What We Read and Our Homeschool Read Alouds ll Jan 2022

Inside American Education by Thomas Sowell

A broad survey of the American Education system and ... Wow!  What an eye opener!

Economist and author, Sowell takes a deeper look at why and how our educational system is churning out uneducated and confused students, deteriorating more with each generation.  He notes many of the concerns my husband and I had, influencing our decision to homeschool.  For anyone looking to understand the challenges facing today's public schools, Inside American Education is a 

great place to start.

Northwind by Gary Paulsen-- See my full review here.

How to Homeschool 9th and 10th Grades by Lee Binz

This 100+ page book by Lee Binz takes the confusion out of homeschooling high school.  An incredibly quick read (I read it in about 5 days), this title covers such topics as: preparing for freshman year, keeping records, finding the right curriculum fit, financing college and more.  I gleaned a wonderful outline from this book, both for the student that I'm homeschooling and for the one that's in public school.  Easily read all the way through or used as a great reference point for future questions.

I'll Start Again Monday by Lysa Terkeurst-- See my full review here.

The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame

This was our read aloud for January.  I read it for the first time last summer as part of a continuing ed class and couldn't wait to share it with the kids.  The heart warming friendship between Mole and Rat, Mole's growing maturity and wonderment, and Toad's crazy antics.... It's a fun, light read with so many lessons.

While I still love this one, I'm afraid it wasn't quite a fit for my kiddos at this time.  My 10 year old son loved it and cracked up at Toad's misadventures, but my 14 year old daughter just couldn't get into the silliness of it all.  Guess I waited too long to introduce this one.  But if you have younger kids, I think they'd love it.  So many questions and emotions for them to identify with.  A true classic.

What did you read in January?

Weekend Links ll January 28, 2022

 

Crochet Heart Applique

Cinnamon Roll Heart for Valentine's Day

Walrus Life Cycle Printables

Giant Farmhouse Snowflake

Pizza Taco Braid Board

 This Week:

What I'm Cooking:

We had one of my favorite meals this week... Greek Stir-fry.  It's an amazing sheet pan meals with chicken, and a ton of roasted veggies, mixed all together with some amazing season and feta.  And as if that wasn't enough, it's served over brown rice or cauliflower rice.  It's so good and a big crowd pleaser!

What I'm Reading:

This week I picked up Raising Successful Teens.  This is a re-read for me, but with two kiddos now solidly in the teen years, it was time for a refresher.  There have been about 5 books that have challenged the way I parent teens and this is definitely one of them.

What I'm Doing:

Last weekend, we took the kids to Aqua Golf.  Basically a driving range on the water.  We used to go there all the time with the kids, but have just gotten out of the habit over the years.  We had so much fun.  The weather was nice, we were outside, and they just enjoyed being with mom and dad.

What I'm Enjoying:

Greek Stir-fry

Fun science experiments

Hummingbirds coming to the feeder

Good writing projects

Practicing piano...

What are you up to?

Winter Reading List ll Jan '22

 (Click on post for video)

Today I'm sharing my winter reading list... homeschooling, parenting, read alouds, and more! What would you add to the list? Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑20yrs led to 👱16 yrs, 👧14 yrs, and 👱 10 yrs. Fall Reading List: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cA4z3XcncZo&t=305s Raising Successful Teens Review: http://creative2xmom.blogspot.com/2019/09/raising-successful-teens-review.html Gold Rush Girl Review: http://creative2xmom.blogspot.com/2020/03/gold-rush-girl-review.html Homeschool Haul ll Rainbow Resource, Christianbook, and more! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHPcEDTnp68 Contact us for business inquiries, reviews and collaborations: BethAnn_97@hotmail.com C O N N E C T subscribe at http://www.youtube.com/creative2xmom read at http://www.creative2xmom.blogspot.com like me on http://www.facebook.com/creative2xmom follow me on https://www.instagram.com/creative2xmom/ https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/52903?ref=nav_mybooks Music Attribution: Life of Riley by Kevin MacLeod FTC Disclosure: This video is not sponsored. *This video is not intended for audiences under 13 years.

I'll Start Again Monday {Review}

 

What if healthy eating habits were more than just making smart choices at the dinner table?  What if the cravings for salt and sugar were more than a momentary lapse in judgement?  What if making long lasting health changes were based on spiritual disciplines?

These are the ideas and more that Lysa Terkeurst explores in her new book, I'll Start Again Monday.  Terkeurst guides her readers in what it took for her to make long lasting changes in her own health and the concepts that can set us free from unhealthy patterns.  This is not a how-to book, but rather a supplement that delves deep into the spiritual disciplines of a healthy lifestyle.

I love how honest Terkeurst is in this book.  She's willing to share truthfully and humorously about her own struggles with weight and unhealthy eating patterns.  While reading I'll Start Again Monday, I felt as though I were speaking with a friend.  This is a biblically based approach to finding fulfillment and purpose in Christ rather than food.  The author shares multiple scripts and scriptures that helped her grow in both new habits and spiritual disciplines.  A condensed version of her former title, Made to Crave, this book is full of wisdom and insight for transforming old patterns and moving into a new life giving future.  

*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher.  All opinions are my own.

Revolutionary Prudence Wright {Review}

 

England is tightening its grip on the colonies, and David and Prudence Wright are ready to take a stand.  Fearless, Prudence refuses to purchase any English goods and unites the women of Pepperell, MA in doing the same.  When British spies threaten their town, these Minute Women assemble and find their own place in history.

This historical non-fiction picture book does a wonderful job of weaving source material into a compelling story of heroism and bravery.  Determined to fight for their freedom, these Minute Women rose to the challenge and in so doing proved changed the course of history.  Paired with beautiful illustrations, Revolutionary Prudence Wright is a book to inspire young men and women alike.  

The afterword also includes additional information, author's research notes, illustrator's notes, and bibliography.  This was a nice addition as it provided helpful information regarding the research of a book of this type, and sources for additional study.  This book would make a nice addition to an American Revolution unit study.

*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.