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Hope Chest #55 pt 4: The Creative Family

#1 · April 9, 2003, 2:01 pm

Quote from Forum Archives on April 9, 2003, 2:01 pm
Posted by: homenews <homenews@...>

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THE HOPE CHEST:

Ideas and Inspiration for Home Education

April 2003

Issue #55: The Creative Family

Part 4: The Final Stuff

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is part 4 of the Hope Chest Home School News, published by Virginia Knowles.

Web site: www.hopechest.homestead.com/welcome.html

Personal e-mail: [email protected]

Subscriptions: [email protected]

Unsubscriptions: [email protected]

Part 4: The Final Stuff

Across Five Aprils: Book by Irene Hunt, Mini-Review by Virginia Knowles
Whats New at the Knowles House?
Resource Ordering Information

Reprint Permission

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ACROSS FIVE APRILS

Book by Irene Hunt

Mini-Review by Virginia Knowles

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I wasn't originally going to put this review in this issue, so this is a last minute thing! Due to the title of the book, and the topic of war I decided it was most fitting right now!

Across Five Aprils is a "coming of age" novel set in the time of the Civil War, which lasted from April 1861 to April 1865. The main character is Jethro, who is nine at the start of the book. He lives in southern Illinois, where some folk lean Southern, and some lean Union -- including his own brothers. There are few books that strike me as particularly well-crafted; this is one of them. I can think of no better method for a child -- upper elementary or above -- to learn about the Civil War in a memorable and thought-provoking way than with fine literature.  Rachel had asked me to read a few chapters so I could help her with comprehension questions, but once I got started, I got hooked. Over and over I commented to her, "I LIKE THIS BOOK!" It is historically accurate, based on extensive research and the stories of the author's grandfather. More than that, it is full of insight, looking beyond pat answers, into the deeper issues of war, patriotism, family, community, courage, acceptance, and honor.

The author, Irene Hunt, didn't have a novel published until she was 57 years old. This first novel, Across Five Aprils, was written in 1964, and was the runner up for the 165 Newbery Medal.   Mrs. Hunt won a Newbery Medal for Up a Road Slowly in 1967.

Here's an excerpt, describing a visit by Jethro, now 12, to the living quarters where his beloved teacher, Shadrach Yale, had lived before going off to fight for the Union.  May it give us a sense of what is important in education.

~~

The room had been used the winter before by a teacher who had been hired for the three winter months, a term during which Jethro had gone to school for only a few days. The elderly teacher was a man without learning, without the wisdom that some unlearned men acquire with their years, without even the saving grace of kindness. Remembering the wonder and pleasure of learning when Shadrach taught, Jethro walked away from the classroom with fierce resentment.

"I get more out of staying home and reading the newspapers -- the way Shad told me to do -- and working out the exercises in Mr. Milton's book," he told his father.

There had been a time when Matt Creighton brooked no criticism of a teacher from his children; they went to school when it was in session, the teacher's word was law, and their father wanted to hear no complaints concerning either discipline or quality of instruction. But Matt had changed in his later years. He talked to the teacher for a while one afternoon; that night he gave Jethro permission to remain at home.

"The man is not only without book-larnin', as I am, but he had a mean and pinched-in mind," Matt told Ellen. "The boy is right; he'll larn more by tenfold on his own."

As Jethro looked about the room that morning of Jenny's departure, he felt a dull anger at the sight of the cluttered filth that the old teacher had left. The room had once been a place of beauty for Jethro, a room of color and firelight, of books and singing and a sense of deep friendship, which he was sure he would never have again if Shadrach died in the Washington hospital. He touched the roughhewn bookshelves, the mantel above the fireplace, the wall where the guitar had hung.

