Ah, those upper elementary years! They’re not chubby-fingered cherubs any more, but they’re not yet ready to learn on their own. This is the age of emerging skills. Most students are still mastering the basics of reading, writing, and math, and schoolwork can seem incredibly tedious. Here are a few things to keep in mind … Continue reading Teaching Older Elementary Students
John Philip Sousa (1854-1932) was one of 10 children going to a family of Portuguese and German immigrants in Washington DC in 1854. His father played the trombone in the US Marine band and was Sousa’s role model in music study. Sousa learned the violin when he was six. During Sousa’s lifetime, he spent 20 … Continue reading John Philip Sousa
James Whitcomb Riley (1849-1916) was a poet who was born in Indiana countryside in the mid-nineteenth century. He wasn’t a very good student because he preferred to be outside reading books he chose creating rhymes and walking in his neighborhood. He quit school when he was 20 and did all sorts of strange charms from … Continue reading James Whitcomb Riley
James Abbott McNeil Whistler (1834-1903) was an American artist who first developed an interest in art as a child living in Russia. Whistler was born in Massachusetts, but his family moved to Russia when he was eight years old. He returned to the United States in 1849 after his father died. Since his art career … Continue reading James Abbott McNeil Whistler
Just a tawny glimmer, a dash of red and gray,Was it a flitting shadow, or a sunbeam gone astray!It glances up a tree trunk, and a pair of bright eyes glowWhere a little spy in ambush is measuring his foe.I hear a mocking chuckle, then wrathful, he grows boldAnd stays his pressing business to scold … Continue reading Nature Study: Squirrels
Phillis Wheatley (1753-1784) was born in West Africa and came to the New World on a slave ship. She was both purchased and eventually freed by Boston commercialist John Wheatley. Phillis was part of a group of refugee slaves who were too young or frail for rigorous labor. She did housework for the Wheatleys. They … Continue reading Phillis Wheatley
Biography During the colonial period, there was a lot of work to do everywhere, and people worked very long hours every day, though most tried to rest on Sunday. Even on the day of rest, there was still the work of feeding both people and animals. Justin Morgan’s life was no different. He was born … Continue reading Justin Morgan
Frederic Edwin Church (May 4, 1826 – April 7, 1900) was an American landscape painter and a central figure of the Hudson River School. He was born in Hartford, Connecticut. His father was a successful silversmith and businessman, so Church had time and supplies to pursue art as a career. When he was eighteen, he began … Continue reading Frederic Edwin Church
When asked, “What are the language arts?” people may respond by listing numerous subjects: spelling, phonics, grammar, penmanship, copying, dictation, narration, and composition. But actually it’s much simpler! For those adhering to the classical model, those ascribing to a Charlotte Mason approach, or those who just want a common-sense curriculum, there are really only four … Continue reading The Four Language Arts (Andrew Pudewa)
Johann Pachelbel lived from 1653-1706 in Germany. He left many compositions, including the very well-known Canon in D, and he instructed many students, including Johann Christoph Bach (older brother and guardian to Johann Sebastian Bach). It may seem strange to include Pachelbel with a group of innovative American composers that we’ll study this year since … Continue reading Johann Pachelbel
