CursiveLogic Quick-Start Pack and The Art of Cursive. {Homeschool Review}

Cursive is a dying art.  One which in our home school all my students had to learn.  There are many schools of thought on learning to write in cursive and upon researching the topic further I discovered that there are many benefits to learning to write cursive as well as regularly practising it via copy work (including reversing Alzheimer's Disease).

 "For centuries, cursive handwriting has been an art. To a growing number of young people, it is a mystery." - Kate Zezima The Case for Cursive, New York Times.

Nathaniel and I reviewed the first edition of CursiveLogic a few years ago and were recently given copies of the new and updated CursiveLogic Quick-Start Pack and The Art of Cursive from CursiveLogic to use.

CursiveLogic started because one student wanted to learn to write cursive in order to sign his name. (Watch on YouTube). Linda believes that teaching / learning to write cursive does not need to be a difficult process.  Her special needs adult student learned to write the complete lower case alphabet in 45 minutes using the CursiveLogic method.




What we received

• CursiveLogic Quick-Start Pack 112 pages divided into ten lessons:
1. Orange Oval Letters
2. Second Letter String
3. Third Letter String
4. Fourth Letter String
5. Upper Letter
6. Upper Letter
7. Upper Letter
8. Upper Letter
9. Upper Letter
10. Upper Letter 
• 6 month access to the 48 Min CursiveLogic Online Seminar - Presented by Linda Shrewsbury. This video seminar is clear and concise and will equip you with practical insights in how to teach your students and equip them for success. Linda gives you many tips and tricks to maximise your success as a teacher while giving you the why behind her suggestions and the method used to teach CursiveLogic.
• The Art of Cursive This book is aimed at older students wanting to learn cursive.

How we used it
CursiveLogic

I started by listening to Linda's 48 min online seminar.  This was a great help to me as I gained a better understanding of her method and some great ideas on presentation when teaching Nathaniel.

The two key features of CursiveLogic is that letters are grouped by shape and secondly connected by letter strings. The 26 letters in the lower case cursive alphabet are divided into one of four letter shape categories (strings).  Each category is colour coded and each is taught in a single lesson. Letters are not taught in singular disconnected letters.

The first shape that the student learns is called orange oval. Six letters share the same shape.
The student practises the main shape of over, back trace before connecting them and forming the letters. For example over back trace "A", over back trace "C", over back trace "D", over back trace "G", over back trace "Q", and over back trace "O"...

Along with the hand movement the students have a little rhyme to help them remember how to form the letter in the string.  For example in the orange string they say: "Over, back-trace (letter name)".

• CursiveLogic uses colours to code each letter string.  These are themed. (Visual)
• Alliteration is used to aid memory
• Specific catch phrasing (verbal description of manual task) (Auditory)
• Write the string (Kinesthetic)
• Lower case lessons are printed on one side of the page. (Navy Blue Corner )
• Once you have completed the lower case pages (2-56) flip the book to the mauve corner numbered pages for the upper case lessons.
• Throughout the book are light blue sticky note containing important teaching points about the letter or letter string they student is working on.

The first lesson is the longest as there are a few things that need to be taught (such as page and pen positions as well).  The last three strings are easier as the student is familiar with the process.  Lessons average at around 15 min slots.

CursiveLogic works on reinforcing knowledge.  Each time the student learns a new letter string these are combined with letters already learned to form new practise words.  So through reinforcement and new keep learning moving forward.  You can read more on how CursiveLogic works here.

We have not used cursive for the last year so I took Nathaniel back to the begining.  I gave him a dark grey pencil so he could clearly see what he was writing.  It has been so good to see him learn without effort.

The lessons are divided into four days.  There are ten lessons all together. Four to learn lower case and six to learn capital letters. 

Capital lessons are shorter.  Each day the student first practise the lower case A to Z.  Learn the capital letter string and then progress over four days from proper names to writing short sentences.

Upon completing the lessons the work book contains 14 extra pages containing quotes by famous people such as: Winston Churchill, Mark Twain and Benjamin Franklin.

Should your student require more practise there is a dry erase page in the back of the book containing the letter strings with a practise area for each string.


The ART of Cursive

The ART of Cursive has been designed for the older student in mind. It combines two ideas into one.  CursiveLogic and a relaxing adult colouring book in one.

The cursive lessons are divided into four brief lessons which are targeted at the adult learner.  These lessons follow the same letter string lessons and method found in the student CursiveLogic book.

The lessons cover a double page spread.  Upon completing the lessons there are beautiful pictures to colour in which reinforce the cursive you have already learned.  The back of each picture contains a practise quote for you to write out in guide lines.  Below this there are blank lines for you to copy the quote.

There are 27 beautifully illustrated images to colour.  Each image follows a theme and contains a quote.

The book is beautifully bound for ease of removing the illustrations should you want to.  This enables easier colouring in of the images. The pages are made of thicker paper to accommodate using markers and fountain pens.

For the Parent

• Using the CursiveLogic method students can master cursive in ten weeks.
• CursiveLogic has been set up in 10 lessons.  Each lessons is designed to take one week with elementary age students. Depending on the student lessons can be taught over one day or over several days depending on the development of the student.
• The book is bound along the top to help the book lay flat and for ease of writing no matter whether you are left or right handed the binding will not get in the way.
• The paper in the book is a thicker paper making writing easier.

Recommended Age Range

• Target age is 8 years old.  This system works well with many ages including adults and students with special learning needs.

Awards

• Homeschool Review Crew 2015 Blue Ribbon Award - Best Writing Curriculum.
• The National Parenting Centre Seal of Approval Winner Spring 2015
• Presented in Psychology Today in: An Intelligent New Way to Teach Cursive

Connect with CursiveLogic

Over All I thought ...
I am very impressed with the improvements made to the book since it's initial launch two years ago.  Once Nathaniel has completed learning the capital letters I will be using the suggestions in reinforcing his learning with writing out copy work in cursive each week. I like the simplicity of the layout and the quality of the book.

CursiveLogic Quick-Start Pack is worth purchasing if you are teaching your students to write in cursive. Linda empowers you with her knowledge and insights in the seminar and the book is easy to use and work through with your students.

The Art of Cursive book is gorgeous and I look forward to working my way through the pages over the year ahead. If you have an upper high school student who likes to colour and needs to learn cursive this is the book for you.

Blessings
Chareen

Knights in Training {Book Review}

As I grow older and am watching the world around me change daily, often my heart is left grieving for the principles which governed our daily lives from days of old.  From the time when community were united in their views and all children respected community values. We have been blessed with three children who are 23, 21 and 12. Years ago I discovered that their was Jewish Ancestry in my family line and as a result started learning about transitioning children to adults and having a ceremony to mark this important event in the lives of my children. I searched for literature and found wonderful resources.  However most of these told of the virtues to teach but non of them contained a detailed how to or even why to do so.  Today I am super excited to share KNIGHTS IN TRAINING: Ten Principles for Raising Honorable, Courageous, and Compassionate Boys by Heather Haupt with you.

Review
In the beginning Heather lays a solid foundation to Knighthood and raising boys with purpose.  I have been underlining points of interest which I intended to share with you but in all honesty I would be re-writing the book!  Every page is full of thought provoking insights which have challenged my thinking and inspired me to stop saying things like: "Boys will be boys".  This book is not the kind of book you can skim to get the gist of.  It's the kind of parenting support manual that you want to take notes in and have on hand to refer to often.

I appreciate the way that Heather has laid out the book.  Knights in Training is 277 pages of  pure gold.  It is divded into three parts:

• The Boy Raising Adventure - Heather lays a foundation to raising sons with purpose. Heather encourages us to raise boys that are not typical.
• The Chivalry Challenge -  Chapter six to fifteen takes each separate statute and expands upon it.  Precept upon precept each code builds on the one before.  The first code  (Love the Lord Your God with Your Hear, Soul, Mind and Strength) is the basis for each of the codes which follow. Each of the codes are defined, practical suggestions, examples from her own family followed by some challenges for you to choose and apply to the young Knights in Training in your family. (Sword fights, polishing silver, jousting, playing games and serving others to name a few.)
• Continuing the Quest - Heather answers the question behind how do we make these things stick and become the foundation upon which our sons build their character. 

One of my favourtie parts of this book is it's practical tips. Heather provides actual steps to take. We are given the wording of example conversations to have with our children. This is actual training we do with our boys – physical, emotional, and spiritual – and the book is full of practical tips to help us accomplish it in real life.

On her blog Heather has a fabulous list of recommended living books to give our boys real life and imaginary heroes that are worth emulating.

