I always have stacks and stacks of books on hold at the library. Thankful for our librarians, who just grin when I say "I think we have some books on hold" and head off to fetch my basket. Here are some of our picture book favorites lately:
Two great true stories to inspire my girls (and boys):
Good Queen Bess: The Story of Elizabeth I of England, Diane Stanley
Secret Engineer: How Emily Roebling Built the Brooklyn Bridge, Rachel Dougherty
Follow the Drinking Gourd, Jeanette Winter - a gentle introduction to American slavery and the Underground Railroad
Two sweet stories from a favorite author:
Mrs. Katz and Tush, Patricia Polacco
Thank You, Mr. Falker, Patricia Polacco
The Clown of God, Tomie dePaola - I have so many favorite dePaola books. This is a current one.
These three books have beautiful illustrations:
First Book of Nature, Nicola Davies
Outside Your Window: A First Book of Nature, Nicola Davies
National Parks of the USA, Kate Siber
Two more great true stories:
The Bravest Dog Ever: The True Story of Balto, Natalie Standiford
The Pumpkin Runner, Marsha Diane Arnold
Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes, Mem Fox - because although Thomas sits patiently in my lap through all the big kids' chapter books, we make sure to read him some baby books, too!
Two more picture books with lovely illustrations:
Hello Lighthouse, Sophie Blackall
And Then It's Spring, Julie Fogliano
Once There Was A Story: Tales from Around the World, Jane Yolen - a story anthology from another favorite author
Friday, June 28, 2019
Tuesday, June 25, 2019
Wonder Hour
AKA "keeping sane when school is out." I would love to take the summer off completely, but we need a little structure or the kids will just fight and whine all day. Hence, the Wonder Hour. There are so many ways to structure your "morning time." Here’s what we’re doing right now. (I incorporate Pam Barnhill's three R's: ritual, reading, and recitation. See her book for lots of great ideas!)
To begin, I play Andrew Peterson’s song Gather Round, and everyone meets me on the couch. Then I say “the Lord be with you” and the kids reply "and also with you." Then we light our Wonder Hour candle. While the candle is lit everyone is (ideally) paying attention. We start with Bible reading, catechism, and singing our hymn of the month. Then we read a picture book. Next is Mad Libs; my kids love these and we can practice grammar. Then we play a math game or read a chapter from Life of Fred (silly math book). Next we do a little art or music appreciation, and then review old spelling words and memory work (Scripture, poems, and history facts we’ve memorized). This summer we are learning the 23rd Psalm. We finish up with reading from our literature book, singing the Doxology, and blowing out our candle. Usually we do this 2-3 times a week. Then 2-3 other mornings a week, we do Bible time and then work on a few school subjects that need a little extra practice or that I don’t want the kids to forget over the summer. Everyone reads aloud to me (Nora looks at pictures and makes up a story) and takes turns with Reading Eggs or Khan Academy on the computer. Annie and Jacob are finishing their handwriting book (will be replaced with summer journaling as soon as we finish) and are doing a fun geography workbook. The three older kids are finishing their current piano book, and Sophie is learning to tie her shoes.
There you have it—an hour of structured activities for most days. How do you keep sane when school is out?
To begin, I play Andrew Peterson’s song Gather Round, and everyone meets me on the couch. Then I say “the Lord be with you” and the kids reply "and also with you." Then we light our Wonder Hour candle. While the candle is lit everyone is (ideally) paying attention. We start with Bible reading, catechism, and singing our hymn of the month. Then we read a picture book. Next is Mad Libs; my kids love these and we can practice grammar. Then we play a math game or read a chapter from Life of Fred (silly math book). Next we do a little art or music appreciation, and then review old spelling words and memory work (Scripture, poems, and history facts we’ve memorized). This summer we are learning the 23rd Psalm. We finish up with reading from our literature book, singing the Doxology, and blowing out our candle. Usually we do this 2-3 times a week. Then 2-3 other mornings a week, we do Bible time and then work on a few school subjects that need a little extra practice or that I don’t want the kids to forget over the summer. Everyone reads aloud to me (Nora looks at pictures and makes up a story) and takes turns with Reading Eggs or Khan Academy on the computer. Annie and Jacob are finishing their handwriting book (will be replaced with summer journaling as soon as we finish) and are doing a fun geography workbook. The three older kids are finishing their current piano book, and Sophie is learning to tie her shoes.
