Catholic Homeschool Support

(I received this email and wanted to pass it along)

For those with kids who love Tolkien and historical fiction — Nathan Sadasivan has just published the first part of his trilogy, “Crown of the World”! He was only 15 when he began writing it and it is an amazing novel. Here is what reviewers have to say:

“Masterful swordplay, powerfully intense battles, deceit and treachery, and the emergence of the saintly Baldwin IV, young Mr. Sadasivan has woven a vivid and enthralling tale of a forgotten Catholic kingdom… and has this reader awaiting Book Two of the Trilogy with great anticipation.” — Scott Jones, Our Lady of Victory Traditional Catholic Homeschooling

“Nathan Sadasivan has a rare, raw talent and Crown of the World is a rip-roaring success. A saga of Christendom told with a breadth of historical knowledge and a depth of empathy and understanding, this novel transports us to a time of turbulence and faith. A work of such accomplishment from a writer of such youth is simply astonishing. I hope and pray that this is the first of many more to follow.” — Professor Joseph Pearce, Ave Maria University, author of ‘The Quest for Shakespeare’

Someone posted this nifty link, familyfriendlyjury.org – it’s a compilation by state of the laws pertaining to exceptions from jury duty when homeschooling or the care of young children is involved.

I am at a point where if called for jury duty, I could attend. But, when we first moved to the state, I was called up. I had 3 children under 4 and my husband had started a new job with no vacation. The summons office told me to put my kids in day care and show up. Fortunately, someone in the office took pity and deferred me.

Memoria Press has a novel idea – online Latin camps in the summer. Fortunately, they begin in late June so kids do get some time off. What a fantastic idea to get up to speed – they offer a Latin camp for those planning on going into Latina Christiana I and another for going into Henle II. I do wish they would offer a course for the intermediate.

What is novel is that they offer two Latin teacher training programs over the summer. The first one is for Latina Christiana. I would expect it to be a terrific benefit to homeschool moms who are concerned about teaching Latin. The second is of particular interest to me – it is a teacher training program for First Forms.

We are going to switch from Latina Christiana II to First Forms I this year as it has more worksheets and drill work built in directly to the program.

Hands down, Bethlehem Books has to be my favorite publisher. When I visit their booth at our local Catholic homeschool convention, I could browse for a couple of hours trying to whittle down my WTB (want to buy) list. So, I had to pass on the website and this fanastic sale:

Save 25% on your total order during June. During checkout on our web site at www.bethlehembooks.com enter code June1 and click the submit code button. No other discounts apply, including the discounted book series prices.

In email messages, I have passed online this tried and true free, online typing program – BBC Dance Mat Typing Program. It is a well done program and appealing to the younger crowd. The problem is that it does not remember the lesson or scores you have achieved. The upside of course is you cannot lose the disk.

Tonight, I stumbed across another free program – Typing Web. Not only does it let you create a free account, so that you can keep track of your scores and your  lessons, it is also more appealing to older students.

I have not viewed all the lessons – so parents you might want to take a quick browse through. But, it seems to meet a need – and – it is free.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve always been intrigued by monastic life. For years I have heard the praises sung for:

Finally I made the purchase. All I can say is that it a wonderful deep glimpse into a cloistered Benedictine community. While it is a work of fiction, the author, Rumer Godden lived at the gates of a Benedictine community for three years.

Next on the list is:

What a treat for the summer. Please share what’s on your summer reading list.

I do not believe I am in some kind of tiny minority. I went to public school and we read and suffered through Romeo and Juliet and Julius Caesar. I was somewhat traumatized by the effort and did my best to avoid all things Shakespeare.

Fast forward some number of years with children in middle school, and I am confronted again with Shakespeare … and the dilemma … how do I introduce them to Shakespeare … and not further perpetuate the trauma?