• Restoring Chivalry and Civility {free printable} 
• Kings, Queens and Knights, Oh My! Gift Ideas  
• Day 3 The Ultimate Gift Guide to Toy Castles
• 10 Adventrue Books to Inspire a Boys Faith 
• 31 Days of Inspired Learning for your Knight in Training 
• 5 Great Faith Building Chapter Book Series for Boys 

About the Book
Based on the Knights’ Code of Chivalry as depicted in the French epic Song of Roland, KNIGHTS IN TRAINING outlines ten character-building codes that teach boys the importance of respecting women, pursuing excellence, loving God, and standing against injustice.

In this accessible and much-needed guide, parents will learn the importance of:

• Creating a micro-culture that mirrors their values
• Mindful media consumption (i.e. why you don’t want your sons watching Frozen!)
• Play weapons and how rules for engagement teaches boys courtesy
• The essential role of faith and its impact on our actions, our place in the world, and our ability to honor the other
• Discouraging potty humor - even if it promotes reading
• Learning the art of disagreeing

Inspirational and practical, KNIGHTS IN TRAINING is an invaluable source for parents searching for a counter cultural way to ensure that their sons grow up independent, self-sufficient, and fulfilled. Knights in training is bibilically sound and practical on every level.

Teach your boys chivalry and one day they’ll slay dragons. With the help of the Lord, they can fight off the enemies of laziness, selfishness, and pridefulness. They’ll stand up for what is true and right!

Table of Contents

PART 1: The Boy Raising Adventure
1. Charting a New Path
2. Why We Don’t Want to Raise Typical Boys
3. Boys Are Different

PART 2: The Chivalry Challenge
4. Knights in Training: Stoking the Fires of a Lifelong Quest
5. Physical Training for the Quest
6. The Code: Love God
7. The Code: Obey
8. The Code: Stand Against Injustice
9. The Code: Protect the Weak
10. The Code: Respect Women
11. The Code: Don’t Give Offense
12. The Code: Speak Truth
13. The Code: Be Generous
14. The Code: Persevere
15. The Code: Pursue Excellence

PART 3: Continuing the Quest
* Raising Modern Day Knights is a Long-Term Quest

 Buy the Book

• Amazon 
• Barnes and Noble
• Books a Million
• Hudson Booksellers
• Indie Bound
• Target
• Book Depository**

 ** Affiliate link.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Heather Haupt

Heather Haupt is the mother of three knights in training and a spunky little princess. She wants to raise children who will make a difference in this world. As an educator, writer, and popular conference speaker, she inspires parents to pursue a loving and holistic approach to education and parenting. She has taught in a variety of settings ranging from preschool nature classes all the way up to college biology labs and now homeschools her four children. She lives in the Dallas area with her family and writes at www.heatherhaupt.com. Tomorrow I will be sharing an interview with Heather here on the blog.

Connect with Heather

• Facebook - cultivatedlives
• Twitter - @HeatherHaupt
• Instagram - @heatherrhaupt and Knights in Training @knightsintraining
• Pinterest - Heather Haupt {Cultivated Lives}
• Blog

Find out more about the book:  Knights in Training
 
#knightsintraining #chivalrymovement

What others have to say
Some of my Friends have been loving this book too read what they have to say here

• Debra at Footprints in the Butter
• Candace at His Mercy is New Prayers to pray for your knight in training
• Clarissa at ClarissaWest.com
• Michele at Family, Faith & Fridays
• Tauna at The Proverbial Homesmaker

I LOVE this book and I deeply appreciate the time that Heather set aside from Raising her Knights to record her insights and practical help.  If you have a son no matter what his age I would encourage you to purchase this book and use the principles to inspire and encourage the boys and young men in your home to aspire to be more than average. Knights in Training will equip our sons to be a light in a dark world and will provide them with the tools to make wise choices.

If you have read Knights in Training I would love to hear your thoughts and how you have used it to encourage and inspire the boys and young men in your homes to walk upright and in the way of the Lord.

Blessings
Chareen

Shepherd, Potter, Spy and the Star Namer {Book Review}

I've been a Christian since I was around seven years old. Until the new millennium I had never read my bible cover to cover.  During the year 2000 I joined our church family in reading my bible chronologically.  It was the most awe inspiring year of my faith.  Learning all about the story of my heritage as it happened, from before creation all the way to Revelations.

Recently I was given the book Shepherd, Potter, Spy--and the Star Namer to read.  I was super excited to read this book by Peggy M. Consolver - Author after reading an article about it on The Shiloh Excavations website.  Did you know you can join a biblical archeological dig site and be hands on in the experience of living history?

