Teach Kids to LOVE Great Literature

I have loved to read ever since I can remember being able to read. However, I now realize that much of the reading I did (and still do) is 'candy' reading. It's entertaining. It's fun. It doesn't really do a lot for my mind or spirit. I hope that I can foster in my children a love for reading that is deep and wide and full of wonderful writing that inspires.

I am fortunate that Isaiah, so far, loves to read, and his tastes run to knowing the who's and why's of history. This child will pick up a fiction story one day, a biography the next and a book explaining some science concept that's caught his interest the next. I pray that he will be a well read child who will not just read but apply what he reads. Nothing thrills my heart more than to see him open up his Bible and sit and read.
Here are some things that I've learned about fostering a love of reading and of good literature in children. I have to say some of it has come from experience teaching, some has come from my own experience and some has come from listening and reading about great teachers.

First, when teaching a child to read...let him read easy things himself, but read difficult things to him at the same time. We want to expand their worlds and words but we don't want to make reading a chore that is so hard and frustrating that it is only attempted when assigned.

As far as silent reading on their own...I used to tell my students to pick up a book that they thought looked interesting, thumb through it to see if they were still interested, read a page from the middle. I asked them to put a finger on any word that they didn't know (either couldn't read or could read but didn't understand). If they had 0-1 fingers it would be an easy book for them. If it had 2-3 fingers, it would be challenging but they could figure it out and would enjoy it. It would help them work the muscle of their brain. If it had 4-5 fingers, it was too difficult for them to read alone so they should read it with another person or put it back and try it in a bit.
With my son, I can be more hands on then that. I choose to start most books with him (especially if he's not so sure he might like it). I read a page or a paragraph or a chapter, and then he reads. I monitor his progress and decide if it will be something that I can leave with him to read alone, or if I need to do shared reading with him, or if it's something that I will read aloud to him.

As far as reading good literature...I think most of the time the books that I find that inspire my children to think and to develop godly character where written a few decades ago. That's not to say, nothing good is being written these days. But most of what is written is 'candy'. It's not great writing, not great vocabulary, not great content. We are a conservative, Bible based family so many of the things written today don't reflect our values. A few favorites that we've read recently are books by Thornton Burgess, Holling Clancy Holling, and Ingri D'Aulaire. Burgess wrote in the early 1900's books full of information about animals but written in a narrative style and with illustrations that children love. Holling's books were more in the middle of the 20th century and are wonderful narratives that teach geography. Ingri D'Aulaire wrote between Burgess and Holling and her books are biographies written in a wonderful narrative style with illustrations that she did herself which help capture interest and complement the text. Any of these books, can be used for the study of history or science and would promote the love of learning far more than a dry text that is full of trivial facts that one must regurgitate on a test and then promptly forget.

Other books that we are reading that are more for character development include Lamplighter books, the "Miller" books by Mildred A. Martin and of course, the Bible. Lamplighter publishes books that are more than 100 years old and they are selected for superior Christian values that will inspire young and old alike to be more like the people within who are more like Jesus. We are currently reading a book called Great Americans that has a chapter for 15 or so different historical figures who displayed character in very challenging circumstances. These are written in a style that feels as if the author is sitting in your living room telling you about his best friend. We have read Missionary Stories and the Millers and Wisdom and the Millers. These are written from a Mennonite background so they are very conservative. The way they explain godly character traits and inspire children (and adults) to persevere in love and good works is not easily found in today's writings. Finally, the Bible, especially the narrative portions of the Old Testament and the gospels in the New Testament are the very best literature one can find for teaching about God, the world He made, and the truth He gives. What other book do you know that can survive dozens of centuries unchanged with it's truths still as relevant today as when they were written. What better example can you give your children than Jesus and people that God chose to include in His Holy Book?

In the end, I think my children love literature because we read it together and it's relational time. I also choose books that I think will grab their interest (and if it doesn't, I'm not afraid to put it away for another time). I think that in choosing trade books over textbooks, they learn to love to learn and in teaching them to choose interesting, challenging things for themselves, they will always carry that ability with them. Reading and learning go hand in hand...even in our computer crazed culture a good book is still a rare find and a worthy companion.

I'm sure there are many more great works that we have yet to find. And I'm also sure that this topic of good literature is worth many posts!

