Indescribably Atlas Adventures by Louie Giglio Illustrated by Nicola Anderson & Lynsey Wilson

Do you enjoy learning about countries, people, and/or new ideas? I love to learn new things and was excited to get to see the book Indescribable Atlas Adventures by Louie Giglio Illustrated by Nicola Anderson & Lynsey Wilson by published @tommynelsonbooks.

The Indescribable Atlas Adventures by Louie Giglio is a beautifully illustrated hard cover book! The book is the size of legal pad and filled with colorful illustrations, infographics, and maps. It shares interesting facts about countries, animals, vegetation, continents, oceans, and people. It is very inviting and educational for children.

The Indescribable Atlas Adventure is broken down by continent and from there into one- or two-page spreads on each country. A child can open to any page to begin reading and learning something new about the world. There are biblical references to people, places and the faiths for each country. For instance, on the page with Turkey we see animals, information on the apostle Paul, key facts, language and basic country facts.

The Indescribable Atlas is a beautifully written and illustrated Atlas. It would be a delight for any child ages 7 to 12. I see it as a homeschool resource, a gift for a child, or for anyone who wants to learn more about the world around them. I highly recommend The Indescribably Atlas by Louie Giglio.

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.

Should I Bother with an Assessment? by Becky Boerner, Home Education Consultant

 

1.  Will you continue to provide homeschool portfolio reviews for families. 

  YES, I will!  

I am now open to completing portfolio review/assessments  for any family in any state.

2.  Do you think I still need to complete an assessment? 

Yes! I believe it would be beneficial for your  to complete some type of assessment that demonstrates your student has made progress.  As good home educators of our students we need to keep  records and show progress.  

3. Is it really necessary?  I only worried about my district in the past.  

YES! I am seeing the new law as a transfer of responsibility.  Your district kept your homeschool records in the past. They could confidently share that a family was pursuing home education from a notification of intent and that a student made progress from an assessment.  I believe the responsibility is NOW on home school parents to keep records of their students that demonstrate they made progress. 

Child Protective Services(CPS) contacts me about a family several times every year.  (I never speak to them without permission from the family) They ask me if a family has shared work with me and made progress. I have always sent CPS back to the family's school district, because the school district held the student's records. CPS would  then check in with the district. 

As a family you will be responsible to demonstrate that you are home educating and your student is making progress.   I believe now it is  even more important to keep good records and demonstrate your student has made progress.  Please understand this is my opinion.  

I realize there is a low chance that CPS or someone will contact you.  But, I believe as good home educators of our students we want to have record keeping  that demonstrate our students' educational progress. We all care about our students and want the best for them.  

4.  Are you going to continue with assessments for your students?  

 YES!  I believe in good record keeping, and want to demonstrate my students made progress.  (I also have talked to CPS one too many times) 

5.  When and how often should I complete an assessment?

I would complete one yearly.  The advantage in 2024 and beyond is that there is no particular time of year for a deadline.  I will be working year round and now have more of a limited schedule in the summer.  You are able to complete something mid year, at the end of summer, or in the fall.  You control the schedule now!  Do what works best for your family.  

6.  What should I do with my portfolio assessment paperwork after your review?

If you keep physical paperwork, I would keep the assessment with the work samples in a file folder preferably in a fire proof box.  If you are a digital person  I would use Google Drive or OneNote to store the paperwork.  

From a family. . .

What a remarkable year we’ve had. And I never fully believe it until I do this assessment. Thank you for your heart and your fluid, encouraging assessment process, Becky!

If you have any questions please feel free to write me.  please feel free to write me.  

Just in Case You Ever Feel Alone by Max Lucado

Just in Case You Ever Feel Alone by Max Lucado is a sweet picture book for children 2-8 years old.  This sweet story has gorgeous pictures illustrated by Even Tharlet. The lyrical story communicates eloquently to your child that you will be there for them and also that God will always be there for them.  I think the book opens up conversation with your child to talk about your faith, how much you deeply care for them, and remind them that they are never really alone.  A beautifully written story with gorgeous pictures!

I highly recommend Just in Case You Ever FeelAlone by Max Lucado and illustrated by Eve Tharlet. This would make a great gift for a grandchild, godchild, or any child that you treasure.   

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review. 

Max Lucado is a pastor, speaker, and best-selling author who, in his own words, “writes books for people who don’t read books.” He serves the people of Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, and his message is for the hurting, the guilty, the lonely, and the discouraged: God loves you; let him.

As a writer, Max is known for combining poetic storytelling and homespun humor with the heart of a pastor. All of his trade books began as sermon series at Oak Hills Church, and his sermons all begin with Max asking himself this question: “What can I say on Sunday that will still matter on Monday?” He’s been dubbed “America’s Pastor” by Christianity Today, and “The Best Preacher in America” by Reader’s Digest.

Only Light Can Do That by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness, on light can do that.  Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that. "  Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Only Light Can Do That is a  60 day devotional.  Each day shares a Bible verse, a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, a story about Dr. Martin Luther King, and a prayer.  There are also biographies of others activities throughout the book.  

I found this book very informative and thought provoking. It is a powerful book in that it helps children to think bigger and consider how they can make a difference in the world.  I enjoyed the themes of your worth, community, hope, forgiveness and reconciliation, compassion, courage, pursuing justice, sacrifice  and love in action.

 For me the best part is the book is broken down into bit sized portions for kids.  I feel like this is a great way to open up discussion with your kids about forgiveness, reconciliation and topics that are not always thought of in daily conversation.  

Only Light Can Do That a 60 Day Devotional is a great devotional for students age 6-12.  The reading level is 4th-6th grade.  I think it would make a wonderful addition to your family library.  I highly recommend.  

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a review.