Sunday, August 2, 2009
Some Books to Keep in Mind
I am going to link to this post so I can remember to check out these books.
Every Day I Learn Something New
I just learned today that those little blurbs you find on the back of book jackets are done by professional reviewers. Poor innocent me! I didn't even know that there was such a thing as a professional book reviewer. I often wondered how the publishers knew what people where going to think about the book before it was published. I did figure out that some people have to get some sort of advanced copy of a book. But frankly I didn't give much thought about how this work. Now I know that people actually get paid to read books. I wish somebody would have told me that when I was trying to decide what to do with my life. Maybe I would've been a Professional Book Reviewer instead of a Psychologist.
How did I find this out? Because I have read some posts about it. Mostly because now that there people blogging about books all over the place, some reviewers think that they are not qualified to talk about books (kind of the same thing we hear about homeschooling-how dare we teach our children without an Education degree?). But there is also the bloggers that are being approached by publishers and authors; and, there are those that are being paid but don't say it up front, and those that think they should not be paid, and blah, blah, blah. Why do things have to be so complicated?
In other news about books, I liked this post about reading levels. (HT to Melissa Wiley). I enjoy reading children's books. In fact when I want to know something about a topic, quite frequently by first stop is the Picture Book Section. I have tried to instilled a love of books to my children. Any good book deserves our enjoyment independently of how it is cataloged at the library. count. Sometimes though, I have to admit that when I see A pick up Baby Blues or Calvin and Hobbes for the hundredth time, or when I see G, at 16, enjoying The Rangers Apprentice series rather that The Scarlet Letter, I am visiting by those feeling of "shouldn't they be reading something more challenging?" This post by Jen Robinson reminds me that good literature transcends the boundaries of age or reading levels. The fact that you pick up A Bargain for Frances or Little Critter, Air Mail to the Moon, Peanuts, We Are Going on a Bear Hunt, Blueberries for Sal doesn't mean that you can't read something "more challenging". It means that you have good taste. Never mind your age.
How did I find this out? Because I have read some posts about it. Mostly because now that there people blogging about books all over the place, some reviewers think that they are not qualified to talk about books (kind of the same thing we hear about homeschooling-how dare we teach our children without an Education degree?). But there is also the bloggers that are being approached by publishers and authors; and, there are those that are being paid but don't say it up front, and those that think they should not be paid, and blah, blah, blah. Why do things have to be so complicated?
In other news about books, I liked this post about reading levels. (HT to Melissa Wiley). I enjoy reading children's books. In fact when I want to know something about a topic, quite frequently by first stop is the Picture Book Section. I have tried to instilled a love of books to my children. Any good book deserves our enjoyment independently of how it is cataloged at the library. count. Sometimes though, I have to admit that when I see A pick up Baby Blues or Calvin and Hobbes for the hundredth time, or when I see G, at 16, enjoying The Rangers Apprentice series rather that The Scarlet Letter, I am visiting by those feeling of "shouldn't they be reading something more challenging?" This post by Jen Robinson reminds me that good literature transcends the boundaries of age or reading levels. The fact that you pick up A Bargain for Frances or Little Critter, Air Mail to the Moon, Peanuts, We Are Going on a Bear Hunt, Blueberries for Sal doesn't mean that you can't read something "more challenging". It means that you have good taste. Never mind your age.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Summer Thoughts
Thoughts of summer fill my head. I have been working on planning our trip to Santo Domingo. It took for ever! Buying a plane ticket is such a hassle. What happened to the days when you could go to a travel agency and feel that you got a good deal? Now there is all the websites to check, all the "deals" to compare; and in the end I always feel cheated. Anyhow, I got that done.
Now is time to prepare for the trip. I need to make sure the kids have the proper clothes and shoes. I need to make sure we take things to entertain them. Visiting family is not like a non-stop vacation. There is a lot of down time, time spent soaking up family and basking in the feeling of, once more, belonging somewhere. For the kids,of course, is a different experience. If I don't want them to "soak up" TV instead of family, I need to have some activities planned. These are tricky since I need to take things that don't take too much room in a suitcase and that are interesting enough to keep their attention for a certain amount of time. I have not even started on planning these.
Between the end of the school year and the trip to Santo Domingo, there is a gap of time. I want to be prepare with activities and ideas so that the kids don't default to TV, Wii and computer games. This is year we have the complication of the addition. Our backyard is going to be swamped with workers and equipment. That makes it off limit for the kids. We won't have the yard to set up the pool. This means more creativity is needed to keep the kids occupied.
I am therefore busy creating reading lists,compiling a list of topics for science, history, geography,literature so that I can rotate the books in our book baskets. I also want to make a list of movies to watch as well as a list of art projects and games.
As my ideas develop and find resource,I am planning to post them here so I can have easy access to them. This afternoon I spent some time thinking and researching. I came up with these ideas:
String Art Project
Minimath Projects This site sells some kits for some fun puzzles as well as string art.
I also found this blog post 25 summer ideas I need to peruse it and pull a list of things that are suitable to our family.
More activities here Some of these sound like they would be fun.
Now is time to prepare for the trip. I need to make sure the kids have the proper clothes and shoes. I need to make sure we take things to entertain them. Visiting family is not like a non-stop vacation. There is a lot of down time, time spent soaking up family and basking in the feeling of, once more, belonging somewhere. For the kids,of course, is a different experience. If I don't want them to "soak up" TV instead of family, I need to have some activities planned. These are tricky since I need to take things that don't take too much room in a suitcase and that are interesting enough to keep their attention for a certain amount of time. I have not even started on planning these.
Between the end of the school year and the trip to Santo Domingo, there is a gap of time. I want to be prepare with activities and ideas so that the kids don't default to TV, Wii and computer games. This is year we have the complication of the addition. Our backyard is going to be swamped with workers and equipment. That makes it off limit for the kids. We won't have the yard to set up the pool. This means more creativity is needed to keep the kids occupied.
I am therefore busy creating reading lists,compiling a list of topics for science, history, geography,literature so that I can rotate the books in our book baskets. I also want to make a list of movies to watch as well as a list of art projects and games.
As my ideas develop and find resource,I am planning to post them here so I can have easy access to them. This afternoon I spent some time thinking and researching. I came up with these ideas:
String Art Project
Minimath Projects This site sells some kits for some fun puzzles as well as string art.
I also found this blog post 25 summer ideas I need to peruse it and pull a list of things that are suitable to our family.
More activities here Some of these sound like they would be fun.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Housework-the Search Continues
It seems that I am on a permanent search for a system, THE SYSTEM, that will make housework easier to manage. There is always a book or a blog post or forum post that makes sense. "Maybe I'll try this"- I think. And I do.
The thing with housework is... It is always there! It is this ever-present entity, always looming, always lurking. If you ignore it, it doesn't go away. If you tackle it, it comes back again, to stare at you in the face. There is no other choice but to stare back at it and hope that this time you will claim victory.
