only reignited the flame of pursuit for all things pioneer. (Not that said flame really need reigniting, it is pretty much a continual flame with her.)

As the pro-active, totally-in-tune with my kids, homeschooling fanatic mom that I am, I decided of course to feed her need to learn.  We are currently enjoying the many lessons, chores, songs, game, handicrafts and literature of pioneer life.  We will be sharing them with you during our 10 Days of Little House Learning series.  Come strap on your bonnet and join the fun!

We will kick off the fun with a party - A Little House On The Prairie Birthday party of course.  This is how to throw a little over the top, Little House party:

1.  Enjoy some traditional frontier fare!
Wooden Spoons, made by The Bug's talented daddy, Ma's Butter Cookies & Sister Stump's Buttermilk Pie (Gluten-Free for us, of course).

I tried my hand at homemade Kettle Corn.  Our taste-buds say, "Yes" - my tired mommy hands say, "No".

The Bug made homemade lemonade and we served in mason jars with cute cupcake liner lids and straws.  We set out a few of our favorite Pioneer Reads . . . just in case there wasn't enough to do???

The Bug created a little mercantile with traditional candies like lemon drops, butter mints, caramels, Bob's sweet stripes & salt water taffy.
2. Make some butter.

3.  Play hopscotch with a friend.
4.  Wash & hang some laundry, the old fashioned way.




5. Challenge your friends to a game of Hoop and Stick

6. Take a little time to jump some rope.

7.  Make rag dolls in the green grass.


8.  Force your 13 year old brother to wear suspenders for authenticity. 

9.  Give the "little pint of cider half drunk up" a wagon full of pioneer presents.

10.  Turn the lights all back on (as the little one thought we should all go without electricity for the day), have a hot cup of tea, and go to sleep.
"Good night Ma, Good night Pa, Good night John Boy." ---> Ooops, wrong frontier family. . . Am I showing my age???

Join us tomorrow for some more learning on the frontier!

 Happy Homeschooling on the Prairie!
 
The Joyful Socks Mom 
Where are we at?  
We are linking up at 3Boys and a Dog for Homeschooling on the Cheap!
Posted by at 3 comments:

10/15/12

FI♥AR: The Tale of Peter Rabbit

"Rowing" the Week
* The Tale of Peter Rabbit *
{FI♥AR} Volume II

One of the best loved children's authors, telling one of the best loved children's stories of all time.  Rowing just doesn't get any better than this.  This was our first book to row after our summer schooling session, so we were both ready to get back to sharing this time together.

 The Bug and I worked together on our Nature Table - we found this quite Pinteresting - so we tried it ourselves.  Decorating for our rowing may become a new tradition.  It really set the tone, mood and setting, plus opened up discussion about our book before we even began reading.

Language Arts:
  • Dictation of vocabulary from The Tale of Peter Rabbit
  • Discussed the principle of onomatopoeia and listed the examples from the story.
Geography/History:
Science:
  • Discussed Naturalists, what they do & why.
  • Visited our local nature center and got to here from some Master Naturalists, plus catch butterflies . . . bonus!
Composition:
  • We wrote a letter of apology to Mr. McGregor from Peter.  The Bug really enjoyed this activity. 
Art:

  • Enjoyed . . . not really, tolerated making rabbits with painted hand-prints. (Generally speaking she just does not enjoy getting her hands dirty, unless she is ACTUALLY in the garden.)


Home Economics:
  • Salad Preparation
  • Peeling and Cutting Carrots 
I have provided links in this post to the FREE resources we used to complete our Rowing.  Here are the printables that I created.  Please feel free to download them for you family to row with too:

We are taking a two week break in our Five-in-a-Row schedule.  The Bug is a bit taken with Little House on The Prairie . . . again, and we will be finishing a couple of these Laura Ingalls Wilder reads until after Thanksgiving.

What is in on your reading list this week?

Happy Homeschooling!
The Joyful Socks Mom 
  • Take a journey through Notebooking Success! Best notebooking resource for home educators. . .and beyond.
  • Wonder Maps is the homeschool geography that moms and kids can both give an A+
  • HARMONY FINE ARTS: The best study for art and music appreciation!  Hard working moms with little time left will love this curriculum plan.
Statement of Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.  The blog owner receives a small, TINY, portion of sales generated from these links.  This blog writer does not receive compensation for thoughts or opinions expressed on this blog.  Thank you for your kind consideration.  
Posted by at 1 comment:

9/19/12

What We're Reading That You Should Read Too

The fall season is busy and underway, with many extracurricular projects and events.  The weather is turning cooler already, thank the LORD, and we are really plugging away at our literature schedule.  Reading living books and classics has ensured that we slow down and take time in our busy day to have our minds and hearts quietly shaped.  I love that about good literature!
open book
PHOTO CREDIT
Here is a quick look at what we have read during the last 6 weeks of school and what is on the shelves (or Kindle) for the next term.  I am also posting a few comments from the "Mac Kids" on what they thought about some of what we have read.

 BOOKS WE'VE READ 1st Term - - - - -

 Family Reading:
Christopher Columbus and the Discovery of the New World by: Josephine Pollard * We have been using this book as a read-aloud during our Unit Study of Columbus.  ( Purchased a copy for my eReader on Amazon for about $2.99)
Columbus Circle
PHOTO CREDIT

The Cabin Faced West by: Jean Fritz* This book quickly became something to look forward to, for both kids and adults alike.  Jean Fritz is a lively author of American history and we treasure many of her books.  If your family loves the Little House series, then you should try the Hamilton's of Hamilton Hill on for size.

