In reading on Charlotte Mason’s style I came across a term I have heard many times now — Living Books. She says this about choosing reading material:

For the children? They must grow up upon the best . . . There is never a time
when they are unequal to worthy thoughts, well put; inspiring tales, well
told. Let Blake’s ‘Songs of Innocence’ represent their standard in poetry
DeFoe and Stevenson, in prose; and we shall train a race of readers who will
demand literature–that is, the fit and beautiful expression of inspiring ideas
and pictures of life.

She warns against twaddle, a word I just love.  So, I have started a vigilant hunt for books that breathe.

We read living books because we love them, they bring us together. They prompt incredible conversations. Even my little ones surprise me with the observations that they make about a book and its connections with real life. They bring something to our home school that no unit study, hands-on project, or even a field trip can. They spark the imagination and make creativity soar.

Some look alive, but hold nothing of value beyond the front cover. Others look old and dry and yet have carried us on amazing adventures. How do I know? Where do I find a good book?

Just wanted to share some great resources for finding a good read:

Ambleside Online — This website builds directly off of the Charlotte Mason philsophy. It assigns a time period for each year and can and is used by many as the core of their homeschool. We used them loosely for a couple years. Now, I still refer to that site because the book lists are excellent. We have loved probably 90% of the books we found through that site.

Curriculum reading lists — I started looking through other curriculums (like Sonlight — which we also used for a year) to see what books they recommend at various grade levels. Lots of great recommendations made it into our reading list this way as well.

Five in a Row — For books and accompanying activities, these books can give you plenty to choose from. Books that have stood the test of time, and you will love reading and rereading with your kids.

The Book Guardians — This is a brand new site for which I will be a contributor. Be sure to check it out over time as more books get added to its ranks. It will list books and share in 10 key areas if they have content that might need consideration. I talked more about it on my blog post about book reviews.

Common Sense Media — This site offers a number of reviews, but does not seem to have a strong moral slant. I did not find the reviews as helpful because I tend to have a stricter standard on what I deem appropriate reading for my kids. Still, definitely some value in the sheer quantity of books they have reviewed.

Christian Children’s book reviews –A good site, but seems to review only Christian books.

Focus on the Family has a book review section — Some good reviews, but they seemed to be lacking a depth in their recommendations and information provided. Does come from a conservative preference morally.

Facts on Fiction — Lots of reviews and clearly targeting key areas of concern. Alphabetized and easy to find what you are looking for.

1000 Good books — compiled by 25 homeschool moms, you can find 1000 of their recommendations. That should keep you busy for a while!

Many books also offer lists and reviews:

- Honey for a Child’s Heart

- What Shall We Then Read

- Hand that Rocks the Cradle (from the Bluedorns)

- Books Children Love

- Invitation to the Classics

- The Read-Aloud Handbook

Finding the time:

With six kids, five of them now school age, the trick is finding time in a day to read books. We have employed a variety of means to do so. We read a bit each day. Sometimes at bedtime, sometimes in the afternoon. We have a silent reading time each day as well. Books on CD also help. We listen to these in our rooms, at bedtime, and definitely in the car. We “read” an extra book or two each month by listening in the car. And, it keeps the kiddos quiet while we travel!

Looking for some recommendation? Here are some of our favorite books:

The Little House on the Prairie series

The Princess and the Goblin

Gone Away Lake

The Calico Captive

The Endless Steppe

God’s Smuggler

Bruchko

Robin Hood

Galileo and the Magic Number

And, every year we discover a few more favorites. Stay tuned to hear what we unearth this year.

Please add some more resources or book favorites of your own in the comments. We are always looking for well loved books.

This post linked to Works for Me Wednesday.

If anyone is interested, you might find some school equipment useful to your homeschool at this rummage sale at the old Arlington High School building, now Christian Liberty Academy. The article only really mentions lockers, but I am sure there will be a lot of other finds as well:

Rummage sale of furniture and equipment from old Arlington High School.

• When: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Aug. 12-13; 8 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Aug. 14.

• Where: In the cafeteria of Christian Liberty Academy, 502 Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights.

• Money raised: Will be put toward Christian Liberty Academy’s scholarship fund.

2010 HOME SCHOOL DAY
Friday, August 27

Six Flags hosts the 15th annual Home School Day event on August 27. Enjoy a fun filled day at the park with your family and friends. A special all-you-can-eat Home School Day picnic is also available in our private picnic grove. Contact SFGAMspecialevents@sixflags.com for additional information.

Home School Day Flyer

HOME SCHOOL DAY PICNIC—ONLY $10.25

All-you-can-eat picnic buffet in our private picnic grove includes fried
chicken, hot dogs, meatless mostaccioli, potato salad, pasta salad,
potato chips, pickles, rolls and unlimited soft drinks. You may enter the
picnic grove any time from 11:30a.m.-1:00p.m.

EXCLUSIVE RIDE TIME

Purchase a Home School Day ticket and receive one hour of exclusive ride time on Superman Ultimate Flight,
Rue le Dodge and Condor. This exclusive ride time is available before the park opens from 9:00 a.m.-10:00a.m.
and is only available to people who have purchased Home School Day tickets.

I have mentioned on here before the Homeschool Buyers Co-op. This is a free website that offers great deals to homeschoolers. I finally joined (no idea why I waited so long), and I can tell you it is completely painless. And, the deals are amazing!
Membership is free and confidential, and gives you access to great discounts from over 100 educational suppliers.
They also have a “SmartPoints” program where you get points for doing things that benefit you and other homeschoolers. You can then use your SmartPoints to buy curriculum.

