tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76266469031157278602024-02-19T07:40:17.301-05:00Homeschool ConnectionsProviding homeschoolers with live and recorded classes, seminars, and support.Homeschool Connectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09571985282210460624noreply@blogger.comBlogger580125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7626646903115727860.post-1446318323204370772022-03-07T09:14:00.004-05:002022-03-07T09:14:47.470-05:00NEW Blog... <p> Homeschool Connections Blog has moved to <a href="https://homeschoolconnections.com/blog/">https://homeschoolconnections.com/blog/</a></p><p>We are blogging weekly with homeschooling articles of interest, no matter your homeschool style. We hope you'll join us!</p>Homeschool Connectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09571985282210460624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7626646903115727860.post-5400397780885926382021-06-02T17:54:00.014-04:002021-06-03T09:48:36.563-04:00Making of the Modern World for 2021/2022 School Year (4-Year Cycle)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg847MZUKPjjVRwUh9BEXMK-uc_NsRKfZAmwcO1nccPFu3Dz5wIrIeeTM6ysls3e051_D9WrT9q7vXnXWl6WOcJ5Cih9AU8IdBnelfxT-Lu1ayPWkyILI2KbG-sqLJLYrMgztzYK1EMSSVe/s2048/AdobeStock_279715225.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1252" data-original-width="2048" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg847MZUKPjjVRwUh9BEXMK-uc_NsRKfZAmwcO1nccPFu3Dz5wIrIeeTM6ysls3e051_D9WrT9q7vXnXWl6WOcJ5Cih9AU8IdBnelfxT-Lu1ayPWkyILI2KbG-sqLJLYrMgztzYK1EMSSVe/w400-h245/AdobeStock_279715225.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>ANNOUNCING: Homeschool Connections' four-year cycle for live, interactive courses ...<br /><br />In response to requests from students and their parents, Homeschool Connections offers a four-year cycle of coordinated courses for students, third through twelfth grade, so your entire family can learn the same era at the same time, making life easier for parents and making school more fun for children. (We also offer alternate courses, not in the cycle.)<br /><br />The four-year cycle includes:<br /><ul><li>Grade-school unit studies: 3rd through 6th grade (reading list and suggested activities provided for pre-k to 2nd siblings)</li><li>Middle-school history and literature courses: 6th through 8th grade</li><li>High-school history, literature, and philosophy courses: 9th through 12th grade</li></ul><div>The four eras in the cycle are:</div><div><ul><li>Ancient (available both as a recorded course and live in 2021/2022)</li><li>Medieval (available as a recorded course in 2021/2022)</li><li>Making of the Modern World (available as a live course in 2021/2022)</li><li>US History (scheduled for 2022/2023)</li></ul></div>For the upcoming 2021/2022 school year, we are offering courses based on 1. Ancient and 2. Making of the Modern World in addition to our regular slate. This post shares everything, LIVE and Recorded, for the Making of the Modern World to help you get started learning together as a family. (For the Ancient Era go HERE.) First are the LIVE courses, followed by the Recorded courses ... <div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: large;">LIVE, INTERACTIVE COURSES MAKING OF THE MODERN ERA 2021/2022</b></div><br /><b>Grade School</b>. The online grade school unit study program is based on Phillip Campbell's Story of Civilization. The unit study is geared for third through sixth grade and will include religion, history, language arts, and science. Taught by Jackie deLaveaga. Registration is open <a href="https://homeschoolconnections.gosignmeup.com/public/course/browse?viewstate=eyJPcGVuTWFpbkNhdGVnb3JpZXMiOnsiMCI6dHJ1ZX0sIkFjdGl2ZUNvdXJzZUNhdGVnb3J5SW5kZXgiOjEsIkFjdGl2ZUNvdXJzZVN1YlN1YkNhdGVnb3J5SW5kZXgiOi0xLCJBY3RpdmVDb3Vyc2VDYXRlZ29yeUlzU3ViU3ViIjpmYWxzZSwiVmlld0xpc3RUeXBlIjoiR3JpZCIsIlBhZ2UiOjEsIlBhZ2VTaXplIjoxMiwiT3JkZXJCeUZpZWxkIjoiU3lzdGVtRGVmYXVsdCIsIk9yZGVyQnlEaXJlY3Rpb24iOiJBc2NlbmRpbmciLCJDb3Vyc2VBY3RpdmVTdGF0ZSI6IkN1cnJlbnQiLCJNYWluQ2F0ZWdvcnkiOiJHcmFkZSBMZXZlbCIsIlN1YkNhdGVnb3J5IjoiR3JhZGUgU2Nob29sIiwiU3ViQ2F0ZWdvcnlJc1N1YlN1YiI6ZmFsc2UsIlRleHQiOiIiLCJEYXRlRnJvbSI6bnVsbCwiRGF0ZVVudGlsIjpudWxsLCJDYW5jZWxTdGF0ZSI6Ik5vdENhbmNlbGxlZCIsIkNvdXJzZVBvcG91dCI6MH0%3D&AllowDirectLoad=1" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<div><br /><b>Middle School</b>. Click on the course title to learn more or register:<br /><ul><li>History: <a href="https://homeschoolconnections.gosignmeup.com/public/Course/browse?courseid=3341" target="_blank">Renaissance to Modern History for Middle School, Part One</a>, Fall 2021 taught by Inshal Chenet (14 weeks)</li><li>History: <a href="https://homeschoolconnections.gosignmeup.com/public/Course/browse?courseid=3348" target="_blank">Renaissance to Modern History for Middle School, Part Two</a>, Spring 2022 taught by Inshal Chenet (14 weeks)</li><li>Literature/History: <a href="https://homeschoolconnections.gosignmeup.com/public/Course/browse?courseid=3514" target="_blank">The Sea Tiger: The Story of Pedro Menéndez: Living History Through Literature (Making of the Modern World, 1500's)</a>, Fall 2021 taught by Jackie deLaveaga (6 weeks)</li><li>Literature/History: <a href="https://homeschoolconnections.gosignmeup.com/public/Course/browse?courseid=3515" target="_blank">The Scarlet Pimpernel: Living History Through Literature (Making of the Modern World, 1700’s)</a>, Fall 2021 taught by Jackie deLaveaga (6 weeks)</li><li>Literature/History: <a href="https://homeschoolconnections.gosignmeup.com/public/Course/browse?courseid=3516" target="_blank">Father Damien and the Bells: Living History Through Literature (Making of the Modern Era, 1800’s)</a>, Spring 2022 taught by Jackie deLaveaga (6 weeks)</li><li>Literature/History: <a href="https://homeschoolconnections.gosignmeup.com/public/Course/browse?courseid=3519" target="_blank">Padre Pro Mexican Hero: Living History Through Literature (Making of the Modern World, Early Late 1800’s/1900’s)</a>, Spring 2022 taught by Jackie deLaveaga (6 weeks)</li><li>Literature: <a href="https://tinyurl.com/mrkevinobrien" target="_blank">The Chronicles of Narnia, Part One</a>, Fall 2021 taught by Kevin O'Brien (12 weeks)</li><li>Literature: <a href="https://tinyurl.com/mrkevinobrien" target="_blank">The Chronicles of Narnia, Part Two</a>, Spring 2022 taught by Kevin O'Brien (12 weeks)</li></ul><b>High School. </b>Click on the course title to learn more or register:<br /><ul><li>Logic: <a href="https://homeschoolconnections.gosignmeup.com/public/Course/browse?courseid=3441" target="_blank">Modern Symbolic Logic</a>, Fall 2021 taught by Dr. Sam Nicholson (12 weeks)</li><li>Philosophy:<a href="https://homeschoolconnections.gosignmeup.com/public/Course/browse?courseid=3443" target="_blank"> Philosophy from the Renaissance to The Enlightenment,</a> Spring 2022 taught by Dr. Sam Nicholson (12 weeks)</li><li>History: <a href="https://tinyurl.com/adan4ba8" target="_blank">Early Modern Europe: 1648-1789</a>, Fall 2021 taught by Phillip Campbell (12 weeks)</li><li>History: <a href="https://tinyurl.com/adan4ba8" target="_blank">Modern European History 1789-1991</a>, Spring 2022 taught by Phillip Campbell (14 weeks)</li><li>History/Science: <a href="https://homeschoolconnections.gosignmeup.com/public/Course/browse?courseid=3337" target="_blank">History of Renaissance Science, Part One</a>, Fall 2021 taught by Inshal Chenet (12 weeks)</li><li>History Science: <a href="https://homeschoolconnections.gosignmeup.com/public/Course/browse?courseid=3344" target="_blank">History of Renaissance Science, Part Two</a>, Spring 2022 taught by Inshal Chenet (12 weeks)</li><li>History: <a href="https://homeschoolconnections.gosignmeup.com/public/Course/browse?courseid=3271" target="_blank">Totalitarianism in the 20th Century: Nazis and Soviets</a>, Fall 2021 taught by Dr. Christopher Martin (14 weeks)</li><li>History: <a href="https://tinyurl.com/r8byt8ye" target="_blank">History of Catholic England</a>, Spring 2022 taught by Joseph Pearce (6 weeks)</li><li>Literature: <a href="https://homeschoolconnections.gosignmeup.com/public/Course/browse?courseid=3520" target="_blank">The Hobbit or There and Back Again as Gateway to J.R.R.Tolkien</a>, Fall 2021 taught by Dr. Henry Russell (7 weeks)</li><li>Literature: <a href="https://homeschoolconnections.gosignmeup.com/public/Course/browse?courseid=3522" target="_blank">The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring</a>, Fall 2021 taught by Dr. Henry Russell (7 weeks)</li><li>Literature: <a href="https://homeschoolconnections.gosignmeup.com/public/Course/browse?courseid=3538" target="_blank">Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers,</a> Spring 2022 taught by Dr. Henry Russell</li><li>Literature: <a href="https://homeschoolconnections.gosignmeup.com/public/Course/browse?courseid=3542" target="_blank">Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King</a>, Spring 2022 taught by Dr. Henry Russell</li><li>Literature: <a href="https://homeschoolconnections.gosignmeup.com/public/Course/browse?courseid=3275" target="_blank">“Sensation Genre” Novels (Victorian Classics</a>), Fall 2021 taught by Eleanor Nicholson (12 weeks)</li><li>Literature: <a href="https://homeschoolconnections.gosignmeup.com/public/Course/browse?courseid=3276" target="_blank">The Brontë Sisters</a>, Spring 2021 taught by </li><li>Literature: <a href="https://homeschoolconnections.gosignmeup.com/public/Course/browse?courseid=3553" target="_blank">War and Peace: Avid Reader/Listener Series</a>, Fall 2021 taught by Tammy Parker (13 weeks)</li><li>Literature: <a href="https://homeschoolconnections.gosignmeup.com/public/Course/browse?courseid=3559" target="_blank">Les Misérables: Avid Reader/Listener Series</a>, Spring 2022 taught by Tammy Parker (14 weeks)</li><li>Literature: <a href="https://tinyurl.com/mrkevinobrien" target="_blank">The Chronicles of Narnia, Part One</a>, Fall 2021 taught by Kevin O'Brien (12 weeks)</li><li>Literature: <a href="https://tinyurl.com/mrkevinobrien" target="_blank">The Chronicles of Narnia, Part Two</a>, Spring 2022 taught by Kevin O'Brien (12 weeks)</li><li>Literature/Theology: <a href="https://homeschoolconnections.gosignmeup.com/public/Course/browse?courseid=2827" target="_blank">Chesterton Presents: Heretics</a>, Spring 2022 taught by Cr. Chuck Chalberg (6 weeks)</li></ul><ul><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6fqaa6g4iMXY2_wjr6wZ14qFKV8_5v6izpkcR_Xov9iGBiyv9uY9pUkxbbaNEb8NIvLveaNyJ8_nv5gN7y-L5KsgU8fJFJsX-FLn6FRn-wyTI-IL66DmNZAQCk760EhSVn6IB7sNpYWuB/s2048/AdobeStock_278261217.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1291" data-original-width="2048" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6fqaa6g4iMXY2_wjr6wZ14qFKV8_5v6izpkcR_Xov9iGBiyv9uY9pUkxbbaNEb8NIvLveaNyJ8_nv5gN7y-L5KsgU8fJFJsX-FLn6FRn-wyTI-IL66DmNZAQCk760EhSVn6IB7sNpYWuB/w400-h253/AdobeStock_278261217.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div></li></ul><b style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><div><b style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></b></div>RECORDED, INDEPENDENT-LEARNING COURSES MAKING OF THE MODERN ERA 2021/2022 THROUGH <a href="https://homeschoolconnections.com/unlimited-access/" target="_blank">UNLIMITED ACCESS</a>.</b><br /><b><br /></b></div><div><b>GRADE SCHOOL (<a href="https://homeschoolconnections.com/unlimited-access/" target="_blank">Unlimited Access</a>)</b><br /><b>Making of the Modern World Unit</b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Available February 2022 (Only available as a LIVE, interactive course Fall 2021.)</li></ul></div><div><b>MIDDLE SCHOOL (<a href="https://homeschoolconnections.com/unlimited-access/" target="_blank">Unlimited Access</a>)</b><br /><b>Making of the Modern World Unit</b><br /><ul><li>History: All Ye Lands, Part Two with Dr. Christopher Martin (14 weeks)</li><li>History: The French Revolution: “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, or Death” with Alison Stanley (10 weeks)</li><li>History: The Life and Legacy of St. John Paul II with Kevin O'Brien (6 weeks)</li><li>Literature/History: Father Damien and the Bells: Living History Through Literature (Modern Era 1) (6 weeks)</li><li>Literature/History: Padre Pro Mexican Hero: Living History Through Literature (Modern Era 2) (6 weeks)</li><li>Literature/History: Polly Kent Rides West: Living History Through Literature (Modern Era 3) (6 weeks)</li><li>Literature/History: Enemy Brothers: Living History Through Literature (Modern Era 4) (6 weeks)</li><li>Literature: Anne of Green Gables, Part One with Emily Henry (12 weeks)</li><li>Literature: Anne of Green Gables, Part Two with Emily Henry (12 weeks)</li><li>Literature: Anne of Avonlea with Emily Henry (12 weeks)</li><li>Literature: Anne of Windy Poplars with Emily Henry (10 weeks)</li></ul><b>HIGH SCHOOL (<a href="https://homeschoolconnections.com/unlimited-access/" target="_blank">Unlimited Access</a>)</b><br /><b>Making of the Modern World Unit</b><br /><ul><li>Philosophy: Introduction to Early Modern Philosophy with Jean Rioux (12 weeks)</li><li>Philosophy: Revolution: The Progress of Liberalism with Phillip Campbell (14 weeks)</li><li>Psychology: Modern Psychology with Julian Ahlquist (12 weeks)</li><li>History: Early Modern Europe: 1648-1789 with Phillip Campbell (12 weeks)</li><li>History: Modern European History; 1789-1991 with Phillip Campbell (14 weeks)</li><li>History: Imperial Russia with Carol Reynolds (12 weeks)</li><li>History: Understanding the Second Vatican Council with Phillip Campbell (4 weeks)</li><li>History: The History of Latin America with Phillip Campbell (13 weeks)</li><li>History: Totalitarianism in the 20th Century: Nazis and Soviets with Christopher Martin (14 weeks)</li><li>History/Government: A History of Government in Europe and America, Parts One and Two with Christopher Zehnder (11 and 12 weeks)</li><li>Literature: A wide variety of Shakespeare courses</li><li>Literature: Dracula by Bram Stoker with Eleanor Nicholson (6 weeks)</li><li>Literature: The Victorian Detective with Eleanor Nicholson (12 weeks)</li><li>Literature: Frankenstein: Misunderstood Monster with Joseph Pearce (6 weeks)</li><li>Literature: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte with Eleanor Nicholson (6 weeks)</li><li>Literature: The Nineteenth-Century Novel with Eleanor Nicholson (12 weeks)</li><li>Literature: The Picture of Dorian Gray with Joseph Pearce (6 weeks)</li><li>Literature: A Tale of Two Cities and Great Expectations with Anthony Esolen (6 weeks)</li><li>Literature: The Golden Age of Mystery Fiction with Eleanor Nicholson (12 weeks)</li><li>Literature: Middlemarch with Eleanor Nicholson (6 weeks)</li></ul><b>READING LIST FOR PRE-K TO 2ND GRADE</b>: We recommend <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0979760909/catholictreas-20" target="_blank">For the Love of Literature: Teaching Core Subjects</a></i> by Maureen Wittmann for age-appropriate reading.<br /><br />Have your older children read aloud to your little children for a win-win homeschool day (lessons reinforced for older children, little children are included, Mom gets a break).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje2adGUUdYzEcl9-u3G6M4txVMvJC3ExdZ2fPAhijrucKsPQS_CEwPMReTdkdB1OLRAJrui4Zb_suJKBqxuj96nRgVwnJc_ViH6v-iC8oKLMLx2dRNipZUQa8fI-dk2fZVcajqZz0K1HCV/s2048/AdobeStock_279715212.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1232" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje2adGUUdYzEcl9-u3G6M4txVMvJC3ExdZ2fPAhijrucKsPQS_CEwPMReTdkdB1OLRAJrui4Zb_suJKBqxuj96nRgVwnJc_ViH6v-iC8oKLMLx2dRNipZUQa8fI-dk2fZVcajqZz0K1HCV/w400-h240/AdobeStock_279715212.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Homeschool Connectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09571985282210460624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7626646903115727860.post-14880158089328354742020-06-23T08:35:00.002-04:002020-06-23T08:36:09.691-04:00Enjoying the Summer: Homeschool Style<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri; 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<b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.9733px;">Summer Is Suddenly Here!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;">Jenny Bales </i></div>
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<i><a href="http://homeschoolconnectionsonline.blogspot.com/search/label/Mom%20to%20Mom%20Column%20by%20Jenny%20Bales" style="color: #999999; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Mom to Mom </a></i><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(click to see all of Jenny's articles)</span></div>
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Spring was spent in quarantine, and all of a sudden, it’s June! We even finished our homeschool year a few weeks early, because we spent so much more time at home than usual!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Did summer sneak up on you, too?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Usually, we are ready for our summer break from homeschool groups and some of our extracurricular activities. But we have had quite a break already.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Summer seems like it will be different this year, and I was feeling a little lost on how to spend our days. Then I remembered three keys that have helped us in the past.<o:p></o:p></div>
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During summer break, focusing on reading, learning, and creating have always brought us joy. These are, admittedly, things we do all year long, but in the summer, we enjoy them in a more relaxed way, often with ice cream!<o:p></o:p></div>
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If you take a summer break of any length, I invite you to join me in resisting the temptation to schedule every hour and instead to find easy ways to add meaningful fun to our days!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Reading<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Our libraries are still doing summer reading programs, but if your's aren’t, consider creating your own or using one of the free ones available online. And Mom should join in the reading challenge, too! Even if we don’t read as many hours as our children log, they delight in our participation.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Plan a reading time every day, maybe right after breakfast or during nap time. Read aloud to the kids. Put on an audiobook (that totally counts!). Pop a bowl of popcorn and have everyone bring a book to the living room or into a tent in the backyard!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Spending time in the world of books gives us opportunities to go places and experience so many wonderful things. We get to know characters as friends and learn essential life lessons. Good books entertain and inspire us!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Give your kids a booklist and challenge them to read a certain number of books. Discuss with them what types of books they would like to read and help them make a book bucket list for the summer! Here is a fabulous booklist from Homeschool Connections.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Then, share what you are reading with your family. Talk about what’s happening in your book at the dinner table. Ask them about their books. Which character are they most like? What would they have done differently than the lead character? Conversations connect us.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Learning<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Stop. Please don’t make detailed lesson plans for your children to get through if you’re taking a summer break. Let it be a break from school. Instead ask your children what they would like to learn about, and make a list. Gather resources from your shelves and the library. Look up some websites for them to explore. Bookmark some educational videos or movies to watch.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Then, every Monday set a goal to learn something new. Keep it simple. Just set aside a little time to learn something new, ideally together.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Especially for tweens or teens, summer is the perfect chance to learn something that interests them that doesn’t quite fit into their homeschooling year. Borrow some materials from a friend or <a href="http://homeschoolconnectionsonline.blogspot.com/2019/05/how-to-homeschool-in-summer.html" target="_blank">sign them up for an online class.</a> Encourage their excitement about learning, even if the content seems pointless to you. These lessons are more about finding the joy in learning and igniting curiosity in young minds!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Summer is the also the perfect time for the entire family to learn more about our Catholic faith. There are a few Catholic at-home Vacation Bible School options available online. Older kids will enjoy watching nationally known Catholic speakers on YouTube. Does your parish have a subscription to <a href="https://formed.org/" target="_blank">Formed</a>? They have videos, studies, and more for all ages. Choose something about our faith that you are interested in learning about, and invite your kids to join you!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Creating<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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This is the easy one. Kids usually cannot stop themselves from creating if they have materials!<o:p></o:p></div>
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If they love Legos, challenge them to build a city. If they love crafts, set up a designated area for that mess to live. If they love dirt, give them shovels and a bag of dirt! Get out the paints and the playdough. Cook together. Tend a garden. Make cards for relatives.<o:p></o:p></div>
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There is so much joy to be found in making something! And we learn a lot about ourselves and the process of creating, too. We learn how to adapt when things don’t turn out the way we expected. We learn pride in making beauty and order, because it echoes the Creator’s creativity!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Cut up some paper and write different creative projects on each slip. Stuff them in a jar and pull one out every few days. Invite your kids to help you with ideas, and include a few zany ones like making a person out of food and dressing up as another family member. Remember that the goal is joy!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Summer Fun<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Reading, learning, and creating aren’t new to homeschooling families. We do all these things throughout the school year. But taking the time to do these in a fun and enjoyable way, together as a family, can breathe life into the rest of the year, too! I have found that this approach renews our excitement for schooling and helps me to plan a school year that better fits my kids as I get to know their preferences and interests more.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Don’t forget to make time for water balloon fights and trips to the pool (if yours is open), too! Eat watermelon and popsicles. Build forts and play video games. But try to do many of these things together. Because summer fun is about family and friends as much as it is about the break from schoolwork.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But most importantly, especially in these uncertain times, allow for as many smiles as possible! Have a happy summer!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Jenny Bales is a Catholic homeschooling mom who is passionate about encouraging and connecting mothers through their homeschooling journeys. She and her husband live in North Texas with their four children who have been homeschooled all their lives. Her homeschool philosophy is "whatever works" with a smattering of literature-based learning, Charlotte Mason, and Classical elements. Jenny loves hot tea, sweet tea, dark chocolate, red wine, college football, and mystery novels—and can’t resist an opportunity to coordinate a conference, retreat, co-op, book study, social group, and or moms’ night out. Jenny loves to reflect on all aspects of Catholic homeschooling through the lens of our incredible Catholic faith. You can find Jenny and her work at <a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_1105751046" style="color: #999999; text-decoration-line: none;">w</a></span><a href="http://www.heartofamother.net/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">ww.heartofamother.net</a><span style="font-family: "calibri";">.</span></span></o:p></div>
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Homeschool Connectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09571985282210460624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7626646903115727860.post-26214941709408605412020-06-17T20:25:00.002-04:002020-06-17T20:49:37.046-04:00Bare Minimum Book List for High School<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 6pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">RAISING VIRTUOUS HIGH SCHOOLERS IN 100 (OR SO) BOOKS</span></b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">A Lamentably Incomplete List<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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By Eleanor Bourg Nicholson<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>This article and reading list accompanies Mrs. Nicholson's talk "Raising Virtuous Children in 10 Books" for the Virtual <a href="https://catholichomeschoolconference.com/" target="_blank">Catholic Homeschool Conference</a>.</i><br />
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<b>Teaching Virtue<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Sacred Scripture, particularly the New Testament, is the unspoken presupposition for all of this. Jesus Christ articulated for us the operation of virtue in the moral life, and a living knowledge of His words will far outweigh even the most spectacular of book lists. Beyond this, in establishing a school of virtue, reading the entirety of the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas will not go amiss. For those of us (myself included) who cannot adequately digest so much brilliance, I recommend the beautiful and methodical writings of Servais Pinckaers, O.P., especially <i>The Sources of Christian Ethics </i>and <i>The Pursuit of Happiness. </i>For an excellent curriculum studying the virtues, I strongly recommend that produced by the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>The Bible<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>St. Thomas Aquinas, The Summa, especially the Secunda Pars<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Servais Pinckaers, O.P., <i>The Sources of Christian Ethics </i>& <i>The Pursuit of Happiness</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>The Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, <i>Education in Virtue </i>series<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The Ancients</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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A robust education in virtue requires knowledge of the classics. The depictions of virtue in Homer’s <i>The Iliad</i> and <i>The Odyssey</i> are vivid and intriguing. (The Trojan Prince Hector is the best, and someone should roundly kick Paris. Additionally, the anthropomorphized waywardness of the gods can be highly entertaining.) As noted in my talk, I highly recommend Sophocles’ <i>The Three Theban Plays </i>and Aeschylus’ <i>Oresteia</i>, and also urge reading of Virgil’s <i>Aeneid</i> and Ovid’s <i>Metamorphoses</i>. These works are not only brilliant and rich, knowledge of these classical works pervades the canon. In fact, knowledge of classical mythology is a critical asset, especially when approaching subsequent movements in poetry. We cannot appreciate the rich Christianization of mythical impulses captured by Petrarch in his exquisite <i>Rime Sparse</i> without having read Ovid. How can we make sense of what that egotistical bounder Percy Bysshe Shelley desires to achieve in his <i>Prometheus Unbound </i>without reading Aeschylus’ <i>Prometheus Bound</i>? When considering all of these classical texts, we can ask these questions: What was the classical understanding of virtue? In what is this understanding rooted? In what ways is it lacking? To ground these questions, we must not neglect the writings of Plato and Aristotle, especially as concerns poetry. The final book of Plato’s <i>Republic </i>is worthy of attention, and Aristotle’s <i>On the Art of Poetry </i>even more so.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Homer, <i>The</i> <i>Iliad</i> & <i>The Odyssey</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Sophocles, <i>The Three Theban Plays</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Aeschylus, <i>Oresteia </i>& <i>Prometheus Bound</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Virgil, <i>Aeneid</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Ovid, <i>Metamorphoses</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Plato, <i>Republic</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Aristotle, <i>Nicomachean Ethics </i>& <i>On the Art of Poetry<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>(Wouldn’t hurt to read Marcus Aurelius, <i>Meditations, </i>too)<i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>The Medieval Period<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The heroic tones of works such as <i>Beowulf </i>and <i>The Song of Roland, </i>and, to an extent, various representatives of the Arthurian legends,<i> </i>will inspire some rich comparisons with classical epics and the system of virtues celebrated among ancient heroes. I must confess that I personally dislike the obsessive attention often devoted to things Arthurian, particularly since by the sixteenth century legend became a strong element in Tudor propaganda. It is, however, an interesting moment to see how Christian moral understanding is bent in the devising of chivalric romances. Nevertheless, we can see this lengthy period as a high point in moral understanding, especially shown in the moral clarity of Aquinas and his synthesis of Aristotle. We have gone beyond the classical understanding, setting the endeavor for human perfection and earthly happiness in the context of the only One Who is our source of Beatitude. (You also really ought to read St. Augustine’s <i>Confessions, </i>incidentally.) With this in mind, dive into the richness of Dante and the social complexities of Chaucer! What fascinating conversations will unfold! Read Thomas à Kempis to help us move into the next literary era, shored up by personal growth in virtue.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Augustine, <i>Confessions</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><i>Beowulf</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Geoffrey Chaucer, <i>The Canterbury Tales</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Dante Alighieri<i>, The Divine Comedy</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><i>William Langland, Piers Plowman</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><i>The Song of Roland</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><i>Chr</i><i>étien</i> de Troyes, <i>The Arthurian Romances</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><i>Sir Gawain and the Green Knight<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Sir Thomas Malory,<i> Le Morte d’Arthur</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Thomas à Kempis, <i>Imitation of Christ</i> & <i>Imitation of Mary</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The Renaissance<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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This period gives us many beautiful works, including the lyric poetry of Petrarch, but it also brings many troubles. Now the enduring tussle with humanism really commences. At its heart is the problem of divorcing theology once again from the question of moral action, re-elevating social and governmental powers as the authority for such questions. Inner turmoil is the result, and we can see this in some of the tortuous struggles of <i>Dr. Faustus </i>or the characters of William Shakespeare. Everyone should strive to watch (and participate in) as many adaptations of Shakespeare’s plays as possible. Neglect neither the comedies nor the tragedies and make special study of the histories while you’re at it! In teaching Shakespeare, I recommend several additional resources: Ken Ludwig’s <i>How to Teach Your Children Shakespeare</i>, the writings of Joseph Pearce on the Bard, and the <i>Playing Shakespeare </i>series produced by the Royal Shakespeare Society in the 1980s. For the Tudor propaganda machine mentioned above in the discussion of Arthurian romance, see Spencer. If you want critically to pursue the path of non-virtue in this moment, read Machiavelli’s <i>The Prince</i> and Josephine Tey’s detective novel <i>The Daughter of Time</i> so you can judge the perfidy of the Tudors in true style. The heroism of the English martyrs during this period has special resonance for me, and I recommend both the historical novels of Msgr. Hugh Benson and, if you can find them, of Josephine Ward.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>The poetry of Petrarch<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Christopher Marlowe, <i>Dr. Faustus</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>William Shakespeare, *EVERYTHING* (with additional resources mentioned above)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>The poetry of Sir Philip Sidney<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Edmund Spencer, <i>The Faerie Queene </i>(with Machiavelli & Josephine Tey)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Msgr. Hugh Benson, <i>Come Rack! Come Rope!</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Josephine Ward (often published as Mrs. Wilfrid Ward), <i>Tudor Sunset.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The Seventeenth & Eighteenth Century</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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We will leave most of the English Civil War to historians and the myriad complications posed by the so-called Enlightenment to philosophers, but we must take time to read John Milton. There are innumerable theological challenges to be found within John Milton’s <i>Paradise Lost</i>, but there is a great deal of brilliance contained therein too. Further, this English epic had the most extraordinary impact upon the subsequent canon. Consider particularly the depiction of God and the depiction of Satan. Milton’s theology informs these personalities (or, in the case of God, the lack of personality!). The Romantics, however, would stubbornly misread this (see below). Some consideration should also be paid to the emergence of the novel, and we can pick up various cautionary pieces, such as Daniel Defoe’s <i>Moll Flanders </i>(which is so much more entertaining than <i>Robinson Crusoe</i>, which also demands attention, not least because it seems to beg the question what virtues are necessary to survival when marooned on an island), and consider the place of satire via the writings of Jonathan Swift. Attention must be paid to the poetry of John Dryden, John Donne, and Alexander Pope as well. What is the relationship between virtue and social expectations regarding manners?