Fun Greek Project

We work with Story of the World History Curriculum. I like it a lot for many reasons. One is the fun projects in the activity book. We are working through several chapters on Greece. Today's project was wax tablet writing. It was simple but the kids are still working/playing with it as I type. I hear them talking right now about writing up and down in "chinese" and backward in "arabic". And now the 'sculptures" have come in. They are going in the fridge to show Daddy tonight and then we'll use them on toast.

You need margarine or butter (straight from the fridge), toothpicks and a Greek Alphabet card. We translated the kids names into Greek with the card and they practiced copying them on the "tablets". I cut a stick of butter in half lengthwise and gave each 1/2 on a small plate. They find that "erasing" their tablets works with the toothpicks, but butter knives were recommended.

What I've Learned From Charlotte Mason (and Sonya Schafer)

Two weekends ago, Rachel and I got to drive 2 hours to Des Moines to spend Friday and Saturday at a homeschool conference put on by the NICHE group. WOW, I had such a good time! I'm not sure if it was 4 hours to talk to Rachel in the car, the info on CM (Charlotte Mason) or the very thought provoking keynote speaker, Voddie Baucham (more on him in another post). But I need to type my learning points so we'll just put it in the blog.

CM was a late 19th and early 20th century educator in England. What draws me to her method of teaching children is her amazing ability to integrate faith into everything, her ability to teach kids to love to learn and inspire their minds, and the simplicity of it all. That and it's a good match for a lot of what I'm already doing and addresses some of the problems areas (writing) well.

CM had a couple great mottos. First for the students: I am (a child of God). I can (do all things through Christ). I ought (to obey my parents and my Lord). I will (be all God has made me to be). And for parents: Education is an atmosphere (everything around us provides learning), a discipline (teaching habits and character), and a life (living ideas that continue to inspire throughout our days).

CM believed in well written "living books". We're not talking the "twaddle" that is published in this day and age (mostly). We're talking books that told first hand accounts of real heroes, narrative stories of important concepts and ideas in rich vocabulary and flowing style. (The kind where you can find a quote nearly anywhere.) She has a list at amblesideonline.org for a start.

These living books were to be used for history and science, literature and even for art appreciation, music appreciation and poetry. Children were to listen to (or read themselves when older) short lessons (10-20 min for younger, up to 30-45 for high school) where the teacher simply read ONCE and asked for a narration (oral or written for older students). A mother/teacher lets the students draw their own connections but helps them by employing a "Book of Centuries" where they record, by century, important events and people (from whatever area they were studying) and a regiment of copywork and later, prepared dication that came directly from passages the students were studying.

For young students, an interesting phrase or sentence (Bible verse, poetry line, quote) was used, and they were to copy with complete attention and perfect execution. This was their handwriting but also helped them see good spelling, grammar and English and filled their storehouses of words and enlightening ideas to meditate. Then older children were to look at a similar passage (eventually several paragraphs) study the words (no more than a few) they didn't know and look carefully at punctuation and capitalization. Then they were to complete a prepared dictation given by the teacher and supervised very carefully. Later, students would begin to find their own inspiring passages and would carefully copy them into their own Book of Mottos.

Reading is taught in a similar way. Very gently. Lots of good books. Looking for phonics application and sight words in the text as mother reads and eventually sharing the reading, and then reading alone with a narration always at the end to check for comprehension. The goal of language arts was accurate communication since CM was right to point out that a deception is not just an out and out lie but also comes when someone communicates inaccurately either on purpose or not.

Math was to be full of hands on lessons and problem solving. Less on the 'rules' and memorizing algorithms and more on figuring out how to work the numbers. A focus on accuracy also was employed. Why? So a child would be honest in all business dealings and not make mistakes.

Nature study was employed. At least one afternoon a week, children were to be "turned loose" outside (rain or shine) and a good sketch book and quality art supplies made available as mother (or teacher) participated but didn't lead the discoveries. A few field guides and specimen jars with maybe a microscope or at least a magnifying glass would be very helpful. Children should learn at preschool age to identify everything in their yards or parks nearby-- from plants to birds to insects and animals. They should be taught to worship their Creator who made such a wonderous world for them to enjoy.

Foreign language and Latin/Greek would be taught in a small amount (a few words at a time) and first by listening and speaking (to a native speaker) before they read and write. Latin and Greek are to promote vocabulary in all languages with those roots.