Thank God I am a person of hope. Because hope is what I need. Lots of it!
Hope that I find a system.
Hope that I will be consistent applying the system.
Hope that abuela's (my mother) organization gene, that seems to have skipped a generation, will show up in my kids.
Hope that someday, somebody, might invent a self cleaning house.
Hope that someday, somebody, will come up with disposable (biodegradable of course) clothes.
Hope that lint will evaporate, and dust will vanish and that stuff will magically find-on their own- their proper place, toilets will be self sanitized and tubs will be anti mold and soap scum repellent.
In the meantime I am left with the truth: housework needs to be done. In my constant search I came across this (HT to Elizabeth who got it from here who got it from Jennifer ) So for now, I am going to read this list and see if I can apply it to our household. Maybe, just maybe, this list will help me to get the essentials done.
The thing with housework is... It is always there! It is this ever-present entity, always looming, always lurking. If you ignore it, it doesn't go away. If you tackle it, it comes back again, to stare at you in the face. There is no other choice but to stare back at it and hope that this time you will claim victory.
Thank God I am a person of hope. Because hope is what I need. Lots of it!
Hope that I find a system.
Hope that I will be consistent applying the system.
Hope that abuela's (my mother) organization gene, that seems to have skipped a generation, will show up in my kids.
Hope that someday, somebody, might invent a self cleaning house.
Hope that someday, somebody, will come up with disposable (biodegradable of course) clothes.
Hope that lint will evaporate, and dust will vanish and that stuff will magically find-on their own- their proper place, toilets will be self sanitized and tubs will be anti mold and soap scum repellent.
In the meantime I am left with the truth: housework needs to be done. In my constant search I came across this (HT to Elizabeth who got it from here who got it from Jennifer ) So for now, I am going to read this list and see if I can apply it to our household. Maybe, just maybe, this list will help me to get the essentials done.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Learning about Real Foods
Since I have been hanging around here I keep hearing about eating healthy,eating local and eating organic. Before, I had this idea that only people that were out to "save the Earth" or people that were paranoid about disease worried about pesticides, chemicals and whether their food was organic or not. I don't know if it is who I am hanging around with; or the fact that I am getting old, and mortality seems a closer fact, but all those conversations have piqued my curiosity.
I started by reading The Omnivore's Dilemma I haven't really finished it yet. What I have read though, have been eye opening. I learned all about corn and how it has turned into the big commodity it is today. I also learned about cows and how they have been transformed into grain eating animals instead of keeping to God's original design for them.
The Second book I am reading is Real Food . I have found this book interesting. I can't say that I don't gloss over some of the details but overall it has made for a riveting reading.
I feel a little overwhelmed by the possibility of changing the way we eat, not because I am attached to it, but because it requires thinking and planning. It becomes one more thing I need to do. But how can I not? The information I have gathered just makes sense. It makes sense that once we have tinkered with the natural processes, things are bound to go down hill. Not that I am against industrialization. (God knows I am thankful to be alive in the 21st century. And, as idyllic as a farm sounds, I couldn't live in one. Dealing with animals and the hard work of a farm are not my things! ) It makes sense that chemicals and pesticides not made for human consumption, would cause harm. It makes sense that when we alter genetics and force animals to deny their nature, it is only logical that some ill consequences will follow. It stands to reason, I think, that if cancer and other diseases are more prevalent nowadays we need to look for causes in what we eat and their source.
All this information begs for action. Where to begin? Budget is a consideration. It is difficult to make myself spend, for example, almost $6.00 in a gallon of milk when the regular milk only costs $3.47. Availability is another consideration. Here where I live, local farms are not common; Farmer's Market is only available for a couple of months in the summer. It makes eating locally and seasonally, difficult. It leaves us with the small overpriced organic departments of the local groceries and the small (and somewhat weird) health food stores.
Small changes seem to work best for me. Baby steps,as the Flylady would say. A good place to start seems to be making a conscious effort to eat more vegetables and fruit. It is not that I have discovered this for the first time. This is something I have been hearing all my life. I am just lazy. Vegetables have to be washed, cut,dressed and I have to deal with picky kids who won't eat them. Nina Planck has this advice:
She also has some suggestions to increase the intake of fruits and vegetables:
-have them on hand
-have a salad every meal
-be aware that some vegetables are more nutritious when cooked (broccoli,cabbage, spinach). Others, like carrots, liberate more of the nutrients when they are peeled, juiced or shredded.
-dress them up nicely
-eat salad first
-sometimes eat salad as a main course
-put some vegetables and fruit out when the kids are hungry, even if is right before dinner
-eat local food, it will increase the variety
-mix different vegetables for a variety of textures and tastes
Action? The first action I am taking is printing this to take with me to the store. It is a list of the fruits and vegetables with highest pesticide content and the ones of the least amount. Secondly, I am going to try to wash and cut vegetables as soon as I get home so they will be ready to eat. Thirdly, I am going to make an effort to have more salads. Fourth, I am going to come up with more creative way of preparing the vegetables we do eat. And lastly (and more difficult), I am going to try expand our repertoire, in a search for some my kids will eat.
We will see how it goes.
I started by reading The Omnivore's Dilemma I haven't really finished it yet. What I have read though, have been eye opening. I learned all about corn and how it has turned into the big commodity it is today. I also learned about cows and how they have been transformed into grain eating animals instead of keeping to God's original design for them.
The Second book I am reading is Real Food . I have found this book interesting. I can't say that I don't gloss over some of the details but overall it has made for a riveting reading.
I feel a little overwhelmed by the possibility of changing the way we eat, not because I am attached to it, but because it requires thinking and planning. It becomes one more thing I need to do. But how can I not? The information I have gathered just makes sense. It makes sense that once we have tinkered with the natural processes, things are bound to go down hill. Not that I am against industrialization. (God knows I am thankful to be alive in the 21st century. And, as idyllic as a farm sounds, I couldn't live in one. Dealing with animals and the hard work of a farm are not my things! ) It makes sense that chemicals and pesticides not made for human consumption, would cause harm. It makes sense that when we alter genetics and force animals to deny their nature, it is only logical that some ill consequences will follow. It stands to reason, I think, that if cancer and other diseases are more prevalent nowadays we need to look for causes in what we eat and their source.
All this information begs for action. Where to begin? Budget is a consideration. It is difficult to make myself spend, for example, almost $6.00 in a gallon of milk when the regular milk only costs $3.47. Availability is another consideration. Here where I live, local farms are not common; Farmer's Market is only available for a couple of months in the summer. It makes eating locally and seasonally, difficult. It leaves us with the small overpriced organic departments of the local groceries and the small (and somewhat weird) health food stores.