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>John Milton, <i>Paradise Lost </i>& <i>Paradise Regained</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>John Dryden, Collected Poetry<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>John Donne, Collected Poetry<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Daniel Defoe, <i>Moll Flanders </i>(& <i>Robinson Crusoe</i>)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Alexander Pope, Collected Poetry<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The Napoleonic & Regency Periods<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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It is a truth universally acknowledged that we should READ EVERYTHING written by Jane Austen!!!! Her heroines are wonderful, her heroes are among the best ever concocted, her sentences are exquisite, and her moral understanding is breathtaking. Chesterton would support me when I say: Real men read Jane Austen. Young men, take note! The only question remaining must be: Where to begin? You can commence with the delights of her most popular novel, <i>Pride and Prejudice</i>, but there is a great deal to be said for chronological progress, beginning with her first published novel <i>(Sense and Sensibility</i>). Juvenilia is also exquisite, and even the unfinished novels are worthy of attention. Additionally, for the sake of our young men in particular, I recommend reading of the historical novels of both C.S. Forester (the Horatio Hornblower series) and Patrick O’Brian (the Aubrey-Maturin novels) (the latter is a superior historian and writer, methinks). Lest the young ladies feel thus deprived of historical novels recommendations, the works of Georgette Heyer are delightful and rich in historically accurate details (don’t be put off by the overly pink, girlie covers).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Jane Austen, *EVERYTHING*<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>C.S. Forester, Horatio Hornblower series<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Patrick O’Brian, Aubrey-Maturin novels<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Georgette Heyer, Regency novels<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The Romantics<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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After the innumerable challenges of the co-called Enlightenment, with its championing of reason, empirical science, and deist principles, the pendulum swings the other way and we have a movement toward intense feeling, emotion, and things beyond our five senses. Consider William Blake, especially in his monumental and deliberate misreading of <i>Paradise Lost</i>. There is a great deal of beauty here, especially with the “Light Romantics”, Coleridge & Wordsworth. There is also a great deal that is problematic (including atheism and amorality) in the “Dark Romantics”, Byron and Shelley. To see how the philosophy of the latter looks lived out, consider the novel <i>Frankenstein</i>, one of the most famous of all Gothic works. Shelley’s young mistress, Mary, began this book while the couple (and Mary’s sister, with whom Shelley was also having an affair) visited Lake Geneva as guests of Lord Byron. The novel evokes many questions, from the obvious (e.g. What are the consequences when man endeavors to take upon himself the role of the Creator) to the more subtle (e.g. What is the Romantic attitude toward the true Creator, and what are the consequences for morality?) First-time readers will find the novel surprising, especially when the monster pauses, learns to read, and reads <i>Paradise Lost</i>! Also: read John Keats.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>William Blake,<i> Songs of Innocence, Songs of Experience, Marriage of Heaven and Hell<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Samuel Taylor Coleridge & William Wordsworth, <i>Lyrical Ballads<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Lord Byron, Collected Poems<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Percy Bysshe Shelley, Collected Poems, including <i>Prometheus Unbound</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Mary Shelley, <i>Frankenstein</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>John Keats, Collected Poems<i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>The Gothic<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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In addition to providing a necessary context for Austen’s <i>Northanger Abbey</i> and some of the more tormented impulses from the Romantic movement, this genre opens the door to spectacular cautionary works later in the nineteenth century. To support your reading of Austen, begin with <i>The Castle of Otranto</i> by Horace Walpole, then read selections from Mrs. Radcliffe (she’s really a bit tedious), the infamous <i>The Monk </i>by Matthew Gregory Lewes, and John Polidori’s <i>The Vampyre. </i>Polidori began his tale while on a visit to Lake Geneva with his then-employer, Lord Byron, and fellow Romantic poet, Percy Bysshe Shelley—the self-same visit on which Mary began <i>Frankenstein</i>. The nineteenth century produced top notch Gothic works, including James Hogg’s <i>The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner</i>, Robert Louis Stevenson’s <i>Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, </i>and<i> </i>Oscar Wilde’s <i>The Picture of Dorian Gray</i>. This last almost made it to my “List of 10”, but was retired because of the complicating biographical factors and the fact that I’m still scared of the 1945 film. This is a fascinating, complex novel, rich in its dark condemnation of Paterian ideas pushed to the breaking point. It should be guided by Joseph Pearce’s incomparable biography of Wilde and counterbalanced by in-home performances of <i>The Importance of Being Earnest.</i> Reading more deeply into the High Decadents can be very enriching, but should only be approached by very mature readers. A startling number of High Decadents converted (or reverted) to Catholicism before death, but in each case exhibited a great deal of appalling behavior and ideas before that point. If the Gothic genre is an hysterical offshoot of the Romantics, the Decadents are the Romantics with a heavy dose of nihilism. Finally, everyone should read <i>Dracula</i>, even though its moral understanding is pretty basic and it has unresolved threads of Manichaeism. This genre may prove challenging to young Catholic readers, since a twisted form of anti-Catholicism often appears in its pages.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Horace Walpole, <i>The Castle of Otranto</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Mrs. Radcliffe, Selections (because, really, she’s rather tedious)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Matthew Gregory Lewis, <i>The Monk</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>John Polidori, <i>The Vampyre</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>James Hogg, <i>The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Robert Louis Stevenson, <i>Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Oscar Wilde, <i>The Picture of Dorian Gray</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Bram Stoker<i>, Dracula</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The Victorians</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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We have attained perhaps the most glorious era of the novel and the field is ripe for a virtuous harvest! Given the fact that we have been dealing with the Romantics, it is appropriate to begin with the Brontës. I personally prefer Charlotte and Anne to Emily, but recommend the reading of all three. <i>Jane Eyre </i>is probably the most approachable. <i>Villette </i>has many delights as well, but also has earned its reputation as the most anti-Catholic novel of the mid-Victorian period. Approach with caution (and with a sense of humor). <i>Agnes Gray </i>and <i>The Tenant of Wildfell Hall </i>both demonstrate a beautiful sanity especially regarding the heroine’s attitude toward men. Reading <i>Wuthering Heights </i>is a rite of passage. Encourage and sustain your children through it and ensure they don’t come away with the absurd notion (popular in places of higher education) that Catherine and Heathcliff are anything more than vicious and thoroughly dislikable.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As to Charles Dickens, this besotted reader of Boz recommends that even my satirical husband read <i>Nicholas Nickleby</i>, <i>A Christmas Carol, Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, David Copperfield, Bleak House, </i>and <i>Our Mutual Friend</i>. Those who fall deeply in love with what they read, should continue on to read <i>The Pickwick Papers</i>, <i>Dombey and Son</i>, <i>Little Dorrit, </i>and <i>Great Expectations. </i>Your most devout Dickens disciples can go on to read everything else for the sake of completion. Do not neglect the journalism or the less famous Christmas stories! <i>The Chimes </i>is both fascinating and unnerving.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Absolutely embrace the fullness of Anthony Trollope’s six Chronicles of Barsetshire: <i>The Warden, Bachester Towers, Dr. Thorne, Framley Parsonage, The Small House at Allington</i> (for which I harbor some resentment) and <i>The Last Chronicle of Barset</i>. I enjoy many aspects of his other series, the Palliser novels, but frequently find myself tripping up due to insufficient knowledge of the finer points of politics. Of the individual novels, I dearly love <i>He Knew He Was Right</i>, primarily for its secondary characters.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It is necessary to read William Makepeace Thackaray. <i>The History of Henry Esmond </i>is much more delightful than <i>Vanity Fair, </i>but both ought to be read and the latter is an eloquent condemnation of vice (though without really doing much on behalf of real virtue).<o:p></o:p></div>
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Some knowledge of John Ruskin and the Pre-Raphaelites will be aesthetically enriching here, especially as the ideals of that moment informed religious movements of the period. Knowledge of St. John Henry Newman will also be of value.<o:p></o:p></div>
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George Eliot, though there is a great deal to admire in her writing, is a bit challenging owing to her humanism and attendant lifestyle. She lost her faith through translation of German writers concerned in historical critiques of the Bible, she believed evil was merely ignorance and required a social solution, and she lived most of her life in a frankly adulterous relationship (which was decided not open to children). There is, nevertheless, some beautiful food for thought, especially in <i>Silas Marner, Adam Bede, </i>and <i>Middlemarch. Mill on the Floss </i>is as excruciating a read as you could hope to find, comparable to the writing of the irretrievably maudlin Thomas Hardy (whom G.K. Chesterton called “a sort of village atheist brooding and blaspheming over the village idiot”).<o:p></o:p></div>
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Read Wilkie Collins, continuing Gothic preoccupations and opening the door to sensation fiction and detective fiction too. Morality by this era has been largely divorced from the coherent theological context for virtue; how does this impact the understanding of virtue itself? Elizabeth Gaskell and (for fun!) Mary Elizabeth Braddon are also worthy contributors.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This is an excellent moment to glance toward the French and Russian authors. Read Victor Hugo and read Gustave Flaubert. Note that the latter was outraged and appalled when he realized readers were taking <i>Madame Bovary </i>as a celebration of vice, instead of, as he had intended, the contrary! There is value in reading Tolstoy, but I strongly prefer Dostoyevsky. Tolstoy is too prone to pause his book to preach about his bizarre religious notions.<o:p></o:p></div>
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For heroic virtues, read Robert Louis Stevenson’s <i>Treasure Island</i> & <i>Kidnapped</i>, Rudyard Kipling’s <i>Kim </i>& <i>The Jungle Book</i>. You can also glean a lot from historical novels such as R.D. Blackmore’s <i>Lorna Doone, </i>Lew Wallace’s <i>Ben-Hur</i>, Henryk Sienkiewicz’s <i>Quo Vadis</i>, or by going back to the father of the historical novel: Sir Walter Scott. Don’t neglect <i>Fabiola or, the Church of the Catacombs</i>, by Cardinal Nicholas Wiseman, or <i>Callista </i>by Newman.<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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For poetry, read Alfred Lord Tennyson, Christina Rossetti, Gerald Manley Hopkins, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, and Francis Thompson.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Finally, if you are so fortunate as to come across a copy of Josephine (Mrs. Wilfrid) Ward’s <i>One Poor Scruple</i>, snatch it up and read away! In fact, her books, which are tragically difficult to find, are superb and worthy of reading <i>and </i>republication!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Sir Walter Scott, <i>Rob Roy </i>& <i>Ivanhoe</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>The Brontës, <i>Jane Eyre</i>, maybe <i>Villette</i>, <i>Wuthering Heights</i>, <i>Agnes Gray</i>, & <i>The Tenant of Wildfell Hall</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Charles Dickens, READ *ALMOST EVERYTHING*<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Anthony Trollope, The Chronicle of Barsetshire & <i>He Knew He Was Right</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>William Makepeace Thackaray, <i>The History of Henry Esmond </i>& <i>Vanity Fair</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>George Eliot, <i>Silas Marner, Adam Bede, </i>& <i>Middlemarch</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Wilkie Collins’ <i>The Moonstone </i>and <i>The Woman in White.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Elizabeth Gaskell, Cranford, North and South, & Wives and Daughters<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Mary Elizabeth Braddon, Lady Audley’s Secret & The Trail of the Serpent<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Victor Hugo, <i>Les Miserables </i>& <i>The Hunchback of Notre Dame<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Fyodor Dostoevsky, <i>Crime and Punishment</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Gustave Flaubert, <i>Madame Bovary</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Robert Louis Stevenson, <i>Treasure Island </i>& <i>Kidnapped<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Rudyard Kipling<i>, Kim </i>& <i>The Jungle Book<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>R.D. Blackmore, <i>Lorna Doone</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Lew Wallace, <i>Ben-Hur</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Henryk Sienkiewicz, <i>Quo Vadis</i>,<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Cardinal Nicholas Wiseman, <i>Fabiola or, the Church of the Catacombs</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>John Henry Newman, <i>Callista</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Alfred, Lord Tennyson, <i>In Memoriam </i>& Collected Poetry<i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Christina Rossetti, Collected Poetry<i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Gerald Manley Hopkins, Collected Poetry<i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Collected Poetry<i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Francis Thompson, Collected Poetry<i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Josephine (Mrs. Wilfrid) Ward, <i>One Poor Scruple </i>or anything else you can find!<i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>The Americans<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Regarding the American school, I recommend (without enthusiasm) reading this extensively as well, though personally I find it dry, depressing, and dourly Calvinistic. If I must read the Americans, my personal favorites are Edgar Allan Poe (<i>Tales of the Grotesque and Arabesque</i> and his three C. Auguste Dupin detective stories) and Nathaniel Hawthorne (<i>The Scarlet Letter </i>and <i>The House of the Seven Gables</i>). Read Herman Melville and congratulate yourself for heroic persistence when you make it to the end. Introducing the detective fiction tradition opens up a grand opportunity to explore in depth questions of justice and mercy—and of course you ought to go back to the British and read Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories in full. I don’t like Henry James, so I won’t recommend his novels. For the rest of them, alas, I recommend you find someone passionate in their defense to produce an enthusiastic book list.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Edgar Allan Poe, <i>Tales of the Grotesque and Arabesque </i>& detective stories<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>(Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the Sherlock Holmes stories, which really belong with the British authors above)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Nathaniel Hawthorne, <i>The Scarlet Letter </i>& <i>The House of the Seven Gables</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Herman Melville, <i>Moby Dick </i>& <i>Billy Budd</i></div>
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<b>The Twentieth Century<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Having attained an age of maturity and suffered through graduate courses on the High Modernists, and with my clear Anglophilic tendencies, I really do have to work to persuade myself to read most books from the twentieth century (excepting Chesterton, Tolkien, Lewis, Wodehouse, Evelyn Waugh, various mystery novelists, and a few other exceptions). This is a personal issue, perhaps, but one I am not yet motivated to overcome. Basic knowledge of the High Modernists is pretty critical to survival of twentieth century literature, so take a dose of James Joyce and get it over with as quickly as possible. Then go read the Inklings (or some murder mysteries) and you will feel much better.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Joseph Conrad, <i>Lord Jim</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>George Orwell, <i>1984</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>T.S. Eliot, <i>The Wasteland, </i>Collected Poetry<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>James Joyce, <i>Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>J.R.R. Tolkien, <i>The Hobbit </i>& <i>The Lord of the Rings<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>G.K. Chesterton, <i>The Ball and the Cross </i>(& his writings on Dickens & his little book on the Victorians & pretty much everything else)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>C.S. Lewis, Chronicles of Narnia & Space Trilogy<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Evelyn Waugh, <i>Brideshead Revisited</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>(Oh, and P.G. Wodehouse too)</div>
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Homeschool Connectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09571985282210460624noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7626646903115727860.post-3273863562517044212020-05-07T07:55:00.005-04:002021-09-15T12:04:08.421-04:00Homeschooling Grade School with Unlimited Access<div align="center" class="normal" style="border: none; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Grade School Unit Study Program</span></b><b><span style="color: green; font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 16pt;">3<sup>rd</sup> Through 6<sup>th</sup> Grade</span></b><b><span style="color: green; font-size: 16pt;">Course of Study Description</span></b><br /><a href="https://learn.homeschoolconnections.com/unlimited-access/" target="_blank">Recorded, Independent-Learning with Unlimited Access</a></div>
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2020-2021 School Year<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /><span style="color: #335b8a; font-size: 16pt;">Welcome!</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span>Introduction<o:p></o:p></h2>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Welcome to the Grade School Unit Study Program for 3rd through 6th grade students -- designed to simplify and streamline your home education experience. Through an integrated literature-based curriculum, your family receives clearly laid out directions for the parent(s), hands-on project-based activities for students, and a once-a-week recorded class to watch together.<br /><br /><b>How it Works</b><br />The full year course is segmented into three parts (Course 1, 2, and 3), hours usually taken in the fall, winter, and spring -- incorporating History, Science, Language Arts, Art, and Religion -- to learn all subjects together in a unit that coordinates and dovetails into one harmonized year of learning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://homeschoolconnections.zoom.us/rec/play/6ZMqJL3--243TNbAtASDVvZ9W47rePishHIX-KUOnk69V3UBNQWuYOMSN-cvs-WRKqAo3TlTfJqNwOyi?startTime=1588291155000&_x_zm_rtaid=VZGPv-7XTwGSP9puJhCQJw.1588463641135.54f8d85ab205543689a55dcfe9b784a0&_x_zm_rhtaid=339" style="color: #999999; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">CLICK HERE FOR A FREE INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR</a></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #4f81bd; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13pt;">Your Program Description</span></b><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">The Four-Year Sequence</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><br />The entire program, currently under development, will span a four-year sequence based on the four volumes of </span><a href="https://www.tanhomeschool.com/store/catalogsearch/result/?attr=name&q=story+of+civilization"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">TAN Books’ History series, </span></a><a href="https://www.tanhomeschool.com/store/catalogsearch/result/?attr=name&q=story+of+civilization"><i><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">The Story of Civilization</span></i></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">. The four years of study are...<br /><br /> Ancient History (<i>TSoC, </i>Volume 1, Year One), <b>Currently Available in Unlimited Access</b><br /> Medieval History (<i>TSoC, </i>Volume 2, Year Two), Available starting Mid-February 2021<br /> The Modern World (<i>TSoC, </i>Volume 3, Year Three), Available starting Mid-February 2022<br /> US History (<i>TSoC, </i>Volume 4, Year Four), Available starting Mid-February 2023<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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Your Learning and Course Formats<o:p></o:p></h2>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Your Yearlong, Three-Part Ancient History Program:</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><br />The yearlong grade school unit study program is taught in three parts: <b>Part One</b> (13 weeks); <b>Part Two</b> (12 weeks); and a short <b>Part Three</b> (4 weeks). Take all three parts, to create a complete year of learning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Lesson Plans for Daily Activities<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Families are provided with daily lessons, checklists, and other resources and learning materials.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">The Grade School Unit Study Program uses a four-day-week course of study: families work together on interactive lessons (guided materials and instruction) and watch a weekly class together. The fifth day can be a free day for museum visits, nature walks, co-op classes, play dates, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #335b8a; font-size: 16pt;">Subjects</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span>Your List of Subjects Scheduled for the Four School Days (Per Week) <o:p></o:p></h2>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">* History </span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">(30-60 minutes per day) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">* Literature Read-Aloud </span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">(30-60 minutes per day) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">* Greek & Latin Roots</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"> (10-15 minutes per day) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">* Poetry Memorization</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"> (10-15 minutes per day) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">* Creative Writing</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"> (Odd weeks, 60-90 minutes per week)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">* Science </span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">(Even weeks, 60-90 minutes per week)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">* Solo Reading</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"> (time varies per family choice; suggested 30-60 minutes per day) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">* Project Work </span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">(time varies per family choice; suggested 60-90 minutes per week)<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #335b8a; font-size: 16pt;">Core Texts</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span>Getting Your Texts/Books<br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">The same texts are used for all three parts of the series.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Noto Sans Symbols"; font-size: 10pt;">●<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">New or used copies</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"> of the texts will work for use in this course. See BookFinder.com for the best prices.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Noto Sans Symbols"; font-size: 10pt;">●<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Choosing Prices:</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"> The price range after each title reflects the lowest price (Kindle edition or used edition) to the highest price range (new and/or hardback edition).</span></div><div class="normal" style="border: none; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="normal" style="border: none; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="normal" style="border: none; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="color: #4f81bd; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13pt;">Your Book List</span></b></div><div class="normal" style="border: none; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Purchase or borrow the following books for the school year (required):</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 9pt;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">The Story of Civilization (TSoC), Volume 1</span></i></b><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">: </span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">The Ancient World by Phillip Campbell, (ISBN- 10: 1505105668; ISBN-13: 978-1505105667) (*New $20; pre-owned $12) (Used All Year) <b>Note: </b>Supplementary TSoC Student and Teacher texts and Audio/Video products are optional. Depending upon your budget, we recommend adding supplementary texts as tools for further engagement.</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 9pt;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Archimedes and the Door of Science, </span></i></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">by Jeanne Bendick. (ISBN- 10: 9781883937126; ISBN-13: 978-1883937126) (*New $13; pre-owned $5) (Used Part One)</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 9pt;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">D’Aulaire’s Book of Greek Myths</span></i></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">, by Ingri and Edgar d’Aulaire (ISBN- 10: 9780440406945; ISBN-13: 978-0440406945 (*New $14; pre-owned $5) (Used All Year)</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 9pt;">4.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Around the Year Once Upon a Time Saints</span></i></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">, by Ethel Pochocki (ISBN- 10: 1932350268; ISBN-13: 978-1932350265) (*New $15; pre-owned $14) (Used All Year)</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 9pt;">5.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Detectives in Togas</span></i></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">, by Henry Winterfeld, (ISBN-10: 0152162801; ISBN- 13: 978-0152162801) (Fall 2019) (*New $7; pre-owned $3.50) (Used Part One)</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 9pt;">6.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">St. Paul the Apostle</span></i></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">, by Mary Fabyan Windeatt (ISBN: 9780895554260) (*New $16; Pre-owned $8.50 BF) (Used Used Part Two and Three)</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 9pt;">7.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Galen and the Gateway to Medicine</span></i></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">, by Jeanne Bendick (ISBN: 9781883937751; ISBN-10: 1883937752) (*New $15; pre-owned $9.50) (Used Part Two and Three)</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://learn.homeschoolconnections.com/unlimited-access/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR UNLIMITED ACCESS AND START LEARNING TODAY</a></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #335b8a; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;">Frequently Asked Questions</span></b><b><span style="color: #4f81bd; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13pt;"><br /><i>What role does the parent play?</i></span></b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">In this unit study program, the parent’s role is to…</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><br />1. Schedule and implement the course material into your daily school and home life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">2. Schedule and engage in read-aloud time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">3. Guide students with art and science projects.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">3. Grade some student work (approximately 30-60 minutes per week, depending on family choice of enrichment activities).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">4. Watch recorded class sessions with your student(s) each week. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #4f81bd; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13pt;">What’s included in the course?</span></i></b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></i><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Enrolled families will receive…</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><br />1. A weekly checklist of activities and assignments and a timeline template.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">2. Computer-graded quizzes, project work instructions (science, art, history), and creative writing assignments.<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">3. A suggested daily schedule for the four-day school week. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">4. A list of optional supplementary books for solo reading for multiple grade levels.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">5. A recorded class each week with the instructor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #4f81bd; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13pt;">Is Instructor Access offered for this course?</span></i></b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_gjdgxs"></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Yes! Mrs. Jackie de Laveaga is available for grading assistance. The course plan for each semester includes eight to ten assignments that are designed to be submitted for instructor grading. These assignments are in addition to the auto-graded quizzes and parent-graded assignments which are in the course. These instructor-graded assignments include science and history assignments, and art projects as well as creative writing assignments. Instructor Access is an optional service for parents who would like additional help for a fee.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #4f81bd; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13pt;">Can I sign up for this course with Single Access?</span></i></b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Since the Grade School Unit Study Program is made up of multiple subjects, it is not eligible for the single-course price. It is available through Unlimited Access and can be used with multiple children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #4f81bd; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13pt;">Can my preschool to 2<sup>nd</sup> grade children join in this course with older siblings?</span></i></b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Yes! Younger children can participate in read aloud time and activities with older brothers and sisters. Parents can adjust projects to a younger child’s ability. We recommend <i>For the Love of Literature</i> by Maureen Wittmann (Homeschool Connections Co-Founder) for picture books from the era. (</span><a href="https://www.beholdpublications.com/wordpress1/product/love-of-literature/?v=2320522a6676"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">www.beholdpublications.com/wordpress1/product/love-of-literature/?v=2320522a6676</span></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #4f81bd; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13pt;">Can I coordinate the grade school program with your middle and high school courses?