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The Best King Arthur Books for a Wide Range of Ages

Sheri — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 21:07:45 +0000

Do you have a child who is a fan of King Arthur? The legend of King Arthur, his sword Excalibur, and the knights of the round table is a favorite among my kids This list of king Arthur books will help you find the perfect book for kids and teens alike.

I have put these books in order according to level of difficulty, starting with picture books for younger readers and ending with the most challenging classics. Hopefully this will help you decide which book is the right choice for your child.

King Arthur Books

**This post contains affiliate links which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting our family!

Sir Cumference and the First Round Table by Cindy Neuschwander and Wayne Geehan

This cute math adventure story is a fun way to introduce Arthur to young children. The book uses the story of Arthur and the round table to explain the math concept of circumference. Sir Cumference, Lady Diamter, and their son, Radius, solve the problems occurring at court from using a rectangle table.

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By Cindy Neuschwander – Sir Cumference and the Knights of the First Round Table (A Math Adventure) (3.1.1999)

Cindy Neuschwander (Author)
English (Publication Language)
Charlesbridge Publishing,U.S. (Publisher)

King Arthur and His Knights by Jim Weiss

Weiss is an excellent storytellerr! This Arthurian retelling is wonderful to use with young readers or kids who are averse to reading books, but who might rather choose to listen as they are fidgeting with something else.

The narrator named Sir Bedivere (the first to be knighted by King Arthur) introduces this splendidly arranged audiobook, followed by the well-read story retold by Jim Weiss. Arthur is originally trained by Merlin, the renowned wizard, and grows to become a great king as Merlin guides him. Each character’s story is splendidly woven into the King Arthur legend, explaining how they earn their way to knighthood.

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King Arthur and His Knights: Companion Reader Series

Audible Audiobook
Jim Weiss (Author) – Jim Weiss (Narrator)
English (Publication Language)
11/05/2021 (Publication Date) – Well-Trained Mind Press (Publisher)

Kid Classics King Arthur, The Illustrated Just-For-Kids Edition

The traditional tale and legends of King Arthur begin when young Arthur Pendragon pulls the sword out from a great rock, which has mysteriously been impossible to remove, a feat only possible for the future king of Great Britain. Embark on the adventure with King Arthur and his valiant knights, where this retold book and its fun illustrations show loyalty to their country and king. This is a great one for young readers, with a brief narrative and lively artwork on about every page.

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King Arthur – Kid Classics: The Illustrated Just-for-Kids Edition

Is an abridged child-friendly version of the original Arthurian folklore|Has just the right amount of magic and daring deeds|Features beautiful illustrated hardcover with illustrations in each chapter|Is perfect for homeschooling school reading challenges and beginning readers
Hardcover Book
Malory, Sir Thomas (Author)
English (Publication Language)
112 Pages – 03/05/2024 (Publication Date) – Applesauce Press (Publisher)

Of Swords and Sorcerers: the adventure of King Arthur and his Knights by Margaret Hodges and Margery Evernden

One of our kids’s favorite books is Hodge’s book St. George and the Dragon. In Of Swords and Sorcerers, the legend of King Arthur and his knights are vividly displayed as their tales of chivalry fly off the pages of Margaret Hodges’ Aurthurian retelling. Younger children will especially love this shorter version of King Arthur’s classic.

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Of Swords and Sorcerers

Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping. Shipped from Amazon
Hardcover Book
Evernden (Author)
English (Publication Language)
96 Pages – 04/30/1993 (Publication Date) – Atheneum (Publisher)

King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table by Roger Lancelyn Green

Our personal favorite! The enchanting tales of King Arthur are written in an extraordinary, engaging way that is great for middle school and high school age kids. It has been read and loved by many of my kids! It is a great selection for medieval literature, presenting a great description of all of King Arthur’s adventures. Beginning when he finds the sword excalibur, and the lady of the lake, to the quest of the Holy Grail, all while gaining the brave knights Sir Gawain, Sir Lancelot, and Sir Galahad, and the entire assembly of the knights of the round table.

King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table (Puffin Classics)

Amazon Kindle Edition
Green, Roger Lancelyn (Author)
English (Publication Language)
420 Pages – 08/07/2008 (Publication Date) – Puffin (Publisher)

The Sword and the Circle Series by Rosemary Sutcliff

This is probably the most descriptive of British history and King Arthur’s reign. It is great for a wide range of ages because of its bright and intricate sketches that describe the story on every page. The stories unfold as Merlin guides Arthur, the king of Britain, through all of the many threats to him and his kingdom, including Arthur’s sister Morgana Le Fay who is an evil sorceress. We have read only the first book in this trilogy, but following The Sword and the Circle are The Light Beyond the Forest, and The Road to Camlann.

The King Arthur Trilogy: “Sword and the Circle”, “Light Beyond the Forest”, “Road to Camlann” by Rosemary Sutcliff (7-Oct-1999) Paperback

Red Fox (7 Oct. 1999) (Publisher)

The Story of King Arthur and His Knights by Howard Pyle

In this classic book, Pyle uses some liberties in his tales which are not seen in earlier versions of Arthurian legends by others like Sidney Lanier and Sir Thomas Malory. The tale of King Arthur and his reign is split up in this book into several sections, each one giving a very detailed account of all of the adventures in the realm of Logres, following Arthur’s knights and Merlin’s magic as they and their king fight for justice and chivalrously strive to protect peace.

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The Story of King Arthur and His Knights (Barnes & Noble Children’s Leatherbound Classics) (Barnes & Noble Leatherbound Children’s Classics)

Bonded Leather Decorative Edition
Hardcover Book
Howard Pyle (Author)
English (Publication Language)
06/12/2025 (Publication Date) – Sterling (Publisher)

Once and Future King by T. H. White

Best for an older reader, Once and Future King is more loosely based around the tales of King Arthur, describing the growth of Arthur in both strength and wisdom, and the turmoil between Queen Guinevere and Sir Lancelot, one of the great knights of the Round Table.

Resources that have the King Arthur Story In Them

Our Island Story by H. E. Marshall

Our Island Story is a book I have read many times to my kids. They love it when I read the stories from this book, especially the ones about Arthur!

Arthur’s story begins in Chapter 8 with Vortigern and a young boy named Constans. It also tells about Uther Pendragon, Arthur’s father. Chapter 12 tells of Arthur’s beginning, magnificently pulling the famous sword from the rock, and eventually becoming king. Chapter 13 concludes the section about King Arthur. It tells of the building of Arthur’s kingdom, and the founding of the Round Table and the honorable knights that sat before it.

An Island Story (Illustrated)

Marshall, H. E. (Author)
English (Publication Language)
468 Pages – 08/19/2017 (Publication Date) – Independently published (Publisher)

Idylls of the King by Alfred Lord Tennyson (poem)

Our kids enjoy reciting Alfred Lord Tennyson’s poems Crossing the Bar nd Charge of the Light Brigade. We often recite these aloud in morning time. In this Tennyson poem, the story of King Arthur is written with a flow of heroism and sorrow that is unveiled in the entirety of King Arthur’s reign. This is a long poem, so I would recommend it for an older child or possibly a child who is already familiar with Arthur’s stories and would benefit from more details.

Read or listen to the full poem on Project Gutenburg

These are some of the best books about Arthur that our kids have loved over the years. Do you have a favorite that you would add to this list?

You may enjoy reading these similar book lists!

10 Fantastic Books for Kids About George Washington

Excellent Book Recommendations for Teenage Boys

Wholesome Books for Teen Girls

Must-Read Children’s Books About Courage

The post The Best King Arthur Books for a Wide Range of Ages appeared first on Our Life Homeschooling.

Excellent Book Recommendations for Teenage Boys

Sheri — Sat, 11 Jan 2025 21:10:49 +0000

Are you looking for excellent book recommendations for your teenage son? Finding quality books that will challenge his mind without undermining his faith and values is difficult. These outstanding books will capture your son’s interest, strengthen his character, and inspire him to live above the status quo.

When my kids were all young, I pre-read books before I gave them to my kids to read. I wanted to refine their taste so that they would be more inclined to choose quality books rather than twaddle. As our kids grew into the teen years, however, this became more difficult to do.

I relied more on suggestions from friends to help me find the right book recommendations. Now that our sons are 20 and 17, I want to share some of the exceptional books that helped shape their character.

My sons (and some of their friends) helped me compile this list. I looked specifically for books with themes like, courage, loyalty, self-sacrifice, perseverance l, friendship, and industry.

While I cannot vouch for every minute detail in these books, they generally have little or no foul language, crude jokes, or gory scenes.

Books have the incredible power to shape our thoughts, so it’s important to choose the very best books for our young men!

Books for Teenage Boys

*This post contains affiliate links which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting our family!

Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

Here is a great read that your teen boys will love! The story follows Billy Colman and his family in the Ozark Mountains. He longs for a pair of hunting dogs and has worked for years for the money to buy them. Billy becomes best friends with these dogs as they bound into the woods hunting night after night. These deeply moving, humorous, and adventurous stories of his unique friendship with his dogs are truly unforgettable.

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Where the Red Fern Grows

We search for any book you like In Chinese, Russian and Spanish Service for Businesses, Individuals, Governments, Universities Any medium you choose, that is available Read, Learn, Research and Enjoy
Wilson Rawls (Author)
English (Publication Language)
304 Pages – 09/01/1996 (Publication Date) – Yearling (Publisher)

The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare

12-year-old Matt is left alone in the forest and befriends an Indian boy named Attean. They survive together and learn the value of respect and the danger of the wilderness.

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The Sign of the Beaver: A Newbery Honor Award Winner

Speare, Elizabeth George (Author)
English (Publication Language)
144 Pages – 08/02/2011 (Publication Date) – Clarion Books (Publisher)

The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien

The first in a series of fantasy novels, Bilbo Baggins, a Hobbit in the land of Bag End of Hobbiton, is pulled from his quaint life by a mysterious wizard named Gandalf and his dwarven fellows. They go on an epic journey to kill an evil dragon hiding a hoard of treasure named Smaug. Worth reading time and time again!

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The Hobbit

Author: J. R. R. Tolkien.
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Pages: 300
Publication Date: 2012-09-18
Edition: 1

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J. R. R. Tolkien

This fantasy series follows The Hobbit, as Bilbo’s nephew, Frodo Baggins is given a ring by his uncle Bilbo before Bilbo goes far away. His friend, Gandalf, warns him of the dangers the ring holds, and Frodo becomes the bearer of the ring as he and his three friends embark on a journey to destroy it in the fires of Mount Doom before it’s too late.

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The Lord of the Rings 3-Book Paperback Box Set

Tolkien, J.R.R. (Author)
English (Publication Language)
1536 Pages – 11/03/2020 (Publication Date) – Clarion Books (Publisher)

Cloak of the Light from Wars of the Realms Series by Chuck Black

This Christian fantasy novel (and the following sequels) is a good book for high school boys. It follows Drew, a young man who falls into the spiritual world where a battle is taking place between light and darkness. After a situation where he comes close to facing death, he can look into the unseen world, where angels and demons fight for control.

Cloak of the Light: Wars of the Realm, Book 1

Used Book in Good Condition
Black, Chuck (Author)
English (Publication Language)
320 Pages – 03/18/2014 (Publication Date) – Multnomah (Publisher)

Little Britches by Ralph Moody

This great American novel and coming of age story tells of Ralph Moody growing from a little boy to a real cowboy. He and his family face hardships for the first couple of years on their ranch as many windstorms destroy their property and tragedy strikes between his father and other ranchers when fights over crop irrigation break out.

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Father and I Were Ranchers: Little Britches # 1

Audible Audiobook
Ralph Moody (Author) – Cameron Beierle (Narrator)
English (Publication Language)
10/27/2008 (Publication Date) – Books in Motion (Publisher)

Iron Scouts of the Confederacy by Henry M. Whittmore

My oldest son’s favorite book! This historical fiction story is of a boy who seems not to follow his older brother and be able to achieve the standards necessary for fighting in the Civil War. Finally, though, recognized by his skill, he can join them and go through the adventures and devastation that war holds.

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Iron Scouts of the Confederacy

Lee McGiffin (Author)
English (Publication Language)
176 Pages – 06/12/2025 (Publication Date) – Christian Liberty Press (Publisher)

Robin Hood by Howard Pyle

In this classic novel, the mischievous, skillful arrow shooter, Robin Hood becomes an outlaw in Sherwood Forest. He and the other main characters go through many hilarious adventures. They begin robbing the rich to give to the poor, while the sheriff of Nottingham is always at his tail trying to catch him. (We listened to the audio version from our local library and our kids loved it!)

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The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood (Dover Children’s Classics)

Pyle, Howard (Author)
English (Publication Language)
320 Pages – 06/01/1968 (Publication Date) – Dover Publications (Publisher)

Men of Iron by Howard Pyle

Myles Grimstone is training for knighthood in the castle of the Earl of Mackworth. He is so skilled that even his accidental incidents that could cause him to be sent away from his training are deterred so that he can further train. This coming-of-age novel twists and turns as Myles works to redeem his father’s honor, even if he has to face the king himself.

Men Of Iron: With original illustrations

Pyle, Howard (Author)
English (Publication Language)
209 Pages – 09/30/2021 (Publication Date) – Independently published (Publisher)

The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen

In the first book of Jennifer A. Nielsen’s collection of fantasy books, Jaron, a resourceful and clever boy finds himself in a dangerous power struggle. He is thrown into a competition to impersonate a missing prince so that he may become one, stating to the council of regents a story explaining his absence. The book is filled with twists and suspense as Jaron navigates this high-stakes situation, using his wit and determination to survive and protect his kingdom.

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The False Prince (The Ascendance Series, Book 1)

Used Book in Good Condition
Nielsen, Jennifer A. (Author)
English (Publication Language)
352 Pages – 02/01/2013 (Publication Date) – Scholastic Paperbacks (Publisher)

Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes

The Boston Revolution is only beginning, and 14-Johnny Tremain lives as an apprentice to Mr. Lapham as a silversmith. In an accident, Johnny permanently damages his hand and is prevented from further training under his former apprentice. He enters the real world, finds new friends, and plays a role in the great Boston Tea Party.

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Johnny Tremain: A Newbery Award Winner

Forbes, Esther Hoskins (Author)
English (Publication Language)
320 Pages – 05/02/2011 (Publication Date) – Clarion Books (Publisher)

Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe

This is one of our family’s favorite books! It is a classic tale of how Robinson Crusoe is shipwrecked, and strives to survive on the island, fighting against the casualties of the wilderness, and savage cannibals, learning to creatively build necessities needed for his survival.

ROBINSON CRUSOE: UNABRIDGED

DEFOE, DANIEL (Author)
English (Publication Language)
371 Pages – 03/18/2021 (Publication Date) – Independently published (Publisher)

The Secret Keepers by Trenton Lee Stewart

The Secret Keepers by Trenton Lee Stewart is a clever novel about a boy named Reuben, who finds an invisible watch that holds danger and secrets that are being pursued by a villain.

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The Secret Keepers

Stewart, Trenton Lee (Author)
English (Publication Language)
512 Pages – 09/05/2017 (Publication Date) – Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (Publisher)

My Side of the Mountain Trilogy by Jean Craighead George

Sam Gribley runs away from his home in New York into the Catskill Mountains, where he builds a life of survival and solitude, discovering the most creative ways to live in the mountains.

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My Side of the Mountain Trilogy (My Side of the Mountain / On the Far Side of the Mountain / Frightful’s Mountain)

Hardcover Book
Jean Craighead George (Author)
English (Publication Language)
628 Pages – 10/23/2000 (Publication Date) – Dutton Books for Young Readers (Publisher)

The Giver by Lois Lowry

This is a great quick-read novel, with a following book series. The Giver is set in a strange land — a dystopian society, where a boy named Jonas is separated from the rest, and given a job that is not easy. This job opens up questions, and as he starts to ask the Elders questions, he is increasingly faced as an enemy.

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The Giver: A Newbery Award Winner (Giver Quartet, 1)

paperback
Lowry, Lois (Author)
English (Publication Language)
240 Pages – 07/01/1993 (Publication Date) – Clarion Books (Publisher)

Carry on, Mr. Bowditch by Jean Lee Latham

In this classic American novel, Nathaniel Bowditchitch, an 18th-century American mathematician and navigator, who overcame personal and societal obstacles in order to make way for significant change in maritime navigation.

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Carry On, Mr. Bowditch: A Newbery Award Winner

Latham, Jean Lee (Author)
English (Publication Language)
256 Pages – 05/19/2003 (Publication Date) – Clarion Books (Publisher)

Rush Revere Series by Rush Limbaugh

These audiobooks are perfect for young boys or reluctant readers! This series by Rush Limbaugh is about a history teacher named Rush Revere who takes students on time travel adventures with his horse Liberty back to any time and place in United States history.

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Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims: Time-Travel Adventures with Exceptional Americans

Audible Audiobook
Rush Limbaugh (Author) – Rush Limbaugh (Narrator)
English (Publication Language)
10/29/2013 (Publication Date) – Simon & Schuster Audio (Publisher)

Hans Brinker by Mary Mapes Dodge

This wonderful novel is set in the 19th century, focusing on a Dutch boy named Hans Brinker and his sister Gretel, and it centers on their struggles with poverty and their dreams of winning a skating race. The story is about family, perseverance, and personal growth, set in the peaceful, pre-modern Netherlands.

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Hans Brinker, or the Silver Skates

Dodge, Mary Mapes (Author)
English (Publication Language)
175 Pages – 02/27/2018 (Publication Date) – CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (Publisher)

Holes by Louis Sachar

Stanley Yelnats is accused of having stolen a famous athlete’s possessions, and although he is innocent, he is sent to a camp called Camp Green Lake. There he and other boys are forced into heat-exhausting labor, and he and the reader discover a trailing backstory and find out why they have to spend all their time in the camp digging holes.

Holes by Sachar, Louis (2001) Mass Market Paperback

Louis Sachar (Author)
Laurel Leaf (Publisher)

Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

This is an interesting story with many different perspectives on a murder, and how they try to discover the murderer. Many surprises and twists turn the tables, as the supposed murder seems to turn into a different story.

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The Westing Game (Puffin Modern Classics)

Raskin, Ellen (Author)
English (Publication Language)
192 Pages – 04/12/2004 (Publication Date) – Penguin Young Readers Group (Publisher)

Ivanhoe by Walter Scott

Ivanhoe is a story of a Saxon knight who serves the Norman king, King Richard the Lionhearted. He fights to overthrow and stop King Richard’s brother, Prince John, and his knights. (My boys read these from the Children’s Illustrated abridged versions.)

Ivanhoe (Great Illustrated Classics)

Sir Walter Scott (Author)
English (Publication Language)
240 Pages – 01/01/2008 (Publication Date) – Waldman Publishing Corp. (Publisher)

Shiloh – Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

Marty Preston comes across a young beagle who immediately becomes his best friend. He finds out though that the dog, which Marty names Shiloh, belongs to a drunk man who has a gun, and abuses his dog. (Mild language.)

Shiloh (Shiloh Series Book 1)

Amazon Kindle Edition
Naylor, Phyllis Reynolds (Author)
English (Publication Language)
141 Pages – 06/26/2012 (Publication Date) – Atheneum Books for Young Readers (Publisher)

Call of the Wild -by Jack London

This is a short adventure story about a dog named Buck who goes from being a spoiled pet to a dog surviving in the harsh weather conditions of the north.

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The Call of the Wild (Reader’s Library Classics)

London, Jack (Author)
English (Publication Language)
106 Pages – 02/18/2021 (Publication Date) – Reader’s Library Classics (Publisher)

Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson

The tale of “Treasure Island” follows Jim Hawkins, a twelve-year-old boy who discovers a treasure map once owned by the pirate, Captain Flint. Traveling to a distant island, Jim and his friends meet ex-crew members of Captain Flint who were also after the treasure and end up seizing Jim as a hostage.

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Treasure Island

Stevenson, Robert Louis (Author)
English (Publication Language)
240 Pages – 05/03/2016 (Publication Date) – Signet (Publisher)

This Present Darkness (and the sequel Piercing the Darkness) by Frank Peretti

In the small town of Ashton, Hanke Bushche, Marshall Hogan, and a few other men and women are caught in the struggles of a war between angels and demons.

This Present Darkness: A Novel

Amazon Kindle Edition
Peretti, Frank (Author)
English (Publication Language)
388 Pages – 02/14/2012 (Publication Date) – Howard Books (Publisher)

Guns of Thunder by Douglas Bond

The M’Kethe clan is in pre-Revolutionary War Connecticut, facing religious and political turmoil. Up against major challenges, Ian M’Kethe is compelled to choose as tensions rise between the colonists and the French and their Indian allies. Ian takes a chance by developing an improbable friendship with Watookoog, an Indian, and in return, he regains something he thought was lost forever.

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Guns of Thunder: Faith & Freedom, Book 1 (Faith and Freedom)

Bond, Douglas (Author)
English (Publication Language)
272 Pages – 01/30/2007 (Publication Date) – P&R Publishing (Publisher)

The Door from Within Series by Wayne Thomas Batson

While Aiden is in a new home in Colorado, he keeps having strange dreams about knights battling in distant worlds. He finds several ancient scrolls, and following his grandfather’s advice, and the scroll’s promptings, he “believes and enters”, falling into a world of struggle between good and evil.

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The Door Within (Door Within Trilogy, 1)

Batson, Wayne Thomas (Author)
English (Publication Language)
349 Pages – 05/06/2013 (Publication Date) – Tommy Nelson (Publisher)

The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare

Daniel Bar Jamin and his friend Rosh are after the hated Romans, pursuing to conquer them. He is torn between helping his demon-possessed sister Leah, whose caretaker is dying, and going with Rosh after the Romans. But when Daniel meets a carpenter named Jesus, all of his motives are completely changed.

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The Bronze Bow: A Newbery Award Winner

Great product!
Speare, Elizabeth George (Author)
English (Publication Language)
256 Pages – 09/01/1997 (Publication Date) – Clarion Books (Publisher)

Honorable Mentions

When I compiled this list with our sons and their friends, they gave me too many books to list in one blog post, but I wanted to share some of their other suggestions. These would be great to save for a summer reading list!

Lad: A Dog by Albert Payson

Black Ships Before Troy by Rosemary Sutcliff (and The Wanderings of Odysseus)

The Kremlin Conspiracy by Joel Rosenberg

The Errant King by Wayne Thomas Batson

The Golden Goblet by Eloise Jarvis McGraw

Watership Down by Richard Adams

I would suggest the following books for older teens or a young adult age group because they have some questionable themes that some parents may prefer to preread.

Young Adult Fiction

Nick of Time by Ted Bell

Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Collins

Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane

Ranger’s Apprentice by John Flanagan

The Scarlett Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

If you want your son(s) to read good books, I recommend having these books in hand. We have slowly built our home library over time, but you can also find them at your public library. A few books are also public domain.

As your young boy enters his teenage years, I hope this list of books will inspire him to live a life of integrity. What books would you add to this list?

Other Book Lists for Teens and Young Children

Wholesome Book List for Teen Girls

Inspiring Horse Books for Tweens

Creepy Crawly Bug Book List for Kids

Books and Resources to Teach Kids About Honesty

Must-Read Children’s Books About Courage

The post Excellent Book Recommendations for Teenage Boys appeared first on Our Life Homeschooling.

Inspiring Horse-Themed Books Your Tweens Will Love

Sheri — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 18:55:33 +0000

Do you have young readers who have a love of horses? Or you may have a young child who wants to know more about this magnificent creature, the horse. Horse lovers of all ages will enjoy reading these inspiring books about their equine friends!

Although our family does not have a horse of our own, my children love horseback riding, learning about how to care for horses, and especially reading books about them. I think every young child’s dream is to ride off into the sunset on a stunning steed into a world of daring adventures.

Reading books about horses enables our kids to do just that. They can jump into an imaginary equine world where they can ride horses to their heart’s content. Additionally, they can learn so much detailed information about horses along the way!

Horse Inspiration

In everything living being we study, we see the fingerprints of our Creator. God created horses on the sixth day of creation, the same day He created mankind. In the book of Job, the Bible describes God’s striking design of the horse in this way.

“Do you give the horse his might? Do you clothe his neck with a man? Do you make him leap like the locust? His majestic snorting is terrifying. He paws in the valley and exults in his strength; he goes out to meet the weapons. He laughs at fear and is not dismayed; he does not turn back from the sword.”

“Upon him rattle the quiver, the flashing spear, and the javelin. With fierceness and rage, he swallows the ground; he cannot stand still at the sound of the trumpet. When the trumpet sounds, he says ‘Aha!’ He smells the battle from afar, the thunder of the captains, and the shouting.”

Truly the horse is a marvel worthy of our observation!

Great Horse Stories

These are some of our tween’s favorite chapter books about horses!

*This post contains affiliate links which means I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting our family!

Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry

Marguerite Henry has written several horse books, but Misty of Chincoteague is perhaps her most popular horse book of all. Follow the story of Paul and Maureen Beebe as they try to earn enough to buy the wild mare Phantom and her beautiful foal Misty among the wild ponies on Assateague Island.

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Misty of Chincoteague

Henry, Marguerite (Author)
English (Publication Language)
176 Pages – 12/26/2006 (Publication Date) – Aladdin (Publisher)

Other excellent Marguerite Henry books:

Sea Star ( the sequel to Misty of Chincoteague)

King of the Wind

Justin Morgan Had a Horse

Brighty of the Grand Canyon ( a story of a young burro)

Black Beauty by Anna Sewell

This was one of the first chapter books I read aloud to my kids when we started homeschooling so it holds a very special memory for me. I love how this story is told in first person so the reader can experience Beauty’s life step-by-step through each change from birth on an iconic English horse farm, to working as a cab horse to his final days. The reader feels deep sympathy for Black Beauty when he is treated cruelly by his masters and relief when he retires to the countryside later in his life. This book is a tear-jerker so grab some tissues!

Black Beauty (Illustrated): The 1877 Classic Edition with Original Illustrations

Sewell, Anna (Author)
English (Publication Language)
162 Pages – 07/22/2024 (Publication Date) – Sky Publishing (Publisher)

A Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis

In the third book of Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia book series, Shasta and his horse Bree meet with Aravis and her horse Hwin as they are fleeing Calormen. The four embark on an adventurous journey heading for the beautiful country of Narnia.

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The Horse and His Boy

Author: C.S. Lewis.
Publisher: HarperTrophy
Pages: 241
Publication Date: 2002
Edition: 3

Little Britches by Ralph Moody

Ralph Moody is a wonderful author for boys. This book, based on the autobiographical true story of his life, tells how he learned to be a cowboy riding horses on the family farm in Colorado. His family experiences many hardships, but these difficulties teach him hard work and many other valuable lessons. When his father dies, Ralph has to step up and be the man of the family. Little Britches is the first book in this series.

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Little Britches: Father and I Were Ranchers

Moody, Ralph (Author)
English (Publication Language)
260 Pages – 09/01/1991 (Publication Date) – Bison Books (Publisher)

The Little White Horse by Elizabeth Goudge

The Little White Horse is lovely fairy tale with colorful imagery which makes it a wonderful choice for a tween girl. Thirteen year old orphan Maria Merryweather discovers many mysteries at Moon Acre Manor where she is taken after the death of her parents. Young women will fall in love with the beautiful estate and the people and animals she meets there, especially the little white horse.

The Little White Horse

Amazon Kindle Edition
Goudge, Elizabeth (Author)
English (Publication Language)
239 Pages – 12/31/2001 (Publication Date) – Puffin Books (Publisher)

Rush Revere Series by Rush Limbaugh

If you would like to teach United States history to a child with a love of horses, the Rush Revere series is the way to go! In these amazing books, Rush goes back into history as Paul Revere with his horse Liberty. Together they “rush, rush, rush into history!” They relive important historical events like the landing of the pilgrims, the Revolutionary War, and many others. Revere’s time-traveling, talking horse Liberty are there for the Boston Tea Party and the battle at Lexington and Concord. My boys especially loved listening to this series on audiobooks!

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Rush Revere and the First Patriots: Time-Travel Adventures with Exceptional Americans

Audible Audiobook
Rush Limbaugh (Author) – Rush Limbaugh (Narrator)
English (Publication Language)
03/11/2014 (Publication Date) – Simon & Schuster Audio (Publisher)

The Black Stallion by Walter Farley

This classic tale is sure to be one of your kids’ favorite horse books! While traveling home from visiting his uncle in India, a young boy Alec sees a wild stallion on the shore shortly before they both board the ship. While en route home, the vessel is caught in a tumultuous storm which sinks the ship. Alec and the wild horse pull through but are stranded on an island where they quickly become good friends as they struggle to survive. This is the first in the black stallion series. Our family loved watching the wild Black Stallion movie best which follows the storyline closely.

Sale

The Black Stallion

Farley, Walter (Author)
English (Publication Language)
187 Pages – 08/20/1991 (Publication Date) – Yearling (Publisher)

War Horse by Michael Morpurgo

War Horse is the story of a horse and boy in conflict. Albert is separated from his beloved horse, Joey at the onset of World War I. As the family grows poorer in the war, Albert’s father gives Joey away to the army. He shifts from unwanted farm horse to a calvary horse. Since the story is told from the perspective of the horse, the reader can sense the devastation of war, the conflict courage and fear, and the hope of being reunited with Albert. This is a wonderful story of friendship and war that will move your kids to courageously live sacrificially for others.

Sale

War Horse (Scholastic Gold)

World War I
Morpurgo, Michael (Author)
English (Publication Language)
176 Pages – 09/01/2010 (Publication Date) – Scholastic Press (Publisher)

Horse Picture books

Tweens are not too old for picture books! Because of their colorful illustrations and engaging plots, your kids will love these stories!

Billy and Blaze by C.W. Anderson

This series of books is the perfect way to introduce young horse lovers with early reading skills to great horse stories. Each page has short paragraphs in large print with a black and white picture illustrating the story. The main character, a young boy named Billy, receives his very own horse for his birthday. Billy instantly loves his horse Blaze and rides him every day. The Billy and Blaze picture books tell of their adventures and tales of friendship.

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Billy And Blaze

Anderson, C.W. (Author)
English (Publication Language)
56 Pages – 04/01/1992 (Publication Date) – Aladdin (Publisher)

Bonnie’s Big Day by James Herriot

Each of the James Herriot books are based on true stories from his career as a veterinarian. Young children will be delighted with this tale of an old farmer, John Skipton, who enters his retired horse Bonny in a family pets competition at the local fair. Dogs, cats, turtles, rabbits, and even a pet pig are all expected entries for the family pets class. But a horse?! This is great book for all animal lovers!

Bonny’s Big Day

Hardcover Book
James Herriot (Author)
English (Publication Language)
32 Pages – 06/11/1987 (Publication Date) – St. Martin’s Press (Publisher)

Fritz and the Beautiful Horses by Jan Brett

Reading this book is a great way to remind children that being useful can be better than being beautiful. In this horse story, a small town is known for its beautiful horses, but Fritz the pony is so plain that nobody notices him. He is unremarkable until he can solve a problem that none of the other horses can solve. Jan Brett’s bright colors and detailed illustrations engage young readers.

Sale

Fritz and the Beautiful Horses (Sandpiper Books)

Ages 4 and up Pony Hero Rescue Parade Horse Jumper Charges
Brett, Jan (Author)
English (Publication Language)
32 Pages – 09/21/1987 (Publication Date) – Clarion Books (Publisher)

Leonardo’s Horse by Jean Fritz

Leonardo da Vinci is one of my favorite people to study with our kids because he loved to learn about everything. Although he is most known for his art, he was also an astronomer, mathematician, musician, architect, inventor, and more! In this story, we learn of the famous bronze horse statue he was commissioned to create by the Duke of Milan. Leonardo spends much time observing the anatomy of the horse, its muscles and bones. But war and disappointments rendered the sculpture incomplete. He grieved his unfinished horse on his death bed. Leonardo’s dream of the bronze horse died along with him…until many years later another artist revives the dream and finishes Leonardo’s bronze horse.

Sale

Leonardo’s Horse

Putnam Publishing Group
Hardcover Book
Fritz, Jean (Author)
English (Publication Language)
48 Pages – 10/01/2001 (Publication Date) – G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers (Publisher)

Calico the Wonder Horse by Virginia Lee Burton

Caldecott Medalist (and one of my favorite authors) Virginia Lee Burton wrote this adorable horse story which is a perfect gift to give your kids for Christmas. Calico is not a very beautiful horse, but she is smart and very fast. When cowboy Hank saved her from wolves as a colt, she decided that day she would be loyal to him. In Cactus County Badlands, villain Stewy Stinker and his gang of bad men threaten to hold up Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. Through a series of adventures, Calico and Hank save the day just in time for the Christmas celebration.

Calico the Wonder Horse: Christmas Gift Edition

Amazon Kindle Edition
Burton, Virginia Lee (Author)
English (Publication Language)
262 Pages – 10/30/1997 (Publication Date) – Clarion Books (Publisher)

Mrs. Mack by Patricia Polacco

If you like reading books by Patricia Polacco who also wrote “Thank You, Mr. Falkner” and “The Bee Tree”, you will enjoy this picture book as well. She wrote this book about herself. As a young girl, she waited so long to be able to ride horses. One day her father decides it is finally time and takes her to see Mrs. Mack. She can’t help but be disappointed to see the stable she will train at is in a very shabby section of town. Mrs. Mack teaches her all she knows about riding. While at the stable, Patricia meets a beautiful mare, Penny with whom she instantly connects. Patricia learns some valuable life lessons from her time at the stables with Mrs. Mack and Penny. This is a great book for girls!