There you have it—an hour of structured activities for most days. How do you keep sane when school is out?
Friday, June 21, 2019
Thomas: Five Months
Can't believe my last baby is only a month shy of being half a year old. I love watching him learn and grow but it does make me a bit sad that the baby days are passing so quickly. I didn't think it possible, but Thomas has become even more precious this month! He is such a happy and sweet little fellow. His leg rolls are adorable. He smiles and babbles all day long, takes great naps, and is starting to sleep a 10pm-4am stretch most nights. I'm about to move him to 6-9 month clothes, and I think he's going to need size 4 diapers soon. I think Sophie potty-trained before she wore size 4s; Thomas is so much bigger than his sisters were! Thomas loves to be read to and carried and held. He also enjoys kicking around on a blanket on the floor and is starting to grasp toys. We think he is just the most amazing baby ever!
Tuesday, June 18, 2019
Mama's Recent Reading
Book Girl, Sarah Clarkson. Love Sarah's insights and her reading lists for grown-ups. I want to read more fiction and her suggestions will help.
Persuasion, Jane Austen. My favorite Austen novel. I re-read it every year.
On Reading Well, Karen Swallow Prior. The English major in me just loves books about books!
The Point of It All, Charles Krauthammer. No other columnist can say what needs to be said like Krauthammer.
Rethinking School, Susan Wise Bauer. One of my favorites of the education books I read recently. Excellent ideas for helping your child get the best education for them--public, private, or home.
Books to Build On, E.D. Hirsch. From the author of Cultural Literacy--this is the kid's version and has good suggestions on many topics.
Books that Build Character, William Kilpatrick. I bought a copy of this one--book lists for character qualities.
A Biblical Home Education, Ruth Beechick. I didn't agree with much here. Beechick's education philosophy was basically just "teach them the Bible and don't worry about the rest." Now I will be the first to say that all that I teach my children is grounded in our faith and we hold a high view of Scripture, but there's a lot more to education than just knowing your Bible.
The Unhurried Homeschooler, Durenda Wilson. Along the same lines as Beechick, but not quite as strict. Wilson is a little too on the "unschooling" side for me. This book verified that for me, it is important for my children to have an academically rigorous education. I want to build strong minds, bodies, and spirits.
Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World, Kristen Welch. Loved, loved, loved this book. I bought this one, too. A must read for any American parent.
Give Your Child the World, Jamie Martin. Another excellent book (that I bought for our home library). Suggestions and book recommendations for teaching your child all about this big world we live in!
The Brave Learner, Julie Bogart. I wanted to like this book, but I really just didn't. I picked up a few helpful tips. Apparently I'm not a brave enough learner to leave the glitter and glue out where my children can get to them at any time.
Better Together, Pam Barnhill. A helpful little book about how to do "morning time," with tons of practical suggestions. I bought this one, too.
The Connected Child, Karyn Purvis. Amazing book designed for adoptive parents, but a book I'd recommend to any parent. Great insights into a child's brain and helpful parenting suggestions for lots of situations.
The Storm-Tossed Family, Russell Moore. Another solid book from Dr. Moore.
Long Days of Small Things, Catherine McNiel. Enjoyed this book on practicing spiritual disciplines in the throes of mothering littles.
The Wingfeather Saga, Andrew Peterson. The Gent and I both really enjoyed this four-book series. Can't wait to read it with my kids when they are a little older!
Persuasion, Jane Austen. My favorite Austen novel. I re-read it every year.
On Reading Well, Karen Swallow Prior. The English major in me just loves books about books!
The Point of It All, Charles Krauthammer. No other columnist can say what needs to be said like Krauthammer.