What we received

Title:  Shepherd, Potter, Spy--and the Star Namer
Author: Peggy Miracle Consolver
ISBN: 978-1-942587-09-5
Published:2015
Publisher: Carpenter's Son Publishing
Pages: 375
Cover: Paperback

About the Book
This is the story of Keshub, a thirteen year old Gibeonite shepherd. Between defending his sheep from predators, finding wondering sheep, making a new friend who would need his help and dealing with a bully his life is far from boring or monotonous.   He is the youngest of his brothers and the story follows his daily life and struggles as a young man growing up in the hills as the son of a potter.

His life consists of the realities of looking after the family's sheep, learning the skills of a warrior and dealing with the daily harassment of a bully. Emotionally he is learning about the safety of submitting to the absolute authority and care of his father. He gradually grows in understanding and insight through the wise words of his all seeing and knowing father.

Keshub is on the cusp of manhood and the life lessons he is learning are deep.  His understanding of adult matters is growing and he soon is faced with a life choice:  Who is more dangerous? The Hebrews in the valley or the despicable evil King their neighbour?  Who is this God the Israelite's worship?  Could this be the same God, the God of his ancestors?  The Israelite's go everywhere in victory.  How can his people survive the destruction which is coming their way and at what price?

Ultimately this is the story of the Israelite's and Joshua from the perspective of the Gibeonites who made a treaty with him and the consequences of their deception.

The book has some wonderful extra's at the end.  Peggy encourages thoughtful discussion through the questions she has supplied at the back of the book.  The questions aim to personalise the story by asking questions such as: "What events in your own family history proved to be life changing?" or "Have you ever been the target of a bully? How did you react? Was the situation resolved? How?"

Peggy has also written a study guide to accompany the book called:  Digging Deeper Into HIStory.  There are 13 units and in addition to this guide you will find a page of research links, maps and YouTube clips which all enhance your understanding of the culture and background of the Shepherd, Potter, Spy--and the Star Namer It contains links to clips such as: Bow Making, How to use a sling etc.

About the Author

Peggy Consolver

Peggy Consolver loves a good story.  She grew up in southwest Oklahoma where she raised her two daughters and loves teaching Sunday school and women's Bible Studies where she emphasizes digging much deeper into the stories of the Word.

After spending eighteen days with Associates for Biblical Research in Israel in 2010 she was inspired to write a historical fiction novel about the Gibeonites of Joshua 9 and 10.

As she visited and explored many of the places where biblical events unfolded it changed her internal picture of the events to a solid reality which begged to be shared. Peggy wrote Shepherd, Potter, Spy--and the Star Namer so others would know that the bible is not just a book of theology but a living history book.

The experience so deeply touched Peggy she is bringing her whole family back to dig there later this year for her 50th wedding anniversary!


Recommended Age Range

• Ten to Adult

Connect with Peggy on

Peggy Consolver on Facebook
Peggy Consolver Blog

Over All I thought ...
I loved reading and growing with the main character Keshub and seeing Israel as a land and a nation through his eyes.  This is a beautiful book, the author has done an excellent job of describing the details of daily living during this time period in history.  She has brought to life two chapters in Joshua with vivid accuracy and insight.

I am looking forward to giving to Nathaniel to read when he is a little older as I want him to experience the full blessing of the insights which Keshub gains through life's experiences.  I appreciate how Keshub deals with his daily struggles. It is a wonderful addition to your library and will enhance your historical and religious education.

Blessings
Chareen

Bessie's Pillow {Strong Learning, Inc. Review}

During my high school years I developed a love of reading.  I enjoyed many many different types of genre's. Years later when I started home educating I was introduced to historical non-fiction books and it was love at first book.  Nathaniel and I have been reading Bessie's Pillow published by Strong Learning.Inc during our afternoon quiet school reading sessions.  What started out as a half hour an afternoon for me soon turned into a few midnight reading sessions.

About the Book

• Title: Bessie's Pillow - A Young Immigrant's Journey (Based on a true story)
• Author: Linda Bress Silbert
• Publisher: Strong Learning. Inc
• ISBN: 978-0-89544-201-7
• Copyright: 2014 
• Pages: 290
• Available in English and Spanish.
• Purchase as a paperback or kindle.

The Story
Journey with Bessie as she escapes persecution and departs from Vilna, Lithuania in 1906 to Hamburg, Germany by train.  Bessie courageously journeys across the sea on a ship spending the time learning to speak English as this will be the everyday language she needs to survive in America.  At the port of entry her name is changed as the passport officer says her own name will not be suitable any longer.

