| Home | Overview | Our Products | Curriculum We Use | About Us | Classical Education | Contact Us | Links |
Copyright © 2006 Easy Classical. All rights reserved.
Classical Homeschool Made Easy!
EASYCLASSICAL.COM
Classical Christian Homeschool Made Easy!
EASYCLASSICAL.COM
by Clare Walker Leslie and Charles E. Roth
We have often times found ourselves trudging through science facts, just trying to get them crammed in. “When are we
going to be finished?” seems to be our mantra. Nature Journaling revamps the way we look at science. When we leave
our textbooks and dry facts behind and take a trip to the local pond we find what we discover to be memories that last a
life time. One such adventure led to the discovery of frog eggs at the stagnant edge of the water, and not too far away
tadpoles darting to and fro. In a couple of weeks our trip back to the pond might lead to the discovery of the water
inundated with hopping creatures. The dry fact that amphibians reproduce by laying eggs comes to life. The idea that
frogs go through metamorphosis is experienced and not just studied.
Nature journaling does more than help you understand facts. It enables you to interact with the facts studied out on the
field through writing and drawing. Keeping a Nature Journal is a wonderful book that explains the process of
scientifically writing down the details of the subject you are studying. It gives specific items to include on each page.
The authors aid the journal writer to descriptively detail the object being observed. The authors include a variety helpful
insights into how to successfully draw the subject under observation. From warm up exercises to specific step-by-step
explanations of how to draw a subject, this book will enable you to be successful in your attempt to draw your
observations in your journal. All you need, now, is the world to discover.
Free Newsletter!
click here to be
placed on the
mailing list for our
free newsletter.
click here to be
placed on the
mailing list for our
free newsletter.
Shurley English
Shurley English is an innovative grammar program that is well suited to the homeschool environment. It
utilizes the classical approach by encouraging the child to do a lot of memory work in the early years, so
when they begin writing in the logic and rhetoric stage they are well equipped with the building blocks of
grammar which enables them to write well.
The homeschool kit includes a Teacher’s Manual, a Student Workbook and a Memory CD. The
Teacher’s Manual begins with a planning box, which contains lesson objectives. Each lesson is
scripted. You are provide with the exact words for the Question & Answer Flows, questioning
strategies, and teaching techniques. The Question & Answer Flow is particularly helpful to the
homeschool mother who wants an easy way to teach the often elusive concept of grammar to her child.
The Teacher’s Manual is set up in chapters. There are five lessons in each chapter, and each chapter can
be finished in one week. Each lesson takes approximately twenty to forty-five minutes to complete.
Student Workbook: Most student workbooks contain a Jingle Section, a Reference Section, a Practice
Section, and a Test Section. The Jingle Section contains all the jingles. The Reference Section includes
vocabulary words, guided practices, samples, guidelines, and charts. The Practice Section provides
extra practice on the various skills taught before the skills are tested. The Test Section contains the tests
for each chapter. Each test is divided into four basic areas: grammar, vocabulary, language skills, and a
summary of things learned for the week.
Memory CD: The CD includes jingles and the Question & Answer Flows for the Introductory
Sentences. It may be used to demonstrate jingles and Question & Answer Flows to children, or it may
be used as a resource for the parents.
Using and Teaching Shurley English has enabled this grammar-challenged homeschool mother to
effectively teach grammar to my children.
Shurley English is an innovative grammar program that is well suited to the homeschool environment. It
utilizes the classical approach by encouraging the child to do a lot of memory work in the early years, so
when they begin writing in the logic and rhetoric stage they are well equipped with the building blocks of
grammar which enables them to write well.
The homeschool kit includes a Teacher’s Manual, a Student Workbook and a Memory CD. The
Teacher’s Manual begins with a planning box, which contains lesson objectives. Each lesson is
scripted. You are provide with the exact words for the Question & Answer Flows, questioning
strategies, and teaching techniques. The Question & Answer Flow is particularly helpful to the
homeschool mother who wants an easy way to teach the often elusive concept of grammar to her child.
The Teacher’s Manual is set up in chapters. There are five lessons in each chapter, and each chapter can
be finished in one week. Each lesson takes approximately twenty to forty-five minutes to complete.
Student Workbook: Most student workbooks contain a Jingle Section, a Reference Section, a Practice
Section, and a Test Section. The Jingle Section contains all the jingles. The Reference Section includes
vocabulary words, guided practices, samples, guidelines, and charts. The Practice Section provides
extra practice on the various skills taught before the skills are tested. The Test Section contains the tests
for each chapter. Each test is divided into four basic areas: grammar, vocabulary, language skills, and a
summary of things learned for the week.
