The Wonderful Day

The Wonderful Day by Elizabeth Coatsworth 2006 Bethlehem Books SC 139 pp. Ages 10-up.

A storm is brewing in the air. As the hot July day grows sticky with humidity and towering thunderclouds begin to form, the excitement begins to mount for Sally as she eagerly awaits the arrival of her friend Pierre in The Wonderful Day, the fifth and final book of the series.

What begins as a sunny, summer day soon changes as dark, menacing thunderclouds cover the sky. But the clouds are not the only thing that is threatening to spoil Sally’s day. Andrew is acting most peculiar. He doesn’t seem to share Sally’s excitement at seeing Pierre after so many years.

Uncle Joseph doesn’t seem to be himself either. He is pensive and brooding. Today, he is hoping to bid on a piece of government land for sale. But will his rash decision to build a sawmill before he owns the land cause him to lose Five Bushel Farm? A slick stranger has entered the town, announcing his grand plans to buy all the plots for sale.

That same stranger, the devious Mr. Standforth, has threatened to buy her beautiful white horse, Meknes, after he promises to destroy her Uncle’s fortune. That wicked Mr. Standforth, who delights in other’s misfortunes, has already brought ruin to several other families. Will he ruin Uncle Joseph too?

Unexpectedly, Sally may be the key to save the day, but will she arrive at the land auction too late?

If the reader has read the other books in the series, she will enjoy the bits and pieces and characters that return like old friends. Sally’s good humor and charm make her an especially appealing character to young people. She does not lose hope in the face of adversity.

"Confessions of a Homeschooler" by Mary Jo Thayer

There's a new column by Catholic homeschooler and contributor to A Catholic Homechool Companion, Mary Jo Thayer.

Update: Sorry for the earlier typos. My "s" key is very sticky right now.
Alicia

If you subscribe to the Wall Street Journal...

be sure to check out yesterday's article on "Where the Boys Aren't" by Christina Hoff Sommers. My dad pointed this out in his paper. Unfortunately, it's not one of the ones selected for the WSJ's free Opinion Journal page.

The article explains the deficiency in Washington think tank Education Sector's new study on educational discrepancies between boys and girls. The study, "The Evidence Suggests Otherwise: Truth About Boys and Girls" blows off concerns about poor educational achievement by boys in general and claims that "the problem of male underachievement is largely confined to black, Hispanic and low-income white males." Even if it was somehow acceptable to blow off the underachievement of minority and low income males, the problem is clearly broader than that. Here is a particularly shocking statistic regarding the enormous discrepancy present even under the "best" of circumstances:

at the end of high school, 23% of the white sons of college educated parents scored "below basic." For girls from the same background, the figure is 7%. "This means," Ms. Kleinfeld writes, "that one in four boys who have college educated parents cannot read a newspaper with understanding."

Crusader King

Crusader King, A Novel of Baldwin IV and the Crusades, 2003, Tan Books and Publishers, Inc. Susan Peek, softcover. 191 pp.

In 1174 at only 13 years of age, Baldwin IV ascended to the Throne of Jerusalem. What makes his story so unusual, however, is not so much his age, but his extraordinary accomplishments while experiencing incredible hardship. He was a mastermind of battle strategies. Far more importantly, he was a good and virtuous person.

In Crusader King, we soon discover that being a member of a royal family is not all glamour and glory. It is also a responsibility and at times a heavy burden. Rather than focus on Baldwin’s outstanding military career, Susan Peek brings to life the qualities of his noble character in the midst of a corrupt court. Not only must he do battle on the field with the enemy, but he must be prepared to deal with evil villains within his own family and self-seeking comrades who seek the throne in every possible way.

Can he keep the clever and powerful, Turkish Sultan Saladin from destroying Jerusalem and the outlying states? How will he deal with his scheming sister, Princess Sibyl, manipulative mother, the Countess Lady Agnes, his ambitious cousin, Count Raymond of Tripoli, and troublemaker and outlaw, “Hawk of Kerak,” with his rebel army? Can he keep the various factions united and peaceful, while avoiding the petty rivalries from further splitting up the kingdom? Who can he trust?

Ironically, his body is becoming more and more corrupt each day with the decay of leprosy as the kingdom he is struggling to hold together is also becoming more corrupt.

An inspiring story of heroic virtue, Crusader King leaves readers wishing there were more high minded people like Baldwin IV living today. Maybe the challenge is to be one yourself?

Toward Morning

Toward Morning, A Story of the Hungarian Freedom Fighters 1961 Follett Publishing Co. (OP) by Alta Halverson Seymour

Long out of print, Toward Morning, is a gripping and emotional tale of the turbulent days surrounding the Hungarian Revoultion in 1956. We follow Janos, his friends, younger sister Teresa, and younger brother Belo, as they become immersed in the battle for freedom. Since much of the story is based on actual events, the story is all the more intense. Will the Russian soldiers capture and torture their brother for his activities? Where can he hide? After reading this book, you will have a greater appreciation for your freedom.

You may be able to find a copy in your local library. It is defintely worth looking for.

Hungarian Freedom Fighters

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the uprising of the Hungarian Freedom Fighters against Communist rule in 1956. You can read their story here: http://www.freedomfighter56.com/en_history.html

What's New at love2learn.net

• created a new Chesterton page (and added a review of Nancy Brown's study guide for "The Blue Cross")


• revised the Grammar Texts page to include the updated editions of Nancy Nicholson's Language of God for Little Folks (Catholic Heritage Curricula)

Later this summer we (John and I with the help of some family and/or friends who have offered to help) hope to accomplish the daunting task of revamping the love2learn website to allow for easier updates and revisions. For eight years now, I've been doing all the web work with a simple html editor (which I like very much). This has had some side benefits, such as making the site show well on search engines like Google. Now with 500-600 pages (and a great team of contributors and advisors), this has become pretty impractical and the site has been bogging down for some time (though the blogs have helped keep up with content-input in the meantime). Currently, even with someone else writing reviews, it can easily take me an hour to post just two reviews to the site. I always have a backlog of reviews, corrections, link requests and I'd like to spend more time reviewing, studying and writing.

I'd like to ask for prayers as we figure out the best solution to our website needs. Besides that, I'd welcome comments or suggestions to consider as we begin this process.

Thank you and God Bless!

Alicia

Montessori Notes from Colorado Catholic Homeschool Conference

Joanne Baker, who gave a talk on Montessori at the Colorado Catholic Homeschool Conference, asked me to pass along information about obtaining her notes from the talk. You can e-mail her at jbaker7@yahoo.com. Her forwarded message follows...

I just gave a talk at the CO Catholic Homeschool Conference about Montessori and Classical Education. For this occasion, I decided to try to help others to start up a classroom by putting into a manual all my work in building a homeschool classroom for my 4 - 9 year olds.

The manual has what you need to do the bulk of math and language for 4 - 9 years old as well as music and some of the culture. That is:
- it tells you where to get info, supplies, materials you need, and
- it has "cheat notes" lesson cards, and checklists with sequences of lessons
- it has tips I picked up on Montessori method and philosophy from my Catechesis training and experience homeschooling.

My policy was to try to:
- be as close to Neinhuis materials as possible,
- be as close to Maria Montessori's philosophy, method and lessons as possible (as in her books),
- stick to the essentials,
- acquire materials the cheapest, easiest and least time-consuming way, considering I have little artsy craftsy skills, and my husband does not do carpentry,
- approach it from a traditional Catholic viewpoint, though I have NOT included Catechesis, except for a few notes and recommendations.

I also recommend books that fit in with Catholic Classical Education using the Montessori method for over 9 year olds. (I have a liberal education, and designed and taught a liberal arts program to children years ago. I hope to put my talk into an MP3 file so if you want to hear it, I can e-mail it!)

I have to be honest that though this is for beginners, it is for people who are used to a lot of reading and figuring out themselves, though it will save you a lot of the work that I had to go through.

Those who use the manual are invited to join a special yahoo group to give their input and to receive updates, as we get them together. The manual is unbound and hole-punched so you can put it in a binder and add updates. (Really, I just want others to give me input and support for my homeschooling!)

If you want a sample Table of Contents, let me know and I will e-mail it.

