A Net in Time

Curriculum and book reviews, faith, homeschooling and more!

Homeschooling

Extra Resources For Time Off

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March Break is on deck and I don’t know about where you are, but school has been cancelled for two weeks after to act as a buffer zone.  With COVID-19 running around, the government wants precautions taken to ensure any transmission is kept to minimums.   To that end, I know that parents are looking for ways to keep their children busy during this extended break.  I hope to be helpful by listing some extra resources that companies are offering to help during this time. 

extra resources

Amazing Educational Resources has put together database to help keep these companies organized. 

My favourite resources from this list are

  • Curriki which has lessons for k-12, some of which looks fascinating. 
  • DeltaMath which I haven’t fully explored but intrigues me. 
  • Computer Science Academy is one that I sent to my son to explore.  He’s quite interested in learning computer sciences so I’m hoping this will be something he’ll work on. 
  • CK-12.  We’ve used some of their textbooks before, it’s nice to see they have a website as well.  
  • ChemMatters.  We’ll make good use of this site in another year or two.

Other Resources Available

From Twinkl: To support your community, Twinkl is offering teachers access to all of our teaching resources at www.twinkl.ca with a completely free one-month all-access membership.  We’re also extending this to every parent in your community so that students can have access to high-quality learning materials during school closures.   Setting this up is easy to do. Go to www.twinkl.ca/offer and enter the following offer code: CANTWINKLHELPS (This code will only work for new memberships. Existing members should contact twinklcares@twinkl.com)

Over the past year I’ve put together a number of posts with free links in a number of subject areas.

Links from other Bloggers

Captivating Compass put together a lovely list. 

Raising Royalty listed online apps and games. 

Teach Me I’m Yours has 218 kindergarten resources. 

Witty Hoots has a number of free resources. 

The biggest thing though, with this extra time off from school.  It’s Great to have extra resources to offer your children to keep them busy.  The best thing though, give them you and your time. Read together, watch movies, give your house a thorough spring clean, do whatever you need to. Just make memories, spend time together, and enjoy the break from the rush of life. 

SchoolhouseTeachers

SchoolhouseTeachers.com is having a sale.  It’s an amazing start. A full curriculum for k-12, interactive elements, variety in courses.  My affiliate link will take you to a site that will satiate the most curious of your children.  Let them explore, let them learn!

alphabet

Others in this Series

I Love to Tell the Story

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Lift up Your Hearts has brought me another wonderful song to share with you.  I love to tell the story can be an upbeat song or a quiet melody of praise remembering the truths we know. 

i love to tell the story

Lyrics

I love to tell the story of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love.
I love to tell the story, because I know ’tis true;
It satisfies my longings as nothing else can do.

Refrain

I love to tell the story, ’twill be my theme in glory,
To tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love.

I love to tell the story; more wonderful it seems
Than all the golden fancies of all our golden dreams.
I love to tell the story, it did so much for me;
And that is just the reason I tell it now to thee.

Refrain

I love to tell the story; ’tis pleasant to repeat
What seems, each time I tell it, more wonderfully sweet.
I love to tell the story, for some have never heard
The message of salvation from God’s own holy Word.

Refrain

I love to tell the story, for those who know it best
Seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest.
And when, in scenes of glory, I sing the new, new song,
’Twill be the old, old story that I have loved so long.

Refrain

History and Author

Did you know the words from this song come from an old poem called The Story Told?  That poem has some 42 verses, and I love to tell the story has only four so a lot was left out! 🙂   Katherine Hankey is the author.  This particular song comes from the second part of her poem, another song “Tell me the Old, Old Story” comes from the first part of her poem. 

Ms. Hankey was born in London, England in 1834.  Her dad was a wealthy banker.  Part of the “Clapham Sect” along with her father, Katherine wrote her poem during a lengthy illness. The first part is titled, The Story Wanted and was written in January, 1866. The second part, The Story Told, was written in the following November.

The Clapham Sect was a group of wealthy Christians who pushed for the abolition of slavery and promoted foreign and domestic mission work. 

Digging Deeper

Whenever I sing this song I do so with gutso.  I love the melody and the words are easy to remember.  In more serious moments it does cause me to question if I really do.  Do I love to tell the story of Christ, his love for me, and that message of salvation?  Too often I fear I don’t.  It’s just too easy to keep to my own way.   It’s a good reminder to actually push myself a bit.

