It’s the dawn of the new school year, so kids are still (mostly) eager to crawl out of bed, get out the door at a decent time, and get homework done by a reasonable hour. The paper is still on the pointed crayons, and there’s not too much doodling on the folders… yet.

Kids are getting to know their teachers, learn the ropes of a new classroom, and are hopefully making some friends. Feelings about a whole new school year are still mostly positive, in other words.

This is a great time to ask yourself, as a parent, what your goals are in your children’s academics. Is it to do well in school? Or is it to get an education?

There’s a fine line that separates those two objectives, in my opinion.
[Read more...]

I’m on maternity leave from June 11 to July 16: The following is a guest post from Simple Homeschool editor Jamie Martin of Steady Mom.

Often as parents we get consumed by the details of our days–life speeds past while we try to catch up and just keep everyone fed, clothed, and healthy. Sometimes the rush of our busy routines leaves little time leftover to contemplate and discuss life’s important issues with our children.

When, exactly, are we supposed to find the time or the words to talk about meaningful topics like injustice, simplicity, death, or faithfulness?

Thankfully we can walk into any library and have abundant assistance to tackle life lessons with our little ones. All we have to do is open a book, enjoy it together, and let a natural discussion unfold.

Check out these ten titles to get you started. [Read more...]

Today I’m over at Simple Homeschool, where I’m sharing why I love my daughter’s current preschool curriculum, Five in a Row.  It’s a literature-based style of learning, where we explore the world from all different angles using the same book five days in a row.  From my post:

“I never liked math in school because I never really understood the point. While FIAR doesn’t teach core math skills (you would need to supplement that, if it’s needed), it reveals the application of traditional subjects to real life.

So when we read Madeline, we spent a day talking about counting by twos and symmetry. In How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World, my daughter was introduced to the concept of fractions and their use in cooking.

For science, we discussed why a lemon would make the townspeople’s lips pucker in Lentil. We explored the ocean world in Night of the Moonjellies.

And don’t get me started on geography and history — in one school year, we traveled to Paris, China, Italy, New England, small town America, Japan, and myriad time periods.”

Head over there today and join me in the discussion!

Photo from stock.xchng

I love children’s literature, particularly the quality stuff. I’ve mentioned some of my favorites before, and recently the readers of Simple Kids compiled a great list of their favorite books.

Here are just a few reasons why I’m so passionate about good kiddie lit:

• There’s a lot of bad stuff out there. Charlotte Mason called it twaddle, and you usually know it when you see it. It’s books that talk down to your kids, or offer no room for imagination, or push a particular agenda, or are even simply a disguise for product placement.

• Early reading sets the foundation for a love relationship with books, and can foster a healthy spirit as a lifelong learner.

• There’s something about quality children’s literature that sets it apart as a work of art – the creatively crafted illustrations, the brilliant word choice, the magical plots invented by brilliant minds. Good children’s literature should pass the test of adults and kids alike.

The thing is, there’s so much out there — good and bad. It’s hard to separate the wheat from the chaff, even with helpful reading lists. As I grow in my knowledge of the world of children’s literature, I’ve found a trend in quality authors. There are certain authors that repeatedly publish great work after great work.

It’s impossible to list every great children’s author out there — but here’s a start. These are some of our family’s favorite early childhood authors. You can’t go wrong with these writers for the young crowd.

1. Eric Carle

Why he’s great: Probably known best for his colorful illustrations, he’s a great writer with simple story lines, usually involving animals (which most kids love). Carle’s books appeal to babies and preschoolers alike — both my kids enjoy his stuff. His books usually have a unique set up, such as holes in the pages or smaller pages leading to bigger ones.

Some of his best: The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Very Quiet Cricket, The Grouchy Ladybug

2. Kevin Henkes

Why he’s great: He’s one of the better modern-day authors, with lovable characters who go through many of the same day-to-day situations as our children.

Some of his best: Owen, Jessica, and Wemberly Worried

3. Steven Kellogg

Why he’s great: His over-the-top plots and delightful illustrations are a joy to read out loud, and they interest a wide age range of kids (and adults).

Some of his best: The Mysterious Tadpole, Pecos Bill, The Day Jimmy’s Boa Ate the Wash

4. Ruth Krauss

Why she’s great: Her stories are simple but charming. They’re to the point, and the vocabulary is outstanding. Great word choice. Many of her books are illustrated by greats like Maurice Sendak (Where the Wild Things Are) and Crocket Johnson (Harold and the Purple Crayon).

Some of his best: A Hole Is to Dig, I’ll Be You and You Be Me, The Carrot Seed

5. Arnold Lobel

Why he’s great: He creates hilarious characters who interact in clever dialogue. His illustrations are beautiful, too.

Some of his best: All the Frog and Toad books, Owl at Home, Mouse Soup, Fables

6. Robert McCloskey

Why he’s great: His illustrations are quality of the vintage sort, with sweet faces and detailed scenery. He doesn’t talk down to children, and his story lines are simple but engaging.

Some of his best: Blueberries for Sal (quite possibly my all-time favorite early children’s book), Lentil, Make Way for Ducklings, One Morning in Maine

7. Beatrix Potter

Why she’s great: She remains the best-selling children’s author of all time. Beatrix Potter’s books are chock full of great vocabulary, and her narrative style is heart-warming and funny. Great characters, too. And beautiful illustrations.

Some of her best: The Tale of Peter Rabbit, The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck, The Tale of Benjamin Bunny

8. Margret and H.A. Rey

Why they’re great: As a married couple with a fascinating story of adventure in their own life, the Reys created one of the most well-loved characters in children’s literature. They’ve created other wonderful characters as well, and a simple voice and universally-appealing plots make most of their works a classic.