On FRIDAY JUNE 23, I am making copies of the manual for anyone who wants one. If you decide you want one you can mail me a check by then and a mailing address, or if you want to come by and visit me in Castle Rock, CO, you can let me know in advance and pick one up after then (and take off $3 shipping). If there is interest after that time I may do another shipment at the end of the summer.

It is about 100 pages and I am asking $15 postage paid.

God bless,

Joanne Baker

Still on Chesterton

Returning from the Catholic Homeschool Conference in Minneapolis, I am happy to report that the Friday night session treated attendants with a visit from Chesterton himself.

At least he looked like Chesterton, talked and moved around like Chesterton: for one hour he simply delighted his audience with excerpts and quotes from the beloved Catholic author on life, marriage, women, paradoxes of life and the list goes on.

The presentation was done by Dr. John Chalberg, who also goes around the country doing impersonations of several other historical characters. Dr. Chalberg had a booth at the conference and was available for a nice chat at any time. Check his website for booking information and more.

My parents had Chesterton volumes in Portuguese on the shelves, and I remember feeble attempts on my part, perhaps at the wrong time, to tackle the author. It never happened. This presentation Friday evening has special meaning to me: having resisted reading Chesterton for years, I knew sitting through may cost me something—and I was correct in thinking so. At the end of the presentation, and I commented this with him afterwards, I was curious and interested in the writings of Chesterton enough to look around the vending area for a book that would introduce Chesterton to my literature files. I purchased Ignatius Press’ Brave New Family: G. K. Chesterton on Men and Women, Children, Sex, Divorce, Marriage and the Family, edited by Alvaro da Silva. About the book, from Ignatius Press website:

A collection of G. K. Chesterton's provocative writings on a subject close to his heart--the family, and the corresponding themes of men and women, children, sex, marriage and divorce. The family was a central element in Chesterton's vision, a unifying theme of his literary work. His eloquent defense of the sacredness of the home is even more applicable in our times because of the tremendous moral problems in our society that threaten the modern family.

"This is one of those absolutely necessary books. No one had such bracing no-nonsense practical wisdom as Chesterton. Now this book brings together the embattled family and GKC, the knight who rides forth to do battle for it. It should serve as a manual for us to turn the tide and restore ancient sanities."

-- Peter Kreeft, Author, Three Philosophies of Life

"There is something providential in the way G. K. Chesterton has returned to speak to us of great realities that matter. With prophetic insight he meets the threats to the family, which have increased so much since his era. This book is essential reading, not only for all who work to build up family life but for those who want to rediscover the treasure hidden in that small word which Chesterton loved--"home".

-- Cardinal Edouard Gagnon, Pontifical Council for the Family

"The consecrated pen of Chesterton exposed the attack on the family by a tangle of theorists years before our present social calamity. He shatters their fatal nonsense with the splendor of Christian personalism."

-- Fr. George Rutler, Author, Beyond Modernity

Happy Birthday G.K. Chesterton

Chesterton, the esteemed British Catholic writer and thinker of the early 20th century, enjoys growing popularity today. His books are thoughtful, memorable and witty. Here are some links for your enjoyment of the day:

Cay Gibson recently posted a nice overview at House of Literature.

Our own Nancy Brown runs the Blog of the American Chesterton Society.

Dr. Thursday, who runs a blog dedicated to G.K. Chesterton, is interested in everything, like Chesterton, loves learning, like Chesterton, and encourages others with his enthusiasm, like Chesterton...

Dave Armstrong runs a terrific Chesterton page that provides a great overview and lots of interesting links.

The American Chesterton Society

Current Book Deals...

Sacred Heart Books and Gifts is offering free shipping from June 1st through July 15. Orders placed online please make note of the free shipping in the comments section (telephone orders, mention the free shipping offer).

Sale at Dover Publications - 25% off every item they carry (good thru Friday, May 26). Use Coupon Code CE25 As usual, free shipping on orders over $50.

History Blog

The Reading Your Way Through History blog has turned out to be a really nice way to keep working on the list. The newest improvement we're working on is to have the various posts from the same century now show up in the proper order - already completed for 19th and 20th centuries. Drop by for a visit! we always appreciate comments and suggestions.

Othercott Begins Friday!

This has to be the most fun and ingenious way of "protesting" the release of the Da Vinci code movie. I've already mentioned it on this blog, before, but here's a reminder. The concept that's sweeping the Internet and the country rather rapidly is to take your family to see a silly animated feature (one with the same release date as Da Vinci Code), have some laughs, but also make a statement. The movie is Dreamworks' Over the Hedge (and keep in mind that it is PG). The idea is to "rock the box office" by sneaking the opening weekend results away from the expected winner. Here's the full scoop...

http://www.other-cott.com and
http://churchofthemasses.blogspot.com/2006/03/dvc-othercott-reminder-spread-word.html

Admittedly, Over the Hedge isn't the kind of movie we're strongly attracted to (we lean more toward The Incredibles and Finding Nemo in the animated movies department), but we'll all be there this weekend. It's easily the most promising of all the releases this weekend. You can see a list of those here. Pass the popcorn!

"My Catholic Speller" Updates

Catholic Heritage Curricula has done a beautiful job updating their "My Catholic Speller" series with all new glossy, colorful covers while retaining their well-loved gentle lessons than incorporate fun spelling practice while elegantly weaving in lessons about the Faith. Click here to read reviews of this series with updated information.

Review: Greathall Audio Productions

Greathall Productions
P.O. Box 5061
Charlottesville, VA 22905-5061
(800) 477-6234
www.greathall.com

Listening to good quality and content audio recording has been a mainstay for our family: they complement reading alone and reading aloud quite well. We have crossed the country listening to great renditions of Fr. Brown, Jeeves and Wooster, and Huckleberry Finn among many others. My husband commutes at least four times a week to the University 55 minutes away and has been become quite a critic of audio productions. As a matter of fact, we all have become quite sensitive in this matter: it has happened more than once that we have ejected a tape or CD never to play it again.

Although we all agree on Joe Hayes of New Mexico as the all time favorite, we have found that the style of Jim Weiss comes in a close second. In 1989 Jim and Randy Weiss started their company of audio products for children when they found a void in the market for this sort of product: Greathall Productions. Jim is a talented and captivating storyteller, and our family has enjoyed his recordings of classic works for over a decade. From the humble beginning of a few recordings of well-known tales, the catalog now carries dozens of recordings, all of which have received national awards. It states:

We know only that the classics, from Aesop to Shakespeare, from Greek mythology to King Arthur through Dickens and Dumas, were often ignored or presented in a way that radically changed the original stories. We knew from experience, however, that a story well told would ignite a love of learning in a listener. Our goal then, as now, was to instill in children the lifelong love of great literature by telling the stories on a child's level without altering the authors' intent. (...) It turned out that there were millions of people hungry for what we did.

Our family, especially our boys, have listened to Jim Weiss' recordings for years and for the purpose of this review have selected some of their favorites: The Three Musketeers, Robin Hood, Sherlock Holmes, Heroes in Mythology, Celtic Treasures, Arabian Nights and King Arthur and His Knights. In their wish list we have circled The Queens' Pirate and Galileo and the Stargazers. New productions in this catalog are Thomas Jefferson's America and Romeo and Juliet.

The catalog now also offers some book & audio combined sets, including Come on Seabiscuit and Rascal. It also has a section on Weiss's "thoughtfully abridged" recordings of G. A. Henty's works, a historical fiction writer whose reprints are very popular with homeschoolers. Keep in mind that the rule of thumb for Catholics regarding the Henty titles is to stay before the Protestant Reformation, chronologically speaking. Anything around and after the Reformation would not have a Catholic perspective, quite the contrary. (Dover had many titles by G. A. Henty in inexpensive paperback editions; PrestonSpeed Publications has a wider selection of titles, formats, and prices.).

Greathall Productions' website has a plethora of information including booking, fundraising opportunities, pictures to print and color, and audio samples. Happy listening!

Happy Mother's Day!

For your special reading pleasure today, check out the Celebration of Heart and Home blog festival being inaugurated today. Have a blessed day!

Wow!

"One is entitled to think that the future of humanity is in the hands of those who are capable of providing the generations to come with reasons for life and optimism." (Gaudium et Spes as quoted in the Catechism of the Catholic Church 1917)

Latin Isn't Dead

Looking for some inspiration? The Way of the Fathers has an interesting post today on some modern Latin enthusiasts.

