Maple Hill Academy

Housewife Poem

2012-01-16T10:43:00.001-06:00

I have read this poem a few times in various places over the years - but thought I'd copy it here so that I would remember it.

Some houses try to hide the fact that children shelter there.
Ours boast of it quite openly, the signs are everywhere.
For smears are on the windows, little smudges on the door,
I should apologize for toys strewn across the floor.
But, I sat down with the children, we played and laughed and read,
So, if the doorbell doesn't shine, their eyes will shine instead.
For when at times, I'm forced to choose the one job or the other,
I want to be a housewife, but first I'll be a mother.

Week in Review

2012-01-14T13:17:00.002-06:00

Playing Musical cups

I have been so busy working on updating the Gospel Principles Study, I haven't done any other types of posts!

So here is what we were up to this last week - our first week of homeschool in 2012.

Devotion

We did the first week of the Gospel Principles Study, and it went quite well. At the end of the week I had the children draw/narrate what they learned. Even Foxtrot (who is only 3) did that - drawing a picture of Heavenly Father and Jesus, and giving the narration of "Heavenly Father made the Earth". We intend to continue the Character/Good Habit Devotions from LearningHomeSchoolMentor.com one day a week. The devotion was shorter than the children are used to... but I think we will add in singing a primary song in German, and one in ASL. We are also keeping up with all our memorized scriptures (and other things, like the scouting promises and laws) with our Memory Boxes.

Literature
We are continuing with "Just David". As we were doing a "light" week, we didn't do any other literature, like Aesop's Fables.

History & Geography
We read one more chapter of "Children's Homer". This has been a challenging read for the kids, but they do seem to understand the main points of what is going on. This is taking a LONG time though, and I'm worried we won't be done until the end of the year! My kids can't wait to do more maps in geography - but it looks like it is a couple more weeks before another is planned.

Science
We started to read about Quantum Mechanics, and started an experiment to see that movement occurs even with things that look entirely still to the eye. We also are enjoying the videos on the periodicvideo website. Some are more entertaining than others. Delta likes most of them... Echo doesn't like many.

Math
We have continued with RightStart. Echo struggled a bit with the Time to the Minute (well 5 minutes) but seems to have it ok now. She did the couple of money lessons in one day. So both Delta and Echo are playing Corners. Golf is still working at identifying the numbers 6-10.

Reading
Gold if on about lesson 30 in "Teach your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons" and is doing quite well.

Spelling
We have started spelling using "Alphaphonics". I am hoping this will help improve reading abilities too, as Delta doesn't seem to use phonics in his reading.

Other Languages
German - The other day I heard Delta walking around singing "Grun, Grun, Grun" - so we must be having some effect. We are trying out the "Learnables" to see if it helps us out at all. This week we listened to most of the first lesson.
ASL - At this time we are just enjoying "Signing Time" videos. I plan to add in singing Primary Songs in ASL. I did some looking for some good Fairy Tale videos on ASL, but the few I've found listed are out of print.

Other
Our violin lessons started up this week as well. Delta is doing well learning Musette, and Echo is working on Allegretto. Foxtrot is playing "Taka Taka Stop Stop" on open strings, and we have done some work with fingers. Swim Lessons also started up again this week. Delta is in "Swimmer" level, and Echo is in "Seals". Foxtrot is in "Little Dippers" and is doing well.

I think that is about it. I might have forgotten something (we are doing so many things)... but that would be the main of it.

Gospel Principles Study for Young People - Lessons 41-47

2012-01-13T22:55:00.003-06:00

Note About Lessons 41+

From Michelle: "The followinglessons are pretty deep for young children. I've followed the above format for the convenience of families who wishto do so; however for some children less time might need to be taken and lessdetail given. We spent a day or two oneach lesson, hitting main points I though important and leaving the rest forwhen they are older, [sic] and singing a favorite song or two. The children'ssongs deal with these topics in lovely ways, I find. Prayerfully consider whatyour children need at this time."

----

Lesson 41: The Postmortal Spirit World

Memorize: [your choice]

Monday:

Life after Death, pg 241

Where is the Postmortal Spirit World?,pg 241-242

CS: Hearts of the Children, pg 92

Tuesday:

What is the Nature of Our Spirits?, pg242

What Are the Conditions on thePostmortal Spirit World? (up to Paradise), pg 242-243

CS: I Have a Family Tree, pg 199

Wednesday:

Paradise, pg 243

CS: Families Can Be Together Forever, pg188

Thursday:

Spirit Prison, pg 244

CS: Truth from Elijah, pg 308

Friday:

FR:

- To Live Again -- Forever, Dec 1989, pg10

- An Apostle Speaks to Children, Jul1973, pg 32

Lesson 42: The Gathering of the House of Israel

Memorize: Article of Faith 10

Monday:

The House of Israel is God's ChosenPeople, pg 245

CS: Tenth Article of Faith

Tuesday:

The House of Israel was Scattered, pg245-247

CS: Tenth Article of Faith

Wednesday:

The House of Israel Must Be Gathered (upto "The Israelites are to be gathered spiritually first...") , pg247-248

CS: Tenth Article of Faith

Thursday:

The House of Israel Must Be Gathered(finish) , pg 248-250

CS: Tenth Article of Faith

Friday:

FR:

- Tenth Article of Faith (puzzle), Oct1987, pg 43

- ,The Good Shepherd, Sep 1995, pg 48

CS: Tenth Article of Faith

Lesson 43: Signs of the Second Coming

Memorize: Article of Faith 10

GAPK: #238 OR GAB 66 (The 2nd Coming)

GAPK: #239 OR GAB 66 (The ResurrectedChrist)

Monday:

Jesus Christ Will Return to the Earth(Up to Wickedness, War, and Turmoil), pg 251

CS: I'm Trying to be Like Jesus, pg 78

Tuesday/Wednesday:

NOTE: Prayerfully consider what would behelpful for the childrn to know and discuss, over two days. Some children maybe frightened if not reassured.

Jesus Christ Will Return to the Earth(finish), pg 253-255

[I plan to just mention the"Wickedness, War, and Turmoil" - the rest looks like it will probablybe ok]

CS: Had I Been a Child, pg 80

Thursday:

Knowing the Signs of the Times Can HelpUs, pg 255-256

CS: When He Comes Again, pg 82

Friday:

FR:

- The Latter Days, Sep 1995, IFC

- Jesus Christ Will Come Again, Dec1999, pg 10

Lesson 44: The Second Coming of Jesus Christ

Memorize: [Your Choice]

GAPK: #238 OR GAB 66 (The 2nd Coming)

GAPK: #239 OR GAB 66 (The ResurrectedChrist)

Monday:

Looking forward to the Savior's SecondComing, pg 257

What Will Jesus Do When He Comes Again?- Points 1-3, pg 257-259

CS: When He Comes Again, pg 82

Tuesday:

What Will Jesus Do When He Comes Again?- Points 4-5, pg 259-261

CS: When He Comes Again, pg 82

Wednesday:

How Will We Know When the Savior'sComing is Near?, pg 261

CS: Had I Been a Child, pg 80

Thursday:

How Can We Be Ready When the SaviorComes?, pg 261-262

CS: I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus, pg 78

Friday:

FR:

- The Second Coming of Jesus Christ, Jul1985, pg 20

- Sharing Time: I Believe that JesusChrist Will Come Again, Sep 1995, pg 12

Lesson 45: The Millennium

Memorize: [Your Choice]

Monday:

People on the Earth during theMillennium, pg 263

CS: 10th Article of Faith, pg 128

Tuesday:

The Work of the Church during theMillennium, pg 265

CS: When He Comes Again, pg 82

Wednesday:

Conditions during the Millennium, pg265-267

CS: Had I Been a Child, pg 80

Thursday:

One Final Struggle after the Millennium,pg 267

CS: Had I Been a Child, pg 80

Friday:

FR:

- Matt and Mandy, Dec 1999, pg 22

Lesson 46: The Final Judgement

Memorize: [your choice]

Monday:

Judgments of God, pg 269

Our Words, Works, and Thoughts Are Usedto Judge Us, pg 269-270

CS: Choose the Right Way, pg 160

Tuesday:

We Will Be Judged by Records, pg 270-271

CS: Search Ponder and Pray, pg 109

Wednesday:

Inheriting a Place in a Kingdom ofGlory, pg 271-273

CS: I'm Trying to be Like Jesus

Thursday:

We Should Prepare Now for Judgment, pg273-274

CS: Teach Me to Walk in the Light, pg177

Friday:

Choose any story about choosing right,or use personal example

Lesson 47:

Memorize: [Your Choice]

Monday:

The Plan for Our Progression, pg 275

Exaltation, pg 275-277

CS: Where Love Is, pg 138

Tuesday:

Blessings of Exaltation, pg 277

CS: Families Can Be Together Forever, pg188

Wednesday:

Requirements for Exaltation, pg 277-279

CS: The Lord Gave Me a Temple, pg 153

Alma 34:32-34

Thursday:

After We Have Been Faithful and Enduredto the End, pg 279-280

CS: Teach Me to Walk in the Light, pg177

Friday:

FR:

- The Little Tings and Eternal Life, May1987, IFC

Gospel Principles Study for Young Children - Lessons 31-40

2012-01-12T00:15:00.004-06:00

Lesson 31: Honesty

Memorize: John 15:12

Monday:

Honesty Is a Principle of Salvation, pg179

CS: A Prayer, pg 22

Alma 7:20

Tuesday:

To Lie is Dishonest, pg 181

To Steal is Dishonest, pg 181

CS: I Believe in Being Honest, pg 149

Matthew 19:18

Wednesday:

To Cheat is Dishonest, pg 181-182

We Must Not Excuse Our Dishonesty, pg182

CS: I Believe in Being Honest, pg 149

Thursday:

We Can Be Completely Honest, pg 182-183

CS: Jesus Once Was a Little Child, pg 55

Friday:

FR:

- As Good as Our Bond, Nov 1977, IFC

- An Honest Boy, Mar 1987, IFC

- Funstuff "Proverbs", June1981, pg 23

Lesson 32: Tithes and Offerings

Memorize: Malachi 3:10

GAB 113 (Payment of Tithing)

GAB 114 (A Tithe is a Tenth Part)

FIG, pg 10 (Activity 1) - Budget, paytithing

Monday:

Paying Tithes and Offerings, pg 185

Obeying the Law of Tithing, pg 185-186

CS: I'm Glad to Pay a Tithing, pg 150

D&CS: Tithing, pg 165

Tuesday:

We Should Give Willingly, pg 186

CS: I'm Glad to Pay a Tithing, pg 150

2 Corinthians 9:7

Wednesday:

Tithing and Other Offerings, pg 186-187

CS: I Want to Give the Lord My Tenth, pg150

Thursday:

We Are Blessed When We Give Tithes andOfferings, pg 187-188

CS: I Want to Give the Lord My Tenth, pg150

Malachi 3:8-10

Friday:

FR:

- Funstuf: "About Tithing",Feb 1999, pg 23

- Tithing Blessings, Mar 1981, pg 36

- How Does Jesus Get the Money?, Oct1983, pg 2

- For Little Friends: "MyTithing", Nov 1993, pg 33

Lesson 33: Missionary Work

Memorize: Mark 6:15

GAPK: #235 OR GAB 61 (Go Ye Therefore)

GAPK: #310 OR GAB 78 (Ammon Defends theFlocks)

GAPK: #418 (4 Missionaries to theLamanites)

or GAB 100 (Dan Jones Awakens Wales)

GAPK: #612 OR GAB 109 or 110(Missionaries) [Different Pictures]

FIG, pg 9, (Activity 5) - Learn aboutgood manners

Monday:

The Lord's Church is a MissionaryChurch, pg 189-191

The Gospel Will be Preached to All theWorld, pg 191-192

CS: The Church of Jesus Christ, pg 77

D&CS: Samuel Smith's Mission, pg 48

D&CS: Missionaries to Other Lands,pg 176

Tuesday:

Missionary Work is Important, pg 192

We Should All be Missionaries (up tolist of how we can share the gospel), pg 192-193

CS: I Hope They Call Me On a Mission, pg169

D&C 123:12

Wednesday:

We Should All be Missionaries (finish),pg 193-194

CS: I Want to Be a Missionary Now, pg168

Matthew 5:16

Thursday:

The Lord Promises Blessings for DoingMissionary Work, pg 194-195

CS: We'll Bring the World His Truth, pg172

D&C 18:15-16

Friday:

FR:

- Friend to Friend, Oct 1998, pg 6

- The T-shirt Missionary, Sep 1976, pg36

CS: Called to Serve, pg 174

Lesson 34: Developing Our Talents

Memorize: Mark 6:15

FIG, pg 9 (Activity 2) - List ofQualities

FIG, pg 9 (4th Activity) - entertainyounger child

FIG, pg 10-11 - any activity in thissection

Monday:

We All Have Different Talents andAbilities, pg 197

CS: Every Star is Different, pg 142

D&C 89:33

Tuesday:

We Should Use and Improve Our Talents,pg 197-198

CS: Give Said the Little Stream, pg 236

Matthew 25:29

Wednesday:

We Can Develop Our Talents in Spite ofOur Weaknesses, pg 198-199

CS: I'm Thankful to Be Me, pg 11

Ether 12:27

Thursday:

The Lord Will Bless Us if We Use OurTalents, pg 199

CS: Little Purple Pansies, pg 244

NTS: The Talents, pg 99

Friday:

FR:

- Sharing Time: I Have Talents, Jun1989, pg 12

Lesson 35: Obedience

Memorize: Colossians 3:20

GAPK: #105 OR GAB 9 (Abraham takingIsaac to be Sacrificed)

GAPK: #114 OR GAB 23 (Daniel Refusingthe King's Meat and Wine)

Monday:

We Should Obey God Willingly, pg 201-202

CS: Keep the Commandments, pg 146

D&C 58:26-29

Tuesday:

We Can Obey Without Understanding Why,pg 202

God Will Prepare a Way, pg 202-203

CS: I Will Follow God's Plan, pg 164

Moses 5:5-6

Wednesday:

No Commandment Is Too Small or Too Greatto Obey, pg 203-204

Jesus Christ Obeyed His Father, pg 204

CS: Choose the Right Way, pg 160

Thursday:

Results of Obedience and Disobedience,pg 204-205

The Obedient Gain Eternal Life, pg205-206

CS: Quickly I'll Obey, pg 197

Friday:

FR:

- Obedience, Nov 1995, IFC

- Brandy's Mane, Mar 1987, pg 12

Lesson 36: The Family Can Be Eternal

GAPK: #502 OR GAB 119 (Salt Lake Temple)[different pictures]

GAPK: #609 OR GAB 120 (Young Couplegoing to the Temple)

GAPK: #606 OR GAB 112 (Family Prayer)[different pictures]

GAPK: #616 (Family Togetherness)

FIG, pg 7 (Activity 1) - Pedigree Chart

FIG, pg 9 (Activity 6) - Parent/childActivity

Monday:

The Importance of Families, pg 207-209

CS: I Am a Child of God, pg 1

Tuesday:

The Eternal Family, pg 209

CS: Families Can Be Together Forever, pg188

Wednesday:

Loving Family Relationships, pg 209-210

CS: Love is Spoken Here, pg 190

Thursday:

How to Have a Successful Family, pg210-211

CS: Family Prayer, pg 19

Friday:

FR:

- Eternal Things (song), Jan 1993, pg12-13

- Sharing Time: Together Forever, Feb2002, pg 31

- Grandpa Virgil's Pickup, Jul 1995, pg8

Lesson 37: Family Responsibilities

Memorize: Review Colossians 3:20

GAPK: #606 OR GAB 112 (Family Prayer)[different picture, same title]

GAPK: #616 (Family Togetherness)

GAPK: #617 (Search the Scriptures)

GAPK: #313 (Search the Scriptures) OR GAB 80 (2,000 Warriors)

FIG, pg 9 (1st Activity) - write aletter to family member

FIG, pg 9 (4th Activity) - entertainyounger child

FIG, pg 11 (1st Activity) - List how tohelp around house

FIG - 11yo, pg 13 - List of things tostrengthen family

Monday:

Responsibilities of the Parents, pg213-214

CS: Families Can be Together Forever, pg196

D&C 68:25, 28

Tuesday:

Responsibilities of the Father, pg214-215

CS: Fathers, pg 209

Wednesday:

Responsibilities of the Mother, pg215-216

CS: Mother, Tell Me the Story, pg 204

Thursday:

Responsibilities of the Children, pg 216

Accepting Responsibilities BringsBlessings, pg 216-217

CS: Quickly I'll Obey, pg 197

Friday:

FR:

- The Errand, Jun 2001, pg 19

- A Happy Home, Oct 1984, pg 37

Lesson 38: Eternal Marriage

Memorize:

GAPK: #502 OR GAB 119 (Salt Lake Temple)[different pictures]

GAPK: #609 OR GAB 120 (Young Couplegoing to the Temple)

Monday:

Marriage Is Ordained of God, pg 219

Eternal Marriage Is Essential forExaltation, pg 219-220

CS: Families Can Be Together Forever, pg188

Tuesday:

Eternal Marriage Must Be Performed byProper Authority in the Temple, pg 220-221

CS: I Love to See the Temple, pg 95

Wednesday:

Benefits of an Eternal Marriage, pg 221

CS: Love is Spoken Here, pg 190

Thursday:

We Must Prepare for an Eternal Marriage,pg 221-223

CS: The Hearts of the Children, pg 92

Friday:

D&CS: A Revelation About Marriage,pg 198

FR:

- This is a Day of Sacrifice, Feb 1987,pg 1

Lesson 39: The Law of Chastity

Original Note from Michelle:

"I found it difficult to plan thislesson. I think different children willneed different amounts of information here. For my own sons I included only a short discussion of purity andchastity during last week's lessons. Older children may be ready for more discussion. Prayerfully use your best judgment.