Margot Davidson, from materetmagistra magazine offers a solution-in fact many solutions. The Spring 2009 edition is filled to the brim with all things Shakespeare. From a meaty, yet accessible article about Shakespeare, to resources, to a cornucopia of ideas, to a pull out section and book list review, you cannot fail to find something that will fit your family, from the youngest members to the oldest… And, it is not too late! I am inspired; included in the issue is a detailed description of “How to Host a Shakespeare Read-Aloud”.

I am not sure when Margot will make the issue available for individual purchase, but you can contact her through the website.

I imagine if you are internet active, you’ve seen a message or two regarding the classes that are available online this summer. I will post the information in a moment, but I wanted to give a plug for these classes. We had a wonderful priest speak to our homeschooling group several years ago. He talked about world view and the importance of understanding how a person’s world view affects what he believes, says and does. The example he gave was that while two people might have the same goal – to end poverty for example the approach they take could be radically different. One would be in line with Catholic morality and teachings and the other might not be.

With that being said, I think it is such a gift to see this endeavor flourishing and I hope as a community we are able to support these types of courses. Courses being taught by teachers who have a Catholic world view through which they offer their insights and through which they guide discussions.

Many of us were so poorly formed (God is love – 1970’s CCD classes), that we may not have our Catholic world view in place. How many of us studied history not understanding the most basic points. I remember in high school discussing Columbus and the goal of the explorers – find riches and subjugate the natives.When I was teaching my 3rd graders out of Pioneers and Patriots, I was shocked to realize that a goal that Columbus and the explorers had was also to bring Christ to all people. And, at the time, I thought I was pretty well read up on the Church – but still my formation / lack of shined through.

The rest is from Maureen Whittman:

As promised I’ve put together the information for you on the summer courses. Both of the professors have a love for the trivium and all things classical. Also, both have experience teaching at the kitchen table as well as in the ivory tower. I’ve talked to several moms whose high school children have taken their courses. Both men are loved by their homeschool students and come highly recommended.

Note that all Homeschool Connections courses are recorded and available to registered students for up to six months. So you can go back to review or if you’re going on vacation in the middle of a course and can’t get internet access where you are then you can watch the recording later. These particular courses have been designed for summer — little or no homework. All courses require high speed internet (non-dial-up).

If you want to register, just go to https://homeschoolconnections.webex.com/. Please don’t hesitate to send me questions or suggestions.

Here are the descriptions with the instructors’ bios at the end

Course Title: Beowulf and Christ
Course Description: This great mini epic will be explored as an allegory that te aches the Anglo-Saxon world how to transform pagan heroic ethos into a pattern for Christian heroism and how to re-envision blind Fate as Godly Providence. The Charles Kennedy translation is suggested. Be careful not to get a web version that cuts out the Christian elements. This is a book that lies behind J.R.R. Tolkien’s depiction of Edoras as well as the warlike virtues of Gondor. Suitable for any high school student who can read the poem and enjoy it. It is preferred that student have pre-read the poem before the first day of class. There will be no homework assigned for this course.
Instructor: Henry Russell, Ph.D.
Fee: Four-week course for $60.
Dates and Time: Classes will begin Monday, June 1, 2009 and meet every Monday through June 22, 2009. The time will begin 10:00 AM Eastern and end at 11:15 AM Eastern.
Enrollment Period: Enrollment is currently open and will close when the class is filled. (Maximum 25 students.)
Course Materials Needed by Students:  Beowulf, preferable the Kenned y translation.
Equipment requirements: Students are required to have a headset with microphone.

