Category Archives: Opinion and Reviews

I found this interesting book at the library book sale Friday.  It now is sold under the title “ A Mother’s Book of Traditional Household Skills”, but was originally printed in 1852 as “The Skilful Housewife’s Book” by L.G. Abell (Lydia Green Abell).  This book is not only loaded with recipes, home remedies, gardening tips and helpful hints for that day, it contains much sound wisdom that holds so true today.  I have skimmed over … Continue reading →

I just got my newsletter from Amy Pak’s Homeschool in the Woods.  If you haven’t already, you really must sign up for it.  In April she will be coming out with a new Time Travelers unit ‘The Early 19th Century in America’.  If you are familiar with her products you know how wonderful they are.  She also generously shares a lot of examples and freebies on her site and her newsletter is an added bonus … Continue reading →

I just finished reading Marilyn Rockett’s book Homeschooling at the Speed of Life.  I found this book to be both inspirational and motivating.  Filled with the wisdom of a seasoned homeschool mom, peppered with wonderfully relevant quotations and Scriptures, and extremely revealing devotions, it leads the reader step by step into the daunting task of balancing life and homeschool.  This book is more than a good read.  It employs a ‘hands-on’ method of helping the … Continue reading →

Consolidated Theaters offered an eight-week movie program for kids. Tickets were free in some locations and $1 in others.  My two kids and I were able to see Charlotte’s Web for $1.  We really enjoyed the film.  While we have all read the classic by E.B. White, and had seen the animated version many times, this rendition was wonderfully done.  For those that have not seen this movie starring Dakota Fanning, with the voices of … Continue reading →

We have been using Learning Language Arts Through Literature by Common Sense Press for 2 years now.  Our first year homeschooling I had used old public school textbooks. They adequately taught the material, but lacked the variety and stimulation my children needed to keep their attention. After much research, I decided to give LLATL a try.  It has proven to be a wise decision. Written by an insightful homeschool mom, my children love the format.  … Continue reading →