Art and music appreciation was to be employed as follows. Choose one artist and one composer about every 6 weeks. For art, show the children a print by the artist. Let them study it hard and get it all in their mind's eye. (Always focus on attention and remembering--huge life skills.) Then shut the book and have the children narrate what they saw. Open it and have them check. Then if they are able, have them draw the "chief lines" of the work on paper from memory. Also, have a narrative biography available to read a little here and there so they get an idea about the history of the person's life (add to book of centuries). Do one print study each week and at the end the child will know the artists' style and something about him/her. The same thing goes for the composer...but listening to a work of his/hers throughout the week instead.

The thing I love most about Charlotte Mason---though all the aforementioned ideas and methods are wonderful--is her understanding that children need to be taught good habits, intentionally and consistently. If they don't have habits such as paying attention, obeying immediately, listening respectfully, persevering/fortitude, and 60 more lovely characteristics (simplycharlottemason.com), it doesn't matter how wonderful an education they are exposed to...they will not be "all God has created them to be". Habits are little roads in their minds that make it easy to do the right thing in hard situations because they have been practiced in not-so- hard situations. For a Christian child (or mother) these habits turn to areas of discipleship such as Bible reading and study, memorizing and meditating on Scripture, praying, serving, etc. These are the disciplines that, if trained in childhood..."when he is old, he will not depart from it." This is what I pray for my children...that they will come to faith and then grow to be more like Jesus every day. More than anything I want myself and my children to show his glory to others in what we say and do and be willing to give our lives, no matter what the cost, for the sake of Him who has saved us and given us eternal life.

A Charlotte Mason education...I want that for my kids. I want that for myself.

Good Resources for Teaching Biblical Truth

One of my most important goals as a mom and teacher is to teach my children from Biblical worldview so that they can be wise in this day and age. I am amazed at how very young children can pick up concepts that cause adults to struggle. God was exactly right when he said we needed faith like a child.

Our children are still quite young but between teaching them and teaching Sunday School and Christian school and sponsoring youth group, I have found some great resources.

The Bible— I personally like NKJV but NIV is good too. Some think that KJV is the only way to go if you want kids to build their love for classic literature. The version is a personal preference. Charlotte Mason discusses reading through the gospels and then narrative portions of the Old and New Testaments (history portions). I’ve begun this and really love to read a portion (maybe a chapter, sometimes we get started on a few verses and the discussion starts up). I don’t lead discussion. I just ask what they heard when we finish. It’s pretty amazing what they really understand.

A good Children’s Bible with the stories paraphrased and some pictures is wonderful for bedtime or devotions with very young children. We’ve been through The Beginner Bible http://www.amazon.com/Beginners-Bible-Timeless-Childrens-Stories/dp/0310709628/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1245639616&sr=1-1 several times. When we wanted a bit more, I really loved the Golden Children’s Bible http://www.amazon.com/Childrens-Bible-Old-Testament-New/dp/B000CPYJKU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1245639567&sr=1-2 (which has passages straight out of the KJV) or the Children’s Illustrated Bible http://www.amazon.com/Childrens-Illustrated-Bible-ISBN-9780892213320/dp/B001G25XSU/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1245639515&sr=1-5 which has many helpful facts about customs and culture. Just one story a day really works well. It cultivates the habit of Bible reading from an early age.

Sonlight recommended a book called Leading Little Ones to God (http://www.amazon.com/Leading-Little-Ones-God-Teachings/dp/0802851207/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1245639478&sr=8-1) which I was thrilled to see my children’s Sunday School teacher pull out as a sort of catechism for them. They have learned much about the gospel and the attributes of God and basic doctrine from this oldie but goodie.

I picked up a book while I was still teaching by Ron Rhodes called What Your Child Needs to Know about God http://www.amazon.com/What-Your-Child-Needs-About/dp/1565075560/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1245639688&sr=1-1 which has great info for the parent—not matter where you are in your faith—and for teaching the truths to you children in concrete ways and with stories that illustrate.

For older kids a great Bible Study resource that I used off and on throughout my adult life and just recently pulled of the shelf again as a reference is the Handbook of Christian Maturity by Bill Bright http://www.amazon.com/Handbook-Christian-Maturity-Bible-Toward/dp/1563990407/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1245639726&sr=1-2 . Breaks down the spiritual disciplines a believer needs to cultivate and is very thorough.

I’m not trying to sell off Amazon. They simply are make it really easy to locate a lot of books in one place. And I have had good success with their used books.