Our Lady's Rosary Makers

May is a great month to learn how to make rosaries in honor of Our Lady. Grade schoolers can often learn to make the knots between decades on simple cord rosaries (they might need a little help on the end knots near the crucifix and the centerpiece) and even the little ones enjoy counting the beads and stringing them for you. Supplies are very inexpensive and once in awhile we've managed to set up a rosary-making day with family or friends. My blind sister-in-law loves making them!

Our Lady's Rosary Makers' website (same company my mom bought supplies from when I was a kid) offers materials, instructions and suggestions for places to send the rosaries.

Unforgettable: Kristin Lavransdatter by Sigrid Undset (Nobel Prize for Literature)

Trilogy, original Norwegian copyright 1920-22. Translation by Tiina Nunnally: Copyright 2005, Penguin Classics (3 books in one edition), 1184 pp., paperback

Reviewed by Ana Braga-Henebry, M.A.

I am delighted to see a popular edition by Penguin Classics of one of the world's greatest woman writers settling itself to be in print for any foreseeable future. This review refers to the 2005 paperback edition of the combined trilogy of Sigrid Undset’s master work Kristin Lavransdatter, translated by Tiina Nunnally.

The Penguin Classics page does a great job at introducing the novel to the public:

In her great historical epic Kristin Lavransdatter, set in fourteenth-century Norway, Nobel laureate Sigrid Undset tells the life story of one passionate and headstrong woman. Painting a richly detailed backdrop, Undset immerses readers in the day-to-day life, social conventions, and political and religious undercurrents of the period. Now in one volume, Tiina Nunnally’s award-winning definitive translation brings this remarkable work to life with clarity and lyrical beauty.

As a young girl, Kristin is deeply devoted to her father, a kind and courageous man. But when as a student in a convent school she meets the charming and impetuous Erlend Nikulaussøn, she defies her parents in pursuit of her own desires. Her saga continues through her marriage to Erlend, their tumultuous life together raising seven sons as Erlend seeks to strengthen his political influence, and finally their estrangement as the world around them tumbles into uncertainty.

With its captivating heroine and emotional potency, Kristin Lavransdatter is the masterwork of Norway’s most beloved author—one of the twentieth century’s most prodigious and engaged literary minds—and, in Nunnally’s exquisite translation, a story that continues to enthrall.

Seldom do we find such contrasting examples in quality of work as found in the two translations available of Undset’s master work. When we lived near Princeton, NJ, I was challenged to read the trilogy for a Catholic Woman’s Literary group at Aquinas House. My husband offered to buy it for me in Princeton on his way home, and in a good bookstore he found the then-brand-new translation by Tiina Nunnally.

I had the opportunity to compare the old Archer translation of the 1930s, which has been continually in print since the 1920s, to this new one. For someone who studied translation in graduate school, this was exhilarating. While the new award winning translation by Nunnally flows in fresh, contemporary style, yet reflective of the historical period, the old one had forced medieval English-isms and felt dry and rusty. In further comparing I noticed that indeed Archer has left entire pages out of the volume—and most especially pages of deep Catholic content. (For readers who have read the second volume, one of the passages left out include the spiritual musings by the heroine upon her arrival at the shrine of St. Olaf during her penitential pilgrimage.)

Indeed, the Penguin Classics web page comments:

This new translation by Tina Nunnally—the first English version since Charles Archer's translation in the 1920s—captures Undset's strengths as a stylist. Nunnally, an award-winning translator, retains the natural dialog and lyrical flow of the original Norwegian, with its echoes of Old Norse legends, while deftly avoiding the stilted language and false archaisms of Archer's translation. In addition, she restores key passages left out of that edition.

Sigrid Undset converted to the Catholic Church while doing the research for this great historical novel. Daughter of a noted Norwegian archeologist, and fascinated by her father’s field of study, Undset looked to the past as the setting of her greatest novel. In the process of digging Norway’s medieval world she found Catholic Christianity and wholly embraced it. I believe this process of finding one's true meaning in life is behind the superb quality of the story. Some argue that her four volume novel The Master of Hestviken is a more Catholic book because the Christian thought is already present from page one. Maybe so. But alas, no other work by Undset work has the crisp freshness of Kristin Lavransdatter. Undset seems to transfer into her most memorable protagonist the exhilaration of her newfound faith, which caused no small token on her own personal life. As Kristin in the novel, Undset’s own decisions in life, now in the light of her newfound faith, caused many personal sacrifices as well providing the realities redemption and purpose. Again from the Penguin Classics page:

In Kristin Lavransdatter (1920-1922), Sigrid Undset interweaves political, social, and religious history with the daily aspects of family life to create a colorful, richly detailed tapestry of Norway during the fourteenth-century. The trilogy, however, is more than a journey into the past. Undset's own life—her familiarity with Norse sagas and folklore and with a wide range of medieval literature, her experiences as a daughter, wife, and mother, and her deep religious faith—profoundly influenced her writing. Her grasp of the connections between past and present and of human nature itself, combined with the extraordinary quality of her writing, sets her works far above the genre of "historical novels."

Few novels are able to remain so wholly in the readers' memories as Kristin Lavransdatter. Sigrid Undset had a gift that is seldom found. This is a story to be savored a paragraph at a time, and a fascinating window into a world that is so foreign and yet it becomes so close in the imagination. Keeping in mind that this novel is best appreciated after the reader has experienced much of life’s vicissitudes, it is still recommended for the high school students. When our daughter read it at the end of freshman year I told her to take note of her impressions and to compare them with her impressions of when she rereads it—hopefully fifteen to twenty years from now.

High school students could certainly benefit from reading Kristin Lavransdatter as an important sample of great Catholic fiction. The foreign flavor, in both style and cultural geography, is strongest in the first three chapters and can be a stumbling block, but a good reader will use those three initial chapters to fully immerse themselves into Kristin’s world. The story of love, romance, suffering and redemption will live in their memories.

One of the great Catholic element of Kristin Lavransdatter is the lesson of life around which it revolves: because of her initial lack of trust and obedience to her beloved father, Kristin undergoes a lifetime of suffering and pain, finding consolation and redemption only under the shadow of the cross. Few books will teach such a crucial lesson this vividly. Of course, this is a lesson than can be learned at any stage of life, yet lessons are best learned in the formation years of our children.

Kristin Lavransdatter is also the Women's Catholic Literary Club par excellence: a challenging yet deeply satisfying read, it could easily dominate an entire semester of meetings' discussions. If you have never hosted one of these, maybe this is the season to do it. Catholic homeschool mothers, I have noticed, enjoy great pleasure in discussing together their thoughts on great Catholic literature, most especially while enjoying a good Port.

See CatholicCulture website for a relevant article referring to the 1999 edition.

Penguin Classics also has in print each of the three volumes individually, in absolutely beautiful covers:

Volume 1: The Wreath

Volume 2: The Wife

Volume 3: The Cross

Eagle Cam

Irresistible. Two fuzzy, gray eaglets, and two attentive bald eagle parents. We try to check in a couple times a day, and so far have seen a couple of feedings, some stretching and squawking, and of course some napping, too.

The video quality is excellent. The nest seems so close, sometimes I'm tempted to say, "Shh, you'll scare them away!"

A Star is Made

I thought this article from the New York Times on techniques of learning was interesting and worthwhile, particularly the following:

~ The concept of "deliberate practice" (defined in the article as "setting specific goals, obtaining immediate feedback and concentrating as much on technique as on outcome")

~ The importance of doing something you love for a career

~ The concept from which the title comes - that limitations based on genetics are probably less significant than we tend to think .

Homeschool Carnival: Week 19

What is a Carnival of Homeschooling you ask. I was asking the same question not too long ago.

Here's how it works. A different blogger hosts the Carnival each week. This week's host is Why Homeschool. In the week leading up to the Carnival, the host searches for helpful posts from other blogs to feature. For example, there is a link at the Carnival to my recent post at The Thrifty Homeschooler about homeschooling conferences.

Click here to check out week 19 of the Carnival. The central theme this week is Albert Einstein. Go check it out. It really is fun!

