Free File Folder Games

These file folder games are free! They include preschool, math, and phonics. Check them out at http://www.sanctussimplicitus.com/file-folder-games.html.

God Bless,
Elizabeth

Life is Precious

Born at 20 weeks, 1 lb. 14 ounces. Today, she is 7 months old (She is not 7 months old in the pic).

Ice Tea, Umbrella, and a Relaxing Lounge Chair

Ice tea, umbrella, a relaxing lounge chair and a a murder mystery by Sibella Giorello are all you need for a new perspective on life--okay, that is an exaggeration. But it is a great way to escape reality for a few minutes.

I don't remember how I happened upon this author and I usually don't read adult murder mysteries, but so far, of the books I have read by Sibella Giorello, they have been highly entertaining. Her snippets about forensics and geology have also been fascinating. I did not read them in order. I first read The Mountains Bow Down. I was so impressed with the depth and style of her writing that I then read The Stones Cry Out. They are dangerous in that you will want to steal away to find out what will happen next and be remiss in doing the necessary. I take no responsibly for your actions. My one caveat is that there is a line or two of theology that I would disagree with, nothing unusual or earthshaking, just the usual. She is a Christian author, but not overtly in your face. Although there are adult themes addressed, I appreciate the way she handles them. If you are looking for a good summer read, this author is highly addictive. Now to find out about the rest of her books.

Going Green in Your Packages

If you receive a package from me, you might be surprised by its contents. Not only will you find books, but you might find out what we eat or use. Here is a list of alternative packaging materials: Plastic grocery bags, bags from oranges, plastic wrap from multi-packages of water and other items like napkins and paper towels, foam cartons from fruits and veggies, cottage cheese and yogurt containers, styrofoam (can be messy), and more.

Accepting Annoyances

"It is clear enough to me now that life anywhere on earth is filled with opportunities of silently accepting contradictions, humiliations, and misunderstandings. For the most part they are small annoyances; yet they can be potent factors in ridding ourselves of our selfishness and pride and in preparing ourselves for real recollection and loving union with God. These disturbing situations are hard to accept in the beginning. But we need not be saints to realize that we ought to try to do more than put up with them. If we embrace them wholeheartedly, they become desirable; they cannot be embraced wholeheartedly unless we turn to God and ask for His help, and it is precisely this recognition of our need of God' help and our asking for it which immediately brings Him to our aid and leaves us with a consciousness of His nearness and His love, so much so, in fact, that many would not want to be without trials which bring such peace to the soul."

My Beloved: The Story of a Carmelite Nun by Mother Catherine Thomas, McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1955. p. 91

Papal Delegation Says Homeschoolers Must Be Free

Papal Delegation Says Homeschoolers Must Be Free 

 Francis A. Chullikatt spoke on behalf of Pope Benedict XVI to the UN.


You can find the full article on HSLDA.

What was the Name of that Grammar Program

You survived the talk and now you can't remember the name of the Grammar book I referenced: Winston Grammar. If you are looking for a program that teaches grammar in a way similar to how I presented it in the workshop, this is the program you are looking for. Once you learn it, you can apply it to any program: Seton, CHC, secular workbook. I own Winston Grammar, but I have always applied the principles I referenced to Exercises in English and/or other English books.

And for a wonderful bridge between conversation and Formal Grammar, we have enjoyed using the new Primary Language Lessons. This program incorporates copying, dictation, memorization/recitation, and picture studies (observation). Within the context of the picture studies, the child is exploring the use of word patterns in conversation.

A favorite reference book is Write Source 2000 or similar textbook. We do not use the writing portion or first half of the book. When we have questions about quotation marks, apostrophes, or other punctuation, we look up our questions in the back. I've never bought one new. I always picked them up at book sales, thrift stores, or rummages.

Grammar really is not that hard if you now some basic rules.