Bessie shares her struggles, her joys and her sorrows as she builds a brand new life in America. A beautiful love story unfolds as you discover life through the eyes of one immigrant who bravely came to America from Lithuania. She was only 18. A woman alone. An orthodox Jew. In the year of 1906.

Bessie's Pillow is written in the first person.  From her perspective, you will see the world through her eyes from the year 1906 to 1936.  It's a time of great change: new technologies,  the great depression, the Great War, World War II, cars, Suffragettes and medical technology. Bessie is courageous, she is independent, a business woman, she loaned people money to buy a homes, she paid kindness forward. 

The book is divided into five sections:

1. Prologue: New Rocelle 1950
2. Part One: Leaving Home 1906 - 1908
3. Part Two: New Rochelle 1908 - 1925
4. Part Three: Going On 1925 - 1936
5. Afterword

The book is written by Bessie's granddaughter, Linda Silbert and is her first novel. All the events in the book are true. The book contains actual family photo's from Bessie's photo albums.

One word of caution:  This book contains some confronting moments and may have your children asking you some questions.  It is honest and contains scenes of things that happened to immigrants in the early part of the century.  I do advise caution for younger readers and would encourage you to read the book before handing it over to your children.

Bessie's America on page 257 contains historical information about immigration and America.  In 1906 along 215,665 Russian Jews passed through Ellis Island on their way to America. This section contains a comprehensive insight into immigration resources, museums, TransAtlantic Steamships, Famous people of the time (with short biography's), Food and Recipes, Health, Movies of the day, Music and Dance, all about New Rochelle, News, Historical moments, Influential Presidents during Bessie's life, Radio and Social movements during her lifetime.


Extra's

• Hear the author talk about Bessie on YouTube. Beautiful photographs. 
• Immerse yourself in an interactive learning area about the America during the years of the book 1904 to 1936. Topics covered: European Immigration, Famous People,  Food, Recipes, Health, Housework, Movies, Music, Dancing, News, U.S. Presidents and Radio.
• Photo Gallery covering: Bessie's Family Album, Childhood in Lithuania, New York, New Rochelle, 
• Readers share their immigration stories/history.
• For Teachers: a pdf downloadable Teachers guide of 16 pages.  This guide contains: summary, Language Arts, Social Studies, historical timeline, glossary of Terms and Additional reading (49 book recommendations)

Connect on Social Media

• Facebook - @BessiesPillow 
• Twitter - @BessiesPillow

My thoughts
I have loved every word of this book.  I've cried, been heart broken, anxious, loved, smiled, laughed  and celebrated milestones with Bessie and her family.  I've been reminded that this was real life, and these are the realities of the forefathers of every family who have immigrated and gone before us to enable us to make a better life.

Bessie's Pillow is a beautiful book that every child should read.  It's a book of courage and love.  It's about life and paying forward goodness to all.

Blessings
Chareen

The Shadow of the Cross (N Book 2) {Tuesday's Treasures}

I can't think of any better way to start a new year than with a new book by a great author.  Today I would like to share my latest great read The Shadow of the Cross by Joyce Swann.

• Format: Kindle
• Number of Pages: 94
• Publisher: Frontier 2000 Media Group
• Publication Date: 6 November 2016
• ASIN: B01MXGC8UZ
• Author  Joyce Swann
• Available from:AMAZON

About the book
The Shadow of the Cross is the second book in the N Series and follows the story of Petra and the N's who take up refuge on Prayer Mountain. Petra's nemesis Cardin Ritter has ulterior motives for finding Petra and is determined to hand her over to Mandrake the man in charge of social security and eradicating the world of Christian's ...

Enter Quinton who turned his back on his Christian heritage and needs to give Bella a new identity no matter the cost and will use whom ever to accomplish the impossible feet only to find that meeting Petra will bring about a change he did not expect or look for.

My Thoughts
This book was a great read.  It was a real sit on the edge of your seat read. I just could not put it down book. I finished it in less than two evenings. It is an A+ Christian thriller and would fit very well on your book shelf between your Frank Peretti and Left Behind books. The author has done a magnificent job of building a plot of power, justice, mercy, secrecy and suspense with a twist at every corner. It is a vision of the future and possible outcome of the political correctness of our society today.  It ended on a cliff hanger I did not see coming and I am looking forward to the next volume in the N series.