Reading Your Way Through History

Reading Your Way Through History is a project that's been on the back burner (or perhaps stored away in the attic) for a long time. I'm attempting to brush off the cobwebs by giving it a "workspace" blog so that I can jot down ideas and start collecting links and such, but also take suggestions for anyone who might be interested in helping with the project. Over the past few months, I've gotten a number of comments that people have found it very helpful even as is. You can visit the new blog to find more details of what I'm envisioning.

Thanks & God Bless!

Please Pray for Nicole

A young mother dying of cancer. Read more about her here ... and here.

Prayer:
O Blessed Trinity, We thank you for having graced the Church with Pope John Paul II and for allowing the tenderness of your Fatherly care, the glory of the cross of Christ, and the splendor of the Holy Spirit, to shine through him. Trusting fully in Your infinite mercy and in the maternal intercession of Mary, he has given us a living image of Jesus the Good Shepherd, and has shown us that holiness is the necessary measure of ordinary Christian life and is the way of achieving eternal communion with you. Grant us, by his intercession, and according to Your will, the graces we implore, hoping that he will soon be numbered among your saints. Amen

An Atmosphere of Love and Learning

Melissa Wiley has a great post on atmosphere in the home which includes a reminder of great examples of family life found in children's books. I've often thought that these sort of books (Little House, Hilda Van Stockum's Mitchell's Series, etc.) can be as important (or even better) than many parenting books to inspire a beautiful family life.

Review: Word to Caesar by Geoffrey Trease

original copyright 1955 Reprint 2005, www.hillsideeducation.com, 274 pp. softcover

reviewed by Elizabeth Yank


If you or your children only pick books by their action-packed covers, depicting the tense drama of soldiers engaged in battles, you might be missing out on some fantastic stories, including Word to Caesar. Although the cover appears rather ordinary (plain purple with an inset of an Ancient Roman, marble relief), once the reader cracks open the book, the excitement is non-stop. Trease is a master storyteller, ending each chapter with a cliffhanger, urging the reader on.

Set during Imperial Rome, Paul, a young boy, flees for his life when barbarians raid the Roman camp his father commands in Northern England. Wounded, exhausted, and orphaned, he barely makes it on the last boat leaving a nearby harbor. With the help of Lucius Fabius Severus, a Roman exile, he begins a new life. Out of gratitude for Severus helping save his life, Paul wants to reinstate Severus’ good name. But he must travel the length of the Roman Empire to do so, escape the clutches of wily villains, and speak with the Emperor Hadrian. Will he be able to accomplish such an insurmountable task? Urged on by the memory of his father’s high standards of conduct, Paul does not give up hope and always seeks to perform the noble action, even if it means risking his own life.

Although the main character is a boy, girls will enjoy this fast-paced adventure as well, especially when Severus’ daughter joins in the mission to clear her father’s name. A real –page-turner, both my son and I polished it off in a few days. We liked it so much, that my husband read it to the rest of the children. They too clamored to read another chapter and another.

More than a thrill-a-minute story, the reader learns a bit of Ancient Roman history, putting on flesh to those crumbing ruins. While the characters (except for Hadrian) are fictitious, the places in this story are real. A tourist can visit the remains of the Roman camp of Hardknot, as well as Bath and Ravenglass. In Italy, the farm in the Sabine Hills also still exists. During this time in history, the Roman Empire, for the most part, was peacefully united. Much of the every day life portrayed in the story was typical.

For those who would like to incorporate this book into their schoolwork, at the end of each chapter are discussion and comprehension questions, designed to get the reader to think inside the author’s head as well as think about the historical setting. There are also suggestions for essays. I particularly like the idea of tracing Paul’s trip from England to his final destination. This edition also includes maps, a picture of a bust of Hadrian, a picture of Hadrian’s tomb, historical notes, and a glossary with explanatory notes.

Character formation comes in many forms. Children need to read their catechism, see moral actions performed by those around them, and read the lives of the saints. In addition to all this, good works of fiction expose children to honorable characters striving to do the right thing even as other characters, in sharp contrast, are carrying out their evil misdeeds. Good fiction mimics life. What better way to expose children to admirable virtues than by reading Word to Caesar, a fast-paced, thrill-a-minute page-turner, where Paul, a young boy, suffers trials and tribulations, yet remains a true hero performing noble deeds. The absorbing, suspenseful plot is sure to capture your children’s attention and leave them wanting more.

Revisiting Old Favorites: The Good Master and The Singing Tree

We were introduced to Kate Seredy's The Good Master and The Singing Tree from Margot Davidson's reviews on love2learn.net more than 5 years ago and they've been favorites, particularly for read-alouds, ever since.

We've just been revisiting these for night-time read alouds and, inspired by Karen Edmisten's posts on Caddie Woodlawn, I wanted to share a little from The Singing Tree.

15 year old Jancsi Nagy lives on a beautiful, remote farm in Hungary in the early 20th century. Although the guns of World War I can't be heard from their home, we get a gentle (and thus appropriate for children) but realistic glimpse of the awfulness and futility of war through their eyes; but also a sense of hope in ordinary people who want the good. The story is filled with lots of laugh-out-loud spots. Our children have always particularly enjoyed the "Six Big Russians", prisoners of war who come to help on the Nagy farm when Jancsi's father is away at war. The dialogue is so priceless as you see the depth of understanding these men have even though they speak a very few, simple words because of their language difference. Here's a little sample (by the way, Kate is Jancsi's cousin):

[Mother] had called the Russians "bears" since first she laid eyes on them. They followed Jancsi around, tramping behind him in their big, clumsy boots, trying to understand what he was saying. Uncle Moses was right, though. The horses and farm-tools, the cows, chickens, and sheep, formed the first link of understanding. A few weeks after they had come, they knew the Hungarian words for everyday things all around the ranch and from then on they learned very fast. When the sheep were driven in for winter quarters, Jancsi tried to show them how the feeding troughs and water fountains were arranged. Grigori - he seemed to be the boss - calmly pushed him aside. "Me do," he said, and in no time the folds were in order.

"Me do," became a byword on the farm. Haul in wood and chop it?" "Me do," Nicolai would say. Feed and clean animals? "Me do," and Sergei sprang into action. Milk the cow? "Me do," Stana had declared soon after the plowing was done, and "Me do" it was from then on.

Grigori had taken charge of baby Panni with such determination that Mari surrendered the child to him the moment he appeared, face and hands scrubbed red, a large apron of Mother's tied around him. His clumsy, callused hands became light, gentle, as if he were holding a fragile flower. Big Peter and Bigger Peter, as the family had labeled the two Russian Peters, had been shepherds in Russia. They lived and slept in the fields, leaving their charges only long enough to eat their meals.

The only person who held out against the authoritative "Me do" of Grigori was Kate. Her chickens were her chickens and that was all there was to that.

"You are a nice Russian, Grigori," she said to him one day, "but leave my chickens alone. You don't know anything about chicken raising."

"Ho! Grigori know chicken. Grigori do," he laughed.

"Oh, no, you won't! These are not Russian chickens."

"Ho! Chicken is chicken." But Kate stamped her foot. "No. Me do. Go away!"

Grigori went, laughing. From the yard he turned back. "Ho! Chicken is chicken...little devil is little devil, Russko, Magyarsko...all same!"

Though the Nagy home is bursting at the seams, several years into the war, the family takes in six German children. Because of the allied sanctions, food is scarce and children are in great need. This leads to the beautiful, poignant sub-plot that I wanted to share. The setting is the letters which the three young German boys (around 12 years old) write to their parents:

"These people," wrote Hans in the late fall of 1917, "do not hate anyone. In our school in Berlin we were told that Russians and English and French are monsters. That is not true, Mother. The six Russians, especially my best friend Stana, are like German men, like Papa. They like to laugh and play with us and they like to work. Maybe the French and English men are the same. Our teacher told us a lie about the Jews too. Herr Mandelbaum, the storekeeper in the village, is not selfish and rich and bad. He is very old and small and he has lost two sons in the war. Herr Nagy, Jancsi's father, is giving him money now to pay for goods in the store because Herr Mandelbaum has no more left. He bought war bonds to help the country. If he is helping Hungary, isn't he helping Germany too? We are allies. And nobody in the village pays him for anything and he does not keep books. He just remembers what people owe him, Jancsi says, but now he often forgets because people have no money. I cannot understand Hungarian very well yet, but Jancsi can make me understand many things.