Suggested song: CS: The Lord Gave Me aTemple p, 153 "

From the Manual:

"This chapter includes some partsthat are beyond the maturity of young children. It is best to wait until children are old enough to understand sexualrelations and procreation before teaching them these parts of the chapter"

I am in agreement with Michelle, andwith the advice in the manual. Notethat there is more in the "Note to Parents" section of the manualthat you may find useful - but I could not see making lessons for "YoungChildren" with this chapter.

I have, however found some FriendArticles on the related topic of Modesty that would be useful for a light weekof lessons if you wish. I do find thatthese articles are more directed towards girls than boys, which is a shame asmodesty is important for all.

[I found these articles online and couldnot find the page numbers anywhere, sorry]

FR:

- Modesty Checklist, May 2010

- What Should I Wear?, Feb 2007

- Hannah's New Dress, Jun 2011

- The Language of Dance, Dec 2008

- Modest at Any Age, May 2010

- Friend to Friend, Jun 1971

Lesson 40: Temple Work and Family History

Memorize:

GAPK: #502 OR GAB 119 (Salt Lake Temple)[different pictures]

GAPK: #504 OR GAB 121 (Temple BaptismalFont)

GAPK: #505 (Washington D.C Temple)

OR GAB 117 or 118 (Kirtland Temple,Nauvoo Temple)

OR other Temple Picture [nearby temple,or one with meaning to your family]

FIG, pg 7 (1st Activity) - Pedigreechart and other Family History activities.

Monday:

Heavenly Father Wants His Children toReturn to Him, pg 233

Temples of the Lord, pg 233-235

CS: I Love to See the Temple, pg 95

OTS: The Temple, pg 119

Tuesday:

Temple Ordinances Seal Families TogetherForever, pg 235

CS: Truth from Elijah, pg 91

D&CS: The Kirtland Temple isDedicated, pg 151

Wednesday:

Our Ancestors Need Our Help, pg 235-236

CS: The Hearts of the Children, pg 92

D&CS: The Nauvoo Temple is Finished,pg 212

Thursday:

Family History - How We Begin HelpingOur Ancestors, pg 236-238

CS: Family History - I am Doing it, pg94

Friday:

[optional - the opportunities are mainlyfor adults] Additional Family History Opportunities, pg 238-239

Fill out Four Generation charts withchildren

Tell Family History stories or look atFamily History Pictures

FR:

- Temple Service, Jul 1993, IFC

- My Friend Lizzie, Jun 1996, pg 11

Gospel Principles Study for Young Children - Lessons 21-30

2012-01-09T22:06:00.000-06:00

Lessons 1-10

Lesson 21: The Gift of the Holy Ghost

Memorize: John 3:5

GAPK: #602 OR GAB 105 (Gift of the HolyGhost) [different pictures, same title]

Monday:

The Holy Ghost, pg 121

The Gift of the Holy Ghost, pg 121-122

CS: The Holy ghost, pg 105

Tuesday:

Receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, pg122-123

CS: The Still Small Voice, pg 106

D&C : 32:15

Wednesday:

Recognizing the Influence of the HolyGhost, pg 123

CS: Listen, Listen, pg 107

Thursday:

One of God's Greatest Gifts, pg 123

CS: Search, Ponder, and Pray, pg 109

2 Nephi 32:5

Friday:

FR:

- Stop!, Feb 1998, pg 15

- The Gift, Aug 1991, pg 3

Lesson 22: The Gifts of the Spirit

Memorize: Article of Faith 7

GAPK: #115 OR GAB 24 (Daniel interpretsNebuchadnezzar's Dream)

GAPK: #305 OR GAB 72 (Enos Praying)[Different picture, same name]

GAPK: #314 OR GAB 81 (Samuel theLamanite)

GAPK: #403 OR GAB 90 (First Vision)

GAPK: #416 OR GAB 92 (Joseph SmithTranslating the Book of Mormon)

GAPK: #613 (Administering to the Sick)

GAPK: #612 OR GAB 109 or 110(Missionaries) [Different Pictures]

Monday:

The Gifts of the Spirit (up to the Giftof Translation), pg 125-127

CS: Children All Over the World, pg 16

D&C 46:24-25

Tuesday:

The Gifts of the Spirit (continue - upto the Gift of Knowledge), pg 127-128

CS: I Know My Father Lives, pg 6

D&C 5:4

D&C 46:17

Wednesday:

The Gifts of the Spirit (continue - upto the Gift of Prophecy), pg 128-129

CS: Search, Ponder and Pray, pg 109

D&C 46:18

D&C 46:13-14

Moroni 10:9-10

Thursday:

The Gifts of the Spirit (finish), pg129-130

CS: I'm Thankful to Be Me, pg 11

D&C 46:19-22

Moroni 10:11

Friday:

We Can Develop Our Gifts, pg 130-131

Optional: Statn Imitates the Gifts ofthe Spirit, pg 131

We Must Be Careful with Our Gifts of theSpirit, pg 131-132

CS: Thank Thee for Everything, pg 10

Lesson 23: The Sacrament

Memorize: Article of Faith 7

GAPK: #225 OR GAB 54 (The Last Supper)

GAPK: #603 OR GAB 107 (Blessing theSacrament) [different pictures]

GAPK: #604 OR GAB 108 (Passing theSacrament) [different pictures]

Monday:

Christ Introduced the Sacrament, pg133-135

CS: The Sacrament, pg 72

NTS: The Fist Sacrament, pg 108

Tuesday:

How the Sacrament Is Administered, pg135-136

CS: Before I Take the Sacrament, pg 73

D&C 20:77, 79

Wednesday:

The Covenants We Renew During theSacrament, pg 136

CS: Before I Take the Sacrament, pg 73

Mosiah 18:8-10

Thursday:

Our Attitude When Partaking of theSacrament, pg 137

CS: To Think About Jesus, pg 71

Friday:

FR:

- The Sacrament (puzzle), Apr 1982, pg 9

- The Sacrament (poem), Apr 1999, pg 19

- More Than Just a Word, Oct 1990, pg 2

Lesson 24: The Sabbath Day

Memorize: John 14:15

GAPK: #603 OR GAB 107 (Blessing theSacrament) [different pictures]

GAPK: #604 OR GAB 108 (Passing theSacrament) [different pictures]

GAPK: #607 (Young Girl Speaking atChurch)

Monday:

The Meaning of the Sabbath Day, pg 139

The Purpose of the Sabbath Day, pg139-140

CS: Remember the Sabbath Day, pg 155

Mark 2:27

Tuesday:

History of the Sabbath, pg 140

The Lord's Day, pg 140-141

CS: The Chapel Doors, pg 156

Genesis 2:2-3

Wednesday:

Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy, pg 141-142

CS: Saturday, pg 196

D&C 59:9-12

Thursday:

Blessings for Observing the Sabbath, pg142-143

CS: When I Go To Church, pg 157

Friday:

FR:

- Sabbath Day, Feb 1976, pg 41

- A Sunday Box, Sep 1976, pg 14

Lesson 25: Fasting

Memorize: Article of Faith 9

Monday:

How to Fast Properly, pg 145-146

CS: Faith, pg 96

D&C :88:76

Tuesday:

The Fast Day, pg 146-147

CS: Can a Little Child Like Me, pg 9

Wednesday:

Fast Offerings, pg 147

CS: I Know My Father Lives, pg 5

Thursday:

We Are Blessed When We Fast, pg 147-148

CS: Where Love Is, pg 138

Isaiah 58:8-9

Friday:

FR:

- No Place to Stay, Jul 1975, pg 19

- Why Do We Fast?, Jul 1975, pg 5

CS: , pg

Lesson 26:

Memorize: Article of Faith 9

GAPK: #105 OR GAB 9 (Abraham taking Isaacto be Sacrificed)

GAPK: #308 OR GAB 75 (Abinadi beforeKing Noah)

GAPK: #415 (Helping the Martin HandcardCompany) OR GAB 102 (Handcart Company) [different pictures]

GAPK: #612 OR GAB 109 or 110(Missionaries) [Different Pictures]

Monday:

The Meaning of Sacrifice, pg 149

The Law of Sacrifice Was PracticedAnciently, pg 149-151

CS: To Think About Jesus, pg 71

Moses 5:5-7

Tuesday:

We Still Must Sacrifice, pg 151

CS: Can a Little Child Like Me, pg 9

3 Nephi 9:19-20

Wednesday:

We Must Be Willing to SacrificeEverything We Have to the Lord, pg 151-153

CS: Called to Serve, pg 174

Romans 12:1

OTS: Abraham and Isaac, pg 174

Thursday:

Sacrifice Helps Us Prepare to Live inthe Presence of God, pg 153-154

CS: I Hope They Call Me On a Mission, pg169

Matthew 19:29

Friday:

FR:

- The Answers, April 1981, IFC

- Opening the Windows of Heaven, Oct2000, IFC

- Joby's Sacrifice, Sep 1993, pg 2

Lesson 27: Work and Personal Responsibility

Memorize: D&C 88:124

Monday:

Work Is an Eternal Principle, pg 155

We are Commanded to Work, pg 155-157

CS: When We're Helping, pg 198

Genesis 3:19

Tuesday:

Family Responsibility, pg 157

We Can Enjoy our Work, pg 157-158

CS: A Happy Helper, pg 197

Mosiah 2:17

Wednesday:

God Condemns Idleness, pg 158-159

Work, Recreation, and Rest, pg 159

CS: Go the Second Mile, pg 167

D&C 42:42

Thursday:

The Blessings of Work, pg 159-160

CS: We'll Bring the World His Truth, pg172

Moses 1:39

Friday:

FR:

- Friend to Friend: Gospel of Work, Jun1975, pg 6

Lesson 28: Service

Memorize: Mosiah 2:17

GAPK: #213 (Christ Healing a Blind Man)OR GAB 42 (Jesus Healing the Sick) [different pictures]

GAPK: #215 OR GAB 41 (Jesus BlessingJairus's Daughter)

GAPK: #216 OR GAB 47 (Christ and theChildren)

GAPK: #226 OR GAB 55 (Jesus washing theApostles Feet)

Monday:

How We Can Serve, pg 161-163

CS: Can A Little Child Like Me, pg 9

Matthew 20:26-27

Tuesday:

Why the Savior Wants Us to Serve Others,pg 163

We Receive Blessings through Service, pg164

CS: Give, Said the Little Stream, pg 236

Mosiah 2:17-18

Wednesday:

Opportunities to Serve, pg 164-165

CS: Called to Serve, pg 174

Mosiah 4:14-19

Thursday:

Jesus Christ is the Perfect Example ofService, pg 165-166

CS: I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus, pg 78

Matthew 20:28

Friday:

FR:

- Erin the Good Samaritan, Oct1992, pg 2

- Trying to Be Like Jesus Christ (secondstory), Jun 12000, IBC

Lesson 29: The Lord's Law of Health

Memorize: Mosiah 2:17

GAPK: #114 OR GAB 23 (Daniel Refusingthe King's Meat and Wine)

Monday:

Our Bodies are Temples of God, pg 167

We Are Commanded Not to Take CertainThings into Our Bodies, pg 167-169

CS: The Word of Wisdom, pg 154

D&CS: The Word of Wisdom, pg 119

Tuesday:

We are Taught That Certain Things areGood for Our Bodies, pg 170

CS: The Word of Wisdom, pg 154

D&CS: The Word of Wisdom, pg 119

Wednesday:

Work, Rest, and Exercise are Important,pg 170

CS: The Lord Gave Me a Temple, pg 153

D&C 88:124

Thursday:

Promised Blessings for Living the Lord'sLaw of Heath, pg 170-172

CS: The Lord Gave Me a Temple, pg 153

D&C 89:18-20

Friday:

FR:

- Decide Now, May 1985, IFC

- Word of Wisdom Puzzle, May 1975, pg 26

Lesson 30: Charity

Memorize: John 15:12

GAPK: #305 OR GAB 72 (Enos Praying)[Different picture, same name]

Monday:

What is Charity?, pg 173

Charity Is the Greatest of All Virtues, pg173-175

CS: Love One Another, pg 136

Moroni 7:46-46

Tuesday:

Charity Includes Giving to the Sick,Afflicted, and Poor, pg 175-176

CS: I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus, pg 78

NTS: The Good Samaritan, pg 82

Wednesday:

Charity Comes from the Heart, pg 176-177

CS: Jesus Said Love Everyone, pg 61

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Thursday:

Developing the Virtue of Charity, pg177-178

CS: Where Love Is, pg 138

BoMS: Enos, pg 30

Friday:

FR:

- A Father's Charity, Feb 1997, pg 40

- How Can I Help?, Aug 2000, IFC

CS: I'll Walk With You, pg 140

Gospel Principles Study for Young Children - Lessons 11-20

2012-01-05T22:13:00.007-06:00

Lessons 1-10

Lesson 11: The Life of Christ

Memorize: Article of Faith 8

GAPK: #201 (The Nativity) OR GAB 30 (TheBirth of Jesus)

GAPK: #206 (Childhood of Jesus Christ)OR GAB 33 (In Favour with God)

GAPK: #208 OR GAB 35 (John BaptizingJesus)

GAPK: #212 OR GAB 39 (Sermon on theMount) [different pictures, same title]

GAPK: #227 OR GAB 56 (Christ inGethsemane)

GAPK: #230 OR GAB 57 (The Crucifixion)

GAPK: #239 OR GAB 66 (The Second Coming)

Monday:

The Life of Christ was Predicted Longbefore His Birth, pg 51-52

CS: Samuel Tells of Baby Jesus, pg 36

NTS: Before the New Testament, pg 7

Tuesday:

He Was the Only Begotten of the Father,pg 52-53

CS: Who Is the Child?, pg 46

NTS: Jesus Christ is Born, pg 19

Wednesday:

He Led a Perfect Life, pg 53-54

CS: Jesus Once Was a Little Child, pg 55

NTS: The Boy Jesus, pg 25; Jesus is Baptized,pg 30; Jesus is Tempted, pg 34

Thursday:

He Taught us How to Love and Serve OneAnother, pg 54-55

He Organized the Only True Church, pg 55

CS: Jesus Said Love Everyone, pg 61

NTS: Jesus Chooses His Apostles, p 42;The Good Shepherd, pg 71

Friday:

He Redeemed Us from Our Sins and SavedUs from Death, pg 55-57

His Sacrifice Showed His Love for HisFather and for Us, pg 57-58

CS: Easter Hosanna, pg 68

NTS:

- Jesus Suffered in the Garden ofGethsemane, pg 111

- Jesus is Crucified, pg 115

- Jesus is Resurrected, Pg 121

Lesson 12: The Atonement

Memorize: Article of Faith 3

GAPK: #227 OR GAB 56 (Christ inGethsemane)

GAPK: #230 OR GAB 57 (The Crucifixion)

