Out on the Well-Trained Mind forums the other day, the Hive was discussing daily schedules.  Being the planning-Nazi that I am, I relish looking over how people structure their days.  Sometimes, just skimming someone else’s post reminds me to add something to our schedule.  Likewise, reading about a different thought process helps me to eliminate some extraneous homeschooling activities.

Of course, I like to give something back to the discussion.  At the beginning of this school year, I tested different homeschool planning software.  I really enjoyed Homeschool Tracker, and was in love with the concepts behind Rebecca Keliher’s Well-Planned Day web app.  Unfortunately, I needed something with a bit less of a learning curve than HST and something further down the development pipeline that WPD was at the time.

I wanted something I could print that would:

• be EASY to update
• eliminate the ever-present refrain of “what’s next, Mom?”
• be something each boy could keep in his binder
• have a space for the week number and its overlying topic
• act as a checklist so that said boys could glance at the page and see their progress for the day and week
• list extra work for the week that wasn’t day specific
• have room for chores
• show our activities for the week to trigger reminders for the kids (“oh, we have Scouts on Tuesday… I need to bring x…”)
• track what I was doing with them as read alouds, etc., to enhance recordkeeping

and last, but not least, be PRETTY!  (Does that make me shallow?:-))

So, what to do?  (I know you are all waiting with bated breath…)

I am sorry to say the answer isn’t at all sexy… I simply called on my old friend, Microsoft Excel.  That’s right.  He is like an old ratty sweater – maybe inelegant, but infinitely useful and comfortable.

Anyway…

After posting a screen capture of the weekly plan that I developed using said ratty old sweater:-), I heard from ALOT of people wondering how I created it and whether there is some mysterious app out there that no one knows about.  Based on that feedback, I concluded that a blog post was in order… so, here we are.

To that end, and for your planning enjoyment, I have uploaded a copy of the spreadsheet.  I copy nine weeks of worksheets in each file, so that I have the files setup by quarters.  Feel free to use it as you like.  This is an Excel 2007 file, but those of you who have older software will probably still be able to convert it with minimal loss to the format.

[box style='download']

  [/box]

 Next time, I will give you a little more detail on how I use the planning doc each week.

So what is the Pages of History Series? Here is a description of the Series on the Pages of History Facebook page (which you can visit and see what other are saying about the series.)

“From a mysterious safe in a dusty library comes the gateway to a journey through history. What James and Lance thought would be a boring school project is astonishingly transformed into an adventure that will forever change their lives.

Perfect for family story time or individual study, Pages of History transports the reader through the timeline of the world—providing a view of God’s work in every age.

In this exciting first volume, James and Lance travel from Creation through the Reformation. Their adventures in history will captivate readers young and old.”

This 448-page, hardcover book covers 96 major events and thousands of years of history in the format of a compelling story with an unapologetically Christian worldview.

What I Love

The storyline woven throughout the book involves two boys who basically travel through time, learning about different pieces of history as they go. A wise dove guides them through, introducing the boys to different characters and providing moral commentary on the events. The way the authors use the dove as a thread through the story is a clever tool to keep the story moving and to provide the boys with mature oversight as they continue their adventure.

The history for this time period is addressed in a very age-appropriate manner. Without covering up ugly episodes, the authors have been discerning in how much detail the story needs. The boys have many zany adventures, which are thoughtfully interspersed with some of the heavier historical events. I really enjoyed that balance.

This story really shows how history is God’s story and that every time has validity. The boys are today’s boys… they talk like today’s boys, think like today’s boys and question like today’s boys. Children of today will relate easily to the language the boys and their culture references, however, the authors keep it tasteful. As the story progresses, the history points the boys to God and His plan for the world.

What Could Be Improved

In future books, I would like to see just a little more fluidity to the story line. For instance, the first time I came across Alexander the Great, he was given a brief mention and then the story moved on. I had no way of knowing whether that thread would be picked up again later. (It was:-) In my mind though, the flow of the story would be a little smoother if there was a callout box or something that would let me know that more was forthcoming… Maybe something like a foreshadow box or something of that nature.

Also, the two boys are definitely boys, and there is a slight flavor of “why would a battle be fought over a girl?” It didn’t bother me, but some girls may have a hard time relating.

Grade from the Professor

B+

This series looks very promising and, frankly, it is just plain fun. I am especially pleased to see such a well-done narrative of history for the elementary age. Even my fifth-grader enjoyed whiz zing through it because the story was catchy and it reinforced some of his more in-depth studies. For fourth grade and under, this would be a great spine for the study of history. And, it is my understanding that more volumes will be forthcoming.

I am also pleased to let you know that the folks at Veritas are running a launch special that includes a $10 Veritas coupon with every order AND volume pricing of 40% off of orders for 5 copies or more. The link for that is http://resource2.veritaspress.com/Promotions/Pages_of_History.html. After the cutoff on Friday, November 30 at midnight, that will convert to an About The Book page with order link.

Posted with Blogsy

We just returned from our Colonial Times/Revolutionary War learning trip to Virginia, where we were happy to see the first signs of spring had begun to pop out.  (When we left Wisconsin, it was a frigid 10 degrees!)  We packed our week with all kinds of events and experiences that gave the kiddos a hands-on look at what was happening during one of the most eventful times in our country.  The entire experience was terrific, and I highly recommend it for anyone studying Colonial Times and/or the American Revolution.  Sonlight's Core 3 and Tapestry of Grace's Year 2, Units 3 and 4.

Last year, when I attended the Midwest Homeschool Convention – probably one of the best conventions I've been to – I happened upon a booth set up by Colonial Williamsburg.  They had flyers for Home Educators' Week, which they put on twice a year, once in spring and once in fall.  The spring session focuses on Colonial life and the fall session concentrates a bit more on government.  The rates are deeply discounted, and nearby Yorktown and Jamestown also offer discounted rates and programs at the same time.

We started our trip by heading down to Lexington to stay the first night with friends, and then hit the road again early the next morning.  First stop… Monticello, the incredible home of Thomas Jefferson.  We toured the mansion, especially enjoying the library and study, where we saw a tabletop, rotating bookholder that held 5 books open at a time.  My son decided he needed one of those (I was thinking the same thing!)  Even though everything was still pretty brown, the grounds were beautiful and the views were amazing.

After leaving Monticello, we still had about 2.5 hours in the car before reaching our hotel.  We have decided over the years that staying in a hotel/condo/timeshare type of location works best for us because of the kitchen.  It is so nice to be able to have my morning tea in pajamas and eat breakfast first thing without hunting down a restaurant.  We can also make lunches for our day trips if we choose.  At the end of a long day of walking, it is so nice to grab some food at Trader Joe's and have a simple – and healthy – dinner of chicken salad on spinach with fruit.  Yum!

The next morning, after our healthy and convenient breakfast:-), we headed off to Colonial Williamsburg.  We purchased the 2-day home educators pass, which gave us just enough time for us to enjoy everything without burning out.  Note: Colonial Williamsburg involves alot of walking.  If you have small children, do yourself a favor and bring a stroller.  We were able to wander the streets and listen to the interpreters at the various sites, such as the gunsmith's shop, the milliner's, and the weaver's.  Of course, we had to stop and pet the carriage horses, Gunner and Trooper.  Kiddo #2 was petting one of them when we realized that he had fallen asleep (the horse, not the kid.)  It was very funny because Professor Dad had just been telling the boys that horses sleep standing up.  They were able to see it firsthand… isn't this one of the reasons we homeschool?

The kids wore the costumes that we made before we left for the trip and felt very period-appropriate.  Unfortunately, my textile skills are less than stellar, but the kids didn't seem to mind.  We also enjoyed the costumes worn by many of the other families there… some of those moms should win a medal, the costumes were just beautiful.

Over the course of the two-days, we saw both the Marquis de Layfayette and George Washington give talks at the Kimball Theatre.  The actors were amazing… 45-minute presentations flew by.  The kids were spellbound, and had questions and pictures with them afterward.  The Marquis was especially good.  I didn't realize how young he was when he came to the States to fight for freedom… he was only 19.  I call that purpose!  I suspect the boys secretly want to be him when they grow up!

We also toured the Governor's Palace and learned that Lord Dunmore (the governor) didn't think it was much of a palace compared to his real home in Scotland.  Maybe that made him a bit crabby??  The grounds were very pretty, but one of the neatest parts of the Palace area was the maze in the back.  Be aware, your children will want to spend hours chasing each other around back there… it's a little mini-fantasy world for adventurous young people. 