Miss Austen

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raincoast FTC

I expected when I saw the title of my current review book, Miss Austen, to be learning about Jane Austen as she’s the one I’m most familiar with. Interestingly enough though, it’s about her older sister Cassandra Austen. It’s a tender book filled with memories, mostly good, some sad.  Let’s walk through it shall we? 

Miss Austen: the novel

What I am Reviewing

Miss Austen: A Novel is a tender look into the life of the Austen family.  Cassandra, an elderly lady now, seeking to restore and to relive her memories of her dear sister Jane. Visiting the family of her long-dead fiance she discovers letters that reveal much about herself, her sister and her family.  The question remains… what will be left when she is done?  Will the letters remain, or just the memories?

288 pages, 28 chapters, years covered.  I received at ARC copy, it sells as a hardcover. Written by Gill Hornby and published by Flatiron Books. A biography that covers the lives of Cassandra Austen and her family.  There is a ton of historical data that brings the early 1800’s into vibrant detail.   I am reviewing this book on behalf of Raincoast Books. 

The Details for Miss Austen

The past, as depicted in vignettes based on letters, and the present reality intermingled.  A sweet, but sometimes hard looking back into her history.  It wasn’t all roses and sweetness, but difficulties arose like in all families. 

Miss Austen: The novel

I loved the realness of it all.  An old lady, going to visit extended family, doesn’t let them know until it’s just a bit late for it, spends her time with them while on a secret quest.  She knows what she is up to, the question is, how long will she remain undiscovered?

The villalge of Kintbury, Miss Austin

Miss Austen opens with a map of the Village of Kintbury as well as a family lineup for the Austen, Fowles and Lloyds.  We are privileged to see how these families were connected. 

My Thoughts

I haven’t quite finished though I’ve skipped ahead a bit just to see if my suspicions were correct.  (They were but I’m not telling you since this is a review, not a book report).  This is a lovely story.  I loved seeing Cassandra as she is now, trying to be kind despite some of the hostility she faces.  The walks into her history as she read letters… I love this.  I really do.  It was so fascinating watching her relationship with her sister.  That love they shared clearly shown.  Get to know the Austens.  Get to know Cassandra Austen in particular.  You won’t regret it. 

When Field Trips are out of Reach

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One thing that homeschoolers are known for are some of the amazing field trips we take.  Trips to museums, police stations, behind the scenes at restaurants, and more.   What happens though when we want to do somewhere and we can’t?  Face it, we can’t all afford trips (financially, time-wise, or other) to the far north of Canada, or visit the hot springs of Banff, or take in the Huagapo Cave of Peru.  What does one do when field trips are out of reach?

when field trips are out of reach

Why Take a Field Trip?

  1. Connect book-learning to the real world.
  2. Give students access to culture, history, and art they might not otherwise have access to.
  3. Social-emotional growth.  Studies have shown that empathy increases after visits to art galleries and museums. 
  4. An opportunity to learn from other individuals who specialize in a given field. 
  5. To gain hands-on learning experiences.
  6. To learn some of the sights, sounds and smells of a place, occupation, or historical event. 
  7. Gives a break (sometimes very needed) from the normal routine.
  8. To have information presented in a new format can help that information gain significance, or become relevant, or just to make sense.
  9. Builds a sense of community with other field trip participants.

Why Not Take a Field Trip?

  1. Takes time to organize.
  2. Takes more time to do.  The drive there and back, the time spent at the activity.
  3. Financial. A lot of field trips cost money.
  4. Missed time with other subjects, needing to play catch-up later.
  5. Field trip might not live up to your expectations. 
  6. Distance and starting times are too hard to coordinate.
Virtual-field-trips

Mitigating the Negatives of Field Trips

Joining a homeschool group can make field trips less expensive (as then you can get in for the school rate). 

You plan a vacation around desired places to go. For instance when we went to Toronto one year we also visited Colborne Lodge.  It was a great way to do our annual visit to the fair and also take in a good field trip. 

Another option is to take in some virtual field trips. 

For instance I would LOVE to take my lad to the parliament buildings in Ottawa, but renovations and distance (it’s over 8 hours from where I live) make it a difficult undertaking.  But I can take him on a virtual tour.  We can walk down the various hallways and see the paintings and the architecture. Perhaps not as good as a real tour with a talking guide, but definitely better than nothing eh?  🙂

Discovery Education lists a number of virtual field trips. 

