Classical Christian Homeschool Reading List for Parents

I have been reading Douglas Wilson over the last week or so, and found a list in the back of Classical Education and the Homeschool. It is a list of recommended literature that should be included in every Classical Christian curriculum. The list is divided into sections: Ancient Texts, Early Christian and Medieval Texts, Modern Texts, On Education, On Literature and Reading, On Logic, On Rhetoric and On Worldview Thinking. I have always loved books but I have to admit, the list is intimidating. Daunting, even. However, I have decided to give it a try. After all, how can I teach it if I've never really studied it. And so I embark on a classical book study.
Some of the lovely women that I have the joy of sharing homeschooling with will be joining me on this adventure.
We will choose a book from the list, read/study it, and share our observations and thoughts. I hope to share all of these book studies on this blog.
Our first selection comes from the Early Christian and Medieval Texts: Confessions by Augustine.

Observations from Laurel View

Outdoor Hour Nature Challenge #1

We didn't have to walk very far for this one. Literally, right outside the front door!

The girls became quickly attached to the shy little fellow. "Look Mommy, he's hiding, isn't he cute..can we keep him?"

We brought the little guy inside in a large plastic container and let him spend the night. Of course, we released him the next morning. Our little friend has returned to a puddle in the yard several times since this first sighting. At least we think it was him...

Full Day

Week 4 day 1.

Let's see, what did we do today?

1. Genesis through Deuteronomy and Ancient Egypt. God promises Sarah a Baby with narration. Big sister is getting pretty good at narration. Entered Sarah into our book of centuries.
2. Character studies- Started "Creative" (Attentiveness week 2, Faithfulness week 3)
3. Goldfish Subtraction file folder game (from Homeschool Share, I think)
4. Math (Horizons 2) Lesson 13
5. Five food groups...in a file folder, I included grocery store sale papers, scissors, glue, a copy of "My pyramid" (free from the USDA) She cut and pasted representative foods from each food group. (She enjoyed this one)
6. Latitude and Longitude...Labeling the Oceans activity ( Enchanted learning)
7. Draw, Write Now..her choice
8. Language Lesson #62- Aesop's Fable- The Pitcher and the Crow- with narration, and we discussed homophones.
9. Spelling test-
10. Journal writing
11. Leveled reading lesson
12. Short and long vowel rules review
13. Reading- Big sister is reading "The End of the Beginning"- Avi.
14. Vocabulary: parched, dismay, displacement, moral, perseverance
15. Nature walk through Aldridge Gardens. Fed the turtles, ducks and huge catfish. We walked the .50 mile trail around the lake. I carried baby boy in a backpack. The girls were like hummingbirds...flitting around from this to that.. chattering and talking.....I am challenged with their short attention spans , boundless energy and inability to just be quiet and listen. Perhaps we should work on that habit in the coming weeks. Oh! I almost forgot. As we were leaving for the outing I spied (and brought to the attention of the kids) a lovely Praying Mantis on the mailbox. I ran back into the house for the camera. How fun..

It has been a good day. Thank You God for he beautiful things that I was able to share with my little ones today.

Entering Week Four

Sunday is slmost over. All the little ones are sleeping and a very difficult day at the hospital is behind me. I do not have to think about being a nurse again until Saturday. Now, I put on my teacher hat.
We are entering week four. We are back in Genesis, again. I love it, but I feel like I have been wandering in the desert for 40 years. I purchased the Genesis through Deuteronomy and Ancient Egypt book from SCM and that is what we have been using to guide us through our Bible Study and Ancient History. Although we covered Ancient Egypt last year, I decided to start over in Genesis. I just didn't feel like we made the connection between Ancient History and the bible. We have also been more diligent with our Book of Centuries. A few things are starting to overlap. I love making that connection with the girls when they see that two very different things can be happening worlds apart at the same time. Anyway, the children do not seem to mind. They love knowing the answers to all the questions, because they have heard it so many times. Character studies are new for us this year, at least in such an organized manner. We are considering one character trait per week for the girls and pondering what character traits our important people in Genesis possess.


It is going to be a fabulous year, if I can maintain my sanity!!