The Capitol building was equally impressive, and the guide there was fantastic.  We were also able to participate in a mock trial at the courthouse.  My role was a wealthy widow who was sewing a workman for ruining her tobacco.  Very dramatic, yes?

So, that was it for the Colonial Williamsburg portion of our trip.  Except for the sheep.  That's right, the sheep were a big hit.  For some reason on both days, we happened to be walking past the sheep pen around feeding time.  Those sheep took one look at the boys hanging over the fence and started up a chant of baas heard round the world (I know, wrong colony.) 

Up next, Yorktown, Jamestown and Mount Vernon!  Click here for Part Two of our learning journey.

The other day, I was talking with a discouraged homeschooling mom.  She and her husband homeschool  because they want to raise faithful, honorable, educated children.  To that end, they want to make Bible education a priority.  Unfortunately, they are only just now developing their own knowledge of the Bible.  Neither of them grew up studying the Bible, and the idea of teaching it to their children is intimidating.  As she said, "I have no problem teaching math or reading.  I know those subjects.  But, I grew up in a church that put zero emphasis on Bible study.  My husband was the same.  We have been trying to study more ourselves, but the responsibility for the faith lives of our kids seems overwhelming when we feel so unequipped."

Do you ever feel this way?  Has Bible education been side-lined until you can find the "right" curriculum or until you "know enough"?  Maybe you simply need permission to look at this from a different angle.

First of all, Bible education in your homeschool isn't rocket science.  God made His Word accessible to those who seek Him.  I'm going to be very honest with you.  When I spoke with this woman, the first thing I felt was empathy.  I have also felt completely unequipped in this area.  It has only been in the last 10 years that I really started studying the Bible in earnest.  I didn't even know how.  But once I decided on a method and committed the time, I was amazed at how much my study enriched my day-to-day life.  I still don't understand everything in the Bible.  Does anyone this side of heaven?  I choose to see that as a plus… there's always something new to learn.  Isn't that part of what homeschooling is all about?

Second, while there are many resources out there, realize that they are all tools to help you focus on one thing… the Bible.  Don't be overwhelmed by the curriculum and study guides and book options you come across.  If you'd like a template, seek one with a philosophy that fits for your family and use it as a tool.  My criteria are: 1) no Bible "lite," meaning I am not crazy about programs that are heavy on the arts and crafts and lite on Bible reading. 2) Facts before feelings.  I get frustrated with programs that ask young children how they "feel" about Bible passages.  Feelings rooted in themselves are highly unreliable.  I want my children to focus their efforts at thorough understanding first. 3) Historical context for illumination.  The Bible was written from a perspective and in a time about which many of us know next to nothing.  I look for concordances and footnotes and commentary that shed light on the 'why' in addition to the 'what.' 

Third, real Bible study can be most productive with only the Word of God and possibly a few tools.  You don't need every Bible study guide known to man.  Simply, make sure you have your Bible at hand and read to your children directly.  Even if your curriculum provides you with the text, I would skip it and go straight to God's Word.  Your children will begin to realize that the Book is more than just a book.  Get a good concordance, commentary, Bible dictionary and maybe a book of historical maps to help your kids see the political and geographical landscape of the Bible.  That's all you really need to draw your children deep into the subject.

Fourth, the model of your faith is more important to your children than your familiarity with Hebrew or Greek.  When you demonstrate that you are still learning, this will motivate your children as well.  When I have my quiet time each morning, my son will sometimes sit next to me and read from his Discoverer's Bible.  An example, even an imperfect one, has more impact that you can imagine.

I realize that parents today, more often than not, forget that they are to be models of wisdom to their children.  We see this everyday in adults that never seem to want to grow up.  But, for those of you who are worried that you haven't got enough wisdom, I just want to remind you that the impact of God's Word on the life of your children comes to them through the Holy Spirit.  God will get to them with you, through you and often, in spite of you:-)  So, take heart and teach them.  He promises to come alongside you in your calling as a parent. 

Next time, we'll get into more detail on specific how to's and other resources for Bible education.

Photo by Kym McLeod, www.gisministry.org

Master the following 5 steps for effectively revising written work, and both you and your students can be on your way to writing success.

Check for flow

Each paragraph should have a piece of the overall message, working in harmony to form a cohesive whole.  When you review written work, spelling and grammar are the errors most likely to jump off the page.  Some of the most meaningful critiques, however, will revolve around the flow of your document.  Remember that the goal of all writing is to communicate a message.  If paragraphs don't lead the reader from one point to the next, the message will become disjointed.  A good tip is to have your budding writer read through their entire paper out loud.  Ideas which may not lead logically from one to another will become more readily apparent to the ear than to the eye. 