About the Author:
Joyce Swann home schooled her ten children from the first grade through master’s degrees. She is a well-known author and speaker on the subject of homeschooling. For nearly a decade she was a popular columnist for Practical Homeschooling Magazine. She now blogs regularly on parenting, homeschooling, and Christian lifestyle issues.

Joyce and her daughter Alexandra have co-authored two other novels, The Fourth Kingdom and The Twelfth Juror, both of which were published in 2010. Joyce shared her personal story of her experiences raising and educating her family and is chronicled in Looking Backward: My Twenty-Five Years as a Homeschooling Mother, published in February of 2011. Her novel, The Warrior, which tells the story of one woman’s ten year prayer vigil for a man she has never met, was released in May of 2012. She is also the author of two children’s books, Tales of Pig Isle and A Horse Called Lightning/A House of Clowns (The McAloons), which began as stories that she told to entertain her grandchildren.

Alexandra is author of No Regrets: How Homeschooling Earned me a Master’s Degree at Age Sixteen and Writing for Today. She has been self-employed for over fourteen years and was the 2011 Chairwoman of the Board of the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. She writes a regular blog, Paying for Protection, about the consequences of over-regulation and over-reaching government. Her novel The Planner, which is the prequel to The Chosen, was published in June of 2012.

You can read  Interview with an Author~Joyce & Alexandra Swann over at Following in His Footsteps.

Connect

• Frontier 2000 Media
• Frontier 2000 Media Facebook Page 
• Frontier 2000 Media Twitter
• Alexandra Swann on Twitter 
• Joyce's Blog
• Alexandra's Blog

Blessings
Chareen

Connect with me

 

*********************************************************************** 

If You Were Me and Lived in... Series by Carole P.Roman {Review}

I am so excited to tell you about eight new children's history books  brought to you by Carole P. Roman and Awaywegomedia.com. The books we received to review are:

1. If You Were me and Lived In... Ancient Greece (Volume 1) 
2. If You Were me and Lived In... the Middle Ages (Volume 6)
3. If you were me and lived in... Ancient China 
4. If you were me and lived in... Viking Europe (Volume ) 
5. If you were me and lived in ... Renaissance Italy (Volume 2) 
6. If you were me and lived in ... Elizabethan England (Volume 3) 
7. If you were me and lived in ... Colonial America (Volume 4) 
8. If you were me and lived in ... the American West (Volume 7) 

Nathaniel and I both enjoy books which are twaddle free and beautifully illustrated. This series meets our every expectation of amazing books. We are very thankful to Carol and the Homeschool Review Crew for blessing us with these fabulous books.  We have been traveling through time and discovering how children lived in different times and cultures throughout history.

Inside the books

• The stories invite you the reader to come with a child to the country being explored.  There is a picture of what it looks like now followed by a picture of what it would have looked like in the era you are exploring.   The era is explored from the perspective of a child.
• You find out what sorts of names people had
• The work people did
• Names of people and places are followed by a pronunciation guide in brackets.  If a word had a special meaning this is explained too.
• Interesting facts pertaining to the culture are shared.  
• The money/trading systems used in the era / culture are explained.
• The children are introduced to the accommodation and clothing used by the different classes of people within the culture. 
• Education, government, spiritual beliefs and military are explained.
• The family structure and specific roles of each member within a family are explored.
• Important people from the time period within the culture are introduced
• The book contains a full glossary of terms.

You will find a great list of comprehension questions to copy and print for each of the books on Carole's blog.


The Details

If You Were me and Lived In... Ancient Greece (Volume 1)
Series: An Introduction to Civilizations Throughout Time
Paperback: 54 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (March 17, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1523234296
ISBN-13: 978-1523234295
Kindle $ 3.04
Paperback: $14.99


You will be taken back to 350 B.C and learn where Greece is located, it's capital city and a few other interesting cities from the era.  Discover that Greece is "the Cradle of Western Civilization" and the reasons why. Each of the Greek gods are introduced throughout the book (their names, appearance and traits).  Greek clothing (chiton, peplos and the toga) and culture from the ancient times.  You will learn about their governmental system, literature and philosophy.

If you were me and lived in... Ancient China
Paperback: 76 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (June 18, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 153287524X
ISBN-13: 978-1532875243
Kindle $ 2.03
Paperback: $15.99




Travel back to second century (150 A.D.) China during the Golden Age of China and discover one of the longest dynasty's of the time - the Han dynasty. Travel the Silk Road and learn about important trade. There were four majour professions during this time: Scholar, Doctor, Farmer and Merchant. Your father decided what you would do for a profession. Learn about the discovery of silk and paper and the impact this had on the whole world.