I pray God will give you His grace as you teach your children to glorify God in all they do and to be prepared to give their lives for His kingdom in whatever form that would take. God bless you.

Ways to Save on the Homeschooling Budget

I have to say money is never super plentiful around here. It seems that God always gives us enough and I’m thankful. Though while doing the finances each month, there have been many months where I just have to say, “Thank you, Lord, I don’t know how we are still in the black, but I’m ever so thankful.” But the times when we do have a little extra, I still think it good stewardship to watch the home school pennies. They can go at an alarming rate. (I attended a conference lately…yes it’s confirmed, an alarming rate.)

So here are a few things that have worked for us in stretching our “educational” funds.

I use the library…a lot. I love the search and hold part. In fact I use the public library and the library at my old teachers college where if you do reviews on the books, they send them to you and pay for postage back. You can be as specific as you want. Now, since my mom works in that library, and carts books back and forth for me, I can get any and all the books I want.

Secondly, I don’t buy much in the way of formal curricula for the early years…or rather I try not to buy much for the early years. Really, language arts and math can be accomplished with two books for help: How to Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons (They read way before 100 easy lesson is up.) and Ruth Beechick’s 3 R’s is a must have. Other than that, get out the macaroni shells, M&M’s and hundreds chart and read a lot of great books…from the library. 5 in a Row is also a great “all in one” curriculum though a little lacking in the reading skills.

I borrow…yep, I mooch (hopefully it’s reciprocal) from my friends. Only tip is to put an address label in the front of each book and try to keep a list of who’s borrowing what book.

I love Charlotte Mason and most of her stuff is ONLINE (even the books). Check out ambelsideonline.org and simplycharlottemason.com. Love It! So simple and lots to do as a family together, lots of great books, a very gentle approach.

Use the internet for supplementing curriculum…yes, it takes a bit of time if you have to research it. Though googling “addition fact practice” really does work. I keep a list in my favorites under “homes chool” of great websites people recommend. A few of our favorites: toytheater.com, sheppardssoftware.com, starfall.com, timezattack.com. There are many more for specific topics. And I have gone into our local public school’s websites to look over what they have…not everything is great, but there are some good ones.

Those are just a few ways to spend much less money than you would on a “Grade 1” all in one curriculum. And if you are going that route…go to used book sales, see craigslist and ebay.

Polar Fleece Tied Blankets—a Handmade Project for Anyone

I’m not much of a seamstress but this project doesn’t even require thread and could be fun to share with your family.

Several years ago my mom gave me a pattern for tied polar fleece blankets. They only require two of the same sized pieces of polar fleece and a scissors. I have made smaller ones for babies that were a yard by a yard finished, some that were toddler bed sized that measure about 1 1/3 yards by 1 ½ and even larger ones that fit twin beds that use 2 yards and the full 60 inch width that most fleece measures off the bolt. I wanted these blankets to last awhile so I didn’t choose cartoonish patterns but pretty plaids or polka dots with a solid color to match. Most of the time the solid colors are less expensive and if you wait till the cooler weather comes, the fabric is usually on sale. I’ve seen fleece at Walmart and at different fabric stores around town. The cost is usually between $5 and $9 a yard but some branded fabrics are more.

Here’s how you make the blankets. Trim the material to the size you need…realize that you will take about 4-5 inches off each side for your ties so add 2 times your tie length to the size you want when finished. If you have two pieces that are square you can lay the material so that the bias is not going the same way and it’s a bit easier to tie so your ties can be shorter. If not, make the ties longer because the sides without bias have no stretch to them.

I usually cut the two pieces at the same time if possible so I get the same number of pieces. Either be precise and cut a square of cardboard to use as your guide or I usually a mark on my scissors as a guide. First cut a square (ex. 4 X 4) out of each corner. Then start to cut ties one inch apart (or wider if you like). I started with a piece of cardboard cut 1” by 4” to guide me but after awhile I could eyeball it. Cut all four sides at once or rest your hand by cutting and tying one side at a time. Tie square knots…all the same way so the knots lie uniformly. Tie them firmly since they do sometimes slip particularly after washing. Just tie them again if they do.

These blankets are quite warm. Our church group has had a blanket making part and sent them on to orphans in the Ukraine—obviously these work better for people who live in cooler climates. I’ve made them for baby showers and Christmas presents and most recently my nephew “ordered one with a dinosaur” for his birthday. They make wonderful “blankies” and bedspreads for toddler or twin beds and make a box or table into a fort in no time flat. I think what I love most is sitting with the blanket spread around a table and tying with my friends or kids while chatting the day away. There’s nothing like getting something done and a good chat in the process!