GAPK: #234 OR GAB 60 (Jesus Shows HisWounds)

GAPK: #239 (The Resurrected JesusChrist) OR GAB 66 (The Second Coming)

Monday:

The Atonement is Necessary for OurSalvation, pg 59

CS: He Sent His Son, pg 34

Alma 34:9

Tuesday:

Jesus Christ was the Only One Who CouldAtone for Our Sins, pg 61

Christ Suffered and Died to Atone forOur Sins, pg 61

CS: He Died That We Might Live Again, pg65

John 10:17-18

Wednesday:

The Atonement and Resurrection BringResurrection to All, pg 61-62

The Atonement Makes it Possible forThose Who Have Fait in Christ to Be Saved from Their Sins (Just up to theParable by President Packer), pg 62

CS: I Lived in Heaven, pg 4

John 3:16

Thursday:

Story of the Mediator (Parable byPresident Packer), pg 62-66 or watch "The Mediator" on theBook of Mormon Video Presentations http://lds.org/media-library/video/book-of-mormon-presentations?lang=eng#2010-06-05-the-mediator

CS: To Think About Jesus, pg 71

2 Nephi 9:21-22

Friday:

FR:

- Our Savior's Atonement, Apr 1997, pg 12-13

- Sharing Time: The Atonement, Mar 1989 , pg 30

- Parable of the Ketchup, Apr 1999, pg32

Lesson 13: The Priesthood

Memorize: Article of Faith 3, Article ofFaith 5

GAPK: #108 OR GAB 15 (Moses gives Aaronthe Priesthood)

GAPK: #407 OR GAB 93 (The Restoration ofthe Aaronic Priesthood)

GAPK: #408 OR GAB 94 (The Restoration ofthe Melchezedek Priesthood)

Monday:

What is the Priesthood?, pg 67

Why Do We Need the Priesthood on Earth?,pg 67-69

CS: The Priesthood is Restored, pg 89

John 15:16

Tuesday:

How Do Men Receive the Priesthood?, pg69-70

CS: The Priesthood is Restored, pg 89

Article of Faith 5

Wednesday:

How Do Men Properly Use the Priesthood?,pg 70

CS: Love is Spoken Here, pg 190

D&C 121:36

Thursday:

What Blessings Come When We Use the PriesthoodProperly?, pg 71

CS: Love is Spoken Here, pg 190

D&C 121:45-46

Friday:

D&CS

- Joseph and Oliver are Given thePriesthood, pg 26

FR:

- Power, Jun 1995, pg 12

- The Priesthood (puzzle), May 1984, pg23

Lesson 14a: Priesthood Organization

[I have divided this lesson into 2 weeks, as it was lookinglike too much for one week. Also, the lesson was expanded in the newer versionof the manual. I am including a"combined" option if you would rather keep it to one week.]

Memorize: Article of Faith 5; Article ofFaith 6

GAPK: #407 OR GAB 93 (The Restoration ofthe Aaronic Priesthood)

GAPK: #408 OR GAB 94 (The Restoration ofthe Melchezedek Priesthood)

Monday:

The Priesthood is on the Earth Today, pg73

Two Divisions of Priesthood, pg 73-74

CS: On a Golden Springtime, pg 88

D&C 107:1-4:

Tuesday:

Keys of the Priesthood, pg 74-75

CS: On a Golden Springtime, pg 88

Wednesday:

The Offices and Duties of the AaronicPriesthood, pg 75-76

CS: A Young Man Prepared, pg 166

Thursday:

The Offices and Duties of the MelchezedekPriesthood, pg 76-77

CS: The Priesthood is Restored, pg 89

Friday:

D&CS

- A Revelation About the Priesthood, pg117

FR:

Holding Priesthood Keys, Dec 2007, pg 32

CS: Article of Faith 5 and 6 songs p.125-6

Lesson 14b: Priesthood Organization

Memorize: Article of Faith 5; Article ofFaith 6

GAPK: #407 OR GAB 93 (The Restoration ofthe Aaronic Priesthood)

GAPK: #408 OR GAB 94 (The Restoration ofthe Melchezedek Priesthood)

Monday:

The Quorums of the Aaronic Priesthood,pg 78

CS: The Priesthood is Restored, pg 89

Tuesday:

(Cover only what your children can understand - probablyunnecessary to have a five year old learn all the info here)

The Quorums of the MelchezedekPriesthood, pg 78-79

CS: Love is Spoken Here, pg 190 (Boys Part (or both if desired))

Wednesday:

(Cover only what your children can understand - probablyunnecessary to have a five year old learn all the info here)

Importance of Priesthood Quorums, pg 79

CS: A Young Man Prepared, pg 166

Thursday:

Auxiliaries to the Priesthood, pg 79

CS: Love is Spoken Here, pg 190 (Both Parts)

Friday:

D&CS

- Priesthood Leaders, pg 140

FR:

What is a Priesthood Quorum?, Sep 2010,pg 11

CS: Article of Faith 5 and 6 songs p.125-6

Lesson 14 COMBINED: Priesthood Organization

(do not do if you did Lesson 14a and 14b)

Memorize: Article of Faith 5; Article ofFaith 6

GAPK: #407 OR GAB 93 (The Restoration ofthe Aaronic Priesthood)

GAPK: #408 OR GAB 94 (The Restoration ofthe Melchezedek Priesthood)

Monday:

The Priesthood is on the Earth Today, pg73

Two Divisions of Priesthood, pg 73-74

CS: On a Golden Springtime, pg 88

D&C 107:1-4:

Tuesday:

Keys of the Priesthood, pg 74-75

CS: Love is Spoken Here, pg 190 (Boys Part (or both if desired))

Wednesday:

The Offices and Duties of the AaronicPriesthood, pg 75-76

CS: A Young Man Prepared, pg 166

Thursday:

The Offices and Duties of theMelchezedek Priesthood, pg 76-77

CS: The Priesthood is Restored, pg 89

Friday:

(Cover only what your children can understand - probablyunnecessary to have a five year old learn all the info here)

The Quorums of the Aaronic Priesthood,pg 78

The Quorums of the MelchezedekPriesthood, pg 78-79

Importance of Priesthood Quorums, pg 79

Auxiliaries to the Priesthood, pg 79

CS: Article of Faith 5 and 6 songs p.125-6

Lesson 15: The Lord's Covenant People

Memorize: Article of Faith 6

Monday:

The Nature of Covenants, pg 81-83

CS: We'll Bring the World His Truth, pg172

D&C 20:77-79

Tuesday:

God's Covenant with Abraham and HisDescendants, pg 83

CS: Follow the Prophet, pg 110

OTS: Abraham, pg 30

Wednesday:

Members of the Church are a CovenantPeople, pg 84-85

CS: The Church of Jesus Christ, pg 77

Abraham 2:!0

Thursday:

The New and Everlasting Covenant, pg85-86

CS: I Will Follow God's Plan, pg 164

Friday:

FR:

- Covenants Are Promises, Aug 1999, pg38

- Carrie's Covenant, Mar 1994, pg 2

Lesson 16: The Church of Christ in Former Times

Memorize: Article of Faith 6

GAPK: #211 OR GAB 38 (Christ Ordainingthe Apostles)

GAPK: #235 OR GAB 61 (Go Ye Therefore)

GAPK: #316 OR GAB 82 (Jesus Teaching inthe Western Hemisphere)

Monday:

Some Features That Identify the Churchof Jesus Christ (Intro, Revelation, Authority from God), pg 87-89

CS: Search, Ponder, and Pray, pg 109

John 15:16

Tuesday:

Some Features That Identify (Church Organization), pg 89-90

CS: Article of Faith 6 Song, pg 126

Ephesians 2:20

Wednesday:

Some Features That Identify (First Principles and Ordinances, OrdinancesPerformed for the Dead, Spiritual Gifts), pg 90-91

CS: When I am Baptized, pg 103

John 3:5

I Corinthians 15:29

Thursday:

The Church of Jesus Christ in the Americas,pg 91

Apostasy from the True Church, pg 91-92

CS: On a Golden Springtime, pg 88

2 Thessalonians 2:3

Friday:

A Restoration Foretold, pg 92-93

FR:

- , New Testament ABC's, Jan 1991, pg 24

CS: This is My Beloved Son, pg 76

Lesson 17: The Church of Jesus Christ Today

Memorize: Article of Faith 4

GAPK: #403 OR GAB 90 (First Vision)

GAPK: #407 OR GAB 93 (The Restoration ofthe Aaronic Priesthood)

GAPK: #408 OR GAB 94 (The Restoration ofthe Melchezedek Priesthood)

Monday:

The Church of Jesus Christ Was Takenfrom the Earth, pg 95

The Lord Promised to Restore His TrueChurch, pg 95-96

New Revelation from God, pg 96

CS: This is My Beloved Son, pg 78

D&CS Joseph Smith's First Vision, pg9

Tuesday:

Authority from God Was Restored, pg 97

CS: The Priesthood is Restored, pg 89

Article of Faith 5

D&CS: Joseph and Oliver Were Giventhe Priesthood, pg 26

Wednesday:

Christ's Church Was Organized Again, pg97-98

CS: The Priesthood is Restored, pg 89

D&C 1:30

D&CS: The True Church of JesusChrist, pg 40

Thursday:

Important Truths Were Restored, pg 98-99

CS: On a Golden Springtime, pg 88

Article of Faith 4

Friday:

The Church of Jesus Christ Will Never Be Destroyed, pg99-100

Daniel 2:44

Lesson 18: Faith in Jesus Christ

Memorize: Article of Faith 4

GAPK: #239 OR GAB 66 (The ResurrectedChrist)

GAPK: #240 (Jesus the Christ) OR GAB 1(Jesus Christ) [different pictures]

Monday:

What is Faith?, pg 101-102

CS: Faith , pg 96

Alma 32:21

Tuesday:

Why Should We Have Faith in JesusChrist?, pg 103

CS: I Know My Father Lives, pg 5

2 Nephi 9:23

Wednesday:

How Can We Increase Our Faith in JesusChrist?, pg 103-105

CS: God's Love, pg 97

Alma 32:27-29

Thursday:

What Are Some Blessings That FollowFaith?, pg 105-106

CS: I Pray in Faith, pg 14

Moroni 7:25-26, 37

Friday:

FR:

- A Child's Faith, Aug 1987, IFC

- Sharing Time: Faith in Jesus Christ,Jan 1999, pg 14

Lesson 19: Repentance

Memorize: D&C 19:16-17

Monday:

We All Need to Repent, pg 107

Becoming Free from Our Sings throughRepentance, pg 109

CS: Repentance, pg 98

Moses 6:57

Tuesday:

Principles of Repentance (up to "WeMust Confess Our Sins), pg 109-110

CS: Repentance, pg 98

Wednesday:

Principles of Repentance (finish), pg110-112

CS: Help Me, Dear Father, pg 99

Thursday:

How Repentance Helps Us, pg 112

The Dangers of Procrastinating OurRepentance, pg 113

CS: Help Me, Dear Father, pg 99

BoMS: Alma the Younger Repents, pg 49

Friday:

FR:

- Repentance (puzzle) Sep 1974, pg 46

- The Joy of Repentance, May 2001, pg 40

- Rebecca Repents, Oct 1977, pg 36

Lesson 20: Baptism

Memorize: John 3:5

GAPK: #208 OR GAB 35 (John BaptizingJesus)

GAPK: #309 OR GAB 76 (Alma Baptizes inthe Waters of Mormon)

GAPK: #601 OR GAB 103 or 104 (Baptism)[Different Pictures]

Monday:

The Commandment to Be Baptized, pg115-116

CS: When Jesus Christ Was Baptized, pg102

NTS: Jesus Is Baptized, pg 30

Tuesday:

The Correct Mode of Baptism, pg 116-117

CS: Baptism, pg 200

D&C 20:73-74

Wednesday:

Baptism at the Age of Accountability, pg117

CS: I Like My Birthdays, pg 104

Thursday:

We Make Covenants When We Are Baptized,pg 117-118

Baptism Gives Us a New Beginning, pg 119

CS: When I Am Baptized, pg 103

Mosiah 8:8-10

Friday:

FR:

- Sharing Time: Baptism, My FirstCovenant, May 1997, pg 12

- Baptism Puzzle, Mar 1977, pg 28

Year in Review

2011-12-31T13:40:00.001-06:00

Ok, I'll admit it.... I'm a copy cat. I have seen a few blogs doing a year in review post, and I thought it was a good ideas - so here we go.

This time last year, Delta was 7, Echo was almost 5, Foxtrot was 2 and a half, and Golf was only 6 months old. Also grandkids: Zulu was 7 and a half, and Yankee was 1 and a half. We were doing a mostly AO program with some modifications from Milestones Academy, Simply Charlotte Mason, and my own Canadian additions.

Now they are all a year older (ok, duh...). Delta has been baptized and is in Cubs. Echo has joined Beavers. Foxtrot is learning to read with "Teach your child to read in 100 Easy Lessons" and doing a bit of math with RightStart Level A. And Golf just started walking a couple of days before Christmas, is saying some words, signs more, and is continually asking me to put on "Baby Signing Time".

Here are the Top 5 posts for the year (based on the stats)

Canadian History Plan - Updated!
History - Familiy Rotation
Help - History Year 1
This Country Of Ours
Canadian Literature

hm - makes me think people are looking at the curriculum posts the most!

The Top 2 Pages are
Curriculum
Canadian

The top Referring URL's (since Maple Hill Academy opened) have been:
See Jamie Blog
Latter-Day Homeschooling
Satori Smiles
Actually, I think Simply Charlotte Mason would rate higher, but it looks like theirs is broken down based on the forum topics that referred to here.

And looking at the year....

January

We tried the Accountable Kids program in Helpful Changes

February

I updated the History Plan for Canadian History

March

We visited the Fire Station!

April

This was a busy month on the blog!

Delta's Animation

Changed our entire homeschool plan from mostly AO to our own plan

I modified the Scripture Memory Box idea to work better for our family

May

Info on combining the family for various subjects

June

Foxtrot turned 3!

July

I started looking at changing our Math to RightStart

August

I dreamed about a bunk room!

September

Delta started Cubs and learned to sew on buttons and badges.

October

Delta turned 8 and got Baptized, and we started a different Handwriting program

November

I showed off the maps that Delta and Echo drew.

December

We added in ASL to our school, and started work on a new plan for Devotions

There were a LOT of changes this year, and I'm looking forward to next year!

Gospel Principles Study for Young Children, Intro and Lessons 1-10

2011-12-28T21:22:00.001-06:00

Note that at this time, this is a semi-finished draft. This study is an update of a study plan made by Michelle Duker, being updated to use the current Gospel Principles manual, as well as give picture references to the Gospel Art Book.

At this time, I haven't checked things like page numbers in other resources, or looked for newer Friend Articles, or done searches for other resources.

Note that older children could look up more of the Scripture References in the lessons, including the Additional Scriptures.

Gospel Principles Study Guide for Young Children

by Michelle Duker

updated byHeather Stovold

OriginalIntroduction:

General Information

This study is for young children usingthe Gospel Principles manual published by the Church. Thelessons are broken down into daily segments and augmented withsongs, scriptures and

memory suggestions, pictures, andmaterials from the Friend magazine. A few of the lessons are lessappropriate for young children, and I've left them completelyopen or less structured

to allow for easy adapting to familyneeds, or omission, as the parent sees fit.

A typical weekly plan involves somereading and discussion each day of the week, with Fridaysusually spent in review or reading supplementary material from theFriend. For each

weekly lesson, I list a suggested memoryverse approximately every two weeks, pictures from theGospel Art Picture Kit which may enhance the lesson, andstories from the various

Scripture Readers published by theChurch which relate to that week's theme.

Each day I have subject headings fromthe Gospel Principles manual to read for that day, suggestedscriptures to look up, a song to sing from the Children'sSongbook, and on Fridays a

list of suggested resources from theFriend magazine.

~~MichelleDuker~~

UpdatedIntroduction:

I located theoriginal study plan at the School of Abraham at this location : http://www.schoolofabraham.com/gospelprinciples.htm

As the gospel principles manual has been recently updated,and the Gospel Art Kit is no longer sold by the church (although is availableonline), I talked to Michelle (who happened to be on an online group to which Ibelong, and started the process of updating this great resource to use with myfamily. Michelle did tell me that sheused her study plan a number of times with her family - when they needed arefresher or a younger child was now old enough to benefit by it.

