Build homeschooling socialization while reading a good book together! Viv and I figured that if, way back in 1876, Mark Twain wanted her to get a kick out of Tom Sawyer’s adventures, we would read the book just like that. We intended to have some fun with this one!
We wanted to invite some friends along for the ride and we didn’t have to look very far. Fifteen enthused peers read The Adventures of Tom Sawyer together. It was my job to guide them toward “entertainment” the whole time! We read the book over the span of 8 weeks, covering 4 – 5 chapters each week. In the end, I can confidently say that the students thoroughly enjoyed the book together and I was honored to sit in on their laughter and discussions. Here’s what we did!
Teach Your Baby to Read: The Secrets to a Literary Education
Tucked in your daily routine are the secrets to your child’s literary education. Your child’s literacy and love for books depends more on his grasp of the stuff of life than on his ability to decipher short-vowel sounds. We understand and appreciate books not only because we can physically read, but also because we can think well about stories and … Read More
What Should We Memorize Next? An Annual Cycle of Poems, Hymns, and Scripture.
Our Morning Time is beautiful and dangerous… Every day after breakfast, the children and I gather around the table for “Morning Time”. We light a candle and sing the Doxology. Before you get any visions of sublime halos on our little homeschooling heads, let me give you a glimpse of how it really goes. This will pretty much sum it … Read More
2 “Secrets to Scholastic Success” for High School and College Students (Pass it on!)
While high school and college students are on my mind, I thought I’d share these two secrets that, I believe, are secrets to scholastic success. Pass them along to the student you love. 🙂 1. Go to office hours. Going to your teacher’s or professor’s office hours can change your life. At the very least, you’ll improve your grade. At … Read More
3 “Back to the Basics” Ideas for the High School English Teacher
(My current PreK/ K students experience a lesson in fractions after a rousing 1-minute mathematical lecture by yours truly…) Years ago, I taught literature and advanced synonym to high school and college students. I reminisce about those days often, fondly remembering my students who are “all grown up” now. To this day, my students remain dear to me. After all, … Read More