If you click the following link and join, I’ll get 100 SmartPoints, and you’ll get 100 SmartPoints just for joining. (Click me!)

Tune in tomorrow for a great freebie that you will need to be a member of the co-op to join. Free higher level math for the summer . . . be sure to check it out.

Magn Attitude

“O Magnify the LORD with me, and  let us exalt his name together.” Psalm 34:3

“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus” Philippians 2:5

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Contact: 847-931-0698 mmartin0698@sbcglobal.net

MagnAttitude Summer Dance Workshop

This workshop is geared for the beginner dance student with little or no dance experience although it is open to the intermediate dancer as well, who may want to improve upon their technique. Ballet being foundational to all other forms of dance, this class will develop basic ballet skills through barre work, center work and simple combinations. We will use what we learn to do a combination modern-jazz-hip-hop type dance set to popular Christian music with modest choreography. Students will learn the joy of dance while learning proper technique and have the satisfaction of using what they have learned all while glorifying God.

Ages 10+     Tues/Thurs a.m. 10:30-noon

4 weeks 2x/ week   — $85

Minimum 5 registered students

Location TBD

Dates TBD

Ages 6-10 Tues or Thurs a.m. 9:15-10:30

4 weeks 1x/ week   — $35

Minimum 5 registered students

Location TBD

Dates TBD

Dates Available to work with

Option #1 – July 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29

Option #2 – July 20, 22, 27, 29, August 10, 12, 17, 19

Option #3 – August 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26, 31, September 2

Costuming Requirements - -contact instructor for more information

-audition costuming w/ the exception of ballet shoes, may be worn for the first workshop attended

If a student registers for a 2^nd workshop and/or registers for regularly scheduled classes, the required class costuming will need to be worn:

-pink leather ballet shoes (no split sole) are required (contact instructor BEFORE purchasing)

-hair must be pulled back off of face and neck in a pony tail or bun

-no jewelry with the exception of stud pierced earrings and wedding rings

-students are required to wear street shoes & clothing over their dancewear when arriving or departing from classes.

MELISSA MARTIN began her fine arts training at a young age. She studied piano and later flute at the Chicago Conservatory. Most of her early dance training was with her mother at Valley Dance Center. Advancing rapidly  she continued  to study at many well  known studios in Chicago including the Ruth Page Foundation, Chicago City Ballet, Ellis-Duboulay and Elizabeth Boitsov. Madame Boitsov is a graduate of the State Ballet School and State Bolshoi University in Moscow. Melissa was selected to train for the International Ballet Competition and studied in New York City with Madame Darvash. She has appeared in the full length productions of Cinderella, Coppelia, La Fille Mal Gardee, and the Nutcracker and has performed solo variations from ballets such as Don Quixote. At the age of twelve Melissa held the leading role in a student production of the Wild Swans. She then appeared with Rudolph Nureyev and the Zurich Opera Ballet. She started teaching in 1990 and especially loves imparting excellent technique to her students. As a teenager and after a dramatic transformation that took place in her parents’ lives when they dedicated themselves to God, Melissa accepted Christ as her own personal Savior and Lord. She is married to David Martin and the mother of 11 children.

“Let them praise his name with dancing” Psalm 149:3

Regional Sports Center in Crystal Lake offers classes just for homeschoolers!

What: Home School P.E.

Where: All Classes are held at the Regional Sports Center
1310 Ridgefield Rd.
Crystal Lake, IL 60012

Website: www.regionalsportscenter.com

More details:  Various activities include soccer, Bungee Soccer, Flag Football, Basketball, Floor Hockey, Kick Ball, and more…

Organization Email Address : info@regionalsportscenter.com

Phone : Ben Curcio at 815-455-6634

Or, email : bcurcio@regionalsportscenter.com

More proof that it never hurts to ask. This looks like a fantastic, brand-new opportunity in Carol Stream. Designed just for homeschoolers, and very reasonably priced (see DuPage Cheer’s website for more details). As always, I would encourage you to give them a call before heading out there. But, here is the information as I received it, and as posted on their site:

Another great opportunity to pick up some USED CURRICLUM at great prices.

The Kane County Christian Homeschoolers are having their annual used curriculum sale.

Many sellers will be on hand with their no-longer-needed materials. I find these sales a great place to pick up deals and advice on what to buy and why.

When: Friday May 14, 2010

Time: 1:00-4:00 PM

Where:  Morning Star Community Church in Aurora, Illinois

Members and non-members are welcome to sell and, of course, everyone can come and shop.

Big sale coming at the Beacon Homeschool Group.

They have over 20 different families selling their used curriculum. Loads of things to choose from for less than new cost!!!
Bring small bills to making paying easier. 5’s, 1’s, and quarters!!

When: Tuesday, April 27 7:00-9:00pm
Where : Elk Grove Village Public Library

Everyone is invited to come out and see the great finds!
For more details, check their website. www.beaconhomeschool.org

Beacon is a non-denominational Christian support group for parents who home educate their children. Their membership is open to any home schooling family for support. The goals of Beacon are to provide fellowship, encouragement, field trips, workshops, and resources for our members to benefit from.

The following information came from the Homeschool University in West Chicago: