Welcome to my blog. This blog pretty much reflects me, and I am one eclectic person. I have restaurant reviews, shop reviews, posts about human trafficking, poems (written by me or just appreciated by me), reflections from sermons, events, old mission trip newsletters – and much more. There’s a whole category of posts on the wedding planning and I am now homeschooling our two kiddos, so there’s a smattering of info about that as well.
If you are lost, don’t feel bad. I’m still glad you’re here.
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This may have been our favorite book as a whole from Volume 1. The kids loved the independence given to Mark, the main character and the author, and how he helped the family business. Children love to feel useful and I am always convicted to let them do more, mess and all.
Social Studies
The story takes place in New England, on the coast – but the original hot dog stand was found in Connecticut. We took the opportunity to learn about the original colonies in North America and the unique geography and culture found there now.
Math
We have developed our learning of money since this time, but this book introduced us to the different types of coins and bills we use today. I have also collected an assortment of money from a variety of countries – where I visited myself or was gifted from others. It is fascinating how each country designs their money and who or what they choose to immortalize.
Science
Neither kid had been to the ocean at this point of their lives, so we had to settle for books and videos on YouTube to take us there. Estuaries are just about the neatest places with incredible creatures and habitats. We found a livestream (unavailable now or else I would for sure share it) of jellyfish at an aquarium, but we also took a trip as a family to the nearby aquarium in Newport, KY. We have since visited the ocean and the great lakes and even taken a whale tour out into the St Lawrence River, which is an important estuary.
Other books
The Song of the Water Boatman isn’t about a saltwater environment, but I love finding different kinds of poetry to share with the kids. We also spend some time each week at a pond and we compared/contrasted the two habitats.
I love the artwork for this book! When I was younger, I discovered oil pastels and I really enjoyed working with it – actually rubbed my fingers sore blending the colors together. I was too intimidated with chalk-pastels back then, but the kids and I boldly took on practicing the medium and coming up with our own boat and sunset scene. I do enjoy learning new skills right along with my kiddos while we homeschool!
Disclaimer:This site uses some affiliate links. This costs you nothing, but helps supplement our homeschooling costs.
We can sometimes mysticise (is that a word??) the lives of people who look differently than us, so I appreciate books that show people dealing with the same life experiences as us in their own way. Like this story of a young boy and his grandfather sitting through a storm at night. Most of us know that kind of fear and the comfort of having someone sturdy with us to show us how we don’t need to be fearful, but respectful. This book does all of that.
Social Studies
Orion and the Dark was turned into a movie, which was great, but I highly recommend this book. Fear is a common feeling, especially for littles. We also enjoyed Grandpa’s Tractor. This sweet book takes children on a journey through grandpa’s memories from when he was a child with his grandfather.
Math
You might think this would fit better in art, and it is definitely appropriate there, but quilt is fantastic for learning geometric shapes. If you have smaller children who are still learning shapes, this book is great to skim through and see the patterns and shapes. If your kids are older, they just may be inspired to create their own geometric masterpiece.
Science
We found these books to be great while studying the science day lessons – learning about light and shadow, the science of storms, thunder, and lightning, our senses, and aging.
Other books
These were some other books we found that fit in with the theme. Trucks are always a hit with my son and we enjoy nocturnal animals – learning how they rely on other senses when their vision might not be as reliable. I was very happy to find “Monsoon Afternoon” as it is a similar story but set in India! This time, Dadaji shows his grandson all the fun that can be had during the rain.
Poem: Shadows by Judith Nicholls
Stand with your back to the shining sun; watch your shadow dance and run.
Stand and face the shining sun; look ahead – your shadow’s gone!
Disclaimer:This site uses some affiliate links. This costs you nothing, but helps supplement our homeschooling costs.
Yet another book about snowfall! Last one was deep in the countryside while this is all about how cities manage heavy snowfall. We have enjoyed all the stories in the Virginia Lee Burton Treasury and continue to look back at it over the years. It is one book I would definitely recommend for your home library.
Social Studies
We loved looking through these books and learning signs around town. And then we try spotting them as we drive around and remember what they mean.
City Fun is a sweet book of two girls going about their city, visiting the library and playing games, and it highlights the diverse community.
Art
This is not a kids book, but these “how to” books are great for showing simple techniques and if your little is artistic, they can be good to have around on your own shelves.
Science
More wonderful books about snow! The Children’s Blizzard is a chapter book with some scary content, so I would recommend this for older readers. John Rocco pulls on his own memories of living through a blizzard in his hometown and how everything was shut down.
Other books
I love minimalist artwork and Hyunmin does not disappoint with this book! Two kids go out on a snow day and find much more than they bargained for.
Disclaimer:This site uses some affiliate links. This costs you nothing, but helps supplement our homeschooling costs.
Xapa to the World 