</span></i></b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Yes! Your older students can also get both LIVE, interactive courses and/or recorded, independent-learning courses here at Homeschool Connections -- courses that cover the same historical era as this program, so your elementary through high school students can study the same four-year historical sequence together.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">When you give your middle and high school students courses in the same areas of History, Literature, Science, and more, you create a full, multi-grade study of the same era in your homeschool. Visit “The Four Year Cycle” article for more information on matching courses here: </span><a href="http://homeschoolconnectionsonline.blogspot.com/search/label/4-Year%20Cycle"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">http://homeschoolconnectionsonline.blogspot.com/search/label/4-Year%20Cycle</span></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://learn.homeschoolconnections.com/unlimited-access/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR UNLIMITED ACCESS AND START LEARNING TODAY</a></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #335b8a; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;">Your Instructor</span></b><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="color: #4f81bd; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13pt;">Jackie de Laveaga, </span></b><b><span style="color: #4f81bd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13pt;">M.Ed.</span></b><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjD9FL2wHia3lCyUGaw518erpfx5oD8Z2XSzBWHY_XX8e-iR71XoTgkvg0LijIham32d0ST_80gHjAZtx2_GXuBqlqbHvy1TIJ9HKQKs2lqjeLVtKiyYrdBDHO7ki762GiqrlTrvC2A6j/s1600/Jackie_deLaveaga.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="203" data-original-width="140" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjD9FL2wHia3lCyUGaw518erpfx5oD8Z2XSzBWHY_XX8e-iR71XoTgkvg0LijIham32d0ST_80gHjAZtx2_GXuBqlqbHvy1TIJ9HKQKs2lqjeLVtKiyYrdBDHO7ki762GiqrlTrvC2A6j/s200/Jackie_deLaveaga.jpg" width="137" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Your instructor for the Grade School Unit Study program is Mrs. Jackie de Laveaga.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Mrs. de Laveaga holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in English and Secondary Education and a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree with an emphasis in Language Arts Instruction. Her career and her experience include teaching online middle school and high school courses in writing, journalism, and humanities – as well as teaching live courses in literature, history, composition, and drama to students in grades 1 through college. Mrs. de Laveaga loves homeschooling and learning alongside her five children; two have graduated from college and married, one is in college, and two of her children are at home. You can reach </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Mrs. de Laveaga by email at </span><a href="mailto:delaveaga.hsc@gmail.com" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">delaveaga.hsc@gmail.com</span></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #335b8a; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;">Questions?</span></b><b><span style="color: #4f81bd; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13pt;">We’re happy to help!</span></b><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Simply email </span><a href="mailto:homeschoolconnections@gmail.com"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">homeschoolconnections@gmail.com</span></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">, or call Toll Free, 1-888-372-4757, and we’ll get right back to you with answers!<br /></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Homeschool Connectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09571985282210460624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7626646903115727860.post-74599740406955535492020-05-02T20:18:00.003-04:002020-05-04T10:56:12.071-04:00Homeschooling Grade School, 3rd to 6th Grade<h1 style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 24pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="color: #17365d; font-size: 28pt;">GRADE SCHOOL UNIT STUDY PROGRAM</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #17365d; font-size: 28pt;">3rd Through 6th Grade<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #153319; font-size: 28pt;">Course of Study Description<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.6667px;"><a href="https://homeschoolconnections.zoom.us/rec/play/6ZMqJL3--243TNbAtASDVvZ9W47rePishHIX-KUOnk69V3UBNQWuYOMSN-cvs-WRKqAo3TlTfJqNwOyi?startTime=1588291155000&_x_zm_rtaid=VZGPv-7XTwGSP9puJhCQJw.1588463641135.54f8d85ab205543689a55dcfe9b784a0&_x_zm_rhtaid=339" target="_blank">CLICK HERE FOR A FREE INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR.</a></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #335b8a; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24.5333px;">Welcome!</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.3333px;"><br /></span><b><span style="color: #4f81bd; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 19.9333px;">Introduction</span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">Welcome to the Grade School Unit Study Program for 3rd through 6th grade students -- designed to simplify and streamline your home education experience. Through an integrated literature-based curriculum, your family receives clearly laid out directions for the parent(s), hands-on project-based activities for students, and a once-a-week touch-base LIVE class where discussion, sharing, and learning takes place.<br /><br /><b>How it Works</b><br />Each full year is segmented into three parts occurring in the fall, winter, and spring -- incorporating History, Science, Language Arts, Art, and Religion -- to learn all subjects together in a unit that coordinates and dovetails into one harmonized year of learning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #4f81bd; font-size: 13pt;">Your Program Description<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">The Four-Year Sequence</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"><br />The entire program spans a four-year sequence based on the four volumes of </span><a href="https://www.tanhomeschool.com/store/catalogsearch/result/?attr=name&q=story+of+civilization" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 10pt;">TAN Books’ History series, </span></a><a href="https://www.tanhomeschool.com/store/catalogsearch/result/?attr=name&q=story+of+civilization"><i><span style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 10pt;">The Story of Civilization</span></i></a><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">. The four years of study include...<br /><br /> Ancient History (Volume 1, Year One)<br /> Medieval History (Volume 2, Year Two)<br /> The Making of the Modern World (Volume 3, Year Three)<br /> US History (Volume 4, Year Four)<br /><br /><b>Year One, <i>Ancient History</i>, is Available in Recording</b><br />All three parts of the <i>Ancient History</i> year will be available in recording as an independent-learning unit beginning on June 15, 2020, for 24/7 Unlimited Access.<br /><br /><b>This School Year: <i>Medieval History</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">Your 2020/2021 Grade School Unit Study Program focuses on Medieval History.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">The 2021/2022 school year will cover the Making of the Modern World, and the 2022/2023 school year will be built around US History.<br /><br /><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #4f81bd; font-size: 13pt;">Coordination with the Middle and High School Programs</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">Coordinate Learning, Simplify Teaching</span></b><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">Y</span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">our older students can also get both LIVE, interactive courses and/or recorded, independent-learning courses here at Homeschool Connections -- courses that cover the same historical era as this program, so your elementary through high school students can study the same four-year historical sequence together.</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"><br /><b>All Students, Same Subjects</b><br />Follow the resources provided here to make learning more concise, focused, and unified across all of your family’s learning experience. When you give your middle and high school students courses in the same areas of History, Literature, Science, and more, you create a full, multi-grade study of the same era in your homeschool. For choosing middle and high school courses, guidance is given for what courses “match” and what courses are available in both LIVE and recorded formats.<br /><br />Visit “The Four Year Cycle” article for more information on matching courses here: </span><a href="http://homeschoolconnectionsonline.blogspot.com/search/label/4-Year%20Cycle" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 10pt;">http://homeschoolconnectionsonline.blogspot.com/search/label/4-Year%20Cycle</span></a><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #4f81bd; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 19.9333px;">Your Learning and Course Formats</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.3333px;">Your Year-Long, Three-Part Program</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.3333px;"><br />The yearlong program is taught in three parts: <b>Part One</b> in the Fall Semester (13 weeks); <b>Part Two</b> in the Spring Semester (12 weeks); and a short <b>Part Three</b> in May, 2021 (4 weeks). Sign your children up for all three parts, to create a complete year of learning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">The “Flipped Classroom”</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"><br />The Grade School Unit Study Program uses a “flipped classroom” approach in a four-day-week course of study: families watch teacher-created videos and work together on interactive lessons (guided materials and instruction). In addition to home learning, the once-a-week LIVE online class “becomes the place to work through problems, advance concepts, and engage in collaborative learning” (</span><i><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 10pt;">The Flipped Classroom</span></i><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 10pt;">, </span><a href="https://www.educationnext.org/the-flipped-classroom/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;">https://www.educationnext.org/the-flipped-classroom/</span></a><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 10pt;">).</span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"><br /><b>Daily Activities</b><br />Families are provided with daily lessons, checklists, videos, and other resources and learning materials. Each week starts with a LIVE, twenty-five-minute online class meeting for parents and students together with the instructor.<br /><br /><b>Class Meetings</b><br />During each weekly class meeting, students discuss the past week’s readings, play games to reinforce the week’s learning, and have the opportunity to share project work and poetry recitation on camera.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><a href="https://homeschoolconnections.zoom.us/rec/play/6ZMqJL3--243TNbAtASDVvZ9W47rePishHIX-KUOnk69V3UBNQWuYOMSN-cvs-WRKqAo3TlTfJqNwOyi?startTime=1588291155000&_x_zm_rtaid=VZGPv-7XTwGSP9puJhCQJw.1588463641135.54f8d85ab205543689a55dcfe9b784a0&_x_zm_rhtaid=339" target="_blank">WANT TO LEARN MORE? CLICK HERE FOR A FREE INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR.</a></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #335b8a; font-size: 16pt;">Choosing Your LIVE Class Time</span></b><b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="color: #4f81bd; font-size: 13pt;">Your Class Times and Schedule (choose one)</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"><br />All LIVE, interactive classes meet on <b>Mondays</b>. Parents choose from one of the three LIVE time segments offered:<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">9:00 AM Eastern</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"> (8:00 Central; 7:00 Mountain; 6:00 Pacific) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">OR<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">11:00 AM Eastern</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"> (10:00 Central; 9:00 Mountain; 8:00 Pacific)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">OR<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">1:00 PM Eastern</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"> (Noon Central; 11:00 Mountain; 10:00 Pacific)<br /><br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #335b8a; font-size: 16pt;">Part One</span></b><b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="color: #4f81bd; font-size: 13pt;">Fall 2020 -- Medieval History Unit Study (Part 1 of 3)</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">(13 weeks)<br /><b>Class Dates:</b> Classes begin September 14, 2020, and continue through December 14, 2020;<br />No class November 23, 2020<br /><b>Mandatory Parent Meeting: </b>September 14, 2020<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">Multiple students per family: </span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">Siblings can watch the sessions and complete the automated quizzes FREE. However, only enrolled students may submit and receive teacher grading on select assignments. To receive teacher grading for additional students, enroll each additional student independently.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 10pt;">LIVE Class Duration:</span></b><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 10pt;"> 25 minutes, followed by 15 minutes of student sharing on camera (off recording)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">Fee: </span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">$259 if registering on or before July 15, 2020. $279 after July 15 for all 13 classes. (Registration closes one week before the first day of class. After that date, registrations are not guaranteed. There is a $20 surcharge for late enrollments after the course is closed.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #335b8a; font-size: 16pt;">Part Two</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #4f81bd; font-size: 13pt;">Spring 2021 -- Medieval History Unit Study (Part 2 of 3)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">(12 weeks)<br /><b>Class Dates:</b> Classes begin January 25, 2021, and continue through April 26, 2021<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">No class February 15 or March 29, 2021.<br /><b>Multiple students per family: </b>Siblings can watch the sessions and complete the automated quizzes FREE. However, only enrolled students may submit and receive teacher grading on select assignments. To receive teacher grading for additional students, enroll each additional student independently.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 10pt;">LIVE Class Duration:</span></b><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 10pt;"> 25 minutes, followed by 15 minutes of student sharing on camera (off recording)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">Fee: </span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">$259 if you register on or before November 15, 2020. $279 after Nov. 15 for all 12 classes. (Registration closes one week before the first day of class. After that date, registrations are not guaranteed. There is a $20 surcharge for late enrollments after the course is closed.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #335b8a; font-size: 16pt;">Part Three</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #4f81bd; font-size: 13pt;">May 2021 -- Medieval History Unit Study (Part 3 of 3)</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">(4 weeks)<br /><b>Class Dates:</b> Classes begin May 3, 2021, and continue through May 24, 2021<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">Multiple students per family: </span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">Siblings can watch the sessions and complete the automated quizzes FREE. However, only enrolled students may submit and receive teacher grading on select assignments. To receive teacher grading for additional students, enroll each additional student independently.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 10pt;">LIVE Class Duration:</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"> 25 minutes, followed by 15 minutes of student sharing on camera (off recording)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">Fee:</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"> $89 if you register on or before November 15, 2020. $109 after Nov. 15 for all 4 classes. (Registration closes one week before the first day of class. After that date, registrations are not guaranteed. There is a $20 surcharge for late enrollments after the course is closed.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.3333px;"> </span><b style="font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://tinyurl.com/gradeschoolhsc" target="_blank">READY TO REGISTER? CLICK HERE FOR HOMESCHOOL CONNECTIONS REGISTRATION PAGE.</a></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #335b8a; font-size: 16pt;">Your Instructor</span></b><b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="color: #4f81bd; font-size: 13pt;">Jackie de Laveaga, </span></b><b><span style="color: #4f81bd; font-size: 13pt;">M.Ed.</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPLVRyM4J4I6BaHX7pGkyzwcyEBROK_seKyN-k7oEWYJhkTZMzhJe5a8RvVEV8SPsvBbV1709ZIlfXVKckMPc4PFTg82yg6OGC57wDwmLphOhyphenhyphenB4_UZICRYr8_kYy49-AtReeGCBd2soP3/s1600/Jackie_deLaveaga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="203" data-original-width="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPLVRyM4J4I6BaHX7pGkyzwcyEBROK_seKyN-k7oEWYJhkTZMzhJe5a8RvVEV8SPsvBbV1709ZIlfXVKckMPc4PFTg82yg6OGC57wDwmLphOhyphenhyphenB4_UZICRYr8_kYy49-AtReeGCBd2soP3/s1600/Jackie_deLaveaga.jpg" /></a></div>
<v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"><v:stroke joinstyle="miter"><v:formulas><v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"><v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"><v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"><v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"><v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"><v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"><v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"><v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:formulas><v:path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f"><o:lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit"></o:lock></v:path></v:stroke></v:shapetype><v:shape alt="Description: Jackie de Laveaga, MEd" id="Picture_x0020_26" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" style="height: 152.6pt; margin-left: 54.1pt; margin-top: 0px; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 105.3pt; z-index: -251642880;" type="#_x0000_t75"><v:imagedata o:title="Jackie de Laveaga, MEd" src="file://localhost/Users/maureen/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0clip_image001.jpg"><w:wrap anchorx="margin" anchory="margin" type="square"></w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">Your instructor for the Grade School Unit Study program is Mrs. Jackie de Laveaga. Mrs. de Laveaga holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in English and Secondary Education and a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree with an emphasis in Language Arts Instruction. Her career and her experience include teaching online middle school and high school courses in writing, journalism, and humanities – as well as teaching live courses in literature, history, composition, and drama to students in grades 1 through college. Mrs. de Laveaga loves homeschooling and learning alongside her five children; two have graduated from college and married, one is in college, and two of her children are at home. You can reach Mrs. de Laveaga by email at </span><a href="mailto:delaveaga.hsc@gmail.com"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 10pt;">delaveaga.hsc@gmail.com</span></a><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #335b8a; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24.5333px;">Subjects</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.3333px;"><br /></span><b><span style="color: #4f81bd; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 19.9333px;">Your List of Subjects Scheduled for the Four School Days (per week for 19 weeks)</span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">* History </span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">(45-60 minutes per day) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">* Literature </span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">(45-60 minutes per day) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">* Greek & Latin Roots</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"> (10-15 minutes per day) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">* Poetry Memorization</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"> (10-15 minutes per day) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">* Creative Writing</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"> (60-90 minutes per <b>week</b>)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">* Science </span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">(60-90 minutes per <b>week</b>)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">* Solo Reading</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"> (time varies per family choice; suggested 30-60 minutes per day) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">* Project Work </span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">(time varies per family choice; suggested 60-90 minutes per <b>week</b>)<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #335b8a; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24.5333px;">Core Texts</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #4f81bd; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 19.9333px;">Getting Your Texts/Books</span></b><span style="color: #4f81bd; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 19.9333px;"><br /></span>The same texts are used for all three parts of the series.<span style="color: #4f81bd;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "noto sans symbols"; font-size: 10pt;">●<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">New or used copies</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"> of the texts will work for use in this course. See BookFinder.com for the best prices.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "noto sans symbols"; font-size: 10pt;">●<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">Choosing Prices:</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"> The price range after each title reflects the lowest price (Kindle edition or used edition) to the highest price range (new and/or hardback edition).</span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "noto sans symbols"; font-size: 10pt;">●<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">Total Price:</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"> The low-cost options for these books can total approximately $79 and the highest cost options (all new/hardback) would cost approximately $200.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "noto sans symbols"; font-size: 10pt;">●<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">Text and Year Overlap: </span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">Some of the Medieval books will also be used in Year Three (Making of the Modern World).</span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #4f81bd; font-size: 13pt;">Your Book List</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">Purchase or borrow the following books for the school year (required):</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The Story of Civilization (TSoC), Volume 2: The Medieval Worl</span></i></b><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">d</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">, by Phillip Campbell (</span><b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt;">ISBN-10:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt;"> 1505105749; <b>ISBN-13:</b> 978-1505105742)</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> (All Year) ($10-$22).<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ol>
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<b><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 10pt;">Note</span></b><i><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 10pt;">: </span></i><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 10pt;">Supplementary <b><u>TSoC</u></b><u> </u>Student and Teacher texts and Audio/Video products are optional. We recommend adding supplementary texts (as well as audio and video materials) as tools for further engagement. TAN Books offers families enrolled in the Grade School Unit Study Program a <b>40% discount on all supplementary materials</b>. Please email instructor Jackie deLaveaga at delaveaga.hsc@gmail.com for the coupon code.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The Story Book of Science</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">, by Jean Henri Fabre (</span><b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt;">ISBN-10:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt;"> 1599150255; <b>ISBN-13:</b> 978-1599150253) (All Year) ($0 [Kindle] to $15).</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Insect Adventures</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">, by Jean Henri Fabre (</span><b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt;">ISBN-10:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt;"> 1500196452; <b>ISBN-13:</b> 978-1500196455) (All Year) ($2-$12)</span><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Note: </span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">For an advanced reader in the family, consider adding <i>Fabre’s Book of Insects</i> to the family reading (optional and will not be on the schedule).<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Once Upon a Time Saints</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">, by Ethel Pochocki (</span><b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt;">ISBN-10:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt;"> 1883937159; <b>ISBN-13:</b> 978-1883937) (All Year) ($5-$12).</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">More Once Upon a Time Saints</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">,<b> </b>by Ethel Pochocki (</span><b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt;">ISBN-10:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt;"> 1883937345; <b>ISBN-13:</b> 978-1883937348) (All Year) ($5-$12).</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">English from the Roots Up, Volume 2</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">,<b> </b>by Joegil Lundquist (</span><b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt;">ASIN:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt;"> B00E322V94). Any new or used volume works. Families will also buy or make the study flashcards for this book. (All Year) ($15+).</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ol>
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<ol start="7" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Saint Benedict</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">,<b> </b>by Mary Fabyan Windeatt (</span><b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt;">ISBN-10:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt;"> 0895554275; <b>ISBN-13:</b> 978-0895554277) (Fall 2020) ($6-$12).</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">If All the Swords in England: A Story of Thomas Becket</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">, by Barbara Willard (</span><b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt;">ISBN-10:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt;"> 1883937493<b>; ISBN-13:</b> 978-1883937492) (Spring 2021) ($6-$15).</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><i><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt;">Son of Charlemagne</span></i></b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt;">,<b> </b>by Barbara Willard (<b>ISBN: </b>9781883937300; <b>ISBN-10:</b>1883937302 (Fall 2020) ($5-$15).</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ol>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">S<i>aint Thomas Aquinas: The Story of “The Dumb Ox,”</i> </span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">by Mary Fabyan Windeatt (<b>ISBN</b>: <span style="background: rgb(251, 251, 251);"> 9780895554208) (Spring 2021-Part 3) ($5-$9).</span><o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ol>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><i><span style="background: rgb(251, 251, 251); font-size: 10pt;">Francis and Clare, Saints of Assisi</span></i></b><span style="background: rgb(251, 251, 251); font-size: 10pt;">, by Helen Walker Homan (<b>ISBN-10:</b> 0898705177<o:p></o:p></span></li>
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<b><span style="background: rgb(251 , 251 , 251); color: #333333; font-size: 10pt;">ISBN-13:</span></b><span style="background: rgb(251 , 251 , 251); color: #333333; font-size: 10pt;"> 978-0898705171) (Spring 2021) ($2-$9).</span><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt;"><br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #4f81bd; font-size: 13pt;">Pictorial Encyclopedias</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt;"><br />Families will use pictorial encyclopedias throughout the year that include plants, animals, and insects. Because students will be pulling out key facts from the encyclopedias for their work, and they will need ample facts from which to choose, please avoid using primary level books and choose books at a reading level above the 6th grade. We recommend the following three books, as low cost, high interest options:<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Reader’s Digest North American Wildlife</span></i></b><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">(</span><b><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 10pt;">ISBN-13</span></b><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 10pt;">: 978-0895771025; <b>ISBN-10</b>: 9780895771025) (All Year) ($5-$35).</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><i><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 10pt;">Animals: A Visual Encyclopedia</span></i></b><b><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></b><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 10pt;">(</span><b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt;">ISBN-10:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt;"> 0756691702<b>; ISBN-13:</b> 978-0756691707) Any used volume will work. (All Year) ($6-$16).</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><i><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 10pt;">Smithsonian Handbooks:</span></i></b><i><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt;"> <b>Insects </b></span></i><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt;">(<b>ISBN-10:</b> 0789493926; <b>ISBN-13:</b> 978-0789493927) Any used volume will work. (All Year) ($6-$16).</span></li>
</ol>
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<b style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://tinyurl.com/gradeschoolhsc" target="_blank">READY TO REGISTER? CLICK HERE FOR HOMESCHOOL CONNECTIONS REGISTRATION PAGE.</a></b><br />
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Let us know if you have any questions: <b><a href="https://homeschoolconnectionsonline.com/contact" target="_blank">Contact us here</a>.</b>Homeschool Connectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09571985282210460624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7626646903115727860.post-21516661662525092972020-04-20T22:03:00.000-04:002020-04-20T22:03:31.788-04:00Surviving Home Together in a Pandemic<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Surviving Home Together</span></b></div>
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<o:p> </o:p><i style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;">Jenny Bales </i></div>
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<i><a href="http://homeschoolconnectionsonline.blogspot.com/search/label/Mom%20to%20Mom%20Column%20by%20Jenny%20Bales" style="color: #999999; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Mom to Mom </a></i><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(click to see all of Jenny's articles)</span></div>
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As the weeks drag on, this stay at home thing is getting old!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Intellectually, we know, that we’re staying home for the common good. We want to protect the vulnerable, our neighbors, and our family members from the virus.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But emotionally, many of us are feeling trapped. And as a mom, we get the privilege of helping everyone cope with big feelings.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s going to be okay.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Though we weren’t able to meet together on Easter, all year round we are an Easter people—and the victory is already won!<br />
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By “keeping the long view” and trusting in the Lord, He will comfort us.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We can make some practical changes, too, to make life easier.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Here are some practical considerations that can go a long way to keeping home life more peaceful during this time.<br />
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<b>Somebody in My Space<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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All of a sudden, we need a bigger house. Seriously.<br />
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The noise canceling headphones bought for the now-working-from-home husband or wife on Amazon to help tune out the usual kid noises aren’t quite enough. (I find myself saying, “quiet feet, quiet voices,” more than a dozen times a day.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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College students are suddenly at home, and teens who usually work are home full time, too. More people means more eating, more cooking, more dishes, and more messes.<br />
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The “more messes” part also means more shoes, more dirt, and more laundry. (The usual housekeeping <i>definitely </i>isn’t enough.)<br />
