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Review: Writing Radar

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I freely admit that I have not read this book.  I have read bits and pieces of it, but predominately this was read by my 12 year.  He’ll be giving a report on it later in this post.  I’ll be giving the factual details about it like chapters, length, interesting features etc.

My lad read this book over the month of September through mid-way October as his language arts component, I occasionally asked him what he was learning about, and he’d give me a verbal chapter synopsis, and what he thought of the ideas presented.  It worked well for us.  

What do you get?
20 chapters, with titles such as:
Trust me; Getting started; The Best Journal in the world is yours;The Writing Journal in action; Blank Slate; Story Maps; Good Habits lead to Great inspiration; Focused Drafts and much more. 

Scattered throughout the pages are black and white illustrations that sometimes illustrate a point or add humour to the page.

Since I occasionally heard giggles while the lad was reading I assume that the author used humour to convey his message.   Neither did I hear complaints about it taking too long to read, or being boring, or too difficult.  The only thing I would hear was “Sorry mom, I forgot to read Writing Radar today.  Can I do two chapters tomorrow instead?”   I simply would say, it needs to be done in five weeks, how he managed that was up to him.  From what I read, it seemed crafted for 9-12 year olds.  A good middle school level book.

Leafing through I noticed they have these little grey boxes with “writing tip” at the top.  handy those I thought.   Asked the lad what he thought and he said “they told the point of the chapter or section”. 

The lad’s Report: 
Overall: Good book.
Liked: I don’t know how to understand this part exactly.  I liked most of it.
What did I learn: How to write a book or a story.
Specific example that I liked: How a draft of a story is like a wedding cake and you just add on layer after layer after layer.
Didn’t like: I liked the whole book. I can’t think of anything I didn’t like.
I think, maybe, it would have been good to add some questions to answer after chapters or something. 

Recommendation: Get it if you want to know how to write a story or a book.

 Writing Radar: Using your Journal to Snoop our and Craft Great Stories.
Jack Gantos
Farrar Straus Giroux
202 pages
Trade Paperback
Language arts, story writing, journaling, writers, middle school
Middle school
Reviewed for : Raincoast Books

Where can you Find it?

Amazon.ca: Writing Radar.
Amazon.com: Writing Radar.

This post may contain affiliate links – using affiliate links from A Net in Time helps fuel this blog and our homeschool – thank you! ©2006-2017 A Net In Time. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. A Net In Time . We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites

That Mad, Monkish Architect!

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This is Gaudi  is a book I reviewed about Antoni Gaudi, people either loved him or hated him, and in this tome we learn why.  🙂  Author Mollie Claypool walks us through his life, his formation of ideas, and the work that he did. 

I found it a bit different that this biography had no table of contents, it dove right into telling us about Gaudi, and continued to just walk us through his life.

Filled with images that spoke to the life he led and the work that he did, this is not a dry boring read, but one that intrigues and teaches.

He wasn’t a healthy lad by any means, and a poor student, but he made friends, and he did learn!  We are introduced to his observations about life and his dreams for the future.   He and his friends made grand plans to restore the monastery of Santa Maria de Poblet.  This monastery remained a focus for the rest of their lives. “They would remain committed to it’s restoration throughout their lives”. 

That his faith was important to him remained evident throughout the book, and in how he did his architectural work.  He never married, but experienced deep love with a young lady, but for reasons unknown dropped the relationship. 

Part of his madness, was he didn’t do his work in an always conventional fashion. He could put up walls and tear them down the same day, only to put the wall somewhere else.   He invented the “parametric, adaptive model”, a model that inspired generations of architects.

Filled with images and illustrations showing Gaudi and the work he did, this book will give any student a thorough look into the life of Antoni Gaudi. His ethics and determination shone through the pages. 

My thoughts:
I thought Gaudi was a fascinating individual, and can’t say I agree with all his life decisions, but he had his ideas and worked with them to the fullest he could. His faith was important to him and he weaved it into his work to the best of his ability.   I found the font small, which just meant closer up reading for my tired, older eyes.  🙂   I don’t see it being an issue for younger students though.  It’s written at a level I’d say for middle school and up.  It would be a interesting book to give to a highschool student and ask the question “How do you think you could interpose your faith into your work life?  What do you think of how Gaudi did it?”

This is Gaudi
Mollie Claypool
Illustrator: Christina Christoforou
80 pages.
Hardcover
Art, Architecture, biography, history,

Reviewed for Raincoast Books. 

Where can you find it?

Amazon.ca: This is Gaudi.
Amazon.com: This is Gaudi.

This post may contain affiliate links – using affiliate links from A Net in Time helps fuel this blog and our homeschool – thank you!