Suggested resources - available from thechurch, or available online

[Note that web links may change, but thechurch will probably keep these available somewhere on the site. In fact someof these resources are in more than one location at this time.]

Note that it is my opinion that it isusually nicer to have the resources on hand, but it is great that they are available online.

Gospel Principles manual (http://lds.org/manual/gospel-principles?lang=eng)

Children's Songbook (http://lds.org/cm/display/0,17631,8764-1,00.html)

Gospel Art Picture Kit [no longer sold](http://lds.org/hf/art/0,16812,4218-1,00.html)

OR Gospel Art Book (http://lds.org/library/display/0,4945,1-1-4779-2,00.html)

The Scripture Stories books:

OldTestament Stories (http://lds.org/library/display/0,4945,8900-1-4473-5,00.html)

NewTestament Stories (http://lds.org/library/display/0,4945,8898-1-4473-4,00.html)

Bookof Mormon Stories (http://lds.org/library/display/0,4945,8187-1-4473-2,00.html)

Doctrineand Covenants Stories (http://lds.org/library/display/0,4945,8897-1-4473-3,00.html)

Church Magazines (http://lds.org/friend/2012?lang=eng),(http://lds.org/magazine?lang=eng)

Scriptures for each reading child (http://lds.org/scriptures?lang=eng)

Legend:

GAPK: Gospel Art Picture Kit

GAB: Gospel Art Book

CS: Children's Songbook

FR: The Friend Magazine

NTS: New Testament Stories

OTS: Old Testament Stories

BMS: Book of Mormon Stories

D&CS: Doctrine and Covenants Stories

IFC: Inside Front Cover

IBC: Inside Back Cover

Lesson 1: Our Father in Heaven

Memorize: Article of Faith 1

GAPK: #403 OR GAB 90 (First Vision)

Monday:

There is a God - 1st paragraph only [Alma, a Book of ....], pg 5

CS: I am a Child of God, pg 1

Alma 30:44

Tuesday:

There is a God - finish the section, pg5-6

CS: I Lived in Heaven, pg 4

Mosiah 4:9

Wednesday:

The Nature of God, pg 6

CS: I Know My Father Lives, pg 5

D&C 88:41-44

Thursday:

Coming to Know God, pg 6-7

CS: I Am a Child of God, pg 1

Friday:

FR:

- Sharing Time: The Godhead, Feb 1995,pg 36

- Sharing Time: My Heavenly Father LovesMe, Jan 1996, pg 12

CS: I Need My Heavenly Father, pg 18

Lesson 2: Our Heavenly Family

Memorize: Article of Faith 1

Monday:

We are Children of our Heavenly Father,pg 9

CS: I Am a Child of God ,pg 1

Hebrews 12:9

Tuesday:

We Developed Personalities and TalentsWhile we Lived in Heaven, pg 9-10

CS: Can a Little Child Like Me , pg 9

Alma 13:1-3

Wednesday:

Our Heavenly Father Presented a Plan forUs to Become Like Him - first paragraph [Our Heavenly Father knew we...] , pg10-11

CS: I Know my Father Lives , pg 5

Moses 1:39

Thursday:

Our Heavenly Father Presented a Plan forUs to Become Like Him - finish section, pg 11

CS: I Lived in Heaven, pg 4

Friday:

NTS: Before the New Testament, pg 7

CS: I Need My Heavenly Father, pg 18

Lesson 3: Jesus Christ, Our Chosen Leader and Savior

Memorize: John 3:16

GAPK: #236 OR GAB 62 (The Ascension ofChrist)

GAPK: #237 OR GAB 65 (Jesus at the Door)

GAPK: #239 OR GAB 66 (The ResurrectedChrist)

GAPK: #240 (Jesus the Christ) OR GAB 1(Jesus Christ) [different pictures]

Monday:

A Savior and Leader was Needed, pg 13-15

CS: I Lived in Heaven ,pg 4

Abraham 3:27

Moses 4:2

Tuesday:

Jesus Christ Became Our Chosen Leaderand Savior, pg 15

CS: He Died That We Might Live Again, pg65

Ether 3:14

Wednesday:

The War in Heaven, pg 15-16

CS: I Lived in Heaven, pg 4

D&C 76:24-29

Thursday:

We Have the Savior's Teachings toFollow, pg 16

CS: He Sent His Son, pg 34

3 Nephi 27:13-20

Friday:

FR:

- Sharing Time, Feb 1999, pg 46

- The Great Council in Heaven, Jan 1983,pg 48

- Sharing Time, The Plan of SalvationOffers Me Peace, Mar 1994, pg 14

CS: I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus, pg 78

Lesson 4: Freedom to Choose

Memorize: John 3:16

Monday:

Agency is an Eternal Principle, pg 17

CS: Choose the Right Way, pg 160

Moses 3:17

2 Nephi 2:27

Tuesday:

Agency is a Necessary Part of the Planof Salvation, pg 17-19

CS: I Will Follow God's Plan, pg 164

Abraham 3:25

Wednesday:

Agency Requires That There Be a Choice,pg 19-21

CS: Keep the Commandments, pg 146

2 Nephi 2:11

Thursday:

FR: Agency and Choosing the Right, Jan1997, IFC

CS: I Will Follow God's Plan, pg 164

Friday:

FR: Path to Follow, Jan 1997, pg 36

CS: Keep the Commandments, pg 146

Lesson 5: The Creation

Memorize: Article of Faith 2

GAPK: #100 (Creation - Living Creatures)OR GAB 2 (The Lord Created All Things)

GAPK: #600 (The World) OR GAB 3 (TheEarth) [same picture, different titles]

Monday:

God's Plan for Us; Jesus Created theEarth, pg 23

CS: The World is So Big, pg 235

Moses 1:33

Tuesday:

Carrying Out the Creation, pg 23-24

CS: My Heavenly Father Loves Me, pg 228

OTS: Jesus Makes the Earth pg 9

Wednesday:

God Shows His Love, pg 24-25

CS: All Things Bright and Beautiful, pg231

D&C 58:18-19

Thursday:

FR:

- God's Love for His Children, April1989, IFC

- Who Made the Birds That Fly, Feb 1999,pg 18

CS: I Think the World is Glorious, pg230

Friday:

Review / Nature Study Day /"Catch-up" Day

CS: God is Watching Over All, pg 229

Lesson 6: The Fall of Adam and Eve

Memorize: Article of Faith 2

GAPK: #101 (Adam and Eve) OR GAB 4 (Adamand Eve Kneeling at an Altar)

GAPK: #119 OR GAB 5 (Adam and EveTeaching Their Children)

Monday:

Adam and Eve Were the First to Come toEarth, pg 27

CS: I Lived in Heaven, pg 4

Tuesday:

The Garden of Eden, pg 28

CS: I Will Follow God's Plan , pg 164

Moses 2:28

Wednesday:

Adam and Eve's Separation from God, pg28-29

CS: Faith, pg 96

Moses 5:1-5

Thursday:

Great Blessings Resulted from theTransgression, pg 29-30

CS: I Lived in Heaven, pg 4

Friday:

OTS: Adam and Eve, pg 15

FR: And Not for Adam's Transgression,Feb 1996, pg 38

CS: I'm Thankful to Be Me, pg 11

Lesson 7: The Holy Ghost

Memorize: D&C 112:10

GAPK: #602 OR GAB 105 (Gift of the HolyGhost) [different pictures, same title]

Monday:

The Holy Ghost Came to Adam and Eve, pg31-32

CS: The Still Small Voice, pg 106

Moses 5:9-11

Tuesday:

Attributes of the Holy Ghost, pg 32

CS: The Still Small Voice, pg 106

D&C 130:22

Wednesday:

The Mission of the Holy Ghost - first1/2 (just to top of page 33), pg 32-33

CS: The Holy Ghost, pg 105

3 Nephi 28:11

Thursday:

The Mission of the Holy Ghost - finish,pg 33

CS: The Holy Ghost, pg 105

Friday:

FR:

- The Holy Ghost, Nov 1974, IBC

- Sharing Time: One of God's GreatestGifts, Jun 2000, pg 37

- Silent Message, Nov 1996, p 8

CS: Listen, Listen, pg 107

Lesson 8: Praying to Our Heavenly Father

Memorize: D&C 112:10

GAPK: #605 OR GAB 111 (Young BoyPraying) [different picture, same title]

GAPK: #606 OR GAB 112 (Family Prayer)[different picture, same title]

Monday:

What is Prayer, Why Do We Pray?, pg35-36

CS: A Child's Prayer, pg 12

3 Nephi 18:19

Tuesday:

When Should we Pray?, pg 36-37

CS: A Child's Prayer, pg 12

Alma 34:27

Wednesday:

How Should We Pray?, pg 37

CS: A Prayer Song, pg 22

Moroni 10:4

Thursday:

How Are Prayers Answered?, pg 37-38

CS: I Pray in Faith, pg 14

D&C 112:10

Friday:

FR:

- Take Time to Pray, Sep 1973, pg 9

- Prayers Can Be Smothered by Blankets,Nov 1987, pg 42

- "Prayer" Funstuff, Nov 1984,pg 26

- Kelly's Prayer, Jun 1997, pg 18

- Friend to Friend: The Miracle ofPrayer, Jun 1974, pg 8

- Who Needs My Prayer?, Aug 1996, pg 38

- My Father and Prayer, Jun 1975, IFC

Lesson 9: Prophets of God

Memorize: Amos 3:7

Your Choice from list below, or otherappropriate pictures of prophets:

GAPK: #101 OR GAB 4 - Adam

GAPK: #103 OR GAB 8 - Noah

GAPK: #105 OR GAB 9 - Abraham

GAPK: #107 OR GAB 13 -Moses

GAPK: #111 OR GAB 18 - Samuel

GAPK: #113 OR GAB 22 - Isaiah

GAPK: #117 OR GAB 26 - Daniel

GAPK: #120 OR GAB 6 - Enoch

GAPK: #207 -John

GAPK: #300 OR GAB 67 - Lehi

GAPK: #303 OR GAB 70 -Nephi

GAPK: #306 -Mormon OR GAB 86 -Moroni

GAPK: #506 (Latter-Day Prophets) OR GAB122-137 (Indiv. Latter-Day Prophets)

GAB 137 (Thomas S. Monson) [or pictureof current prophet]

Monday:

Prophets Are God's Representatives onthe Earth, pg 39

CS: Follow the Prophet, pg 110

Amos 3:7

Tuesday:

Through the Ages God Has Called Prophetsto Lead Mankind, pg 41

We Have a Living Prophet on the EarthToday, pg 41-42

CS: Latter-Day Prophets, pg 134

Wednesday:

We Should Sustain the Lord's Prophet, pg42

CS: Follow the Prophet, pg 110

D&C 21:4-5

Thursday:

Great Blessings Follow Obedience to theProphet, pg 43

CS: Latter-Day Prophets, pg 134

D&C 21:6

Friday:

FR: - Funstuff: Prophet Puzzle, Jan1997, pg 14

- Testimonies of the Latter-DayProphets, Oct 1991, pg 38

- Finding Safety in Counsel, Aug 1998IFC

Lesson 10: Scriptures

Memorize: Article of Faith 8

GAPK: #617 (Search the Scriptures)

GAPK: #416 OR GAB 92 (Joseph SmithTranslating the Book of Mormon)

GAPK: #325 (The Gold Plates) OR GAB 86(Moroni Burying the Gold Plates) [different picture]

GAPK: #326 (The Bible and the Book ofMormon: Two Witnesses)

Monday:

The Scriptures are Available to Us Today(- Bible, Book of Mormon), pg 45-47

CS: Search, Ponder and Pray , pg 109

2 Nephi 29:11

Tuesday:

The Scriptures are Available to Us Today(- D&C, Pearl of Great Price), pg 47-48

CS: Search, Ponder and Pray , pg 109

D&C 1:37

Wednesday:

Words of Our Living Prophets, pg 48

CS: Seek the Lord Early, pg 108

D&C :68:4

Article of Faith 9

Thursday:

Studying the Scriptures, pg 48-49

CS: A Young Man Prepared, pg 166

Friday:

FR:

- Sharing Time: Scripture Scholars, Feb1990, pg 43

- "Press Forward, Saints", Jan2000, pg 29

Devotions for the coming year

2011-12-27T21:14:00.000-06:00

So far this school year, I have jumped around a bit in our devotions, trying to find the best fit for our family at this time and stage in our life. I have found (with a fair bit of searching) a great resource that I think will work well, and am looking forward to starting it.

Michelle Duker, many years ago, created a study plan for children based on the Gospel Principles manual that is used for new members of the church. This plan includes - a scripture to memorize (generally over 2 weeks) parts of the lesson to read each day, a scripture each day, and songs from the Children's Songbook to sing. The plans for Fridays generally have other materials that reinforce the lesson from resources like The Friend or the Scripture Stories books. For most lessons there is a picture from the Gospel Art Picture Kit to display.

However, recently the Gospel Principles Handbook was updated, and the Gospel Art Picture Kit is no longer sold (although it is available online). I knew that I would need to do a little work to update the plans.

As it turns out, Michelle is a member of an online homeschooling forum to which I belong, and has graciously agreed that I could post my updated lesson plans online in the hopes it might benefit others.

I am debating posting lessons as I update them, or doing all the updates, and then posting a final plan. Do my readers have a preference?

And for those that would like to see the original plans, or who would rather use the older version of the manual, here is the original: http://www.schoolofabraham.com/gospelprinciples.htm

Signing

2011-12-18T12:32:00.000-06:00

Well, in case you would like a change from all the Christmas posts on the blogs you read, I thought I'd write about us adding Sign Language to the many things we are learning.

Years and years ago, I took ASL (American Sign Language) classes with my sister. We learned a fair bit, although we certainly never became fluent!

Then when Delta was born, I read about Baby Sign and the benefits found using Sign Language with hearing babies. So I did some Baby Sign (ASL signs - note that some Baby Sign systems do NOT use ASL signs) with each of my children. I will admit that we never had babies that could sign a hundred signs or anything like that. But each child learned signs helpful to me... "More", "All Done", "Eat", "Milk", "Diaper", and then usually a couple of signs that interested the child. When Foxtrot was a baby, we took a Baby Signing class, and Delta and Echo (and I ) took a Signing class for toddlers, where they learned more signs, like the colors, animals, and some foods.

And there I left it.

Now Golf has been learning baby sign language, and the older children have gotten interested. So, I checked our library, and discovered it had the "Signing Time" videos (which we had occasionally watched on TV - but they are no longer on TV here.) They also had some "Baby Signing Time" videos, so I took those out.

I have to say - WOW. Golf is really starting to sign. She will sign many of the words while we are watching the video.... and watching 2 videos just a couple of times - she is signing more in general. She asked for a banana yesterday by signing. Today she also asked..... to watch "Baby Signing Time". She signed "More" "Baby" "Signing" "Time". Hey - that is a whole sentence!

Here is a video of Golf signing Baby. She usually signs "signing" as well, but didn't when I was filming her. (If you turn up the sound, you can hear the Baby Signing Time opening song in the background.)

I have had people ask me if teaching babies sign language slows down their speech. Research has shown that if anything, it speeds up their speaking. In fact, some speech therapists recommend using baby sign with children that are having problems speaking. In our family, we have used baby sign with all our children. One was late in speaking (that child had their speech evaluated and was at the very low side of normal - requiring no therapy.) One was talking so fluently at a young age that people thought they were a year older than they were. Another was also very fluent very young. And of course, Golf is still learning.

I am still trying to decide how to approach adding ASL to our school. We are watching the Signing Time videos for now. I will probably work out something more with this free resource - http://www.lifeprint.com/index.htm

Also, the Sign Language Phrase Book (picture at top of blog) is very good for learning phrases and has a fantastic chapter on ASL grammar (which is NOT the same as English Grammar).

Week in Review

2011-12-02T21:29:00.001-06:00

So another week has gone by... and how did it go?

Well, on Monday, Delta and I were both sick, so we cancelled our violin lessons and swim lessons for the day.

Tuesday - I still wasn't feeling well. Echo got sick that evening (all over the bed, our leap pad, the bedroom floor, oh yeah, and her sister!) She also got sick all over the bathroom floor right after. So I had 2 girls in the shower, extra laundry, a floor to cleanup (thanks for the carpet cleaner!!!) and the leappad to cleanup, as well as the book (leappad still works).... oh, remember at the start that I still wasn't feeling well??