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And perhaps the biggest change is that when living space is tight, tempers can be short.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">My husband has been a wonderful help in many ways. But often, if I’m honest, I’d rather do it myself. I don’t know about you, but I find my feathers ruffled in some way or another, </span><i style="font-size: 14.6667px;">daily</i><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">. Because whether it’s my husband or another family member—he (or she) doesn’t quite do things the way I prefer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">This </span><i style="font-size: 14.6667px;">he’s in my space </i><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">thing is real.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">I love my family. So do you. But right now, they’re all—always—in our space!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">What do we do?</span></div>
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<b>The Answer to “Space Wars”</b><br />
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I’ve learned a few things these past few weeks—and maybe what I’ve learned can help you, too.<o:p></o:p></div>
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First, I bite my tongue.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Regardless of how legitimate the complaint is, when hackles are raised, it’s probably not a good idea to speak in the heat of the moment. Not many of the upheavals, uprisings, and up-endings are true emergencies.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I now think and say (either to myself or aloud), “This can wait until a more appropriate time.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, truth be told, I’ve been totally failing at this in the past few days. But it’s still a goal—and it still helps tremendously when used!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Second, I recite gratitude.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Keeping a gratitude journal, silently repeating prayers of thanksgiving, and having everyone share the best part of the day at dinnertime helps me to focus on the positive (and keep the frustration monster away). When I focus on the gifts instead of the grumblings and thank each person’s attempt to be helpful, healing and positivity can return.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Then, I give grace.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I give grace to myself for yelling. (We all do it, at sometime or another.) I apologize. When others don’t take suggestions well, I give grace then, too.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And yes, more times than not, this is really hard to do. But grace is what diffuses the frustration and puts us on the path to keeping peace in the Space Wars.<br />
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We give grace to receive grace. Grace helps us to remember what’s truly important.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We’re home. We’re safe. We’re together.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Never Alone<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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We <i>are </i>together. All the time. Every day. Morning and night. Weekdays and weekends. Argh!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now more than ever, it’s tricky to find time to ourselves.<o:p></o:p></div>
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While some tease introverts, saying that the stay at home orders are a dream come true, the truth is, introverts struggle to find a quiet space. When we’re never alone, even extroverts (who typically don’t need as much alone time) feel the strain.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In the whole stay-at-home, stay-in-place dynamic, we can’t escape.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We can’t go to a coffee shop with friends—or enjoy a private latte. We can’t even rely on the grocery store as our time away, since that experience, too, has become so stressful.<o:p></o:p></div>
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How do we make space in our crowded homes to be alone? How do we find space to enjoy our thoughts—or to pray in solitude?<o:p></o:p></div>
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One answer is to get outside.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Step out onto the porch for a few minutes. Regardless of the outdoor weather, grab a breath of fresh-air peace. Take walks. If the weather’s warm enough, bring a chair and a book to the yard for a bit. Maybe Dad can take the kids on a walk, giving Mom a quiet house for at least fifteen minutes (or more).<o:p></o:p></div>
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Another answer is to build a quiet time into the day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Get up before your children. Use naptime or quiet time in the afternoon to step into the quiet. Or put the kids to bed early, to read for a bit. Taking a much-needed break is priceless.<br />
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Use a block of time to pray or do something personally enjoyable, rather than spending the entire time scrambling to get chores completed. Ask the Lord to quiet your soul. Many saints speak of inner peace<s>, </s>and finding the calm in the chaos.<o:p></o:p></div>
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St. Francis de Sales wrote:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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The whole world is certainly facing an “upset” time—so this is the time to seek inner peace.<br />
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<b>Missing Jesus<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The one thing that makes my heart ache the most is not being able to receive Jesus in the Eucharist during this time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I definitely took for granted the great gift of the Most Holy Sacrament, and I go back and forth between sorrow and anger. If you feel the same, this is what brings me consolation.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s a good thing to miss the Eucharist, as it demonstrates a proper understanding of the sacrament and acknowledges the good it does our souls. Our ache for the community of our parish is good, too, because the people of the Church are also the Body of Christ.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We need both.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Many saints, especially martyrs, went without the Mass much longer than we will. They know this hurt more than we do, and it helped them get to heaven! Ask these holy men and women to pray for us. Even today, there are places where the Mass cannot be celebrated (when there’s not a pandemic), and we can remember our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ in prayer, too.<o:p></o:p></div>
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God is with us every moment of every day. Remembering that Truth helps us to deal with being home together, fighting Space Wars, dealing with the need to find our personal alone time, and waiting for the time we attend Mass together again with our brothers and sisters in Christ.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Picture Him in the kitchen, in the living room, and in the hallways of your home. <br />
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Take a moment here and there to pray, “Jesus, I Trust in You,” and “Have mercy on me, O God.” He will help us persevere through this pandemic, if we ask.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Regardless of the hour or the location, when we call on the Lord, He hears us.<o:p></o:p></div>
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He has exactly what we need and will help us to get through the pandemic and grow in holiness. Together.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: xx-small;">Jenny Bales is a Catholic homeschooling mom who is passionate about encouraging and connecting mothers through their homeschooling journeys. She and her husband live in North Texas with their four children who have been homeschooled all their lives. Her homeschool philosophy is "whatever works" with a smattering of literature-based learning, Charlotte Mason, and Classical elements. Jenny loves hot tea, sweet tea, dark chocolate, red wine, college football, and mystery novels—and can’t resist an opportunity to coordinate a conference, retreat, co-op, book study, social group, and or moms’ night out. Jenny loves to reflect on all aspects of Catholic homeschooling through the lens of our incredible Catholic faith. You can find Jenny and her work at <a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_1105751046" style="color: #999999; text-decoration-line: none;">w</a></span><a href="http://www.heartofamother.net/" style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-size: x-small; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">ww.heartofamother.net</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: xx-small;">.</span></div>
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Homeschool Connectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09571985282210460624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7626646903115727860.post-37083263299461993312020-04-16T18:35:00.000-04:002020-04-21T08:51:28.226-04:00Is College for Everyone? Here is What One College Professor Has to Say<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Why Go to College in the Twenty-First Century?</b></span></div>
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<i><a href="http://www.michaelkurek.com/" target="_blank">Michael Kurek</a></i></div>
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As a retiring college professor (this is my final semester), I have lately been reflecting on what advice I would give about college to Christian high-school students and their parents. First, I would advise those of you in this position to think about whether to go to college at all, why to go, if you do choose to go, what to study there, when to go, and where to go (or where not to go).<br />
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Whether to go. No longer, in my opinion, should it be assumed that virtually every high-school student should automatically plan to go on to college, lest it be feared that not going means they have already failed in life or are starting life with a basic disadvantage. Such an assumption has only been prevalent in America since around the 1970’s, anyway. Before that, partly due to the cost of college, many high-school graduates took a two-year vocational training or an apprenticeship in a family business and did very well. Even during the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, when I worked for my own tuition during the summers on a house-painting crew, I was routinely teased with the name “college boy.” None of the other crew had gone to college, and some of them earned more money annually in skilled trades than I ended up earning as a college professor. What was more important to them was that theirs was a noble calling. They were proud of their quality craftsmanship; it was a vocation from God and still can be, for some. Nowadays, the question is being asked again, because many students come out of college with a huge debt and have no professional training by which to pay it back. Those vocational certificate options are starting to look more attractive, and they exist in many more fields now that promise a good salary, especially in I.T./computer work and medical technology. Going to college now should not be simply an assumption, “because everybody does it,” but a choice made for carefully thought-out, compelling reasons.<br />
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Why go and what to study. Certain fields, like engineering, law school, and medical school do require college and even graduate school, of course, and God may be calling you in that direction. However, it has always felt a little risky to major in the liberal arts or the fine arts. Nonetheless, that has worked out just fine for many students, too. A strong background in the canon of great literature, the arts, and foreign languages could help to form a young person into an educated, cultured, well-spoken person, which was worth the cost of tuition. Such graduates might be a great asset to a business, or even pick up a masters of business administration; or they may go to law school or medical school or seminary.<br />
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Where to go. A liberal arts path to success could still be worthwhile and still hold true, but nowadays it depends very much on where you go to college. This is because It can no longer be assumed that the canon of great literature and the arts is still being taught at many top schools. Some of my own students tell me that they are not, by any means, getting that kind education in some of their other classes, which have been commandeered by the rigid ideology of identity politics. To cite one recent magazine article by a music professor, who shall remain nameless:<br />
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“Here is the false belief that greatness is a quality inherent in a piece of music, rather than a culturally conditioned designation given by someone else…. Every year, social media platforms explode with disappointment as one orchestra after another tries to sell a season riddled with music by dead white men.” </blockquote>
This sort of quote could have come from many professors in many fields at practically every major university. The phrase “social media platforms explode” catches my attention. I guess it very much depends on which tiny social media subcultures you are choosing to read. They explode more like a cap gun or a Christmas cracker, I’d say. “Exploding” implies that many people feel this way, but my experience with symphony audiences is quite the opposite. What I see exploding is a desire to hear more, not less, of the great repertoire, because it is indeed inherently beautiful, not because it was written by a member of any particular race or gender. It takes a great deal of insulting presumption and judgmental elitism to imply that so many people want to hear great music because of the composer’s race. Another phrase that catches my eye is that the orchestras’ seasons are “riddled” with music by “dead white men,” which would seem to allude to a corpse being riddled with bullets, that is, the lethal or somehow toxic musical bullets of dead white men. I am not sure why being dead is so bad. I think it may be a historical chauvinism that assumes only the living of this generation are truly enlightened. So being both dead and male is a double whammy. Parents, those who make such out-of-touch, ivory-tower pronouncements eagerly await the chance, themselves, to riddle and explode your student’s young mind!<br />
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So, if you are considering studying the liberal arts at a certain college, I would urge you to pay it a visit and sit in on a few of their classes, and ask the professors for a copy of the syllabus you will have to follow, should you go there. It will often list the works of literature or art to be studied in that course, which can be very revealing. Go home and research what those works and authors are about. Look for a clear statement from the school of their commitment to the traditional canon of great works and to a Christian worldview, but make sure this commitment is actually required of all the professors, too, and is not only a case of the administration using it as a recruiting tool, especially at supposedly Catholic universities.<br />
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I have listed above one more question, which is “when”. My experience as a professor is that some students are not yet ready to get the most they can out of college, right out of high school. Many would benefit from at least one year of working “in the real world” before going to college. Many colleges will accept you with a “deferment” to begin a year later. On that note, assuming you do find a wonderful college to attend, let me give you five pieces of advice:<br />
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1. Go with the expectation that grading is often going to be subjective and not “fair”. Let it go. You can fight over grades with the professor and then wind up with a poor letter of recommendation, which will do you much more harm than a B on your transcript. Unless you are going to medical school or law school, letters of recommendation are likely to be taken much more seriously by future employers and graduate schools than your final GPA. Many people would rather hire a B student who is said to be cooperative and nice to work with than an A student who is said to be unteachable and entitled.</blockquote>
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2. Do not speak to the professor as an equal. This mentality has emerged during the last several years; I don’t know why. Speak to your professor with deference and respect as someone in a higher position who has more decades of experience in their field than you. When you write an e-mail to professor Jones, don’t begin it with “Hi” but with “Dear Professor Jones”. If the professor’s door is propped open for office hours, don’t just walk in. Knock and wait to be invited in. </blockquote>
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3. Do not get your feelings hurt if the professor calls on you personally, and you feel embarrassed because you don’t know the answer. That is not “insensitivity” or “shaming”. It’s called good teaching.</blockquote>
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4. Don’t expect to be spoon-fed the material that will be on an upcoming test, or even told what the format will be. Your job is to study everything and be ready for any kind of question about it. And yes, it is fair.</blockquote>
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5. You are not entitled to an A, even if you feel like you deserved one. The professor does not grade on how you feel. If you get an 89% (still a good grade), it is not because the professor “took off” eleven points. Rather, starting with zero, the professor added up the correct answers, and they totaled 89 points that you earned. Each assignment and test returned to you will have a grade on it. There is a grading scale on the syllabus, with the weight of each component. You can use this to keep track of how you are doing, yourself. Don’t ask the professor to figure that out for you in the middle of the course by asking “How am I doing?”</blockquote>
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In summary, there are many wonderful experiences and life-long friendships to be made during the young-adult “college years”, whether they are spent at a major university, smaller four-year college, or two-year technical school, and God can call students to any of the above. Especially for technical four-year degrees in engineering, math, business, and science, it may be possible, with careful selection of electives, to avoid altogether or take very few of the courses that have an agenda to destroy a Christian worldview. Also, some of the most devout extra-curricular student faith groups can be found at the “worst” secular universities and be a kind of life saver (or eternal life saver). However, my point in this article is simply that it may be impossible nowadays for committed Christians just to sign up and trustingly flow along with conventional models of higher education that we all once took for granted. We must proactively investigate what is really being taught and how it will equip us to serve God in the world with excellence of knowledge and skill, while preserving the precious faith that parents have, for so many years before college, worked to inculcate into their students.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">American composer Michael Kurek’s music, hailed for its melo dic neoromanticism, has garnered performances by symphony orchestras and chamber ensembles in fifteen countries on five continents. His many awards for music include the prestigious Academy Award in Music from the American Academy of Arts and Letters (the Academy’s top lifetime achievement award in composition), and he has served on the Classical Nominations Committee for the Grammy Awards. His 2017 album, The Sea Knows, was No. 1 on Billboard’s Traditional Classical Chart. He holds the doctorate in composition from the University of Michigan and has served on the faculty of Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN for 31 years. The Panhellenic Council and all ten sororities of the university recently presented him with the award “Best Music Educator at Vanderbilt.” He is a certified catechist for the diocese of Nashville. His book, <i><a href="https://amzn.to/2VC23x0" target="_blank">The Sound of Beauty: A Composer on Music and the Spiritual Life </a></i>from Ignatius Press. Dr. Kurek also teaches high school music for <a href="https://homeschoolconnectionsonline.com/people/michael-kurek" target="_blank">HomeschoolConnections.com</a>. For more information, photos, and streaming music go to <a href="http://www.michaelkurek.com/">www.michaelkurek.com</a>.</span><br />
<br />Homeschool Connectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09571985282210460624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7626646903115727860.post-38137425235644984792020-04-15T09:31:00.000-04:002020-05-11T11:00:25.510-04:00Best Homeschool Reading Lists<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Top-10 Homeschool Book Lists</span></b></div>
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<i>Maureen Wittmann</i><br />
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Over the years I've homeschooled, I've come to love read aloud time with my children more than anything, aside from sharing God's love with them. I've spent the past 25 years exploring the world of books to find the best titles to share with my children and to share with you, my fellow homeschooler.</div>
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I was recently interviewed by Lisa Mladinich for the <a href="https://homeschoolingsaints.podbean.com/" target="_blank">Homeschooling Saints Podcast</a> to talk read alouds (click here to listen: <a href="https://homeschoolingsaints.podbean.com/e/the-joy-art-and-educational-benefits-of-read-alouds/" target="_blank">The Joy, Art, and Educational Benefits of Reading Aloud</a> or search your favorite podcast app). The interview has motivated me to collect the Top-Ten Reading Lists we've published here at Homeschool Connections ... </div>
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1. The question I get asked the most about reading aloud is "What about books for boys?!?" So, it is not surprising that our all-time most popular blogpost, garnering more than 110,000 visits is: <span style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://homeschoolconnectionsonline.blogspot.com/2016/07/read-alouds-for-6-to-12-year-old-boys.html" target="_blank">Read Alouds for 6- to 12-Year-Old Boys</a>. </b>These books are also great for older boys to read on their own.</span></div>
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2. Second up is <a href="https://homeschoolconnectionsonline.blogspot.com/2018/02/the-ultimate-list-of-family-read-alouds.html" target="_blank"><b>The Ultimate List of Family Read Alouds</b></a>. This is list for families with children of all ages, from preschool to high school and was put together by a group of Homeschool Connections parents,</div>
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3. Finding just the right book for your high school teen can be a challenge. Here is a great list to help you get starting in building a library for your teen, <span style="color: #0000ee;"><b><u><a href="http://homeschoolconnectionsonline.blogspot.com/2016/06/home-library-essentials-for-high-school.html" target="_blank">100+ Books for the Well-Rounded Catholic Young Adult</a></u></b></span>.<br />
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4. I'm all about teaching core subjects through living literature. This reading list will bring your history studies to life: <b><a href="https://homeschoolconnectionsonline.blogspot.com/2010/12/ancient-greece-reading-list-for-middle.html" target="_blank">Ancient Greece Reading List for Grade and Middle School</a></b>.<br />
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5. Get started in your read aloud journey with these picture books: <a href="https://homeschoolconnectionsonline.blogspot.com/2016/05/48-picture-books-for-well-rounded.html" target="_blank"><b>48 Picture Books for the Well-Rounded Catholic Child</b></a>.<br />
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6. To compliment the boys reading list, here is one just for the girls. Older girls can read these books on their own: <b><a href="https://homeschoolconnectionsonline.blogspot.com/2015/12/read-alouds-for-8-to-10-year-old-girls.html" target="_blank">Read Alouds for 8- to 10-Year-Old Girls</a>. </b><br />
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7. Here's a list to save for November: <b><a href="https://homeschoolconnectionsonline.blogspot.com/2017/11/advent-and-christmas-read-alouds-for.html" target="_blank">Advent and Christmas Read Alouds for the Whole Family</a></b>. I recommend keeping a basket just for your Advent and Christmas books in the living room, making the commitment to read one each day.<br />
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8. This is a list for parents. We wrote it almost four years ago and it's getting to be time to put it out there again: <b><a href="https://homeschoolconnectionsonline.blogspot.com/2016/09/10-books-to-read-instead-of-watching.html" target="_blank">10 Books to Read Instead of Watching Political Commercials</a></b>.<br />
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9. This list was written by Homeschool Connections history professor Dr. Christopher Martin: <b><a href="https://homeschoolconnectionsonline.blogspot.com/2017/08/12-classics-to-read-before-college.html" target="_blank">12 Classics to Read Before College</a></b>.<br />
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10. This reading list was created by Professor Carol Reynolds so that a whole family could learn Russian history together: <a href="https://homeschoolconnectionsonline.blogspot.com/2014/01/russian-history-reading-list-pre-k-to.html" target="_blank"><b>Russian History: Reading List Pre-K to Adult</b></a>.<br />
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If you'd like to read more about the benefits of reading aloud, see my three-part series: <b><a href="https://homeschoolconnectionsonline.blogspot.com/search/label/Joy%20of%20Reading%20Aloud" target="_blank">The Joy of Reading Aloud</a></b>.<br />
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Homeschool Connectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09571985282210460624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7626646903115727860.post-41255236239480886582020-04-14T11:57:00.001-04:002020-04-20T11:42:27.116-04:00Overcoming the Loneliness of Pandemic Homeschooling<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Lonely and Stressed: Homeschooling During a Pandemic</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<o:p> </o:p><i style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Jenny Bales </i></div>
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<i><a href="http://homeschoolconnectionsonline.blogspot.com/search/label/Mom%20to%20Mom%20Column%20by%20Jenny%20Bales" style="color: #999999; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Mom to Mom </a></i><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(click to see all of Jenny's articles)</span></div>
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When I read something like, “It’s great that you homeschool so this pandemic is not having much of an effect on your family,” I have to restrain myself from a curt response.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I probably should respond, “We’re definitely blessed that educating our children at home is not new to us. But our daily lives, like everyone else’s, have been significantly disrupted due to not seeing friends, participating in our usual activities, or even leaving the house.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Because it’s the truth: homeschoolers are lonely and stressed—just like everyone else.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Our family is praying for those who are sick and vulnerable. We’re praying for those who care for the sick, as they are experiencing terrible suffering.<br />
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It’s also essential to acknowledge that everyone in our country is impacted in some way. Everyone can be struggling, including long-time homeschoolers.</div>
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<b>What Day Is It?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Most children (and many adults) thrive on routine, and most homeschooling families have a solid rhythm to our days. However, in the past few weeks, our routines have changed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Homeschooling families often spend our summers (or other breaks) coming up with a schedule or rhythm that will work for the coming months (or even the entire year).<br />
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But for the pandemic, there was no warning. No way to prepare.<br />
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We have been thrust into a new normal, just like everyone else, trying to figure it out as we go. And that’s stressful.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s true that homeschoolers can have tremendous flexibility with our schedules. We naturally adapt our routines to meet the changing needs of our families. Yet, in this pandemic, our power over our days is limited. For some, we cannot leave our house, and Dad is suddenly working from home. For most, our outside activities are canceled, and it’s challenging to keep track of what day it is.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Mamas, this is disorienting and exhausting.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Our role, as homeschooling moms, is to set a course for our children’s days. Right now, that comes with extra practical and emotional challenges.<br />
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All we can do is keep moving forward. One step at a time, we keep our eyes fixed on Christ.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, mamas—trust your instincts. Make a simple plan for each day. Say a prayer. And maybe look at a calendar a few times a day to remember what day it is!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>What About Socialization?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Homeschooling often involves visits to libraries, parks, museums, music lessons, co-op, dance classes, sports, and more. Socialization is rarely a problem for homeschooling families. Families who regularly homeschool go to the grocery store, meet in learning opportunities together, and visit with friends and extended family whenever possible.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, all socializing has suddenly stopped. Though our time to connect together is sometimes replaced by Zoom classes and virtual tours, we’re all still lacking face-to-face interaction.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Our kids are lonely. They’re begging to see their friends. And especially the younger ones can’t fully understand why we must keep our distance.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I don’t know about you, but this breaks my heart.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Fortunately, in a family, we have each other. So we have a beautiful opportunity to work on our familial relationships—because these are the most challenging yet the most important relationships we will ever have.<br />
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This is the time for family board games and puzzles, movie nights and campouts. Put activities on the calendar that the whole family can look forward to (at home), and my guess is that attitudes will improve.<br />
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Embrace this time together. Even in the close-knit stress, we can still fill our children’s emotional tanks with love. It’s the best to do—and the right thing to do.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>How are YOU doing, Mom?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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When the schedule is a mess or nonexistent, our kids miss their friends, and we’re all living through a frightening pandemic, Mom is usually the one carrying the emotional weight of it all.<br />
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As women, we’re generally more sensitive to emotion. That’s the way God made us.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We’re worried about many things.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Keeping our children healthy and taking care of our elderly parents consumes our thoughts. Every time someone coughs, we tense. The uncertainty of when the pandemic will end—and how it will end—can be maddening. Maybe we’re short-tempered. Maybe the overwhelm comes out in another way. We may wonder if our husband’s job (or our job) is secure—and we worry how we would survive if we lose part or all of our income.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And we are sad. We miss seeing our mom friends. People are dying. Many of us cannot currently receive the Eucharist, the Source and Summit of our lives, with churches closed to the public.<br />
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We watch our children go through the ups and downs of their emotions. When our children suffer, we suffer.<br />