Memory CD: The CD includes jingles and the Question & Answer Flows for the Introductory
Sentences. It may be used to demonstrate jingles and Question & Answer Flows to children, or it may
be used as a resource for the parents.
Using and Teaching Shurley English has enabled this grammar-challenged homeschool mother to
effectively teach grammar to my children.
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
Dedicated to
excellence in
Classical
Homeschool
Education.
excellence in
Classical
Homeschool
Education.
Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining, and Bad Attitudes in You and Your Kids
This book is a wonderful resource for any household, but especially for the homeschool family. The
authors, Scott Turnasky and Joanne Miller, give practical suggestions for dealing with whining and
complaining, but they go much deeper. We as parents often try to control our child’s behavior by
yelling, or giving warnings or by taking away privileges. Turansky and Miller suggest a more effective
way of dealing with bad behavior, they encourage parents to deal with heart issues. Instead of yelling
or giving warnings after bad behavior, they suggest taking time to help your child understand the heart
issue that is causing the behavior. For example if two children are fighting over a toy instead of
taking the toy away and sending the kids to their rooms, you take time to talk to the child about
selfishness and how their actions show the selfishness that is bound up in their hearts.
The focus of the book is honor and how that plays out in a family. One neat illustration the authors
use in their seminars is found on page 11. I used this illustration with my children with great results.
The authors suggest that honor is a gift that you give each member of your family. I have four
children so I made up four gift bags. In each bag was a gift for each of my children. First, I gave
two of the bags to two of my children. They opened them and to their horror they found a ziplock
bag filled with dirt. I explained to them, when you are mean or unkind to your sibling it is like giving
them a bag of dirt. I gave the two remaining gift bags to the other children. They opened their bags
and found two candy bars in each bag. I went on to explain that these are the types of gifts you give
to your siblings when you show them honor. When you prefer them in love, when you put the cap on
the toothpaste, when you flush the toilet and when you share your new toy with them. It is like giving
them a gift bag with candy. They got the point in a big way, and they immediately shared their candy
with their more unfortunate siblings. Now when one of us does something that shows dishonor all we
have to say is "bag of dirt" we get the point.
I heartily recommend this book for your family. It may not take the whining and complaining
completely away, but it will help you and your child to show respect and honor for each other.
This book is a wonderful resource for any household, but especially for the homeschool family. The
authors, Scott Turnasky and Joanne Miller, give practical suggestions for dealing with whining and
complaining, but they go much deeper. We as parents often try to control our child’s behavior by
yelling, or giving warnings or by taking away privileges. Turansky and Miller suggest a more effective
way of dealing with bad behavior, they encourage parents to deal with heart issues. Instead of yelling
or giving warnings after bad behavior, they suggest taking time to help your child understand the heart
issue that is causing the behavior. For example if two children are fighting over a toy instead of
taking the toy away and sending the kids to their rooms, you take time to talk to the child about
selfishness and how their actions show the selfishness that is bound up in their hearts.
The focus of the book is honor and how that plays out in a family. One neat illustration the authors
use in their seminars is found on page 11. I used this illustration with my children with great results.
The authors suggest that honor is a gift that you give each member of your family. I have four
children so I made up four gift bags. In each bag was a gift for each of my children. First, I gave
two of the bags to two of my children. They opened them and to their horror they found a ziplock
bag filled with dirt. I explained to them, when you are mean or unkind to your sibling it is like giving
them a bag of dirt. I gave the two remaining gift bags to the other children. They opened their bags
and found two candy bars in each bag. I went on to explain that these are the types of gifts you give
to your siblings when you show them honor. When you prefer them in love, when you put the cap on
the toothpaste, when you flush the toilet and when you share your new toy with them. It is like giving
them a gift bag with candy. They got the point in a big way, and they immediately shared their candy
with their more unfortunate siblings. Now when one of us does something that shows dishonor all we
have to say is "bag of dirt" we get the point.
I heartily recommend this book for your family. It may not take the whining and complaining
completely away, but it will help you and your child to show respect and honor for each other.
Tracking Your Walk
Tracking Your Walk: The Young Person’s Prayer Diary is an excellent journal for kids ages 8 and
up. The introduction gives kids great reasons for journaling, developing a relationship with God,
memorizing scripture, having a quiet time and praying. The main part of the journal includes a
calendar and journaling pages. Each month a new country is introduced with the specific prayer
needs of that country. A map of the country and a blank calendar is provided. The child can fill in
the month and days on the calendar. Following the calendar are lined pages for journaling. Included
at the end of the journal is an alphabetical list of the countries with “Facts and Prayer Points”,
“Definitions”, a “Bible Reading Plan”, “Family and Friends” (an address list), and “Notes” (which
would be great for taking notes on sermons). This is a great kid friendly way to introduce your child
to developing a close relationship with our awesome God.