Rethinking School, Susan Wise Bauer. One of my favorites of the education books I read recently. Excellent ideas for helping your child get the best education for them--public, private, or home.
Books to Build On, E.D. Hirsch. From the author of Cultural Literacy--this is the kid's version and has good suggestions on many topics.
Books that Build Character, William Kilpatrick. I bought a copy of this one--book lists for character qualities.
A Biblical Home Education, Ruth Beechick. I didn't agree with much here. Beechick's education philosophy was basically just "teach them the Bible and don't worry about the rest." Now I will be the first to say that all that I teach my children is grounded in our faith and we hold a high view of Scripture, but there's a lot more to education than just knowing your Bible.
The Unhurried Homeschooler, Durenda Wilson. Along the same lines as Beechick, but not quite as strict. Wilson is a little too on the "unschooling" side for me. This book verified that for me, it is important for my children to have an academically rigorous education. I want to build strong minds, bodies, and spirits.
Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World, Kristen Welch. Loved, loved, loved this book. I bought this one, too. A must read for any American parent.
Give Your Child the World, Jamie Martin. Another excellent book (that I bought for our home library). Suggestions and book recommendations for teaching your child all about this big world we live in!
The Brave Learner, Julie Bogart. I wanted to like this book, but I really just didn't. I picked up a few helpful tips. Apparently I'm not a brave enough learner to leave the glitter and glue out where my children can get to them at any time.
Better Together, Pam Barnhill. A helpful little book about how to do "morning time," with tons of practical suggestions. I bought this one, too.
The Connected Child, Karyn Purvis. Amazing book designed for adoptive parents, but a book I'd recommend to any parent. Great insights into a child's brain and helpful parenting suggestions for lots of situations.
The Storm-Tossed Family, Russell Moore. Another solid book from Dr. Moore.
Long Days of Small Things, Catherine McNiel. Enjoyed this book on practicing spiritual disciplines in the throes of mothering littles.
The Wingfeather Saga, Andrew Peterson. The Gent and I both really enjoyed this four-book series. Can't wait to read it with my kids when they are a little older!
Friday, June 14, 2019
Sophie's 6th Birthday!
We also celebrated Sophie's birthday recently. She was so excited to turn SIX! She wanted a real purse and a puppy dog cake. We celebrated with a family breakfast, the splash pad with friends, and dinner at her favorite Mexican place. Sophie is growing up so fast. Her big blue eyes are so expressive. She has gotten taller these past few months. Sophie is doing a great job learning to read and had a wonderful kindergarten year. She plays well with all her siblings--she's an excellent middle child. She loves her Wellie Wisher dolls, and baby dolls, too. She is also quite the little artist and loves to create. I'm excited to see what lies ahead for this sweet girl!
Tuesday, June 11, 2019
Jacob's 8th Birthday!
Jacob turned eight a few weeks ago and we sure had fun celebrating our oldest boy! He requested lunch at Daddy's office, a baseball cake, and dinner out at our favorite Mexican place. All his wishes came true. :) At eight, Jacob loves baseball, figuring out how things work, teasing his sisters, and all things sweet. We are so thankful for this precious son!
Thursday, June 6, 2019
Medieval History for the Grammar Stage
Finishing up the book lists...for now. ;) Here were our top picks for supplements to our medieval history study.