"I do not hate Russians now, Mother, and I think that Jews are very kind and good. When I grow up I want to be a teacher and teach what Grigori is always saying. He says that people are all the same in Russia and Germany and Hungary and that we are all brothers. It's true, Mother. Why did our teacher in Berlin lie to us? I have asked Herr Nagy, but he said our teacher must have been a stupid man. If he is stupid, Mother, why is he a teacher?

"But sometimes I think that maybe Herr Nagy and Grigori are wrong. Because if we are all brothers, why is there a war?

"Please, Mother, tell me who is right?"

When the letter came with the answer, the three blond heads of Hans, Paul, and Johann bent over it eagerly. Maybe this would tell them who is right.

"My dear little Hans," the letter said, "I am glad that you are well and happy. Please tell Herr Nagy and your Russian friends that a German mother is praying for them every night. Tell them that I want to thank them for teaching my boy to love instead of hate.

"Forget all your teacher in Berlin has told you. Be very good, little Hans, to deserve the kindness and love of those good people..."

A Very Ambitious Project … That Successfully Does What it Sets Out to Do!

A Review of Cay Gibson’s Catholic Mosaic – Living the Liturgical Year with Literature: An Illustrated Book Study for Catholic Children

By Mary C. Gildersleeve

Circle the date, May 19th! That will be the date Hillside Education releases Cay Gibson’s magnificent work titled, Catholic Mosaic – Living the Liturgical Year with Literature: An Illustrated Book Study for Catholic Children. The title clearly explains what this book is all about: Gibson took the twelve months of the year, wove in the liturgical celebrations and linked these to marvelous picture books – creating a mosaic of Catholic culture and beautiful literature.

But this book is much more than an annotated book list, although that is included too. Gibson gives suggested questions for you to discuss with your children. She gives suggested copywork – that is, quotes that children memorize or use for handwriting practice. She gives ideas for activities that will reinforce the meaning of the particular book. She helps families to truly live and embrace the wondrous Catholic traditions connected to feast days, liturgical celebrations and other things Catholic.

Some of the books described and linked in this book are Catholic illustrated classics – books like Weight of a Mass by Josephine Nobisso, Song of the Swallows by Leo Politi and St. George and the Dragon by Margaret Hodges are extremely popular with many Catholic parents and children. But Gibson goes beyond the “Catholic classics” and mentions books like The Little Match Girl by Hans Christian Andersen (illustrated by Rachel Isadora) and The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein and how you can apply Catholic teachings to these books, giving your children a rich and lasting understanding of our Catholic culture.

In total, Gibson integrates FIFTY-TWO illustrated children’s books with the Catholic calendar and Catholic living. Books that cover the Mass, First Communion, various saints and important liturgical seasons are included. In addition, she suggests other books which may also work (but omits questions and activities linked to these “second-string” books some of which unfortunately are out-of-print or hard-to-find).

All the primary books are easily attainable from booksellers; in addition, books by popular authors like Tomie dePaola are usually available at public libraries so as not to strain your book budget too much. However, after seeing these books, you might want to have good copies for your home library. Gibson has selected books not only for the meaning in their words, but also for the beauty of their illustrations. These books could easily be used as an art study in conjunction with the literature, religion and other subjects covered in these books.

Further resources that Gibson gives the reader are suggestions for creating and maintaining a “Liturgical Notebook” throughout the year – a memory scrapbook of this literature-based journey – as well as incorporating some of the traditional Catholic homeschool resources (for example, CHC’s A Year with God or Seton’s Art 1).

Run, don’t walk, to get a copy of this book. I know I sound effusive, but this book is remarkable in its ambitious objective which is stunningly successful. This is one of those homeschooling volumes that needs to be on every Catholic resource shelf – that is, when it’s not being used!

The plan is to launch the book at Family Centered Learning’s First Annual Conference in Pennsylvania the weekend of May 19th. Margot Davidson, owner of Hillside Education, will also start accepting web-based orders that day. Hillside Education (475 Bidwell Hill Road, Lake Ariel, PA 18436 – www.hillsideeducation.com) publishes this, as well as many other, Catholic-based study guides.

Fun, Beautiful Crafts that Teach (and Games too!)

If you are looking for Catholic crafts that will keep on teaching long after they have been created, then you won’t want to miss Illuminated Ink craft projects. Illuminated Ink is a small publisher of lovely art projects your children will treasure.

While the majority of the items they produce are high quality, paper, cut, color, and assemble products with a Catholic theme, they also have a Woven Cross Kit (made with vellum “ribbons”), a Marian Grotto Kit (made with popsicle sticks, picture, and polished semi-precious gemstones), a few wooden items (e.g. Wooden Rosary Holder Kit with themes ranging from the Sacred Heart to Our Lady of Fatima), and Catholic games, such as Litany (a card game), as well as a few books from other publishers (A Treasure Chest of Catholic Traditions and Arms of Love). They also have a few miscellaneous items like Saint Symbol Stickers. These are the same symbols found in the Litany and Bingo game. Very affordable, all items are $20.00 and under and the majority are $10.00 or less.

For the projects that require coloring, a softer color pencil, such as Berol Prismacolor found in art supply stores (Timberdoodle also sells them), creates impressive results. They are much better than crayons or harder color pencils. You will not want to use anything else.

A sampling of attractive paper products for young children ages 3-5 and up includes a Catholic Bookmark Set, Heavenly Host Paper Angels Kit, Jesse Tree Ornament Kit, Marian Apparition Trading Cards, Spiritual Bouquet Card Kit and Precious Mary Paper Doll Set. A younger child will need adult help to create some parts of Our Lady of Guadalupe Cut’n Color, which is a 3-dimensional diorama storybook with movable characters when completed.

For older children and adults, there are some more complicated projects such as the Passion Play Cut’n Color Kit (A unique paper theater) and the Hidden Sanctuary Shadowbox Kit (Reminiscent of Victorian Shadow boxes, this kit is absolutely exquisite.).

Illuminated Ink Craft Kits
(listed in order of difficulty - for a complete product listing, please visit their website)

Saint Symbol Stickers Ages 3-Up

Saint Symbol Stickers could be used in a variety of ways from incentives or rewards on school workbook pages, or as fun accessories for a child’s stationary to liven up letters to a pen pal. They are great for boys or girls. A child could also make a mini saint book with a sticker per page and a short biography of the saint. The Saint Symbol Stickers could also be used for a history timeline. They could make saints days on a calendar. The possibilities are endless. What a great way to reinforce learning about the saints! Each package includes 80 ready-to-color saint symbol stickers representing 40 different saints. These are the same Saint symbols found in the games Litany and Bingo. Inexpensive and attractive, the Saint Symbol Stickers would make an ideal stocking stuffer.

Catholic Bookmark Kit Ages 3-Up

The Catholic Bookmark Kit includes 15 ready-to-color 3” by 8” durable card stock bookmarks with 5 different designs, including a Psalm verse, several clever sayings, such as Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth (BIBLE), or a Catholic quote (“The worst prison is a closed heart” by Pope John Paul II), all reminding children of the spiritual values of their faith. The artwork is bold, dramatic, fun, and professional looking. To make them last even longer, you may want to laminate them.

Marian Apparition trading Cards Ages 3-Up

The Marian Apparition Trading Cards set includes seven different lovely pictures of the Blessed Mother on the front, from Our Lady of Fatima to Our Lady of Knock and information about who, when, and why on the back. For example, for Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, the Who is “Our Lady of Mt. Carmel appeared to Simon Stock.” When: July 16, 1251. Why: St. Alphonsus said, “The Most Holy Mother is pleased when her servants wear Her scapular as a mark that they have dedicated themselves to Her service, and are members of the Family of the Mother of God.” The cost of the trading cards is an unbelievable $1.00. They are approximately 3” x 4”. Beautiful artwork will make them fun to color.

Precious Mary Paper Doll Set Ages 5-Up

The Precious Mary Paper Doll Set comes with one 8” paper doll, Our Lady of the Kitchen, six attractive outfits (all with titles like Our Lady of the Smile, Our Lady of Fatima, Our Lady of Lourdes, etc.), a stand to tape on the back and a prayer, all on card stock to color and cut. Once again, the artwork is lovely. Your daughter will enjoy playing with this charming paper doll for hours.