 The Bug says, "Ann is a prairie girl with a deer-skin diary that I liked.  She tried to be a teacher to her friend, and I thought that was nice." (8 years old)

 The Bug - 3rd Grade:
Aesop's Fables 
The Adventures of Pinocchio by: Carlo Collodi
Geppetto
PHOTO CREDIT
The Bug says, "I love that Pinocchio is trying to be a good son.  He tried to save his father.  The book is hardly like the old Disney movie at all." (8 years old)

 The Scout & The Squeaker - 7th Grade:
Carry on Mr. Bowditch by: Jean Lee Latham *

 The Scout says, "Nat is very smart and he is willing to try things.  He says there is always a way to do things, even when it seems impossible.  I would like to be like that some day.  Am I like that Mom?" (13 years old)

 Rudyard Kipling's Verse, Inclusive Edition 1885-1918

BOOKS WE'RE CURRENTLY READING - - - - -

 Family Reading:
Pilgrim's Progress by: John Bunyan
Palm Sunday
PHOTO CREDIT


 American History Stories, Volume 1 by: Mara L. Pratt, M.D.
Mr. Midshipman Hornblower  * by: C.S. Forester

 The Bug - 3rd Grade:
Five Little Peppers How They Grow by: Margaret Sidney
The Puritan Bible Primer

 Bug's Free Reading: 
The Bug requires more to keep her going with reading.  Here are books that she and I have pre-selected for when she just needs a bit more in her school day. . . which is usually every day!
Anne of Green Gables by: L.M. Montgomery*, The Jungle Book by: Rudyard Kipling, Little House on the Prairie by: Laura Ingalls Wilder *


The Scout & The Squeaker - 7th Grade:
Around the World in 80 Days by: Jules Vern
Our Island Story by: H.E. Marshall

 The Squeaker says, "Our Island Story has amazing stories to learn about kings and knights, and stuff like that." (13 years old) . . . This from the kid who doesn't like history?

 In His Steps by: Charles M. Sheldon *

 All Books Are Linked to a Free eBook or PDF version! when possible
Books denoted with * should be available at your local library or Half-Priced Books.

What are you and your family enjoying reading together today?

 Happy Homeschooling & Reading!
 
The Joyful Socks Mom 


Where are we at?  
We are linking up at 3Boys and a Dog for Homeschooling on the Cheap!
Posted by at No comments:

8/30/12

10 Lessons From Little House For The Entire Family

No matter the age of my children, they all seem to enjoy the "Little House" series.  Especially the Bug, who still envisions herself as our resident Laura, especially the part about being the "half-pint of sweet cider half drunk up".  I love literature that is living and applicable to every generation that encounters it.  I would certainly say that the writings of Laura Ingalls Wilder would certainly meet these criteria.  

 If you haven't picked up a "Little House" book in a long while, then here are 10 Lessons For The Entire Family that you can learn from just reading together.  Perhaps this will give you good reason to read them with your family again, or for the first beautiful time.
{ORIGINAL PHOTO CREDIT}
1.  Simplicity:  The Ingalls family consistently found pleasure reveling in the simple pleasures and blessings of life.  A new handmade doll on Christmas morning, an orange with a peppermint stick, maple candy and a Sunday picnic.
"The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple." Psalm 19:7 NKJV

2.  Contentment: Charles and Caroline taught their children early on to be content with the blessings they were given.  Not that envy didn't rear it's ugly head in Laura and Mary every now and again.  Their parents were loving, yet stern when redirecting these emotions.
"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content" Philippians 4:11 KJV

3.  Children need discipline:  Pa was thorough and consistent in disciplining his children, especially Laura, who still writes her father well and with fondness.  A child who is disciplined will grow a more confident adult.
"He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes." Proverbs 13:24 KJV

4.  Self-Government: Weather the family was in the Kansas prairie or the woods of Wisconsin, it was business as usual in the moral training for the Ingalls' children.  Charles and Caroline taught the importance of governing one's self through every circumstance of life.
"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;" Colossians 3:23

5.  Obedience:  Weather to authorities, or parents or to God, obedience was expected in the Ingalls' home.  Expectations were clearly communicated, consequences clearly lined out and all were strictly enforced. 
"And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him." 2 Corinthians 7:15

6.  Endurance:  No matter the circumstance, Charles and Caroline, had the true pioneering spirit.  They continued on, no matter the difficulties.
"But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." Matthew 24:13

7.  Hope:  The Ingalls family continued to support one another throughout each of these stories.  The hope of a future together was enough to continue through the toughest times.  Loosing homes, children, crops and more, hope kept them from sinking.
"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance." Psalm 42:5

8.  Sacrifice:  Giving to other in time of need is a truly Ingalls' quality indeed.  Even more of an Ingalls' characteristic was to go without, so another might be blessed.
"I will freely sacrifice unto thee: I will praise thy name, O LORD; for it is good." Psalm 54:6 

9.  Thankfulness:  Giving thanks in all that is said and done, while giving glory to God appeared a natural occurrence in the Ingalls' household.
"Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people." 1 Chronicles 16:8

10. Family is our testimony to the world!:  We are the salt and the light.  When we are unified as a family and working together, we are giving testimony to the goodness and glory of God in our daily lives.  Charles and Caroline worked as parents to keep the heart string's of their children firmly tied to home and to God.  So much so, that decades later their middle child commemorated their efforts with one of the best loved book series in American history.
"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid." Matthew 5:14 KJV

Happy Reading!
 
The Joyful Socks Mom 


Here are some more homeschool resources we recommend: 
Statement of Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. The blog owner receives a smallportion of sales generated from these links, which helps to support this blog. The blog writer does not receive compensation for thoughts or opinions expressed on this blog. Thank you for your kind consideration.  
Posted by at 7 comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)