Startling Reading Results

I see it all around me...there's encouragement on all fronts to read! 

My email box is brimming with notes from company's who want me to sign my child up for their "rewards for reading" program.  My Pinterest boards are full of the best "book lists" and "how to encourage reading" pins from other like minded book lovers.  Our home library expands weekly - books are given to us by friends or are lovingly saved from the township library book sale.  The children's book nook at the local big box book store is huge, there must be a customer base. 

It is hard for me to comprehend reading is in jeapordy.  How can this be?  Parents want their children to read - right?  

Yet, a study from the National Endowment for the Arts* reveals a startling decline in American reading habits.  From their study:

A Battle for Our Sons

This is an off topic post for Wisdom Roots, but I felt passionate about sharing a resource I stumbled upon recently. 

We are in a battle for our sons.  daughters.  children.

As parents we must be intentional and prepare our children to live 'in the world', not 'of the world'.  I firmly believe in the need to place restrictions on content and yet recognize it is impossible to keep 'the bad stuff' in isolation. 

Even when restrictions are placed on TV or music or books, "the world" seeps in and our children are exposed to language and ideas that are graphic and confusing.  Unless they are prepared.

Over the past year, my parenting style changed from shielding to sharing.  It was the right timing for my Scout who is 11 years old.  He is curious, he is anticipating, he is open to having these conversations.  I am so thankful I had been preparing through prayer & reading and was tuned into the subtle changes taking place with him.

In a future post, I may share some of the books that were helpful on our journey, but for now - this resource really caught my attention as worthy to pass along.

 
This is the BEST story based explanation I've seen about pornography and the mental anguish it causes young men - it is perfect for a discussion with my son.  American Jane Speaks details how to use the white board and story line to draw a parallel between the beauty which God offers and the distorted world (read Satan) view of passion.

As with everything, the post is one point of view and all of the references may not be applicable to everyone's upbringing.  If you have questions about the theology or references used in the post, I urge you to seek God's wisdom through prayer and conversation with your pastor or church staff.

For me and my family, the battle to go past the thorn bushes and into the beautiful garden of marriage is worthy.

To God be the glory.

USA Picture Books

Some of my favorite books are ones featuring a state where I have lived or where I am going to visit.  Reading tidbits and "insider knowledge" is so fun and makes for great trivia conversation during a trip or long car ride.

Two of my favorite series are:

Discover America State by State -

G is for Garden State: A New Jersey Alphabet (Discover America State by State)

and The Twelve Days of Christmas in America -

The Twelve Days of Christmas in New Jersey (The Twelve Days of Christmas in America)

       

Growing Book by Book is "collaborating with bloggers to create a resource collection of books and activities/projects ideas for each state of America."  Together they have created a fantastic book list for all of the states. 

 

The Pleasantest Thing represented NJ and featured a book about Cape May. 

 

Visit my Pinterest page for other book list ideas!

 

Do you have a favorite book about New Jersey or your state?

 

WRL History Book Lists

It's that time of year...I find myself re-energizing to complete my CURRENT homeschool plans by investigating and reviewing our homeschool direction for NEXT year.

To that end, several folks have asked me if Wisdom Roots Library has 'certain books' to support their curriculum of choice. When you use a literature rich curriculum, such as BiblioPlan or Tapestry of Grace, knowing that you will be able to locate your books when you need them is an important part of the decision making process. This is the reason WRL exists - to support the homeschool community with quality literature!

I've pulled together a quick list of books we have in house to support both of these curriculums (follow the links above). And for those of you who use an eclectic approach to history (like me :-) I've posted partial book lists for Ancient, Medieval and US History studies too.

Seeing is believing - so if you are interested in visiting Wisdom Roots Library, let's make a date: wisdomrootslibrary@yahoo.com

Happy Planning!

US History Books

Wisdom Roots Library loves history! We have many books in the Biblioplan , Tapestry of Grace and several other curriculums.