Jesse Tree Ornament Kit Ages 5-Up

The Jesse Tree Ornament Kit comes with 12 ready-to-assemble, 3-dimensional ornaments on card stock, instructions, Bible verses to find the corresponding story to each ornament, string, and sequins. As with the other projects, when completed, the child will have a beautiful art project, he or she will want to proudly display. Each finished ornament is approximately 3” x 3” x 2.” They also sell a wooden tree ornament that requires some assembly to display the ornaments on.

Spiritual Bouquet Card Kit Ages 5-Up

The Spiritual Bouquet Card Kit includes four pastel-colored lattice-work window cards (this card can be purchased individually) made of card stock, four green paper background sheets that go under the window to arrange flower stickers on, four paper card inserts with a cheerful rhyme, saying that this card is a spiritual bouquet, four sheets for the back of the card describing the Catholic symbolism of various flowers found on the card (Irises—Mary’s Sword of Sorrow or Geraniums—Gentle Virgin, etc.) along with words of encouragement, four envelopes, lots of flower, grass, and butterfly stickers, and pastel colored tiny metal brads to open the windows. Instructions are included. This easy to assemble project is quite beautiful when completed and would be a joy to give as a gift. But most importantly, the child is learning to give a spiritual gift of prayers along with this beautiful card.

First Communion Card Kit Thank You Cards Ages 5-Up

The First Communion Card Kit Thank You Cards come in packs of five, ten or twenty cards. Similar in design to the Spiritual Bouquet Cards, the front of the card has a lattice work window with a design underneath. This card is unique in that the kit includes pieces of colored cellophane for the window panes to create a stained glass effect. Inserts for under the window include the words “Thank You” along with an inspirational picture of wheat, grapes, and a host for the child to color. This insert works as both a backdrop for the window and a blank inside for the card. Once completed, the child will have a beautiful personal gift he or she can send as a thank you. Instructions, translucent vellum envelopes, and tiny metal brads to open the windows are also included.

Other card kit options include First Communion Card Kit Invitations. These also are available in packs of 5, 10, or 20. Two other seasonal card kits are Heaven ‘n Nature Christmas Card Kit and O Antiphon Christmas Card Kit.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Cut ‘n Color Book Ages 5-Up

Our Lady of Guadalupe Cut ‘n Color is actually a 3-dimensional story book about Our Lady of Guadalupe. Once completed, this cut, color, and assemble kit creates a lovely storybook attached to an attractive diorama that children can use with the paper dolls to act out the story. A few parts will need some adult supervision. On the bottom of the “book” are pages of the story that you turn while the diorama remains in view. Each kit includes the book, scenery, church, and paper dolls of Juan Diego, the Bishop, and Our Lady of Guadalupe all on card stock with easy to follow instructions. A craft knife or X-acto knife is required. The picture on the cover does not give justice to how beautiful this project is. Once completed, your child will have an attractive diorama to play with and a story to read over and over again.

Wooden Rosary Holder Kit Ages 5-Up

The Wooden Rosary Holder Kit creates a lovely wooden plaque to hang your child’s rosary on. One of the few wooden projects, this kit includes a wood plaque and knob (to hold the rosary), stickers, an attractive picture to color, glitter glue, brush, and sealant. There are several pictures to choose from: Our Lady of Fatima, St. Joseph, Immaculate Heart of Mary, and Sacred Heart of Jesus. Illustrated step-by-step instructions are included to ensure success. As with most products, this is more than just a fun kit. There is a short synopsis of the saint or apparition chosen. Once completed, your child will have a beautiful plaque he or she will want to proudly display, and at the same time, a special place to hang his or her rosary. No more lost or tangled rosary. With this beautiful plaque, your child will have a daily reminder of God’s great love. Approximate size is 3” x 5.”

Marian Grotto Kit Ages 6-Up

The Marian Grotto Kit allows your child to create his or her own lovely miniature grotto of the Blessed Mother from "popsicle" sticks, a picture of the Blessed Mother to color (you can choose Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of Fatima, Our Lady of the Snows, or Our Lady of Lourdes) a Grotto background to color, polished semi-precious gemstones (Turquesite, Turritella Agate, Moss Agate and Yellow Jasper), a little booklet explaining what a Grotto is and a description of the Marian Apparition chosen, and illustrated step-by-step directions. The finished grotto can stand freely on a tabletop or be hung on a wall, and is approximately 7" tall.

Woven Cross Kit – Primary Ages 8-Up

Woven Cross Kit – Primary creates 3 beautiful woven crosses. Each kit comes with thin strips of vellum paper 3 ½” x 3” (The primary kit colors are green, purple, and black with gold accents), gold rhinestuds, red metal hearts, and step-by-step illustrated instructions. The quality and beauty of the materials makes this project especially striking. The project also comes in pastel colors.

Passion Play Cut 'n Color Kit Ages 8-Up

The 3-D Passion Play Cut ‘n Color Kit creates a spectacular miniature theater when completed. Each kit displays in a circle format four ready-to-color, 3-dimensional scenes (The Last Supper, The Agony in the Garden, The Crucifixion, and the Resurrection). Three are back to back on the bottom and one is perched on top. (You might like to display it on a lazy-susan in order to change between scenes). Easy-to-follow, step-by-step, illustrated instructions are provided to insure success. Once completed, children will have a beautiful theater to re-enact the events of Holy Week, beginning with the Last Supper through the Resurrection, along with numerous movable characters, and 3 mini-booklets (Biblical excerpts from The Agony in the Garden, The Crucifixion, and the Resurrection). Besides the miniature booklets, there are scriptural verses printed along the perimeter of each scene. Also along the top tier there are nine virtues: Joy, Peace, Faithfulness, self-control, etc. Finished size: 10" x 10" x 13 ½". Younger children will need some adult supervision.

Hidden Sanctuary Shadowbox Kit, Year of the Eucharist Ages: 12-Up
The Hidden Sanctuary Shadowbox Kit, Year of the Eucharist, is absolutely gorgeous. This kit (reminiscent of the Victorian style) opens to display a shadowbox in one window and an inspirational prayer in the opposite window. The shadowbox picture for the Year of the Eucharist is a beautiful 3D image of Our Lord holding the Eucharist with an angel kneeling in adoration. On other side, the Anima Christi prayer is displayed in the shape of a chalice on vellum paper. The Year of the Eucharist is one of several themes, including Nativity of the Lord, and Our Lady of the Rosary. Truly a hidden sanctuary, luxurious papers, Victorian-style picture, and inspirational prayer make this project especially exquisite and a keepsake to treasure. This kit is recommended for people with patience. The completed project measures 6” x 8.”

Illuminated Ink Games

Litany Simple Version: Ages 3-7 Alternative Version: 8-Up

Litany offers two versions to play this game of 80 saint symbol cards (40 pairs). In the easier version, the object of the game is to match like cards as in the card game concentration. After finding two matching cards, the player calls out, “St. . . . , pray for us.” In the version of the game for older children, the game is slightly more complicated. Each game comes with 80 saint symbol cards, instructions, and a saint symbol information booklet that includes the name of the saint, when he or she lived, whether the saint was a martyr, bishop, confessor, etc., the symbol of the saint and why that symbol is associated with that saint.

Saint Search Game Ages: 4-Up

The Saint Search Game is played in the same fashion as Bingo. After picking a saint token from the pile, instead of covering a number on a square, the player crowns the saint with a golden nimbus (token). The player to cover the first row, horizontal, vertical, or diagonal, wins. An alternate version for longer play is to cover the whole card. Another method of play not mentioned is to cover just the four corners. The cards use the same 40 saints and symbols found in the Litany game. Since both symbols and names are used on the game cards and tokens, children do not need to be able to read in order to play the game. If an older child or adult is playing, they could read the information from the booklet while the children are covering their saints. Each game comes with 12 playing boards (5” x 6 ½” cards), 40 saint tokens, 200 golden nimbuses and a saint symbol information booklet (This is the same booklet as found in Litany.). For a new fun twist on Bingo that reminds children of the saints, the Saint Search Game is sure to be a hit.

Special Educator's Discount at Barnes and Noble

25% off books for classroom use (includes homeschoolers) this week. Read more about it at By Sun and Candlelight.

New Catholic Homeschool Bookstore

Adoremus Books

Looks like a pretty impressive selection and they offer free shipping on orders over $25!

Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink

Caddie Woodlawn is a wonderful true story (the stories were passed down orally for a time until they were written down by Caddie's granddaughter) about a young girl and her family growing up in the wilds of western Wisconsin during the Civil War. Charming, humorous and poignant, it makes a great read-aloud (and don't forget the sequel Magical Melons a.k.a. Caddie Woodlawn's Family).

Also check out Karen Edmisten's great post today on a wonderful thread from this book.

Review: The Catholic Homeschool Companion

The Catholic Homeschool Companion, edited by Maureen Wittmann & Rachel Mackson
2005, Sophia Institute Press, 482 pp. softcover, Catholic

Since I have been homeschooling since the 1980s, there are times when I feel like I’ve heard it all before. Not with the Catholic Homeschool Companion. Almost every article offered me a fresh perspective, reaffirmed a belief I already had, inspired me with encouragement, or taught me something new.

Veteran homeschoolers Maureen Wittmann and Rachel Mackson have brought together in one book the real experts: Parents who have experienced what works best for them. They have practiced what they now preach. If you are looking for a “how-to-manual” or a one-size fits all curriculum, you have come to the wrong place.

The book is a true representation of the homeschool community in which every family has their own particular way of homeschooling. It reflects a rich diversity of homeschool styles, covering a wide range of topics. There are even articles written from the student’s point of view. In other words, the articles reflect points of view from across the spectrum of learning situations: structured learning, unit studies, the special needs, homeschool co-ops and much more.

Looking at the Chapter headings gives you a sense of why this book is a whopping 482 pages: Core Subjects, Enrichments Subjects, High School, Homeschooling Styles and Strategies, Children with Special Needs, Homeschooling in Unique Circumstances, the Father’s Perspective, Finding Inspiration, Homeschooling Community and Support, Home Management, Homeschool Students and Graduates, and Appendices with lists of resources and authors’ biographies.

Under each category, four or more authors explore the topic from their perspective. Under Core Subjects, for example, you are not going to find an exhaustive treatment of the topic, covering every school subject, but a personal experience on what worked best for that family regarding a particular subject whether it is phonics, math, or grammar. Marcia Neill, for example, discusses “History as God’s Plan.”

Even though the book is rather thick, it is a great book to "snack" on. As we all know, time is precious for busy parents. Because of the layout of the book, the reader can pick and choose the topic of interest. Since the essays are short, it is a great book to grab when you have only a few minutes to read.

Since I have my own way of doing things, I will not agree with every word nor try to implement every suggestion. I can still benefit greatly from this book by gleaning from the experts their experience and apply what works best for my homeschool situation.

It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of someone else’s success and not consider whether it will work for you. The answer is that every family is unique. That is one of the great beauties of this book. Every family shares their gifts. Pull up a chair, and sit back and relax while others share their insights. With all the possibilities presented in the Catholic Homeschool Companion, you are bound to find (as the subtitle says) “. . .tips, tricks, and techniques to make your homeschool a happier, holier, and more productive learning environment. . .”

Living History: Franciscan Missions in …. Florida?!

A review of: Cacique: A Novel of Florida’s Heroic Mission History by Robert J. Baker, Bishop of Charleston, SC (with Tony Sands)

A review by Mary C. Gildersleeve

In the early 1600s, the Spanish colonists welcomed a new group of émigrés to (what would become) northern Florida – Franciscan missionary priests sent out to evangelize the Native Americans. The start of these missions coming out from St. Augustine was slow, but steady.

So begins Bishop of Charleston, South Carolina, Robert Baker’s newly published historic novel, Cacique: A Novel of Florida’s Heroic Missionary History. Based on facts uncovered in High Springs, Florida, Cacique (pronounced “ka – SEE – kay”) is full of heroism, action, sorrow and joy. But most of all, the story is one of unceasing faith in God. The novel lovingly describes the lives of the inhabitants of the Potano Indian village and the priests that come to convert them. Through his strong faith, the young Father Tomas (based on the real-life Father Martin Prieto) is instrumental in helping the Cacique, leader of the village, learn to understand and believe the truths of Catholicism. Soon, many of the villagers also come to embrace Catholicism. The Gospel spreads to nearby tribes.

Spanning just over 100 years of Florida history, the Franciscan missionaries’ story is one of undaunted courage and faith in the face of paganism, fear and cruelty. An additional faction comes into play when English colonists from the Carolinas encourage uprisings among the Florida Native Americans in order to push the Spanish (and their religion) out of Florida. In fact, so successful was the Carolinians’ campaign that the story of the Franciscans in northern Florida lay buried and basically forgotten until 1986 when University of Florida archaeologists began to find evidence of the missionaries and their work with the Potano and other local Indian tribes.

I’ve always been fascinated by the Catholic missionaries who helped to spread the Gospel and Western Culture to the American natives. Growing up in San Francisco – a city named for the Mission that is still a vibrant parish almost 400 years after its founding – I learned all about the Franciscan missionaries that settled missions up and down the coast of California. The Jesuits in the North and Pacific Northwest, the Franciscans in the West and Southwest, and various others are often written and spoken of; those courageous men and women who dared to spread Catholicism throughout the land.

But, I’d never heard of the Franciscans in Florida – until Bishop Baker’s recent publication of this very readable novel of their story. I’m always a bit skeptical about reading a book by a person famous for things other than writing. After all, Bishop Baker is a wonderful bishop (in fact, he’s my bishop), but what credentials does he have to write a historical novel about Florida? It turns out that this native of Ohio, Bishop Baker worked for many years in Florida – both as a parish priest and a high school history teacher in St. Augustine, Florida before being sent to the bishopric of Charleston. Bishop Baker has created an exciting and loving portrait of both the Franciscans and the Indians they converted.

Bishop Baker’s hope is that the history of the Franciscan missionaries in Florida will no longer be buried in the sand and memories of Floridians. Obtained directly from Saint Catherine of Siena Press or from Bishop Baker's site, Cacique would make a wonderful addition to any middle- or high school American history curriculum.

Terri Schiavo

Cruel and (So Far) Unusual: A Review of A Life That Matters: The Legacy of Terri Schiavo--A Lesson for Us All (from Clairity's Place)

Stages of Homeschooling

I really enjoyed this humorous progression of people's thoughts and impressions on homeschooling by our own Nancy C. Brown.

"Real Schooling" by Danielle Bean

This is a real treasure (love the black and white photos too!).

Catholic Homeschool Cruise

I was asked to forward this...

Hello!
I am a Catholic homeschool Mom from Midland, NC. On a recent cruise, I got the idea to put together a homeschool cruise. I shopped several travel agents who gave me various prices and stories. I decided to become my own agent which was surprisingly easy. I am what's call an independent travel agent who works off of a host agency out of Connecticut. I have given my business a name which is JMJ Cruise and Travel. I have received a wonderful price and great amenities for a cruise going to the Eastern Caribbean in January. I have attached a flyer for your info. Our group has earned some amenities such as $50 cabin credit and a free cocktail party. We will have daily Mass and maybe cabin upgrades and another freebee.

I am a member of two TORCH chapters here in Charlotte, NC, HOST and FACES. I teach sacramental prep for Confession and First Communion at my parish which is Our Lady of the Assumption in Charlotte. I live in the country on 10 acres with my husband and 2 children raising chickens, goats, bees and organic vegetables.

Would you please forward the information to your members? This will be an AWESOME FIELD TRIP! Below is a suggested notice:

Catholic Homeschool Cruise to the Eastern Caribbean on January 21 - 28, 2007 leaving Miami. Price for a couple is $1200, family of three is $1600 and family of four is $1,950 for 7 days which includes taxes and port fees. Ports of call include Puerto Rico, St. Martaan and St. Thomas. Deposits of $500 due by May 15th. If interested, please contact homeschool mom Terri DeLuca at delucajmj@netzero.net.

Guerilla Tactics for Apologetics

Here are two great resources for Catholic bookshelves everywhere. Written by a homeschooling dad named Paul E. Nowak, Guerilla Apologetics for Catholics and Guerilla Apologetics for Life Issues are wonderful resources for educated debates on Catholicism and pro-life concerns.

I first heard about these books because my brother, Paul A. Nowak, did the cartoons in the Life Issues book. So, I do have a bit of bias on these books. But I really like the clean, direct apologetics contained in both of these slim volumes.