"Maybe I'll ask Nancy for soap and water; maybe she'll help me clean the place," he whispered to himself. "If Shad ever comes back, I'd like for this room to be clean and nice for him."

~~~

If you do a web search, you will find many lesson plans using this book. Here is just one (I haven't poked all the way through this site, so I won't guarantee its contents!):

http://www.teachervision.com/lesson-plans/lesson-17165.html

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

WHATS NEW AT THE KNOWLES HOUSE?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MY HUSBAND: Thad is still seeking full-time employment in the Facility Management industry, but the economy is not looking good! He has one more exam to take (later this month) before getting his Facility Management Administrator certification from the Building Owners and Managers Institute. Meanwhile, he is busy overseeing the management of his mothers properties in Lawrence, Kansas. Thads mother, who lives just seven blocks away from us, is still in treatment for advanced lung cancer. She has a few monthly mega chemotherapy treatments to go, and has been battling dehydration and discouragement. We hope she will be in good shape for her youngest daughters wedding on May 10. Thad will be walking his sister Sarah down the aisle and giving her away, while Mary will be a bridesmaid.

OUR CHILDREN: I already talked about the six school age ones when I shared their writing samples, but heres the scoop on the three little ones! Ben is nearly eight weeks old. After a rough start at gaining weight, he is now nearly 11 pounds. Hallelujah! Hes very sweet, and sleeps pretty well, too. (Our pictures are at the bottom of the welcome page at my web site: www.hopechest.homestead.com/welcome.html). Naomi turned two in February. She takes joy in such little things as spotting American flags, playing with her dollies, taking naps with Mama, and putting soap in her hair. Her vocabulary has really taken off lately. I dont know why, but Micah constantly asks me, "What time is it?" He still ranks as the cutest, cuddliest three year old I know! Oh, Im blessed for sure!

OUR HOME: I am always trying to find ways to make our house a home. Sometimes this just means trying a new recipe or reorganizing a cabinet. We finally got around to putting in some plants two weeks ago, after an inspiring visit to Leu Gardens. We bought petunias, marigolds, a pepper plant, a tomato plant, and some strawberries. The girls did all the planting for me, as Im not much of a gardener. I saw a sign recently that said, "The key to a green thumb is brown knees." That is SO not me! When we were at Leu Gardens, we enjoyed seeing the whimsical metal sculptures by Peter Otfinoski. They were of cheerful people enjoying simple pleasures such as flying a kite or fishing with Grandpa. (www.otfinoski.com/)

OUR SCHOOL: As I mentioned before, we starting to plan for next year. I am really excited about doing a year of multi-level world geography, which will also incorporate all of the school subjects. For example, we will cover science as we study the plants, animals, climate and terrain of each region. Its been a couple of years since weve done subject-integrated unit studies as a family, and Im both nervous and thrilled at the thought of it now. Ive seen descriptions of a curriculum called Around the World in 180 Days by Sherrie Payne. It is published by Apologia, which is better known for its science courses. Have any of you used this geography course? Tell me about it! (Find out more at Apologias web site: www.highschoolscience.com/ and click on Around the World on the menu.)) Were also making choices about who will take classes where next year (mainly high school math, science, and foreign language). Decisions, decisions!

MY DAY: (Written on April 8) I woke up this morning at 6:30 to feed Ben, and marvelled that no one threw up last night. Then Thad rolled over and said that he had been up with a sick Andrew until 2 AM, but hadnt wanted to wake me up to help. Bless his heart! That meant it was MY turn to jump back out of bed at 7 AM when Andrew cried out. Since then I have done several loads of laundry, tended three sick children, tutored my children, visited a Christian bookstore and the grocery store, and more. I tried to be ultra-creative and improvise a recipe of raisin bran muffins for breakfast. Unfortunately, they had the consistency of a parched clod of clay. Lydia blessed me by preparing scrambled eggs for breakfast and taco fillings for dinner. Since its been such a busy day, I have been ever grateful to plop into the recliner to feed Ben a few times. Ive also tried to keep a song in my heart and on my lips. I sang "Here I Am to Worship" while in the garage doing laundry, and "Great is Thy Faithfulness" as I rubbed Andrews back. And now, here I am at nearly 10 PM. Thad took the older five girls to his mothers house to celebrate his older sisters birthday, and the little ones are in bed, so Ive got my quiet moments at the computer to finish up this issue of the Hope Chest.

