The Mighty Works of God: Self Government

History textbooks have a tendency to be boring, but I discovered a series of about American history to treasure. These books do not contain dry lists of dates or a simple retelling of events. Instead, they focus on the causes behind events: people and Providence.

The Mighty Works of God consists of three volumes for the early elementary years. They are not listed by grade-level, but gradually increase in difficulty. This review will focus on the 1st level, which is roughly 1st or 2nd grade.

The first lesson from The Mighty Works of God: Self Government introduces history as the story of God working in the lives of men and nations. For his title page, my son wrote,

You are the God who works wonders…Psalms 77:14

He was so inspired considering the works of God in his own life that he composed a song:

God, You are so good to me. God you set me free…

That moment I knew it was a good curriculum choice…

To continue reading my review and view samples from the text, please click over to Curriculum Choice.

Bawling During Homeschool

There were just a few more pages to turn when it happened. My voice froze and I felt the tears pushing. My son grinned knowingly, “Mom’s going to cry.”

For the rest of this article, please join me at The Curriculum Choice.

Reason #127 to Homeschool…

There are so many wonderful children’s books!

Growing up I read book after book. (Yes, I’ve always been a nerd, just ask my brother.) However, very few of the volumes I read are remembered or revisited.

At the library I checked out whatever looked interesting: Nancy Drew mysteries, Grace Livingston Hill romance novels, or historical fiction. My random searches hid some amazing authors. Now I get to discover these imaginative writers with my children.

After lunch I read aloud Brighty of the Grand Canyon.

“One more chapter please!” begs my three-year-old. Her five-year-old sister crowds close and grins widening bright blue eyes. Eleven-year-old, Bug, peeks in almost every chapter. As the verbs bounce off my tongue, the suspense of the story pulls him away from Lego.

Our collection of Marguerite Henry’s horse books was rescued from the trash. Library books thrown out to make room for new stories. Brighty of the Grand Canyon taken home only once in eight years. Was this spirited burro on the shelf at my school library? If he was, I didn’t take him home either.

Marguerite Henry was not introduced to me in my youth. But I know her now.

Her stories are revisited often in this home. Benjamin West and his Cat Grimalkin roam the house resting next to Father’s side of the bed, then Mother’s. Justin Morgan Had a Horse cracks my voice and spills tears over my eyelids. Children gasp, “Why are you crying?”

For many reasons, I’m sure. Because life is full. Because ideas are powerful. Because children crowd around me to enjoy the lacing of words. Stories crafted to communicate ideas of liberty, hope, and faith. Morsels I want to savor together as we read book after book…

Tags: children's books, Homeschool

Curing Bibliomania with a Giveaway

A vehicle stopped in front of our house. Before feet trudged onto the porch, I glanced out. My eyes strained to focus in the dark. The package appeared before the man dressed in brown.

“Thank you very much!” and I set the box on the desk. The package begged to be opened, but little eyes peered. After those eyes closed for the night, I delved in.

Would you believe the box contained books!

My husband wonders if I have bibliomania:

Bibliomania is an obsessive-compulsive disorder involving the collecting or hoarding of books…The purchase of multiple copies of the same book and edition and the accumulation of books beyond possible capacity of use or enjoyment are frequent symptoms of bibliomania.

I protest his diagnosis,

I don’t have more than one copy of a book.

Error exposed. Five copies of one book came out of the box. Scripture wrapped with art drew me to O Holy Night.

What I did not anticipate are the stunning photographs of the land Jesus traveled. Poetry, hymns, and descriptive texts enhance the biblical story of Jesus from hope promised to promise fulfilled.

But I still can’t justify buying five. One extra copy for a gift, but five!

Christianbook knows how to market to my kind. The books were only $2.95 if I purchased so many.

And still I’m not truly repentant. I wish I had a copy for each of you to enjoy. Since I don’t, I’ll have another giveaway. Simply leave a comment on this post to be entered to win a hardcover copy of the beautiful coffee table book, O Holy Night.

Please let me know if you have more than one copy of a particular book, or what book you would be tempted to buy if it was on sale.

Drawing ends Friday, December 5th at 11:00p.m. CST. Shipping is to U.S. addressed only. Best wishes!

P.S. Is collecting CDs a symptom of bibliomania? I have two copies of Focus on the Family’s Radio Theatre, A Christmas Carol. I’ll include one of them as well.

There. Now am I cured?

Review- The Imperfect Homeschooler’s Guide to Homeschooling

Have you ever read an article with glossy photos of the perfect homeschool family?

Older children work on math while little ones build the Eiffel Tower with popsicle sticks. Mother posts the schedule on the refrigerator and everyone follows it. Father stages a play to reinforce the lessons of the day. The whole family always smiles at the camera.

Barbara Frank wrote The Imperfect Homeschooler’s Guide to Homeschooling to combat discouragement that trails misconceptions of utopia.

The Imperfect Homeschooler’s Guide to Homeschooling By Barbara Frank / Cardamom Publishers

The conversational tone of this veteran homeschool mother of four overflows with wisdom. She shares practical tips such as the Top Ten Tools for Homeschooling Parents and 115 Organizing Tips for Homeschoolers. (I am almost convinced to get a filing cabinet.)

In the extremely helpful chapter about overcoming obstacles, Barbara Frank tackles the issue of time management and personal habits.

She also discusses how personality traits can help or a hinder home education. See if you are a teacher, a perfectionist, a follower, etc., and then learn to temper your natural bent with the grace of God.

Other circumstances strain efforts to teach, and Barbara touches on them all: children with special needs, stresses with finances, and difficulties with relationships.

Chapters include:

• Confessions of an Imperfect Homeschooler
• Homeschooling 101
• Teaching Specific Subjects
• Teaching Techniques and Ideas
• Covering All the Bases
• Overcoming Obstacles to Homeschooling
• Coping with Changes and Challenges
• One the Home Front

It is easy to view a snapshot, but the noise behind the photo is muted. Barbara gives the reality of homeschooling a voice. She teaches her children. She believes you can, too.

Her stories reverberate in my soul and give strength even now.

Whether you are new to homeschooling or years into the journey, you will find inspiration in The Imperfect Homeschooler’s Guide to Homeschooling.