Small changes seem to work best for me. Baby steps,as the Flylady would say. A good place to start seems to be making a conscious effort to eat more vegetables and fruit. It is not that I have discovered this for the first time. This is something I have been hearing all my life. I am just lazy. Vegetables have to be washed, cut,dressed and I have to deal with picky kids who won't eat them. Nina Planck has this advice:
If you can't find or afford ecological produce, eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables anyway. You may be sure that most studies showing the benefits of diets rich in fruits and vegetables were done on industrial produce. It is sensible to wash industrial produce, but peeling is a tough call. Most of the pesticide are found in, or just under, the peel. So are the vitamins and antioxidants. I simply don't know which is the lesser evil.
She also has some suggestions to increase the intake of fruits and vegetables:
-have them on hand
-have a salad every meal
-be aware that some vegetables are more nutritious when cooked (broccoli,cabbage, spinach). Others, like carrots, liberate more of the nutrients when they are peeled, juiced or shredded.
-dress them up nicely
-eat salad first
-sometimes eat salad as a main course
-put some vegetables and fruit out when the kids are hungry, even if is right before dinner
-eat local food, it will increase the variety
-mix different vegetables for a variety of textures and tastes
Action? The first action I am taking is printing this to take with me to the store. It is a list of the fruits and vegetables with highest pesticide content and the ones of the least amount. Secondly, I am going to try to wash and cut vegetables as soon as I get home so they will be ready to eat. Thirdly, I am going to make an effort to have more salads. Fourth, I am going to come up with more creative way of preparing the vegetables we do eat. And lastly (and more difficult), I am going to try expand our repertoire, in a search for some my kids will eat.
We will see how it goes.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
The Spear by Louis de Wohl
Today we finally finished The Spear. This book was our Lenten reading but it is a long book, 400 pages long. It is the story of Cassiua Longinus a Roman soldier whose father is betrayed and cheated out of his family fortune. Cassius sets to avenge his father's misfortune and ends up first a slave and then a soldier in Judea. In Judea he comes on contact not only with the puzzling Jews but with the even more puzzling followers of Rabbi Yeshua.
The books is masterfully done. De Wohl pulls together Scripture and his own imagination, and the result is a believable and well told story. The descriptions were in tad too long for the kids. It was a little anti-climatic to read the scene of the crucifixion on Easter Monday but, it was compensated by the reading today of the events following Pentecost. It was a great story and it really enhanced our Lent by fleshing out the events leading to the death of Our Lord.
The books is masterfully done. De Wohl pulls together Scripture and his own imagination, and the result is a believable and well told story. The descriptions were in tad too long for the kids. It was a little anti-climatic to read the scene of the crucifixion on Easter Monday but, it was compensated by the reading today of the events following Pentecost. It was a great story and it really enhanced our Lent by fleshing out the events leading to the death of Our Lord.
Friday, April 17, 2009
The Power of the Resurrection
In Easter, with Jesus' resurrection "a new way of living has opened up, a way of living focused in Jesus and the power of his resurrection" (WAU, p.22).
What does this mean? How is our life this week any different than life last week? After all the resurrection, the actual event, happened many, many years ago. How does it affect my life today?
Jesus is the same "yesterday, today and forever". What He did all those years ago, He can do today. In a supernatural but real way, the power of the resurrection is the same today as back then.
What did the resurrection accomplish? Simply put, it changed lives. It transformed the apostles. It made it possible for them to understand, to see and to comprehend the truths of Jesus' teachings.
It is true that the most dramatic changes happened after Pentecost. The time between the resurrection and Pentecost was a slow unfolding of the life that begun when Jesus left the tomb. That Easter time seemed to have gradually affirmed, in the mind of the apostles, the reality of what they had witnessed. I picture them, growing more assured with each apparition of Jesus. Each encounter deposited more confidence in their souls and made them thirst for more. The resurrection began it all.
It was the resurrection, that ultimate miracle, what made believing easier. If God could raise Jesus from the clutches of death, what couldn't He do? With the resurrection everything becomes possible. The resurrection creates an expectant faith.
An expectant faith is fertile ground for receiving the Holy Spirit. Faith that awaits opens itself. Like thirsty ground waiting for water, a soul who expects will receive the Holy Spirit and produce abundant fruit.
The Church, full of wisdom, uses the liturgical year to help us re-live these truths. During Lent our family focused on certain readings. We read the story of the woman at the well. Jesus was for her the Living Water. We read about the man born blind. Jesus was light for him. We read about Lazarus. Jesus was life for him. We meditated on these stories. Jesus is for every person what that person needs.
Now is Easter. Easter comes during spring time, when nature all around us is freeing itself form the grasp of winter. New life is everywhere. It is time for us to have new life too. It is time to make those truths we read about during Lent, be our truth. It is time to let Jesus, who is Living Water, Light and Life, be our Living Water, our Light and our Life. It is time to make the power of the resurrection OURS.
What does this mean? How is our life this week any different than life last week? After all the resurrection, the actual event, happened many, many years ago. How does it affect my life today?
Jesus is the same "yesterday, today and forever". What He did all those years ago, He can do today. In a supernatural but real way, the power of the resurrection is the same today as back then.
What did the resurrection accomplish? Simply put, it changed lives. It transformed the apostles. It made it possible for them to understand, to see and to comprehend the truths of Jesus' teachings.
It is true that the most dramatic changes happened after Pentecost. The time between the resurrection and Pentecost was a slow unfolding of the life that begun when Jesus left the tomb. That Easter time seemed to have gradually affirmed, in the mind of the apostles, the reality of what they had witnessed. I picture them, growing more assured with each apparition of Jesus. Each encounter deposited more confidence in their souls and made them thirst for more. The resurrection began it all.
It was the resurrection, that ultimate miracle, what made believing easier. If God could raise Jesus from the clutches of death, what couldn't He do? With the resurrection everything becomes possible. The resurrection creates an expectant faith.
An expectant faith is fertile ground for receiving the Holy Spirit. Faith that awaits opens itself. Like thirsty ground waiting for water, a soul who expects will receive the Holy Spirit and produce abundant fruit.
The Church, full of wisdom, uses the liturgical year to help us re-live these truths. During Lent our family focused on certain readings. We read the story of the woman at the well. Jesus was for her the Living Water. We read about the man born blind. Jesus was light for him. We read about Lazarus. Jesus was life for him. We meditated on these stories. Jesus is for every person what that person needs.
Now is Easter. Easter comes during spring time, when nature all around us is freeing itself form the grasp of winter. New life is everywhere. It is time for us to have new life too. It is time to make those truths we read about during Lent, be our truth. It is time to let Jesus, who is Living Water, Light and Life, be our Living Water, our Light and our Life. It is time to make the power of the resurrection OURS.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Nature Study: We did it!
N. and I went for a nature walk today. Honestly speaking, I wasn't planning on it but, I have made the mistake comment to N. yesterday. Sure enough, today he reminded me. I didn't have an excuse. So armed with binoculars, magnifying glass, baggies, and a camera, we went for a walk around the block. We took samples of leaves, put them in baggies and brought them home to identify. It was a fun experience. N. was all into it. It kind of make me feel a tad guilty that I haven't taken him on more outings.