Our family has used this journal for the past 3 or 4 years with great success. Depending on age,
each child is given a Bible reading plan. They read the Bible passage and then write down two or
three sentences explaining what the passage is about. They write down two or three sentences
describing how this passage applies to their life. Then they write down any prayer requests they
might have. They read through the information about the country for the month and think of specific
prayer requests for those people. Then I help them to remember requests from our church body and
from our family and friends. They think about specific issues they are dealing with in their lives. As
they get older, I encourage them to write more and think of ways that God is working in their lives.
As they develop their prayer lives they are encouraged to pray through the ACTS (A-adoration, C-
confession, T-Thanksgiving, S-supplication). This helps them to get their prayer life less focused on
themselves and more focused on the One True Living God.
This journal has become a special place for my kids to write out their thoughts, feelings and prayers.
It is an invaluable tool for any family seeking to encourage their kids to develop their walk with Jesus.
Tracking Your Walk: The Young Person’s Prayer Diary is an excellent journal for kids ages 8 and
up. The introduction gives kids great reasons for journaling, developing a relationship with God,
memorizing scripture, having a quiet time and praying. The main part of the journal includes a
calendar and journaling pages. Each month a new country is introduced with the specific prayer
needs of that country. A map of the country and a blank calendar is provided. The child can fill in
the month and days on the calendar. Following the calendar are lined pages for journaling. Included
at the end of the journal is an alphabetical list of the countries with “Facts and Prayer Points”,
“Definitions”, a “Bible Reading Plan”, “Family and Friends” (an address list), and “Notes” (which
would be great for taking notes on sermons). This is a great kid friendly way to introduce your child
to developing a close relationship with our awesome God.
Our family has used this journal for the past 3 or 4 years with great success. Depending on age,
each child is given a Bible reading plan. They read the Bible passage and then write down two or
three sentences explaining what the passage is about. They write down two or three sentences
describing how this passage applies to their life. Then they write down any prayer requests they
might have. They read through the information about the country for the month and think of specific
prayer requests for those people. Then I help them to remember requests from our church body and
from our family and friends. They think about specific issues they are dealing with in their lives. As
they get older, I encourage them to write more and think of ways that God is working in their lives.
As they develop their prayer lives they are encouraged to pray through the ACTS (A-adoration, C-
confession, T-Thanksgiving, S-supplication). This helps them to get their prayer life less focused on
themselves and more focused on the One True Living God.
This journal has become a special place for my kids to write out their thoughts, feelings and prayers.
It is an invaluable tool for any family seeking to encourage their kids to develop their walk with Jesus.
Homeschool Family Fitness
Homeschool Family Fitness is a wonderful resource for the homeschool family. It is often hard to fit
fitness activities in the already busy homeschool day. Dr. Bruce Whitney has made this doable and
fun. He states in the preface of his book, “The purpose of this book is to give families the tools and
knowledge to help their children develop the desire and skills for a lifetime of physical fitness, with a
minimum of equipment and expense.” According to research over 70% of children do not
participate in enough physical activity to promote a healthy cardio-respiratory system. Most kids do
not even come close to meeting the minimum fitness levels. Test your kids. We did, and it wasn’t
pretty. None of my kids could do even one sit-up! After following this plan for almost two years my
kids are amazed at the progress they have made. Seeing the improvement motivates them to set
higher goals and become more physically fit.
You can make Dr. Whitney’s plan as simple or complicated as you want. Here is what we do:
1. At the start of the year each child sets fitness goals. They determine what they can do now with
the fitness pretest. Then they determine where they want to be by December and then June. Then
they pick a reward they want (within reason) if they meet the goal.
2. Every morning about 10:00 we take a break and do muscular strengthening exercises: sit-ups,
push-ups, etc. After they are finished they keep a record of what they have done on the muscular
strength record sheet (provided in the book). After they complete these exercises they get a snack.
If they decide to skip their exercises there is no snack. Taking this break also helps to clear their
minds and get the wiggles out so they can keep going with their school work.
3. Every Tuesday and Thursday mornings the kids walk 1/2 mile, run a mile, and walk another 1/2
mile. They time the mile run trying to beat their time. They record their times and their fitness points
on aerobic record sheet (also provided in the book).
4. They also record other exercise they have participated in during the week: soccer practice or
game, bike riding, outdoor games with the neighbor kids (basketball, capture the flag, kick ball,
etc.). For each aerobic activity they participate they earn points. The goal is to increase by 10
fitness points each week.
We don't follow the plan exactly every day, life is too crazy to be able to be that consistent. But I do
try to make an effort to remind the kids of their goals and make a priority of exercise in order to build
strong healthy habits in them while they are young. When we first started this plan, there was a lot of
grumbling and complaining, but now they look forward to taking time out of our busy schedule to
exercise. It is well worth the effort, and Dr. Whitney's plan is an excellent place to start.
Homeschool Family Fitness is a wonderful resource for the homeschool family. It is often hard to fit
fitness activities in the already busy homeschool day. Dr. Bruce Whitney has made this doable and
fun. He states in the preface of his book, “The purpose of this book is to give families the tools and
knowledge to help their children develop the desire and skills for a lifetime of physical fitness, with a
minimum of equipment and expense.” According to research over 70% of children do not
participate in enough physical activity to promote a healthy cardio-respiratory system. Most kids do
not even come close to meeting the minimum fitness levels. Test your kids. We did, and it wasn’t
pretty. None of my kids could do even one sit-up! After following this plan for almost two years my
kids are amazed at the progress they have made. Seeing the improvement motivates them to set
higher goals and become more physically fit.
You can make Dr. Whitney’s plan as simple or complicated as you want. Here is what we do:
1. At the start of the year each child sets fitness goals. They determine what they can do now with
the fitness pretest. Then they determine where they want to be by December and then June. Then
they pick a reward they want (within reason) if they meet the goal.
2. Every morning about 10:00 we take a break and do muscular strengthening exercises: sit-ups,
push-ups, etc. After they are finished they keep a record of what they have done on the muscular
strength record sheet (provided in the book). After they complete these exercises they get a snack.
If they decide to skip their exercises there is no snack. Taking this break also helps to clear their
minds and get the wiggles out so they can keep going with their school work.
3. Every Tuesday and Thursday mornings the kids walk 1/2 mile, run a mile, and walk another 1/2
mile. They time the mile run trying to beat their time. They record their times and their fitness points
on aerobic record sheet (also provided in the book).
4. They also record other exercise they have participated in during the week: soccer practice or
game, bike riding, outdoor games with the neighbor kids (basketball, capture the flag, kick ball,
etc.). For each aerobic activity they participate they earn points. The goal is to increase by 10
fitness points each week.
We don't follow the plan exactly every day, life is too crazy to be able to be that consistent. But I do
try to make an effort to remind the kids of their goals and make a priority of exercise in order to build
strong healthy habits in them while they are young. When we first started this plan, there was a lot of
grumbling and complaining, but now they look forward to taking time out of our busy schedule to
exercise. It is well worth the effort, and Dr. Whitney's plan is an excellent place to start.
Just 25 Days 'Til Christmas
This isn't a homeschool curriculum but I wanted to share it with you and your family. It has been a
wonderful addition to our family's advent traditions over the last 11 years. Rebecca Bauer packs this
book full of all you need to make Christmas memorable for your family. She includes a count down
to Christmas, which makes this book so exciting for the whole family. Rebecca includes daily
advice on Christmas planning. The heart of this book includes insights and lessons from scripture for
each day of the month of December. I heartily recommend this book to you because of the way it
focuses all of the Christmas planning on the love that God showed when he sent his son to come to
this earth to be born a man and to die a Savior.
This is how our family has incorporated this book into our Christmas traditions over the years:
1. Starting the first day of December we use the book as a guide to our family worship. Each date
in December Rebecca provides a devotional and a Christmas carol. Each night our family listens as
my husband reads the devotional. Then we sing as our girls lead the Christmas carol on their violins.
Afterwards the kids place the nativity figure on the Advent Calendar and choose a piece of candy
to eat.
2. Each Sunday of Advent we light 5 candles. The Prophecy Candle, The Bethlehem Candle, The
Angel's Candle, The Shepherd's Candle, and on Christmas morning the Christ Candle. Rebecca
provides Bible readings to go along with the lighting of the candles and a devotional reading as well.
Our kids take turns lighting the candles, reading the scriptures and my husband reads the devotional.
On Christmas morning we light the last candle and read the Christmas story before they open
presents. The first couple of times we did this the kids were frustrated by the delay in opening
presents, but now they look forward to the tradition of lighting the candle before the gift exchange
begins.
3. I use this book as a general guide to keeping up with what needs to be done during the
Christmas season. This helps me to get the tasks I need to get done in a timely manner, so that I am
not rushing my kids or staying up way to late. This helps to cut down on the grumpies and
encourage great memory making.
I hope if you chose to add this book to your Christmas celebrations, you will be as blessed and find
it to be as memorable as our family has.
This isn't a homeschool curriculum but I wanted to share it with you and your family. It has been a
wonderful addition to our family's advent traditions over the last 11 years. Rebecca Bauer packs this
book full of all you need to make Christmas memorable for your family. She includes a count down
to Christmas, which makes this book so exciting for the whole family. Rebecca includes daily
advice on Christmas planning. The heart of this book includes insights and lessons from scripture for
each day of the month of December. I heartily recommend this book to you because of the way it
focuses all of the Christmas planning on the love that God showed when he sent his son to come to
this earth to be born a man and to die a Savior.
