On My Bookshelf–Week 3

This post is late and short on books.  Last week was generally busy but I still had plenty of middle of the night reading time thanks to my two youngest boys.  Besides Mason’s regular night waking Caleb decided to wake up a few nights – I’m assuming he’s starting on 3 year molars early but am not foolish enough to stick my finger in his mouth to check. 

So what kept me from finishing more books for me last week?  First, I had a Relief Society lesson to prepare for church and did a lot of studying and pondering for that.  Second, I got drawn into reading a few American History books in search of a great series to read as a spine next fall with the kids.  I’m two books into Mara Pratt’s American History Stories series (written in 1908).  I think this series will be a perfect fit for our Early American History study, though I do have a few more authors to check out.

Here is what I DID read and finish for me this week:The Early Years: A Charlotte Mason Preschool Handbook by Sonya Shafer and Karen Smith – Ahh, I love the books put out by Simply Charlotte Mason!  I love the clear way each subject is laid out, the collection of quotes from Charlotte Mason explaining each subject, and the follow up list of questions to think about for my own family’s learning. 

I’m in an interesting stage in our homeschool where I have a middle schooler, two elementary students, and then four preschool or younger children.  Add into the mix that one of those younger children is gifted academically.  I have been trying to figure out how to work with the variety without swinging too far to one end or the other.  I don’t want to focus exclusively on my ‘school age’ children and leave the younger ones by the wayside.  I don’t want to be so busy doing learning activities and fun with the younger ones that the older three are left to their own devices.  And I need to find a balance for my middle child who is academically advanced but still part of the younger age grouping.

I enjoyed this book because it really hit on the early years learning fun.  It had ideas for working with gifted learners who happen to be early years too.  None of which involved pressure to do more, sooner, and end up with a burned out little man.  I bought this in ebook format – worth every penny!  Hours in the Out-of-Doors by Karen Smith and Sonya Shafer – Nature study is an area I need encouragement in.  I know it is important – essential even – that my children have plenty of time outdoors learning and exploring God’s creation.  I was hoping this book would be a bit motivational and remind me just how easy nature study can be.  It Did!  I bought this in ebook format. 

What did you read last week just for you?