The slim paperback, Guerilla Apologetics for Catholics, is packed with fabulous information that is easy to read and important for all Catholics to understand. Guerilla Apologetics for Catholics starts with the Bible -- refutes that the Bible is the only source of revelation and that it doesn't say faith or personal acceptance of Jesus is enough -- then goes on to talk about who founded the Church, teachings with the authority of Christ, leadership traceable back to Christ, uses certain individuals as examples of how we should live, forgiveness of sins, Purgatory, sanctity and inviolability of marriage, and the sacrament of the Eucharist. All of these are discussed within a three-four page analysis that is direct and irrefutable.

The conclusion of the book includes recommendations for further reading and almost a dozen lined pages for notes.

The Guerilla Apologetics for Life Issues is much the same in format except that it states each argument in the form of a question rather than a statement. When does life begin, can choices be wrong, and does legality mean right-ness are just the first three questions. The safety and life issues for the mom are the next concerns. The book continues with asking questions about the veracity of population control statistics, benefits of embryonic stem cell research and euthanasia. The final question is the traditional ultimate apologetics question -- "what if you're wrong" -- attributed to Pascal's famous "wager".


As with Nowak's earlier volume, Life Issues does not have many wasted words or pages. And, "ya gotta" love the cartoons done by my brother (although I do wish the prints had been a bit clearer)!

Nowak has a website, GApologetics.com, where you can order these resources for your Catholic resource shelf.

A Blessed Easter!

Rejoice and be glad!

Baby News

Love2learn Blog contributor Melissa Wiley gave birth to a baby girl this morning. We wish her and her family all our love and best wishes this Easter triduum. What a beautiful day!

The Story of Cardinal George

The Story of Cardinal George: The boy who wanted to be a Priest. The God who wanted him to be a Prince.
by Father Eugene Keusal
Illustrated by Madeleine Ferrara
2004
Available at:
Dooley Books
53 West Jackson #1240
Chicago, IL 60604
1-2: $5.00/ea.
3-9: $4.00
10 or more: $3.00
Shipping and handling is $0.50 per book.
www.dooleybooks.com

Children who live in the Archdiocese of Chicago know that their Cardinal Archbishop is Francis Cardinal George. But do they know anything at all about his life?

After meeting Cardinal George at a mass at our parish, I was immediately struck by two facts: one--that he was much shorter than I imagined him to be, and two--that he walked with a limp. I was curious about that limp, but never expected to have that particular curiosity satisfied.

But now I know the story, after reading The Story of Cardinal George. This fascinating children's book tells an interesting tale of the childhood and dashed plans of a young boy who was struck with polio in his 8th grade year. I couldn't help but think of how many times in my life I've made plans, and then they don't work out--the way I see things. But just like Cardinal George, God has a plan for my life, and sometimes I just don't see clearly when things don't work out for me, they are working out just fine for God.

I think this is a very good lesson for children to realize, and the story of Cardinal George tells it very well. Cardinal George had to find a new way, a new path, his life took a different turn than the plans he first made. God had other plans and through George's obedience, he is doing God's will as our Cardinal.

I liked how the book described George as a young boy, playing baseball, football, swimming, and how he was a musician and an artist, as well.

The illustrations are simple, but well done. The only criticism I have of the book, and I have this with many similar books, is that now that we have a new Pope, the mention of Pope John Paul II dates the book. However, if you are reading the book out loud to your little ones, you can easily change the words quickly to Pope Benedict.

1906 San Francisco Earthquake

The 100th Anniversary is next week - April 18th. I'll blog more on this closer to that date, but here's a great online exhibit to get you started:

Bancroft Library Exhibit (Berkeley, California)

Twaddle-Free Games

For those moms out shopping for Easter goodies this week, here are some thoughts from the Bonny Blue House about "twaddle-free" games. I'm with her!!!

The Bayeux Tapestries

If you are looking for an educational activity to the during your homeschool Easter break, here is an idea. On a recent trip to an Imax film theater, our family enjoyed a production entitled The Vikings: Journey to New Worlds. Sprinkled with the usual dose of revisionist history, it was nevertheless very interesting and well done. One fascinating segment was about the account of the work done in 1953 by an archaeologist couple from Norway, who carefully retraced Leif the Lucky's travels and finally found the ruins of his Vineland settlement in North America. The film is not yet available in DVD since it is still being shown in Imax theatres around the world. For more information on the film and showtime locations, go to the official website here.

The film relied on the amazing Bayeux tapestries to tell part of the story, embroidered 1000 years ago depicting the history of the Norman Conquest, the Battle of Hastings, and everything that happened from Saint King Edward the Confessor until William the Conqueror was crowned king of England. Searching on the web, I found a most interesting website from Reading, UK with an interactive set of the tapestries, scene by scene, with captions. A great resource for any curious student to revisit an important part of the History of Europe.

Music, Stories and Movies for Holy Week

Here are a few of our family favorites - please share your own as well! We don't get to all of them every year...

Music:

I've found that my children love the beautiful, solemn hymns of Holy Week as well as the joyous bouncy ones for Easter. (I distinctly remember shopping at Walmart a number of years ago with all my kids stuffed in the cart happily singing Jesus Christ is Risen Today at the top of their lungs)...

(Links include words and - usually - an audio file to give you a sense of the tune - many of these files aren't particularly beautiful to listen to in their own right)

Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
O Sacred Head Surrounded
Stabat Mater (At the Cross Her Station Keeping)
Were You There When They Crucified My Lord
When Jesus Wept (this is a beautiful and surprisingly simple round)

There are many, many beautiful Blessed Sacrament hymns that are especially appropriate for Holy Thursday. Here are a few...

Jesus, My Lord, My God, My All
O Jesus We Adore Thee (I couldn't find the lyrics to this song online, just the music)
Adoro Te Devote
Tantum Ergo
O Salutaris

And to listen to...

Handel's Messiah
Voices of the Ascension: Beyond Chant
Faith of Our Fathers
Motets et Chansons: Josquin de Prez

Stories and Books:

The Gospels of course (I just love hearing the Passion read at Palm Sunday Mass)
My Path to Heaven by Geoffrey Bliss, S.J. (we make coloring books out of the illustrations - the publisher - Sophia Institute Press - is o.k. with that)
The Good Master by Kate Seredy (neat Easter traditions from Hungary)
All of a Kind Family by Sydney Taylor (Jewish traditions for the Passover)

Movies:

Jesus of Nazareth
The Robe
The Ten Commandments
Ben Hur
Prince of Egypt

We will be watching the new Ten Commandments on ABC tonight and tomorrow night.

By the way, Danielle Bean has some terrific Holy Week links in her sidebar.

Ten Commandments on ABC, Monday and Tuesday

A message from Barb Nicolosi...

I've just been talking to a Christian Executive who works at ABC. She said the new Ten Commandments which is airing next week is very good and really deserves to be supported. I told her I would do my part to help get the word out. Please do tune in Monday and Tuesday night with your family. ABC has spent almost $30 million on this production and the future of any similar kind of network movie or mini-series is tied to how this project does in the ratings.

The Angelus and the Regina Caeli

Sweetness and Light has a lovely post today on the Angelus prayer, Jean-Francois Millet's painting of the Angelus and a related poem for on art study on Millet.

You can find the prayer here if you don't already know it.

By the way, there is a special prayer, often sung, that traditionally takes its place during the Easter Season. I fell in love with it when I first visited Thomas Aquinas College when I was a sophomore or junior in high school. The bell was rung and many people would gather to sing it together at noon and six o'clock. It's called the Regina Caeli (Queen of Heaven).

You can find the Regina Caeli prayer here.
The music (in Gregorian Chant notation) and a recording can be found here.

Martha and the Outlaws in Scotland

Melissa Wiley, a Catholic homeschool mom expecting #5 any day now (and sometimes contributor to this blog), has a great post today in the Bonny Glen on resources and stories about Scotland.

This is perfect timing for us as we're reading Melissa's "The Martha Years" books right now - prequels to the Little House on the Prairie books - about Laura's great grandmother. Read more about her books here. You can purchase them from By Way of the Family.

We've been reading the Martha books alongside The Outlaws of Ravenhurst - an exciting adventure story that also takes place in Scotland.