Course Name: The Space Trilogy of C.S. Lewis
Course Description: This is a seminar in which we will discuss the Space Trilogy of C.S. Lewis—Out of the Silent Planet, Perelandra, and That Hideous Strength. The first session will be an overview. Then we will spend two session discussing each volume. The final session will be a discussion of the entire trilogy. Juniors and seniors.
Instructor: Robert Gotcher. Ph.D.
Fee: Eight-week course for $120.
Dates and Time: Classes will begin Tuesday, June 16, 2009 and meet every Tuesday through August 4, 2009. The time will begin 11:00 AM Eastern and end at 12:30 PM Eastern.
Enrollment Period: Enrollment is currently open and will close when the class is filled. (Maximum 15 students.)
Course Materials Needed by Students: The Space Trilogy by C. S . Lewis (Out of the Silent Planet, Perelandra, and That Hideous Strength)
Equipment requirements: Because this is a discussion course, students are required to have a headset with microphone.

Course Title: Catholic Living for Young People
Course Description: In our complex and changing world, with its serious cultural challenges, how does a young person structure and organize his life so that he can grow in his relationship with the Lord? Themes covered include prayer, study, social life, recreation and entertainment, technology, and decision-making. Lecture and discussion. The student will compose a rule of life tailored to his own situation. High school.
Instructor: Robert Gotcher, Ph.D.
Fee: Eight-week course for $120.
Dates and Time: Classes will begin Friday, June 19, 2009 and meet every Friday through August 7, 2009. The time will begin 11:00 AM Eastern and end at 12:15 PM Eastern.
Enrollment Period: Enrollment is currently open and will close when the class is filled. (Maximum 25 students.)
Course Materials Needed by Students: None
Equipment requirements: A headset with microphone is preferred but not required.

Course Name: College Writing
Course Description: What are the characteristics of excellent writing in the eyes of college professors? This course will use the rhetorical arts to help turn competent writing into impressive writing. What are the essential components of an excellent piece of nonfiction writing? How does one write a compelling introduction and conclusion? How does one argue effectively for one’s position? What are important mistakes to avoid? The course will work with previous writing samples of the students, as well as composition exercises, culminating in the writing of a short argumentative essay. Juniors and seniors.
Instr uctor: Robert Gotcher, Ph.D.
Fee: Six-week course for $120.
Dates and Time: Classes will begin Monday, June 22, 2009 and meet every Monday through July 27, 2009. The time will begin 12:00 PM Eastern and end at 1:15 PM Eastern.
Enrollment Period: Enrollment is currently open and will close when the class is filled. (Maximum 20 students.)
Course Materials Needed by Students: None
Equipment requirements: A headset with microphone is preferred but not required.

Course Title: The Short Stories of J.R.R. Tolkien
Course Description: In this course we will discuss in seminar (discussion) format five short stories by J.R.R. Tolkien in light of his essay called “On Fairy Stories.” The stories are “Smith of Wooton Major,” “Farmer Giles of Ham,” “Leaf by Niggle,” “The Adventures of Tom Bombadil,” and “Roverandom.” All five stories and the essay are available in one volume, called Tales from the Perilous Realm by J. R. R. Tolkien. The assignment will be to write your own fantasy story by the end of the six weeks. High school.
It is preferred that students have read Lord of the Rings before coming to this course, but not required.
Instructor: Robert Gotcher, Ph.D.
Fee: Six-week course for $120.
Dates and Time: Classes will begin Wednesday, June 24, 2009 and meet every Wednesday through July 29, 2009. The time will begin 11:00 AM Eastern and end at 12:30 PM Eastern.
Enrollment Period: Enrollment is currently open and will close when the class is filled. (Maximum 15 students.)
Course Materials Needed by Students: Tales from the Perilous Realm by J. R. R. Tolkien
Equipment requirements: Students are required to have a headset with microphone.