This is how our family has incorporated this book into our Christmas traditions over the years:
1. Starting the first day of December we use the book as a guide to our family worship. Each date
in December Rebecca provides a devotional and a Christmas carol. Each night our family listens as
my husband reads the devotional. Then we sing as our girls lead the Christmas carol on their violins.
Afterwards the kids place the nativity figure on the Advent Calendar and choose a piece of candy
to eat.
2. Each Sunday of Advent we light 5 candles. The Prophecy Candle, The Bethlehem Candle, The
Angel's Candle, The Shepherd's Candle, and on Christmas morning the Christ Candle. Rebecca
provides Bible readings to go along with the lighting of the candles and a devotional reading as well.
Our kids take turns lighting the candles, reading the scriptures and my husband reads the devotional.
On Christmas morning we light the last candle and read the Christmas story before they open
presents. The first couple of times we did this the kids were frustrated by the delay in opening
presents, but now they look forward to the tradition of lighting the candle before the gift exchange
begins.
3. I use this book as a general guide to keeping up with what needs to be done during the
Christmas season. This helps me to get the tasks I need to get done in a timely manner, so that I am
not rushing my kids or staying up way to late. This helps to cut down on the grumpies and
encourage great memory making.
I hope if you chose to add this book to your Christmas celebrations, you will be as blessed and find
it to be as memorable as our family has.
Curriculum Spotlight/ Book Review
Once a Month Cooking
If you are looking for ways to provide economic, healthy, well balanced meals for your family with
only a few minutes time to prepare each day, this is the book for you. Mimi Wilson and Mary-Beth
Lagerborg lay out a variety of cooking plans for you to follow. You can choose to cook for two or
four weeks at a time. They give you a list of ingredients to purchase, and a preparation guide to
help you prepare the ingredients prior to making the meals. For example, you will be instructed to
peal and slice 3 onions, grate 2 pounds of mozzarella cheese, cook 4 pounds of chicken, etc. You
may choose to do the shopping and the preparation one day and the meal making the following day
or choose to do all the preparations and cooking in one day. Once you have all the ingredients
ready, making each meal is just a matter of combining ingredients.
I have used this book periodically over the last 8 years. During this time I have adapted my recipes
to fit into their plan. If my family doesn't like a particular recipe I alter the ingredients somewhat to
our family’s liking. I have also added some of my own freezer friendly recipes. The last several
times I have used this book, I have doubled or tripled the recipes. So, instead of making one
lasagna, I make two. Instead of one batch of spaghetti sauce I actually make four or five (we have
spaghetti every Sunday after church). It doesn't take much more time to put together two recipes
and you will end up with double the meals you can put in your freezer.
Once your freezer is stocked with main dishes, meal planning is easy. Each evening after you clean
up your dinner dishes, get into the habit of placing your next night's meal in the refrigerator. At dinner
time the next day, heat up the main dish and prepare side dishes for a balanced meal. Since you line
each of the dishes with freezer-grade aluminum foil, the clean up is easy too...just remove the
aluminum foil and effortlessly clean the pan.
I highly recommend this book to any homeschool family. With all the time we spend educating,
doing projects, and running from one activity to the next, it is nice to have all the meal planning done
ahead of time. Happy cooking!
If you are looking for ways to provide economic, healthy, well balanced meals for your family with
only a few minutes time to prepare each day, this is the book for you. Mimi Wilson and Mary-Beth
Lagerborg lay out a variety of cooking plans for you to follow. You can choose to cook for two or
four weeks at a time. They give you a list of ingredients to purchase, and a preparation guide to
help you prepare the ingredients prior to making the meals. For example, you will be instructed to
peal and slice 3 onions, grate 2 pounds of mozzarella cheese, cook 4 pounds of chicken, etc. You
may choose to do the shopping and the preparation one day and the meal making the following day
or choose to do all the preparations and cooking in one day. Once you have all the ingredients
ready, making each meal is just a matter of combining ingredients.
I have used this book periodically over the last 8 years. During this time I have adapted my recipes
to fit into their plan. If my family doesn't like a particular recipe I alter the ingredients somewhat to
our family’s liking. I have also added some of my own freezer friendly recipes. The last several
times I have used this book, I have doubled or tripled the recipes. So, instead of making one
lasagna, I make two. Instead of one batch of spaghetti sauce I actually make four or five (we have
spaghetti every Sunday after church). It doesn't take much more time to put together two recipes
and you will end up with double the meals you can put in your freezer.
Once your freezer is stocked with main dishes, meal planning is easy. Each evening after you clean
up your dinner dishes, get into the habit of placing your next night's meal in the refrigerator. At dinner
time the next day, heat up the main dish and prepare side dishes for a balanced meal. Since you line
each of the dishes with freezer-grade aluminum foil, the clean up is easy too...just remove the
aluminum foil and effortlessly clean the pan.
I highly recommend this book to any homeschool family. With all the time we spend educating,
doing projects, and running from one activity to the next, it is nice to have all the meal planning done
ahead of time. Happy cooking!
History Correlated Copybooks by Julie Shields
I am excited to share with you a new resource available to classical homeschoolers: History
Correlated Copybooks, by Julie Shields. During her ten years of homeschooling, Julie has
made copywork sheets for her kids. When she noted a lack of history related copybooks, she
decided to compile some of her own. Here is Julie's description:
These copybooks are designed to give your children copywork that relates to their history and
literature curricula. Copywork has many benefits, including handwriting practice, practice with
punctuation and sentence construction, and exposure to well-crafted poetry and prose. These
books give an added benefit of reinforcing the topics you are already studying, as well as providing
additional insights into the people and cultures of the various time periods, with Scripture, stories,
proverbs, and laws and other primary sources.
Published in a consumable, workbook format, the history copybooks have formatted lines for ease
of use. The Ancient and Medieval Copybooks use a cursive font, designed for grades 3-6. They
are available in Getty-Dubay Italics, Zaner-Bloser, and Handwriting Without Tears fonts. There is
also a version published in manuscript fonts for children in grades 1-3 who are not yet comfortable
with cursive script. They are entitled "My First Ancient Copybook", and "My Medieval Copybook".
If you would like to preview my copybooks, visit www.Lulu.com and type my name into the search
box. For more information, you can visit my blog at www.classicallyminded.blogspot.com. I
welcome any comments or suggestions for improvement.
Thank you,
Julie Shields
Julie is a homeschool mother of five children, ages 13 to 2. After teaching music, chorus, reading, Bible
and French in both public and Christian schools for 7 years, Julie got married and began having a family.
She has been homeschooling her children for over ten years.
I am excited to share with you a new resource available to classical homeschoolers: History
Correlated Copybooks, by Julie Shields. During her ten years of homeschooling, Julie has
made copywork sheets for her kids. When she noted a lack of history related copybooks, she
decided to compile some of her own. Here is Julie's description:
These copybooks are designed to give your children copywork that relates to their history and
literature curricula. Copywork has many benefits, including handwriting practice, practice with
punctuation and sentence construction, and exposure to well-crafted poetry and prose. These
books give an added benefit of reinforcing the topics you are already studying, as well as providing
additional insights into the people and cultures of the various time periods, with Scripture, stories,
proverbs, and laws and other primary sources.
Published in a consumable, workbook format, the history copybooks have formatted lines for ease
of use. The Ancient and Medieval Copybooks use a cursive font, designed for grades 3-6. They
are available in Getty-Dubay Italics, Zaner-Bloser, and Handwriting Without Tears fonts. There is
also a version published in manuscript fonts for children in grades 1-3 who are not yet comfortable
with cursive script. They are entitled "My First Ancient Copybook", and "My Medieval Copybook".
If you would like to preview my copybooks, visit www.Lulu.com and type my name into the search
box. For more information, you can visit my blog at www.classicallyminded.blogspot.com. I
welcome any comments or suggestions for improvement.
Thank you,
Julie Shields
Julie is a homeschool mother of five children, ages 13 to 2. After teaching music, chorus, reading, Bible
and French in both public and Christian schools for 7 years, Julie got married and began having a family.
She has been homeschooling her children for over ten years.
The Science of Sound by Sandra Williams
We are excited to announce a new division of Easy Classical: Easy Classical Press! We have opened this
division of Easy Classical to provide families with quality, colorful, interesting books geared toward
elementary age students. Our first science book is called The Science of Sound. Click on the link to
search inside the book. Easy Classical Science endeavors to provide families with an easy way to teach
science within the Classical framework. Books with colorful pictures present students with complex
science concepts in an easy to understand format. The Science of Sound is one of the books used in the
Easy Classical Physics Schedule, which should be available for purchase late June 2008.
Plans are in the works to publish a Classically based art curriculum using art history as a guide to teaching
art. Robbie Quinn, a professor of art at East Carolina University, has agreed to help with this project.
More details to come...
We have other exciting additions planned for Easy Classical press! Watch your email box for future
newsletters with all the details.