Wednesday - Well, I'm still not feeling well, but as the kids seem ok, and we had already missed a week of school (we missed some days last week too...) we did some basic school. Following the trend - that night it was time for Foxtrot to get sick. (See a pattern?) She came out from bed (waking me up) saying she was wet. Her clothes weren't wet and she didn't need a change, so I started to get a little upset and sent her to bed, while I "used the facilities".... then my nose detected a problem as I passed their room and so I turned on their light.... sure enough, she had been sick in bed. So I managed to handle a sheet change without waking up everyone else in the room.

Thursday - So.... who here hasn't been sick? That's right... it was Golf's turn to be sick.

Friday - well, I'm starting to feel a bit better - or at least my symptoms are different...... I'd have been tempted to try to get SOME schoolwork done, but Zulu was here for the day. (A PD day at his school.)

Oh well - guess we will just cross this week off and start fresh on Monday.

It could have been worse.......

My brother phoned, he was in Ontario where our ancestors lived, and called to say he was going to the cemetery to take some pictures, and what people did he need to look for? So I checked in our records and gave him a few names. There was a couple of children in the family (ages 8 and 13) that had the same Burial Date in 1841. My brother said, "Oh yeah, they had an epidemic there in 1841.... small pox or influenza or something like that.... it was in that local history book I read"

I am grateful to live in an age where everyone getting sick in the house just causes us to miss out on some schoolwork.

Fresh from the Library

2011-11-29T15:20:00.001-06:00

Things have been pretty busy here - and I think we all have had the flu the last couple of days... sigh.

Anyway, I went to the library, and I thought you might be interested in what we picked up....

It appears that our Library has picked up the "Little Pim" DVD's for German. I've picked up 3 to see what I think of the program. It is for ages 0-5, so that gets a few of my kids in... We happened to get volumes 4-6 (the ones sitting at the library) so I don't know if it will be too hard with not seeing 1-3 first, or if it really won't matter. I have wondered about that program, so I'm thrilled to get to see these DVD's
I grabbed a couple of Baby Signing Time and 1 Signing Time DVD. We have decided to add ASL into our little homeschool (Delta and Echo took a preschool course, and Foxtrot took a baby sign course with me ages ago - so they know a little) I took what was available at the library I visited, but there are several in the system.
I also grabbed "The American Sign Language Phrase Book" by Lou Fant. I remember we used a book by him as an extra book years ago when I took sign language
The Elements - A Visual Exploration of Every Known Atom in the Universe. We have been learning about Elements recently, so this is a nice extra book to look through. I find it interesting that Delta loves the Element Gold.... Rich tastes?
A few books for reading time - "Corduroy", "Ferdinand", "Harry the Dirty Dog"

This was added to the 20 or so other books we still have out from the library from previous visits. Hopefully this will let us keep busy in an easy way while we all get to feeling much better.

Oh, and on another topic... our Church had the Children's Presentation this last week. Delta played the violin during it. He did a wonderful job, as it took a lot of work to learn the song, and he must have been a little nervous during the performance. Later that day was the Suzuki winter concert - so the kids had a LOT of sitting quietly that day, as well as a fair bit of violin to do.

When mom isn't available

2011-11-16T13:19:00.001-06:00

There have been times when for whatever reason, sickness or other things, that mom just isn't available for school. I have come to realize that a bit of preparation ahead of time can let the children still do some school. Of course, the older the children are, the more independent they can be - but at the same time, there are things that even younger children can do.

Here are some suggestions of things to do that I can try to remember.

First - helping mom. Fetching things, helping with meals, doing some basic watching of toddlers/infants.

Devotion - singing a few church songs. We have the animated Scripture videos (well, many of them) - so this is a nice easy change in routine.

Math - if doing RS, this is a good day for math games. Pick one of the math games your kids enjoy, with skills that they are fairly good at (but could use a bit more practice) - and let them play. If not doing RS, or for a variation, let them do Khan Academy on the computer. For slightly older, I have heard of Timez Attack - but we haven't tried it yet.

Writing - select (or have them select) some copywork.

Reading - let them pick a book to do some reading from to themselves. Have them read to the toddler or baby. They can read to mom too.

Science - they could read from a science book... or watch a science video. With a few minutes to setup, they could watch videos from "The periodic table of videos" (on the internet), or watch a good science video on netflix or the TV. Delta likes the Planets.

History - read a book again - or watch a video as well. Delta likes the Naked Archeologist.

Music - put on some music to listen to while they read or play. For instrument practice, have them "serenade" mom with review songs.

Foreign Language - Have them watch a "First Steps" video, or watch a movie or something in the target language. For German - could setup Sesamastrauss (sp?) on Youtube. (I sure wish our movies had a German option.... French or Spanish gives more options for movies to watch, as most of our DVD's have one or both)

General - Let them play educational computer games. (We have various Reader Rabbit games)

Most of those just take a few minutes to setup, then mom can be sick on the couch for quite a while. Although not as good as a regular day at school, it is better than the "turn on the kid shows on TV" option. Mind you, there may be days when that is all you can do...

oh, in case you are wondering - I'm not sick. A couple of days ago I had something very important I HAD to take care of during school time. I set the timer and would do my work for 15 to 30 minutes, having the kids work on various things from my list above - then I would set them up with something else, as I worked again with the timer. I got what I NEEDED to get done, and the children still got some schooling done. I don't advocate doing it often of course, but when you must.....

Habits

2011-11-14T20:44:00.001-06:00

Here is a "Being Real" post... I admit at times that I tend to post only the good things happening in our lives and our school... the things where we are doing well. But of course, that is only part of the story - so here is a post about some of the other things.

At times I get frustrated with my attempts at Habit training. Charlotte Mason said:

"The mother who takes pains to endow her children with good habits secures for herself smooth and easy days; while she who lets their habits take care of themselves has a weary life of endless friction with the children. All day she is crying out, ‘Do this!’ and they do it not; ‘Do that!’ and they do the other” (Vol. 1, pp. 135, 136).

I have been working on habits with my children since I first heard about Charlotte Mason about 5 years ago. Yet, I realize that I have become the 2nd mother, not the one with the smooth and easy days. Perhaps it is partly because my children are still young - but I don't think so. I know that CM said not to excuse children because of youth - and that they will not "grow out" of bad habits. No, I think the problem comes down to a combination of 3 things.

First - I'm not totally sure of what I am doing. The longer I am a mom, the less I know about raising children. Ok, that isn't true - I just REALIZE how much I don't know. The examples that CM gives in her books about instilling habits just seem so hard to implement. Like the story about the boy with temper tantrums.... diverting the child's thought to something pleasant BEFORE the tantrum starts... just that exact moment that a tantrum is about to happen but before the child has had the thought. Well, with 4 children, I can't see that I can discern that exact moment for each possible tantrum..... and the ones that I know are about to happen are generally because I am telling them "no" for something they want, or asking them to do a job they don't want to do.... very different from the example given. Not that my kids have tantrums all the time - but they do occur. In any case, I am sure that my techniques just aren't quite right. We are supposed to follow through and make sure the habit is done - but WITHOUT Nagging. I haven't gotten this worked out on how one DOES that.

Second - Consistency. Oh, that is a problem. A system isn't seeming to work, and I give up on it. How does one know when keeping at something longer will end up working, or that the reality is just that what I'm trying would never work for anyone? CM also warns about letting the child off "just this once"... and that this is prone to be allowed by a mother just before the habit is formed because the child has been "doing so well". Ah, I think I am prone to letting them off "just this once" not because of sympathy for my children - but because of tiredness in myself... it is energy for me to call them back to see the habit done. CM says that teaching habits becomes a habit in the mother.... I guess I'm letting myself off before THAT habit is formed.

Third - My habits. As is true of everyone - I am a creature of habit. And I have already seen that some of my habits are not helping me habit-train my children. I'm not going to go into all my bad habits for the world to see... but I must say that I know they are a definite issue. Yet I feel at a loss to change my habits for longer than a very short time. Yet this makes me see the real need for habit training for my children, so they won't have similar struggles. It is a conundrum that I have been, as yet, unable to solve.

I find homeschooling harder without the habits in place. Some have counselled to do less school while focusing on habits, which is something of which I see the merit. But - as I've been working on the same basic habits without success for 5 years, I also feel that I can not be putting off school for habit training that seems to be getting nowhere. Another problem to solve.

May my kids thrive in spite of my faults and weaknesses!

Cartography, and other things

2011-11-03T23:23:00.003-05:00

We have been working on Cartography over the last term, and I am impressed with the results. What a great way to learn geography! With a little coaching Delta and Echo have been creating amazing maps - and they seem to remember more about what they have drawn than just looking at the maps.

So far we have done a simple map showing just the Equator and Prime Meridian, then a map showing the placement of the continents.

This last week, they completed a map of Africa, and I am still so proud over it.

Here is Delta's Map. Note that the scanner has emphasized the strokes of the pencil crayons more than the originals did.

Delta's Map (age 8)

And here is Echo's Map. I did the labeling for her, but she did all the drawing.

Echo's Map (Age 5)

On other subjects, it was solo day recently for Suzuki violin. Unfortunately, my camera decided to "hang" while I was taping the solos, so I don't have them to post for your enjoyment. It is kind of interesting seeing a camera hang... one minute it was busily taping Echo, and the next nothing was changing on the screen. I kept "taping" in case it was still recording. Then when I tried to turn it off, it wouldn't shut off until I popped out the battery. And then when I tried to use it again, It gave me "read error". Fortunately, erasing the bad file of the movie it hung on while filming (using the computer at home) has cleared up the read error, and hopefully all is well.

Halloween also went well. I got out my old scouting/guiding uniform collection to use as costumes this year, which seemed to be very well received at the doors while trick-or-treating. The uniforms are from about 30-40 years ago, so it made them old time scouts/guides. I am amazed that apparently one little girl about age 8 or so about 30 years ago was so petite that Foxtrot (3 years old) could wear her dress! I don't have kids that are that big! Actually it was the same with the other uniforms. Echo (5) wore a dress that a 10 or 11 year old would have worn, and Delta at 8 wore a scout shirt that an 11 or 12 year old would have worn. We now have lots of candy that the kids are enjoying (and mom sometimes too) - that I really am not sure what to do with. It also turned out the be the first Halloween in my memory that we didn't need to wear big winter coats... although I had fall coats in the stroller, the kids didn't even put them on the whole evening. Just as we arrived back home, it even started to rain!

Scout, Guide, Brownie

New Handwriting program

2011-10-19T11:07:00.001-05:00

Well, after me personally loving Peterson Directed Handwriting - I came to realize that we needed a change. Delta has been learning Cursive since Year 1 (starting with Cursive First, then adding in Pencil Pete, then changing to Peterson) - and whenever he needed to write anything other than copywork - he used a print that he was never taught. On top of it, I had been working with Echo on doing the cursive for Peterson for months and months - and was unable to get a legible letter from her.

So I started the research again.

Well, looking at Penny Gardner's book Italics: Beautiful Handwriting for children... the handwriting looked familiar. I remembered years and years ago, when I was about 10 - my mom had some book on calligraphy - but in it was how to write beautifully in your everyday writing. I realized that the "font" was very similar. I had taught myself that writing back then - and so my handwriting is a mish-mash of the cursive taught in school, and the italics I learned all those years ago.

I looked at the samples in the book, and the videos available from Penny Gardner's website- and liked the simple approach to teaching. It is very inexpensive, so we are giving it a try. The kids seem to like video lessons, so I'm letting Penny teach my children. We have done 3 lessons, and I'm happy to say that Echo is making beautiful, legible letters. Delta is happy with it too. I like that we can later add the joins to do an italic-cursive writing. We will have to see if this translates to better everyday writing.

I also found various other resources for italic handwriting. The other main resource the letters are formed slightly differently (and looks a bit nicer in my opinion...) but I'm happy with Penny Gardner's version. One great thing I found was a font (for the print version) - and a program that adds in the joins (for the cursive version.) - this will let me make my own copywork when desired.

So, here are the resources:

http://briem.net/ - the other main resource. Has things like desk strips, basic lessons, warm up's. Also the font/program. I can't link to the sub-pages, so explore it yourself. The font is under "The Italic Project", "Teaching Aids", "Software" - then look at each page under there to download, and get instructions on how to use it.

http://www.pennygardner.com/italicsbk.html - Penny Gardner's ebook to teach italics. This site also has links for the videos.

Baptism

2011-10-17T22:07:00.000-05:00

Delta in his baptismal clothes

It is hard to believe how quickly time goes by. Just a few short years ago, Delta was a babe in arms, and now here he is, 8 years old, accountable for his actions and choices, and already turning into a little man.

His little sisters are really looking up at him. Foxtrot (age 3) has told me several times that she wants to get baptized. I'm sure that another 5 years seems like forever for her.

I think that Delta is working hard to live up to his baptismal covenants too. He is being even more helpful around the house.

Don't think about thinking. It's not on the test

2011-10-14T22:54:00.002-05:00

Found this cool video and song from Tom Chapin called "It's Not on the Test". It is mainly a statement about Arts / Music and other creative programs being removed from the schools.

See the website here: http://notonthetest.com

History Rotation 1

2011-10-05T11:15:00.000-05:00

Creation to Christ

World History

A Child's History of the World (ch 1-41) - Hillyer Read 1 chapter a week, with a few weeks having an extra chapter.

On the Shores of the Great Sea (54 chapters) - Synge Read 1 or 2 chapters a week (avg 1.5)

Canadian History

no Canadian History - do Canadian Geography using Black Line Maps. [more information to come]

Here is a list of what we are doing this year. I plan to add in other options and other years....

Years 1-3

Boy of the Pyramid
Pyramid by David Macaulay
The Trojan Horse: How the Greeks Won the War
Our Little Spartan Cousin of Long Ago
Our Little Roman Cousin of Long Ago
Pompeii... Buried Alive!

Another Birthday!

2011-10-04T14:10:00.000-05:00

Space Shuttle Cake

My young man has turned 8! It is hard to figure out where the time went. It seems like just yesterday that he was a tiny baby in my arms.

This Sunday he will be baptized.

Sewing!

2011-09-20T16:11:00.000-05:00

Well, we have had a couple of weeks of school so far, and although getting back into routine has had its bumps, things seem to be progressing.

Delta started cubs last week, and we have gotten him a uniform. Scouts Canada has changed uniforms this year, so he has a brand new cub shirt. (In case you are wondering, he will do cubs with our church unit, but he will also do Timber Wolves with BPSA).

Delta Sewing on his Badge

So today I taught Delta how to sew on his own badges. This will meet some of a badge requirement (I'll need to teach him how to sew on a button....) but most importantly it will teach him the important skill of basic sewing. He was thrilled to be doing the sewing, and the fact that it was a real project, not just some made-up sewing thing done to teach skills, probably made it even more so.

Badge Sewn On

In school, we are enjoying Right Start Math so far. We have started Level B, which is very easy for them. We are doing about 2 lessons a day, and Delta and Echo are doing it together. Foxtrot often sits in to do math, but after the first lesson or so, it was over her head (which I expected.) I hope to get Level A for her soon, so she can do math at her speed when she wants.

Here is Foxtrot singing "Yellow is the Sun"

We are also enjoying reading "Boy of the Pyramids". Yes, we ended up doing Ancients again.

Now if I can just get my habits going better, so that I can help the children with theirs!

First Day of School!

2011-09-06T14:35:00.000-05:00

(Hm - I seemed to have accidently deleted this post.... trying to recreate the general idea of it.)

Well, another first day of school has arrived, and we are excited. We are going to be doing more family studies now that Echo is starting Grade 1, and there are some changes in our program that I hope will work out well!

Bunk Room Dream

2011-08-01T14:43:00.000-05:00

Well, here is a blog with the Bunk Room of my dreams... (Although we would need a girl version...)

- I'd love to order a 4 bunk girls version for Echo, Foxtrot, Golf (once out of the crib) and Yankee could use the 4th when she visits... And then a 2 bunk boy version for Delta, and Zulu could use the 2nd when he visits.

(Of course, this isn't something your order... you have to build it.)

[somehow the date got changed on this post...]

Golf's Birthday

2011-07-28T13:05:00.004-05:00

It is hard to believe that Golf is 1 already!