To identify the leaves we used this Virginia website as well as some field guides we have at home. We learned ( and I really mean we, not a figure of speech) about the parts of leaves, and what to look at when trying to identify them.
We also did some leaf rubbings. Even A. got involved. It was fun experimenting with different leaves and colors, different coloring media (pastel, crayons and coloring pencils) and different patterns.
To identify the leaves we used this Virginia website as well as some field guides we have at home. We learned ( and I really mean we, not a figure of speech) about the parts of leaves, and what to look at when trying to identify them.
We also did some leaf rubbings. Even A. got involved. It was fun experimenting with different leaves and colors, different coloring media (pastel, crayons and coloring pencils) and different patterns.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
King Tut
Yesterday, we went to Dallas to see King Tut. Actually King Tut wasn't there but tons of artifacts found inside his tomb were.
I think there is a little bit of false advertisement going on. They use King Tut's gold mask for the publicity but the gold mask is not there and, of course neither is the mummy. I am glad a friend warned me ahead of time. I think we would've been disappointed.
I found this article that explains a little bit more about the mummy, King Tut's Mummy. This article tells a little more detail about how the mummy was moved into the glass case that house it today and why it was moved there.
I was really impressed by the beauty of the jewels, furniture and amulets we saw yesterday. They are exquisite! I was amazed at the level of craftsmanship and beauty they could attain with the primitive means at their disposal. I was also struck anew with how much time and money was spent in thinking and preparing for the afterlife. If we invested as much time thinking about heaven, we would really be holy!
Nature Study
I am a nature student wannabe. I drool over sites like this. For years, since G. was little, I have read Charlotte Mason books, and Charlotte Mason inspired moms that seem to have the perfect homeschool. They take the kids outside backpacks in tow, ready for a nature walk. Nature walk, just the name excites me. Doesn't it sound dreamy? It evokes times outside, under the trees, with picnic lunches and sketchbooks. Then I wake up and I remember that 1) I don't like bugs, 2) I am scared of running into wild animals, 3) I don't know how to sketch.
Once more is Spring. Spring seems to beckon me outside. Really? well, not really. It is the same thing again. I want to, really want to go outside but, there are so many things to do inside- books to read, blogs to check and did I mention school, cooking, cleaning?
I am determined this year. I think. I am going to go outside. I am going to take the kids, at least N. for a walk in the neighborhood. We are going to do something simple: collect leaves, identify them and tally the trees in our neighborhood (more like our block). Maybe do some drawing. No, wait, don't get ahead of yourself. Try the most simple thing and see how it goes.
I found this book at our library. I think I am going to follow it and see how it goes. But because I am how I am I couldn't resist doing some poking around on the internet and found these helpful-tuck away somewhere in the back of your mind-blog them so you can remember- links:
http://www.squidoo.com/cmnaturestudy
http://mrshappyhousewife.com/homeschooling/science/nature-study-thirty-six-weeks.html
Tomorrow I'll go. I think.
Once more is Spring. Spring seems to beckon me outside. Really? well, not really. It is the same thing again. I want to, really want to go outside but, there are so many things to do inside- books to read, blogs to check and did I mention school, cooking, cleaning?
I am determined this year. I think. I am going to go outside. I am going to take the kids, at least N. for a walk in the neighborhood. We are going to do something simple: collect leaves, identify them and tally the trees in our neighborhood (more like our block). Maybe do some drawing. No, wait, don't get ahead of yourself. Try the most simple thing and see how it goes.
I found this book at our library. I think I am going to follow it and see how it goes. But because I am how I am I couldn't resist doing some poking around on the internet and found these helpful-tuck away somewhere in the back of your mind-blog them so you can remember- links:
http://www.squidoo.com/cmnaturestudy
http://mrshappyhousewife.com/homeschooling/science/nature-study-thirty-six-weeks.html
Tomorrow I'll go. I think.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
He Is Risen!!
He is risen INDEED!
(Just a note: I did not misspell alleluia. It is written in Spanish)
Just Finished: The Fisherman's Testament by César Vidal
In the Fisherman's Testament, César Vidal takes us to the final days of St. Peter's life. Nero, curious about the Christians, wants to judge Peter himself. The book is told through the eyes of a Roman official, Marcus Junius Vitalis, who has been called by Nero to assist him in the proceedings.The book is an account of the trial in which Peter, interrogated by Nero and Vitalis, recounts his life with Jesus as well as the Master's teachings.
I really, really wanted to like this book but I didn't. I was expecting a book along the lines of Louis De Wohl's masterpieces. I was expecting a book that recreated Peter's trial in a more credible way. I was expecting one of those books that take you to the scene in such a way that you think you were there. This book was really a retelling of the Gospel of Mark with a thin plot thrown in for good measure. The book has some happy moments but overall it felt contrived and boring.
I really, really wanted to like this book but I didn't. I was expecting a book along the lines of Louis De Wohl's masterpieces. I was expecting a book that recreated Peter's trial in a more credible way. I was expecting one of those books that take you to the scene in such a way that you think you were there. This book was really a retelling of the Gospel of Mark with a thin plot thrown in for good measure. The book has some happy moments but overall it felt contrived and boring.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Heard during the Easter Triduum (my version)
Holy Thursday:
There was a man who really wanted to serve God. God told him to find three medium size rocks, put them in a wheelbarrow and take them to the top of the hill. The young man's heart rejoiced at the task. Finally he had been asked to do something for God.As he began his ascend to the top of the hill, people kept on asking him to carry some rocks for them. Soon the wheelbarrow was stock full of rocks. At first the young man was delighted to serve others but as the burden grew and the hill became steeper, his attitude changed. He found himself grumbling. Instead of joy, in his heart he found resentment. He brought his complains to God. He heard the Lord saying: "I only asked you to bring three medium size stones, where did you get all these other stuff?"
Jesus asks us to serve. As we strive to follow his command, we do well to keep our focus on who He has asked us to serve and how he has asked us to do it.
Easter Vigil:
At different times, our lives seem to unravel in front of our very eyes. Wounds, betrayals, sufferings conspire to throw us in the depth of despair. Darkness threatens to envelop us. In situations like this we remember that Christ is our light and the first step is to trust him in the darkness much like the man who finds himself in a dark tunnel. Terrified, he remembers to pray: "Lord send me a light so that I can see my way". The Lord, moved by his plight answers: " I don't have a light to give you but, I AM your light. Take my hand and I will lead you out". His first step out of the tunnel was to trust.