Keep it active

Verb choices should convey action.  The passive verbs (look for forms of 'to be' – is, was, are) are best used when other options aren't useful.  Look at the following two sentences:

"The best thing about writing is that I can help people."

"I love the fact that my writing helps others." 

Which sentence pulls you into the student's message more?  Which is more interesting?  State of being verbs have their place, but first make sure you don't have another, more active option available.  Have students practice reading through their writing to find passive usage, and then brainstorm for a more active verb choice.

Can you make it shorter?

Always analyze written work for thorough brevity.  Say what you have to say in the least number of words that maintain the integrity of your message.  For example, here are two sentences:

"The president was trying to decide whether or not to create a new department."

"The president pondered whether to create a new department."

Neither of these sentences is wrong.  The second sentence, though, is less cluttered and more to the point.  Brevity and (thorough) simplicity are key to both effective factual writing and engaging creative writing.  Train students to analyze their work for opportunities to reduce an idea for clarity.

Simplify the language

Written communication is all about conveying a message, not about communicating the size of the author's vocabulary.  We all enjoy choices, and language offers us many.  The trick is to make good ones.  Avoid being verbose, or trying to sound smart by using big words.  Choosing the right word is more important than choosing a large word.  Vocabulary studies come in handy for this point.  Similar to a toolbox, having a strong vocabulary gives your child the ability to use word meanings and nuances to the benefit of their message.  

Finishing work

It's all in the details!  Now, it's time to address grammar, spelling, noun/verb agreements, etc.  While these may seem like fussy details, remind your student that these pieces put the polish on their work.  Errors in writing serve as distractions to the reader.  They also erode credibility and incline the audience to dismiss the message.  Your son or daughter has worked hard to craft a message.  Encourage them not to let their message get lost because of an inattentiveness to details.  Like cleaning old silver, the finishing work is what makes the message shine!

While not an exhaustive treatise on writing, this list covers the big rocks of the revision process.  If you tackle these 5 pieces and master them, you are well on your way toward helping your children become more capable writers.

Our family has spent ALOT of time with the medieval world this year.  From the Viking explorations to King Alfred to Duke William's victory at Hastings, we have gotten through some terrific literature that has made this time period come to life for the boys. 

They loved the battles and the castles.  I loved the lessons in chivalry and the honor.  Even though our book choices didn't hold back on the cruelty of the age, each one left some type of poignant imprint on our hearts.

This morning I came across a post at Medieval Bookworm announcing "A Tournament of Reading."  You bibliophiles out there will want to check out the recommended reading list.  Sign up and you can post one of your own. 

My history buff side is planning on reading Susan Wise Bauer's "The History of the Medieval World."  (I am going to have to wait until it is released in February, though.)  My homeschooling mom side is planning on doing some special medieval read-alouds with the kids. 

And in the spirit of the tournament, I have created a short list of my own picks for the medieval period.  These range in age appeal, but all are solid medieval choices for your learning plans.  Enjoy!

 Here is a link to Wise-Bauer's upcoming book, which you can pre-order on Amazon.com.

This week, Heart of the Matter‘s meme topic is "Favorite Homeschooling Product".  I have a current homeschooling product that I love, my kids love, even the cat is enamored with:-)  Hands of a Child produces terrific lapbook "unit study"-type packages.  Lapbook Project Packs come in a multitude of subjects… everything from the typical holiday subjects to a lapbook dedicated to the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago.  (Our family is going in April.  Being in Wisconsin, we don’t have far to go!)

The Lapbook Project Packs are packed with information, books to read, sites to visit, even CD recommendations for music that fits the theme.  My boys worked on the Story of Ping lapbook and are now keeping them in their rooms so they can explore the Yangtze River in China.  The graphics are great, they are very well-organized and easy to pull together.  What a blessing for someone who is "craft challenged" (that would be me).  These ladies are homeschooling moms and they have done all the work for you. 

Most of the Project Packs are available in either the hard copy or eBook (downloadable immediately).  Definitely worthwhile if you aren’t one of the lucky souls who can create stunning craft projects out of some leftover string and some old pipe cleaners.  Enjoy!