You might want to see how Churros are made, or you want to see more of Hawaii after doing a unit study, or Mount St. Helens intrigues you.   If you want to go somewhere, do some research, you just might find a virtual way to do it!  🙂   With a little bit of creativity you can usually find a way make your needed field trip happen. 

For All The Saints

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For all the saints is another hymn from the Lift up Your hearts hymnal. I don’t recall singing this lovely hymn very often as I was growing up.  I’m trying to recall where I picked it up… perhaps in the Baptist church I attended for a while.  They had LOVELY hymn sings every month which were a whole lot of fun.  🙂

Lyrics

For all the saints,
Who from their labors rest,
Who Thee by faith
Before the world confessed,
Thy name, O Jesus,
Be forever blessed.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

Thou wast their rock,
Their fortress and their might;
Thou, Lord, their captain
In the well fought fight;
Thou, in the darkness drear,
Their one true Light.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

O blest communion,
Fellowship divine!
We feebly struggle,
They in glory shine;
All are one in Thee,
For all are Thine.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

And when the strife
Is fierce, the warfare long,
Steals on the ear
The distant triumph song,
And hearts are brave,
Again, and arms are strong.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

From earth’s wide bounds,
From ocean’s farthest coast,
Through gates of pearl
Streams in the countless host,
And singing to Father,
Son and Holy Ghost:
Alleluia, Alleluia!

This Hymn has many stanzas, to see them all visit The Cyber Hymnal. 

For all the saints

History

Will­iam W. How is the author of For all the Saints.  He was the son of a lawyer and became an Anglican Priest.   He eventually became Bishop of Wakefield.  How was known as the ‘Poor Man’s” bishop.  Author of more than 50 hymns he is known to have said “A good hymn is something like a good prayer—simple, real, earnest, and reverent.” (source)

Thinking Deeper

Can you imagine writing a song with 11 stanzas?  What all would you say in such a song?  Author William How covers saints, evangelists, soldiers, apostles and martyrs. He not only shows the work they do, but the struggles they have. This reminder is given for all these hard-working folks: the King of glory is coming, a better day awaits. 

Evening Basket Time

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Every once in a while I read a post (or three) of the importance of having a moring basket time.  A time where a family can gather together to learn specific things together.  You pick materials that can work for all members of your family. Might be devotionals, history, biblical principals, favourite books or literally whatever you want to make it.  I read those posts and I think, oh, wouldn’t that be lovely? Then reality hits…the idea of doing a MORNING basket time in my household…not so much.  As I got to thinking about it I realized that for years I had an evening basket time. A time when my lad and I could gather for family time in a relaxed, easy-going manner that a “morning basket time” time allows for.  Let’s talk.

Evening Basket Time

What is Basket Time Meant for?

I have to say, basket time differs from family to family and even season to season.  Depends a lot on the needs of the educating parent and the needs of the family.  Are there character issues that need to be addresed, or bible verses that would be good memorize?  Perhaps a favourite book from your youth to share, or reading books together that cross curricula.   Some families use this time to learn music, memorize hymns, go through living history books, and to practice phrases in a new to them language. 

What you make of your basket time is completely up to you. 

There is one lady I’m starting to follow who puts together topical studies for her teens.  It’s their basket time.  You’ll find those on my homeschooling highschool pinterest board.  They look very intriguing.

In Our House, a journey of books

When my son was young we had an extensive bedtime routine.  We’d play for a bit, then I’d grab up my books.  I had a stack, that some nights felt a mile-high, but in reality was only maybe 10 books. 

  1. Devotional or Faith based book.   My son loved the light-keepers series and later on History lives.   Good books about people of faith from our history. 

2. Favourite reading books. 

Oh boy, did we read novels and picture books. Some were old favourites, others were new.  Many came from the library, but most we bought. We wanted to savour them, not rush through so purchasing seemed the better option.   Some of what we read are amazon affiliate linked below.   

I learned quickly The Hardy Boys didn’t cut it for my lad, he went through periods of toilet humour, and times of intense focus (the warrior cats).  Some books delighted (A Nest for Celeste) and caused bunny trails the following school day.   Reading The Long Winter in the summer brought shivers! 🙂  And interestingly enough, no desire to read in the series.  