Well, there is much more that I COULD write, but I think Ive said enough for now. I hope it will be an encouragement to you.

Blessings,

Virginia

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

RESOURCE ORDERING INFORMATION

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For more information on some of these resources, you can log onto the Resource page of my web site:

http://www.hopechest.homestead.com/resourceorders.html

IF YOU ORDER ANY OF MY BOOKS BY THE END OF APRIL, I WILL THROW IN A COPY OF EMILIE BARNES DECORATING DREAMS ON A BUDGET FOR FREE!

RESOURCES BY VIRGINIA KNOWLES

Common Sense Excellence: Faith-Filled Home Education for Preschool to 5th Grade is a comprehensive subject-by-subject teaching guide with teaching methods, Scriptural inspiration, resource recommendations, scope and sequence, and much more. It has 231 jam packed pages. If you would like a more complete description, including table of contents, click on www.hopechest.homestead.com/cse.html or e-mail me and ask for it! $20

The Real Life Home School Mom: A Book of Help and Hope ministers to a mothers heart with encouragement and practical tips. Chapters include Blessed and Stressed, In Search of Sanity, The Hallmarks of a Gentle Spirit, Abide in Christ, Theory and Practicality: How Does Education Really Work?, Your Support Network, Life Management 101, A Vision for the Future, Busy at Home, Excellent Work!, Building the Family Home, Cherishing Your Marriage, Little People, The Transitions of Life and The Home Schooled Mom. List price is $16. Discount price is $14. For more information, click on www.hopechest.homestead.com/reallife.html

The Learners Journal is an easy to use lesson planner and resource log containing enough pages for 50 weeks for one child. It has been used by over 100 children, with great results. There are annual pages in the front to record major resources, notable literature, field trips, special accomplishments and skills samples. Weekly page spreads feature 9 subject blocks (Character Training, Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Art and 3 unlabeled blocks), a small five day calendar (undated), a list to record resources used, and a note area. It comes in lunar blue, rocket red, solar yellow, terra green and pulsar pink. The simple, attractive cover is suitable for all ages. You can see sample pages at: www.hopechest.homestead.com/learnersjournal.html $10

Cassette tape containing two audio messages: Nurturing Naomi (How to Help Yourself or Someone Else Overcome Discouragement) AND Common Sense Excellence. 75 minutes total. $4 (no shipping charge if this is ordered by itself)

ORDERING INFORMATION:

QUANTITY DISCOUNTS! If you order any three items or more that are over $10 each, take $1 off the price of each item.

SHIPPING: Shipping to USA addresses is $2.50 minimum and 10% after that. Florida residents pay 6% sales tax AFTER computing shipping. (Contact me for foreign shipping rates, rush shipping rates, or quantity pricing.)

TO ORDER ANY OF THE RESOURCES: Send me a list of which books you want and how many, and compute the subtotal. It is best to check with me by e-mail to make sure I have everything in stock. (They can be reprinted as necessary on fairly short notice.) Mail your check, order and e-mail address to:

Virginia Knowles / 1925 Blossom Lane / Maitland, FL 32751

If you prefer to order with a credit or debit card on the web, go to the PayPal web site at www.paypal.com and send the payment to [email protected]. Be sure to get the e-mail address correct! Also be sure to include your name, address and other order information. This is the ONLY way I can accept credit/debit card payment.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

REPRINT PERMISSION

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You may freely copy material from this newsletter in other non-profit publications (unless otherwise marked in the article), but you MUST include the authors name (not necessarily mine) and this entire notice:

Reprinted with permission of Virginia Knowles from the Hope Chest Home School News. For a free subscription, send an e-mail message to [email protected] or visit www.hopechest.homestead.com/welcome.html

Please send me a copy of the publication which includes the material.

Virginia Knowles / 1925 Blossom Lane / Maitland, FL 32751

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Posted by: homenews <homenews@...>

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THE HOPE CHEST:

Ideas and Inspiration for Home Education

April 2003

Issue #55: The Creative Family

Part 4: The Final Stuff

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is part 4 of the Hope Chest Home School News, published by Virginia Knowles.

Web site: http://www.hopechest.homestead.com/welcome.html

Personal e-mail: [email protected]

Subscriptions: [email protected]

Unsubscriptions: [email protected]

Part 4: The Final Stuff

Across Five Aprils: Book by Irene Hunt, Mini-Review by Virginia Knowles
Whats New at the Knowles House?
Resource Ordering Information

Reprint Permission

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ACROSS FIVE APRILS

Book by Irene Hunt

Mini-Review by Virginia Knowles

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I wasn't originally going to put this review in this issue, so this is a last minute thing! Due to the title of the book, and the topic of war I decided it was most fitting right now!

Across Five Aprils is a "coming of age" novel set in the time of the Civil War, which lasted from April 1861 to April 1865. The main character is Jethro, who is nine at the start of the book. He lives in southern Illinois, where some folk lean Southern, and some lean Union -- including his own brothers. There are few books that strike me as particularly well-crafted; this is one of them. I can think of no better method for a child -- upper elementary or above -- to learn about the Civil War in a memorable and thought-provoking way than with fine literature. Rachel had asked me to read a few chapters so I could help her with comprehension questions, but once I got started, I got hooked. Over and over I commented to her, "I LIKE THIS BOOK!" It is historically accurate, based on extensive research and the stories of the author's grandfather. More than that, it is full of insight, looking beyond pat answers, into the deeper issues of war, patriotism, family, community, courage, acceptance, and honor.

The author, Irene Hunt, didn't have a novel published until she was 57 years old. This first novel, Across Five Aprils, was written in 1964, and was the runner up for the 165 Newbery Medal. Mrs. Hunt won a Newbery Medal for Up a Road Slowly in 1967.

Here's an excerpt, describing a visit by Jethro, now 12, to the living quarters where his beloved teacher, Shadrach Yale, had lived before going off to fight for the Union. May it give us a sense of what is important in education.

The room had been used the winter before by a teacher who had been hired for the three winter months, a term during which Jethro had gone to school for only a few days. The elderly teacher was a man without learning, without the wisdom that some unlearned men acquire with their years, without even the saving grace of kindness. Remembering the wonder and pleasure of learning when Shadrach taught, Jethro walked away from the classroom with fierce resentment.

"I get more out of staying home and reading the newspapers -- the way Shad told me to do -- and working out the exercises in Mr. Milton's book," he told his father.

There had been a time when Matt Creighton brooked no criticism of a teacher from his children; they went to school when it was in session, the teacher's word was law, and their father wanted to hear no complaints concerning either discipline or quality of instruction. But Matt had changed in his later years. He talked to the teacher for a while one afternoon; that night he gave Jethro permission to remain at home.

"The man is not only without book-larnin', as I am, but he had a mean and pinched-in mind," Matt told Ellen. "The boy is right; he'll larn more by tenfold on his own."

As Jethro looked about the room that morning of Jenny's departure, he felt a dull anger at the sight of the cluttered filth that the old teacher had left. The room had once been a place of beauty for Jethro, a room of color and firelight, of books and singing and a sense of deep friendship, which he was sure he would never have again if Shadrach died in the Washington hospital. He touched the roughhewn bookshelves, the mantel above the fireplace, the wall where the guitar had hung.

"Maybe I'll ask Nancy for soap and water; maybe she'll help me clean the place," he whispered to himself. "If Shad ever comes back, I'd like for this room to be clean and nice for him."

