Search Results for: blog sixth grade reading list

2006 in Review: Homeschooling Blog at a Glance

As a new homeschooling blogger at Families.com, I wanted to know everything that has been discussed to date. In response to my own curiosity, and in an effort to make perusing our articles easier for you, our readers, I have compiled all of the blogs for the year 2006. Deciding to Homeschool Why homeschool Am I qualified for this? Reasons that Homeschooling Works! My Most Important Advice for Homeschoolers. The Cost of Homeschooling Instead of standing up for their own kids, why not stand up for all kids? Disclaimer: I am hardly an expert in education. Did You Know? ‘Empirical … Continue reading →

Teach Your Child to LOVE Reading in One Easy Step

There’s a simple way that you can encourage, promote and improve your child’s reading skills. It’s enjoyable, it’s a little selfish, and it really works. It requires just a bit of skill and some self-indulgence. Huh? What could it be? Simply this: Do it yourself. That’s right, read. Read, and let your child see you reading. And if you’re ready to strangle me, thinking, “Yeah, right…when do I have time?” I’ll make a suggestion: Read while your child does her homework. Children in the public school system are supposed to be reading for certain periods of time each day. My … Continue reading →

When should you allow your kids to start dating?

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When should you allow your kids to start dating? This was the question posed this morning to listeners of the radio station I sometimes listen to while I walk. Having a child many years (I hope!) away from any prospect of dating, I didn’t give the question much thought. As I continued to walk, they asked the question again and said they would go to the phone after the next song for responses. Okay, I said, let me think. I would have to say, when the child is mature and responsible enough. That’s the first criteria. Although age should be … Continue reading →

Come Sing, Jimmy Jo – Katherine Paterson

In “Come Sing, Jimmy Jo,” we meet James Johnson, who is the eleven-year-old son of Jimmy Lee and Olive Johnson, untraditional parents to say the least. For decades, the Johnson Family has had their own band, comprised of Grandpa, Grandma, their son Earl, and other son Jimmy Lee. When Olive married into the family, her soprano singing voice was just what the band needed. They traveled from town to town, playing at fairs, family reunions, and church gatherings. Grandma’s voice gave out right around the same time James was born, so she kept him on the farm and raised him … Continue reading →

The Rifle – Gary Paulsen

Okay, men, this book’s for you! I often look at the books I choose to review and lament that I don’t seem to have enough variety for the menfolk. I repent, and I present to you “The Rifle” by Gary Paulsen. Our main character in this book is not a person at all, but rather a rifle, handcrafted by master gunsmith Cornish McManus in the year 1768. He was accustomed to making everyday, run-of-the-mill rifles, but when he picked up the piece of wood that would become the stock for this particular firearm, he knew it had to be something … Continue reading →

Sounder (2003)

This Disney release is based on William H. Armstrong’s novel by the same name and takes place in the south during the Depression. Our main character is Boy, the oldest son of a family descended from slaves. Even though the Civil War has been over for a while, the racism and bigotry are as strong as ever, and it’s hard for this family to get a decent meal, let alone a large-enough house or a good job. Scrambling for every single thing they get, they make ends meet, somehow. One day, Boy’s father comes home with a hunting dog found … Continue reading →

The Sword in the Stone (1963)

Most of us are familiar with the story of the young lad Arthur and how he pulled a sword out of a stone to prove his worthiness to become the king of England. In “The Sword in the Stone,” Disney takes the tale a step further with animated effects and great characterization. Arthur, otherwise known as The Wart, works as a scullery boy in the castle belonging to Sir Ector. Ector’s son, the slovenly Kay, will soon become a knight, and Arthur is assigned to squire for him. It’s an honor, to be sure, especially for someone of such low … Continue reading →

Learning from Bobby Powell

A little boy usually doesn’t care about reading music or singing a song from a Broadway musical, unless that little boy is Bobby Powell. He was the kid that never played on a little league team, ran with a football, or played tag during recess. Bobby contracted polio at an early age; he was left with a ravaged body and a set of heavy braces encompassing his withered legs. He and I attended the same elementary school back in the 1950’s. We developed a friendship in the third grade. Bobby and I were both trying out for the talent show … Continue reading →

Building a Homeschool Library: The Classics (Part II)

Previously, we discussed why classic books are important. I will continue this article with how to start and compile your collection of classic books. Where do I find classic books? Shop around. You can find classic books in many places, but since they are going to be in your home library for some time, I recommend you get leather bound books in good to fair condition. When building your in-home library of classic books, you should check the thrift stores for leather bound books. This is going to be your best deals price-wise, though for me the dust is prohibitive. … Continue reading →