Saint Joseph Catholic Homeschool: April 2006

St. Joseph Novena

O St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the Throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires. O St. Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that having engaged here below your Heavenly power I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most Loving of Fathers. O St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms. I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine Head for me, and ask Him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls, pray for us.

Amen

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

Real Learning: Education in the Heart of the Home

Real Learning: Education in the Heart of the Home, by Elizabeth Foss, By Way of the Family, 2003

Real Learning belongs in all homeschooling libraries. I have read this book three times, since purchasing it in 2004. Elizabeth Foss draws on the writings of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (St. Edith Stein), while at the same time sharing ideas for teaching Language Arts, Math, History, Science, Religion, Art and more in a loving and gentle manner. Each time I read this book, I come away feeling refreshed and thankful for the gift of homeschooling. I can't wait to read it again!

Monday, April 24, 2006

Miss Rumphius

Miss Rumphius,by Barbara Cooney

I discovered this book when I was teaching pre-Kindegarten one summer. It is one of my children's favorite stories. Alice's grandfather tells her that she must do three things. The third and most difficult is to make the world more beautiful. Miss Rumphius' solution to the last challenge inspired my family and me to carry on the tradition of making "the world more beautiful" in our garden.

Wednesday, April 12, 2006

Make Way for Ducklings

Make Way for Ducklings, by Robert McCloskey

Mr. and Mrs. Mallard start a family in Boston after finding the “perfect” place to live. This is one of several good picture books for children written by Robert McCloskey.

Tuesday, April 11, 2006

The Complete Tales of Beatrix Potter

Beatrix Potter: The Complete Tales,by Beatrix Potter, Frederick Warne

As a young girl, my mom was introduced to the wonderful world of Peter Rabbit. As a young girl, my mom introduced me to Peter Rabbit and his friends. When we moved to the United States, she bought all 23 little books for my youngest sister. When my first child was born, my mom gave me the book pictured on the right. Beatrix Potter's tales have been read more than any other stories in our home. My children enjoy hearing about the antics of Peter Rabbit, Benjamin Bunny, Tom Kitten and all their friends. I highly recommend getting the original little books, too. The little books are perfect for young children's hands.

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