Sale

Mrs. Mack (Picture Puffins)

Looking to learn a thing or two about horses and life? This is the book for you!!
Polacco, Patricia (Author)
English (Publication Language)
40 Pages – 01/15/2001 (Publication Date) – Puffin Books (Publisher)

If you want to find the best horse books for your children, this list of horse books is a great place to start! Whether your children have never been horseback riding or perhaps, on the other hand, have a horse of their own, they will quickly adore these well-loved stories.

For more book list posts, you may enjoy reading these!

Creepy-Crawly Bug Book List for Kids

21 Must-Read Children’s Books About Courage

Books and Resources to Teach Kids About Honesty

ALL BOOK LISTS

The post Inspiring Horse-Themed Books Your Tweens Will Love appeared first on Our Life Homeschooling.

8 Fun Books for Kids about Elections and Voting

Sheri — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 19:52:46 +0000

As election day draws closer, these resources can help you teach your kids about the voting process in the United States. These excellent children’s books will help prepare them to understand the importance of voting and how they can make a difference in this small, yet important act.

I recently had someone message me with this question.

“I was wondering what resources/printables/lapbooks etc. you would recommend for teaching about the election process this year?” This comment prompted me to do some searching to find some good resources for homeschool moms to use to help prepare our kids for the upcoming election season.

The first place I looked was our local library. As much as I searched, I was a little disappointed in the selection of books I found. Most of the books I came across were told from more of a “school” perspective where kids learn about elections mostly in the context of a classroom and less from their parents.

I would love to see more books emphasize family conversations and parents taking their kids with them to vote. Nevertheless, this list is a good place for starters.

Below I have also included links to popular unit studies and YouTube videos for you to use in your homeschool to help you teach your kids about elections and voting.

Picture Books for Kids About Elections and Voting

*This post contains affiliate links which means I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

#1 One Vote, Two Votes, I Vote, You Vote

If you have young children, this is a great way to introduce them to the concept of voting by giving examples of all the things we vote for in daily life….like class president, snack, or a pet. Because of its 4-line rhyming pattern. this book is perfect for young readers. Although Dr. Seuss books can be a little silly, don’t mistake this book for fluff, however! It is full of tidbits of good information. Some concepts included in the book are the history of voting rights, different elected offices in government, political party affiliations, debates, and rallies.

#2 Duck For President by Doreen Cronin

In this funny story, we meet Duck who is tired of his farm chores. He decides to hold an election because he wants to do more than just be a duck. He wins the election, replacing the farmer, but he soon realizes that farming is hard work as well. So Duck tries to move on up by running for Governor and eventually President, winning each time. Little kids will be intrigued by this funny tale and they may learn that the simple house chores they have to do aren’t so bad after all!

#3 See How They Run by Susan E. Goodman and Elwood H. Smith

What I like about this book is the mix of facts and historic photos with colorful sketches and funny stories. From the silly illustrations to the cartoon bubbles, this book highlights the satire of American politics. It does a great job explaining the history of the democratic process, the purposes of political parties, and how the Electoral College works to ensure a fair election by equal representation of all the states.

#4 What’s the Big Deal About Elections

This book starts by describing how elections were celebrated over 200 years ago shortly after the Revolutionary War. The reader learns interesting facts about the importance of active participation in the Presidential election, how African Americans, women, and Native Americans won voting rights, the three branches of government, and how we choose our presidential candidates. This creative non-fiction book is informative with nice illustrations on each page which, I think, makes it an engaging book for independent readers.

#5 Today on Election Day by Catherine Stier

In the introduction of this book, Stier gives a short description of election day. She also tells information about the 15th amendment and the following amendments which allowed women and 18-year-old’s the freedom to vote. I found this very helpful. If you are looking for a book that will help kids see what elections are like through the eyes of a child who may be experiencing it for the very first time, Today On Election Day is an excellent choice! Kids will read about campaigns, the evolution of voting rights, debates, where a polling place might be located, different ways to vote, and more.

#6 The Night Before Election Day by Natasha Wing

This cute story is written in the style of Clement C. Moore who wrote “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” My favorite part of this picture book is that it is more family-centered. Mom and Dad take the kids to the rally at the town hall to observe the debates. They also take the kids voting with them. Later, at home, everyone watches the TV to see who will be our next President. In this rhyming story, a little girl tells how much work goes into the election process.

#7 So You Want to Be President? By Judith St. George

I like the funny introduction in this book which tells the good and bad parts about being President. For example, it’s good that the President lives at the White House, but the bad part is that he always has to be dressed up! This book is chock full of fun facts and funny stories about all the Presidents in history up to our present day. If you want your kids to learn about all the Presidents of the United States, this is the book to read!

#8 Know Your Government Non-Fiction Books

Perhaps one of the best ways to learn about the political process is to read non-fiction picture books. The Know Your Government books do a great job of describing why voting is so important and how the President is elected through the electoral process.

More Election Resources for Homeschoolers

These additional resources (many of them are free) are excellent, and perhaps more importantly, approved or created by other homeschool moms.

Unit Studies

Silo and Sage Government and Election Unit Studies– This is a family-style unit study geared toward upper elementary and middle aged children.

Sonlight Election A Guide to Elections Free Unit Study-This free Election Day unit study includes information on the three branches of government, election process and timeline, electoral process, and much more!

The Homeschool Mom Unit Study Elections Unit Study / Notebooking Unit (FREE)– This unit study is very thorough and has the student do some of the research and recording. Includes a crossword puzzle and word search.

Homeschool Compass FREE Presidents of the USA Homeschool Printables– This resource would double as a unit study to use around President’s Day as well. Printable includes “portraits of each president, fact cards, famous quotations for copywork, and a My Presidents Book for your kids to record what they’ve learned.”

Audio Books

Adventures in Odyssey: For God and Country– This is an excellent audiobook to give your kids some American history. Listen in the car or at home. The set includes 12 episodes on 4 CDs.

Lap Books

Homeschool in the Woods Lap Pak– My kids love these lap books! Through hands-on activities, kids will learn how a President is chosen, the Presidential campaign, and the US. government.

Other Resources

Whole Child Homeschool Homeschooling Election Resources for Your Family– This resource has printables, video links, and articles to help kids teach about the voting process.

Why and How to Teach Your Kids About American Independence

As election time draws near, I hope these resources can help you teach your kids about the importance of voting in the local, state elections, and the Presidential race. As you head to the ballot box to cast your vote, take your kiddos with you and show them how they can change the unwritten future of America.

The post 8 Fun Books for Kids about Elections and Voting appeared first on Our Life Homeschooling.

12 Excellent Christian Books For Tweens to Read

Sheri — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 01:33:24 +0000

Since we can’t always rely on the library to have clean books that are appropriate for our young people, try reading these 12 excellent Christian books for your tweens. These great reads, by Christian authors, will help instill values that have a positive influence on your child during this most impressionable age of life.

As a mom of ten with 14 years of homeschooling experience, these are books that I have either read aloud to my kids or that they have read and highly recommend. This list includes Christian fiction, devotionals, allegories, and biographies.

Depending on your child’s reading level, the recommended age for this list is about ages 9-13.

Most of the books have fewer overall pages. Also, many of these books are interlaced with lovely illustrations which make them perfect for tweens.

**This post contains affiliate links which means I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See policy page for full disclosure.

#1 The Little Pilgrim’s Progress Helen L. Taylor

Young readers will love this retelling of the classic story of Pilgrim’s Progress. The captivating illustrations by Joe Sutphin (also illustrator of Wingfeather Saga Series) that adorn almost every page are beautiful. Follow the main character, Little Christian, as he encounters the Slough of Despond, Giant Despair, Vanity Fair, the Valley of Humility, and finally, the Celestial City. I read this book aloud to all my kids from preschool up through high school. This is a great resource for children of all ages!

Sale

Little Pilgrim’s Progress (Illustrated Edition): From John Bunyan’s Classic (Packaging may vary)

Hardcover Book
Taylor, Helen (Author)
English (Publication Language)
320 Pages – 08/03/2021 (Publication Date) – Moody Publishers (Publisher)

#2 Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

Follow Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy through the wardrobe to the land of Narnia. This allegory is full of adventure highlighting the stark contrast between good and evil. In this book series, the White Witch wants to keep it winter forever, but never Christmas. However, Narnians have nothing to fear because Aslan is on the move. My favorite thing to do after reading these books was to watch the movies with the kids. This book series is a must-read for every tween boy and girl!

The Chronicles of Narnia 7-Book Box Set + Trivia Book Includes The Magician’s Nephew,The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Horse and His Boy,Prince Caspian, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader ,The Silver Chair, The Last Battle, +Trivia Book +Bookmark

Clive Staples Lewis (Author)
1668 Pages – 08/01/1898 (Publication Date) – HarperCollins (Publisher)

#3 The Building on the Rock Series by Joel R. Beeke and Diana Kleyn

These are good books for a tween boy or girl to use as their own daily devotionals. What I love most about these books is that they have short chapters with a Bible verse and thought-provoking questions at the end. This would make them ideas to use as Bible studies or as a devotional for the entire family.

Each chapter is about a different Christian hero. The beginning of the book even has a section which shows which chapters are longer and which are shorter. My son loved these so much, he wanted to get every book in the series.

How God Used a Thunderstorm

How God Stopped the Pirates

How God Used a Snowdrift

How God Used a Drought and an Umbrella

How God Sent a Dog to Save a Family

How God Used A Thunderstorm and Other Devotional Stories (Building on the Rock)

Joel R. Beeke (Author)
English (Publication Language)
176 Pages – 01/20/2007 (Publication Date) – Christian Focus (Publisher)

#4 Wingfeather Saga Series by Andrew Peterson

Christian writer Andrew Peterson outdoes himself in this endearing series that follows the Igiby children as they discover that they are heirs to the kingdom of Anniera. They must run for their lives from the Fangs of Dang who are trying to capture them. Throughout their flight, they encounter many adventures and interesting people and places along the way. As the characters struggle with sin, jealousy, and bitterness in their journey, your kids will learn how to respond to the same temptations. Christian themes are woven throughout the books.

The books are a little lengthy (300-400 pages long), but the story is so captivating, your kids won’t be able to put them down!

On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness

North! Or Be Eaten

The Monster in the Hollows

The Warden and the Wolf King

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Wingfeather Saga Boxed Set: On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness; North! Or Be Eaten; The Monster in the Hollows; The Warden and the Wolf King (The Wingfeather Saga)

Peterson, Andrew (Author)
English (Publication Language)
1520 Pages – 06/04/2024 (Publication Date) – WaterBrook (Publisher)

#5 Sugar Creek Gang by Paul Hutchens

Follow the Sugar Creek Gang on many adventures and mysteries that help build their faith. This series covers many Christian themes giving practical advice on specific topics that average kids struggle with every day. Similar to the Hardy Boys style, this is a perfect books series for tween boys! My oldest son loved The Swamp Robber. He asked me to read it aloud to everyone during our afternoon read aloud time. All my kids were on the edge of their seats at the end of each chapter to find out what would happen to the Sugar Creek Gang boys next!

Each book is about 100-124 pages long, so these are books that would definitely be doable for any reluctant readers.

Sale

Sugar Creek Gang Books 1-6 Set (The Swamp Robber/The Killer Bear/The Winter Rescue/The Lost Campers/The Chicago Adventure/The Secret Hideout)

Hutchens, Paul (Author)
English (Publication Language)
688 Pages – 06/01/1997 (Publication Date) – Moody Publishers (Publisher)

#6 Trailblazer Series by Dave and Neta Jackson

These biographies, featuring young men and women of the faith, are a wonderful way to introduce your kids to wonderful heroes of the Christian faith. Each short chapter book portrays the story of a different Christian hero with thirty-two biographies in all. I love the catchy titles for these books. Nice illustrations are sprinkled throughout the books which is helpful for this age. Since they are only 100-150 pages in length, they are an easy read for tweens.

Sale

Trailblazer Missionaries & Medics Box Set 2 (Trail Blazers)

Various, Various Various (Author)
English (Publication Language)
09/20/2015 (Publication Date) – CF4Kids (Publisher)

Some of the books in this series:

The Bandit of Ashley Downs (George Muller)

The Chimney Sweep’s Ransom (John Wesley)

Escape from the Slave Traders (David Livingstone)

The Hidden Jewel (Amy Carmichael)

Imprisoned in the Golden City (Adoniram and Ann Judson)

Kidnapped by River Rats (William and Catherine Booth)

Listen for the Whippoorwill (Harriet Tubman)

#7 Kingdom Dawn Series by Chuck Black

The Kingdom Series by Chuck Black is an allegory of the story of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. The setting takes place during the medieval time period and is filled with adventure and Biblical symbolism. One interesting fact about these books is that they have no magic or wizardry in them. It took my kids some time to get into the first book, but they say the series gets better as it goes along.

Kingdom’s Dawn

Kingdom’s Hope

Kingdom’s Edge

Kingdom’s Call

Kingdom’s Quest

Kingdom’s Reign

Kingdom’s Dawn (Kingdom Series Book 1)

Amazon Kindle Edition
Black, Chuck (Author)
English (Publication Language)
162 Pages – 04/23/2009 (Publication Date) – Multnomah (Publisher)

#8 Imagination Station by Marianne Hering

Sale

Imagination Station Series – Adventures in Odyssey – Set of 15 – Volumes #1-15 Including Surprise at Yorktown, Captured on the High Seas, the Redcoats Are Coming, Danger on a Silent Night,and more

Paul McCusker (Author)
English (Publication Language)
06/12/2025 (Publication Date) – Tyndale House Publishers (Publisher)

Cousins Patrick and Beth travel far off lands to learn about historically accurate events. From the authors of Adventures in Odyssey, this 32 book series tells the true stories of real people who lived long ago. John Avery Whittaker invents a machine that helps the cousins travel back in time to go on adventures… exploring with Vikings, smuggling Bibles with Brother Andrew, and fighting in the Revolutionary War, just to name a few!

All of my kids love Adventures in Odyssey and Imagination Station books are a favorite as well. If you get an Adventures in Odyssey Club Membership, the Imagination Station audio books are included. This is a membership that is well worth the price!

#9 Passages Books by Paul McCusker

Sale

Passages Volume 1: The Marus Manuscripts (Passages, 1)

McCusker, Paul (Author)
English (Publication Language)
464 Pages – 06/01/2013 (Publication Date) – Focus on the Family (Publisher)

This two-volume book series includes three stories in each book. Each story centers on a character from the Bible. Paul McCusker creates a dramatic storyline while weaving in hints from Biblical truths. This story is brought to life with adventure, action, and pure imagination.

The characters from each story are transported into different realms ripe with suspense, packed with action, and thrilling in every dynamic.

Volume 1: Darien’s Rise, Arin’s Judgement, Annison’s Risk

Volume 2: Glennall’s Betrayal (Joseph), Draven’s Defiance (Elijah), Fendar’s Legacy (Moses)

#10 Grandma’s Attic by Arleta Richardson

This is a four-book series that my young girls love! Christian author, Arleta Richardson, tells the stories that were told to her by her grandmother. As a little girl, she finds treasures in her grandma’s attic. A hoop, a quilt square, a rusty locket. When she asks Grandma about them, she learns some Bible truths and practical lessons about pride, honesty, and trusting God. The books are about 140-150 pages in length with some occasional illustrations.

Sale

Grandma’s Attic Treasury

Richardson, Arleta (Author)
English (Publication Language)
02/01/2012 (Publication Date) – David C Cook (Publisher)

#11 The Action Bible by David C. Cook

When young teens read The Action Bible, the Bible will come alive for them! This is the biggest story bible storybook that you will find in christian graphic novel style. Each page is full of riveting details and pictures that will young girls and boys on the edge of their seats to read just one more story!

If your kids are into graphic novels, you need to hand them this book!

Note: Some of the illustrations can be a little graphic and gory and might not be appropriate for younger children.

Sale

The Action Bible: God’s Redemptive Story

Hardcover Book
English (Publication Language)
832 Pages – 09/01/2020 (Publication Date) – David C Cook (Publisher)

#12 The Serpent Slayer and the Scroll of Riddles by Champ Thornton and Andrew David Naselli

The main characters in this tale, Emmet and Nomi, are twelve year old adopted siblings who are running from the new neighborhood bully, Tobias. While on the run, they find themselves time traveling through Biblical events. This book will make the stories of the Bible even more interesting to your tweens as they see them through the eyes of the main characters. Follow Emmet and Nomi as they solve riddles and follow the Serpent Slayer!

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The Serpent Slayer and the Scroll of Riddles (The Kámbur Chronicles Book 1)

Champ Thornton (Author)
English (Publication Language)
128 Pages – 02/14/2022 (Publication Date) – New Growth Press (Publisher)

Christian Teen Resource List

If you are looking for a great list to use for high school Christian teens, I love these ideas from Kimberly Jones from Not Consumed.

14 Must-Read Christian Books for Teens

How to Do Charlotte Mason Narration in Your Homeschool

Sheri — Sat, 24 Feb 2024 04:41:30 +0000

What is narration and why is it so effective in producing excellent writers? Learn the very basics of how to do a Charlotte Mason narration beginning with quality literature and moving on to oral and written narrations.

Everything You Need to Know About Narration || How We Do Narration In Our Large Family

The Hidden Gem of Narration

The art of narration is a hidden gem. It’s such a simple tool that I think people tend to either overlook it or overthink it, yet, it is so effective that it’s worth making a regular part of your daily work.

If you are not using narration (and copywork, the twin to narration) in your homeschool, you are missing a powerful tool for teaching writing. Narrating helps kids use their most natural form of expression (telling) to express themselves well, first in speaking, and ultimately in writing.

Whatever writing curriculum you are using in your homeschool, narration should at the very least, be a part of it. It is a supertool. It takes very little time, but works wonders in the brain.

The exercise of consistent narration over a time period produces excellent communicators.

What is Charlotte Mason narration?

What is narration? Narration is simply telling. Whether we realize it or not, we all do narration in one form or another every day.

When you ask your child to tell about her day or explain how she made a cake or describe the scene at the park, you are having her narrate.

Over a century ago, Charlotte Mason re-introduced the world to the practice of narration in her book Home Education. Charlotte Mason’s conclusions about narration were based on the classical education model used in ancient Greece and Rome, but she revived it by using it in the PNEU schools where she taught and by writing about it in her books.

Narrating is the practice of arranging events or ideas to explain yourself to another person so that you both can understand and have a shared experience.

With children, we start with oral narration which after practice, naturally lends itself to written narrations. Learning to write well begins with telling well. Oral narration is the stepping stone to written narration.

Why is Narration so Effective?

When I was studying education in college, we learned about Blume’s taxonomy. As budding teachers, we were learning how to ask comprehension questions in such a way to help kids progress to higher levels of thinking. Instead of asking objective questions with measurable answers, we were taught to ask questions that were open-ended to promote high-order critical thinking skills.

For example, instead of asking a question like, “What did the boy see at the park?” which has a measurable answer, we were taught to ask questions that would make them think more critically. A higher level thinking question might be, “How would you describe what you saw at the park?”

In her book Know and Tell: The Art of Narration, Karen Glass shows the weakness of this approach when compared to the superiority of simple narration.

“A teacher may assume that leading children through a series of questions will teach the children to think and reason for themselves. However, the one who asks the questions is the one who has thought about the material as a whole.” -Karen Glass

Narration skills require children begin with the highest level of thinking. It puts the weight of critical thinking on them.

It replaces testing. A thorough narration from a child is so much better than having them answer random multiple choice questions or fill in the blank on a quiz. Actually, a child who has narrated a story well could easily create a short quiz or test on the subject matter because she has digested the information and knows it thoroughly.

Try Narration

When kids have to recall, assemble, and sift through the details of a story, they are cementing the story in their minds.

If you doubt the effectiveness of narration, I challenge you to try it yourself. Read a short story or excerpt from a book and try retelling it to your spouse or a friend. It’s harder than you think!

How do you teach homeschool narration?

Narration is the natural way for children to learn to write. Below are the three basic steps to take to teach narration in your homeschool.

#1 Quality Literature is a Pre-requisite to Narration

If you want to see the positive results that so many have experienced with narration, you need to read quality literature to your kids. Miss Mason discouraged parents from reading “twaddle” and challenged them rather to choose living books for children.

Kids can only express what they possess. If you read them silly cartoon-style books with little depth, you can’t expect their narrations be anything deeper than casual table conversations. Kids need a rich feast of ideas and these can only come from quality literature.

Ambleside Online has a wonderful selection of living books throughout their curriculum. This is usually the first place I look for excellent book choices.

How do you determine if a book is a living book? I love how Jaime from The Unlikely Homeschooler describes them in her article What is a Living Book Anyway?.

“Charlotte Mason called them living or full of life. Some have referred to them as whole or complete, lacking in nothing. Still, others describe them with words like imaginative, original, or full of human touch.”

From a very young age your children should be reading the very best books.

#2 Oral Narration

If you are reading excellent living books to your kids, the next step in learning to narrate is oral narration. You are probably already doing this with your younger students when you ask them about their day, ask them what they had for supper, or what happened at grandma’s house. Start with their interests and let them naturally tell you the things that are important to them.

When your child is ready to start narrating stories in the early years, begin slowly. I like to read a short passage, maybe a paragraph or two, and have them narrate after parts of the story rather than giving a whole narration at the end of a single reading.

It’s hard for younger children to hear the whole story and then give a re-telling. It’s easier to break it up into bite-sized pieces.

It may help them for you to model a narration. Show young children by example how to sort the main idea from specific facts and how to include the most important parts in order.

Don’t Be Discouraged With Your Beginning Narrator

If your child’s early narrations leave much to be desired, don’t be discouraged! In their younger years, they are developing their ability to pay full attention and this is hard work that takes several tries.

Often, for the first or second reading, my new narrators can hardly remember anything. The problem is that they aren’t used to paying close enough attention to be able to tell back the details. It takes repeated practice to develop a habit of attention.

I’ve noticed a marked improvement with my youngest children after several weeks of trying narration. Becoming an active listener is a skill that takes practice.

#3 Written Narration

After your kids have been doing oral narration on a regular basis, they will be ready for written narration. This usually happens around age 10 or 11, but it will vary for individual children. Written narrations require no additional thought. They are simply putting pen to paper from the narrations they have been giving all along.

It is important that older children can handwrite fluently so that the gross motor skills do not take a long time or hamper their ability to express their thoughts. If they wish to type a narration, that works well too!

When our kids begin, I start by typing their oral narrations as they tell them to me. When we finish, I have them read what I wrote out loud. This is a great way to help them see that the written narrations are essentially the oral narrations in writing.

It also helps them see areas they need to improve. I write down every “um” and “like” and when they re-read the typed passage, they can see ways to improve their writing.

Start by having students write one narration per week and gradually work up to more. Since older students usually do the readings on their own by this point, remind them to write the narration in their own words, not copying from the passage.

How We Do Narration in a Large Family

It can be a challenge to be consistent with narrations when you have multiple children. In our family of ten kids, I aim to listen to at least one oral narration from each of my younger kids every day. For the older kids, I expect them to do two weekly narrations on their checklist with the understanding that I may randomly check it at any time.

At the beginning of every school year, I give each of our older kids a narration notebook. Together we decide where to fit written narrations into their weekly checklist. Having a notebook in hand helps homeschool moms to see the progress from the beginning to the end of the year.

Another thing I have done in the past is to focus on different aspects of our homeschool for a certain period of time. Last year I spent three months focusing specifically on narration. I read a section from George Washington’s World by Genevieve Foster at Morning Time and asked the kids to write a narration afterward. They were writing about four written narrations a week. It was a short, intensive practice and they made a lot of progress.

One of the easiest ways to check multiple narrations in a big family is to have the older kids read their narrations aloud as part of Morning Time.

Narration Examples

Below are some narration samples I’ve collected from our children. They are copied as written with no corrections.

Oral Narration from the story The Three Billy Goats Gruff, almost 6-year-old boy

There was this little tiny goat and then he went across the bridge to make himself fat, but then he said to the billy goat gruff, “Wait til the big billy goat gruff comes.” And then he wasn’t actually the biggest one, it was the second one. And then it was like “TRIP TRAP, TRIP TRAP.” And then the big billy goat gruff came. Then he got across to make himself fat and then when they went home and they were too fat, if the fat fell off, they would already be fat still.

Narration from 50 Famous Stories Retold, the story of “George Washington and His Hatchet”, 7-year-old girl

This was an oral narration that I typed as she told it.

There was a little boy named George and one day his father gave him a hatchet. But one time because he loved cutting down things with it, so one time he went outside with it and he saw this one tree that he wanted to cut down. So he went over and he cut it down, but then his father came back right then and his father was really mad because he saw that the cherry tree was chopped down. Um, so then he went inside, but he was really really mad. Then George came and told him that he chopped down the cherry tree. And then his father said, he said, he would lose a dozen cherry trees rather than him not telling the truth.

Narration from a chapter of Child’s History of the World by Virgil Hillyer, 9-year-old boy

This was an oral narration that I typed as he gave it to me.

King Charles I was king at that time and um, they would fight wars with this other land and before they fought wars, they would feast before they went out to wars and do hymns and stuff. Oliver Cromwell helped raise up the army, like train them. So they lost a lot of battles and one time King Charles I was found guilty of committing some crimes, I think. So they killed him in the end and made Oliver Cromwell king. He was a really good king, but he was strict. Later when he died, a Stuart, Charles II became king and he was a really wicked king because he kind of took Oliver Cromwell out of his tomb. I think later one of his servants murdered him and that was the end of the story.

Narration from Robinson Crusoe, 11-year-old girl

This was copied from her written narration.

Robinson Crusoe builds a 2nd boat after his 1st one is too heavy to get into the water. It can swim very well so he explores the island through it.

After going through a lot of the island his boat gets stuck far from the island, but he manages to get back to land. He sleeps in a tree drying his boat nearby. He wakes up to someone calling his name. he is suprised to see Poll his parrot.

When he gets home he sees he’s low on ammunition and begins to set traps, pits, and is able to get lots of goats to breed.

Narration from Story of the World about Catherine the Great, 13-year-old girl

This was copied from her written narration.

Catherine was the empress of Russia, even though she wasn’t even Russian. One of her uncles married the Empress of Russia. The Empress wanted a wife for her heir, Peter. She thought Catherine was perfect! Catherine was quickly whisked off to Moscow to meet Peter. He was handsome, but was rude and foolish. She told her mother she didn’t want to marry him, but she didn’t listen. Soon they were engaged, but days before the parts, Peter got small pox. He recovered, but Catherine was horrified when she saw him again. His face was twisted, and he had red scars all over him. Reluctantly, they got married. Soon after the Empress died, Catherine led a revolt. She sent soldiers to the town Peter was in to surround it. Accidentally he was killed by a soldier guarding him. Catherine became the Empress of Russia. She helped conquer Alaska, and expand Russia’s borders.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make narration a consistent, expected part of the day? There are many different ways that you can approach this and it is important that you find the way that works best for you. In our large family, I am not able to check every narration every day. What has been more helpful is to focus on it at certain times. They have it on their checklist and it is required of them, knowing that I may randomly check it at any time. I may focus on checking and reviewing narrations more closely for a few months in a row. Or I might designate one day a week to review my kid’s narrations. As far as oral narrations with younger kids, I try to have each child do at least one a day.
How many narrations do you have your kids do each week? I try to have younger kids give at least one oral narration a day. For older kids, I generally require two narrations per week. If it is a time when I am focusing more on narration than at other times, I may require more.
How long should a narration be? I have my kids start with half of a notebook page and work up to a page or a page and a half. Some kids need to learn to be more concise and not include all the particulars, while other children need to add more descriptions. After several narrations, these peculiarities usually iron themselves out.
Do you do every reading? I don’t ask each child to do every reading, however, since I am usually reading to more than one child, I will let them all know to listen so they can narrate and I usually pick one person to narrate. This way, they are all listening with the intention of narrating so they pay attention more closely.
How much should you instruct or correct their written narrations? Occasionally, I give guidance regarding the mechanics of the writing (capitalization, punctuation, spelling), but it’s important to let it be their own work. Trust the narration process; kids naturally improve with consistent practice.
What can I do if my kids get bored with narrating? Encourage kids to do creative narrations. Mix it up. Try narrating a picture study or a field trip. You can also allow them to use props like legos, sketches, or play dough to show their narrations.
How do you check in with your kids at the end of the day in a timely manner? I don’t check in with every child every day, but I do try to regularly be checking their work. Just knowing that mom might check is usually enough incentive for them to do their best.
Do you require a high school student to narrate? Absolutely! This is where the most growth happens! In the high school years, they can fine tune their skills.

Further Narration Resources

You may enjoy these other similar posts on the blog about teaching writing in your homeschool.

Simple Step-by-Step Guide to Homeschool Writing

Helpful Habits for Writing Well #1: Creating a Literate Environment

Helpful Habits for Writing Well #2: Copywork

Helpful Habits for Writing Well #3: Narration

Helpful Habits for Writing Well #4: Notebooking

In this post Living Books and Narration With All Boys, I interviewed a fellow homeschool mom, Sarah, who shares her best resources and ideas for teaching narration specifically to boys.

I love the very basic way Sonya Schaeffer explains narration in this article. She breaks it down step-by-step in a way that makes it very easy to understand.

How to Do Narration

You may also enjoy reading her book Your Questions Answered: Narration.

If you search for “narration” on the website simplycharlottemason.com, you will find a plethora of blog posts on topics such as how to do narration in high school, ideas for narration, narration with special challenges, narration with multiple children, and more.

Ambleside Online also answers frequently asked questions about narration in this article.

Ambleside Online Narration

Books

*This post may contain affiliate links which means I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

The first place to start if you want to understand narration is to read Charlotte Mason’s book Home Education.

Karen Glass has also written the book Know and Tell: The Art of Narration. This is an excellent book that has been very helpful to me in my understanding and practical application of narration.

Whatever curriculum you are using to teach writing, I hope you include narration for some of it. It is an under-utilized, yet highly productive tool!

The post How to Do Charlotte Mason Narration in Your Homeschool appeared first on Our Life Homeschooling.

Best Books of the Bible At-A-Glance Free Printable

Sheri — Sun, 28 Jan 2024 04:19:15 +0000

Would you like your kids to learn the books of the Bible? The Best Books of the Bible At-a-Glance Free Printable will be a great tool to help your kids to memorize all sixty-six of the Old and New Testament books!

The Bible continues to be a worldwide best-seller with 100 million sales per year. It was written by 40 different authors over a time period of nearly 2000 years. Additionally, we have several thousand available manuscripts of the Bible.

What an incredible treasure we have in our hands. We can read and know the precious word of God!

One excellent way to better understand the teachings of the Bible is to become familiar with the various books of the Bible in order. A books of the Bible chart in full color is a helpful resource to visually show kids the layout of the Bible.

Although kids often hear the famous stories of the Bible, having an understanding of the necessary background of the different books will help them as they grow and learn through their own personal Bible studies.

Order of the Bible

Knowing the order of the books will break down the Bible into clearly-defined parts. God’s Word is divided into two sections: the books of the Old Testament and the books of the New Testament.

These two parts can be further broken down into 9 smaller categories.

The Law
Books of History
Poetry Books
Major Prophets
Minor Prophets
Gospels
Church History (book of Acts)
Letters to the Churches (often referred to as epistles)
Prophecy

Helping Kids Memorize the Books of the Bible

When the kids and I memorize bible verses or other memory work together, we start by simply saying it aloud. Usually, we do this during Morning Time, but it can be done any time of the day.

This is a great way to begin with the books of the Bible as well. It may not seem to stick for the first couple of days, but after the following week or so, you may be surprised how quickly your kids remember them.

Another fun way to learn them is through song. One of my kids’ favorite songs is the Go Fish-Bible Book Bop. There are several different versions of songs on YouTube. I suggest you play a few for your kids and have them pick their favorite.

Bible Trivia

As your kids learn more about the books of the Bible, they may enjoy some Bible trivia to test their knowledge!

How many books are in the Old Testament? 39
Which book of the Bible was written by King David? Book of Psalms
How many books of history are in the Old Testament? 12
Which five books did Moses write and what were they called? Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy; they are called the Pentateuch
How many books are major prophets? 5
How many books are minor prophets? 12
What is the first and last book of the Old Testament? Genesis/Malachi
What is the first and last book of the New Testament? Matthew/Revelation
Which particular book is full of wisdom? Proverbs
How many gospels are in the New Testament? 4
How many New Testament books are letters? 21
Are the books of the Bible in chronological order? No
Who is the author of the book of Romans? Paul
What is the name of the book of prophecy at the very end of the New Testament? Revelation

Bible Sword Drills

When I was a kid, one of my favorite things that we did in Sunday School was to practice sword drills. In this game, the teacher would call out a book of the Bible with a chapter and verse to see who could find it first.

After you have spent some time learning the books of the Bible with your kids, you should try playing this game with them. They will love competing with others (or even themselves) to see how quickly they can find the verse in their own Bibles. Learning the books of the Bible really helps to be able to find verses quickly!

How do I download the Best Books of the Bible At-A-Glance Free Printable ?

Subscribe in the box below by entering your email.
Check your email inbox to confirm your subscription.
You will get a success message with a link to the pdf file. Click on the link and print. (You will need a color printer for this printable.) Enjoy! Please remember, these are for personal use only!

As you teach the Bible in your homeschool, these other great resources may be useful as well.

How to Help Kids Develop a Habit of Reading the Bible

Teaching Bible in Morning Time

Best Christmas Bible Trivia Free Printable

Simple Ideas for Memory Work in Morning Time

I hope this printable books of the Bible reference can be a handy chart for you as your kids memorize the books of the Bible!

The post Best Books of the Bible At-A-Glance Free Printable appeared first on Our Life Homeschooling.

Simple Math Factoring Activities for All Ages

Sheri — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 19:56:23 +0000

These simple math factoring activities for all ages are a fun way to practice math skills in your homeschool. You can play these with your children all together during Morning Time or you can work individually with kids to help them understand.

Factoring Basics

Before we begin factoring, let’s define what we mean by using this word. What is a factor?

A factor is a number that divides a number exactly with no remainder.

Factoring is the opposite of multiplying to find a product. Instead, it is starting with a product and finding the numbers that can be multiplied to make that product.

Why should students learn how to factor numbers? Factors are useful in reducing fractions. They are also an essential skill in solving quadratic trinomials which are usually introduced in high school Algebra classes.

Before students are ready to factor, they need to have plenty of mental math practice with multiplication facts. Whether you use flashcards, skip counting, or another math method, aim for your child to have the capability to answer multiplication problems automatically.

Multiplication Chart

One fun way to find factors is to use a multiplication chart. They won’t be able to find all the factors of a number this way, but it will be a great introduction to factoring.

Start with an easy number like 24. Have them circle all the 24s on the multiplication table. Next, have them highlight the corresponding rows and columns to find the factors of 24.

You can find a blank multiplication chart to print out and use here.

Finding Factors Through Arrays

One of the true methods that will help your child understand factors is to see them visually. For this number activity, you can use any simple math manipulative such as square tiles, cubes, playing cards, or even food like Cheerios.

I like to use square tiles. Give your child a certain number of tiles. Twelve is a good starting number. Tell your child to make rectangles with them. After they make a few different-sized rectangles, have them tell the dimensions by sides.

1×12

2×6

3×4

Tell your kids to write out the numbers of the sides like this. 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12. Explain that these are factors.

Ask these questions.

Is 5 a factor of 12?

Is 7 a factor of 12?

After using the number 12, try giving them tiles with other numbers such as 20, 24, 32, 36, 40, 42, 48, 60, and 72.

You can extend this fun activity by having them draw arrays. Coloring them on graph paper is also fun!

Loop Around Factoring Method

My favorite factoring activity is what I call the Loop Around Method. This strategy will help a child find every factor of a product without any missing factors.

Begin with a number that has several factors. I like to use the number 24. Start with number 1 and go up.

Can 2 be multiplied evenly into 24?

What about 4?

Does 5 go evenly?

When you get to 6 which is already on the other side (4×6), you have “looped around.” Now you have listed all the proper factors. The rest of the factors go up until you hit 24 at the top.

Next, I list the factors below to help them visually see all the factors of 24.

When I teach this to my kids, I like to give them one or two types of problems as warm-ups and then have them do a some as independent work for extra practice.

Play this fun game over and over again with numbers that have a handful of factors like 20, 30, 32, 36, 40, 42, 48, 60, 72.

Common Factors

Once kids can find and list all the factors of a number, it is easy to have them find common factors by grouping problems. Show the factors of two numbers side by side like this.

24- 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24

36- 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 12, 18, 36

Tell them to circle the common factors.

Greatest Common Factor

To further give your students understanding, ask them to show the greatest of the common factors. (In the numbers 24 and 36, the greatest common factor is 12.)

Finding the Greatest Common Factor, or GCF, will help in factoring quadratic trimomials in algebra.

Difference Between Factors and Multiples

I also like to teach my kids the difference between factors and multiples. Unlike factors, multiples begin with small numbers that multiply themselves. The easiest way to understand them is to see that they are skip counting.

2-2,4,6,8,12…

3-3,6,9,12,15,18…

4-4,8,12,16,20,24…

Finding Prime Numbers with Factor Trees

Factor trees are an engaging way for kids to learn about prime and composite numbers.

A prime number is divisible by only 1 and itself. (1,3,5,7,11,13) A composite number is divisible by more numbers than one and itself. (2,4,6,8,9,12,14,15)

To make factor trees, start with an easy number to factor. Draw two branches below the number and write two numbers that can be multiplied together to make the number above. Keep making branches below the composite numbers until the only remaining numbers are prime.

*Important note! Not all factor trees look the same. There is more than one way to make a tree, depending on the factors you choose.

Factoring Quadratic Polynomials

For the most part, homeschool parents are ok with teaching subjects like social studies, general science, and physical education, but when it comes to all things algebra, this is a daunting task most prefer to avoid! Because they are not middle school or high school math teachers, parents become hesitant about anything involving a graphing calculator or words like “perfect square trinomials.”

Now I will be the first to admit that I think some higher-level math is not necessary for future life skills, but quadratic polynomial equations are kind of fun once you understand them. I like to think of quadratic expressions as factor puzzles. Basic multiplication and factoring are the main skills needed to perform them. If you like fun math games like Sudoku, you might be surprised to learn that you like to factor polynomials!

Easy Trinomials

Let’s start with some easy trinomials like the one below.

X²+10x + 24

Seeing the patterns in these expressions is a new way to help you solve them more quickly. They usually begin with three terms and end with two parentheses expressions like below.

X² +10x + 24= (x+4)(x+6)

What is important to know is that the second term represents the SUM of two factors of a number and the third term represents the PRODUCT of those same two factors.

If you are familiar with the factors of 24, you can easily break down this trinomial.

Use the Loop Around Method above to write out the factors of 24. Ask these questions.

1.What two numbers multiplied together make 24, but added together make 14? (2×12)

2.Which two numbers multiplied together make 24, but added together make 11? (3×8)

3. What two numbers multiplied together make 24, but added together make 10? (4×6)

Since 10 is the 2nd term, it is easy to see that the factors 4 and 6 will be used in solving this trinomial.

Step-by-Step

Separate the first term by putting an x in the correct place (as the first term) in each parenthesis.
Numbers 4 and 6 can be used as the second term in each parenthesis because added together they make 10 and multiplied together they make 24.

Use the FOIL Method to multiply it out and check.

Here is another product with some corresponding polynomials you can solve.

1×32

2×16

4×8

Ask these questions.

Which two numbers multiplied together make 32, added together make 33? (1×32)
What two numbers multiplied together mke 32, but added together make 18? (2×16)
Find two numbers that multiplied together make 32, but added together make 12? (4×8)

X² + 18x + 32 Answer: (x+2)(x+16)

X² + 12x +32 Answer: (x+4)(x+8)

X² +33x +32 Answer (x+1)(x+32)

Now try these expressions. Start by looking at the third term and using the Loop Around Method to find all the factors first and then solve.

(Remember! 2nd Term= sum, 3rd Term = product)

X²+5x+6 Answer (x+2)(x+3)

X²+12x+27 Answer (x+9)(x+3)

X²+9x+20 Answer (x+5)(x+4)

X²+13x+40 Answer(x+8)(x+5)

X²+15x+56 Answer (x+7)(x+8)

Once you get the hang of it, you can try creating polynomials, grouping problems by the products and factors you find in the Loop Around Method.

You may not know anything about Algebra or quadratic equations, but you can still prepare your older children for the kinds of problem-solving that they will have to do in Algebra I and II by trying this simple game.

Your algebra students don’t need special classes to solve quadratic expressions. Although these types of problems do require a bit of good criminal investigation, with a lot of practice, your kids can solve them quickly!

More Simple Factoring Activities

For more resource types like this, you can try these digital factoring options in which you compete with the computer playing digital factoring games.

You may also enjoy reading this similar post.

Five Minute Homeschool Math Games to Do With Everyone

Difference of Squares is an interesting puzzle to solve as well. You can find a good example in this video.

If you want to learn about the box method of solving quadratic polynomials, I like how this video explains it. This step gets a little more challenging because it involves negative terms.

Happy factoring everyone!

The post Simple Math Factoring Activities for All Ages appeared first on Our Life Homeschooling.

Fun Literature-Based November Journal Writing Ideas

Sheri — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 22:14:19 +0000

As the weather turns colder this fall season, these fun literature-based November journal writing ideas will give your kids some creative ways to sharpen their writing skills. These picture books, famous poems, and historical documents, all centered around the month of November, can be a great way to add some pizzazz to your daily writing practice.

You may also enjoy reading these similar posts that are perfect to use in November.

7 Favorite Thanksgiving Homeschool Read-Aloud Books

The True Thanksgiving Story Book List for Kids

Traditional Thanksgiving Poems and Songs for Kids

Fall Themed Copywork (Free Printable)

*This post contains affiliate links which means I make a small profit at no extra cost to you.

These creative writing prompts are intended to give you some fun writing ideas to use with your kids in November. This collection of November journal prompts are arranged by different literature styles: picture books, poems, short stories, and historical documents. Sometimes kids can experience writer’s block when they look at a blank page, but these creative prompts, along with regular journaling practice, will inspire them with thought-provoking ideas.

Kids may want to designate a notebook specifically for this November study. Have them design a colorful journal cover so they can enjoy this keepsake for years to come, pulling it out to read and review in future November months.

Picture Books

Sleep Tight Farm by Eugene Doyle

Read the book Sleep Tight Farm to your kids. In this book, the family slowly puts the farm to bed for winter, the season of rest. Ask your kids to think about what your family does to prepare for winter. Do you have a garden or animals? What preparation do you do around your home to get ready for the colder dormant season? Maybe you don’t have a garden or homestead, so this may look a little different. Do you close your pool? Switch out your summer clothes? Do some fall cleaning? Shop for winter clothes or supplies?

Sale

Sleep Tight Farm: A Farm Prepares for Winter

Hardcover Book
Doyle, Eugenie (Author)
English (Publication Language)
36 Pages – 08/02/2016 (Publication Date) – Chronicle Books (Publisher)

Writing Prompt: Have your kids rewrite the book telling what you do in your family to prepare for the winter season. What does this look like in your everyday life in these fall months?

What’s the Big Deal About Elections by Ruby Shamir and Matt Faulkner

The Tuesday after the first Monday in November has been designated as Election Day. This picture book helps kids understand the election process, its history, and how to get involved. It answers questions like these. What are elections? Who gets to vote? Why do we vote? How do we elect our leaders? How do we vote? Read this book with your kids or have them read it themselves. Discuss the questions at the end of the book, “What do you think our government should spend its time on? What do you think our leaders should pay attention to?”

What’s the Big Deal About Elections

Shamir, Ruby (Author)
English (Publication Language)
64 Pages – 08/25/2020 (Publication Date) – Philomel Books (Publisher)

Writing Prompt: Write a how-to-style narrative explaining the voting process to a new voter. Explain how they can register, where to find information on candidates, and different ways to get involved.

The Wall by Eve Bunting

On November 11th we remember our veterans. The Wall by Eve Bunting is a wonderful picture book to read on this special day of the month. This story will help kids remember and honor those who paid the ultimate price. The Wall is the story of a father and son who visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to find the boy’s grandfather’s name. Read this book aloud to your students on Veterans Day. Discuss the book by asking the following questions. What is a veteran? Can they name veterans they know? How can we support our veterans?