Why We Chose (And Continue to Choose) to Home School

I think this article is a great one for every family to write…yes, every family. Because we all school our children. Some of us choose to teach academics at home and some choose to let a public or private institution help, but we all educate and really DISCIPLE our kids (and probably a handful of other kids).

So with that in mind, here is why we choose to home school our children rather than put them in a public or private school for academic work. Keep in mind, I’ve taught in all three environments so I feel like have truly seen all of those options up close.

First the education is better. The big buzz words in public schools are INDIVIDUALIZED INSTRUCTION and PARENTAL PARTICIPATION. Home school is both and to the nth degree. My eldest child, an energetic and very curious boy, is eager to learn as long as he gets to explore himself. He’s not one to sit and do seatwork for very long. I employ short lessons and gentle learning especially in the area of writing for him. My second child, a girl, loves seatwork and hand crafts. She also loves to explore but would rather you just told her what she should look for so she knows the expectations. My youngest child, also a boy, but one who has played with his sister a lot and is quite a mimic, will pretty much go along with whatever you want him to do AS LONG AS HE CAN DO IT HIMSELF. And that’s just this year—they all change and grow, interests change and abilities increase all the time. I love to tailor the teaching to each child. Best of all I know exactly where each child is in any given subject area…though they do ask questions or make statements from time to time that cause me to wonder where they learned thus and so.

Secondly the socialization is better. Yes, I did say it’s better at home. My children learn to connect and work with their FAMILY MEMBERS. It’s a novel concept, but who do we usually keep in touch with, spend holidays with, have to work together on matters of life and death with—family. Do my kids enjoy playing with other kids their age (and not their age) in the neighborhood, at church or in the activities we in which choose to participate? Yes, they do, but I am much better able to observe them working and playing with their friends and address issues of character right in the situation. I make no claim that my children are perfect in social situations, but I will say that they consistently hear the same admonitions from their parents and sometimes a few other trusted adults.

Next there’s the issue of a matter even more important than teaching academics… teaching CHARACTER. If a child is a genius but doesn’t know how to work hard, persevere, treat others with respect, and on and on, will he do well? No, he probably won’t. This is the issue that our public schools (especially in our pluralistic society where everything is relative to what’s politically correct and what is currently popular) cannot address in an effective way. Parents are charged many times in the Bible (Deuteronomy 6 is a good passage.) to train and teach their own children. It is our God-given privilege and responsibility, and although others can help, my husband and I will stand and give account one day for how well we accomplished this. (Thank the Lord there’s grace!) It’s the reason that parents must strive to have superb character….because we have to teach our children and usually that teaching is through how we act, not what we say. Kids have to spend time with you and connect with you to teach character.

Finally, the biggest reason we choose to home school is because we want our children to have a Biblical worldview. The Bible indicates that our chief goals are to glorify God (point others to him) and to give our lives for His sake—whatever that may look like. This is a very difficult goal to achieve in our current culture that is almost anti-Christian. My children must learn to live according to the absolute truth of the Bible, not the relative wishful thinking of the current American polls. My children must learn to be tolerant (respect others who have different views, but not necessarily agree with them) of many who are completely intolerant of their views. My children must point to one exclusive way to be saved—Jesus Christ—in a world that has decided that all roads lead to God. The stakes are great and getting greater and I’m thankful every day that God promises me His strength and wisdom and grace for the asking in this huge task.

I know there include lots of little reason we home school too. For example: I don’t want to lose my kids’ best hours during the day to someone who doesn’t love them and have their best interests at heart as much as I do. And--I enjoy being with my children and seeing them get that “ah ha” light in their eyes or listen to them ask a great question or explain a great truth and know that I helped them learn that. And-- I really don’t want to have the school district dictate my schedule. Thanks, I can decide what we need to do myself. And lastly, I think the government being less involved in life in general is a great thing.

So, go ahead, talk to your spouse…write down why you school your kids the way you do. Be intentional…children are too precious to just let things be the way they are because everyone else is doing it. Teach them to think, to love and to live for something more than themselves. You’ll have accomplished much—in fact, you will have accomplished the most important thing. God bless you as you work.