Author of the Month. . Chris Van Allsburg

I remember the first time my college professor read us the Polar Express.  I had not heard of the book before.  She passed out silver bells with purple ribbons and told us to always remember that someone believed in us.  I did the same each year with my students and my children.  I was and still am fascinated by Chris Van Allsburg and his amazing illustrations.

Chris Van Allsburg has a wonderful website filled with his books, how he got started in art, and updates on his life.  There are many activities on my Pinterest Board using his books across the curriculum. There is a great interview on Reading Rockets about his life.

Enjoy reading his books this December.
~Becky

Nature Girl-a guide to caring for God's creation by Karen Whiting and Rebecca White

Being a “green girl” for God means more than just caring for our planet. It also means appreciating God’s creations and understanding our responsibility in caring for the earth.

Each chapter covers different topics like water, air, energy, recycling, and renewing the earth, and includes crafts, Scripture verses, games, quizzes, interviews with real people and quotes from real girls. The book also contains science-based activities, career ideas, plus resources for more information.

Part of the bestselling Faithgirlz brand, Nature Girl: A Guide to Going Green is a fun read for any girl who enjoys science or the outdoors and a great resource for parents, homeschoolers, and educators.
 

Nature Girl is a fun-filled book for girls ages 8-12.  The book has crafts, recipes, helpful tips, career ideas, quizzes, experiments, and ways to connect the reader to God’s creation.  It is formated so the reader does not have to read straight through the book, but  can choose a topic of interest and go directly to that spot.

I was thrilled to find this book.  The book is a wonderful way to engage girls in science.  The quizzes are fun and teach you to save water, encourage recycling, reduce your energy usage, and explore science careers.  The recipes include how to make air fresheners, body scrubs, smoothies, dog treats, and baked goods.  I was inspired to try some as I was reading!

All of the activities used items that are easy to find around your house or a local grocery store.  I loved that the book did not use technology, encouraged girls to work with their hands, and get outdoors!  The book would be an excellent way to supplement your science curriculum, as a central resource in a unit study, or just a fun gift for any girl who loves to explore.  I highly recommend this book!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Author of the month Cynthia Rylant

For the month of November, I am thrilled to announce as our author Cynthia Rylant.  She is a great favorite in our family.  The Henry and Mudge series, Mr. Putter and Tabby series, and When I was Young in the Mountains are wonderful!  Ms. Rylant has a wonderful website that tells more about her life and her books.  She lived for a time in Ohio which endears her to all of our hearts.

There are many wonderful activities that can be used with her books.  I have set up a Pinterest Board with a few I have found.  Here is a wonderful article about her life and books as well.

So this November you can read In November by Cynthia Rylant and celebrate the Author of the Month.

Myths about Home Education

The year is underway, and hopefully you are getting in the groove of home education.  After having the privilege of talking to many home educators in person and through my business, I have found that I am not alone in believing some homeschool myths. Though none of us believe them every day, it is easy to let them slip in.

Myth:  I think his her homeschool day always flows way better than mine.
Fact:  Sometimes his/her day is better than yours, but sometimes yours day is better than theirs.  That sounds so simple, but when you are alone at your house and watching chaos ensue it is easy to believe that myth.  

Myth:  When others homeschool, their children sit around the table and smile up at them, complete their work without complaint, and do what they are supposed to do. 
Fact: Most families' kids are probably like yours and occasionally argue, act stubborn, and maybe even cry about doing their work.  (Of course, I have only heard about other children doing this.☺)

Myth:  Other people do so many amazing things with their kids all day long, while I am just trying to get through the day! 
Fact:  You do amazing things with your kids.  I have looked at hundreds and hundreds of portfolios over the past five years.  I have never looked at a family that did not do at least one thing amazingly well.  I never cease to be amazed at the creativity and ideas that flow from people.  If you are home educating each day, you are doing something amazing!

Myth:  Home Educated Children are always very grateful that you are home educating them, and regularly tell you.     
Fact:  You care about your children and are pouring out your life for them.  They occasionally will say something nice, but they are kids.  How many of us were that grateful to our parents until we left home?  Hopefully we can help cultivate grateful hearts, but know that kids are kids.