Some of they’re best: All seven of the original Curious George books (many were written later with the same character, but they weren’t penned by the original authors — and they’re not as good), Katy No-Pocket, Billy’s Picture, Whiteblack the Penguin Sees the World

9. E.B. White

Why he’s great: He writes wonderful characters, and he has great word choice. His verbosity is descriptive, and his style softens your heart towards the meanest of his characters.

Some of his best: Charlotte’s Web, Stuart Little, The Trumpet of the Swan

10. Margaret Wise Brown

Why she’s great: You’re not allowed to have a list of great children’s book authors and not include her. More for the very young crowd, Margaret Wise Brown’s words rhythmically lead the reader on a comforting journey without dumbing down from poor word choice. A classic.

Some of her best: Goodnight Moon, The Runaway Bunny, Seven Little Postmen, Big Red Barn

There are also many good writers who’ve crafted a whole stream of books based on one character they created: Ian Falconer with Olivia, Russell and Lillian Hoban with Frances, Eric Hill with Spot, and Bernard Waber with Lyle the Crocodile, just to name a few.

I’ve also intentionally left off good writers that typically write for the older child, such as Beverly Cleary, C.S. Lewis, Madeleine L’Engle, and Laura Ingalls Wilder. This isn’t to say that preschoolers couldn’t enjoy their works, however. There are many people who’ve cherished The Chronicles of Narnia since before they could read on their own, thanks to audio books and family read-aloud time.

Good Literature Resources

Audible Kids has an enormous selection of good children’s books. This is a lifesaver for those times when you don’t want your kids plopped in front of the TV, yet you don’t have time to read to them one-on-one. It shouldn’t substitute daily reading with them, but it’s a good additional supplement. Lately, my four-year-old has been listening to The Complete Works of Beatrix Potter during her quiet times. Next up is Wind in the Willows.

Guest poster Sara wrote a wonderful resource of 30 good ideas to instill early literacy — be sure to look through her list of ideas.

One of my favorite guidebooks is Honey for a Child’s Heart.
I’ve used this book many times to make our library selections, and the author, Gladys Hunt, also has a blog.

Ambleside Online provides a comprehensive list of twaddle-free books by age and grade. This is meant for the Charlotte Mason homeschool method, but you can use it for free reading as well.

There are many I didn’t have room to list. What are your family’s favorite children’s authors?

Photo by Allison Jennings

Music education has molded many kids into successful adults, even if their success has come from a vein of society having no relation to music.

Public schools are having to fight to keep music and the arts funded adequately in order for the students to thrive, and I think this is a shame. The point of this post is not to bash the decline of musical instruction.  But I think it’s imperative that we encourage our children to absorb music in the many outlets of their lives. The intelligence required to write classical music is obvious, regardless of whether you know what the musical notation “says” – the benefits of early music education is widely documented.

So how do you teach a love of music?

I was blessed with parents who love music, and they are whistling, singing, or enjoying music all the time. If their house is devoid of tunes, then there’s no one home.

Don’t let your kids escape the influence of music. Yes, you can teach the chord progressions of all types of music in their respective major, minor, and diminished scales. You cannot, however, teach how to feel music.  So as a music-loving mom to small children, I figure if I fill my kids’ life with music now, it will remain—and down the road, they can learn how to interpret and feel it all their own.

There’s instruction – but what about music improvisation?

Music improvisation is highly regarded, but how do you teach improvisation to your kids? That’s like teaching a mother how to… mother.  No matter how many you read, the birth books can’t prepare you and your spouse for the 48-days-of-no-sleep-and-I-still-have-to-function feeling.

How did Ella Fitzgerald feel during Blue Skies, or how about George Gershwin while making Rhapsody in Blue?   How do you define the likes of Otis Redding or Paul McCartney?  You can’t .

The common thread of all those above is a musical foundation that had been injected into all their hearts.  Instinct and emotion were given the reins musically.

My children are young. I have an opportunity to enhance their musical knowledge with an array of instruments in-house, but for now, I won’t force them to read music. I will try (my darndest) to teach them music as long as they enjoy it.   But the minute they’re not obviously enjoying it, I will resume my role as the mom that sings while she cooks and cleans.   After all, Sir Paul McCartney doesn’t read music, and he’s allowed music into his life, eh?

I have heard that the acquisition of a foreign language allows for a more seamless life.   Music is a language, and it’s one of the most malleable, expressive, forgiving and universal of all communication. Give your kids the tools to learn this language.

Create a musical environment at home

Photo by Rolands Lakis

Regardless of your personal music ability, make the craft accessible to your kids. Look on craigslist, or look up a local music store. Many places offer reasonable rates for instrument rental if you don’t want to commit to an outright purchase.  Go to garage sales and see what musical treasures you can find.

If you don’t know an instrument, there are plenty of resources to learn while you teach. Google it.  I learned how to play the ukulele from just a few web searches and an eBay purchase.  Sit down with your kids and pick out an instrument, and give them a full range of choices.

Even if you can’t carry a tune with a forklift, one of our jobs as parents is to provide opportunities to explore and develop natural gifts – regardless of the subject matter.   If you never swing the hammer, it’s impossible to hit the nail on the head.

If you have infants, or children that are a bit too young to take on an instrument, Musical Squash has a great article about an incredible series from Rockabye Baby! Records. They produce instrumental arrangements from a wide genre of popular bands. Your favorite songs, suitable for their nap. Really.

To save you time if you’d like to explore more options, I’ve compiled a list of many products in the Simple Kids Shop.  Use the Audio/Music category as a quick database for your kids’ music.

What role does music play in your family?