Monday, December 8, 2008

Liberty's Kids

We are learning about American history this year, and I am always looking for good ways to reinforce the major events and issues that go along with it. I heard about the animated series Liberty's Kids and yesterday we got to check it out.

Ding ding! We've got a winner!'

We got disc one of Liberty's Kids from Netflix and the kids just gobbled it up. Episodes covered the Boston Tea Party, and featured major players in the American Revolution such as John Adams, Sam Adams, Paul Revere, Ben Franklin, and so on.

To me, this is a wonderful tool for reinforcing the things we've been learning, and is a perfect thing to have available when somebody gets sick and a simple homeschool day is needed. Don't doubt the educational value of stuff like this! Later in the day as I was driving the kids someplace, my 10 year old started asking me questions about people being tarred and feathered, and we had a very worthwhile conversation about brutal ways people have dealt with one another throughout history, more positive ways to disagree with people, and so on. It was good stuff!

You can read more about the series on wikipedia here.

Also, today I discovered the main Liberty's Kids web site which has a few fun things for the kids like games and coloring pages (but some ads on the sidebars that are kind of annoying).

Liberty's Kids--check it out! :)

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Good King Wenceslas

Have you ever wondered about Good King Wenceslas, the ruler who has been sung about since the famous hymn was written by John Neale in 1853? Just who was this man, why do we call him "king" and why do we call him "good"? Knowledge Quest has a little something to tell you all about it! Clickety click!

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Homeschooling at the Speed of Life--sale

Hey everybody!

Today I heard from Marilyn Rockett that she is selling off her personal inventory of her book Homeschooling at the Speed of Life for the special price of $15 which includes shipping. (Usual retail price
is $17.95 plus $5 shipping - an $8 savings - 35%).

I reviewed Marilyn's book some time back and really loved it. To me it was like having a big sister come alongside me to encourage me in my homeschooling and give me some fresh ideas. I recommend it to you!

The book will continue to be available at all major book retailers, but Marilyn is just selling the books she has at her own office. :) Take advantage of this great deal!

Visit her site to check it out.

Monday, December 1, 2008

Countdown to Christmas Day 1

We just did day 1 of Countdown to Christmas. The story was wonderful (almost made me cry!) and the games were SO fun! Check it out!!