Author: Pauline

Why Cursive is Still Crucial

Pauline
Classical Cursive Curriculum

We have a cursive crisis going on right now (can you tell I’m totally having a blast with the “c” alliterations right now? Crucial cursive…cursive crisis….okay taking my nerd hat off right now–well never completely 😉 Let’s continue on…..) Many states and schools are discontinuing cursive and it starts to make a homeschooling mom wonder if cursive is really necessary. After all, we already have so much to do. I know I feel like every day I’m pressed to “fit it all in.” Could skipping cursive ease up a bit Read More …

Classical Homeschoolers and Standardized Tests

Pauline
Should classical educators take standardized tests

Here in Arizona I feel extremely blessed NOT to have to take standardized tests. And by standardized tests I am not talking about the PSAT, SAT or ACT that get you accepted to college, but rather the ones we all had to take during our school years that teachers would prep us for and then it took over a day to administer. And every year it seemed like they added more and more tests. Those ones. However, even though we are exempt in AZ, I still know many homeschoolers here Read More …

Why Read Literature?

Pauline
Classical Curriculum Great Books

With all there is to learn in the world…typing class…foreign languages…soccer practice…why do we give so much focus on literature? We all read literature in school, as did our parent. It is has always been taught. But does it have a role and a purpose in todays culture–one that at times feel stretched, tense, and chaotic? Good literature can speak to our souls and minister. Good literature – Great Books – as we call them, have stood the test of time and imparted wisdom and virtue for generations. 4 Criteria Read More …

Classical Education: Learning How to Read

Pauline
A child learning classical phonics

I have now officially taught 5 of my children to read, and the 6th is well on her way. We have struggled, we have made mistakes, we have learned from our mistakes and through time and testing I have found that the classical way is really the best way. So what is the classical way? The classical way is phonics! Phonics is teaching children the sounds of words and teaching children the sounds so if they encounter any word they can “decode” it and figure. You teach them the basics Read More …

The Lost Tools Of Learning

Pauline
dorothy sayers and the lost tools of learning

By Dorothy Sayers Dorothy Leigh Sayers (1893-1957) is a leader in the neo-classical education movement. Neo meaning new–she led the way as a new resurgence of classical educators took up the banner and followed her stride. Today, many look to Sayers for a practical methodology of classical curriculum. Others sneer at the idea of taking the trivium (grammar, logic, and rhetoric) and turning it into an educational methodology. I fall somewhere in the middle. I have believe that classical education is far more than a methodology. But I also find Read More …

If you Do Just one Thing…

Pauline
A Father Reading the Bible to his family

I felt the Lord move me to encourage someone today. Perhaps it is you. When I was a newer homeschooling mom there were many days I felt overwhelmed. We got behind and I felt stuck. Days where I wanted to throw in the towel and put them in public school. If that is ever you just remember this, If you do nothing else today but teach your children about Jesus –then it was a good homeschooling day. That’s it! That’s all there is too it! If you are having a Read More …

Classical Curriculum Trials – How to Teach a “difficult” Child

Pauline
How to teach a struggling learner at home

I put “difficult” in quotes because I don’t like to label children as “difficult.” I don’t think they are difficult in their core or in their being–I think we have just not found out what is the best way to school them and they are letting us know by being very honest! So here we are with our children, trying to give them this beautiful education, and you are experiencing kickback. Perhaps it is in the form of “wiggly willies.” A child who just can’t sit still. Or maybe it’s Read More …

How to Classically Educate your Preschooler

Pauline
how to classically education your preschool prek child

Choosing the Right Speed for your child If you are like me you are excited and ready to start homeschooling! I remember with my first daughter touring the AFHE (Arizona) Homeschool Convention full of enthusiasm and excitement. I was annoyed that most of the homeschool curriculums didn’t have science or history included in kindergarten. Why did I need to wait? I had zeal but little experience yet with children. Especially when it came to learning. All I knew was I loved her completely and wanted her to have the best Read More …

Latin – The Mother Tongue

Pauline
Why you should study latin

Why Learn Latin? This is the question that every parent or student asks themself at one time or another.  Isn’t it a dead language? What use is it today? Let me give you some great reasons to learn latin– especially in the way that we are learning it – through studying Scripture. I would make them all learn English: and then I would let the clever ones learn Latin as an honour, and Greek as a treat. ― Winston S. Churchill, My Early Life, 1874-1904 The GREATEST Reason: Latin is Read More …

Why Do We Nature Journal?

Pauline
House Sparrow Nature Journal

I remember the first time I went on a hike with my friends. It was a cold December day and I was packed with lots of water and snacks, ready to get a great workout in! Little did I know what I was in for. Hiking with toddlers is at a snails pace. My children were older and the baby was in the ergo carrier but the pace of the group was significantly slowed by the little ones. Well no matter…we can still make up the calories by the length! Read More …