Journal

Who Needs to Read?

“What have you read lately?” I often ask anyone I happen to be talking with.” I haven’t read anything for awhile …so busy…don’t have the time…” they trail off. This doesn’t surprise me anymore. It is truly the most common response. In fact, I feel a little shocked if anyone even talks about a book,… Read More Who Needs to Read?

Authors, Journal

Hungry for a Good Story?

When asked to tell his life story, Meindert DeJong wrestled to find something interesting enough to record. To most of us, the events of his life are far from ordinary. He basically described his life as divided between the writing part and the non-writing part. I contend that the non-writing part made the writing part remarkable. His simple storytelling is… Read More Hungry for a Good Story?

Charlotte Mason, Journal

Summertime: Pace or Space?

Though summer weather has been upon us for awhile, the official calendar summer begins tomorrow. I pause today on summer’s eve to reflect about summer. Growing up in a place where winter meant harsh weather, the prospect of the coming summer was a glorious promise – sunshine, warmth, beaches, freedom from school, leisure. Do you remember the bliss of “school’s… Read More Summertime: Pace or Space?

Journal

Father Stories

Atticus Finch. What a father. Even as a child I admired him deeply after meeting him in the pages of To Kill a Mockingbird. Quiet, resolute, insightful, his battle for justice for the oppressed was awe inspiring. Scout learned the most valuable lessons in life about loving your neighbor as yourself under his gentle management,… Read More Father Stories

Authors, Journal

He’s the Man

Concern with character building is a recurrent theme in homeschool circles. Just recently I read a mother’s request for suggestions of books that would help her teach character. I’m personally doubtful that any workbook will provide material that can convey the virtues and strength of character parents desire their children to exhibit, let alone produce… Read More He’s the Man

Authors, Journal

Discovering Hilda

When you begin digging for treasure from the “Golden Age of Children’s Literature” you might miss this author, but when her books are unearthed and opened, there is gold. In fact, a friend once confessed that in sorting through piles of old books she had acquired, she gave away a whole batch of Hilda van Stockum’s books and later… Read More Discovering Hilda