There was a man who really wanted to serve God. God told him to find three medium size rocks, put them in a wheelbarrow and take them to the top of the hill. The young man's heart rejoiced at the task. Finally he had been asked to do something for God.As he began his ascend to the top of the hill, people kept on asking him to carry some rocks for them. Soon the wheelbarrow was stock full of rocks. At first the young man was delighted to serve others but as the burden grew and the hill became steeper, his attitude changed. He found himself grumbling. Instead of joy, in his heart he found resentment. He brought his complains to God. He heard the Lord saying: "I only asked you to bring three medium size stones, where did you get all these other stuff?"
Jesus asks us to serve. As we strive to follow his command, we do well to keep our focus on who He has asked us to serve and how he has asked us to do it.
Easter Vigil:
At different times, our lives seem to unravel in front of our very eyes. Wounds, betrayals, sufferings conspire to throw us in the depth of despair. Darkness threatens to envelop us. In situations like this we remember that Christ is our light and the first step is to trust him in the darkness much like the man who finds himself in a dark tunnel. Terrified, he remembers to pray: "Lord send me a light so that I can see my way". The Lord, moved by his plight answers: " I don't have a light to give you but, I AM your light. Take my hand and I will lead you out". His first step out of the tunnel was to trust.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Just Finished: The Road by Cormac McCarthy
I am just a simple reader. I don't have the beautiful words to describe a book, and I don't seem to be a sophisticated reader. I can't analyze the prose, compare it to any other American author, delve into the language like so many of the reviews I read at Goodreads. When I read, I either like the book or I don't. And every now and then there are books which I can't sort out in my neat piles of liking or disliking. This is one of these.
There is much to dislike about the book, I think. For starters, it is a bleak topic: the survival of a few in an post-apocalyptic world. The dialogue is scarce, simple and repetitive, almost mundane. Except that sometimes in those mundane words there are pearls hidden. The story is vague. We never now what really happened, how they survived, where are they headed to,what are their plans. Heck! We don't ever know even their names!The main characters are simply referred throughout the story as the man and they boy. It drove me crazy at times! I wanted details. I wanted to know. I wanted to get more glimpses at their pre-disaster lives. Who were they before? How come the man knew so much about survival? And there were other questions in my mind: How long have they lived like this? How old was the boy?
I have the hunch that the vagueness was on purpose. I think the author was tapping into some kind of universality. Fears are universal. Relationships are universal.Death is present to us all, disasters can happen and how we react and what kind of person will they make us, is a question that we all could face. In the book the survivors were of two kinds, the "good guys" or the "bad guys". The man and the boy belonged to the "good guys". I think the boy is a prototype of all that is innocent and good, the goodness that we struggle to hold on to when corruption is all around us. He has the black and white way of children, in whose views the world is easily classified and things fall into neat categories. You are either good or bad, coward or brave. He was my favorite character in the book. I picture him like my son N. He had that same ability to think and question, to take things in and when you least expect it, come out with some profound observation. The boy, in my view, kept the man being a man of integrity and honesty. He kept him from sinking into that sub-human state that so many of the survivors have fallen into.
I was touched by their relationship. The man loved his son. The son loved his father. Why was the boy good? I think he was father because the father managed to do, in more than bleak circumstances, what fathers do:direct, guide and instill morals in his son. He managed to nurture in the boy that goodness that comes from the imprint of the Creator.
This book is about love, the love between father and son. It is also a book about hope in the midst of despair; goodness in the midst of evil; courage in the midst of constant fear. It is the triumph of the human spirit in the midst of death.
There is much to dislike about the book, I think. For starters, it is a bleak topic: the survival of a few in an post-apocalyptic world. The dialogue is scarce, simple and repetitive, almost mundane. Except that sometimes in those mundane words there are pearls hidden. The story is vague. We never now what really happened, how they survived, where are they headed to,what are their plans. Heck! We don't ever know even their names!The main characters are simply referred throughout the story as the man and they boy. It drove me crazy at times! I wanted details. I wanted to know. I wanted to get more glimpses at their pre-disaster lives. Who were they before? How come the man knew so much about survival? And there were other questions in my mind: How long have they lived like this? How old was the boy?
I have the hunch that the vagueness was on purpose. I think the author was tapping into some kind of universality. Fears are universal. Relationships are universal.Death is present to us all, disasters can happen and how we react and what kind of person will they make us, is a question that we all could face. In the book the survivors were of two kinds, the "good guys" or the "bad guys". The man and the boy belonged to the "good guys". I think the boy is a prototype of all that is innocent and good, the goodness that we struggle to hold on to when corruption is all around us. He has the black and white way of children, in whose views the world is easily classified and things fall into neat categories. You are either good or bad, coward or brave. He was my favorite character in the book. I picture him like my son N. He had that same ability to think and question, to take things in and when you least expect it, come out with some profound observation. The boy, in my view, kept the man being a man of integrity and honesty. He kept him from sinking into that sub-human state that so many of the survivors have fallen into.
I was touched by their relationship. The man loved his son. The son loved his father. Why was the boy good? I think he was father because the father managed to do, in more than bleak circumstances, what fathers do:direct, guide and instill morals in his son. He managed to nurture in the boy that goodness that comes from the imprint of the Creator.
This book is about love, the love between father and son. It is also a book about hope in the midst of despair; goodness in the midst of evil; courage in the midst of constant fear. It is the triumph of the human spirit in the midst of death.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Just Finished: Horses of Heaven by Gillian Bradshaw
I love to discovered new authors! Gillian Bradshaw is a writer of historical fiction and as the search on Google yielded, she has also written some children books and some science fiction and fantasy. Horses of Heaven takes place in the region between the Middle East and India: The kingdoms of Saka and Bactria. Apparently these kingdoms are real. I have to say that I have never heard of them. The time of the story is after Alexander the Great but before the rise of Rome as a world power.It is the story of the Bactrian king's sister who has been given in marriage as a way to seal an alliance between two neighboring kingdoms that are facing a common enemy. She is a Buddhist who has trained herself in the ways of duty and detachment. Her training doesn't serve her well when she is faced with the repulsion she feels towards her husband. She is determined to do her duty but the more she tries, the more her efforts make the king mad because he demands, and wants to obtain, something she can't give: love. She, who thought love to be impossible finds herself falling in love with the king's son, Izaz. He, who also loves her, is determined not to betray his father. Events get in the way and they are finally thrown together.
The book is interesting and the story is well told. At first I had trouble getting into the book, the descriptions were detailed and, as much as I like historical fiction, I don't like detailed descriptions of things that I find difficult to picture in my mind. Once the story picked up it was hard to stop reading. That said, there were some things I did not like about the book. First, I did not like the mix between historical fiction and fantasy. Personally I think the book would have been better without that horse (or god)that kept appearing. It seemed as an added element-like the author didn't know how to solve the problems and needed some "supernatural" intervention. Also, the story was told as an account written by one of the queen's attendants.But the story goes into great details, like the persons thoughts and inner feelings and emotions, that another person can't possible know. That really bothered me. It took credibility away. I kept asking "how would you know that?". In sum, I liked the book well enough, enough to search for other books by the same author but, it is definitely not one of my favorites.