She has been slow to eat solids, and wouldn't eat anything homemade at all. I resorted to store-bought baby food because she would eat that. So I wasn't sure how she would do with our traditional Birthday Cake.

The tradition is each child gets their own birthday cake to eat by themselves when they turn 1. It is their first taste of chocolate. (I do take the cake away before they eat enough to get sick.

So, as you will see - she did fine, although she was a bit unorthodox in eating style. And since, she is eating more finger foods. Yeay!

Looking at Rightstart

2011-07-12T17:02:00.004-05:00

I have been looking at Rightstart Math over the last couple of weeks, and I do like what I see. Honestly, I had looked at it about 3 years ago, and really liked it then, but couldn't get over the price. So at that time I looked for other options and found MEP.

I do think that MEP is a wonderful program. I like how it gets kids thinking. I have liked how it approached things. I feel it does as good of a job as most math programs for teaching concepts - better than many, and the price was definitely right.

BUT.... over the last few months, Delta has gone from loving math to hating it. He has been struggling, and I have struggled with helping him using MEP. Although I can see what MEP is doing, he doesn't understand why they have him doing various things. And recently I've seen Echo starting to not enjoy math so much.

So, when a conversation about various math programs came up on the Discussion forum on Simply Charlotte Mason, I started looking at what might work better. And I'm sure it comes down to the way Rightstart does math.

Rightstart approaches most math differently than "traditional" math programs. And.... it does a lot of math the way I naturally do it. It uses manipulatives (mainly their special abacus) to learn how to visualize math. And they use games to practice. Sounds like fun to me!

So, to try things out a bit, I made 3 abaci (abacuses... there is debate of the proper plural...). I don't know how long the homemade ones will last, but they work for now... I took larger popsicle/craft sticks for the frame, pony beads for the beads, and bamboo skewers for the rods. I used binder clips to hold everything closed while the glue dried.

We have also tried a card game that is mentioned on the website (just using playing cards) and the kids enjoyed it, and got some practice using the abacus.

So now the only problem.... how to aquire the program?

Vacation

2011-06-17T12:37:00.002-05:00

Just popped in to say that I'm sorry I haven't been posting much. The last couple of weeks have been vacation time for the family. I hope to have something new to post soon!

Foxtrot is 3

2011-06-04T13:58:00.002-05:00

So Foxtrot turned 3 recently. Boy does time go by fast. I had to share her birthday cake with you. Of course as we all avoid twaddle (yeah right?) - I'll have to explain. Foxtrot likes "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" - and the cake is on one of the characters... Toodles. I think it turned out really well.

History Rotation 2

2011-05-26T18:01:00.010-05:00

~500 - 1453

World History

A Child's History of the World (ch 42-60) - Hillyer Read 1 chapter a week (leaves extra weeks free)

On the Shores of the Great Sea (? chapters) - Synge Read 1 or 2 chapters a week (avg ?)

Canadian History

The Story of Canada (ch 1-2)

My First History of Canada (ch 1-2)

Biographies and Fictional History (WORLD)

Do not feel that you need to do ALL of these. You may also pick books from the younger years.

(This list will likely be added to)

This list is compiled from various sources, which I will be using to decide which books my children will read based on interest, abilities, availability, etc. The year placements are approximate.

Years 1-3

Lief the Lucky

Viking Adventure

Stories of the Vikings - Mary MacGregor

Our Little Saxon Cousin of Long Ago - Julia Cowles

Our Little Norman Cousin of Long Ago - Evaleen Stein

Our Little Viking Cousin of Long Ago - Charles Johnson

Our Little Crusader Cousin of Long Ago - Evaleen Stein

Famous Men of the Middle Ages - Haaren

The Door in the Wall

The Minstrel in the Tower

The Whipping Boy

St. George and the Dragon

Sword in the Tree

Brother Francis and the Friendly Beasts

The Apple and the Arrow

Medieval Feast

Castle Diary

Pippo the Fool

William Tell by Margaret Early

Joan of Arc - Stanley

Marguerite makes a Book

Years 4-6

The Vikings

Beorn the Proud

Galen and the Gateway to Medicine

The Shining Company

Adam of the Road

Castle

Cathedral

Robin Hood - Pyle

The Red Keep

Joan of Arc (Landmark)

The King's Shadow

King Arthur and His Knights

The Pied Piper of Hamelin

Adam of the Road

Otto of the Silver Hand - Pyle

Years 7-9

Beric the Briton

Rolf and the Viking Bow

For the Temple

The Bronze Bow

The Dragon and the Raven

In Freedom's Cause (Wallace and Bruce)

Scottish Chiefs (Wallace and Bruce)

The Once and Future King

Sir Gawaine and the Green Knight

A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court

The Pushcart War - Jean Merrill

The Knight's Fee - Rosemary Sutcliff

The Gambage Cup - Carol Kendall

Sir Nigel and the White Company - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Beowulf - Burton Raffel

The Black Arrow - Robert Louis Stevenson

Hereward, the Last of the English - Charles Kingsley

The White Stage

Story of King Arthur and His Knights

The Book of Arthur

The Shining Company

The Magna Charta

In Freedom's Cause: A Story of Wallace and Bruce

The Prince and the Pauper

Years 10-12

Men of Iron

Voices of the Renaissance and Reformation

The Second Mrs. Giaconda

The King's Fifth

Haven't Decided on Year Level Yet

How We Learned the Earth is Round by Patricial Lauber

Biographies and Fictional History (CANADIAN)

Do not feel that you need to do ALL of these. You may also pick books from the younger years.

(This list will likely be added to)

This list is compiled from various sources, which I will be using to decide which books my children will read based on interest, abilities, availability, etc. The year placements are approximate.

Years 1-3

Very Last First Time - Andrews

Dragonfly Kites - Highway

Years 4-6

The Dream Carvers - Clark (Viking boy captured by natives)

Lost in the Barrens - Mowatt

Years 7-9

Years 10-12

Haven't Decided on Year Level Yet

Solo Day

2011-05-25T15:45:00.003-05:00

It was Solo Day at our violin group class... the last group class of the year.

Echo played Allegro....

And Delta played Etude....

I hope you enjoy!

Moving into Summer Schedule

2011-05-19T10:03:00.003-05:00

Summer is fast approaching, and we are starting to finish off some of our resources. I don't want us to drop school all together over the summer, but I don't want it to be a full amount of school either. Here is what I'm thinking...

Scouting - finish up the Otter badges for Delta (and work on some for Echo)

Art - I'm thinking of tackling the "Drawing with Children" book with them as a fun set of activities that will improve their drawing skills - hopefully done in a fun way.

Picture Study - I want to do a Canadian Artist... maybe Emily Carr?

Scriptures - continue with readings and memorizing... probably daily

Copywork - probably about 2x a week instead of daily

German - also just a couple of times a week... try for fun things like Sesame Street in German etc.

Literature & Reading Instruction - mostly just leisure reading - maybe pick one book for a family read

Math - a couple of times a week, to keep skills fresh.

Violin - regular practice - mainly review.

Nature Study - lots and lots of this!!!

Phys-ed - a couple of summer sessions of swimming

Nature Study

2011-05-19T00:10:00.003-05:00

With the weather being so nice, we had our "Wild Day" early this week. We headed over to the provincial park and happened to see....

A wild turkey out for a walk with her chicks!

Working Together

2011-05-17T23:50:00.002-05:00

An e-friend sent me an email asking about combining the family together to do subjects, as she had looked at the year groupings I had mentioned, and realized that generally she will only have 1 or 2 children together in a group at a time. This is my response to her, to help explain what I am planning.

As for combining subjects... next year Delta will be in Year 3, and Echo will be in Year 1 (and then Foxtrot and Golf follow at approx 2 year intervals.) I don't think I have made things totally clear on my blog yet... it is hard to get what is floating around in my head down in writing in a clear way... but let me try. Although my kids will be roughly put into the 3 year groupings (Forms, hm... I really have to find a good word for this...), subjects will be done together in various ways, depending on the subjects.

History, for example, I plan to have everyone in the same time period no matter what Year they are in. We will use the same spine... either for everyone or for years 1-6, and years 7-12 (haven't totally decided yet.) Then Years 1-3 will have some extra books for that time period... probably just a couple, and probably read together... Years 4-6, etc, will have extra books too - probably ones that they will read on their own then narrate.

Shakespeare would be done Years 1-3 together reading the children's story versions. Everyone Year 4+ will do a Shakespeare play together (reading parts). Years 4+ will do Dickens and Plutarch's Lives together too.

Science will also be together for Years 1-6 doing the rotation I put up. After that point, they would probably do science on their own, or possibly Years 7-12 together (depending on what resources I find or choose at that time.)

Literature (other than the bit mentioned above) I'm still mulling over. I think that I will combine the years 1-3 together because so much of their literature is still read out-loud. I suspect that after that, most of their literature will be read on their own, but I'd still like to have a book that we read outloud together.... like a family read out-loud.....

Subjects like Math, learning to read, handwriting, etc. will be done independently because everyone will likely be at different levels and positions of understanding.

Other subjects, like picture study and nature study have always been planned to be done as a family.

This is very similar to the model provided to me by Milestones Academy and Simply Charlotte Mason. It also is what makes sense to me at this point.

Years 1 to 3

2011-05-03T09:50:00.005-05:00

This is a work in progress.

As we change to a family style of learning, I need to make changes to the curriculum plans. Although some subjects will be done with the whole family, some will also be done with year groups, or "forms". Years 1-3 will do some things together, also Years 4-6, Years 7-9, and Years 10-12. A few things, like Shakespeare, will be done with Years 4+ together.

So, here are the plans for Years 1-3. (work in progress)

Scriptures:
Penny Gardner Storied Scriptures
Scripture Memorizations (your choice)
Optional:
Reading from Church Magazines
Singing Primary Song (Select 1 per month. Can also sing in Foreign Language or ASL)

History:

History Rotation

Family History (Genealogy)

Natural History/Science:
NATURE STUDY - Can do the Nature Challenge from here. Note that this is the most important science to do at this age range!

("Wild Days" - Karen Radcliffe as a reference for parent)
("Pocket Full of Pinecones" - Karen Andreola as a reference/inspiration for parent)

Christian Nature Reader Book 1, 2, 3 - done individually by each child for reading practice - WHEN child is ready to read it.

Burgess Bird Book / Burgess Animal Book for Children / Secrets of the Woods (1 per year)

James Herriot's Treasury for Children / Pagoo / By Pond and River (1 per year)

Science Rotation

Geography:

Holling C.Holling books (Paddle to the Sea, Seabird, Tree in the Trail, Minn. of Mississippi) over the 3 years

(may add more)

Phonics: (Reading Instruction) - done individually!
See Maple Hill posts on teaching reading
Christian Nature Reader Books at appropriate level - for science as well as reading practice)

Math: - done individually!
We strongly recommend the Mathmatics Enhancement Programme
Another free choice is Khan Academy which is nice for a little change, but can also be a stand-alone online program.

Foreign Language:
We are doing German, but do what makes sense for you. There are free lessons here for Spanish, French, and German. Also recommend getting a few fairy-tales with Audio CD to read over and over.
My Very First Little German Book

There are Scripture Readers in various languages available here. (not all languages listed have the readers). German, at this time, has the New Testament reader. It is in PDF, with MP3's of each chapter. We listen as we look at the pages.

Pimsleur also seems to have good language training.

Our plan is to add another foreign language in each form... Probably French in Year 4, Latin in Year 7, and ? in Year 10. Probably the whole family will be working with the newest language at once, but details are not worked out.

Poetry:

TBD

Literature:
This list is going to be a lot more flexible, and is currently "under construction". We will be mostly choosing books from various lists. I might not have the entire plan for the year worked out ahead. Here are some things I definitely want to do...

"Fairy Tales Every Child Should Know" - edited by Hamilton Wright Mabie (8 per year)

"Follow My Leader" by James Garfield / "Just David" / "Little Lord Fauntleroy" (1 per year)

Aesop for Children by Milo Winter - 1-2 per week for all 3 years

[***] a lot more will go here!

Canadian Literature: (this will be updated soon)

see Canadian Literature Plan

Shakespeare

Beautiful Stories from Shakespeare (Nesbit) and Tales from Shakespeare (Lamb) - 9 per year

Writing/Copywork: - done independently
Peterson Directed Handwriting
Selected copywork from readings/scriptures/etc.

Sketching/Painting
Draw Write Now series
OR
1-2-3 Draw books by Freddie Levin - pick 3 or 4,
OR
Drawing with Children
OR
Basic Observation Drawing - some resources

Music(read how-to) [note this How-to is on Milestones Academy]

Recommended - Violin, Piano OR Recorder (inexpensive) OR other similar instruments
Do NOT start more than one instrument at once! We have been doing Suzuki Violin for three or four years before getting to year 1!

Violin
- Suzuki Violin [we do this with an instructor ] Recommended Resource "Step-by-Step" series by Kerstin Wartberg

Piano
- Suzuki Piano [we do this without an instructor] Recommended Resource "Studying Suzuki Piano: More than Music" by Bigler and Lloyd-Watts
another option is My First Piano Adventures - Information and Video Lesson Guide here!

Recorder
option for a very inexpensive music alternative, or for the parent that is too uncomfortable trying to teach something else on their own...
Nine-Note Recorder method [note, we haven't tried this yet]

Other
Similar instruction in another instrument. (ie, Suzuki Cello)

Scouting
Scouting Plan for their age

Scripture Memory System

2011-04-28T13:57:00.003-05:00

We have been using the Scripture Memory System at Simply Charlotte Mason for quite a while, and it has worked well. However, I have recently made a couple of adjustments that work for us that I'd like to share.

With the original, you have new scriptures (or whatever) that you read daily... once they are known, you read them every other day (Odd/Even) and then as you learn more, they get moved to tabs behind Monday/Tuesday/etc.... then eventually to tabs 1-31.... so as you know the scripture more and more, you practice it less often... each day you are reviewing a few scriptures.

The problem we have, is that we aren't totally consistent. Sometimes we miss doing it a day. And there are some days we are more likely to miss (like Friday, which tends to be our "wild" day.) So then, the same scriptures are being missed in the review. I also found when we finished a new scripture, I couldn't ever remember which Odd/Even to change, and which one to change from the weekday tabs, etc.

So, I've made a simple change, which also means we use a lot less tabs! We have a tab labeled "New" (or Daily), one named "Alternate", one labeled "weekly", and one labeled "monthly".

So, behind New, we have our new scripture, which we read daily together. Behind "Alternate", we have 2 scriptures. We read 1, and rotate it behind the other one. Behind "Weekly" we have 7 scriptures. We read 1, and rotate it behind the others. Behind "Monthly" we would have 30 (we aren't there yet!) - and again, rotate through them. Eventually, I'd just increase the number of scriptures we read each day from behind the "Monthly" tab.

As for knowing which one to move to the next section when we learn a new scripture... I've just added numbers to our scripture cards.... so I just need to move the lowest numbered card to the next section.

Oh, and we do use this system for other things we want to memorize. We have put in things like Scouting Promises etc. While learning these types of things, they are added to the scripture ones... so we are always working on a new scripture, but may also have something else we are reading daily.

Hope this helps someone!

Oh, and just to add in - we are doing something similar with our review songs in violin... I used to have a chart - "practice these songs on this day, etc" - but risked missing the same songs over and over. Now our chart is a 6 day chart.... (6 days of practice, 1 of indiv. lessons). Now if we miss a day of practice, the next day we do the practice "day" we missed. So if on Tuesday we did Day 2 practice, then don't practice on Wednesday... on Thursday we would do Day 3 practice. The next week we just start on whatever day we are on.

Free Ebook - Today only

2011-04-27T17:53:00.002-05:00

I just found out about an offer to get a free copy of this new ebook, titled "31 days to clean". It addresses the heart issues of doing housework, about which I am looking forward to reading.

If you miss this offer today, the price is only $4.99. Get more information here, and information about the free offer here.

Suzuki Violin Resources

2011-04-26T08:47:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to pass on these free resources I found for Suzuki Violin here.

There is a free pack of Pre-Twinkle songs (similar to in Step-by-Step). There are fantastic articles as well, including the first 10 things to teach to a new violin student, and another on repetition that has some good practice games.

Enjoy!

Year K - Updated!