Culture Overviews
1. Japan: The Culture, Bobbie Kalman
2. Japan: The Land, Bobbie Kalman
3. Australia, Allan Fowler
4. Look What Came From Spain, Kevin Davis
5. Welcome to Russia, Alison Auch
6. The Great Wall, Elizabeth Mann
7. Who Were the Vikings? Jane Chisholm
8. A Street Through Time, Annie Millard
9. A City Through Time, Philip Steele
10. The Story of Chocolate, C.J. Polin
11. The Inca Empire, Sandra Newman
12. The Ancient Maya, Jackie Maloy
13. The Aztec Empire, Sunita Apte
Biographies
14. Leif the Lucky, D’Aulaire
15. Saint Francis, Brian Wildsmith
16. Saladin, Diane Stanley
17. Who in the World was the Acrobatic Empress? Robin Phillips
18. Who in the World was the Unready King? Connie Clark
19. Genghis Khan, Demi
20. Henry the Navigator, Claude Hurwicz
21. Joan of Arc, Diane Stanley
22. Leonardo da Vinci, John Malam
23. Leonardo da Vinci, Diane Stanley
24. Selections from Geometry’s Great Thinkers, Bonnie Coulter Leech
25. Selections from The Reformation, Ezra George
26. William Shakespeare and the Globe, Aliki
27. Bard of Avon, Diane Stanley
28. Who in the World was the Forgotten Explorer? Lorene Lambert
29. Who in the World was the Secret Printer? Robert Beckham
30. Good Queen Bess, Diane Stanley
31. Columbus, D’Aulaire
European Medieval Life
32. A Medieval Feast, Aliki
33. What Were Castles For? Phil Roxbee Cox
34. The Duke and the Peasant, Wendy Beckett
35. Till Year’s Good End, W. Nikola-Lisa
36. The Middle Ages, Jane Shuter
37. The Medieval World, Philip Steele
38. Knights in Shining Armor, Gail Gibbons
39. Castle, Christopher Gravett
40. Knight, Christopher Gravett
Culture Overviews
1. Japan: The Culture, Bobbie Kalman
2. Japan: The Land, Bobbie Kalman
3. Australia, Allan Fowler
4. Look What Came From Spain, Kevin Davis
5. Welcome to Russia, Alison Auch
6. The Great Wall, Elizabeth Mann
7. Who Were the Vikings? Jane Chisholm
8. A Street Through Time, Annie Millard
9. A City Through Time, Philip Steele
10. The Story of Chocolate, C.J. Polin
11. The Inca Empire, Sandra Newman
12. The Ancient Maya, Jackie Maloy
13. The Aztec Empire, Sunita Apte
Biographies
14. Leif the Lucky, D’Aulaire
15. Saint Francis, Brian Wildsmith
16. Saladin, Diane Stanley
17. Who in the World was the Acrobatic Empress? Robin Phillips
18. Who in the World was the Unready King? Connie Clark
19. Genghis Khan, Demi
20. Henry the Navigator, Claude Hurwicz
21. Joan of Arc, Diane Stanley
22. Leonardo da Vinci, John Malam
23. Leonardo da Vinci, Diane Stanley
24. Selections from Geometry’s Great Thinkers, Bonnie Coulter Leech
25. Selections from The Reformation, Ezra George
26. William Shakespeare and the Globe, Aliki
27. Bard of Avon, Diane Stanley
28. Who in the World was the Forgotten Explorer? Lorene Lambert
29. Who in the World was the Secret Printer? Robert Beckham
30. Good Queen Bess, Diane Stanley
31. Columbus, D’Aulaire
European Medieval Life
32. A Medieval Feast, Aliki
33. What Were Castles For? Phil Roxbee Cox
34. The Duke and the Peasant, Wendy Beckett
35. Till Year’s Good End, W. Nikola-Lisa
36. The Middle Ages, Jane Shuter
37. The Medieval World, Philip Steele
38. Knights in Shining Armor, Gail Gibbons
39. Castle, Christopher Gravett
40. Knight, Christopher Gravett
Tuesday, June 4, 2019
Beach!
The beach is my favorite place to go as a family. We usually rent a condo so there is plenty of space, a full kitchen, and a laundry room (important on a trip with 7 people!). We play on the beach and jump in the waves and walk along the shore and swim in the pool. The kids have some down time each day to watch a movie while I read. And at night after all the kiddos are asleep, the Gent and I sit on our balcony and enjoy a glass of wine while we listen to the rhythm of the waves. Thomas did great on his first beach trip. He napped under the umbrella each day and didn't object to having his toes dipped in the sand. So thankful for a fun family trip!
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