The book is interesting and the story is well told. At first I had trouble getting into the book, the descriptions were detailed and, as much as I like historical fiction, I don't like detailed descriptions of things that I find difficult to picture in my mind. Once the story picked up it was hard to stop reading. That said, there were some things I did not like about the book. First, I did not like the mix between historical fiction and fantasy. Personally I think the book would have been better without that horse (or god)that kept appearing. It seemed as an added element-like the author didn't know how to solve the problems and needed some "supernatural" intervention. Also, the story was told as an account written by one of the queen's attendants.But the story goes into great details, like the persons thoughts and inner feelings and emotions, that another person can't possible know. That really bothered me. It took credibility away. I kept asking "how would you know that?". In sum, I liked the book well enough, enough to search for other books by the same author but, it is definitely not one of my favorites.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Clearing Spaces Mission # 3
The temperatures have been warming up here. This forced me to tackle the boys' dressers. Poor A! Nothing from last summer fits him now. We cleared his drawers, packed up the clothes that could be of use for N. in the future and then sat down at the computer to order him some clothes. It is a lot easier than taking him out shopping. I had to do the same thing for N. except that for him we go shopping in our attic. Unfortunately this time the attic shop proved not too adequate since there was hardly any clothing that will fit him. As a bonus, I got to do the same thing for my clothes. I switched the winter clothes for the summer ones and try to purge some in the process. (Note to self: I need to remember to take pictures again- a blog without pictures is kind of boring)
Just finished reading:
Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett: Enjoyable little book. While taking her dogs for a walk the Queen of England stumbles upon the Bookmobile. After all the racket her dogs caused she felt compelled to check out a book. Poor Queen! She didn't know what ride she was about to begin. One thing leads to another and the Queen learns to enjoy reading more and more. Totally fictional but really enjoyable. I appreciated following the development of the Queen as a reader. First the light, indiscriminate reading; then learning to be more careful, reading more serious authors and starting the dialogue with the authors. I love the passage when she realizes that for all her pomp and position, she has no voice and she decides to do something about it.
Hershey Herself by Cecilia Galante: This is one is a young adult fiction title. Hershey is a twelve or thirteen years old girl living with her mom, baby sister and her mom's abusive boyfriend. She has taken upon herself the responsibilities of the well being of her family. She seems to know better than her mom what is good for their family.
With the help of her friend Phoebe, Hershey devices a plan to drive Slade, the cruel boyfriend, crazy hoping that the mother will have the sense to leave him. This plan proofs more disastrous that she ever imagined. They left but instead of a rosy life without Slade, they end up living in a battered women's shelter. There unexpected things happen and Hershey discovers a gift that will get her a chance to do something to repair the damage and alleviate her guilt.
I can't say I liked the book. Maybe I should say that I liked it but didn't love it. The writing was OK. The characters were likable if not always believable. I liked Hershey. She has a problem. She lives in a crappy family. She has a crappy life. She stuffs herself with junk food. She is bullied by Andrea. But she has been loved. Her mother loves her and people in the shelter like her. She is honest, frank and stronger that people might think. She has a rich interior life. She has courage. All in all it was an entertaining reading but not my favorite.
Hershey Herself by Cecilia Galante: This is one is a young adult fiction title. Hershey is a twelve or thirteen years old girl living with her mom, baby sister and her mom's abusive boyfriend. She has taken upon herself the responsibilities of the well being of her family. She seems to know better than her mom what is good for their family.
With the help of her friend Phoebe, Hershey devices a plan to drive Slade, the cruel boyfriend, crazy hoping that the mother will have the sense to leave him. This plan proofs more disastrous that she ever imagined. They left but instead of a rosy life without Slade, they end up living in a battered women's shelter. There unexpected things happen and Hershey discovers a gift that will get her a chance to do something to repair the damage and alleviate her guilt.
I can't say I liked the book. Maybe I should say that I liked it but didn't love it. The writing was OK. The characters were likable if not always believable. I liked Hershey. She has a problem. She lives in a crappy family. She has a crappy life. She stuffs herself with junk food. She is bullied by Andrea. But she has been loved. Her mother loves her and people in the shelter like her. She is honest, frank and stronger that people might think. She has a rich interior life. She has courage. All in all it was an entertaining reading but not my favorite.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
From My File Cabinet
I found some jewels in my drawers. Here is one:
"Motherhood is unique as a spiritual discipline because its practice requires neither ascetic withdrawal nor contemplative silence nor the acquisition of esoteric knowledge. You cannot mother from afar, only from the very center of daily life. It is the little choices that I make everyday as I practice my mothering - to be harsh or kind, giving or withholding, critical or affirming- which shape me and define me more clearly than any degree program or professional affiliation."
Cornelia Odom (CCL newsletter, 1993)
Clearing Spaces Mission #2 ( a little late)
The second mission has been accomplished! The file cabinet drawers have been de-cluttered, the two that belong to me that is. I don't dare de-clutter M's. I don't think he will appreciate my throwing out any of his precious papers.
It took me two days, mostly because there was a lot of articles that I wanted to thin out. Actually, it was like taking a walk through the things that have interested or preoccupied me in the last 10 years or so.:
This mission had an unexpected benefit: a walk into my past and an opportunity for some "philosophizing" (which I like ) :-)
It took me two days, mostly because there was a lot of articles that I wanted to thin out. Actually, it was like taking a walk through the things that have interested or preoccupied me in the last 10 years or so.:
- There were the articles on motherhood. The ones that I read to convince myself that I was doing the right thing staying at home. The ones that I could throw away. They have accomplish their purpose. I no longer feel ambivalent about my vocation. I no longer need to convince myself of the worth of what I am doing.
- There were articles from when I was trying to get a degree on Pastoral Ministry from a too-liberal-for-me program. Those I threw out without thinking much about it, maybe just a slight surprise at why I have ditched them earlier.
- There were copies of homilies I had requested from a former pastor because at the time they touched me, taught me or meant something to me. They also have fulfilled their purpose because as I read through some of them, I couldn't figure out what was it that they meant to me.
- There were the myriad of homeschooling articles that I don't longer need because I am set in how I home school and don't need more articles about methods or techniques.
- And then there was all the articles that have been made obsolete by Google. I don't need to keep hard copies when on the Internet they are just a click away.
This mission had an unexpected benefit: a walk into my past and an opportunity for some "philosophizing" (which I like ) :-)
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Done!!
Mission number one: accomplished. The magazine baskets are clear. I tossed almost all the past magazines and only kept the ones for this year, some of which I have not read yet.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Clearing Spaces: Mission 1
I did the first Monday Mission but, it is going to take more than 30 minutes to finish my first spot: the magazines. I have accumulated a couple of years worth of magazines and I can't bear to just throw them away without looking at the recipes and clipping the ones I want to try. You have to look at the stack of pages I ripped off! I got a lot done but I think this is going to be an ongoing project for this week. I am sure I can finish,if not tomorrow the next day. I just have to remember not to do this mission just before supper. It was torture to look at Every Day with RR and Southern Living with an empty stomach!
