Where is Griffin’s Wharf? You know… the site of the Boston Tea Party? Upon our trip to Boston, I didn’t realize how much of American Revolutionary War history I did not understand. It wasn’t until I stumbled upon some historical maps that it became clear that comparing maps of Boston then and now would clarify […]
A Pilgrimage to Plymouth
Ay, call it holy ground, The soil where first they trod: They have left unstained what there they found, Freedom to worship God. – final stanza from “Landing of the Pilgrim Fathers” by Felicia Dorothea Hemans There are moments in my life when a veil is lifted as I learn a nugget of truth that […]
A sneak peek at our first few weeks
Although we’re about a month into our school year, last week was our first week in our homeschool community. I thought I’d give a quick update on how reality is panning out for us – a little picture of what homeschooling looks like in our home. This semester, we’re studying American history and geography, and […]
Visit the Nina and the Pinta (but not the Santa Maria)
Let’s step back in time to the 15th Century as we climb aboard a caravel, a type of ship used during the Age of Discovery…. Three times over the past seven years, our family has had the opportunity to explore a floating living history museum comprised of replicas of two of Columbus’ ships, the Nina […]
Handicrafts in History Studies
…we know that the human hand is a wonderful and exquisite instrument to be used in a hundred movements exacting delicacy, direction and force; every such movement is a cause of joy as it leads to the pleasure of execution and the triumph of success. We begin to understand this and make some efforts to […]
Presentation Prep: Skills, Ideas, and the Hamburger Model
Imagine this. You’re headed out the door 10 minutes late when suddenly you realize that you forgot to have your 7-year-old prepare a presentation (again!), so he grabs the first thing that comes to mind as you walk out the door, which happens to be… I’d like to say this event occurred on an off-week, […]
Great Big Ole Book Giveaway 2017
This giveaway has ended. Thanks to everyone who entered! Scroll down to see the results! It’s that time again! Yep, it’s time for our second annual Great Big Ole Book Giveaway! As our family reorganized our bookshelves this summer, we decided to release a few of our books to bless another family who may wish […]
A Seasoned Mom’s Tips for the Challenge Program
I’m always hesitant to share my thoughts on the Classical Conversations Challenge Program because I want parents’ first source to be their child’s Challenge tutor. Nevertheless, in case this is helpful to other Challenge parents, here are a few things that have kept us organized and moving forward over the past couple of years. Just […]
Our Favorite Virtue Training Tool
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. -Philippians 4:8 (emphasis mine) Through the ages, an oft asked question has […]