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Our feminine sensitivity can be maxed out, and some of us have taken to crying in the shower to let out the overwhelming emotion.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Please don’t forget to take care of yourself, Mom.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Take a walk around the block. Call a friend. Enjoy a hot bath. Tell your husband how you are doing. Reach out to a friend or other family members when you need to talk with someone. Acknowledge the anxiety and the grief, and pray for the grace needed to get through another day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Give it to God<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Even without a worldwide crisis, the challenges of a homeschooling mom are many.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The pandemic has touched everyone in some way. And it does no good for us to disregard anyone’s struggles, including our own.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Once, when struggling with many worries, a wise priest taught me to pray. He said, “Imagine a symbol for each of your burdens. Then, in your mind, imagine placing each symbol on the altar.<br />
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“Surrender your concerns. Leave them with God, and walk away.”<br />
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That was good advice. Tangible. Doable. And extremely helpful.<br />
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Maybe it’s something that will work for you, too. Turn to this kind of imaginative mental prayer. When a specific worry comes to mind, picture the worry sitting on the altar. Feel comforted, knowing the Lord is taking care of the worries for you.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Lord sees us and hears us. He wants us to cry out to Him amidst this storm. And when we do, He will comfort us and equip us—so we can provide the structure and compassion within our families that’s needed to make it through this challenging time with hope and peace.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "calibri";">Jenny Bales is a Catholic homeschooling mom who is passionate about encouraging and connecting mothers through their homeschooling journeys. She and her husband live in North Texas with their four children who have been homeschooled all their lives. Her homeschool philosophy is "whatever works" with a smattering of literature-based learning, Charlotte Mason, and Classical elements. Jenny loves hot tea, sweet tea, dark chocolate, red wine, college football, and mystery novels—and can’t resist an opportunity to coordinate a conference, retreat, co-op, book study, social group, and or moms’ night out. Jenny loves to reflect on all aspects of Catholic homeschooling through the lens of our incredible Catholic faith. You can find Jenny and her work at <a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_1105751046">w</a></span><a href="http://www.heartofamother.net/" target="_blank">ww.heartofamother.net</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "calibri";">.</span></span></o:p></div>
Homeschool Connectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09571985282210460624noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7626646903115727860.post-80261328913370333742020-04-06T21:44:00.000-04:002020-04-20T11:43:53.958-04:00Tips for Schooling from Home During COVID-19<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Why Pandemic Schooling Is Harder Than Homeschooling –</span></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.6667px;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">And 14 Tips to Make It Easier</span></b></div>
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<i>Jenny Bales </i></div>
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<i><a href="http://homeschoolconnectionsonline.blogspot.com/search/label/Mom%20to%20Mom%20Column%20by%20Jenny%20Bales" style="color: #999999; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Mom to Mom </a></i><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(click to see all of Jenny's articles)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">How are you feeling?</span></div>
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Are you exhausted, juggling educating the children, keeping those same children entertained, cooking endless meals with limited ingredients, and trying to find toilet paper?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Are you anxious and feeling cooped up, realizing that social distancing is going to last a while—and uneasy because nobody really knows when things will get back to normal?<br />
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Here’s a word of wisdom for all of us who aren’t used to homeschooling: You’re not actually homeschooling. You’re schooling at home.<br />
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(There’s a difference.)<br />
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And if you’re feeling extra stressed, there’s a reason.</div>
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<b>Homeschooling vs. Schooling at Home<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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If you’ve suddenly found yourself schooling at home, you may have Googled, “ways to make homeschooling easier.” And you may have found that homeschooling bloggers keep advising us all to simply “enjoy the time with your children, and just relax.”<br />
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What? Relax?!<br />
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How? Teachers give online class times, deadlines, and stacks of worksheets. It’s anything but relaxing.<br />
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It’s<i> hard.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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Well, take heart. This is not the way that homeschooling usually works. This is Pandemic Schooling. And Pandemic Schooling is harder than homeschooling. Way harder.<br />
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So realize that what you’re doing is, by design, tough. Take a breath. Here are some truths and tips to help take the pressure off.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Being Together All the Time<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Pandemic Schooling means we’re all together—all the time.<br />
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With local government stay at home orders to “shelter in place,” we only leave the house for essentials. So our homes are feeling <i>really</i> cramped right about now.<o:p></o:p></div>
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(As much as we love our families, being apart does make the heart grow fonder.)<br />
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We’re used to our kids leaving for learning, events, and activities—and that “apartness” gives us breathing room to think, do, and just be.<br />
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Without the breathing room, we’re in a pressure cooker.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Here’s the good news:<o:p></o:p></div>
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The new normal of Pandemic Schooling is an opportunity for love. Whether we like it or not, the close-knit pressure cooker gives us so much more time to demonstrate love to each and every member of our families.<br />
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(Isn’t love what really matters?)<br />
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Sure, it’s hard. Really hard. For all of us. Luckily, there are some “under the wire” ways to take pressure off and make the closeness count for something good.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Try this:</b> When siblings bicker, bring them together on the couch. Give them a mission, a common task—one that can strengthen their relationship. For younger kids, that might be building a block tower as high as the table. For teens, it might be the challenging of setting up an obstacle course in the driveway. For every age, that might be baking cookies.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Try this:</b> When the house seems small, go outside. Blow bubbles with the young ones in the backyard. Draw with chalk on the driveway. Take a walk around the neighborhood. Even if it’s raining, take the umbrellas and go for it. As you social distance and stay six feet apart from neighbors, remember to smile and laugh. Together.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Try this: </b>Have each child keep a daily gratitude journal. At a meal, give everyone the opportunity to share entries. Encouraging gratitude in these uncertain times can create togetherness… that turns into priceless treasures.<br />
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<b>Try this:</b> You, Mama, can keep a daily gratitude journal, too. Don’t forget that your love leads by example.</div>
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<b style="font-size: 11pt;">Calming the Chaos</b></div>
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Chaos, in all of its craziness, just may have become the new norm. As the mom, you’re the leader orchestrating the Pandemic Schooling—the one in the middle of it all.<br />
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You can be a part of the storm or the eye of the storm.<br />
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Babies cry and need to be changed. Toddlers empty bookshelves. And those school kids? One needs help with math, one wants to know how to spell <i>antiquated, </i>and another needs help logging into the online classroom. Oh—and Dad needs everyone to be quiet during his conference call.<br />
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(And everyone needs mom at the same time.)<br />
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There’s a reason it’s more chaotic.<o:p></o:p></div>
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With Pandemic Schooling, children who’ve attended “outside school” are used to the rhythm of everyone doing the same thing at the same time. Movement and activities are together, with a group, so transitions and focus are easier.<br />
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Not so, with Pandemic Schooling.<br />
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Everyone relies on Mom, to keep everyone on track, on task, and moving from one activity to the next.<br />
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How can one person do it all?<br />
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You can’t. But you can make a plan to do what you can, in the time you have, and in an order that makes sense for everyone.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Try this:</b> Set boundaries with “age-based response time.” If you’re being pulled in multiple directions at once, let a child’s age be your guide for prioritizing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Babies come first. Let everyone know—if the baby needs you, the baby’s our family’s priority. Children with special needs get the same priority. Instead of feeling guilty, embrace the pro-life lesson—and teach your children how to love the little ones. Make it okay for all motion and activity to stop, for mom to address the need, and to start up again when the need is taken care of.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Older children (which can be defined as, “those who can write”) get to learn to wait—and learn to grow in selflessness.<br />
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<b>Try this:</b> Give the older kids a daily task list—a written out “to do” guide to use throughout the day, with jobs of varying difficulty that can be completed independently.<br />
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<b>Try this:</b> Grab some Post-it notes and a wipe-off marker, and make a “parking lot” on a window where a child’s non-urgent questions can be “parked.” Number the parking spaces. As a non-critical (but still “real”) need comes up, the child “makes his car” (lists the need on the Post-it) and puts the “car” in the next open “parking spot.” Let the child know that you’ll attend to the questions as soon as you can, in the order that the needs are “parked.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Try this: </b>For moms with outside-of-the-home jobs, if you’re suddenly managing a child’s distance learning and are still expected to work from home, have a heart-to-heart with the rest of the family (and yourself). As hard as it is, accept there’s only so much of Mom to go around. Admit to your children that you can’t do everything. Let them know how to help with specific, actionable tasks. Describe how your children can actually show you love—by their actions.</div>
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<b>Working Together<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Working together is the goal.<br />
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Again—“togetherness” most likely will not be easy. Pandemic Schooling will continue to be one of the most challenging things you’ve ever done—because the family’s not <i>practiced </i>at working together.<br />
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But that doesn’t mean working together can’t happen.<br />
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Throughout history, children have demonstrated the ability to take on more responsibilities when needed, pitching in during tough times. If you have school-aged children, they’re fully capable of making sandwiches for lunch and keeping the toddler safe for an hour. Really.<br />
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Our kids can and should help—and teaching a child about serving the family is teaching how to put love into action.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Try this:</b> This is the perfect time to assign chores. Take specific moments to train children to complete more chores, or different chores, than they’ve been assigned in the past. For each chore, on a 3x5 card, write out the 1-2-3 steps to completion. Have the child take the card along, to check off the chore’s steps as they go. The card becomes a “self-teaching tool” (you don’t have to be there, to make sure the job is completed). Then check the child’s work when the task is completed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Setting new routines can also be a challenge.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Many of us juggle multiple online meetings a day, on limited devices. Students who are not used to working independently suddenly have to do so. Of course, everyone’s learning at a different academic level. And the lessons are (also of course) unfamiliar to Mom.<br />
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It’s enough to make anyone’s head spin.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Try this:</b> Write down the family’s routines and post it to a wall. Set times on the posted routine for meetings, calls, and even meals. Having the routine posted can set expectations—and put everyone more at ease.<br />
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<b>Try this:</b> Get detailed. Don’t simply post, “School time.” Schedule and plan time for independent student work <i>and </i>the work time with Mom. Build in lots of flexibility, allowing for interruptions with “margin time” or white space so, if needed, an activity can flow overtime—or everyone can simply put their feet up and breathe in the white space.<br />
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<b>Try this:</b> Make outdoor time a priority. List specific activities and post the list by the door, like “kick the ball into a goal” (targeted area) or “pull dead leaves from between the bushes in the backyard.” Offer “points” that can be cashed in for a dish of ice cream or screen time.<br />
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<b>Try this:</b> Gather for prayer. Set family prayer time on your posted routine, and rotate who reads from the <span class="msoIns" style="color: teal; text-decoration-line: underline;"><ins cite="mailto:Mom" datetime="2020-04-06T16:59">B</ins></span>ible or leads the prayer. As a group or individually, come up with specific people and situations to pray for, and let kids pick for whom they’ll pray.<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The tough news is this: Even with the most cooperative and capable children and a carefully constructed plan, it’s probably not going to be enough.<br />
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(Life during this time simply won’t be like it was.)<br />
<br />
Homeschoolers often joke that hoping for a clean house, home-cooked meals, a daily shower, completed schoolwork, and Mom’s sanity is too much to ask, for one day. Adding on, “working from home” and “keeping our family safe from a pandemic,” makes this whole situation exponentially harder.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So be intentional. Choose what appears to be most important each day.<br />
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And forgive yourself and others, when intentions don’t pan out.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Try this:</b> Intentionally envision the weeklong view. On a specific night, look at your week as a whole. Pray over the proposed week. Trust God’s loving mercy to fill in the gaps and keep much-needed break time clearly spread throughout, to find and experience balance.<o:p></o:p></div>
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That truly is the best we can do, in this crisis.<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<b>Seeking Grace<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Amidst all of the Pandemic Schooling changes we find ourselves immersed in, humbly looking to God and relying on Him is our saving grace.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">We have a hope: by his cross we have been healed and embraced so that nothing and no one can separate us from his redeeming love. In the midst of isolation when we are suffering … let us once again listen to the proclamation that saves us: he is risen and is living by our side. The Lord asks us from his cross to rediscover the life that awaits us … to strengthen, recognize and foster the grace that lives within us.</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7626646903115727860#_edn1" name="_ednref1" style="color: #954f72;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="line-height: 15.6933px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">[i]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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God’s grace is abundant. His strength will sustain us. And all of these struggles can, if we let them, lead our families closer to the Lord.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When we focus on loving one another and serving together in love, we grow closer to God. Because God <i>is </i>Love.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujHGkrx1i82KHJQiplgrBFSmNbhdObXhq6wlJOf3fxKQFq7iZDy-hEYbM2LwDIrDv2Ygtxzmf0ZoPf-U66ETgGiuhiQ-618bYBkJbsFjY4PjBl2eAkkZ2-fpUT3L9JMv8ZydwOZmdtgXq/s1600/Jenny+1+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1085" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujHGkrx1i82KHJQiplgrBFSmNbhdObXhq6wlJOf3fxKQFq7iZDy-hEYbM2LwDIrDv2Ygtxzmf0ZoPf-U66ETgGiuhiQ-618bYBkJbsFjY4PjBl2eAkkZ2-fpUT3L9JMv8ZydwOZmdtgXq/s200/Jenny+1+%25282%2529.jpg" width="135" /></a></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: x-small;">Jenny Bales is a Catholic homeschooling mom who is passionate about encouraging and connecting mothers through their homeschooling journeys. She and her husband live in North Texas with their four children who have been homeschooled all their lives. Her homeschool philosophy is "whatever works" with a smattering of literature-based learning, Charlotte Mason, and Classical elements. Jenny loves hot tea, sweet tea, dark chocolate, red wine, college football, and mystery novels—and can’t resist an opportunity to coordinate a conference, retreat, co-op, book study, social group, and or moms’ night out. Jenny loves to reflect on all aspects of Catholic homeschooling through the lens of our incredible Catholic faith. You can find Jenny and her work at <a href="http://www.heartofamother.net/" target="_blank">www.heartofamother.net</a>.</span></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7626646903115727860#_ednref1" name="_edn1" style="color: #954f72;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span class="MsoEndnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.2667px;">[i]</span></span></span></a> Pope Francis, “Pope at Urbi et orbi: Full text of his meditation,” Vatican News, <a href="https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-03/urbi-et-orbi-pope-coronavirus-prayer-blessing.html" style="color: #954f72;">https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-03/urbi-et-orbi-pope-coronavirus-prayer-blessing.html</a> (accessed March 31, 2020).<o:p></o:p></div>
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Homeschool Connectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09571985282210460624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7626646903115727860.post-81537232869874987152020-04-02T21:53:00.000-04:002020-04-03T13:50:23.543-04:004-Year Cycle: Medieval Historical Era (Live, Online Classes)<div style="text-align: center;">
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ANNOUNCING: Homeschool Connections' four-year cycle for live, interactive courses ...<br />
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In response to requests from students and their parents, Homeschool Connections has organized a four-year cycle of coordinated courses for all students in your family, third through twelfth grade. This is so your entire family can learn about the same era at the same time, making life easier for parents and making school more fun for children. (We also offer alternate courses, not in the cycle.)<br />
<br />
The four-year cycle includes:<br />
<ul>
<li>Grade-school unit studies: 3rd through 6th grade (reading list and suggested activities provided for pre-k to 2nd siblings)</li>
<li>Middle-school history and literature courses: 6th through 8th grade</li>
<li>High-school history, literature, and philosophy courses: 9th through 12th grade</li>
</ul>
<div>
The four eras in the cycle are:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Ancient (taught live in 2019/2020 and now available as a recorded, independent-learning unit)</li>
<li>Medieval (starting Fall 2020)</li>
<li>Renaissance through Modern (starting Fall 2021)</li>
<li>American (starting Fall 2022)</li>
</ul>
</div>
NOTE: If you prefer recorded, independent-learning courses, this is already available through our <a href="https://homeschoolconnectionsonline.com/unlimited-access-1" target="_blank">Unlimited Access</a> program. For a list of Unlimited Access courses available and how they fit into the <a href="http://homeschoolconnectionsonline.blogspot.com/2020/03/four-year-cycle-homeschooling.html" target="_blank">four-year cycle click here</a>.<br />
<br />
For the upcoming 2020/2021 school year, we are offering courses based on Medieval History in addition to our regular slate. Here are the live, interactive courses now open for you to get started on learning together as a family ...<br />
<br />
-- <b>Grade School</b>. The online grade school unit study program is based on <a href="https://www.tanbooks.com/the-story-of-civilization-vol-2-the-medieval-world.html" target="_blank">TAN Books' Story of Civilization</a>. The unit study is geared for third through sixth grade and will include religion, history, language arts, and science. For 2020/2021 we are adding a creative writing course for 3rd to 6th grade with a Medieval theme. Taught by Jackie deLaveaga. Registration is open <a href="https://homeschoolconnections.gosignmeup.com/public/course/browse?viewstate=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%3D&AllowDirectLoad=1" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
<ul>
<li>Unit Studies</li>
<li>Creative Writing</li>
</ul>
-- <b>Middle School</b>. Click on the course title to learn more or register:<br />
<ul>
<li>History: <a href="https://homeschoolconnections.gosignmeup.com/public/Course/browse?courseid=2953" target="_blank"><i>Middle School Medieval History</i></a>, Fall 2020 taught by Phillip Campbell (12 weeks)</li>
<li>History/Science: <i><a href="https://homeschoolconnections.gosignmeup.com/public/Course/browse?courseid=2955" target="_blank">Medicine, Invention, and Technology in the Middle Ages</a></i>, Spring 2021 taught by Phillip Campbell (12 weeks)</li>
<li>Literature/History: <i><a href="https://homeschoolconnections.gosignmeup.com/public/Course/browse?courseid=3015" target="_blank">Spring Tide: Living History Through Literature (Medieval Era 5)</a></i>, Fall 2020 taught by Jackie de Laveaga (6 weeks)</li>
<li>Literature/History: <i><a href="https://homeschoolconnections.gosignmeup.com/public/Course/browse?courseid=3016" target="_blank">Augustine Came to Kent: Living History Through Literature (Medieval Era 6)</a></i>, Fall 2020 taught by Jackie de Laveaga (6 weeks)</li>
<li>Literature/History: <i><a href="https://homeschoolconnections.gosignmeup.com/public/Course/browse?courseid=3017" target="_blank">Red Falcons of Tremoine: Living History Through Literature (Medieval Era 7),</a></i> Spring 2021 taught by Jackie de Leveaga</li>
<li>Literature/History: <i><a href="https://homeschoolconnections.gosignmeup.com/public/Course/browse?courseid=3018" target="_blank">Door to the North: Living History Through Literature (Medieval Era 8)</a></i>, Spring 2021 taught by Jackie de Leveaga</li>
</ul>
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-- <b>High School. </b>Click on the course title to learn more or register:<br />
<ul>
<li>Philosophy: <i><a href="https://homeschoolconnections.gosignmeup.com/public/Course/browse?courseid=2875" target="_blank">An Introduction to the Summa Theologica by St. Thomas Aquinas, Part One</a></i>, Fall 2020 taught by Dave Palmer (12 weeks) - Coupon code for 50% off, <b>philo50</b></li>
<li>Philosophy: <i><a href="https://homeschoolconnections.gosignmeup.com/public/Course/browse?courseid=2876" target="_blank">An Introduction to the Summa Theologica by St. Thomas Aquinas, Part Two</a></i>, Spring 2021 taught by Dave Palmer (12 weeks) - Coupon code for 50% off, <b>philo50</b></li>
<li>History: <i><a href="https://homeschoolconnections.gosignmeup.com/public/Course/browse?courseid=2954" target="_blank">Age of Faith: Medieval History 313-732</a></i>, Fall 2020 taught by Phillip Campbell (12 weeks)</li>
<li>History: <i><a href="https://homeschoolconnections.gosignmeup.com/public/Course/browse?courseid=2956" target="_blank">The City of God: The High Middle Ages</a></i>, Spring 2021 taught by Phillip Campbell (13 weeks)</li>
<li>History/Science: <i><a href="https://homeschoolconnections.gosignmeup.com/public/Course/browse?courseid=2962" target="_blank">History of Medieval Science, Part One</a></i>, Fall 2020 taught by Inshal Chenet (12 weeks)</li>
<li>History: Science: <i><a href="https://homeschoolconnections.gosignmeup.com/public/Course/browse?courseid=2965" target="_blank">History of Medieval Science, Part Two</a></i>, Spring 2021 taught by Inshal Chenet (12 weeks)</li>
<li>Literature: <i><a href="https://homeschoolconnections.gosignmeup.com/public/Course/browse?courseid=2934" target="_blank">An Introduction to Dante’s Divine Comedy</a></i>, Fall 2020 taught by Joseph Pearce (6 weeks)</li>
<li>Literature: <i><a href="https://homeschoolconnections.gosignmeup.com/public/Course/browse?courseid=3100" target="_blank">Dante on Dante</a></i>, Fall 2020 taught by Kevin O'Brien</li>
<li>Literature: <i><a href="https://homeschoolconnections.gosignmeup.com/public/Course/browse?courseid=3101" target="_blank">Shakespeare and King Lear</a></i>, Fall 2020 taught by Kevin O'Brien (6 weeks)</li>
<li>Literature: <i><a href="https://homeschoolconnections.gosignmeup.com/public/Course/browse?courseid=2935" target="_blank">Romanticizing the Middle Ages</a></i>, Spring 2021 taught by Joseph Pearce (6 weeks)</li>
<li>Literature: <i><a href="https://homeschoolconnections.gosignmeup.com/public/Course/browse?courseid=3112" target="_blank">Shakespeare and Macbeth</a></i>, Spring 2021 taught by Kevin O'Brien (6 weeks)</li>
<li>Literature: <i><a href="https://homeschoolconnections.gosignmeup.com/public/Course/browse?courseid=3111" target="_blank">Shakespeare and Richard II</a></i>, Spring 2021 taught by Kevin O'Brien (6 weeks)</li>
</ul>
We also offer all levels of Latin. Search our <a href="https://homeschoolconnections.gosignmeup.com/public/course/browse" target="_blank">registration page</a> to find the right course for you or <a href="mailto:homeschoolconnections@gmail.com" target="_blank">email us for a free Latin placement test</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>READING LIST FOR PRE-K TO 2ND GRADE</b>: Make sure to include your pre-k to 2nd grade children too! Here is a picture book list for the Medieval period from Sarah Mackenzie of Read-Aloud Revival, <a href="https://readaloudrevival.com/middle-ages">https://readaloudrevival.com/middle-ages</a>. We also recommend <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0979760909/catholictreas-20" target="_blank">For the Love of Literature: Teaching Core Subjects</a></i> by Maureen Wittmann for age-appropriate reading.<br />
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Have your older children read aloud to your little children for a win-win homeschool day (lessons reinforced for older children, little children are included, Mom gets a break).<br />
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Homeschool Connectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09571985282210460624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7626646903115727860.post-50075117142086375392020-03-25T12:17:00.000-04:002020-03-27T14:29:20.224-04:00Four-Year Cycle Homeschooling<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Four Year Cycle Utilizing Homeschool Connections</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">with <a href="https://homeschoolconnectionsonline.com/unlimited-access-1" target="_blank">UNLIMITED ACCESS</a></span></b></div>
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If you follow a four-year cycle, such as that used with TAN Books' <a href="https://www.tanbooks.com/index.php/the-story-of-civilization-vol-1-the-ancient-world.html" target="_blank"><i>Story of Civilization</i></a>, you can use recorded, independent-learning courses with Homeschool Connections for your 3rd through 12th grade curriculum.<br />
<br />
Here is a list of recorded courses through our <a href="https://learn.homeschoolconnections.com/unlimited-access/" target="_blank">Unlimited Access program</a> that are available to you ...<br />
<br />
<b>GRADE SCHOOL</b><br />
<b>Ancient History Unit</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Grade School Unit Study Program for 3rd through 6th grade students.</li>
</ul>
<br />
NOTE: The Medieval History unit for grade school is being taught live in 2020/2021. The recorded version will be available February 15, 2021. We will follow with Making of the Modern World in 2021/2022 and US History in 2022/2023.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>MIDDLE SCHOOL</b><br />
<b>Ancient History Unit</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Language: variety of Latin courses with Emily Henry (12 weeks each)</li>
<li>Language: Biblical Greek, Parts One and Two with Dan Egan (14 weeks each)</li>
<li>Literature: Greek Mythology with Emily Henry (10 weeks)</li>
<li>Literature/History: The Golden Goblet: Living History Through Literature (Ancient Era 1) with Jackie deLaveaga (6 weeks).</li>
<li>Literature/History: Black Ships Before Troy: Living History Through Literature (Ancient Era 2) with Jackie deLaveaga (6 weeks).</li>
<li>Literature/History: Victory on the Walls: Living History Through Literature (Ancient Era 3) with Jackie deLaveaga (6 weeks).</li>
<li>Literature/History: The Bronze Bow: Living History Through Literature (Ancient Era 4) with Jackie deLaveaga (6 weeks).</li>
<li>History: The Ancient World, Parts One and Two with Phillip Campbell (12 weeks each).</li>
<li>History: Dawn of History: Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, Persia with Phillip Campbell (12 weeks)</li>
<li>History: The Glory of Ancient Greece with Phillip Campbell (12 weeks)</li>
<li>History: Res Publica Romana with Alison Stanley (10 weeks)</li>
</ul>
<b>MIDDLE SCHOOL</b><br />
<b>Medieval History Unit</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Literature/History: Living History Through Literature: Medieval History 1: Big John’s Secret with Jackie de Laveaga (6 weeks)</li>
<li>Literature/History: Living History Through Literature: Medieval History 2: The Door in the Wall with Jackie de Laveaga (6 weeks)</li>
<li>Literature/History: Living History Through Literature: Medieval History 3 Saint Joan, The Girl Soldier with Jackie de Laveaga (6 weeks) (available 7/15/19)</li>
<li>Literature/History: Living History Through Literature: Medieval History 4: Red Hugh, Prince of Donegal with Jackie de Laveaga (6 weeks) (available 7/15/19)</li>
<li>History: The Crusades: On A Quest for Christendom with Alison Stanley (10 weeks)</li>
</ul>
<b>MIDDLE SCHOOL</b><br />
<b>Making of the Modern World Unit</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Literature: Anne of Green Gables, Part One with Emily Henry (12 weeks)</li>
<li>Literature: Anne of Green Gables, Part Two with Emily Henry (12 weeks)</li>
<li>Literature: Anne of Avonlea with Emily Henry (12 weeks)</li>
<li>Literature: Anne of Windy Poplars with Emily Henry (10 weeks)</li>
<li>Literature/History: Father Damien and the Bells: Living History Through Literature (Modern Era 1) (6 weeks)</li>
<li>Literature/History: Padre Pro Mexican Hero: Living History Through Literature (Modern Era 2) (6 weeks)</li>
<li>Literature/History: Polly Kent Rides West: Living History Through Literature (Modern Era 3) (6 weeks)</li>
<li>Literature/History: Enemy Brothers: Living History Through Literature (Modern Era 4) (6 weeks)</li>
<li>History: The French Revolution: “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, or Death” with Alison Stanley (10 weeks)</li>
<li>History: The Life and Legacy of St. John Paul II with Kevin O'Brien (6 weeks)</li>
</ul>
<b>MIDDLE SCHOOL</b><br />
<b>U.S. History Unit</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Science: To the Moon: Apollo Missions and the Future with MacBeth Derham (13 weeks)</li>
<li>Literature/History: Living History Through Literature: Kat Finds a Friend with Jackie de Laveaga (American History 1) (6 weeks)</li>
<li>Literature/History: Living History Through Literature: Thomas Finds a Treasure, a Saint John Neumann Story with Jackie de Laveaga (American History 2) (6 weeks)</li>
<li>Literature/History: Living History Through Literature: The Orphans Find a Home, A St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Story with Jackie de Laveaga (American History 3) (6 weeks) </li>
<li>Literature/History: Living History Through Literature: Willy Finds Victory, A Blessed Francis Seelos Story with Jackie de Laveaga (American History 4) (6 weeks) </li>