Clearing Spaces
Sarah over at Plainsong is hosting Clearing Spaces 2009 I am going to join in because there are some spots in our house I would like to declutter:
1-Magazine baskets
2-File cabinet
3-Homeschooling shelf (N)
4-Boy's dressers
5-Boy's closet
6-School supplies shelf and cabinet
7-Recipe files
I will probably have to make it a Tuesday Mission though because we are usually out on Mondays.
3-Homeschooling shelf (N)
5-Boy's closet
6-School supplies shelf and cabinet
7-Recipe files
I will probably have to make it a Tuesday Mission though because we are usually out on Mondays.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Lenten Plans
I have been working on our plans for Lent. As with Christmas, I want this season to be prayer filled but simple. I want to be realistic in what we can accomplish and not get over ambitious. I don't want to fill my eyes with what others,more organized and more crafty that I, are doing but find a source of inspiration and adapt it to our needs. I don't want to reinvent the wheel year after year so I made sure I looked in our shelves and in the faith binder I have been trying to keep up-to-date.
After some at-home and internet searching this is what I have come up with:
From Charlotte I got the idea of tracking our journey to the cross Inspired by Inos Biffi's book The Liturgical Year we are going to focus on an encounter with Jesus each week. Inos Biffi says:
We are going to take a break from the conversion stories we have been reading. Instead we will focus on one of these encounters by reading and discussing the appropriate Gospel passage
-Week 1: Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman (Jesus as living water)
-Week 2: Jesus' encounter with the man born blind (Jesus as light who illumines the crevices of our hearts and brings our sins and vices to light)
-Week 3: Jesus encounter with Lazarus (Jesus as new life-reconcilation)
-Week 4: Jesus encounter with Peter, who try to discourage him from the path that was set for him (Jesus recommits himself to his mission so we must recommit ourselves to be his disciples)
I will try to depict these in our Lenten journey poster. I will also mark the weekend as oasis in the dessert. Those days were we will take a respite from the Lenten sacrifices
For prayer time, we will use the Divine Mercy Chaplet (also a Charlotte idea) every day except on Fridays when we will do the Stations of the Cross using this book
On Thursdays we will begin to use the subscription to Magnifikids that N. received for Christmas. This promises to be a great resource to prepare for Sunday mass.
There are still some loose ends especially when it comes to the penance and abstinence part. I also need a focus scripture for the fifth week of Lent. I'll give this some more thought and post later.
After some at-home and internet searching this is what I have come up with:
From Charlotte I got the idea of tracking our journey to the cross Inspired by Inos Biffi's book The Liturgical Year we are going to focus on an encounter with Jesus each week. Inos Biffi says:
"The path that takes us to Easter is marked by encounters with Jesus."
We are going to take a break from the conversion stories we have been reading. Instead we will focus on one of these encounters by reading and discussing the appropriate Gospel passage
-Week 1: Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman (Jesus as living water)
-Week 2: Jesus' encounter with the man born blind (Jesus as light who illumines the crevices of our hearts and brings our sins and vices to light)
-Week 3: Jesus encounter with Lazarus (Jesus as new life-reconcilation)
-Week 4: Jesus encounter with Peter, who try to discourage him from the path that was set for him (Jesus recommits himself to his mission so we must recommit ourselves to be his disciples)
I will try to depict these in our Lenten journey poster. I will also mark the weekend as oasis in the dessert. Those days were we will take a respite from the Lenten sacrifices
For prayer time, we will use the Divine Mercy Chaplet (also a Charlotte idea) every day except on Fridays when we will do the Stations of the Cross using this book
On Thursdays we will begin to use the subscription to Magnifikids that N. received for Christmas. This promises to be a great resource to prepare for Sunday mass.
There are still some loose ends especially when it comes to the penance and abstinence part. I also need a focus scripture for the fifth week of Lent. I'll give this some more thought and post later.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Picture Book
There is no more simple, uncomplicated pleasure in my life right now than reading picture books. It is simple, just go to the library, pick up a stack, come home, grab a child, sit on the couch with a mug to tea and dive in. Some picture books are fun but forgettable, others are not easily forgotten. They touch you deeply. With their text and illustrations, picture books can state truth, take you on a journey, teach you about far away times or make you laugh. They are also a quick way to mend a little one that is out of sorts.
Yesterday was one of those such days when my little one just seem to be amiss. Nothing settled well with him. He was just dragging. School work was not even in his horizon. I suggested to fix a cup of tea and seat down and just read. It was wonderful! We discovered a new author: Allen Say. My favorite was Grandfather's Journey It made me cry. I could so much identify with the Grandfather. I too know what is like to miss the land you were born in just to go back and find out that you don't quite fit there anymore. Then you come back to the land you now call home and face the reality that you will probably never be a perfect fit. And you reconcile yourself with the idea of permanently living straddle between two worlds.
Other Allen Say picture books we have enjoyed:
Kamishibai Man
Tree of Cranes
Tea with Milk
The Bicycle Man
Yesterday was one of those such days when my little one just seem to be amiss. Nothing settled well with him. He was just dragging. School work was not even in his horizon. I suggested to fix a cup of tea and seat down and just read. It was wonderful! We discovered a new author: Allen Say. My favorite was Grandfather's Journey It made me cry. I could so much identify with the Grandfather. I too know what is like to miss the land you were born in just to go back and find out that you don't quite fit there anymore. Then you come back to the land you now call home and face the reality that you will probably never be a perfect fit. And you reconcile yourself with the idea of permanently living straddle between two worlds.
Other Allen Say picture books we have enjoyed:
Kamishibai Man
Tree of Cranes
Tea with Milk
The Bicycle Man
Monday, February 9, 2009
Classical Conversations
Every now and then I get asked about Classical Conversations. I am trying to put my thoughts together so I can just direct people here.
We are on our second year with this program and it has been a good experience. I have always felt an attraction to classical education. I have seen the good results that a good Classical school produces. I have met countless articulate, thoughtful, smart kids that have come out from Trinity Schools. As good as Trinity is, it is not a possibility for us- geographically speaking. So through our 10 years of homeschooling I have dabbled in classical education on and off. I have read about it but never felt I could implement it at home successfully. I could somewhat handle the Latin (knowing Spanish helps), I could study the Logic,and I could even handle the memorization proper to the Grammatical stage, if I could only be consistent about it. But the discussions, the learning community, the Socratic discussions, that I couldn't provide at home. Classical Conversations have enabled us to give classical education a more consistent, serious try. So far it seems to be working.
Classical Conversations consists of two main programs: Foundations and Challenge. Foundations is subdivided in Foundations and Essentials of the English Language. Foundations is for students roughly 5 to 12 and Challenge includes what in traditional school would be Junior High and High School. Presently, I have two children enrolled in the Foundations program and one in the Challenge program. Leigh Bortins, the creator of the program encourages parents to think beyond the traditional view of grades. The important thing is that the student is prepared to handle the work, brain development and maturity wise.
One big question that we had to answer for ourselves before we decided to give this program a try, was the faith issue. As Catholics, we are always cautious about using non-Catholic curricula. I was concerned about the world view that was going to be presented or the use of material that could have any anti-Catholic bias. So far we haven't had many problems. The main issue has been the Veritas Press Timeline cards. A few of the cards have very blatantly anti Catholic remarks as well as incorrect information. The good news is that the only thing is required for the kids to do is memorize the name of the timeline cards. So we don't even bother in reading the back of the cards (of course I wish they didn't use that resource since the cards ARE spreading falsehood). The other resource we had an issue with was a book used in Challenge II art history seminar ( How Then Should We Live by Francis Schaeffer) but the tutor handle the issue very graciously making sure she pointed out the possible points of disagreement. This brings me to the next point: the group.
I think the CC experience have two essential components that can make or break the experience: the tutor and the group. We have been blessed with a great group of women both the ones that tutor and the moms who participate. This has been an added bonus I wasn't looking for. I wanted and needed a good social environment for my high schooler but I never thought of the support I would get. It has really been a good surprise.
The other big question we have to answer was the money issue. Is it worth the money? We are spending a lot more money that we have ever spent in homeschooling before.For us it has been worth it. When we started CC last year my daughter was beginning High School. She wanted to go to school, we weren't thrilled with the idea. We didn't want to send her to a public school and the local Catholic school was a big expense we weren't sure we wanted to make. CC allowed us to homeschool high school and provide the social contact my daughter wanted, at a fraction of the cost! So for us the money has been well spent. In all honesty, I am not sure I would've looked at the Foundation and Essentials programs if I didn't have the pressing high school issue. Now I am glad I did.
Another question I get asked is what else do I do with my kids, do I supplement? Last year I had to get used to the idea of having this program. I had to transition from wanting to do whatever I was doing before and adding CC to the mix. It was too much! This year I have taken a different approach. This year I have let CC be my guide... for real. I have taken the multum non multa approach of sorts. I have concentrated in the basics and have concentrated in doing those well. The basics for us are: CC memory work, reading, writing and math for my youngest; CC memory work, Essentials work and math for my 11 year old and religion for both. We add a history program because I like history but we take it slowly mainly reading living books.The same goes for science. For my oldest, the only thing we have added is Religious Education and we are working very slowly through an Ancient History Book.
So my advice to parents considering CC is this: read at least the basics regarding the Classical Method of education.These are some starting points: Memoria Press and Dorothy Sayers' essay The Lost Tool of Learning Then commit yourself to this method and do yourself a favor, don't try to do two programs at the same time. CC is not a co-op we tag along to every thing else you are already doing. You are paying for this service, make it work for you and don't try to re-invent the wheel.
We are on our second year with this program and it has been a good experience. I have always felt an attraction to classical education. I have seen the good results that a good Classical school produces. I have met countless articulate, thoughtful, smart kids that have come out from Trinity Schools. As good as Trinity is, it is not a possibility for us- geographically speaking. So through our 10 years of homeschooling I have dabbled in classical education on and off. I have read about it but never felt I could implement it at home successfully. I could somewhat handle the Latin (knowing Spanish helps), I could study the Logic,and I could even handle the memorization proper to the Grammatical stage, if I could only be consistent about it. But the discussions, the learning community, the Socratic discussions, that I couldn't provide at home. Classical Conversations have enabled us to give classical education a more consistent, serious try. So far it seems to be working.
Classical Conversations consists of two main programs: Foundations and Challenge. Foundations is subdivided in Foundations and Essentials of the English Language. Foundations is for students roughly 5 to 12 and Challenge includes what in traditional school would be Junior High and High School. Presently, I have two children enrolled in the Foundations program and one in the Challenge program. Leigh Bortins, the creator of the program encourages parents to think beyond the traditional view of grades. The important thing is that the student is prepared to handle the work, brain development and maturity wise.
One big question that we had to answer for ourselves before we decided to give this program a try, was the faith issue. As Catholics, we are always cautious about using non-Catholic curricula. I was concerned about the world view that was going to be presented or the use of material that could have any anti-Catholic bias. So far we haven't had many problems. The main issue has been the Veritas Press Timeline cards. A few of the cards have very blatantly anti Catholic remarks as well as incorrect information. The good news is that the only thing is required for the kids to do is memorize the name of the timeline cards. So we don't even bother in reading the back of the cards (of course I wish they didn't use that resource since the cards ARE spreading falsehood). The other resource we had an issue with was a book used in Challenge II art history seminar ( How Then Should We Live by Francis Schaeffer) but the tutor handle the issue very graciously making sure she pointed out the possible points of disagreement. This brings me to the next point: the group.
I think the CC experience have two essential components that can make or break the experience: the tutor and the group. We have been blessed with a great group of women both the ones that tutor and the moms who participate. This has been an added bonus I wasn't looking for. I wanted and needed a good social environment for my high schooler but I never thought of the support I would get. It has really been a good surprise.
The other big question we have to answer was the money issue. Is it worth the money? We are spending a lot more money that we have ever spent in homeschooling before.For us it has been worth it. When we started CC last year my daughter was beginning High School. She wanted to go to school, we weren't thrilled with the idea. We didn't want to send her to a public school and the local Catholic school was a big expense we weren't sure we wanted to make. CC allowed us to homeschool high school and provide the social contact my daughter wanted, at a fraction of the cost! So for us the money has been well spent. In all honesty, I am not sure I would've looked at the Foundation and Essentials programs if I didn't have the pressing high school issue. Now I am glad I did.
Another question I get asked is what else do I do with my kids, do I supplement? Last year I had to get used to the idea of having this program. I had to transition from wanting to do whatever I was doing before and adding CC to the mix. It was too much! This year I have taken a different approach. This year I have let CC be my guide... for real. I have taken the multum non multa approach of sorts. I have concentrated in the basics and have concentrated in doing those well. The basics for us are: CC memory work, reading, writing and math for my youngest; CC memory work, Essentials work and math for my 11 year old and religion for both. We add a history program because I like history but we take it slowly mainly reading living books.The same goes for science. For my oldest, the only thing we have added is Religious Education and we are working very slowly through an Ancient History Book.
So my advice to parents considering CC is this: read at least the basics regarding the Classical Method of education.These are some starting points: Memoria Press and Dorothy Sayers' essay The Lost Tool of Learning Then commit yourself to this method and do yourself a favor, don't try to do two programs at the same time. CC is not a co-op we tag along to every thing else you are already doing. You are paying for this service, make it work for you and don't try to re-invent the wheel.
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