Many of our books are older, living books...these books are treasures to share with your children! Most of our books are OOP (out of print) and therefore may not be listed in the most current curriculum guides.

Here are a few of our US History Books....

...If You Grew Up with George Washington

2,000 Questions and Answers About the Civil War

A fly went by

Abe Lincoln gets his chance

Abe Lincoln Grows Up

Ancient World History Books

Wisdom Roots Library loves history! We have many books in the Biblioplan , Tapestry of Grace and several other curriculums.

Many of our books are older, living books...these books are treasures to share with your children! Most of our books are OOP (out of print) and therefore may not be listed in the most current curriculum guides.

Here are a few of our Ancient World Books....

A Children's Treasury of Mythology

A Midsummer Night's Dream

Aesop's Fables: A Classic Illustrated Edition

Alexander the Great

Medieval History Books

Wisdom Roots Library loves history! We have many books in the Biblioplan , Tapestry of Grace and several other curriculums.

Many of our books are older, living books...these books are treasures to share with your children! Most of our books are OOP (out of print) and therefore may not be listed in the most current curriculum guides.

Here are a few of our Medieval Books....

A Genuine and Moste Authentic Guide: Knight: A Noble Guide for Young Squires (Genuine & Moste Authentic Guides)

A tournament of knights

Beowulf (Mentor Series)

Brave Sir Laughalot (Happy Times Adventures)

Castle

Tapestry of Grace History & Literature Books

Tapestry of Grace™ is the award-winning homeschool curriculum that uses the history of the world to guide your whole family through an amazing humanities education.

Wisdom Roots Library has over 80 book titles from the Tapestry of Grace four year rotation, plus many others to compliment and supplement your homeschool studies.

Contact us today to learn more about WRL membership or schedule an appointment to preview the library.

YEAR ONE: Ancient World

A is for Adam – Ham, Ken

Bronze Bow, The – Speare, Elizabeth George

Children’s Illustrated Bible, The - Jules, Jaqueline

President's Day Books & Games

Fun Books and Games to explore on President's Day:

    George Washington or Abraham Lincoln by Edgar Parin D'Aulaire

     A Picture Book of....
 
       Childhood of Famous Americans

     

These are just a few examples of some favorite George Washington and Abraham Lincoln Books.  Do you have any favorites to share?

 

Presidential 4-in-a-Row Game featured at Relentlessly Fun, Deceptively Educational. This sequence-like game is easy to print and play.  Featuring 19 of the most famous Presidents, we added a few extra elements to the game to extend the learning. 

• We used pennies and nickels as placeholders
• before claiming a presidential spot, read the card out loud
• when 4 in a row is achieved, narrate or recall information about each of the 4 presidents

 

Penny & Nickel Venn Diagram featured at Freebielicious.  Featuring a free, 12 page printout, this activity was originally geared towards the Kindergarten age group.  By only using the blank venn diagram page, my sixth grader brainstormed to compare and contrast the coins.

 

 

 

 

Photo Booth Props featured at Sandy Toes & Popsicles.



 

Do you have any favorite games for President's Day?

 

You may also enjoy:  February Family Read Alouds

 

 

Valentine's Day: Crafts with Book Pages

I love collecting books.  The idea of getting lost in the pages of a wonderful story and living alongside the characters is an enchantment and a favorite pasttime of mine. 

Another way to 'bring the pages of a book to life' is to turn them into visual masterpieces to be shared with all, as they grace an entry way or the library wall.  Valentine's Day is a beautiful, sentimental holiday to make crafts from book pages.  Here are a few of my favorites:

Heart Punch Art by Cozy.Cottage.Cute.   Simple. Sweet. Spectacular.  Use a heart shaped punch, pop dots and a matted frame to create this one of a kind book page artwork.

Valentine Book Wreath by Flower Patch Farmgirl.  With a 3d aspect, the book page hearts leap off the wreath with a flutter. 

Heart Mobile by MaisyandAlice.  Beautiful draping for a book shelf or mantel.


You may also be interested in Februray Read alouds for families: