Read Aloud Thursday - How Do I Choose??

So many wonderful books, so little time!!   I've been so overwhelmed with books the past couple of weeks (in a good way).    I have a whole shelf of "want to reads" for this coming year.  Then, we go to the library and I come across a few more titles I "just have to add into the schedule"!   Does this happen to you, also?

This week we finished another book in the 26 Fairmount Avenue Series.  I will say it again and again:  My children love these books!    This book, Why: The War Years, got much more serious because it deals with the beginning of WWII and the death of one of Tomie dePaola's favorite cousins who was a soldier.   There is a lot of talk about air raid drills, black out curtains, rationing, and all the other things that went along with the war.  There still is, however, Tomie's ever light-hearted tone and humor.  In my opinion, this is a wonderful way to learn history... we have been talking with my husband's father about this time period and he can add so much to the children's learning.   




Yesterday we began a book we've wanted to read since last spring.   Shiloh, written by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor,  was finally checked in at our local library and it's every bit as good as we heard it would be.  I just love how it is narrated by an 11 year old boy, Marty (I think we like these stories that are told by children!), and he has quite a conscience and love for an abused beagle, Shiloh.   It's tugging at our heart strings and we're only seven chapters into the book.   I know there are two other books in this series, too.   


The book takes place in rural West Virginia and some of the language gets a little rough (lots of "shut ups" and a few "damnits" and "hells"), but the bad language is also only used by the villain in the story... so in context it is obvious to my children that the language is known to be inappropriate (if that makes any sense!).   


That's Read-Aloud Thursday in a nutshell.  Visit Amy, at Hope is The Word, to submit your RAT post!

The Goal of My Blog - and a Free Gift!

My original goal with this blog was to get a big enough following and to know enough about homeschool and the blogging world to be accepted as a reviewer for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine.   One of the very first blogs I read, Our Busy Homeschool, did a lot of reviews and I thought it seemed like a very interesting opportunity.


I contacted Tristan (the author of Our Busy Homeschool) with lots of questions, and she was gracious enough to write me a LONG email about being on "The Crew" and the commitment it entailed.   (In the meantime, I became associated with The Homeschool Village, and reviewed for them.  I was so grateful for that opportunity!)   I started about the business of growing my blog, and applied to be on The Crew.  I'm thrilled that I will be on the Crew for 2011-2012.


What does this mean?   Essentially, I will be receiving lots of different products in exchange for my honest review on this blog.   I do hope you will read and hopefully find out about some things that will be of use to you.   I found one of our very favorite resources this way last year!   You should start to see reviews here fairly soon!  You can also follow all reviews at the review crew website.  


Homegrown Learners (originally called Homeschool Success from its inception in November, 2009) has evolved into so much more in the past year and a half.  It's been a creative outlet for me, but it has also served as a vehicle for making some of the most wonderful homeschool connections.   I have met so many homeschool moms with fabulous ideas.  I look forward to sitting at my computer and checking in with my online friends.


Finally, after this much time, I feel that I've achieved a good blogging balance and am JUST WHERE I WANT TO BE.   I know I like to write about our daily activities, with the emphasis being on lessons and activities that work for us.  When I visit a blog I want to be inspired to do better and/or get a great idea I can implement in our homeschool.    This is what I want my blog to do for others.  


In addition to homeschooling and taking care of my family I do give piano lessons a couple of afternoons a week. It gives me a great side income (which helps sock some money in the bank in these uncertain times) and so much joy.  Between all of this and my blog my plate is just full enough, and I am happy.  


Enough of all that ~ on to the free gift:


I  want to let you know about a special offer from The Old Schoolhouse Magazine - and best of all, it's free!   Here's what The Old Schoolhouse Magazine has to say:  

Take a look at the brand new Summer digital edition of The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine. TOS is offering this digital issue of the magazine totally free with no strings attached. Enjoy this free gift from TOS—no registration or email address required to view the magazine! Take a peek here. Then share the link with your friends by clicking on the share button at the top of the magazine pages.

I grabbed one of the cute buttons and put it on my sidebar, and you can, too.

Enjoy the magazine, and be watching for some reviews of homeschool products in the very near future!