<li>Government: Middle School Civics, Parts One and Two with Alison Stanley (11 weeks each)</li>
<li>History: The American Revolution; Liberty! with Alison Stanley (10 weeks)</li>
<li>History: History: The Civil War with Alison Stanley (10 weeks)</li>
<li>History: World War I; What Price Glory with Alison Stanley (9 weeks)</li>
<li>History: World War II; Allies vs. Axis with Alison Stanley (10 weeks)</li>
<li>History: U.S. History: The Age of Exploration to Modernity, Parts One and Two with Christopher Martin (14 weeks each)</li>
<li>History: Middle School U.S. History: Part 1 (1492-1847) with Phillip Campbell (12 weeks)</li>
<li>History: Middle School U.S. History Part 2 (1847-1990) with Phillip Campbell (12 weeks)</li>
<li>History: The Rise and Fall of the Missions of Alta California, Parts One and Two with Christopher Zehnder (12 weeks each)</li>
</ul>
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<br />
<b>HIGH SCHOOL</b><br />
<b>Ancient Unit</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Philosophy: Early Greek Philosophy with Julian Ahlquist (15 weeks).</li>
<li>Philosophy: Virtue and Vice: Ancient Philosophy for Modern Catholics with Sam Nicholson (12 weeks).</li>
<li>Language: wide variety of Latin courses with Emily Henry (12 to 14 weeks each)</li>
<li>Language: Biblical Greek, Parts One and Two with Dan Egan (14 weeks each)</li>
<li>Literature: Iliad: The Glory and the Will of God with by Henry Russell (13 weeks)</li>
<li>Literature: Odyssey: The World Without Fathers with Henry Russell (12 weeks)</li>
<li>Literature: The Iliad by Homer with Joseph Pearce (6 weeks)</li>
<li>Literature: The Odyssey by Homer with Joseph Pearce (6 weeks)</li>
<li>Literature: The Theban Plays of Sophocles with Joseph Pearce (6 weeks)</li>
<li>Literature: Sophocles and Tragedy with Henry Russell (6 weeks)</li>
<li>Literature: Virgil’s Aeneid; The Founding of Nations in the Will of God with Henry Russell (7 weeks)</li>
<li>Literature: Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra with by Joseph Pearce (6 weeks)</li>
<li>History: Dawn of History: Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, Persia with Phillip Campbell (12 weeks)</li>
<li>History: The Glory of Ancient Greece with Phillip Campbell (12 weeks)</li>
<li>History: The Life and Times of the Ancient Romans with Phillip Campbell (12 weeks)</li>
<li>History: Ancient Rome: Republic, Empire and Collapse with Christopher Martin (14 weeks)</li>
<li>History/Archaeology: Archaeology of the Ancient World with Phillip Campbell (13 weeks)</li>
<li>History/Archaeology: An Archaeological Survey of the Old and New Testaments with Phillip Campbell (10 weeks)</li>
<li>History: The Dawn of History: The Ancient World with Phillip Campbell (12 weeks)</li>
<li>History: Christ and Caesar: The Ancient World and the Founding of Christendom with Phillip Campbell (12 weeks)</li>
<li>Drama: The Drama of Socrates with Kevin O'Brien (8 weeks)</li>
</ul>
<b>HIGH SCHOOL</b><br />
<b>Medieval Unit</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Philosophy: An Introduction to The Summa Theologica by St. Thomas Aquinas, Parts One and Two with Dave Palmer (12 weeks each)</li>
<li>Philosophy: St. Thomas on the Human Person with Jean Rioux (12 weeks)</li>
<li>Literature: Anglo-Saxon England: Bede and Beowulf with Joseph Pearce (6 weeks)</li>
<li>Literature: Canterbury Tales of Geoffrey Chaucer; Trust God and Tradition with Henry Russell (4 weeks)</li>
<li>Literature: Medieval Literature for Modern Catholics with Henry Russell (12 weeks)</li>
<li>Literature: St. Francis, Asceticism and Mysticism with G.K. Chesterton with Dale Ahlquist (6 weeks)</li>
<li>Literature: Dante’s Inferno; Purgatorio; and Paradiso with Henry Russell (11-12 weeks each)</li>
<li>Literature: G. K. Chesterton's St. Thomas Aquinas with Dale Ahlquist (6 weeks)</li>
<li>Literature: G. K. Chesterton’s Ballad of the White Horse with Gregory Pyne (6 weeks)</li>
<li>History: The Crusades: Defending Christendom with Alison Stanley (12 weeks)</li>
<li>History: Catholic Middle Ages with Phillip Campbell (12 weeks)</li>
<li>History: The Rending of Christendom (1415-1648) with Phillip Campbell (12 weeks)</li>
<li>Music: Early Sacred Music with Carol Reynolds (12 weeks)</li>
</ul>
<b>HIGH SCHOOL</b><br />
<b>Making of the Modern World Unit</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Philosophy: Introduction to Early Modern Philosophy with Jean Rioux (12 weeks)</li>
<li>Philosophy: Revolution: The Progress of Liberalism with Phillip Campbell (14 weeks)</li>
<li>Psychology: Modern Psychology with Julian Ahlquist (12 weeks)</li>
<li>Literature: A wide variety of Shakespeare courses</li>
<li>Literature: Dracula by Bram Stoker with Eleanor Nicholson (6 weeks)</li>
<li>Literature: The Victorian Detective with Eleanor Nicholson (12 weeks)</li>
<li>Literature: Frankenstein: Misunderstood Monster with Joseph Pearce (6 weeks)</li>
<li>Literature: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte with Eleanor Nicholson (6 weeks)</li>
<li>Literature: The Nineteenth-Century Novel with Eleanor Nicholson (12 weeks)</li>
<li>Literature: The Picture of Dorian Gray with Joseph Pearce (6 weeks)</li>
<li>Literature: A Tale of Two Cities and Great Expectations with Anthony Esolen (6 weeks)</li>
<li>Literature: The Golden Age of Mystery Fiction with Eleanor Nicholson (12 weeks)</li>
<li>Literature: Middlemarch with Eleanor Nicholson (6 weeks)</li>
<li>History/Government: A History of Government in Europe and America, Parts One and Two with Christopher Zehnder (11 and 12 weeks)</li>
<li>History: Early Modern Europe: 1648-1789 with Phillip Campbell (12 weeks)</li>
<li>History: Modern European History; 1789-1991 with Phillip Campbell (14 weeks)</li>
<li>History: Imperial Russia with Carol Reynolds (12 weeks)</li>
<li>History: Understanding the Second Vatican Council with Phillip Campbell (4 weeks)</li>
<li>History: The History of Latin America with Phillip Campbell (13 weeks)</li>
<li>History: Totalitarianism in the 20th Century: Nazis and Soviets with Christopher Martin (14 weeks)</li>
</ul>
<b>HIGH SCHOOL</b><br />
<b>U.S. History Unit</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Literature: Scarlet Letter with Henry Russell (7 weeks)</li>
<li>Literature: Death Comes for the Archbishop with Henry Russell (6 weeks)</li>
<li>Literature: The Stories and Letters of Flannery O’Connor with Kevin O'Brien (8 weeks)</li>
<li>Literature: American Literature, Part One: Age of Exploration through Reconstruction with Jackie de Laveaga (12 weeks)</li>
<li>Literature: American Literature, Part Two: Reconstruction through Present Day with Jackie de Laveaga (12 weeks)</li>
<li>Government: American Elections: Democracy in Action with Ed Rivet (6 weeks)</li>
<li>Government: Government, Democracy, and Citizenship with Ed Rivet (9 weeks)</li>
<li>Government: American Democracy and Government with Ed Rivet (12 weeks)</li>
<li>Government: The Federalist Papers with Alison Stanley (12 weeks)</li>
<li>Government: Advanced American Government with Ed Rivet (9 weeks)</li>
<li>Government: U.S. Citizenship and Civics with Jason Negri (12 weeks)</li>
<li>Government: U.S. Government and Politics, Parts One and Two with Alison Stanley (12 weeks each)</li>
<li>History: Early American History (1492 to 1763); Discovery to the Dawn of Revolution with Phillip Campbell (12 weeks)</li>
<li>History: US History: Revolution, Republic, and Union (1763-1865) with Phillip Campbell (12 weeks)</li>
<li>History: Modern U.S. History; 1865 - 2000 with Phillip Campbell (12 weeks) (with optional Honors)</li>
<li>History: Contemporary U.S. History (1988-2016) with Phillip Campbell (12 weeks)</li>
<li>History: The Great Depression with Phillip Campbell (4 weeks)</li>
<li>History: U.S. History: The Age of Exploration to Modernity, Part One with Christopher Martin (14 weeks)</li>
<li>History: U.S. History: The Age of Exploration to Modernity, Part Two with Christopher Martin (14 weeks)</li>
<li>History: The American South: "To Live and Die in Dixie" with Christopher Martin (14 weeks)</li>
<li>History: A Nation Made by Conflict: America's Wars with Christopher Martin (14 weeks)</li>
<li>History: Civil Rights in America, 1863-1968: Setbacks, Struggles, and Shockwaves with Christopher Martin (14 weeks)</li>
<li>History: American History and the Hit Musical Hamilton with Kevin O'Brien (12 weeks)</li>
<li>History: American History: Lands of Hope and Promise, Part One with Christopher Zehnder (12 weeks)</li>
<li>History: American History: Lands of Hope and Promise, Part Two with Christopher Zehnder (12 weeks)</li>
<li>History: American History, Part One: Age of Exploration through the Civil War and Reconstruction with John C. "Chuck" Chalberg (12 weeks)</li>
<li>History: American History, Part Two: Reconstruction through Present Day with John C. "Chuck" Chalberg. (12 weeks)</li>
</ul>
<div>
NOTE: For preschool to 2nd grade, we recommend <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0979760909/catholictreas-20" target="_blank">For the Love of Literature: Teaching Core Subjects through Living Literature</a></i> by Maureen Wittmann. </div>
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Please let us know if you have any questions. You can call or email us by clicking here: <a href="https://homeschoolconnectionsonline.com/contact" target="_blank">CONTACT</a>.<br />
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Homeschool Connectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09571985282210460624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7626646903115727860.post-59381092267456315972020-03-12T19:25:00.001-04:002020-03-13T09:53:36.913-04:00Online Resource for Families Affected by School Closings Due to Coronavirus <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">COVID-19:</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">AN OPEN LETTER TO ALL PARENTS</span></b></div>
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<br />
Dear Families,<br />
<br />
<b>We are all acutely aware that, due to COVID-19, many schools are closing their doors temporarily.</b> The virus is affecting our families and communities, and we’re all concerned.<br />
<br />
This simple message is an offer to help.<br />
<br />
<b>You’re probably aware that online courses are available all across the Internet.</b> We want to help you increase your options for learning by letting you know about <a href="https://learn.homeschoolconnections.com/unlimited-access/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Unlimited Access—a collection of 425+ online courses</span></a> taught by college professors and experts in their fields, for middle and high school students in every subject area—including theology, math, science, history, English, computer programming, languages, philosophy and more. Unit study courses are available for your 3rd through 6th graders, too.<br />
<br />
It’s another option, to help your student in this time. Its cost: $34.97 a month, for all students, all classes, and all access.<br />
<br />
<b>If you’re interested in how it works…</b><br />
You can take one course or ten (or more), and the price is the same. The recorded courses are set out in weekly blocks, so your student can follow the course exactly—or your student can complete the work at his or her own pace. Either works (it’s truly whatever’s best for your student). Your student can start at the beginning of a class—or skip to the exact lessons needed. And if you want your student to work with a teacher who gives feedback and grades the student’s work, one-on-one Instructor Access is available, too (this mentoring-tutoring service is offered for most courses).<br />
<br />
<b>If this sounds like something that would help your family right now,<a href="https://learn.homeschoolconnections.com/unlimited-access/" target="_blank"> please go here</a> to find out more. </b>And if you have questions or would like to talk with someone to get more information, feel free to call our toll free number at 1-888-372-4757, or email <a href="mailto:homeschoolconnections@gmail.com">homeschoolconnections@gmail.com</a> at any time.<br />
<br />
If this is something that will help your family, please reach out. We’re here for you and want to help in any way that we can.<br />
<br />
God bless,<br />
<br />
Walter Crawford and Maureen Wittmann<br />
Co-Founders and Co-Directors<br />
<a href="http://homeschoolconnections.com/">HomeschoolConnections.com</a><br />
<b style="background-color: blue;"> </b><br />
<br />Homeschool Connectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09571985282210460624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7626646903115727860.post-25682702110933079012020-03-03T20:41:00.000-05:002020-03-04T11:08:07.438-05:00How to Homeschool in the Hard Times: 7 Top Tips<h2 style="text-align: center;">
In the Worst of Times </h2>
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<i>Jenny Bales </i></div>
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<i><a href="http://homeschoolconnectionsonline.blogspot.com/search/label/Mom%20to%20Mom%20Column%20by%20Jenny%20Bales" target="_blank">Mom to Mom </a></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(click to see all of Jenny's articles)</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair…”<span style="font-size: xx-small;">1</span></blockquote>
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<b>And through it all, we still homeschooled…</b></blockquote>
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Even in the best of times, homeschooling is hard work. What happens when we face a particularly tough time? Should we still homeschool?</div>
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Maybe you’re dealing with a chronic illness or an unexpected surgery. Maybe it’s a difficult pregnancy or medically fragile newborn. Maybe your husband works nights or is traveling a lot. Maybe an elderly relative needs extra care. I have personally known families who have not only survived homeschooling in these situations … but thrived. </div>
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It’s difficult… but possible.</div>
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In our 13 years of homeschooling, my family has faced two particularly challenging pregnancies and one difficult postpartum recovery, three years of my husband attending law school (where we barely saw Dad), moving across the country three times, and a year-long overseas deployment, complete with selling a house, moving twice, and buying a house—all while my husband was overseas (plus the challenges of several years of the rocky reintegration, once he arrived home).</div>
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Needless to say, homeschooling during these sometimes-tough times has been hard. </div>
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Here are some keys to survival I’ve learned through my own experiences—and by watching the courageous families around me.</div>
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<b>Thrive Tip 1: Simplify Schooling!</b></div>
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The key to thriving in times of stress is to survive! And the way to survive is to simplify.</div>
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For any student in the grades prior to high school, homeschooling can be reduced to reading, writing, math, and religion. Tweaking the curriculum to add more workbooks can make schoolwork much easier on Mom. You can also use audio books—or it might be a season for outsourcing to online classes or local classes’ co-ops.</div>
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Changing up the methods and modes of learning can lighten the load.</div>
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And if your state laws allow it, please don’t be afraid to stop formal schooling. I’ve watched families complete little to no book or “formal” schooling for huge lengths of time, and their children caught up surprisingly quickly. If putting aside formality for a time, provide books to explore and educational shows, both through video and “live” presentations. Encourage playtime and natural curiosity. A relaxed schooling experience gives our students unique opportunities to think, explore, and learn.</div>
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<b>Thrive Tip 2: Simplify Home Life, Too!</b></div>
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Everyday activities and living can be simplified, too.</div>
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Use paper plates for meals. Eat snacks for dinner at least once a week. Teach children to make very simple meals and to serve each other. Take advantage of a grocery delivery service, and put into place a limited rotation of meals and snacks. Accept help with meals, and ask friends to set up a meal calendar for your family. Getting help with even one meal a week can be a huge relief.</div>
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And definitely say no to as much outside of the home as you can. This is the time to take a break from volunteering at church, skip a soccer season, and miss the field trips. The children will be fine. They will become closer to one another and probably more creative in how to occupy themselves. Pick up those activities again when the storm has passed, even if that takes a long time.<br />
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<b>Thrive Tip 3: Embrace Life Lessons!</b></div>
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A life without difficulties generally gives us fewer opportunities to practice virtue. The good news is this: We can embrace challenging seasons because they’re full of the lessons most difficult to teach with a book or curriculum.</div>
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When a new baby arrives or an elderly family member needs extra care, consider it an opportunity for pro-life lessons! We all know that the way we spend our time teaches our children priorities. When our children are blessed by spending time with people in need, they often become less selfish, become more compassionate, and realize the truth that people are the priority. </div>
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If you have to move from your home to a new one, focus on your child’s resilience. Teach your child how to make new friends. When your husband works long hours or travels, demonstrate gratitude. Encourage your children’s understanding of his heroic sacrifices to provide for his family.<br />
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<b>Thrive Tip 4: Go to the Scriptures!</b></div>
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As Philippians 4 verse 8 says, “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things.” </div>
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The Bible is full of wisdom to guide us through life. Meditating on Scripture and clinging to God’s Word when the going gets tough is the lifeline God provides for us. Spend time in the Word every day, whether that means listening to the daily Mass readings, using a Bible study, or simply searching for verses that speak of perseverance, hope, and faith (which is easily accomplished with a Bible app or online)!</div>
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With Scripture as our guide, we can find truths to apply to our struggles. We can learn how to grow through life’s challenges by discussing and sharing Biblical virtues with our families.<br />
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<b>Thrive Tip 5: Focus on Character Building!</b></div>
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Coping with stress and suffering are key life skills that God builds into our lives through each and every challenge. The difficult days are opportunities to share our faith, including the struggles, with our children. Tough times are the moments for consistent (not necessarily extra) prayers as a family. </div>
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Verses like “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13) and “count it all joy” (James 1) can become the solid rock our families cling to when the storms of life come crashing in around us. Virtues like fortitude, faith, and hope can develop, as we turn to God in tough times. Finding the fruits of joy and patience are lessons for our children more valuable than math and phonics.</div>
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I firmly believe that if my children watch me walk my faith journey with all of its ups and downs, then as adults, my children will be better prepared for their own Christian walks.</div>
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<b>Thrive Tip 6: Rest!</b></div>
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These days, most of us run the hamster wheel of life at top speed! But when life gets tricky, rest is essential. We all need time to breathe and lower our blood pressure. And, perhaps most importantly, we need time to connect with the Lord.</div>
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We can teach our kids the importance of rest during stressful times by scheduling down time. Plan extra snuggles and stories, preserve naps and quiet times, and take time off from schooling. Even a slow stroll around the neighborhood can be a refreshing way to rest while respecting that little bodies need to move! Or make your one goal for the day to spend a couple of minutes in front of the tabernacle on your way to or from somewhere.</div>
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Planning specific down time might mean asking for help from family and friends. Find a mother’s helper to play with your children while you nap with the baby. Ask a friend to do a kid swap—where you each take the other’s kids for a few hours. Or if your kids are old enough to occupy themselves safely and watch each other, tell them that everyone will clean the house when you wake up, so they let you sleep as long as possible!</div>
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Taking the time to physically rest isn’t a luxury. It’s essential for your health and your family’s health.</div>
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<b>Thrive Tip 7: Trust Yourself!</b><br />
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In your own life, deep down, you know what you need. Sometimes we simply need to give ourselves permission to do what we know is best.<br />
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Consider what’s going on with wisdom and intentionality. Listen to the Lord. And make decisions for yourself and your family that you know are best for the long haul. Trust your God-given mother’s instincts and act on them.<br />
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Are there situations that warrant stopping homeschooling? Absolutely! Are there are times that, with a few purposeful adjustments, we can still homeschool during tough times? <i>Absolutely</i>!<br />
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And our kids will be just fine!<br />
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<span style="line-height: 15.6933px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Jenny Bales is a Catholic homeschooling mom who is passionate about encouraging and connecting mothers through their homeschooling journeys. She and her husband live in North Texas with their four children who have been homeschooled all their lives. Her homeschool philosophy is "whatever works" with a smattering of literature-based learning, Charlotte Mason, and Classical elements. Jenny loves hot tea, sweet tea, dark chocolate, red wine, college football, and mystery novels—and can’t resist an opportunity to coordinate a conference, retreat, co-op, book study, social group, and or moms’ night out. Jenny loves to reflect on all aspects of Catholic homeschooling through the lens of our incredible Catholic faith. You can find Jenny and her work at <a href="http://www.heartofamother.net./" style="color: #999999;">www.heartofamother.net.</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">1 </span>Charles Dickens, <i>A Tale of Two Cities</i>, (New York, Signet, 1960), 7.Homeschool Connectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09571985282210460624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7626646903115727860.post-529388249744125532020-02-06T17:19:00.003-05:002020-02-06T18:01:54.519-05:00Homeschool Burnout and How to Overcome It - A Top 10<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Quick Tips for Beating Back Homeschool Burnout </h2>
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<i>Jenny Bales </i></div>
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<i><a href="http://homeschoolconnectionsonline.blogspot.com/search/label/Mom%20to%20Mom%20Column%20by%20Jenny%20Bales" target="_blank">Mom to Mom </a></i></div>
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February is known as homeschool burnout month. It’s when the days can seem long due to dreary weather, rampant illness, and the resulting loneliness.
Some moms just feel weary.<br />
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Some moms are calling the school down the street to ask about immediate enrollment.<br />
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If you’re finding yourself dragging and lacking the motivation to keep up with the repetitive, daily tasks of homeschooling, you are not alone! Many moms feel this way this time of year. Burnout is when homeschooling is no longer a joy or you regularly feel exhausted and exasperated.<br />
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[But if you’re completely physically, mentally, and emotionally drained and can barely get out of bed, and it’s not just temporary, please seek professional care. That’s not burnout. That’s probably something else that will take more healing than these quick tips.]<br />
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For me, burnout creeps in regularly, sometimes in February, sometimes in other months, and I have found that a little effort to boost my attitude can go a long way. A few small changes can prevent serious, life-altering burnout.<br />
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Here are ten tips that I have personally and successfully used to help me beat back that sneaking feeling of burnout:</h4>
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<li><b>Make a JOY list!</b> Write down in your planner or on your phone a list of things that bring you joy. Be sure to put things on the list that vary in time, cost, and location. What would you put on your list that you can do at home and takes less than 5 minutes?
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<li><b>Take a Just Because We Can Day! </b>These are most fun when it’s a surprise for your kids. Take the day off from your usual schooling and go somewhere fun like a movie or museum (or a park if you’re in Texas, like me)! Or bring something fun into your home by popping popcorn and binge-watching educational shows or playing board games all morning!
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<li><b>Phone a friend!</b> Or text or email or Vox or Marco Polo or *gasp* get together in person! Mamas, we need each other. There is a huge benefit to having colleagues who understand you and can share in the joys and struggles of this unique journey. My spirit is lifted when a friend sends a quick message to ask how I’m doing, and I even inspire myself when encouraging others. Reach out to someone and check in to encourage and pray for them!
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<li><b>Find inspiration!</b> Read a blog post. Listen to a podcast. Participate in a webinar. Technology is our friend when used to educate and inspire! There are plenty of homeschooling gurus who share fabulous resources online for avoiding and overcoming burnout. Focus your time on the writers and speakers that leave you feeling positive and motivated.
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<li><b>Remember Your Why!</b> Have you ever written down WHY you homeschool? This is the time to review it or document it. You can write down your why or create a vision board and put it somewhere you will see it regularly. When we remember WHY we are going to all the trouble to homeschool, it can strengthen our resolve to persevere. If you don’t have a written or visual explanation of why you homeschool, set a timer for 2 minutes and brainstorm!
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<li><b>Acknowledge the Challenges!</b> Homeschooling is tough, and we all face different struggles in this journey. Maybe you have a child with special needs or a husband who works irregular hours. Perhaps you have health issues or extended family complications. Or maybe it's challenging a gifted child or running your own business. Putting a name to the unique challenges in my family has helped me gain both confidence to face them and courage to seek solutions that work for us.
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<li><b>Change the Scenery!</b> Sometimes all it takes is a change to where you homeschool to lift your spirits. Can you put new posters on the walls? Can you do school at the couch instead of the table? Can you go outside or to the library? Think about how you can change your scenery to improve your mood.
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<li><b>Be creative!</b> There is real value to participating in creative pursuits. It allows us a connection to the creativity of Our Creator. Whether we sew or paint or write or craft, making something with our own hands and effort for our own enjoyment can give our souls a unique peace and joy. Are there such hobbies you used to enjoy but currently do not? How can you work creativity into your life?
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<li><b>Do NOT make big changes or big decisions this month!</b> Most likely, this is not the time to throw out the math book, spend hundreds on a whole new curriculum, or enroll your kids in public school. Wait a little while longer until the sun is shining more to properly discern those big changes! Stay the course and work on small tweaks that will help you find more peace, and then weigh the pros and cons of any significant changes to your homeschooling.
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<li><b>Pray! Pray! Pray!</b> Maybe I should have put this one first, but here at the end I can say this: First, if you can't do any of the other nine things I've mentioned, then pray. Second, if you do some or all of the other tips, and you're still feeling the frustration of burnout, then pray. And finally, pray. While prayer can solve many issues, the biggest gift of prayer is grace. We all need grace, and we need as much as we can get!
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I challenge you to choose one of the above and see how it impacts your mood this week! These quick tips might help you climb out of the beginning stages of burnout or maybe keep it from creeping up on you in the coming weeks.
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Because let’s face it. While homeschooling, most of the day to day decisions about the academic, disciplinary, emotional, nutritional, physical, social, and spiritual needs of our children are mom’s responsibility. And that’s a lot.
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When burnout is lurking, it’s also our responsibility to send it packing!<br />
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<span style="line-height: 15.6933px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Jenny Bales is a Catholic homeschooling mom who is passionate about encouraging and connecting mothers through their homeschooling journeys. She and her husband live in North Texas with their four children who have been homeschooled all their lives. Her homeschool philosophy is "whatever works" with a smattering of literature-based learning, Charlotte Mason, and Classical elements. Jenny loves hot tea, sweet tea, dark chocolate, red wine, college football, and mystery novels—and can’t resist an opportunity to coordinate a conference, retreat, co-op, book study, social group, and or moms’ night out. Jenny loves to reflect on all aspects of Catholic homeschooling through the lens of our incredible Catholic faith. You can find Jenny and her work at <a href="http://www.heartofamother.net./" style="color: #999999; text-decoration-line: none;">www.heartofamother.net.</a></span></span></div>
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Homeschool Connectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09571985282210460624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7626646903115727860.post-75523480784361939972020-01-16T13:38:00.001-05:002020-01-17T07:13:30.926-05:00New Spring 2020 Online Courses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As Homeschool Connections' live, interactive courses are completed we convert them to recorded, independent-learning courses available through our <a href="https://learn.homeschoolconnections.com/unlimited-access/" target="_blank">Unlimited Access program</a>. The following courses will be added to our current catalog of 400 courses on February 15, 2020.<br />
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<b>Grade School</b><br />
<ul>
<li><i>Project-Based Ancient History Unit Study, Part 1</i> with Jackie de Laveaga, grades 3-6</li>
</ul>
<b>Computer Science</b><br />
<ul>
<li><i>Document and Photo Editing</i> with Dr. Peggy Morrow, grades 7-12</li>
<li><i>Programming Catholic Games with Python (2-D)</i> with Domenico Ruggiero, grades 8-12</li>
</ul>
<b>Drama</b><br />
<ul>
<li><i>Acting Monologues</i> with Kevin O'Brien, grades 7-9</li>
</ul>
<b>Geography</b><br />
<ul>
<li><i>Middle School Geography</i> with Dan Egan, grades 6-8</li>
</ul>
<b>Government</b><br />
<ul>
<li><i>Middle School Civics, Part One</i> with Alison Stanley, grades 6-8</li>
</ul>
<b>History</b><br />
<ul>
<li><i>The Ancient World, Part One</i> with Phillip Campbell, grades 7-8</li>
<li><i>The Old World and America</i> with Dr. Christopher Martin, grades 6-8</li>
<li><i>Christ the King, Lord of History, Part One</i> with Dr. Christopher Martin, grades 9-12</li>
</ul>
<b>Language</b><br />
<ul>
<li><i>Henle Latin First Year, Part One</i> with Emily Henry, grades 9-12</li>
<li><i>French II, Part One</i> with Dr. Nancy Lapierre, grades 9-12</li>
<li><i>Advanced Conversational Spanish, Part One</i> with Nanci Lopez, grades 10-12</li>
</ul>
<b>Literature</b><br />
<ul>
<li><i>Father Damien and the Bells: Living History Through Literature (Modern Era 1)</i> with Jackie deLaveaga, grades 5-8</li>
<li><i>Black Ships Before Troy: Living History Through Literature (Ancient Era 2) </i>with Jackie deLaveaga, grades 5-8</li>
<li><i>The Golden Goblet: Living History Through Literature (Ancient Era 1)</i> with Jackie deLaveaga, grades 5-8</li>