If you were me and lived in... Viking Europe (Volume )
Series: If You Were Me and Lived in...
Paperback: 76 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (August 27, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1532875304
ISBN-13: 978-1532875304
Kindle $ 3.06
Paperback: $13.59



Travel back to the year 870 AD northern Europe in Norway. Discover a brave exploring people.  You may have been called Knut or Ulf if you were a boy and Sigrid or Hilde if you were a girl. Your second name was your fathers. The only coins used were pennies. These strong well groomed people were known for their bravery, dependability and allegiance to one another.  Woman were well respected.  These people ate very well and looked after anyone in need.

If you were me and lived in ... Renaissance Italy (Volume 2)
Series: An Introduction to Civilizations Throughout Time
Paperback: 56 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (May 6, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 152323427X
ISBN-13: 978-1523234271
Kindle $ 2.04
Paperback: $14.99



Travel back in time to the year 1483 in Tuscany. Popular names were Lorenzo and Cosimo for boys and Dolce and Lisabetta for girls. This was an important period of rebirth and inspired many famous artists, like Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Donatello. Because Florence was the birthplace of the new movement and became known as "The Athens of the Middle Ages."   Common seasonings during that time were cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, saffron and pepper, along with oranges and lemons. It was a time of sporting events, festivals, and dances. 

If you were me and lived in ... Elizabethan England (Volume 3)
Series: An Introduction to Civilizations Throughout Time
Paperback: 52 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (March 21, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1523229365
ISBN-13: 978-1523229369 
Kindle $ 2.02
Paperback: $14.99


Discover what life was like in  1578 during the reign of Elizabeth I. This was the golden age for art and literature and saw an increase in exploration. The narrow, cobblestone streets were filthy as people threw dirt, garbage, and waste out the windows. Houses were half-timbered and made of wattle and daub and the floors were covered in straw. Middle class people ate mutton, sausage, cheese, stew, and bread. No one drank water, but chose ciders and ales instead. The clothing consisted of many layers, and laws stated what color each class of people could wear and your religion was determined by whomever was on the throne.

If You Were me and Lived In... the Middle Ages (Volume 6)
Series: If You Were Me and Lived in...
Paperback: 98 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (July 9, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1533673241
ISBN-13: 978-1533673244
Kindle $ 3.06
Paperback: $19.99


Travel further back in time to  1072 in a small town in London, England. Discover names, like Geoffrey, Roul, Melisende, and Aalis, and learn about how they determined surnames. It's written as if the reader is the daughter of a knight. It describes life in a castle with wealth, servants, a large family. It mentions the Crusades, the importance of the church, the classes of society and their occupations and how they lived.

If you were me and lived in ... Colonial America (Volume 4)
Series: An Introduction to Civilizations Throughout Time
Paperback: 64 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (April 28, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1523234075
ISBN-13: 978-1523234073 
Kindle $ 3.18
Paperback: $14.99



Travel back to England in 1620 and follow the journey of your family as you move to the Netherlands and from there join other families to travel to a new land upon the Mayflower.  Make a new friend from the Wampanoag tribe who will teach you to hunt and grow your own food.  Celebrate the day you were "breeched" and attend school at home with your mother. 

If you were me and lived in ... the American West (Volume 7)
Series:
Paperback: 58 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (June 18, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1532877846
ISBN-13: 978-1532877841
Kindle $ 2.04
Paperback: $14.99



The year is 1843 and you are growing up in a homestead in Oregan after moving here during "The Great Migration of 1843". As a young one of 12 you learned many valuable skills on that hard journey but they helped you grow stronger as a family and equipped you for the daily chores which were a part of your new life.  School came over winter and spring break meant working on the farm.  Many men died on the the journey over and the women continued on.  Everyone helped one another to build homes and barns.  

About the Author

We really enjoy all of the If You Were Me and Lived In ... book series by Carole P. Roman and I am pretty sure you will, too.  Carole is an award-winning author and mom who started writing because she was dared to by one of her sons and we are so pleased that she did! Her books are some of our favourites on the shelf. She's a former Social Studies teacher who fell in love with adventure and exploration and desires to share that love with us. You know that your children are getting factual information as they read for personal enjoyment when they pick up any of these books. She has been awarded numerous book awards and her entire cultural non-fiction series If You Were Me and Lived in... was named Best Series by Shelf Unbound.