~~~

If you do a web search, you will find many lesson plans using this book. Here is just one (I haven't poked all the way through this site, so I won't guarantee its contents!):

http://www.teachervision.com/lesson-plans/lesson-17165.html

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

WHATS NEW AT THE KNOWLES HOUSE?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MY HUSBAND: Thad is still seeking full-time employment in the Facility Management industry, but the economy is not looking good! He has one more exam to take (later this month) before getting his Facility Management Administrator certification from the Building Owners and Managers Institute. Meanwhile, he is busy overseeing the management of his mothers properties in Lawrence, Kansas. Thads mother, who lives just seven blocks away from us, is still in treatment for advanced lung cancer. She has a few monthly mega chemotherapy treatments to go, and has been battling dehydration and discouragement. We hope she will be in good shape for her youngest daughters wedding on May 10. Thad will be walking his sister Sarah down the aisle and giving her away, while Mary will be a bridesmaid.

OUR CHILDREN: I already talked about the six school age ones when I shared their writing samples, but heres the scoop on the three little ones! Ben is nearly eight weeks old. After a rough start at gaining weight, he is now nearly 11 pounds. Hallelujah! Hes very sweet, and sleeps pretty well, too. (Our pictures are at the bottom of the welcome page at my web site: http://www.hopechest.homestead.com/welcome.html). Naomi turned two in February. She takes joy in such little things as spotting American flags, playing with her dollies, taking naps with Mama, and putting soap in her hair. Her vocabulary has really taken off lately. I dont know why, but Micah constantly asks me, "What time is it?" He still ranks as the cutest, cuddliest three year old I know! Oh, Im blessed for sure!

OUR HOME: I am always trying to find ways to make our house a home. Sometimes this just means trying a new recipe or reorganizing a cabinet. We finally got around to putting in some plants two weeks ago, after an inspiring visit to Leu Gardens. We bought petunias, marigolds, a pepper plant, a tomato plant, and some strawberries. The girls did all the planting for me, as Im not much of a gardener. I saw a sign recently that said, "The key to a green thumb is brown knees." That is SO not me! When we were at Leu Gardens, we enjoyed seeing the whimsical metal sculptures by Peter Otfinoski. They were of cheerful people enjoying simple pleasures such as flying a kite or fishing with Grandpa. (http://www.otfinoski.com/)

OUR SCHOOL: As I mentioned before, we starting to plan for next year. I am really excited about doing a year of multi-level world geography, which will also incorporate all of the school subjects. For example, we will cover science as we study the plants, animals, climate and terrain of each region. Its been a couple of years since weve done subject-integrated unit studies as a family, and Im both nervous and thrilled at the thought of it now. Ive seen descriptions of a curriculum called Around the World in 180 Days by Sherrie Payne. It is published by Apologia, which is better known for its science courses. Have any of you used this geography course? Tell me about it! (Find out more at Apologias web site: http://www.highschoolscience.com/ and click on Around the World on the menu.)) Were also making choices about who will take classes where next year (mainly high school math, science, and foreign language). Decisions, decisions!

MY DAY: (Written on April 8) I woke up this morning at 6:30 to feed Ben, and marvelled that no one threw up last night. Then Thad rolled over and said that he had been up with a sick Andrew until 2 AM, but hadnt wanted to wake me up to help. Bless his heart! That meant it was MY turn to jump back out of bed at 7 AM when Andrew cried out. Since then I have done several loads of laundry, tended three sick children, tutored my children, visited a Christian bookstore and the grocery store, and more. I tried to be ultra-creative and improvise a recipe of raisin bran muffins for breakfast. Unfortunately, they had the consistency of a parched clod of clay. Lydia blessed me by preparing scrambled eggs for breakfast and taco fillings for dinner. Since its been such a busy day, I have been ever grateful to plop into the recliner to feed Ben a few times. Ive also tried to keep a song in my heart and on my lips. I sang "Here I Am to Worship" while in the garage doing laundry, and "Great is Thy Faithfulness" as I rubbed Andrews back. And now, here I am at nearly 10 PM. Thad took the older five girls to his mothers house to celebrate his older sisters birthday, and the little ones are in bed, so Ive got my quiet moments at the computer to finish up this issue of the Hope Chest.