3. A book on Canada.  Sometimes these were picture books, other times chapter books, and once a history encyclopedia just on Canada.   I wanted my lad to know Canada.   The Jasper series was a huge hit, and reading a about the Halifax harbour explosion is one my son remembers clearly.  We read about some of Canada’s historical figures, scientists, and athletes.  I made sure we didn’t forget about the animals within our borders as well.   For a while on my blog I did a series on Books on Canada. 

More Specific Learning

4. History.   I always had at least one book on history.  Learning from our past intrigues me greatly, and saves time if we learn well.

We purchased a fair number of encyclopedias at thrift stores and we’d read one page spread per day.  IT WAS FASCINATING.  As my son got older we’d go back and we’d compare the viewpoint of the editor/author.  Same event or historical period, and different points of view brought out different aspects of the history.  We learned how the environment influenced trade, weaponry, work practices and more.  We saw amazing artwork and unique historical finds.    The affiliate links below are not the exact books we used, but similar to the variety. 

5. Extended Learning: Occasionally our books would draw us into wanting to know more.  One time in the warrior cat books there was an eclipse.  This led us into exploring outer space for a couple of weeks.  Or when reading about Terry Fox, cancer and robotics was a curiousity. 

Now?

Now my lad is in high school, he rises later, goes to bed later so we’ve needed to revamp our lives a bit.   (go figure that eh?)   We don’t have our extended reading time at night anymore, but we do still read together.

We are currently working through Comforting Hearts, Teaching Minds by Starr Meade.  It’s a walk through the Heidleberg Catechism.   Reading bible verses together, sharing information that is new to us (even with mom and dad), and delving deeper into matters of faith.   It’s good.

The Unbreakable Faith Course has become a new part of our together time as well.  This course makes for some interesting discussions which I enjoy.

At supper time we read through 1-2 chapters of a World War 2 based book.  This gives the lad time to share information he has learned that connects with the book we are currently reading.  Currently we are reading through 
Seized by the Sun. 

We do less educational and fun stuff in our time together, but the discussions we have are deeper and I hope helping to prepare our son for adulthood and making what he believes his own. 

Evening Basket Time

What about you?

Do you have a morning or evening basket time?   Perhaps you do a mid-day break?  What’s your routine for spending time with your family learning together?

alphabet

Others in this Series

Christ is Made the Sure Foundation

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I was leafing through Lift Up Your Hearts hymnal and saw Christ is Made the Sure Foundation and started singing.  My hubby looked at me oddly since we were also watching a TV show at the time.  🙂   Good to prove to him I can multi-task eh?  🙂

Regent Square, the Tune I grew up singing.

Lyrics

Christ is made the sure foundation,
Christ the head and cornerstone;
Chosen of the Lord, and precious,
Binding all the Church in one,
Holy Zion’s help forever,
And her confidence alone.

All that dedicated city,
Dearly loved of God on high,
In exultant jubilation,
Pours perpetual melody,
God the One in Three adoring
In glad hymns eternally.

To this temple, where we call Thee,
Come, O Lord of Hosts, today;
With Thy wonted lovingkindness
Hear Thy servants as they pray.
And Thy fullest benediction
Shed within its walls alway.

Here vouchsafe to all Thy servants
What they ask of Thee to gain;
What they gain from Thee forever
With the blessèd to retain,
And hereafter in Thy glory
Evermore with Thee to reign.

Laud and honor to the Father,
Laud and honor to the Son,
Laud and honor to the Spirit,
Ever Three and ever One;
Consubstantial, co-eternal,
While unending ages run.

Westminster Abbey, This tune is new to me

History

The author is this lovely hymn is unknown.  It was translated by John M. Neale in 1851 for the hymnal Med­iae­val Hymns.  Generally it is sung to either the tune Westminster Abbey (a new tune to me) or Regent Square (which I grew up with).

Christ is Made the Sure Foundation

One of the things that is good to do when considering what song to sing to look at the words.  Consider well the first verse of this lovely hymn. 

Christ is made the sure foundation,
Christ the head and cornerstone;
Chosen of the Lord, and precious,
Binding all the Church in one,
Holy Zion’s help forever,
And her confidence alone.

Isn’t that just good theology?  Seeing who Christ is… chosen of the Lord, his precious one (beloved son). Christ who holds all the church together, one in whom we have confidence. That hope we have in Christ keeps us all-together and reminds of us the help we have in him.  A good song eh?