©2006-2017 A Net In Time. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. A Net In Time . We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites

Think of the Weaker, Part two

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I started this passage yesterday, and so want to continue looking at it.  Romans 15:1-7

 We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” 4 For
whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction,
that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures
we might have hope. 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

Remember this, as believers, it isn’t our goal to be running around pleasing ourselves.  We have a higher calling, to be running around pleasing God.  Seeing his glory and honour magnified in the world.

One of the ways we do that, is in how we treat others.

Seriously, think about that for a minute.

God lavishes all this love on us.  We a weak, fairly insignificant (in some ways) specks on the earth compared to his greatness.  YET.. of all that he made, God chose to make us in his image, and throughout history has made much of us…calling us his very own children, sending his Son to die for us… so that HIS glory can be seen throughout the earth.

Think about that a spell.

He rescued us from ourselves.   He didn’t have to. He chose to.  Sending his Son, his very own beloved Son, to die for us.  Making us right with him.

So how should we live?  Should we live like we are all that?
NO… oh heavens.  God calls us beyond ourselves.  Just like he goes BEYOND himself. Holding his anger back, acting on our behalf.

Our response to those around us should be the same as God toward us.  Being mindful of the weak.  Building each other.    We have an example you know? For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.”
 He knew our weakness but didn’t lord it over us did he?   Did he say “oh, well I know better you stupid silly things”.  He didn’t.  He took the time to teach and explain, to lead by example, to show us a much better way.

  4 For
whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction,
that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures
we might have hope. 
He had his word written down, words of instruction that bring hope to us. Hope and encouragement and an ability to endure. This is what he gave us freely.

5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
 So he asks this of us… to live in harmony with each other.  Why?  So with one voice we can glorify God who has done so much for us.  Be welcoming,  Be patient with each other.  Teach and explain and lead by example.   Not hurting the weak among us, but helping them to mature into the faith.

This post may contain affiliate links – using affiliate links from A Net in Time helps fuel this blog and our homeschool – thank you!

©2006-2017 A Net In Time. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. A Net In Time . We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites

Review: I’m Not a Scaredy-Cat

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I have loved the writing of Max Lucado for a very long time now.  At one point I had all his books, but alas, I can’t keep up.  🙂   I admittedly was somewhat skeptical when he branched out into picture books, but have found them all to be very lovely.  Therefore, when given an opportunity to review “I’m Not A Scaredy-Cat” I lept at the chance.

Book Description

From New York Times bestselling author Max Lucado comes I’m Not
a Scaredy-Cat, a silly, fun, and faith-building picture book to help
kids manage their fear or anxiety. To avoid introducing new fears to
children, this whimsical story depicts a cute cat character facing fears
that are fanciful or exaggerated. These silly scenarios will create
talking points for parents to help their children understand what to do
when they feel afraid. Kids will learn that God is good, God is near,
God is here with them, and, most important, God loves them.

My Thoughts: 
This book has a simple but profound premised: when you are scared, turn to God in prayer.   Simple… States the goodness of God, his promises of being with us and near us all the time, and that he loves us.  A prayer of acknowledgement of who God is.

I love the simpleness of the prayer, so easy for children to remember.  I do wish it had gone a touch farther to acknowledge our need for him and asking God to help us with our fears, instead of just closing with “and then you’ll feel better”. 

 
The cat.. oh my.. does he get himself into situations… I smiled much.  Fears such as squeaky toys, loud clocks, caterpillars, big slides and so much more.  Many that I’ve run into and some unexpected, but you know what… sometimes unexpected things can be frightening.  The lesson always is.. turn to God in acknowledgement.
 And oh, the brightly coloured pictures, and the well done designs.  Don’t they just show off a scared cat so well?   Those round eyes, arched back and bushy tail!  Children can so relate that that you know?

It’s a very sweet book with great illustrations with tons of talking points to engage your youngsters reading along.  A nice hardback book with a dustcover that will make for an excellent book to share with young ones in your life.  Just remind them.. asking God for help is part of getting over your fear.

 I’m Not A Scaredy-Cat: A prayer for when you wish you were brave.
Max Lucado
illustrator: Shirley Ng-Benitez
Tommy Nelson Publisher
Picture book, faith based
Age 4-10
32 pages
 Reviewed For: BookLookBloggers.
 
Where Do I Find It? 
Amazon.ca: I’m not a Scaredy-Cat. 
Amazon.com: I’m Not A Scaredy-Cat.

This post may contain affiliate links – using affiliate links from A Net in Time helps fuel this blog and our homeschool – thank you!

©2006-2017 A Net In Time. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. A Net In Time . We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites

Blue Ribbon Winners 2017

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It’s that time of the year again, time to vote for this years best review products from the Homeschool Review Crew.