2011-04-23T10:31:00.003-05:00

Year K

Year K is designed for 5 year olds, and is provided as a very gentle introduction to schooling. As some areas require a Kindergarten year, this will provide some ideas. I mainly focus on learning to read, write, simple math concepts, and writing... plus working towards listening to chapter books.

Most of the time should be spent outside exploring.

Learn to Read

I like the looks of the Simply Charlotte Mason's "Delightful Reading" but have not bought it as of yet.

In general I suggest doing a combined method. Phonics by itself gets difficult and boring for the student because of the hard work decoding every word. Some students don't learn that you don't HAVE to decode words that you already know. Yet a straight "sight words / whole words / see and say" approach can leave the child with no clue how to read a word they haven't been "taught".

For the phonics side of things, we have used "Teach your child to read in Just 10 minutes a day" by Sidney Ledson. I like some things about this book, but not others. I have also looked at the free "progressive phonics" website and did a bit of it... I like the way they alternate parents and children reading... but the stories are twaddle and although the kids love it, I couldn't stand it after a bit. For my next children, I suspect I will find something else.

For the other side of things, We used the "Dick and Jane" readers

(Dick and Jane) - We Look and See (these 3 are reprinted in a Treasury book)
(Dick and Jane) - We Work and Play
(Dick and Jane) - We Come and Go
(Dick and Jane) - Guess Who (Reprinted in a different Treasury book) - ONLY if more practice needed.

Extra if time left in year and child can read the above (also recommended in Year 1)

Fun with Dick and Jane (if you can get an old copy. a couple of the stories have been reprinted in a book of the same name)
(Dick and Jane) - Our New Neighbours (only old copies available...)

Primer - Harriette Taylor Treadwell
First Reader - Harriette Taylor Treadwell

The McGuffy Readers might be fine at this stage.

Note that we don't want to keep using readers for a long time! We want living books. Using the actual Charlotte Mason method to teach reading, you could skip the readers entirely.

Math

practice counting, up to 20
matching, sorting. (playing cards, socks, toys, etc)
MEP Reception Year

Literature (Read Outloud)

These are just some suggestions, and ones we have used. There are wonderful suggestions out there at various sights like Simply Charlotte Mason, Milestones, etc. Find ones that work for your child!

Peter Pan (or Peter Pan and Wendy) - James M. Barrie
Peter Rabbit, and other Stories from the Compete Works - Beatrix Potter books (more available if you do a search for Beatrix Potter)
A House at Pooh Corner - A. A. Milne
Thirty-Three Multicultural Tales to Tell - Pleasant DeSpain
The Hockey Sweater - Roch Carrier - hear the author read it!
Raggedy Ann Stories, or Raggedy Andy Stories (or both)

Canadian Literature:
See Canadian Literature Plan

Writing
Peterson Directed Handwriting. We used the Cursive First option within this program, but that is up to you. They have a free 6 week preparation "preschool" program to work on hand strength, directions, working to a rhythm, etc. Then continue with the program.

Music

suzuki violin (or other music instruction - read post)

Phys Ed

swimming lessons at the Y (or Red Cross)

Citizenship

The Children's Book of Virtues - Bennett (Skip the Aesop fables, and "St. George and the Dragon" as they are used later. Also skip "The Little Red Hen if using the Treadwell/Free Primer)
The 7 habits of Happy Kids
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
Little Bear at Work and Play

Drawing

Choose based on availability

1-2-3 Draw books by Freddie Levin - pick 3 or 4, (especially "Wild Animals", "Pets and Farm Animals")

Draw Write Now (books 1-4)

Other

Kindergarten children can join with older students for things like Music Study, Scripture Study, Picture Study, etc. Take care that you don't overburden them!

Science Updated

2011-04-21T08:33:00.002-05:00

Science Rotation

I have to admit that Science is something that I go back and forth on. There are such good resources out there, and we have access to many of them. As I re-evaluate our homeschool, I'm putting down a couple of options for me to consider, while I decide the approach. I do want to do science together in groups... either years 1 to 3 together and years 4 to 6 together OR years 1-6 together. I haven't looked at science for the upper years, and whether it will make sense to keep those years together or not.

For years 1-6, the first option involves using Apologia, along with some living books. The second option involves using the Childcraft books that we own. All options involve nature study! I have had thoughts of using mainly living books for Years 1 to 3, then moving to the other options, but as I think while I type, I suspect my younger children would end up just wanting to join the older ones. Right now Apologia has 6 titles in their program, but more are being written.

Well, here are my thoughts

Apologia Option

Rotation 1

Astronomy
Find the Constellations - H. A. Rey AND/OR The Stars - H.A. Rey

H.A. Rey's constellation books draw the constellations differently than most astronomy books - and in a way that makes more sense. If you can find them, they are WELL worth it! Find the Constellations is great for the young student. The Stars is a great reference for mom or dad, works well for older students in the rotation, or is a nice addition if your student wants more after reading "Find the Constellations". I do recommend adding the Latin "true name" of each constellation into the pages of "Find the Constellations" (they are in the index)

Botany

Rotation 2

Flying Creatures
Swimming Creatures

Rotation 4

Land Animals

Rotation 5

Anatomy

Rotation 6

future books.

Childcraft Option

Rotation 1
World and Space (Childcraft)
Find the Constellations - H. A. Rey AND/OR The Stars - H.A. Rey
H.A. Rey's constellation books draw the constellations differently than most astronomy books - and in a way that makes more sense. If you can find them, they are WELL worth it! Find the Constellations is great for the young student. The Stars is a great reference for mom or dad, works well for older students in the rotation, or is a nice addition if your student wants more after reading "Find the Constellations". I do recommend adding the Latin "true name" of each constellation into the pages of "Find the Constellations" (they are in the index)

Rotation 2
Green Kingdom (Childcraft) OR Botany (Apologia)
Rotation 3
About Animals
Rotation 4
Feathered Friends
Rotation 5
About Me [anatomy]
Rotation 6
How Things Work [physics and mechanics]
Scientists and Inventors [from an older set]

History - Family Rotation

2011-04-20T08:39:00.006-05:00

We will now be doing history in a 5 year, Family rotation. I think that this will allow some flexibility, while still allowing a fair time for each time period. This means each student will go through the rotation twice, with 2 other years left.

These 2 years can be used in a flexible way...

a) Spend the first couple of years doing light history (ie, 50 famous stories, A Pioneer Story, story picture books) - a good option for the oldest child

b) Do whatever period of the rotation an extra time. - a good option for middle children

c) spend the last couple of years focusing on a period of history the child wants - a good option for youngest child.

d) graduate a couple of years early (if ready on other subjects)

e) Spend the last couple of years focusing on a period of history required in High School by the government

f) don't do history for a couple of years (grades 1 or 2, or grades 11 and 12) to allow time for other subjects/interests

g) combine the above options (ie, 1 year at one end... 1 year at the other...)

This post just has an overview. There will be more detailed posts later.

Pre-rotation (optional)

50 Famous Stories

A Pioneer Story - Greenwood

other favorites

Rotation 1

Ancients

A Child's History of the World (ch 1-41) - Hillyer OR On the Shores of the Great Sea - Synge

no Canadian History... instead do Canadian Geography (spine not chosen)

Rotation 2

Middle Ages

(~500 to ~1453)

A Child's History of the World (ch 42-60) OR The Discovery of New Worlds - Synge

The Story of Canada (ch 1-2) - Lunn & Moore OR My First History of Canada (ch 1-2) - Dickie

Rotation 3

(1453 to ~1800)

A Child's History of the World (ch 61-77) OR The Awakening of Europe - Synge & The Struggle for Sea Power - Synge

The Story of Canada (ch 3-part of 4) OR My First History of Canada (ch 2-13)

Rotation 4

(1800-1919)

A Child's History of the World (ch 78-84) OR Growth of the British Empire - Synge

The Story of Canada (rest of ch 4 to part of ch 9) OR My First History of Canada (14-19)

Rotation 5

(1920 to present)

A Child's History of the World (ch 85-91) OR an appropriate history book not yet determined

The Story of Canada (rest of book) OR My First History of Canada (20-21)

Older Students, (generally through their 2nd time through the rotation) might also use "The Beacon Lights of History" by John Lord like a spine. As I don't have any students at this stage yet, I'm not working out the readings... but I am noting it here so I don't forget it!

Everything Changing

2011-04-20T08:24:00.002-05:00

I had everything all settled on how I was going to proceed for the next couple of years... then something changed, and now my plans are changing.

As I had contemplated the need for change, I realized that this was going to work out, and now I'm almost excited over it, as I can see how this is going to work out well for my family.

We are going to move more towards family topics, similar to Simply Charlotte Mason's style of doing a Charlotte Mason education. Very specifically, History is moving to a family rotation, but also some of the literature will be family reads as well. Some subjects will be done in groupings of students... what Charlotte would call Forms. Students will have individual work based on their Form and also personal ability.

Although I know doing things together as a family can cause some issues at times, I think it can also help the family grow together.

I will be using the book "Planning your CM Education" from the Simply Charlotte Mason website while I develop the plan... some subjects, like literature, will have a lot less planning and definitely less scheduling.

Schedules

2011-04-13T17:20:00.003-05:00

I have updated the Year 1 schedules on the Yahoo group to match the new plans. I am almost finished a schedule for Year 2.

This Country of Ours

2011-04-13T10:59:00.007-05:00

Today, the Ambleside Online Advisory updated their website to defend the use of This Country of Ours in the curriculum, despite controversy about its use.

Here is what they have said

TCOO's treatment of the history of the Mormon church seems to come up among our members with predictable regularity both on and off list. The Advisory has received more private emails (both collectively and individually) than we care to count, has repeatedly been forced to counter misinformation on several lists, and received at least one petition. All this time and effort is directed toward convincing us to dump 'This Country of Ours' because of one chapter. The book is a singular target, accused of inaccuracies both specified and non-specified, in complaints around the blogosphere and negative reviews anywhere readers can post reviews--all in an attempt to prevent others from reading the book. The Advisory has tried to be tactful and gracious about this, but we cannot continue to devote our time to this topic. Therefore, the AO Advisory has sent the following letter regarding the book.

They went on to defend their position (see their page here) basically saying that the Latter Day Saints are over-reacting to the chapter about the Mormons, and that they do not feel it is substantially inaccurate, was common beliefs about the Mormons at the time it was written, and is still believed by many today... then included several links to Anti-Mormon websites. [they have now removed those links]

I know that this is a Canadian Charlotte Mason homeschool, and as such we don't study American History. However, I also know many Americans do read this blog. Please choose an alternative to This Country of Ours, or at least skip the hateful chapter about Mormons.

I have humbly asked the AO Advisory to have an alternative to TCOO in their schedule, although I have little hope that they will do so, as they have repeatedly defended their choice of TCOO even though they have, in their own words had "this particular book [...] come under fire more than any other book we've used in the curriculum".

Here is a suggested alternative, which would work up to the year it was published, about 1900. http://www.archive.org/details/childshistoryofu00morr

or alternatively, your could buy the "Stories of America" from Simply Charlotte Mason.

Suggestions from another mom: "The Story of the Thirteen Colonies" and "The Story of the Great Republic" by H. A. Guerber

Help - History Year 1

2011-04-12T17:09:00.005-05:00

Hey everyone, I could use some suggestions for Canadian History for Year 1. I took out the potential books I had had listed from the library, and didn't like them at all. Is Canada really THAT devoid of good History Books for young children?

I'd like to find something good about the Native Canadians, and a couple of good biographies. And I really want something historical, not just literary. (I have a few good suggestions in the literature selections)

What I looked at:

Canada's Natives Long Ago by Donna Ward - just TOO textbookish - it just seemed dull, and had vocabulary drills etc in it.

Laura: A Childhood Tale of Laura Secord - I thought this was a biography of Laura Secord writen for children... but it is a fictional story from her childhood. Might have been a nice fictional addition, but not what I have in mind at all!

Christopher Columbus by Schaefer - This is a little biography, but is written at a beginner reader level...

"Sir Alexander Mackenzie" from the Discovering Canada series - Is marginally ok, but is the busy style of boxes and little blurbs all over the page... to distracting.

Is there nothing out there like the AO selections for US and World History??? with Beautiful pictures, factual information, written in an engaging style, at a proper level?

Please send suggestions!!!

Canadian Literature

2011-04-08T21:59:00.007-05:00

Books being looked at for possible Canadian Literature selections. This is not a final list by any means, and will change.

(Note added: Although most selections are set in Canada or are about Canadians, some are not. All have been written by Canadian authors.)

Year K

The Hockey Sweater - Carrier - (?) - Hockey in Canada - Picture Book
Something from Nothing - Gilman - (2-8) - Reuse, reuse, reuse! - Picture Book
Just like New - Manson - (4-7) - WWII - Child gives cherished doll - Picture Book

Year 1

Selina and the Bear Paw Quilt - Smucker - (?) - Family leaves States to avoid war Picture Book
A Fiddle for Angus - Wilson - (?) - Picture Book
Very Last First Time - Andrews - (4-8) - Inuit Story - Picture Book
Dragonfly Kites - Highway - (4-8) - Cree Story - Picture Book

Year 2

Owls in the Family - Mowatt - (7-12) - Life in Saskatchewan
The Fishing Summer - Jam - (6-9) - Atlantic Fishing - Picture Book
The Fabulous Song - Gillmor - (4-7) - Child becomes Composer - Picture Book

Year 3

Beethoven Lives Upstairs - Nichol - (6-10) - Beethoven - Picture Book
The Secret World of Og - Pierre Berton

Year 4

Emily - Bedard - (6+) - About Emily Dickinson - Picture Book (although this is a picture book, it is well worth it.
Incredible Journey - Burnfield - (9-12) - already on AO schedule
Charlotte - Lunn - (7-10) - 1783, American / Loyalists - Picture Book

Year 5

Underground to Canada - Smucker - (10-12) - Young girl / slavery
A Bushel of Light - Harrison - (10-13) - Twins Separated - Barnardo Children
The Root Cellar - Lunn - (10+) - Civil War time
Emily of New Moon - Montgomery - (10+) - life in 1890's.
Anne of Green Gables - Montgomery - (?) - orphan girl - already scheduled in AO
Rilla of Ingleside - Montgomery - (?) - - already scheduled in AO

Year 6

Hana's Suitcase - Levine - (10+) - Holocaust - non-fiction
A Foreign Field - Chan - (11+) - WWII RAF pilot friends a Cdn. Child. note he dies
Wish me Luck - Heneghan - (10-14) - WWII - English child shipped to Canada, incl boat ride.
The Secret of Gabis Dresser - Kacer - (8-12) - WWII - Hiding from Nazis (noted as good for "younger" children intro to this topic)
A Child in Prison Camp - Takashima - (10+) - WWII Japanese Internment - non-fiction

Year 7 or 8?

The Dream Carvers - Clark - (10-13) - Viking boy captured by Indians to "replace" their son
Lost in the Barrens - Mowatt - (10+) - Inuit life

Animation!

2011-04-01T19:34:00.004-05:00

A Frame from a later animation - a Band playing...

Delta (and Echo and Foxtrot) has (have) been introduced to the concept of stop-motion animation! By using my old digital camera, and Windows Live Movie Maker, using a lot of patience, he has been busy making animated movies. He has even drawn some story-board drawings for some of them ahead of time.

It is great that this method of animation takes a lot less work than animation used to. I helped getting the music to fit. I think it is wonderful work for a 7 year old!

Here is the second movie he made totally on his own.

It has been nice that he has had time during our term break to do things like this.

Echo and Foxtrot would like their movies up here too. Delta did the photography for this movie of Echo's, although she has done her own photography for a couple more. "Dad" did the photography for Foxtrot's movie, and it is a little more "abstract", as it was done by a 2yo.

This one is Echo's

And here is Foxtrot's

Field trip!

2011-03-25T22:57:00.003-05:00

Today, the family went and toured a Fire Station / Ambulance Station. I booked it a couple of weeks ago, and the kids loved it. Especially Echo, who has wanted to be a Fireman ever since she was 2. It also did allowed us to check off a few Otter Badge requirements. Unfortunately, the 2 ambulances were out on a call, so we didn't get to see them.

Sometimes Overwhelmed

2011-03-23T18:54:00.003-05:00

There are days when I feel almost overwhelmed in trying to plan my children's education. It really makes me appreciate the hard work that has been done by the creators of Ambleside Online, Milestones Academy, Simply Charlotte Mason, and for that matter many others. I have benefited greatly, and will continue to do so, by these fine people.

It would seem that what I'm trying to do should be a lot easier. (and it probably is...) All I'm trying to do is Canadian-ize the plans.

I have access to some lists... the cmCanada yahoo group has a list of Canadian History literature books. I've been reading a list of Canadian literature books.

Trying to figure out what is best, the right age/reading level, will fit in with the other books... what should be taken out to make room.

Not sure why I'm sharing this...

btw - I should have updated schedules on the file group for Year 1, and one for Year 2 soon.

Binder Timeline

2011-03-04T19:27:00.004-06:00

Just found out about a resource for a Binder Timeline (many people call it a Book of Centuries - but I feel a Book of Centuries is a bit different... I have a post on that...)

I plan to use this soon...

http://www.guesthollow.com/homeschool/history/timeline.html

(Note: picture is not from the link above - is just a generic picture of a binder timeline.

Year 2 Booklist - updated

2011-02-27T10:32:00.003-06:00

This is the revised Year 2 booklist for Maple Hill Academy.

This booklist is based on the Ambleside Online program, and the Milestones Academy program, with adjustments.

Follow the Ambleside Online Year 2 with the following changes:

Scriptures:
Penny Gardner Storied Scriptures

Scripture Memorizations (your choice)
Optional:
Reading from Church Magazines
Singing Primary Song (Select 1 per month. Can also sing in Foreign Language or ASL)

History:
Remove This Country of Ours
Add in Family History (Genealogy) - Learn about Grandparents

History Tales and/or Biography:
We do not do Trial and Triumph - your choice

Canadian History:
See Canadian History Plan

Geography:
no changes

Natural History/Science:
(Add in "Wild Days" - Karen Radcliffe as a reference for parent)
(Add in "Pocket Full of Pinecones" - Karen Andreola as a reference/inspiration for parent)
Add in (for reading practice as well as science) Christian Nature Reader Book 2 (or appropriate level) WHEN child is ready to read it.

Phonics: (Reading Instruction)
See Maple Hill posts on teaching reading
(Christian Nature Reader Book 2 (or appropriate level) WHEN child is ready to read it - for science as well as reading practice)

Math:
We strongly recommend the Mathmatics Enhancement Programme
Another free choice is Khan Academy which is nice for a little change, but can also be a stand-alone online program.

Foreign Language: (We are doing German, but it is your choice)

(See Year 1 if just starting)

Find 3 German story books with Audio CD's (1 per term)
Do copywork from the German books
Translate small passages into English orally
Find more German songs

Optional: Practice Primary song of the month in German
Optional: Primsleur German

Poetry:
no change.

Writing/Copywork:
Peterson Directed Handwriting (Cursive Step 3) (if moving from print, might want to start with Step 2 instead, but can start with Step 3 - it will move faster) If you have already done Step 2, still do Step 3 - it teaches a more adult proportion to the letters)

Selected copywork from readings/scriptures/etc.

Literature:
no changes

Canadian Literature:
See Canadian Literature Plan

Free Reading:
Remove "Abraham Lincoln"
Remove "Brighty of the Grand Canyon" (to make room for Canadian Literature)
Add "Levi's Life" - Kathryn Louis

Sketching/Painting
Basic Observation Drawing - some resources

Picture Study:
some info
Family Rotation

Music(read how-to) [note this How-to is on Milestones Academy]

Recommended - Violin, Piano OR Recorder (inexpensive) OR other similar instruments

Do NOT start more than one instrument at once! Wait until a student is very comfortable with 1 instrument before starting another.

Violin
- Suzuki Violin [we do this with an instructor ] - Recommended Resource "Step-by-Step" series by Kerstin Wartberg

Piano
- Suzuki Piano [we do this without an instructor] Recommended Resource "Studying Suzuki Piano: More than Music" by Bigler and Lloyd-Watts
- another option is Piano Adventures - Information and Video Lesson Guide here!

Recorder option for a very inexpensive music alternative, or for the parent that is too uncomfortable trying to teach something else on their own...

Nine-Note Recorder method (there is a "Beyond Nine-Note" book too, if you get to this point.) [note, we haven't tried this yet]

Other
Similar instruction in another instrument. (ie, Suzuki Cello)

Scouting:
Scouting Plan for their age

Year 1 Booklist - Revision 3

2011-02-26T13:45:00.004-06:00

This is the revised Year 1 booklist for Maple Hill Academy. It is recommended for a child at or close to age 7, or older children just starting a Charlotte Mason style of education (up to about age 9 or 10)

The older booklists are still available.

This booklist is based on the Ambleside Online program, and the Milestones Academy program, with adjustments.

Follow the Ambleside Online Year 1 with the following changes:

Scriptures:
Penny Gardner Storied Scriptures
Scripture Memorizations (your choice)
Optional:
Reading from Church Magazines
Singing Primary Song (Select 1 per month. Can also sing in Foreign Language or ASL)

History:
We do not do Trial and Triumph - your choice
Skip all the Americn History Biography books
Add in Family History (Genealogy) - Learn about Mom and Dad

Canadian History:
See Canadian History Plan

Natural History/Science:
(Add in "Wild Days" - Karen Radcliffe as a reference for parent)
(Add in "Pocket Full of Pinecones" - Karen Andreola as a reference/inspiration for parent)
Add in (for reading practice as well as science) Christian Nature Reader Book 1 WHEN child is ready to read it.

Phonics: (Reading Instruction)
See Maple Hill posts on teaching reading
(Christian Nature Reader Book 1 WHEN child is ready to read it - for science as well as reading practice)

Math:
We strongly recommend the Mathmatics Enhancement Programme
Another free choice is Khan Academy which is nice for a little change, but can also be a stand-alone online program.

Foreign Language:
We are doing German, but do what makes sense for you. There are free lessons here for Spanish, French, and German. Also recommend getting a few fairy-tales with Audio CD to read over and over.
My Very First Little German Book

Poetry:
Remove the 3rd term poetry options. (to make room for Dennis Lee)
Add Dennis Lee (Canadian Poet) - do in first term - move other poets back 1 term

Writing/Copywork:
Peterson Directed Handwriting (Cursive Step 2) Note that Cursive Step 1 can be helpful to have for finger-tracing practice.
Selected copywork from readings/scriptures/etc.

Literature:
Remove "The Blue Fairy Book" - stories just seemed long and uninteresting.
Add "Fairy Tales Every Child Should Know" - edited by Hamilton Wright Mabie (Selections below)

Beauty & the Beast
Hansel & Grethle
One eye, Two eyes, Three eyes
Cinderella
The Magic Mirror
Alladin
Fair One with the Golden Locks
Jack & the Beanstock
Sleeping Beauty

Canadian Literature:

see Canadian Literature Plan

Free Reading:
Remove "The Red Fairy Book"
Remove "Pocahontas"
Add "Follow My Leader" by James Garfield

Sketching/Painting
Draw Write Now 4-8 (or 1-4 if you haven't done them)
OR
1-2-3 Draw books by Freddie Levin - pick 3 or 4,
OR
Drawing with Children
OR
Basic Observation Drawing - some resources

Picture Study:
some info
Family Rotation

Music(read how-to) [note this How-to is on Milestones Academy]

Recommended - Violin, Piano OR Recorder (inexpensive) OR other similar instruments
Do NOT start more than one instrument at once! We have been doing Suzuki Violin for three or four years before getting to year 1!

Violin
- Suzuki Violin [we do this with an instructor ] Recommended Resource "Step-by-Step" series by Kerstin Wartberg

Piano
- Suzuki Piano [we do this without an instructor] Recommended Resource "Studying Suzuki Piano: More than Music" by Bigler and Lloyd-Watts
another option is My First Piano Adventures - Information and Video Lesson Guide here!

Recorder
option for a very inexpensive music alternative, or for the parent that is too uncomfortable trying to teach something else on their own...
Nine-Note Recorder method [note, we haven't tried this yet]

Other
Similar instruction in another instrument. (ie, Suzuki Cello)

Scouting
Scouting Plan for their age

Canadian History Plan - Updated!

2011-02-25T13:08:00.027-06:00

Note - this is now out of date, but is still useful for Canadians using AO. Also, many of these resources will be being used with the new rotation system.

See new plan

II have decided to make things line up more with the AO History timeline. I am keeping the original plan on the blog, but this is an alternative.

Depending on the resources available to you, I am providing two options.

Option 1:
The main resource is "Great Canadian Lives - Portraits in History to 1867" (hereafter called GCL) - Unfortunately this book is out of print and can be expensive. (My library has several copies.) There is a copy online here. I'm not sure what would be up with the copyright, but this seems to be an educational site.

The other resource is "My First History of Canada" by Donalda Dickie & Rudiger Krause (Hereafter called MFH)

I generally read the time period in "My First History of Canada" as an overview, then read "Great Canadian Lives" for the short biographies.

Option 2:

The resource for this option is "The Story of Canada" by Janet Lunn and Christopher Moore. (Hereafter called SOC)

For Both Options:

One other good resource is the Canadian Minutes - the little ads from TV. They can be found here. I think that new ones are being added still - But am putting suggestions in the plan.

I expect to change some of the AO biographies from Americans to Canadians....

Year 1 - AO timeline is "early history, focusing on people"

Details for this year are pending as I pre-read my selections. I am also open to good suggestions for books on Native Americans or Canadian Heros.

SOC - Ch. 1 "A Hundred Centuries" [skip evolutionary info as desired for family]

Minutes - Inukshuk (1931) - but done for centuries

Biographies (not necessarily in chronological position for Year 1)

"Child's History of United States" - Morris - Ch 1 NOTE: Used as a biography of Columbus. This is the only chapter used of this book, so use the free version here.
"John Cabot: The Ongoing search for a Westward Passage to Asia" - Marian Rengel OR
"Henry Hudson: English Explorer of the Northwest Passage" - Josepha Sherman

Year 2 - AO timeline is 1000 AD - 1550
Canadian Timeline - early/vikings/discovery

SOC - Ch 2. "Strangers on the Coast" OR
MFH - Chapter 1-2
GCL - The Mists of Time (Section 1 of Chapter 1, plus "Across the High Seas" and "John Cabot")

Lief the Lucky - Ingri Daulaire
Minutes - Peacemaker (Dekanawida / Tekanawite)
Minutes - Vikings
Minutes - John Cabot (1497)

Year 3 - AO timeline is 1500-1600

Canadian Timeline - 1500-1700

SOC - Chapter 3 "Habitants and Voyageurs" up to but not including "Voyageurs" OR
MFH - Chapter 2 - 9
GCL - Rest of Chapter 1 - Chapter 3 "The Days of Frontenac"

Minutes - Jacques Cartier (1534)
Minutes - Jean Nicollet (1634)
Minutes - Governor Frontenac (1690)
Minutes - Syrup

Year 4 - AO timeline is 1700's to ~1800

Canadian Timeline - 1700-1812

SOC - Rest of Chapter 3, Chapter 4 "The Colonists" up to but not including "The War of 1812" OR
MFH - Chapter 10-13
GCL - Rest of Chapter 3 - Chapter 4

Year 5 - 1800-1920

Canadian Timeline - 1812-1910

SOC - Rest of Chapter 4 - Chapter 8 OR
MFH - Chapter 14-20
GCL - Chapter 5 - end
another resource TBD (from 1867+)

The Battles of the War of 1812 - Pierre Berton
Exploring the Frozen North - Pierre Berton
"A Pioneer Story" - Barbara Greenwood. (also called "A Pioneer Sampler"?)
"The Last Safe House: A Story of the Underground Railroad" - Barbara Greenwood
"Gold Rush Fever: A Story of the Klondike" - Barbara Greenwood
The Great Klondike Gold Rush - Pierre Berton

Minutes - Laura Secord (1813)
Minutes - Hart & Papineau (1832)
Minutes - Joseph Casavant (1834)
Minutes - Etienne Parent (1838)
Minutes - Baldwin & LaFontaine (1841)
Minutes - Responsible Government (1841)
Minutes - Underground Railroad (1840's)
Minutes - Orphans (1850's)
Minutes - The Paris Crew (1867)
Minutes - Saguenay Fire (1870)
Minutes - Jennie Trout (1871) (note, diagram of male anatomy viewed for a second - was on TV)
Minutes - Sitting Bull (1877)
Minutes - Les Voltigeurs de Quebec (1880)
Minutes - Soddie (1880's)
Minutes - Joseph Tyrell (1884)
Minutes - Nitro (1884)
Minutes - Louis Riel (1885) (warning - shows suggestions of a hanging - but was on TV....)
Minutes - Sir Sandford Fleming (1885)
Minutes - Rural Teacher (1885)
Minutes - Basketball (1891)
Minutes - Sam Steele (1898)
Minutes - Midwife
Minutes - Marconi (1901)

topics to include RCMP, Goldrush

Year 6 - 1920 to Present day (then a term in ancient history)

Canadian Timeline - 1910-Present

SOC - Chapter 9 - end OR
MFH - Chapter 20-21
another resource TBD

"Factory Girl" - Barbara Greenwood
"The Halifax disaster" - Ernest Fraser
Minutes - Winnie (1915)
Minutes - John McCrae (1915)
Minutes - Valour Road (1915)
Minutes - Nellie McClung (1916)
Minutes - Halifax Explosion (1917)
Minutes - Vimy Ridge (1917)
Minutes - Frontier College (1920)
Minutes - Joseph-Armand Bombardier (1920)
Minutes - Grey Owl (1920's)
Minutes - J.S. Woodsworth (1926)
Minutes - Emily Carr (1927)
Minutes - Maple Leaf Gardens (1927)
Minutes - Emily Murphy (1929)
Minutes - La Bolduc (1930)
Minutes - Superman (1931)
Minutes - Wilder Penfield (1934)
Minutes - Agnes Macphail (1935) - you may want to preview this one - shows deplorable conditions in the Jail system at the time.
Minutes - Mymam Hospital (1935)
Minutes - Bluenose (1938)
Minutes - Pauline Vanier (1939)
Minutes - Osborn of Hong Kong (1941)
Minutes - Marion Orr (1943)
Minutes - Andrew Mynarski (1944)
Minutes - Juno Beach (1944)
Minutes - Maurice "Rocket" Richard (1944)
Minutes - Mona Parsons (1945)
Minutes - Home from the Wars (1946)
Minutes - Tommy Prince (1970 - but deals with post WWII, so placing with "Home from the Wars")
Minutes - Jackie Robinson (1946)
Minutes - John Humphrey (1947)
Minutes - Paul Emile Borduas (1948)
Minutes - Avro Arrow (1953)
Minutes - Le Reseau (1953)
Minutes - Stratford (1953)
Minutes - Nat Taylor (1957)
Minutes - Maurice Ruddick (1958)
Minutes - Jacques Plante (1959)
Minutes - Marshall McLuhan (1961)
Minutes - Lucille Teasdale (1962)
Minutes - Dextraze in the Congo (1963)
Minutes - Expo '67 (1963)
Minutes - Flags (1964)
Minutes - Water Pump (1980)

Later Years:

The later Years are still very much in draft mode, with gaps in resources at this stage. All resources mentioned are just being considered.

Year 7 - 800-1400's (Middle Ages)

Canadian Timeline - Pre-1496

Year 8 - 1400-1600's (Reniassance to Reformation)

Canadian Timeline - 1492-~1700

Year 9 - 1688-1815

Canadian Timeline - ~1700-1815

The Invasion of Canada (1812-1813) - Pierre Berton
Flames Across the Boarders (1813-1814) - Pierre Berton

Year 10 - 1815-1901

Canadian Timeline - 1815-~1900

The Arctic Grail: The Quest for the North West Passage and the North Pole (1818-1909) - Pierre Berton
The National Dream: The Great Railway (1871-1881) - Pierre Berton
The Last Spike: The Great Railway (1881-1885) - Pierre Berton
Klondike: The Last Great Gold Rush (1896-1899) - Pierre Berton
The Klondike Quest: A Photographic Essay (1897-1899) - Pierre Berton
The Promised Land:Settling the West (1896-1914) - Pierre Berton

Year 11 - 20th Century

Canadian Timeline - 20th Century

Marching As To War (1899-1953) - Pierre Berton
Vimy - [WWI] - Pierre Berton
The Great Depression (1829-1839) - Pierre Berton