Course Title: The Mass Explained
Course Description: In order to participate fully in the Mass, we need to understand it better. The Bible provides many images and ideas that are the basis for the structure and prayers of the Mass. This course looks at these Biblical ideas and explains how they are realized and fulfilled in the celebration of the Mass. Some of the images include the Trinity; temple, priest and sacrifice; the Passover and the Exodus; and the bridegroom/bride. In this course we will look closely at the prayers and structure of the Mass in light of these images and ideas. This course will not require written assignments. It will involve reading from the Bible. High school.
Instructor: Robert Gotcher, Ph.D.
Fee: Six-week course for $90.
Dates and Time: Classes will begin Thursday, June 25, 2009 and meet every Thursday through July 30, 2009. The time will begin 11:00 AM Eastern and end at 12:15 PM Eastern.
Enrollment Period: Enrollment is currently open and will close when the class is filled. (Maximum 25 students.)
Course Materials Needed by Students: A Catholic Bible
Equipment requirements: A headset with microphone is preferred but not required.

Course Title: The Catholic Shakespeare: MacBeth
Course Description: The course will explore the play on four levels: 1) What is literally happening and why that is often surprising; 2) What main Christian moral messages are being embodied in the play; 3) The Biblical references that enrich the meaning of the work; and finally, 4) How Shakespeare is presenting the challenges and duties of the Body of Christ within the Elizabethan police state. Suitable for anyone who can read the play and enjoy it. It is preferred that students have pre-read the play before the first day of class.
Instructor: Henry Russell, Ph.D.
Fee: Four-week course for $60.
Dates and Time: Classes will begin Monday, June 29, 2009 and meet every Monday through July 20, 2009. The time will begin 10:00 AM Eastern and end at 11:15 AM Eastern.
Enrollment Period: Enrollment is currently open and will close when the class is filled. (Maximum 25 students.)
Course Materials Needed by Student: MacBeth by William Shakespeare
Equipment requirements: Students are required to have a headset with microphone.

Biography, Henry Russell, Ph.D.
Dr. Henry Russell is Headmaster of the St. Augustine’s Homeschool Enrichment Program founded with his wife Crystal. The program began in Fall 2005 with 20 students in two living rooms and now tutors more than 70 students.

A graduate of Princeton and South Caroline (M.S.), Dr. Russell completed his graduate work at Louisiana State University.

Formerly the Chairman of Ave Maria College’s Department of Literature, he has also been a professor at Franciscan University of Steubenville and Wake Forest University. He is a founding faculty member of the St. Robert Southwell Creative Writing Workshop held in Mahwah, New Jersey.

Dr. Russell’s works include The Catholic Shakespeare Audio Series. He was the Associate Editor of The Formalist from 1990-2004 and his writings have been published in various journals. He was honored to edit Dr. Alice von Hildebrand’s groundbreaking volume, The Privilege of Being a Woman.

Biography, Robert Gotcher, Ph.D.
Dr. Robert F. Gotcher most recently served as Associate Professor of Systematic Studies at Sacred Heart School of Theology in Hales Corners, Wisconsin. He and his wife, Kathy, are raising their seven children in Franklin, Wisconsin. Dr. Gotcher has been actively involved in the home schooling of his children, especially in the junior high and high school years. He has taught Latin, literature, physics, astronomy, and religion to homeschooled students. He has a special devotion to the classical trivium of grammar, logic and rhetoric, especially as they pertain to the written arts.

Dr. Gotcher graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1981 with a B.A. in the Program of Liberal Studies. He received his M.A. in Theology of the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul in 1991 and his Ph.D. from Marquette University in 2002. In his adult life he has done everything from volunteering with the poor in Appalachia, to religious education and youth ministry, to desktop publishing and computer related responsibilities at a law firm. At the seminary he taught introduction to theology, the doctrine of God, one and three, theological anthropology (creation, sin, redemption, grace, four last things), life principles, and human sexuality and has given public presentations on Vatican II, the encyclicals of the pope, social justice, life issues, human sexuality and the theology of the body. His publications focus on family=2 0issues, lay spirituality and issues related to the Second Vatican Council. He is involved in the secular Franciscan order, home schooling, and pro-life activities in the Milwaukee area and nationally.

Dr. Gotcher blogs at Heart, Mind & Strength, Classic Catholic and Love2Learn.