We are excited to announce a new division of Easy Classical: Easy Classical Press! We have opened this
division of Easy Classical to provide families with quality, colorful, interesting books geared toward
elementary age students. Our first science book is called The Science of Sound. Click on the link to
search inside the book. Easy Classical Science endeavors to provide families with an easy way to teach
science within the Classical framework. Books with colorful pictures present students with complex
science concepts in an easy to understand format. The Science of Sound is one of the books used in the
Easy Classical Physics Schedule, which should be available for purchase late June 2008.
Plans are in the works to publish a Classically based art curriculum using art history as a guide to teaching
art. Robbie Quinn, a professor of art at East Carolina University, has agreed to help with this project.
More details to come...
We have other exciting additions planned for Easy Classical press! Watch your email box for future
newsletters with all the details.
Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
A well used quote by Dave Ramsey sums up the American way of life: “We buy things we don’t
need with money we don’t have to impress people we don’t like.” I bet you can think of at least
one thing you bought in the last year that was motivated by a desire to impress someone you aren’t
close friends with and truth be told, you don’t really like. Was it an article of clothing, a piece of
furniture, a car, maybe a house. Why do we do this? Why are we motivated to impress the people
around us with stuff we don’t need? We take out car loans, equity lines and mortgages to finance
our desire to impress the folks around us. Do they care? Does it make them like us more? Or
does it make them envy us or even hate us? One result is sure, we get swamped with debt, which
increases our anxiety and takes away our peace.
One way to avoid this trap is to determine not to buy things using credit. If you are in debt or if you
want to gain a better perspective on how to save and spend your money, Dave Ramsey’s book The
Total Money Makeover can help. Here's a description of his book from his website:
Dave condenses his 17 years of financial teaching and counseling into 7 organized, easy-to-
follow steps that will lead you out of debt and into a Total Money Makeover. Plus, you’ll read
over 50 real-life stories from people just like you who have followed these principles and are
now winning with their money. It is a plan designed for everyone, regardless of income or age.
With The Total Money Makeover, you'll be able to:
Design a sure-fire plan for paying off ALL debt
Recognize the 10 most dangerous money myths
Secure a big, fat nest egg for emergencies and retirement
Positively change your life and your family tree!
Next time you are faced with a purchase, take time to think..."Do I really need this, and who am I
trying to impress anyway?" Dave's book can help you go down this path with ease.
A well used quote by Dave Ramsey sums up the American way of life: “We buy things we don’t
need with money we don’t have to impress people we don’t like.” I bet you can think of at least
one thing you bought in the last year that was motivated by a desire to impress someone you aren’t
close friends with and truth be told, you don’t really like. Was it an article of clothing, a piece of
furniture, a car, maybe a house. Why do we do this? Why are we motivated to impress the people
around us with stuff we don’t need? We take out car loans, equity lines and mortgages to finance
our desire to impress the folks around us. Do they care? Does it make them like us more? Or
does it make them envy us or even hate us? One result is sure, we get swamped with debt, which
increases our anxiety and takes away our peace.
One way to avoid this trap is to determine not to buy things using credit. If you are in debt or if you
want to gain a better perspective on how to save and spend your money, Dave Ramsey’s book The
Total Money Makeover can help. Here's a description of his book from his website:
Dave condenses his 17 years of financial teaching and counseling into 7 organized, easy-to-
follow steps that will lead you out of debt and into a Total Money Makeover. Plus, you’ll read
over 50 real-life stories from people just like you who have followed these principles and are
now winning with their money. It is a plan designed for everyone, regardless of income or age.
With The Total Money Makeover, you'll be able to:
Design a sure-fire plan for paying off ALL debt
Recognize the 10 most dangerous money myths
Secure a big, fat nest egg for emergencies and retirement
Positively change your life and your family tree!
Next time you are faced with a purchase, take time to think..."Do I really need this, and who am I
trying to impress anyway?" Dave's book can help you go down this path with ease.
Teaching Essential Truths of the Christian Faith
Have you ever started to help your kids memorize the catechism only to give up a few weeks
later because they are having trouble grasping the concepts they are memorizing and because you
are having trouble teaching them at their level? Well, there is help out there. Susan Hunt and Starr
Meade have taken the time to break down those hard to understand concepts with explanations and
examples that make them more easy to understand.
Susan Hunt’s book, Big Truths for Little Kids, is geared toward preschool and early
elementary aged students. Each lesson includes 3 or 4 questions from the “Catechism for Young
Children.” Susan Hunt uses engaging stories to explain the difficult concepts of the catechism.
Cassie and Caleb are the main characters who get into all sorts of situations that prove great
teaching ground for their parents to explain the truths of scripture. After the story is read, and the
kids have a better understanding of what the catechism is trying to teach, it is easier for them to
memorize the questions and answers.
