Five For Fun

This week Abi and I read these five books. Our first book was Christmas With Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. This was a delightful picture book that was taken from the original book about the first Christmas with the March family. It was a wonderful way to introduce Little Women to a younger child. Because it was Alcott's original words it read in that same familiar style we all love.  The Second was Ernest's Special Christmas by Laura T. Barnes. This was a cute Christmas story of a small donkey named Ernest who helps his friend Chester, an old white horse, get back to the barn after getting lost in the snow. I was able to use this to point out to Abi that helping someone is the right thing to do even when it would be hard or we would be uncomfortable ourselves. The next three books were all about a bear named Henry in a series of books by D. B. Johnson. The bear is actually based on the author Henry David Thoreau. The story lines were simplistic and are based on in events the book 'Walden' by Thoreau. Some of Thoreau's real friends show up as characters in the stories too. Abi liked the pictures but thought they were kind of silly, but I think that was the author's purpose. Lighthearted.

At the end of the book the author includes some brief biographical information on Thoreau and the real example from which the story was inspired. I must say these books have encouraged me to read 'Walden' again. I was supposed to read this in high school and thought it made no sense but when I read the original quotes from Walden in this book they made perfect sense and were very readable. What do you know- another book for mom to add to her own book pile.

52 Weeks Challenge

This week I read Where Angels go by Debbie Macomber. This is a cute story that takes place at Christmas time. Three angels, Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy are assigned to help work out God's plan for three different individuals, a single woman who is leery about falling in love, a young boy who wants a dog for Christmas, and an elderly man who is at the end of his life and wants his wife taken care of after he passes away. It was a little bit predictable but also very touching.

Philosophy of Education Vol. 6 Sect. 2 The knowledge of Man pt. f Art

Charlotte begins this section with a statement that is so true. “There are few subjects regarded with more respect and less confidence in our schools than this of ‘Art’. Of course, we say, children should have their artistic powers cultivated especially those who have such powers, but how is the question.

One way art was taught in Charlotte’s day was to put models of cones and cubes and such before the student so they could copy what they saw. Charlotte states that art should not be approached with such a pre-paved way. Art is an extension of a person’s spirit and should be approached that way.

Children should learn art by “reading” the pictures, not through a book. The teacher chooses about six paintings from one artist to study each term. After a short story of the artists life, she may say a few words about the way he painted his sky’s or trees etc. Let the children not just see the work of art but really look at it. Then, the teacher would turn the picture over and ask the students to tell what they remember or to “narrate” the picture. As they get older, they should do written narrations of the artwork. Charlotte felt that the students should not copy or draw the picture because in attempting to copy a picture the reverence the child has for a great work would lessen. The children would practice drawing or painting in their nature notebooks. CM schools also introduce Architecture to the students by using modeling clay or handicrafts.

Music Appreciation was approached the same way. This did not mean learning an instrument but being exposed to great composers and their music. Appreciating music “has no more to do with playing an instrument than acting has to do with appreciating Shakespeare or painting has to do with the enjoyment of pictures.” Music Appreciation should be taught following the same manner as art appreciation. Choose one composer each term and listen to six pieces of their work over that term.

Five For Fun

I have been wanting to find a fun way to add more great children's literature into our school days. I thought I would select 5 children's books each week that we have never read and read one to Abi each day "just for fun". With that the idea of Five For Fun came about. I will post the 5 books we read on the bookshelf at the bottom of the blog along with a review of each book the following Sunday night. I am looking forward to this quiet time with my girl.

52 Weeks Book Challenge

Well my first book for 2011 was Ford County Stories by John Grisham. This was a collection of fictitious short stories that took place in Clanton Mississippi.It was not typical Grisham at all. I did finish the book but it was not my favorite. It was a pretty quick read though. The stories seemed to center around dishonest characters and each story ended on a down note.

Quilting

Here is a small sample of the quilting projects I have made. I started my very first quilted table runner at the end of July and thanks to my wonderful teacher, Flossie Blankenship, I am now hooked!

As the New Year Begins

It is so good to be back to blogging again! I have been keeping busy learning my new hobby of quilting and made many items to sell this year and lots of Christmas gifts. I have been taking a break from regular schooling with Abigail for too long and am so looking forward to normal school days again. January always brings with it a sense of renewal. I love to take time during the colder months and organize drawers or closets that need a good once over. Most people probably wait until spring to do this but I would rather be spending time outside, enjoying beautiful spring days, than inside cleaning! As always, New Years bring new changes. Our oldest daughter,Britni, will be getting married this year. Time sure does go by quickly. Above all I am so thankful for eveything God has done for us in 2010 and all He will do in 2011.