You can connect with Carole on Social media here:

• Facebook,
• Pinterest,
• Good Reads
• Twitter.

We love all of these books and are looking forward to using them throughout our chronological history studies.

I'd also love for you to visit my earlier reviews of the cultural books in the original series. You can see what we thought of Mexico, France, South Korea and Norway AND check out the fun we had with Australia too.

Blessings
Chareen

Character in Action {Character Concepts Review}

Thinking back over the years I've been home educating I came to realize quite early on that academics were not going to be the most challenging aspect of the home education journey.  Character was. Teaching character and how to make wise choices was a real daily challenge. With Timothy and Jane we used many different tools however with a child who is on the spectrum it was becoming a challenge to teach biblical character in a concrete way that he could fully understand.

I am so very excited to have found Character in Action:Taking the Next Steps by Character Concepts.  Character Concepts was started by the Boyer Family whose passion is to equip families with resources to train their families to show forth the character of Christ.

Character in Action:Taking the Next Steps is not just another character curriculum.  This is a character book with a difference!  The difference is that these are real people, living real every day ordinary lives just like us and who are able to put into action what they are learning and take us along for the journey all the while encouraging us to do the same.

Each time we read a chapter we discuss the actions and why the families are doing what they are doing.   One of the biggest benefits of real life photographs and true living examples is that when we are out and about I can refer to a character trait and he knows exactly what I'm talking about.  For example we went to a friends house for a play date and I could encourage him to be sensitive to the needs of the younger children and he understood what I was asking of him as we had read the chapter on sensitivity that morning.

Character traits explored in this book are:

1. Creativity
2. Sensitivity
3. Kindness
4. Responsibility
5. Compassion
6. Initiative
7. Generosity
8. Honor
9. Hospitality
10. Alertness
11. Gratefulness
12. Availability
13. Decisiveness
14. Deference

 Inside the book

• Each chapter focuses on one character trait. 
• The character concept is explained in a short sentence followed by a scripture.
• A short true life story follows.  Each story is narrated from the real  life experiences of the Boyer Family cousins. Interspersed throughout each story are family photo's of the particular experience. The most appealing part of the stories is learning alongside the children as they learn to put into real life application the particular character trait being covered.
• The end of each chapter contains a one page Taking The Next Step section.  In this section the family list extra ideas of putting into practice that particular character trait. The lists are not just a set of Googled ideas they are ideas that the families have used to put into practice that which they are learning. 
• Each and every story is beautifully presented.  Each trait is uniquely formatted. Through out each story there are beautiful full colour photographs of the family in the story.
• The whole book is in full colour. 

 Character traits explored in this book are:

1. Creativity
2. Sensitivity
3. Kindness
4. Responsibility
5. Compassion
6. Initiative
7. Generosity
8. Honor
9. Hospitality
10. Alertness
11. Gratefulness
12. Availability
13. Decisiveness
14. Deference

The Details

• Title: Character in Action:Taking the Next Steps
• Book 3 in the Learning Character with the cousins series. (Crossroads of Character and Character Trails)
• Format: Hardback or eBook
• Number of Pages: 144 pages
• Publisher: The Learning Parent
• Publication Date: May 2016
• ISBN 13:  9780986043321
• Author: Marilyn and Kelley Boyer and "The Cousins"
• Photographs by numerous sources

Cost* of Character in Action

• eBook US $14.00
• Hardback Book US $19.99

*Prices are correct at time of review and subject to change at the discretion of Character Concepts. 

Recommended Age Range

• 6 to 12 years old.

Connect with Character Concepts on social media

    

Over All I thought ...
I'm very pleased to have discovered Character in Action:Taking the Next Steps. It has been a great way of introducing important life skills to Nathaniel.

Blessings
Chareen

WIN a copy of  Character in Action:Taking the Next Steps

Thanks to Character Concepts, we have the opportunity to give away a single copy of this wonderful book** to one of our readers.


To go into the draw:

• To ENTER: leave a comment on this post, {don't forget to let us know how we can reach you}, Tell us what character trait you most admire in people, or which one you wish your children knew more about! 
• You must be 18 years old or older to participate.
• Prize fulfillment is dependent on Character Concepts and is not the responsibility of Every Bed of Roses.
•  A random winner will be selected next Friday 7 October! 

** USA winner will receive a hardback version OR International winner will receive the eBook version.