Writing, I believe, is one of the most vital skills we can teach our kids, whether we homeschool or not. It is so poorly taught in modern education, yet in modern society written communication is necessary & unavoidable. Teaching our kids to write well is one of the best ways to set them apart from…
We studied Hamlet in our homeschool last year – over 6 months ago – and the quotes still linger as part of our family culture. Last month I was headed out the door with friends to spend a weekend away (hooray!) and the kids all started waving limply and wailing, “Adieu! Adieu! Remember me!” Their…
Being consistent with Latin over the years has been a struggle – one I have not always won. My oldest began Latin for Children Primer A when he was 8 – four years ago – and he’s now 3/4 of the way through Latin for Children Primer B. I’m sure glad Dr. Perrin’s favorite motto…
I do believe Charlotte Mason’s plan for nature study is the best method for elementary science, but making it out of the house with all the young ones in tow and all the supplies on hand can be daunting – easy to procrastinate. Three years ago, when I was pregnant with #5, planning for a school…
For my own reference, and in case others are looking for ideas to populate their Circle Time, here is our list of hymns and Psalms we’ve learned so far, after beginning in 2008. PH stands for Psalter Hymnal, our church’s hymnal; CC stands for Cantus Christi, the hymnal of the CRE, whose Genevan settings of…
Memorized mottos give us a quick “way we respond to things” on the tip of our tongues. English Mottos Obey right away, all the way, with a good attitude every day. Do it right the first time, every time. Focus on your job & do it right. Leave it better than you found it. Voices:…
It’s time to be browsing curriculum materials for next year, and I am excited to share a few resources with you that you may not have heard about before. Kathy Weitz, owner of Cottage Press and keeper of The Reading Mother blog, produces some fabulous language arts resources. Yes, there are numerous writing programs out…
Updated to add: Please note that this was written in 2015. We’ve switched Latin programs several times and I’ve not yet done the same thing with any set of kids. Because we are following the classical model of education in our homeschool, we have added Latin to our average days. I have zero background in…
Ok. When I asked what education book I should read next, the overwhelming response was The Liberal Arts Tradition, and you all did not steer me wrong. Between Consider This, The Liberal Arts Tradition, and The Living Page, I feel ready to tackle planning 7th grade for next year. You better believe my quotes for…
Henry the Fifth is one of my favorite Shakespeare plays. I love medieval England and the premodern English monarchy, so its setting and themes are right up my alley. Henry V is a great play to do with those who think Shakespeare is boring or only about tangled love stories. If you have a child…