Well, there is much more that I COULD write, but I think Ive said enough for now. I hope it will be an encouragement to you.

Blessings,

Virginia

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

RESOURCE ORDERING INFORMATION

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For more information on some of these resources, you can log onto the Resource page of my web site:

http://www.hopechest.homestead.com/resourceorders.html

IF YOU ORDER ANY OF MY BOOKS BY THE END OF APRIL, I WILL THROW IN A COPY OF EMILIE BARNES DECORATING DREAMS ON A BUDGET FOR FREE!

RESOURCES BY VIRGINIA KNOWLES

Common Sense Excellence: Faith-Filled Home Education for Preschool to 5th Grade is a comprehensive subject-by-subject teaching guide with teaching methods, Scriptural inspiration, resource recommendations, scope and sequence, and much more. It has 231 jam packed pages. If you would like a more complete description, including table of contents, click on http://www.hopechest.homestead.com/cse.html or e-mail me and ask for it! $20

The Real Life Home School Mom: A Book of Help and Hope ministers to a mothers heart with encouragement and practical tips. Chapters include Blessed and Stressed, In Search of Sanity, The Hallmarks of a Gentle Spirit, Abide in Christ, Theory and Practicality: How Does Education Really Work?, Your Support Network, Life Management 101, A Vision for the Future, Busy at Home, Excellent Work!, Building the Family Home, Cherishing Your Marriage, Little People, The Transitions of Life and The Home Schooled Mom. List price is $16. Discount price is $14. For more information, click on http://www.hopechest.homestead.com/reallife.html

The Learners Journal is an easy to use lesson planner and resource log containing enough pages for 50 weeks for one child. It has been used by over 100 children, with great results. There are annual pages in the front to record major resources, notable literature, field trips, special accomplishments and skills samples. Weekly page spreads feature 9 subject blocks (Character Training, Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Art and 3 unlabeled blocks), a small five day calendar (undated), a list to record resources used, and a note area. It comes in lunar blue, rocket red, solar yellow, terra green and pulsar pink. The simple, attractive cover is suitable for all ages. You can see sample pages at: http://www.hopechest.homestead.com/learnersjournal.html $10

Cassette tape containing two audio messages: Nurturing Naomi (How to Help Yourself or Someone Else Overcome Discouragement) AND Common Sense Excellence. 75 minutes total. $4 (no shipping charge if this is ordered by itself)

ORDERING INFORMATION:

QUANTITY DISCOUNTS! If you order any three items or more that are over $10 each, take $1 off the price of each item.

SHIPPING: Shipping to USA addresses is $2.50 minimum and 10% after that. Florida residents pay 6% sales tax AFTER computing shipping. (Contact me for foreign shipping rates, rush shipping rates, or quantity pricing.)

TO ORDER ANY OF THE RESOURCES: Send me a list of which books you want and how many, and compute the subtotal. It is best to check with me by e-mail to make sure I have everything in stock. (They can be reprinted as necessary on fairly short notice.) Mail your check, order and e-mail address to:

Virginia Knowles / 1925 Blossom Lane / Maitland, FL 32751

If you prefer to order with a credit or debit card on the web, go to the PayPal web site at http://www.paypal.com and send the payment to [email protected]. Be sure to get the e-mail address correct! Also be sure to include your name, address and other order information. This is the ONLY way I can accept credit/debit card payment.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

REPRINT PERMISSION

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You may freely copy material from this newsletter in other non-profit publications (unless otherwise marked in the article), but you MUST include the authors name (not necessarily mine) and this entire notice:

Reprinted with permission of Virginia Knowles from the Hope Chest Home School News. For a free subscription, send an e-mail message to [email protected] or visit http://www.hopechest.homestead.com/welcome.html

Please send me a copy of the publication which includes the material.

Virginia Knowles / 1925 Blossom Lane / Maitland, FL 32751

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~