 First up: my son’s favourite review of the year.  Innovators Tribe.  Thinking like an Engineer.  This boy loves this program and is looking forward to building a roller coaster.    I enjoy listening to him talk about all he’s learning.   You can find it here.

My favourite: Planet 316. Jigsaw, daily challenge, good stuff for this puzzling mama.

Others we enjoyed.
Dr. Aviation.  This is one that I worked most of my way through.  Loved the history in this course. 

Two that the lad is still working through.  Unlock Math and CompuScholar.  Unlock is a pre-algebra course that breaks things down into bite sized pieces to learning and retention.   CompuScholar teaches the lad essential computer skills.

Best book that I enjoyed reading:Shepherd, Potter, Spy – Star Namer. I liked it immensely, the lad tried reading it and it was a bit beyond him.   So sometime later in his reading life he may pick it up again.

Those are the reviews that made the most impact on our lives this year.   Looking forward to next year! 

This post may contain affiliate links – using affiliate links from A Net in Time helps fuel this blog and our homeschool – thank you!

©2006-2017 A Net In Time. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. A Net In Time . We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites

Think of the Weaker

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Did you know that being sick sucks!   Means you get terribly behind on things… including things like doing devotions.  I’ve been starting to feel a bit away from the Lord and realized I really need to get back to spending time with the Lord.

So getting back to Romans, today it’s chapter 15:1-7.

We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” 4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

Oh… I read that first verse… it makes me so aware of my frailities.
We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 

Let me explain, this morning my son did something that was a bit less than kind, and since I’m not quite myself, I burst into tears and he apologized up the wazoo.  Appropriate to feel sorry for hurting someone, but he kept on apologizing.   This gave me the opportunity to help him understand the difference between guilt and forgiveness.  Forgiveness is immediate.  He was being thoughtless, apologized and was forgiven.  The guilt was a way for God to say “Hey, mind what you are doing lad, learn and let it go” and ALSO a way for Satan to get his hooks into him “You’re such a nasty thing, how dare you even breathe”.   

It gave us a change talk about how guilt is such an easy hook for Satan, causing us not to thank God (or the person forgiving us) for their forgiveness and then choosing to MOVE FORWARD in our relationship instead of lingering in the past. Guilt holds us in the past.

Anyways, So when I read those words it brought that whole conversation back to mind.  About the stuff in the physical helps us to see the spiritual more clearly.

And God helps us ALL THE TIME.  The weak vessels that we are.  
So our helping our fellows, the weaker ones among us, is just us showing God’s love and concern for us in a tangible  way.
 
 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.
So Let us then do what verse two says… build each other up.   Not seeking after our own good, but for the good of the weak ones among us.  Building them up in their faith.

 I will continue this passage tomorrow!  🙂

This post may contain affiliate links – using affiliate links from A Net in Time helps fuel this blog and our homeschool – thank you!

©2006-2017 A Net In Time. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. A Net In Time . We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites

Ye Servants of God, Your Master Proclaim

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I didn’t know what song to do today, so reached for my hymnbook, this is song 27 for me.   The tune we sing it to is Hanover, but there are other tunes.  I shared what I am most familar with to be honest.

This hymn was written by Charles Webster.  If you want to know more about the Wesley brothers, I found this page interesting.  Charles Webster wrote a song the reminds us of who we are and who God is.  What our job is and God’s gloriousness. 

Ye Servants of God Hymn
Lyrics in red are verses I am unfamiliar with
Ye servants of God, your Master proclaim,
And publish abroad His wonderful Name;
The Name all victorious of Jesus extol,
His kingdom is glorious and rules over all.
The waves of the sea have lift up their voice,
Sore troubled that we in Jesus rejoice;
The floods they are roaring, but Jesus is here;
While we are adoring, He always is near.

When devils engage, the billows arise,
And horribly rage, and threaten the skies:
Their fury shall never our steadfastness shock,
The weakest believer is built on a rock.

God ruleth on high, almighty to save,
And still He is nigh, His presence we have;
The great congregation His triumph shall sing,
Ascribing salvation to Jesus, our King.
“Salvation to God, who sits on the throne!”
Let all cry aloud and honor the Son;
The praises of Jesus the angels proclaim,
Fall down on their faces and worship the Lamb.
Then let us adore and give Him His right,
All glory and power, all wisdom and might;
All honor and blessing with angels above,
And thanks never ceasing and infinite love.

This post may contain affiliate links – using affiliate links from A Net in Time helps fuel this blog and our homeschool – thank you! ©2006-2017 A Net In Time. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. A Net In Time . We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites