The DISH on Fatty School Lunches

Wow–I only recently learned about the politics behind our childrens’ school lunches when I read a book called The Culprit and the Cure.  Here’s what I learned:

The nation’s school lunch programs are funded separately from the education programs.  They are governed by the USDA
The USDA’s mission is to promote the American cattle and dairy industries
This means [...]

The Perfect Books for Summer Reading!

What a wonderful series of books I have discovered!  After a gruelling semester of full-time grad school and teaching children in my home school, my mother referred me to the enchanting Mitford book series as a great way to relax and enjoy the summer.  She was right!
I wish I could put into words the inspiring, even [...]

Making History FUN!

Thanks to Susan Wise Bauer’s The Story of the World sets for children, history studies are like playtime for my children!  Some days, however, I find I don’t always have the time to get to the library and obtain Bauer’s “supplementary readings” (to go with each lesson) or do all the lesson activities the way I would [...]

Helen Keller Discovery

Big thanks to the New England Historic Genealogical Society for making this rare photograph and its story available to the public; it really added to our recent homeschool discussions about Helen Keller and our readings of her biography as well as that of Anne Sullivan:
http://www.newenglandancestors.org/hkeller_release_feb08v2.pdf

Daily Charts For Children

I hung these charts in my daughters’ rooms and they have been SO helpful!  The girls know that these charts have to be done before they can come downstairs and eat breakfast, so I don’t have to stand over them and say “make your bed, brush your teeth!” etc:

 
Then when it is time to start [...]

Great Links 4 Parents

Healthy Muffins:Thanks to Wardeh at the Such Treasures blog for her scrumptious yet uber-healthy Strawberry-Cranberry whole grain (sugar free!) muffins–my kids love these!  (Check out her recipes link–they’re all wonderful!)

Kid-Friendly Listening: Special thanks to Joanne for posting a link to this great site!  Now my children can listen to the records I loved as a child!

Living Without [...]

Out With The Old Year . . . .

Alfred Lord Tennyson wrote this poem in memory of his closest friend, Arthur H. Hallam, who died at the young age of 22.  Last Sunday we sang this poem (put to music) in church to commemorate the New Year:
 In Memoriam A.H.H.
Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,
    The flying cloud, the frosty light:
    The year is [...]

Exposing My Addiction

I thought I could hide my addiction, but as you can see from these photos, I’m obviously addicted to books!  We have been T.V. Free for almost four years, and in that time I have been doing a lot of reading.  At birthdays, Christmas, and Mother’s Day, all I ever ask for are books! 
First, I [...]

On Using Time Wisely

Let’s talk about free time and how it is spent.  From my own informal polling, I have learned that most people spend it in front of the television, watching a movie, or reading a book if not out with friends to eat, drink, or see a production of some sort (stage, cinema, concert, etc.)
Philosopher Mortimer J. Adler often voiced [...]

The RIGHT way to use a calendar

If you have a bulletin board that looks like this, listen up!  My life got a whole lot easier after I learned the right way to use a planner/organizer.  Before, I used to write things in my planner, then forget to look in the planner, thus missing appointments, forgetting to return library books, and sending belated birthday cards [...]