Christianbook.com Homeschool Blog

I think most years I went to the homeschooling convention (MassHOPE), Chris Klicka was there—you could just count on seeing him. I saved all those convention programs, and just happened to encounter a whole stack of them last week; what memories! I’m sure if I had taken the time to open them up, I would have seen the entries for his workshops and keynote addresses circled in pen with my notes in the margin.

He’s certainly had a large impact on the homeschooling movement today through his work as an HSLDA attorney, workshops, & overall influence, and provided conversations and personal memories for many of us.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Chris Klicka and his family as they transition to hospice care.

Just a reminder–you’ve only got days left to take advantage of the Rosetta Stone Sale! Level 1-5 Kits are $599.00, Level 1-3 kits are $429.00 and Level 1 Software is just $206.10.  Sale ends September 26, 2009!

After a whole summer that seemed to burst with rain, autumn’s already here.
I wouldn’t say I’m shocked, but it somehow seems to have sneaked snuck sneaked back into the rotation of things.

I love fall, and while this year doesn’t have the same relief as it does when signaling the end of 80 & 90 degree weather, it’s still retained the charm of autumns past. Especially here in New England, it heralds some of our best landscapes, farm stands with homemade cider donuts, U-Pick apple orchards, fairs, and sickness & colds that shiver that makes you grab the nearest sweater. And there’s nothing even close to that second when the setting sun shifts down upon the poplars, and the whole world lights up golden against an almost-black sky.

It makes me long for homey-crafts even more than the rest of the year; last fall I got this book:

which more than taught me to sew, it turned me into a sewer. They have one of the easiest skirt patterns you could hope to make, and make the directions so clear you almost can’t mess up. Well, you can, but it’s a lot easier to at least find where you went wrong. My one minor dislike is that it arranges everything by step, and then gives you the pattern—so to find the seam allowance, you have to go back to the part where they tell you about seam allowances. Great for a first-time read, not-so-great when you’re trying to find it and have to keep flipping back and forth. However, that’s a minor point compared to the overall clarity; step-by-step written instructions and practically diagrammed illustrations don’t allow you to step off the path. I bought some micro suede brown fabric last year that I never got around to making…perhaps over Thanksgiving break I’ll get a chance.

Now, if I could just get the hang of knitting…I’m looking at these, though haven’t decided yet:

or

I think I’m going to go with the plain “How to Knit”, though I think I could pull off the scarf book (I did get my “knitting badge” from the Keepers at Home club!). I want something ultra basic that I’ll be able to complete, mistakes and all!

If you’re in the same mood, visit our Arts & Crafts Shop for sewing, knitting, needlepoint, Christmas crafts, and other fun, classic hobbies.

I’m not sure what it is that somehow makes the tail-end of the summer so much busier, but there’s been a flurry of activity lately!

Christianbook.com is carrying Greenleaf Press again! Hurrah! I used their Famous Men of the Renaissance and Reformation when I was in school, and their workbooks are not only fun to do, but also manage to get you to remember the whole dates-&-places aspect of history—within a narrative context. Always a good thing.

Our BJU Press Hard Drive kits now feature a video for every subject in every grade; look at the grade you’re interested in to watch! I know this is something a few customers mentioned would be helpful, so I’m extra-glad to get them up.

Since we got a good deal on Saxon Math, we’re passing the savings on to you by offering Saxon Math (not including DIVE or DIVE kits, Saxon Phonics, Saxon Grammar) at 30% off! So, if you’re thinking of switching programs (well, hopefully not this early, but things happen), or end up needing another textbook, you won’t have to break the bank to get the curriculum you need.

Christianbook.com is now selling Veritas Press‘ Phonics Museum and just, just now on our website is the Classically Cursive line…I’ll have more information on the latter coming soon.

Lastly, on a random-Friday note, these just came to my desk:

They’re Smencils®. SMENCILS. How’s that for writing motivation? “Write your paper, and you can use the…Cotton Candy Smencil!” I’ve just walked them around the office…so far Root Beer and Cinnamon are the clear favorites, followed by Bubble Gum. 10 “flavors”, each of them in their own tube with a zip-top plastic case, guaranteed to keep their smell for two years, No. 2, and made completely of recycled newspapers. So, for anyone looking to add some eco-friendly novelty to their classroom…these will fit the bill!

I love Todd Wilson‘s homeschooling cartoon books; even on the most stressful of days, they can’t help but put a smile on my face. My favorite part is  rediscovering old ones all over again…I nearly died laughing 5 minutes ago at what has to be my favorite: The Homeschool Year-at-a-Glance (click 3 times on “next” under “Additional Views” from Volume 1 ). Especially at this time of the year when nearly everyone I know is filled with joy at the smell of new textbooks, sharpened pencils and unwritten-in workbooks…that August face just gets me every time.