Starr Mead’s book Training Hearts, Teaching Minds is an excellent resource for the older
elementary and even middle school students. Each week one question from the "Westminster
Shorter Catechism" is explored. Starr Mead takes the time to break the concepts of the question
and answer down into easy to understand chunks. It is laid out in the format of a daily devotional so
each catechism question is explored a little deeper every day during the week. Our family has had
many lively discussions over the truths of scripture using this devotional. It has brought to light a lot
of the heart issues that we all struggle with as growing Christians.
I would heartily recommend both of these books! They have both been a big hit in our family.
Have you ever started to help your kids memorize the catechism only to give up a few weeks
later because they are having trouble grasping the concepts they are memorizing and because you
are having trouble teaching them at their level? Well, there is help out there. Susan Hunt and Starr
Meade have taken the time to break down those hard to understand concepts with explanations and
examples that make them more easy to understand.
Susan Hunt’s book, Big Truths for Little Kids, is geared toward preschool and early
elementary aged students. Each lesson includes 3 or 4 questions from the “Catechism for Young
Children.” Susan Hunt uses engaging stories to explain the difficult concepts of the catechism.
Cassie and Caleb are the main characters who get into all sorts of situations that prove great
teaching ground for their parents to explain the truths of scripture. After the story is read, and the
kids have a better understanding of what the catechism is trying to teach, it is easier for them to
memorize the questions and answers.
Starr Mead’s book Training Hearts, Teaching Minds is an excellent resource for the older
elementary and even middle school students. Each week one question from the "Westminster
Shorter Catechism" is explored. Starr Mead takes the time to break the concepts of the question
and answer down into easy to understand chunks. It is laid out in the format of a daily devotional so
each catechism question is explored a little deeper every day during the week. Our family has had
many lively discussions over the truths of scripture using this devotional. It has brought to light a lot
of the heart issues that we all struggle with as growing Christians.
I would heartily recommend both of these books! They have both been a big hit in our family.
Duke TIP
Many classically homeschooled students score well on standardized tests. Some score so well
their parents suspect they might be academically gifted. They begin to wonder about the
opportunities available to homeschooled students. Good News! Many of the talent search
programs across the nation are very welcoming to homeshooling families.
If your child's 4th or 5th grade standardized tests scores fall in the 95th percentile or higher in
any section of the test he is eligible to participate in Duke TIP (Talent Identification Program). Duke
TIP offers a 4th/5th Grade Talent Search and a 7th Grade Talent search. These talent searches help
gifted students and their families find out how advanced the students' abilities truly are. Duke TIP
offers two talent searches: one for students in fourth and fifth grades and another for students in
seventh grade. The 4th/5th Grade Talent Search gives students the opportunity to take the
EXPLORE test for eighth graders; while the seventh graders get to experience the ACT or SAT
college entrance exam. Taking the SAT or ACT in seventh grade gives students a chance to
practice and become familiar with the exams that play a major role in college admissions. Similar
programs for students in the other states not covered in the Duke TIP program are: Rocky
Mountain Academic Talent Search, Northwestern University Midwest Academic Talent Search,
and the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth. These programs also offer the early testing
opportunities as well as summer classes and supplemental classes to enhance the child's curriculum
during the school year.
If you suspect your child is academically gifted, it might be time to give one of these talent
searches a try. Take the time to look through the websites explaining all the benefits available to you
if you join.
Many classically homeschooled students score well on standardized tests. Some score so well
their parents suspect they might be academically gifted. They begin to wonder about the
opportunities available to homeschooled students. Good News! Many of the talent search
programs across the nation are very welcoming to homeshooling families.
If your child's 4th or 5th grade standardized tests scores fall in the 95th percentile or higher in
any section of the test he is eligible to participate in Duke TIP (Talent Identification Program). Duke
TIP offers a 4th/5th Grade Talent Search and a 7th Grade Talent search. These talent searches help
gifted students and their families find out how advanced the students' abilities truly are. Duke TIP
offers two talent searches: one for students in fourth and fifth grades and another for students in
seventh grade. The 4th/5th Grade Talent Search gives students the opportunity to take the
EXPLORE test for eighth graders; while the seventh graders get to experience the ACT or SAT
college entrance exam. Taking the SAT or ACT in seventh grade gives students a chance to
practice and become familiar with the exams that play a major role in college admissions. Similar
programs for students in the other states not covered in the Duke TIP program are: Rocky
Mountain Academic Talent Search, Northwestern University Midwest Academic Talent Search,
and the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth. These programs also offer the early testing
opportunities as well as summer classes and supplemental classes to enhance the child's curriculum
during the school year.
If you suspect your child is academically gifted, it might be time to give one of these talent
searches a try. Take the time to look through the websites explaining all the benefits available to you
if you join.