Sale

The Wall (Reading Rainbow Books)

Bunting, Eve (Author)
English (Publication Language)
32 Pages – 08/24/1992 (Publication Date) – Clarion Books (Publisher)

Writing Prompt: Write a letter to a veteran thanking him or her for their service to our country. This is a wonderful way to show them your appreciation for preserving our freedom.

Sarah Gives Thanks by Mike Allegra

In this inspiring true story, Sarah Josepha Hale, a widowed mother of five, we learn about a young woman who, despite many unfortunate circumstances, becomes a writer and editor in a popular woman’s magazine. During her lifetime thanksgiving was celebrated mostly in the New England colonies, but Sarah wanted to see that change. She petitioned several presidents, asking them to make Thanksgiving a national holiday, but to no avail. After many failed attempts, President Abraham Lincoln finally gave Sarah’s idea some consideration and declared Thanksgiving to be a national holiday in 1863.

This is a good book to read with your children because it gives some unknown insight into the history of Thanksgiving through the decades. Additionally, it inspires young writers to persevere and make their stories known.

Sarah Gives Thanks: How Thanksgiving Became a National Holiday

Hardcover Book
Allegra, Mike (Author)
English (Publication Language)
32 Pages – 09/01/2012 (Publication Date) – Albert Whitman & Company (Publisher)

Writing Prompt: Have your kids write a letter to President Abraham Lincoln persuading him to make Thanksgiving a national holiday.

In November by Cynthia Rylant

Cynthia Rylant gives a beautiful description of the changes we see in November in this book. What do the animals do? How does the landscape change? What new things do you see as the seasons change? In what ways is the food different? This book is meant to be read aloud to children.

Sale

In November

Rylant, Cynthia (Author)
English (Publication Language)
26 Pages – 09/01/2008 (Publication Date) – Clarion Books (Publisher)

Writing Prompt: Have your kids make a list of all the changes they observe in November. What is your favorite thing to do this time of year? Using their five senses, create a word bank telling what they observe in their surroundings: acorns, leaves, pumpkins, wind, snow, coats, etc. Use this list as an outline to write a similar narrative describing November. Encourage them to use illustrations!

Poems

The New England Boy’s Song About Thanksgiving Day by Lydia Maria Child

What is Thanksgiving without this famous poem? Read the original poem with all twelve verses or listen to the song. Ask them to describe the poem. What do they see, hear, smell, taste?

Writing Prompt: Starting with the same line, “Over the river and through the wood,” write a similar poem differently, using your own words. Try to use the same rhythm and meter.

November Night by Adelaide Crapsey

In this short poem, Crapsey compares the falling leaves to the end of life. This poem is a great way to introduce your kids to the Cinquain style of poetry. Review the rules for writing a cinquain. They are five lines long. Cinquains have two syllables in the first line, 4 in the second, 6 in the third, 8 in the fourth, and two in the last. A cinquain does not need to rhyme.

Writing Prompt: Write a cinquain with “November” in the title.

Psalm 100

Read the Psalm together. Make a “thankful list” together, remembering God’s many blessings from the past year.

Writing Prompt: Write your own prayer to God expressing your gratitude for his provision.

Short Stories

An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving by Louisa May Alcott

Thanksgiving may quickly become your favorite holiday after you read this endearing short story with your children. Louisa May Alcott beautifully tells how a 19th-century New England family prepares for Thanksgiving dinner.

This story begins by introducing the Bassetts and their eight children as they prepare the farm and food for Thanksgiving Day. All the food preparation is coming along nicely when suddenly mother and father must leave to take care of Mrs. Bassett’s ailing mother. The children must manage the house and cook themselves for the upcoming feast. The day is full of old family stories, cooking blunders, and unexpected events, but Mr. and Mrs. Bassett return earlier than expected and the mother is pleased to see a beautiful meal all put together by her children.

An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving

Hardcover Book
Alcott, Louisa May (Author)
English (Publication Language)
24 Pages – 04/03/2018 (Publication Date) – SMK Books (Publisher)

Thanksgiving Writing Prompts: Describe the scene in your home if the same circumstances happened to you! Your mother and father are called away and the kids will need to make the Thanksgiving meal. What’s on the menu? Who does the cooking? Will your favorite Thanksgiving dish be on the table? How does it turn out?

Historical Literature

These suggestions are great for high school or middle school students because of the rich language. It will also help them become familiar with historical texts.

The Gettysburg Address

Read this short historical speech to your children. Have them take a turn reading it aloud. The vocabulary in the text is a little challenging, but it will take very little time since it is only a few sentences. What important events were happening in the United States during this time?

Writing Prompt: Rewrite the president’s speech in your own words. (Think narration here, have kids retell the speech in their own words, as they understand it.)

President Abraham Lincoln’s Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1864

After reading this short speech, ask your kids when this speech was given. Was it before or after the Gettysburg Address? Before or after the Civil War? Why would these special events call for a national day of Thanksgiving?

Writing Prompt: Imagine you are the president. Write your own Thanksgiving Proclamation. Make sure to include why we should have a national day of Thanksgiving.

Mayflower Compact

What happened on Cape Cod on the 11th of November? What was the purpose of this voyage to the new world?

Writing Prompt: For some daily practice, write a few journal entries of the pilgrims and their experience in the new world. How do they spend their time? Describe what they see. What is the first priority in building a new colony? What problems do they encounter? Describe their daily life.

The Pilgrim-Wampanoag Peace Treaty from Of Plymouth Plantation by William Bradford

Read this excerpt from Of Plymouth Plantation written by a great historical figure, William Bradford. What signs did both sides give to show their friendliness in making this treaty? What were the terms of the agreement?

Writing Prompt: Write your own peace treaty between the native Americans and pilgrims. Include your terms of agreement.

I hope this list of November writing prompts has given you some inspiration for your writing lessons during the special days in this holiday season. You can use these as daily writing prompts or insert them into your regular lesson plans to switch things up a bit.

Pin it! Fun Literature-Based November Journal Writing Ideas

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How to Keep a Simple Homeschool Nature Study Notebook

Sheri — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 20:04:40 +0000

Nature journaling is a wonderful habit for children to learn. Drawing and recording the changes in the trees, wildflowers, birds, and mammals in the great outdoors will help kids become observant and give them a love of nature that will hopefully be lifelong. If you want kids to be successful at keeping a nature notebook, I suggest you make it very simple. It’s better to have consistent entries , even if they are rather plain, than to have only a handful of pages of exquisite work. Below I will share how to keep a simple homeschool nature study notebook.

Video: How to Keep a Simple Nature Notebook

What I love about Nature Study

One of the aspects I love most about Nature Study is that it engages all five senses. We can listen to a chickadee singing or a squirrel scolding. The brilliant colors of wildflowers against the azure sky dazzle our eyes. The lilacs, roses, and honeysuckle change the aroma in the air as they each come into full bloom at their appointed times. We can sample a taste of some wild berries or herbs or wildflowers. I get excited along with the kids when they find a four-leaf clover or rare caterpillar. At every turn, there are so many new creatures or plants or different things to observe. Everything outside is alive and it is very exciting for children and adults alike.

Key Focus: SIMPLE

The goal of our nature notebook comes down to one word: SIMPLE. In our large family of twelve with seven kids who are school age, nature notebooks have to be kept very basic or they won’t get done at all. As much as I love Nature Study, I am not able to spend as much time focusing on it as I would like at this current stage in our homeschool. I would rather the kids at least consistently keep a simple notebook rather than miss out on it altogether.

Tools

Having a few tools handy will help keep the inspiration strong. Well-sharpened pencils, fresh watercolors and brushes, thicker paper, and field guides will attract a child’s interest, especially younger children. Who wants to sketch with broken and worn down crayons? Investing in some quality mediums is a great way to incline them to be creative with their nature journal pages.

Sketch book

Colored pencils

Watercolor paints

Field guides, nature books, and science books. We like the National Audubon Society Field Guides and the Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Comstock.

Nature Notebooking In Our Home

It can be hard to fit nature studies in with all the other content that we have to cover in our homeschool from day to day. In our home, I assign nature study notebooks one day a week in. place of daily copywork. I put it on their homeschool checklists as a visual reminder to them. This relieves us from adding another subject by replacing it with a subject we are already doing. Additionally, kids look forward to the nature notebooking day when they can get a day off from copywork.

Some people have kids fill in the blank pages of nature notebooks when they are out on a nature walk. I think this takes away the simple pleasure of being out in God’s creation. I would rather they bring their nature finds home, add them to their collection, and save them for journal entries later.

I think it is a good idea to let high school students choose whether or not they want to keep a student notebook. The most important thing is for them to enjoy Nature Study and that happens best with older kids when it is their choice.

A Simple Format for a Nature Notebook

A few years ago, a friend introduced me to the book The Country Diary of and Edwardian Lady. This book inspired me from the start and we started formatting our nature notebooks after the style used in it. The illustrations and text in Ms. Holden’s book are lovely and the content is fodder for imagination. It has given us a simple structure to follow.

I want to show you the basic pattern that we have taken from this book because it has revolutionized our approach to nature notebooking! I want our kids to see their notebooks as a keepsake, a product consistently in the making, so it helps to have a model to follow. This book does just that.

Here are the step-by-step instructions for how we organize our notebooking journal.

Page 1 (left side)- First thing, in bold or block letters, write the month at the top of the page. Using inspiration from sights in the backyard or in the woods, draw the plants, animals, trees, scenes as they are in this month. I encourage the kids to do good quality work with colorful illustrations. They can color with pencils or watercolor painting.
Page 2 (right side and following pages, if needed) Write the short form of the date and a journal entry describing what is happening in the natural world around them at this time. The entry should be short, a few sentences, so as not to discourage the child. Since we do nature notebook once a week, they usually have 4 or 5 entries. This helps them to see the slow changes in the seasons.
*Optional* Pages 3 & 4- For kids who can’t fit it all in the first two pages, they can continue their journal entries on page 3 or draw more sketches on page 4. However, we do like to keep each month in the same open notebook pages so that you can see it all with the spiral open flat.

I let my kids use the book for inspiration and creative ideas. Also, they can write little mottos poems in the margins as Edith Holden does in the book if they like to do that.

Guidelines for Keeping It Simple

The grand goal is for them to love nature. Because of that, I think it is very important how we approach a nature notebook. Here are a few guidelines.

Don’t set the bar so high. Encourage them to do their best, but let go of all the instagram-worthy ideas you find on pinterest. When a child is capturing nature from his or her perspective, he is learning. Do you want their student notebook to look a certain way or do you want them to learn and to love nature? Challenge them to do their best work, but don’t steal the joy by having your expectations too high.
You don’t have to prioritize nature study year round. It’s ok to focus on it more for certain periods of time and then let it slip to the background for a bit.

Simple Nature Notebook Ideas

In the back of the notebook, keeping bulleted lists of birds, trees, and flowers as they learn to identify them is a great idea as well.
Kids can Modge Podge, tape, or press flowers and leaves into the notebooking pages.
For young children, moms can write their observations in the notebook for them. (They can do their own illustrations.)

Do you have a nature journal idea to help kids consistently keep a simple nature notebook? Leave a comment below with your suggestions!

Pin it for Later! How to Keep a Simple Nature Notebook

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