I have reposted this from last year because I have check to ensure the the companies are still in existence and I have added another resource.  I hope you find it helpful.

• Growing With the Saints – This company provides three different programs – one based on St. Patrick, one on Saint Catherine Laboure, and the final one includes an assortment of saints. Materials for the program include story books, music CD’s, and t-shirts.

• The VBS Programs are theme based with three different themes and our creative saint materials are offered as companion materials.
• Set Sail with St. Patrick and the Holy Trinity teaches the Trinity;
• Assorted Saints and the Virtues of Faith, Hope, and Love teaches the Virtues;
• Parachute with the Angels St. Catherine Laboure teaches about Angels and the role of our Blessed Mother in Salvation History. Our VBS Programs are complete with Sacred Scripture AND Tradition and the adventurous lives of the saints.
• The programs have been very well received:
  • Mrs. Nancy Brown: Catholic VBS: Parachute with the Angels: St. Catherine Laboure
    
  • ‘Totally Catholic’ Vacation Bible School generates excitement at R.E. congress
  • Moms Evangelize with ‘Totally Catholic Vacation Bible School’

• Marvelous Mystery: The Mass Comes Alive- This program is brought to you by the familiar company of CatChat which produces terrific audio CD’s. Included in the program are leader guides, Action Song DVD, music CDs and a resource CD with all the printable items.
• Vacation Bible School 2009 is a program offered by K4J. Again, this is a program developed by Catholics and for Catholics. The starter package includes leader guides, mission books for children, audio CDs and a graphics CD for the printable items.
• It’s a Mystery series, (description is provided by CHC) – a Catholic children’s retreat. These four books are based on Catholic dogma. Our beliefs regarding the Holy Trinity, the attributes of God, Mary, and the Church are presented in discussion questions, Scripture, Tradition, games, music, and art for ages 5 to 14. The programs are not flashy and so the cost is relatively low compared to other VBS programs. In addition, the programs are flexible so that small family groups of three or larger groups may use the activities. The It’s a Mystery series–The Holy Trinity, The Perfect Personality, The Secret Garden, and The Household of God–is available only through Catholic Heritage Curricula.We are currently completing a project that may be used as a summer program for elementary ages. This guide will introduce families and parish groups to the basic elements of Catholic social teaching. The Biggest Family on Earth will be available for the Fall of 2008.
• Heroes In Heaven is a hands-on learning program teaching children about the saints. Mt. Gilead, OHIO, November 27, 2007– Heroes In Heaven, a vacation bible school program designed by Tammy Gabrelcik of Mt. Gilead, Ohio, follows the lives and lessons of the Catholic saints, helping to teach abstract ideas and reinforce catechism concepts.“So often, I think, the catechism just isn’t sticking with our children…and the lives of the saints just get put on the shelf…but they’re so important,” says Gabrelcik, who became inspired to create Heroes In Heaven in the year 2000 when she discovered that the only vacation bible school programs available were non-denominational programs with minor adaptations to make them Catholic-friendly. “Nothing like this is available.”Each day of the five-day program is centered around one particular saint, telling the story through games, crafts, snacks, puppet shows, music and activities that help participating children ages 4-12 retain the teachings and importance of that saint. “The program is fun, hands-on, hard-core Catholic learning,” says Gabrelcik. “It helps us grow in holiness and learn how to apply the lessons of the saints to real life.”The Heroes In Heaven program package includes the introduction booklet with detailed instructions, lesson plans and suggestions for the instructors of the program, and five booklets each focusing on five different saints. The package also includes a music CD, DVD and image CD to supplement the booklets. The program package was designed to keep additional costs at a minimum, so after purchasing Heroes In Heaven, only basic art supplies like scissors, glue and markers are needed. “It’s such a unique program, and it’s so affordable,” says Gabrelcik, who uses many recyclable products and items from around the house in the crafts and activities.