<li><i>Padre Pro Mexican Hero: Living History Through Literature (Modern Era 2)</i> with Jackie deLaveaga, grades 5-8</li>
<li><i>Anne of Windy Poplars </i>with Emily Henry, grades 7-10</li>
<li><i>The Chronicles of Narnia for Middle School, Part One</i> with Kevin O'Brien, grades 6-8</li>
<li><i>The Chronicles of Narnia for High School, Part One</i> with Kevin O'Brien, grades 9-12</li>
<li><i>A Mastery of Mysteries for High School</i> with Kevin O'Brien, grades 9-12</li>
<li>T<i>he Comedies of Shakespeare: Much Ado About Nothing</i> with Kevin O'Brien, grades 9-12</li>
<li><i>The Comedies of Shakespeare: As You Like It</i> with Kevin O'Brien, grades 9-12</li>
<li><i>The Nineteenth-Century Novel (Austen, Dickens, Trollope): Emma, David Copperfield, The Warden & Barchester Towers</i> with Eleanor Nicholson, grades 9-12</li>
<li><i>The Theban Plays of Sophocles</i> with Joseph Pearce, grades 9-12</li>
<li><i>Almost Home: CS Lewis’s The Great Divorce</i> with Gregor Pyne, grades 10-12</li>
<li><i>G. K. Chesterton's St. Thomas Aquinas</i> with Dale Ahlquist, grades 11-12</li>
</ul>
<b>Math</b><br />
<ul>
<li><i>Glencoe Algebra 2, Part One</i> with Monica Breier, grades 10-12</li>
</ul>
<b>Music</b><br />
<ul>
<li><i>The Sound of Beauty: Music Appreciation for Catholics</i> with Dr. Michael Kurek, grades 9-12</li>
</ul>
<b>Philosophy / Logic</b><br />
<ul>
<li><i>Early Greek Philosophy</i> with Julian Ahlquist, grades 9-12</li>
<li><i>Theories of Knowledge</i> with Dr. Sam Nicholson, grades 9-12</li>
</ul>
<b>Science</b><br />
<ul>
<li><i>The Dog: Natural History, Artificial Selection, and Anatomy</i> with MacBeth Derham, grades 6-8</li>
<li><i>To the Moon: Apollo Missions and the Future</i> with MacBeth Derham, grades 6-8</li>
<li><i>Basic Chemistry (Apologia), Part One</i> with Inshal Chenet, grades 9-12</li>
<li><i>Honors Biology with Optional Lab, Part One</i> with MacBeth Derham, grades 10-12</li>
</ul>
<b>Theology</b><br />
<ul>
<li><i>Eschatology: The Theology of the End Times</i> with Mike Creavey, MA</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
Never hesitate to let us know if you have any questions or suggestions for us. You can email us at homeschoolconnections@gmail.com or call our toll-free number at 1-888-372-4757.<br />
<br />
Learn more about our recorded course program Unlimited Access at <a href="https://learn.homeschoolconnections.com/unlimited-access/">https://learn.homeschoolconnections.com/unlimited-access/</a>.Homeschool Connectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09571985282210460624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7626646903115727860.post-52942478058505811282020-01-15T13:42:00.003-05:002020-01-15T15:48:23.959-05:003 Tips for Earning College Scholarships<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhty6YLY1ndkEbNO_MITzOlPXp3cuwSKn-qaQOWWdfM9tuVCPjnm0gnT3u2LfPADQFlFPn5aECtLhT5EvLRFDeOiW5RSPZ61kGIOVHz4fHYs_gigZJN0CDJOJZIPY0wIlQN3cdyL7kPAfaf/s1600/AdobeStock_220707988.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhty6YLY1ndkEbNO_MITzOlPXp3cuwSKn-qaQOWWdfM9tuVCPjnm0gnT3u2LfPADQFlFPn5aECtLhT5EvLRFDeOiW5RSPZ61kGIOVHz4fHYs_gigZJN0CDJOJZIPY0wIlQN3cdyL7kPAfaf/s320/AdobeStock_220707988.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Are you planning on college and need scholarships to make that happen? We have some good news for you! There are thousands of great scholarships out there, and all you need to do is apply.<br />
<br />
Here are three simple tips to get you started in your scholarship search to help you lower your college costs...<br />
<br />
1. <b>Apply for local scholarships:</b> diocesan or parish scholarships such as Council of Catholic Women and Knights of Columbus, parent’s place of employment, Lions Club, Rotary Club, local credit unions, etc.<br />
<br />
Here are just a few to start with:<br />
<a href="https://www.kofc.org/en/what-we-do/scholarships/index.html%C2%A0" target="_blank">https://www.kofc.org/en/what-we-do/scholarships/index.html </a><br />
<a href="http://www.clubscholarships.us/lions-club-scholarships/">http://www.clubscholarships.us/lions-club-scholarships/</a><br />
<a href="https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/scholarships">https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/scholarships</a><br />
<br />
2. <b>Treat applying for scholarships like a part-time job</b>: allocate a certain amount of time each week to research scholarship opportunities and apply for as many as you can. The earlier you start this process the better!<br />
<br />
3. <b>Inquire with the colleges regarding their financial aid options often</b> and up until it is time for your first semester to begin: many colleges will offer institutional aid or scholarships. So, keep inquiring about any additional financial aid you may receive up until it is time for the semester to begin.Homeschool Connectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09571985282210460624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7626646903115727860.post-16180790520793468822019-11-14T15:44:00.000-05:002019-11-14T17:48:23.311-05:00Homeschooling, Holidays, and Finding Peace<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Heading into the Holidays with a Plan for Peace</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Jenny Bales</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://homeschoolconnectionsonline.blogspot.com/search/label/Mom%20to%20Mom%20Column%20by%20Jenny%20Bales" target="_blank">Mom to Mom</a></div>
<br />
You know the song, “Here Comes Santa Clause?” Well, I have a new version ...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Here comes overwhelm,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Here comes overwhelm,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Right down overwhelm lane!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Presents and travel and all the parties, pullin’ on our brain!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Friends are callin’, children bawlin’, all is busy and bright…</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Take a deep breath and say your prayers, cause a plan can make it right!</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Smiles and laughter aside, we all know that Thanksgiving leads to Advent leads to Christmas leads to New Year leads to Epiphany…and it all runs together, making us dizzy, tired, and overwhelmed!<br />
<br />
How do we avoid feeling overwhelmed by the holiday extra—and find the joy in the season?<br />
<br />
There’s a way! We plan for it. Right now!<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xLhHAERGREZAPcJhhyMiXsZdNuw_bqE-dVE3iow0fCDXVAKuC2GbJC-nhpW4s3nG19V8D9fa2RhOD7-Tx_O4xe85TIgahV9f9531Aq8ewNAwpDGMvBHL3NKtXKeAGhrzH9le6NwXS5KQ/s1600/woman-on-gray-cardigan-standing-near-table-doing-cheers-3171199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xLhHAERGREZAPcJhhyMiXsZdNuw_bqE-dVE3iow0fCDXVAKuC2GbJC-nhpW4s3nG19V8D9fa2RhOD7-Tx_O4xe85TIgahV9f9531Aq8ewNAwpDGMvBHL3NKtXKeAGhrzH9le6NwXS5KQ/s320/woman-on-gray-cardigan-standing-near-table-doing-cheers-3171199.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<h3>
Balance the Equation: Some Easy Ideas…</h3>
The holidays are mostly a lot of fun, but they’re notorious for adding to our schedules and to-do lists.<br />
<br />
What can be done?<br />
<br />
One way to keep our families balanced is this: whenever we add something for the holidays, make sure we subtract something that we usually do. Keep the equation balanced.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>What We Did in October (Our Whole Schedule)</i><br />
<i>MINUS</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><minus></minus></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>One of Those Things</i><br />
<i>PLUS</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><plus></plus></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>One Holiday Thing</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> <equals> EQUALS<equals></equals></equals></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Peace</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Or…</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>(3 Events) – (1 Event) + 1 New Event = Peace (Balance)</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
For example, during Advent, we can choose to add a daily Jesse Tree devotion but put away the catechism program—letting the Jesse Tree devotion be our religion lesson for the day. We usually need to add Mass on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, so we should probably say no to a play date that week.<br />
<br />
It’s simple math. Don’t you love it?!<br />
<br />
(Often <i>simple</i> is the best.)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpBKbDooL4gQhQG5wygYbnxXSDbyI3vGrPHr4qiH3gc3xJHFNffoRrdEmfV8tSu0M9j2-_kDGu3VqmMVD8Gdw2GR8xOoEkDOeENSHfdT5DvTASgcWkGhhWq1c-l5Kr_PvN1fCAwBpKV59V/s1600/75220842_432850944094651_253846173649993728_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpBKbDooL4gQhQG5wygYbnxXSDbyI3vGrPHr4qiH3gc3xJHFNffoRrdEmfV8tSu0M9j2-_kDGu3VqmMVD8Gdw2GR8xOoEkDOeENSHfdT5DvTASgcWkGhhWq1c-l5Kr_PvN1fCAwBpKV59V/s320/75220842_432850944094651_253846173649993728_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MyLittleFeltFriends">https://www.etsy.com/shop/MyLittleFeltFriends</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h3>
Saying “No”…</h3>
Saying no can be difficult. But deep down, we all know that to avoid tipping the scale too far, we need to use that little word!<br />
<br />
Fortunately, between Christmas and New Year’s, many outside-of-the-home activities take a break. But if we decide to add an Advent Penance Service and a co-op party before Christmas, you and I can bet that (to keep our lives peaceful and enjoyable) we’ll need to cross a few more things off of our calendar.<br />
<br />
Again, skipping park day or missing a dance class isn’t going to hurt—and it’s surely going to help.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKkx9dLzgrM_6YIGqhSOCKHUiG9ZYS0NCTqMNkvY4I-Yakpb3m7Ha_54cOHM1ns46fJwDbSWnT0L9C5ZMYBjfrylXaoTkriGsJ4snHv_cd5l4YifP1P_SZ_lU8QT0Ki0pLha4yyAq87aj/s1600/cathopic_151337883035115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKkx9dLzgrM_6YIGqhSOCKHUiG9ZYS0NCTqMNkvY4I-Yakpb3m7Ha_54cOHM1ns46fJwDbSWnT0L9C5ZMYBjfrylXaoTkriGsJ4snHv_cd5l4YifP1P_SZ_lU8QT0Ki0pLha4yyAq87aj/s320/cathopic_151337883035115.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<h3>
Give Yourself a “Peace Day”</h3>
One thing that works for me to keep life balanced and not overwhelmed is to have a <i>Weekly Peace Day</i>. Each week, I intentionally plan for a full day of peace—choosing one day each week to stay home <i>the entire day</i>.<br />
<br />
Just one day at home can preserve the balance.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8WcBSZ0mtjTg70ZqK489xVBT7qJcZ0jtDKdi853ezLXifP377MOkqneA3xtts5LQxd5HZEwKkyGcKN0nNyXLTM-ErqDvWBfFMUA5FFBS3nq98ewJR0lkprKiY3GzlztnKVbPiXdMKKbnQ/s1600/adult-beverage-breakfast-celebration-302810+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1097" data-original-width="1600" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8WcBSZ0mtjTg70ZqK489xVBT7qJcZ0jtDKdi853ezLXifP377MOkqneA3xtts5LQxd5HZEwKkyGcKN0nNyXLTM-ErqDvWBfFMUA5FFBS3nq98ewJR0lkprKiY3GzlztnKVbPiXdMKKbnQ/s320/adult-beverage-breakfast-celebration-302810+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
Modify Schoolwork</h3>
As homeschoolers, modifying our students’ schoolwork during the holiday season is normal and expected.<br />
<br />
Simplifying our schoolwork allows room for holiday baking, field trips to the Nutcracker, and special celebratory times with friends and family. Yes—it’s totally okay to work on only “the 3 R’s” during December—reading, writing, and arithmetic. Simplifying the school schedule gives us the opportunity to learn from the fun holiday activities.<br />
<br />
Put away the history timeline and pull out those cookie recipes! It’s okay!<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdM-z_tyV7G0NWGkXCxt_AgGScV8tgEaBPsuWvABfZg-uIYZ_lriD5UsJ9HmcH3DdetnVFZW0J05YjqBAtq1XF2fZhkga1t9Nj1DtvKHwgWCcMmUP2f1TUJmGEglNQ_zAlKxKuf52YSGx/s1600/christmas-cookies-553457_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdM-z_tyV7G0NWGkXCxt_AgGScV8tgEaBPsuWvABfZg-uIYZ_lriD5UsJ9HmcH3DdetnVFZW0J05YjqBAtq1XF2fZhkga1t9Nj1DtvKHwgWCcMmUP2f1TUJmGEglNQ_zAlKxKuf52YSGx/s320/christmas-cookies-553457_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
Do Advent Well!</h3>
Above all, it’s essential for us to keep in mind that Advent is a time of preparation for the Incarnation of Christ. Planning ahead, placing the religious aspect of the season in the forefront, and focusing on Jesus’ birthday helps our faith-filled time of Advent to not get obliterated by shopping and eating!<br />
<br />
Plan for—and focus on—one meaningful daily family activity during the Advent season. When we choose an Advent activity, we bring focus to our entire family.<br />
<br />
In my family, some years we read aloud from a book like <i>The Christmas Mystery</i> by Jocelyn Gaardner. Some years, we do a Jesse Tree. Some years, we plan an Advent calendar of seasonal activities.<br />
<br />
Whatever you and I choose, a singular, focused, and intentional activity can bring our family together—so we’re not “all over the place.” It’s easily accomplished, and it’s reasonable for our limited time.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2uVhws28IeqjrhAdhMy7UMYMVHbxet4BvJ-5J4YPFw12ZmomlQ67_YVR6di1ykMUscZmE0vlKtzRrQONIACaoaUZzYLiyD1kVQglgd4QbAQmDaqaH4Dxf84cyIdlbJCAtymiYRCyuEOWW/s1600/The+Christmas+Mystery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="326" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2uVhws28IeqjrhAdhMy7UMYMVHbxet4BvJ-5J4YPFw12ZmomlQ67_YVR6di1ykMUscZmE0vlKtzRrQONIACaoaUZzYLiyD1kVQglgd4QbAQmDaqaH4Dxf84cyIdlbJCAtymiYRCyuEOWW/s320/The+Christmas+Mystery.jpg" width="209" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/33ZeIwQ">https://amzn.to/33ZeIwQ</a></td></tr>
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<h3>
Mom’s Spiritual Health</h3>
And don’t forget yourself! Choose one thing for you, Mom, to nourish your soul. Be intentional!<br />
<br />
Since we can’t give others what we ourselves don’t already possess, it’s good and healthy to plan for something in our lives that’s special and spiritual during this season, too.<br />
<br />
While getting dressed, listen to the readings of the day. Wake up a few minutes before the kids and spend some time with an Advent book of reflections. Splurge on a special Bible study book that you can read while sipping coffee or tea… or slip your Rosary into your pocket, and during nap or reading time, sit in your comfy chair and pray the Rosary.<br />
<br />
One of my favorite things is to pray the Christmas Anticipation Prayer. It’s said 15 times a day from St. Andrew’s Feast Day, November 30, to Christmas Day. During this time, I have the prayer on the lock screen of my phone, as well as posted in front of my kitchen sink. With the pre-planned, intentional setup taken care of, I usually get to pray it 3-5 times in a row, at various times throughout my day…<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Hail and blessed be the hour and moment</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>In which the Son of God was born</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>In Bethlehem, in the piercing cold.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>In that hour vouchsafe, I beseech Thee,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>O my God, to hear my prayer and grant my desires, </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>[here mention your request]</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>and of His blessed Mother. Amen.</i></div>
<br />
Whatever we choose, keep it simple and focused on Christ.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<h3>
But Wait! I Can’t! This is too much!</h3>
Sometimes you and I are in a season of life where we simply cannot cross things off or add things.<br />
<br />
Perhaps we feel like we barely survived October (with what already felt like the bare minimum, to keep our families going). Particularly during the holidays, when overwhelm and survival mode kicks in, it can help to find tips from others in order to simplify and keep ourselves balanced.<br />
<br />
Here are a few practical ways I’ve been able to simplify in times of stress, especially during the holidays:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Don’t make your bed (and don’t make the kids make their beds).</li>
<li>Put on educational shows and cross off a school subject.</li>
<li>Don’t fold the laundry; a mountain of clean clothes is functional, as long as it has a place to live.</li>
<li>Use paper plates at some or all meals.</li>
<li>At parties, don’t stay the whole time; stay an hour, then go home! Everyone’s happy!</li>
<li>Once a week, simplify meals by eating snacks for dinner (at my home, we call it “sninner”!).</li>
<li>Avoid neglecting personal connections; one phone or video call is more valuable than a stack of Christmas cards.</li>
<li>Rely on grocery pick up and order gifts online; for reduced stress, stay out of the stores!</li>
</ul>
<br />
And there are many more helpful ideas “out there.” Be intentional, and find ways to simplify!<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKLBuyDklO7GCjpEJj-ZxTW5NXuS17Ie8uoTEihj15C6NPM4Pms0Et0oT8FlxUsqN8GZba2CdiJDxqXUVK8HZGyuNkVStTeTzo6h8SXxSfpBkywhtkvE0tJEdSSuXgGZmozieWoOn9MlAi/s1600/crackers-cheese-and-fruits-2122278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKLBuyDklO7GCjpEJj-ZxTW5NXuS17Ie8uoTEihj15C6NPM4Pms0Et0oT8FlxUsqN8GZba2CdiJDxqXUVK8HZGyuNkVStTeTzo6h8SXxSfpBkywhtkvE0tJEdSSuXgGZmozieWoOn9MlAi/s320/crackers-cheese-and-fruits-2122278.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
Thanksgiving—Advent—Christmas—New Year’s—Epiphany</h3>
The coming season is one of opportunity. As moms, because of the potential for overwhelm, we can view the months of November and December negatively. But the truth is—in this season, there is joy and beauty to be found!<br />
<br />
Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior, is God made man.<br />
<br />
<i>He</i> is the reason for all the hustle and bustle!<br />
<br />
And <i>He</i> wants us to find the joy and beauty in every moment.<br />
<br />
When we keep the balance and do Advent well, we will find peace in our homes and peace in our hearts.<br />
<br />
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<span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Jenny Bales is a Catholic homeschooling mom who is passionate about encouraging and connecting mothers through their homeschooling journeys. She and her husband live in North Texas with their four children who have been homeschooled all their lives. Her homeschool philosophy is "whatever works" with a smattering of literature-based learning, Charlotte Mason, and Classical elements. Jenny loves hot tea, sweet tea, dark chocolate, red wine, college football, and mystery novels—and can’t resist an opportunity to coordinate a conference, retreat, co-op, book study, social group, and or moms’ night out. Jenny loves to reflect on all aspects of Catholic homeschooling through the lens of our incredible Catholic faith. You can find Jenny and her work at <a href="http://www.heartofamother.net./">www.heartofamother.net.</a></span></span></div>
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Homeschool Connectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09571985282210460624noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7626646903115727860.post-60466665371972252562019-11-13T08:48:00.001-05:002019-11-13T16:06:21.727-05:00FAQ: College Bound Students<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">FAQs for HS Juniors and Seniors Who are Planning to Go to College</span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpSM5A7Pq_Uh__iAWRD9kT-kXBE2Z2M4ow6msSfF0U5tAYSc-33PzJrdpl9pBNBL80AErQdsXv-d07doGGH6zzDmuWSplp4HDbHZBJXd96eqTW5ok7NmNEDxrKuhKOBgcZWLbgIMNlrTYN/s1600/artist-artistic-bell-tower-blank-space-1670656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="990" data-original-width="1600" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpSM5A7Pq_Uh__iAWRD9kT-kXBE2Z2M4ow6msSfF0U5tAYSc-33PzJrdpl9pBNBL80AErQdsXv-d07doGGH6zzDmuWSplp4HDbHZBJXd96eqTW5ok7NmNEDxrKuhKOBgcZWLbgIMNlrTYN/s320/artist-artistic-bell-tower-blank-space-1670656.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>When should I start visiting colleges to see which one is the right fit for me?</b><br />
It is recommended to start college visits in the fall or spring of your junior year.<br />
<br />
<b>When do I apply for college?</b><br />
You will want to check with each college, but typically, you can submit your application during<br />
the summer before your senior year of HS.<br />
<br />
<b>Do I have to take the ACT or SAT?</b><br />
For admission, most colleges require your official GPA and your ACT or SAT score. However, many<br />
schools offer alternative admission options to the ACT or SAT. Many schools also accept the CLT<br />
(Classical Learning Test).<br />
<br />
<b>What is the difference between a college and a university?</b><br />
A college is typically a smaller institution that only offers undergraduate degrees, while a<br />
university offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Many universities also offer PhD<br />
programs. Some institutions prefer to maintain their title as “college” due to tradition, so there<br />
are some colleges that offer graduate programs.<br />
<br />
<b>What is the FAFSA?</b><br />
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is a form completed to determine eligibility for<br />
student financial aid. If a student chooses to submit the FAFSA, it is recommended to submit it<br />
before confirming a college choice, as this will help colleges determine their financial aid<br />
packages.<br />
<br />
If you have any questions, feel free to email Vicky Tomaszycki at vtomaszycki@franciscan.eduHomeschool Connectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09571985282210460624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7626646903115727860.post-45980074403983675832019-11-04T11:20:00.000-05:002019-11-05T08:19:25.624-05:00Lonely? Five Simple Tips for Making New Friends as a Homeschooling Mom<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Lonely? Five Simple Tips for Making New Friends as a Homeschooling Mom</b></div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;"></span></b></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p> <i>Jenny Bales</i></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p><a href="https://homeschoolconnectionsonline.blogspot.com/search/label/Mom%20to%20Mom%20Column%20by%20Jenny%20Bales" target="_blank">Mom to Mom</a></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">Mamas,
we <i>need</i> each other. We need other Catholic homeschooling mamas…<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">because there is no one who understands the
day-to-day reality of being a homeschooling mom than another homeschooling mom!</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></i></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3YlaO380MA2GSZhDQwV0HC2jkG5CJM8v4sQvYJq49C2T5q3Vf5sn2w4-p-shcL-zYP6EJFMveX8z_kCG4__aXWxf46QpZFnzkxLHAOvT1yI2FK40MzQLdQ8gpJ_0nAAN_pFeQZ88kV3qn/s1600/shutterstock_1439717240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3YlaO380MA2GSZhDQwV0HC2jkG5CJM8v4sQvYJq49C2T5q3Vf5sn2w4-p-shcL-zYP6EJFMveX8z_kCG4__aXWxf46QpZFnzkxLHAOvT1yI2FK40MzQLdQ8gpJ_0nAAN_pFeQZ88kV3qn/s320/shutterstock_1439717240.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h3>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">
Women of Faith</span></i></b></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">When
we find other <i>Catholic</i> women who are striving for holiness, too, we can
enjoy a unique connection that strengthens us both. We can share the
sacraments, the saints, the liturgical year, works of mercy—all the things that
provide us with practical ways to follow the Gospel.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">Other
<i>homeschooling</i> moms best understand the opportunities and limitations of
our days: the specific challenges of educating a child at home; having our
children home all day, every day; and running the household on top of the
homeschooling.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">And
let’s be honest. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">Our
husband may be our best friend—but he isn’t made to act as a girlfriend. As
women, God created us with unique characteristics for woman-to-woman
relationships. Expecting our husbands to fulfill <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">all </i>of our emotional needs is unrealistic and quite stressful for
the husband-wife relationship. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">We
need other <i>women</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifqDQO_fW0BHiijvowOvVExagbLYRW6hsBxgBe_jCB1dSZZAWWb1sygVFDSQPHZuRytOiFupO8ZIeFhs4S2J4JSnmsJ0u6IdoJpS9Jd-TEcq2saqCK1zi-OlFINmXNTfvyhZ148gNyhL6e/s1600/business-women-coworkers-coworking-2041390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifqDQO_fW0BHiijvowOvVExagbLYRW6hsBxgBe_jCB1dSZZAWWb1sygVFDSQPHZuRytOiFupO8ZIeFhs4S2J4JSnmsJ0u6IdoJpS9Jd-TEcq2saqCK1zi-OlFINmXNTfvyhZ148gNyhL6e/s320/business-women-coworkers-coworking-2041390.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<h3>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">Woman-to-Woman Care</span></i></b></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">Woman-to-woman friendships can refresh and restore
us—helping us to carry on throughout our daily joys and struggles! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">Regardless of whether we meet with kids for a
playdate and simply spend time chatting together, or we arrange to get away for
an evening at a coffee shop, or we take a girls’ weekend trip—the time we spend
connecting with other women can bless us with laughter and love. The time leads
us to a greater understanding of ourselves, our vocation, and our path to
holiness.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">How?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">When we hear about our friends’ unique journeys and
how God works in their lives, our faith can grow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">When friends are in need, we can practice mercy and
compassion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">When we need advice, friends bless us with reality
checks and fresh perspectives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">And for those of us surrounded by children 24/7,
adult conversation can save our sanity!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYIQkwwcCVFIxkkR7o6Y-YEQ2ZH46MzvT8JCAj12JVM0Isvj_slMh-34mhjEMF7ols-1Ru-drjMzKBrBnU747THnnCxox0E_hkZM5RPV-uJRh0huvz0f78HjkTg9Og7qn3GcgSRCHzZZzu/s1600/people-3996565_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYIQkwwcCVFIxkkR7o6Y-YEQ2ZH46MzvT8JCAj12JVM0Isvj_slMh-34mhjEMF7ols-1Ru-drjMzKBrBnU747THnnCxox0E_hkZM5RPV-uJRh0huvz0f78HjkTg9Og7qn3GcgSRCHzZZzu/s320/people-3996565_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">How do we find potential friends?</span></i></b></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">1. Go to where there are people.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">We
can’t make friends if we don’t know people!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">To
build new friendships, we have to intentionally seek out ways to be around
other women, such as at homeschooling groups or a Bible study. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">I
know. You and I don’t have the time. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">That’s
why we purposefully strive to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">make </i>the
time. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">Meeting
others is often not as hard as we initially make it out to be. If we simply
cross something off the to-do list and move the activity into the next week, we
can make time to attend a gathering at our home church, or even drive to an
event in the next town.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">The
goal is to find out where there will be other Catholic homeschooling women, put
an event on the calendar, and go!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">2. Reach out.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">When arriving at an event, find at least one woman who looks
like she might be a kindred spirit. Strike up a conversation. Ask questions. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">Do they have kids with similar ages? Have they been
homeschooling about as long as your family? What sports, activities, or favorite
excursions do you have in common? <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">Try not to go home without connecting one-on-one with at
least one person!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">We
all know that going to new events and meeting new people can be awkward. But we
can be happier—and our families can be happier—when you and I make the effort
to build community.<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">3. Follow up individually with the women you met.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">Now’s
the time: Get to know each other!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">Send
an email to your potential friend. Ask a question about something you
discussed. Text and invite the new friend and her kids to a play date at a
park. And if you’re really feeling brave, call to ask if the new friend would
like to go for coffee sometime—gasp!—without kids.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">If
all of this sounds a bit like dating, well, it kind of is. Our society has
moved away from living in community with those next door, and our extended
families are more spread out than ever before. So you and I have to put in the
work, to build relationships. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">And
that’s okay.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">Making
new friends might take a while. Relationships are not efficient. They take time
and energy. Be patient. Keep reaching out. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">(It’s
really worth it.)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">4. The next steps.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">If
the friendship seems to be “clicking,” then touch base once a week by text or
in person. Ask about your new friend’s daily life. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">How is your week going? </span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">
How can I pray for you today? </span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">
How do you handle [such-and-such]? <o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">You
can get together and ask more questions—questions that help you both to get to
know each other better.<br />
<br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">How did you meet your husband?</i> <br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What do you love to teach your
child/children?<br />
Who has influenced your faith life?</i> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">Conversation
is key to growing in intimacy with others.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">If
after chatting, you know that the new acquaintance isn’t a good fit—or if she
simply doesn’t respond to your reaching out—then don’t worry. Simply and
graciously try again with someone else. <br />
<br />
It’s all good.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">5. Pray for new friends.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">Most
importantly ask and trust the Lord to send friends—because He will answer those
prayers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">It
might take months. It might take years. But we can have faith that God will
bless us with friends in His perfect timing.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">In
20 years of marriage, I’ve lived in eight different cities. Finding new friends
in those cities was a challenge. (If you’ve moved before, you know how stressful
it can be to plug into a new community, right?)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">Making
the effort to make friends is tough. Setting aside time in our packed schedules
is tough. When someone your reached out to chooses not to invest in a new
relationship, accepting the feelings of rejection is tough. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">Eventually,
we can find the women to call <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">true
friends. <o:p></o:p></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">True
friends are the ones with whom we can spend a week carrying on a conversation
by text, because we can’t make a phone call work without kids screaming in the
background. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">True
friends are the ones we can text at any hour, to pray with us when facing
trials.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">True
friends are the ones who, even if we don’t talk for years, send messages that
light up our worlds as we reconnect.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">True
friends are out there. You and I can go, reach out, follow up, and take the
next steps.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRdWKzQQ7elzkDTjPB0qgs4GuUeYKp6uskAXuSE1bmAY2e78bTKOw-iSkiOdmdxfjlYpjt1Y74Ye3Z8b_A8xtFYeDlMCaUfhHiaDLJ0EDWxH1SNvOScmpXE4WKwmw5JlyqMsGAZqCmn7hL/s1600/adult-beautiful-brunette-1549280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1133" data-original-width="1600" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRdWKzQQ7elzkDTjPB0qgs4GuUeYKp6uskAXuSE1bmAY2e78bTKOw-iSkiOdmdxfjlYpjt1Y74Ye3Z8b_A8xtFYeDlMCaUfhHiaDLJ0EDWxH1SNvOScmpXE4WKwmw5JlyqMsGAZqCmn7hL/s320/adult-beautiful-brunette-1549280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<h3>
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">We Are Made for Community</span></i></b></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">We were created to live in community, not isolation. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">Jesus Christ didn’t send his followers back to their families
to be alone. Some went out in pairs to evangelize. Others continued to meet
together regularly in homes and, eventually, in churches.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">Living our vocation in community with women in similar circumstances
is life-giving and inspiring. We share our struggles. Our faith. Our laughter.
Our tears.<br />
<br />
We share our sometimes crazy, enormously busy, highly memorable lives together.
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;">It’s truly worth it, right now, to reach out and find a new
friend.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;">The
blessings of friendship are abundant.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX_uXO_CeWU-fUBWbOZqNM5D6kWagogLmdyw0lnLAWEw-08x3Dw1JDFU3q4kBr5n0hnTnJ8oabsOxRZj7HRK7NSFHExoH8cm6roHc9sKUz_vITr_PmbAD6LlWKvaPjEVcTaFamKKkJNayy/s1600/Jenny+1+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1085" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX_uXO_CeWU-fUBWbOZqNM5D6kWagogLmdyw0lnLAWEw-08x3Dw1JDFU3q4kBr5n0hnTnJ8oabsOxRZj7HRK7NSFHExoH8cm6roHc9sKUz_vITr_PmbAD6LlWKvaPjEVcTaFamKKkJNayy/s200/Jenny+1+%25282%2529.jpg" width="135" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: small;">Jenny Bales is a Catholic homeschooling mom who is passionate about encouraging and connecting mothers through their homeschooling journeys. She and her husband live in North Texas with their four children who have been homeschooled all their lives. Her homeschool philosophy is "whatever works" with a smattering of literature-based learning, Charlotte Mason, and Classical elements. Jenny loves hot tea, sweet tea, dark chocolate, red wine, college football, and mystery novels—and can’t resist an opportunity to coordinate a conference, retreat, co-op, book study, social group, and or moms’ night out. Jenny loves to reflect on all aspects of Catholic homeschooling through the lens of our incredible Catholic faith. You can find Jenny and her work at <a href="http://www.heartofamother.net./">www.heartofamother.net.</a></span></span></div>
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<!--EndFragment--><br />Homeschool Connectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09571985282210460624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7626646903115727860.post-15602865524212350702019-09-13T09:51:00.001-04:002019-09-13T20:18:34.409-04:00Enough: Do I Have What it Takes to Homeschool (You do)<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Enough</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Jenny Bales</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><a href="https://homeschoolconnectionsonline.blogspot.com/search/label/Mom%20to%20Mom%20Column%20by%20Jenny%20Bales" target="_blank">Mom-to-Mom</a></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /></div>
<i>Am I smart enough to homeschool? (I never had good grades in school…)</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Am I qualified enough to homeschool? (I’m not a certified teacher…)</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Am I patient enough to homeschool? (I lose my temper just about every day…)</i><br />
<br />
Does any of this sound familiar?<br />
<br />
Whether you’re considering homeschooling or have been homeschooling for many years, we all have doubts at one time or another about taking on the enormous responsibility of homeschooling a child.<br />
<br />
At some point, almost every homeschooling mom wonders: <i>Am I really the best person to be educating my children?</i><br />
<br />
Yes, mama. You. Are. Enough.<br />
<br />
You are smart enough, qualified enough, and patient enough—because His grace is enough!<br />
<br />
God can work with anyone willing to cooperate with His grace. It doesn’t matter what our lives have looked like up to this point. If the Lord placed a calling on our hearts to homeschool our children (His children), then He will provide all we need to educate them according to His will.<br />
<br />
In fact, you are the <i>very best person</i> to teach your child <i>anything</i>—because you love your child infinitely…and because God has prepared you for this task:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God has prepared in advance, that we should live in them.</i> Ephesians 2:10</blockquote>
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<h3>
<b>You are Capable Enough</b></h3>
We taught our child to speak, to listen, to crawl, and to walk—mostly, without even realizing it.<br />
<br />
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that children “depend on parents, family members, and other caregivers as their first teachers to develop the right skills to become independent and lead healthy and successful lives.” <span style="font-size: xx-small;">1</span><br />
<br />
As a parent, we are our child’s first teacher.<br />
<br />
Beyond the practical skills taught in the early years (such as holding a cup or dressing oneself), the British birth cohort’s 70-year studies have shown that significant predictors of future success in children include “talking to and listening to your kids…being emotionally warm…reading to them daily… [and] maintaining a regular bedtime.” <span style="font-size: xx-small;">2</span><br />
<br />
As parents, we do this from the time our child is born.<br />
<br />
Having taught our child every skill and behavior from birth to age four, why do we believe that we can’t move on to teaching reading and writing and mathematics in Kindergarten?<br />
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You and I can do it!<br />
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<h3>
<b>You are Smart Enough</b></h3>
Numerous research studies prove that, overall, homeschoolers score higher on standardized tests than other students.<br />
<br />
That’s a fact.<br />
<br />
And check this out:<br />
<br />
Studies also prove that in comparing homeschooled students to public or private schooled students, “there [is] no difference in the students' total reading, total math and total language scores based on the teacher certification status of their parents.” <span style="font-size: xx-small;">3</span><br />
<br />
Think about it.<br />
<br />
There are “no significant statistical differences in academic achievement between those students taught by parents with less formal education and those students taught by parents with higher formal education.” <span style="font-size: xx-small;">4</span><br />
<br />
So whether you or I failed high school algebra or were held back a year in elementary school has no direct correlation to a child’s academic success.<br />
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You know why? Because homeschooling is about the intimate relationships we have with our children.<br />
<br />
We know our child better than anyone else.<br />
We are our child’s biggest cheerleader.<br />
And we can give our child what is needed, to grow, learn, and become.<br />
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Our devotion to our child’s education—and our faith in God—are enough to help us make the best decisions for our homeschooling.<br />
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<h3>
<b>You are Good Enough</b></h3>
In her infinite wisdom, Holy Mother Church repeatedly affirms all of the above.<br />
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In <i>Gravissimum Educationis</i>, Pope Paul VI teaches, “Since parents have given children their life, they are bound by the most serious obligation to educate their offspring and therefore must be recognized as <b>the primary and principal educators</b> [emphasis mine].” <span style="font-size: xx-small;">5</span><br />
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By the very nature of God blessing us with the gift of children, He has designated us to be the primary teachers of our children.<br />
<br />
And as the Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 2:10, our entire lives have prepared us for raising our children.<br />
<br />
Whether we choose homeschooling or not, and whether we teach all subjects at home or outsource to online or in-person tutors, moms and dads are the ones given the authority by God to make educational decisions.<br />
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<h3>
<b>The Best Person for the Job</b></h3>
And not only are you and I <i>good enough</i>, but we’re also the <i>very best person for the job</i>!<br />
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If through prayer and discernment, we have chosen to homeschool right now, and we rely on God’s grace, then He will equip us, one day at a time, with all we need to give our child the education that he or she needs.<br />
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In fact, Paragraph 2223 of the <i>Catechism of the Catholic Church</i> agrees:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children. They bear witness to this responsibility first by creating a home where tenderness, forgiveness, respect, fidelity, and disinterested service are the rule. The home is well suited for education in the virtues. This requires an apprenticeship in self-denial, sound judgment, and self-mastery—the preconditions of all true freedom…Parents have a grave responsibility to give good example to their children. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">6</span></blockquote>
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<h3>
<b>(But Not Perfect – And That’s Okay)</b></h3>
We all know that we’re not perfect. In giving that “good example,” we often fail. However, failure can still lead us to being the best for our children.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
By knowing how to acknowledge their own failings to their children, parents will be better able to guide and correct them. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">7</span></blockquote>
And this:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me. </i>2 Corinthians 12:9</blockquote>
It’s <i>a given</i> that you and I don’t have to be perfect to homeschool! (Thank goodness!)<br />
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<h3>
<b>Personal Testimony</b></h3>
Even with homeschooling families who have gone through significant struggles, I have seen God do amazing things. (Have you, too?)<br />
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And I’ve watched ordinary homeschooling families (if there is such a thing) raise the most incredible adults. (Have you seen it, too?)<br />
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In my own family, it’s beautiful to watch each of my children grow into who God created them to be—despite my daily failings!<br />
It doesn’t take Superman or Superwoman to homeschool.<br />
It takes ordinary men and women with faith in a super God who believes we can do it.<br />
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<b><i>Mama, you are enough. </i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>God knows it. </i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>Do you?</i></b><br />
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Jenny Bales is a Catholic homeschooling mom who is passionate about encouraging and connecting mothers through their homeschooling journeys. She and her husband live in North Texas with their four children who have been homeschooled all their lives. Her homeschool philosophy is "whatever works" with a smattering of literature-based learning, Charlotte Mason, and Classical elements. Jenny loves hot tea, sweet tea, dark chocolate, red wine, college football, and mystery novels—and can’t resist an opportunity to coordinate a conference, retreat, co-op, book study, social group, and or moms’ night out. Jenny loves to reflect on all aspects of Catholic homeschooling through the lens of our incredible Catholic faith. You can find Jenny and her work at <a href="http://www.heartofamother.net/">www.heartofamother.net</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">ENDNOTES</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">1. "Early Brain Development and Health." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">2. Jessica Stillman, “A 70-Year Study of 70,000 Children Says This Is the Secret to Raising Successful Kids,” Inc.com, <a href="https://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/scientists-followed-thousands-of-kids-for-70-years-this-is-biggest-takeaway-for-parents.html">https://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/scientists-followed-thousands-of-kids-for-70-years-this-is-biggest-takeaway-for-parents.html</a> (accessed August 29, 2019).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">3. Christopher Klicka, “Academic Statistics on Homeschooling,” Home School Legal Defense Association, <a href="https://hslda.org/content/docs/nche/000010/200410250.asp">https://hslda.org/content/docs/nche/000010/200410250.asp</a> (accessed August 28, 2019).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">4. Ibid.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">5. Pope Paul VI, Gravissimum Educationis, The Holy See, <a href="http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_decl_19651028_gravissimum-educationis_en.html">http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_decl_19651028_gravissimum-educationis_en.html</a> (accessed August 28, 2019).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">6. Catechism of the Catholic Church, The Holy See, <a href="http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p3s2c2a4.htm">http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p3s2c2a4.htm</a> (accessed August 28, 2019).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">7. Ibid.</span>Homeschool Connectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09571985282210460624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7626646903115727860.post-49181079970534138702019-08-04T20:10:00.000-04:002019-09-13T10:17:34.692-04:00Homeschool Connections First Place i-Learn Awards for Best Online Academy<div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: white;">If You Want Your Homeschool Student to Learn from the Experts, Get What Parents All Over the US and World are Discovering,</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: white;">Let Us Introduce You & Your Family to the First-Place Winner…</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Hi, We’re Walter and Maureen –</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">And if you’re looking for the #1 online courses that received the top rating from thousands of homeschoolers who just finished voting for their favorites – look no further!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><b style="background-color: white;">We’re so pleased to announce that Homeschool Connections was awarded First Place in the 2019 Practical Homeschooling i-Learn Awards for Online Academies.</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #6aa84f; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">"As I type this, I feel so joyful when I recall what a blessing it has been to have had access Homeschool Connections over the years! Your group has been a tremendously valuable resource for me as a teacher, and for my children in their studies." ~ Jennifer D. (parent)</span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">And that’s not all...Homeschool Connections was also awarded <b>First Place</b> for High School Core Curriculum and <b>Second Place</b> for Middle School Core Curriculum. In fact, this is the <b>fourth year in a row</b> that Homeschool Connections placed high in the i-Learn Awards – because, honestly, parents get excited about excellence and like to tell others about it.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #6aa84f; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">"I am referring everyone to Homeschool Connections – the instructors are excellent! I am learning along with them. Makes me want to go back to school!" ~ Rachel M. (parent)</span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fafafa;"><a href="https://homeschoolconnectionsonline.com/unlimited-access-1" target="_blank">TAKE A LOOK AT THE 400+ RECORDED COURSES HERE</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">So why do so many fellow homeschoolers find us to be a comfortable, convenient way to add a wealth of courses to their students’ education?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><b>Here’s why:</b> Excellent choice, top-tier experts, and crazy-good savings.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #6aa84f; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">“Thank you so much for Homeschool Connections! There just isn't anything else like it. I'm always excited to see what new courses will be offered next!” ~ Alison (high school student)</span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #6aa84f; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">“I really look forward to the days I have classes with you!!! I love Homeschool Connections!! Thank you! I LOVE taking classes here!” ~ Hannah (middle school student)</span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><b>And if you want your student to learn in a LIVE online class with others</b>, then choose from the nearly-200 LIVE courses meeting weekly online in the fall, spring, and summer semesters – again, in all key subject areas like math, science, writing, history, literature, and more. You can get one course or sculpt an entire schedule for your teen – you get to choose what works best for your family.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #6aa84f; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">“We want to send a huge thank you to the wonderful staff and exceptional teachers my daughter was blessed to have guided her for the better part of the last three years at Homeschool Connections. Your class topics and content was a true Godsend for us! Thank you for the gap you all filled so abundantly in my daughter's educational and spiritual growth!” ~ Sarah B. (parent)</span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #6aa84f; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">“We are a non-Catholic family using Homeschool Connections and chose HSC because I wanted my children to have a good Christian-centered on-line program…This program fits well into our Christian beliefs and my teens really enjoy the recorded courses!” ~ Tonya H. (parent)</span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Finally, if you ever have a question about a specific course, how Unlimited Access or a LIVE course works, or anything else to help your family and your teen, we’re here for you. You can get direct answers right away by emailing homeschoolconnections@gmail.com -- or call us toll free at 1-888-372-4757 and speak with someone directly.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Walter Crawford & Maureen Wittmann</span></div>
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Homeschool Connectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09571985282210460624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7626646903115727860.post-58216789857958256982019-08-02T15:56:00.003-04:002019-08-04T19:17:14.014-04:00This School Year’s Golden Secret to Success<h2 style="text-align: center;">
This School Year’s Golden Secret to Success</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Jenny Bales</i><br />
<i>Mom-to-Mom</i> </div>
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<i>Is there one simple mom-to-mom secret that can make this homeschooling year the best one yet? Absolutely! But it may not be what you think… </i><br />
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The pencils are sharpened. The maps are hung. The books are clean and all in a row.<br />
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Our plans are written (or, at least, outlined as much as can be, here at the beginning of the school year).<br />
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Our resolutions are strong.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>This will be the year we finally teach poetry.<br />This will be the year we don’t lose our patience during math.<br />This will be the year we are consistent with Catechism lessons, so we can enjoy rich conversations around the dinner table about religion.</i></blockquote>
Our intentions are golden!<br />
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But we worry, too.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Will I be able to help my son catch up in writing?<br />Will my daughter find the friends she so desperately wants?<br />Will some life-changing event, like another pregnancy or a severe illness in the family, knock us all off course?</i></blockquote>
The answer is…yes, no, I don’t know…and—most importantly—this: It doesn’t matter.<br />
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Here’s what matters.<br />
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It matters that even when those sharp pencils are thrown in frustration, and even when our daughter sobs that her best friend betrays her, we love our children.<br />
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It matters that even when they grow independent and distant, we are still there for our teens in their hopes and heartaches.<br />
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It matters that even when our kids find life (and us) unfair, we listen and we guide.<br />
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Because homeschooling is love in action.<br />
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That’s why it’s so hard. It’s not ultimately about reading and writing. It’s about people.<br />
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Homeschooling is about doing the best we can to lead our beloved children to become who God created them to be. It includes science and math, yes. But those people—those children created in the image of God with futures full of hope—are what each and every day is all about.<br />
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As mothers, we love our children with passion and ferocity. We want the very best for them, and we do our best to prepare them for it. But in reality, only God knows what’s best for each and every child, and our plans may or may not be His plans.<br />
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So how do we recognize and follow His plans?<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"> </span><br />
<h3>
Expectations, Meet Reality (When Reality Hits)</h3>
If you’ve been homeschooling a while, you know that after two, four, six, eight weeks, the pencils are dull (and you can’t find the pencil sharpener). The morning sickness is all day long. And the mountains of laundry are taller than your husband.<br />
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Our plans often don’t match reality in any given moment.<br />
When I began homeschooling, that truth was devastating. I didn’t know what in the world to do when the plan got interrupted. So I was exasperated… all the time, on a daily basis.<br />
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When this oh-so-common reality shock hits, how do we avoid getting off track?<br />
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It’s about expectations.<br />
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To go into a new school year bright-eyed and bushy-tailed is perfectly fine, really wonderful, and absolutely needed. What we want to be careful of—you, me, and every homeschooler out there—is to enter the year with realistic expectations that will neither frustrate us when plans don’t go our way, nor set the bar so low that we fail to guide our children to their full potential.<br />
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There’s a secret. It’s in the expectations.<br />
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<h3>
The Expectation Dichotomy (And How to Solve It)</h3>
Expectations are wrapped in strange dichotomies.<br />
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Elizabeth George, best-selling author and Christian speaker, says, “Expectations destroy our peace of mind.” That seems to suggest that if we want to be at peace, we should never expect or plan anything.<br />
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But Sam Walton of Walmart and Sam’s Club fame says, “High expectations are the key to everything.” That makes it sound as if nothing will ever be accomplished, without expecting the very best all the time.<br />
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Who do we believe?<br />
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Perhaps, if we rephrase these quotes, we’ll find the truth:<br />
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Elizabeth’s wisdom retold might be, “<i>Unrealistic</i> expectations destroy our peace of mind.” When our expectations are unreasonable, we do set ourselves up for repeated disappointment.<br />
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Sam’s words re-imagined might be, “<i>Appropriate</i> expectations are the key to everything.” When our plans consider the strengths and struggles of each person in our family, we succeed.<br />
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So they’re both right.<br />
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<h3>
What to Expect (The Key to Success!)</h3>
Make expectations real.<br />
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Expect the baby will get sick and not sleep.<br />
Expect the teenager will sulk and do sloppy work.<br />
Expect you will fall behind on the laundry and that “must do” thing that’s bugging you.<br />
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And this:<br />
Expect that you will often—if not constantly—doubt if you are “doing enough” to homeschool these children and raise them right.<br />
And then. Take a breath.<br />
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Expect that God has got your back. Because He does.<br />
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Expect you will snuggle that baby all day and all night—thus teaching your older children how important the vulnerable are (and how essential caffeine can be).<br />
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Expect you will hear that story read to you one painfully choppy word at a time over and over and over – until your blossoming reader’s face glows with confidence.<br />
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Expect you will sit down next to that sulky teenager—and (once again) encourage the teen to glorify God with his or her best work.<br />
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Expect to tweak the plan and the schedule… and tweak... and tweak… and tweak it again… adjusting it to the needs of your family as you go.<br />
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The best days happen when we surrender our plans to the Lord and ask Him to guide us and help us respond to the needs of our children with love.<br />
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Because if you focus on loving the living, breathing people in front of you, made in the image of God, you will find meaning in the mundane. You will find peace amidst the chaos. And you will find God in every moment — because that’s the secret.<br />
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When we prioritize the person over the plan, everyone learns. Some days will be messier than others. Some days we will be more virtuous than others.<br />
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And that’s okay.<br />
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Let’s sharpen our pencils, line up our books, and smile. Because we know the golden secret to success: <i>Healthy expectations lead us to Love Itself.</i><br />
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This is the year of learning Love.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Listen and watch Jenny's online webinar, <a href="https://homeschoolconnections.adobeconnect.com/_a1158562065/pnbqv0can1vf/?proto=true" target="_blank">Planning with the Saints Holy Wisdom for Your Homeschool Year</a>. It's a simple click-and-get link to watch any time.</i></div>
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Jenny Bales is a Catholic homeschooling mom who is passionate about encouraging and connecting mothers through their homeschooling journeys. She and her husband live in North Texas with their four children who have been homeschooled all their lives. Her homeschool philosophy is "whatever works" with a smattering of literature-based learning, Charlotte Mason, and Classical elements. Jenny loves hot tea, sweet tea, dark chocolate, red wine, college football, and mystery novels—and can’t resist an opportunity to coordinate a conference, retreat, co-op, book study, social group, and or moms’ night out. Jenny loves to reflect on all aspects of Catholic homeschooling through the lens of our incredible Catholic faith. You can find Jenny and her work at <a href="http://www.heartofamother.net/">www.heartofamother.net</a>.<br />
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<br />Homeschool Connectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09571985282210460624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7626646903115727860.post-30234559507151848742019-06-28T13:12:00.003-04:002019-06-28T13:34:42.992-04:00The Everyone Booklist<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><i>*Note: print out to take to the library or used book sale.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Books, books, and more books!</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by Eleanor Bourg Nicholson</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHo7eERnMwoc_wpeuLe1aVP4QXAqM9DcHPpysjUbP50iePQthgzGw6vS2TAMPvZQQbzBoBgwHljYHoTBsS2cBiV9WivMyzR0KWj6pKfZ9E5-KUfVvd9EeBqK86XqjOe81ZimMJRfhgf9vH/s1600/apple-break-child-261889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHo7eERnMwoc_wpeuLe1aVP4QXAqM9DcHPpysjUbP50iePQthgzGw6vS2TAMPvZQQbzBoBgwHljYHoTBsS2cBiV9WivMyzR0KWj6pKfZ9E5-KUfVvd9EeBqK86XqjOe81ZimMJRfhgf9vH/s320/apple-break-child-261889.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Last
weekend I had the privilege and delight of speaking at the <a href="http://www.ihmconference.org/" target="_blank">IHM NationalConference</a>. In conversations with parents afterwards, I received many requests
for book recommendations. Here are some incomplete lists, rapidly thrown
together and clumsily categorized. In my experience (as a child and as a mother)
many books which are suitable for an older audience are accessible to younger
readers when read aloud. I’ve thrown in some asterisks to indicate some of the
“read aloud” selections we have really enjoyed in the last few years. For
reference, our children are seven, five, two and a half, and six months old.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Early Chapter
Books (for confident readers)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Basil of Baker Street</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> by Eve Titus*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In Grandma’s Attic </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by Arleta Richardson<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Little House series by Laura
Ingalls Wilder *<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle stories by
Betty MacDonald*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Encyclopedia Brown stories by
Donald Sobol*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mr. Popper’s Penguins </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by Richard and Florence Atwater*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sisters of the Last Straw </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">series by Karen Kelly Boyce<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ben and Me </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">and other books by Robert Lawson<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Books accessible
to grade schoolers or younger (read independently or read aloud)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Story of Doctor Dolittle</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> by Hugh Lofting*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Ordinary Princess</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> by M.M. Kaye*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Wolves of Willoughby Chase</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
by Joan Aiken<i>*<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Alice in Wonderland</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> and <i>Through the Looking Glass</i>
by Lewis Carroll*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Emil
and the Detectives </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by
Erich Kästner*<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">D'Aulaires Greek Myths and Norse
Myths*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Fairy Tales of Hans Christian
Anderson*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The "Fairy Books" of Andrew
Lang*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Light Princess by George
MacDonald*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann
David Wyss*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Heidi</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> by Johanna Spyri*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Anne books by L.M. Montgomery*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Wind in the Willows</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> by Kenneth Grahame*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Secret Garden</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> and <i>A Little Princess</i> by
Frances Hodgson Burnett*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S.
Lewis*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Hobbit</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> by J.R.R. Tolkien*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Paddington Bear stories by Michael Bond*</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A
Christmas Carol </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by
Charles Dickens*<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Silas
Marner </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by George Eliot<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Betsy-Tacy books by Maud Hart Lovelace*<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Compendiums
of children’s stories by James Herriot*<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Mary Poppins novels by P.L. Travers* (though, as a dear friend pointed out to
me recently, Mary Poppins’ behavior is not at all what I would recommend in
parenting!)<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Books that might
appeal more to your middle/high school sons (though, honestly, your daughters
are likely to enjoy these too—I certainly did!):<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Anything by Rosemary Sutcliff<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Redwall books by Brian Jacques<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Living History Library from
Bethlehem Books <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The “Vision Books” Saints Biographies<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="st"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><em><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Yearling</span></em><span class="st"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> by
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings</span></span><span class="st"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="st"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span class="st"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Where the </span></span><em><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Red Fern Grows</span></em><span class="st"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> by Wilson Rawls</span></span><span class="st"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="st"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span class="st"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Various works by Marguerite Henry*</span></span><span class="st"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Jungle Book</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> by Rudyard Kipling*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Treasure Island*, Kidnapped*, </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">and <i>The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll
and Mr. Hyde </i>by Robert Louis Stevenson<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Chronicles of Prydain </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by
Lloyd Alexander<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">All Sherlock Holmes novels and short
stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Horatio Hornblower novels by C.S.
Forester<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Aubrey-Maturin novels by Patrick
O’Brian<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Biggles stories by W.E. Johns<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Thirty-Nine Steps, Greenmantle, </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">and<i> Mr. Standfast </i>by John
Buchan<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lord Jim</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> by Josef Conrad<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s
Court </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">and <i>The Prince
and the Pauper </i>by Mark Twain<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Iliad </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">and <i>The Odyssey
</i>by Homer<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Aeneid </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by Virgil<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Beowulf<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Nibelungenlied<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Kalevala<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The historical novels AND the
histories by Thomas B. Costain<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The full works of James Herriot<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Civil War trilogy by Shelby Foote<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Quiet Man and Other Stories</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> by Maurice Walsh<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Man Who Never Was</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
by Ewen Montagu<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Books for high
schoolers and adults:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">EVERYTHING by Jane Austen<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nicholas Nickleby*</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, <i>David Copperfield</i>, <i>Bleak
House</i>, <i>A Tale of Two Cities</i>, <i>Great Expectations</i>, <i>Little
Dorrit</i>, and <i>Our Mutual Friend</i> by Charles Dickens<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Barsetshire Chronicles by Anthony
Trollope (<i>The Warden</i>, <i>Barchester Towers</i>, <i>Dr. Thorne</i>, <i>The
Small House at Allington</i>, <i>Framley Parsonage</i>, and <i>The Last
Chronicle of Barset</i>); Also <i>He Knew He Was Right</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Brideshead Revisited </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by Evelyn Waugh<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Lord of the Rings</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> and <i>The</i> <i>Silmarillion</i> by
J.R.R. Tolkien<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Space Trilogy by C.S. Lewis<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dr. Faustus</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> by Christopher Marlowe<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Picture of Dorian Gray</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> and ALL THE PLAYS by Oscar Wilde<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cranford</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, <i>North and South</i>, and <i>Wives
and Daughters </i>by Elizabeth Gaskell<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Moonstone</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> and <i>The Woman in White </i>by
Wilkie Collins<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Frankenstein </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by Mary Shelley<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The novels of Georgette Heyer (ladies,
this one is for you!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jane </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Eyre, <i>Wuthering Heights</i>, <i>Agnes
Grey</i>, <i>The Tenant of Wildfell Hall</i>, and <i>Villette</i> by the Brontë
sisters<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dracula</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> by Bram Stoker<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">EVERYTHING by P.G. Wodehouse (just
start reading and never stop)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Ball and the Cross</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, <i>The Flying Inn</i>, and the Fr.
Brown stories by G.K. Chesterton<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Various novels by Agatha Christie,
Dorothy L. Sayers, Ngaio Marsh, Margery Allingham, and Josephine Tey<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Game of Kings </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by Dorothy Dunnett<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> by John Le Carre<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Declare</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> and <i>The Anubis Gates</i> by Tim
Powers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jennifer
the Damned </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">and
<i>Cinder Allia </i>by Karen Ullo<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://amzn.to/2FCOTsk" target="_blank">TheLetters of Magdalen Montague</a></span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> and <a href="https://amzn.to/2Jary2r" target="_blank"><i>A Bloody Habit</i> </a>by ME!<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">NB: Joseph Pearce
has catalogued contemporary Catholic fiction very well and since he has a much
wider knowledge of that field than I do, I link </span><a href="https://www.benedictinstitute.org/2018/05/new-catholic-literary-revival/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">one of his catalogues here</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Other works I
mentioned (positively) in my talks:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">An
Experiment in Criticism </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by
C.S. Lewis<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nihilism:
The Root of the Revolution of the Modern Age </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by Fr. Seraphim Rose<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After
Virtue</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> by Alasdair
MacIntyre<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Evangelii
Nuntiandi </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(Pope
Paul VI)<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Designing
Your Own Classical Curriculum </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by Laura Berquist (which has endless,
wondrous, glorious book lists!)<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“The
Last Tools of Learning” by Dorothy L. Sayers<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Leisure,
the Basis of Culture </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by
Josef Pieper<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Orthodoxy
</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by G.K.
Chesterton<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Light of Christ </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by
Fr. Thomas Joseph White<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Hillbilly Thomist </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">bluegrass
band (not a book but exemplifying true genius!!!)<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Present
Position of Catholics in England </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by Blessed John Henry Cardinal Newman<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="https://dappledthings.org/4393/the-dirty-linen-of-literary-studies/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“The Dirty Linen of Literary Studies”</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> by ME!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Books I am
currently reading:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Whisper Music </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by J.B. Toner<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Death’s Dream Kingdom </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by Gabriel Blanchard<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">More Walls Broken </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by Tim Powers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Catholic Writer Today </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by Dana Gioia<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Mummy </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by Jane Loudon (Thank you to the
awesome ladies who told me about this uproarious early Gothic piece!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">An Episode of Sparrows </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by Rumer Godden<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And
now I am destined to lie awake endlessly cataloging the innumerable books I
have forgotten. For more comprehensive lists, there are wonderful resources
including Laura Berquist’s books and, <i>of course</i>, the works of our dear,
incomparable Maureen Wittmann, especially:<b><i> </i></b></span><strong><i><span style="font-family: "calibri"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0979760909/catholictreas-20" target="_blank">For the Love of Literature: Teaching Core Subjects with Literature</a></span></i></strong>,
and her many book lists (<a href="http://homeschoolconnectionsonline.blogspot.com/2018/02/the-ultimate-list-of-family-read-alouds.html">most
recently, this gem</a>). You can also check out the brilliant and hilarious
writings of Susannah Pearce, especially her recent <a href="https://theimaginativeconservative.org/2019/05/great-childrens-literature-susannah-pearce.html?fbclid=IwAR3Yoz09D__9IhCX7MCdPmUqkDyjo0eenAKwXnjWBJHrfyLFeBnjtS4Q0tA" target="_blank">“WhatMakes Great Children’s Literature Great?”</a> and <a href="https://theimaginativeconservative.org/2019/04/great-books-wouldnt-want-be-in-susannah-pearce.html" target="_blank">“GreatBooks I Wouldn’t Want to Be In (And Some I Would!)”</a>.<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Parents who have favorite books I’ve
neglected to list: feel free to comment below and add your suggestions! Parents
with particular questions about any of the above, feel free to reach out to me
personally at ebourgnicholson at gmail dot com.</b><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i>To meet Mrs. Nicholson, visit <a href="https://homeschoolconnectionsonline.com/people/eleanor-nicholson" target="_blank">https://homeschoolconnectionsonline.com/people/eleanor-nicholson </a></i><br />
<i>To check out Mr. and Mrs. Nicholson's upcoming live, interactive courses, visit <a href="http://tinyurl.com/nicholson19-20">http://tinyurl.com/nicholson19-20</a> </i>Homeschool Connectionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09571985282210460624noreply@blogger.com0