Things around here have been a little off track with Jeff and Jordan working up to 18 hours a day last week ...only coming home for a bath, a fresh change of clothes and a very few hours of sleep. This week is more the same for them and Devin also will be working an extra day away from home.
Last week my menu was made with thoughts the Jeff and Jordan would be home for dinner a couple of nights...which was so not happening! After cooking two big meals on Monday and Tuesday I only cooked one other meal for the week which was a big pot of chili. Needless to say, we ate several meals of leftovers, one meal of take-out and two meals of sandwiches with store bought bread and sandwich meat...a very rare happening.
Jeff brought home a large dish of hamburger steaks leftover from Saturday's big meal for the film crew. The children ate some of that last night along with lots of vegetables while Jeff and I went out to dinner to celebrate our 28th wedding anniversary which is today! There is still a good bit of the meat left and lots of veggies, so that will be dinner tonight.
For the remainder of the week I will cook what didn't get prepared from last weeks menu....spaghetti (I will make a big pot of sauce and either freeze or can what is not eaten), bbq sandwiches (again making a large amount and will freeze some), a dinner of beans and cornbread and we'll probably grill out chicken again on Saturday when the guys will finally be home and finished with the filming.
In other kitchen news, we will be making bread, applesauce, granola and cinnamon rolls this week and I hope to get all the carrots in my refrigerator dehydrated as well. Piano lessons, violin lessons, science, history, geography, lots of reading, math and more need to be accomplished on the school front while the usual laundry and household chores also need attention. Lots to do as usual so I best get started!! Hope you all have a blessed and busy week!
Family
Monday, September 19, 2011
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Little Boys' School
Yesterday we had a few extra students in our homeschool. My oldest daughter, Lauren, had her bi-annual check-up with her pulmonary doctor and we watched her three little ones while she was away. When I went outside to greet them and get some grandma hugs, I asked grandson Chase, 4, what we should do. His response? "Schoolwork!" So after lunch and cleanup we proceeded to do just that.
Naps were out for the two year olds. Usually fighting like cats and dogs, Elisha and Uncle Caedmon were caught peacefully sitting together on the couch looking at books. Caedmon is a whole 5 months older than Eli.
Chase and I worked on tracing his name for a little while and then I broke out the pattern blocks. I know we have had these blocks for at least 20 years now....and still use them weekly! I had Chase sort the blocks by color and then I made a simple picture and had him copy it to the side. I then placed a few blocks in a row and had him copy. That was a little more challenging for him.
You can sense his deep concentration. ; )
A pretty flower that he said looked like WalMart. Does WalMart have a symbol like this?
And while I was working with Chase, Jackson took a break and did this! Yes, seeing my boys upside down and sideways is not that unusual...even during school time!
Elisha and Caedmon eventually settled on the rug to play with a huge box of Duplos. I have a rule that the Duplos (or whatever they are playing with) must stay on the rug. Yeah, right!
Caedmon was caught in a thoughtful moment.
All the little boys moved to the school table. Jackson was instructing Caedmon in putting together a puzzle (no instruction was needed, but he is the big brother). Chase was matching patterned four leaf clovers in a file folder game that I printed from a website.
Busily occupied with learning activities
Elisha is putting together a circus puzzle that is over 20 years old!
Fun times with the boys! So grateful to have the opportunity to teach my own little boys and occasionally the grandsons as well.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
WonderMaps by Bright Ideas Press (Review)
I was recently given the opportunity to do a review of WonderMaps by one of my all-time favorite homeschool resources, Timberdoodle. WonderMaps is published by Bright Ideas Press and is a software collection of over 350 customizable maps of continents and countries across the world and across time.
Not only are there over 350 customizable maps, but there are tons of wonderful ideas on how to use the maps with your children in the Teacher Notes section. These great hands-on ideas for learning geography cover five themes:
1. location
2. place
3. relationship within places
4. movement
5. regions
The Teacher Notes also includes fifty ideas for using the maps. Some of my favorite suggestions and ones I will soon be incorporating with our current studies are:
-locating and labeling the birthplace of the world's most famous composers--we'll include that as part of our composers studies
-locating and labeling the countries of service of missionaries--currently we are studying Asia and are reading many biographies of missionaries throughout Asia during the last 200+ years
-using maps as book logs by labeling the setting of a book on the map
-using purchased themed stickers to label the animals of the world, national and world landmarks and so much more--How much fun would this be for the K-3 grade students!
The maps themselves are divided into four sections:
1. The World Continents, Regions, Nations
2. United States of America
3. Historical Maps
4. Thematic Maps
As I have been studying the WonderMaps program I have come up with some great ways to use it with my children. Not only can I print out maps, but I can also determine what I will show on the maps using the nifty layering tool. Borders, rivers, cities, country names, map key and so much more can be added or deleted as needed. I can print out a blank map in black and white with just the borders and have my children label each country. I can add in the rivers and other features and even use color. The historical maps also feature a modern overlay which depicts today's boundaries. I find that I can show two maps on my screen at the same time to depict the changes in Europe from before and after both World Wars, which just happens to be the time period we are studying right now.
WonderMaps software collection will be an invaluable tool for us as we make our way through time and across the world. Browse the Timberdoodle on-line catalog here or request a copy through the mail. We have enjoyed purchasing much of our homeschooling materials through Timberdoodle for at least 20 years now and have always received prompt and quality service.
And, finally, as a member of Timberdoodle's Blogger Review Team I received a copy of WonderMaps for my frank and unbiased review.
Not only are there over 350 customizable maps, but there are tons of wonderful ideas on how to use the maps with your children in the Teacher Notes section. These great hands-on ideas for learning geography cover five themes:
1. location
2. place
3. relationship within places
4. movement
5. regions
The Teacher Notes also includes fifty ideas for using the maps. Some of my favorite suggestions and ones I will soon be incorporating with our current studies are:
-locating and labeling the birthplace of the world's most famous composers--we'll include that as part of our composers studies
-locating and labeling the countries of service of missionaries--currently we are studying Asia and are reading many biographies of missionaries throughout Asia during the last 200+ years
-using maps as book logs by labeling the setting of a book on the map
-using purchased themed stickers to label the animals of the world, national and world landmarks and so much more--How much fun would this be for the K-3 grade students!
The maps themselves are divided into four sections:
1. The World Continents, Regions, Nations
2. United States of America
3. Historical Maps
4. Thematic Maps
This map shows the movements of Noah's descendants throughout the world.
Side by side maps comparing English occupancy of India from 1735-1858
As I have been studying the WonderMaps program I have come up with some great ways to use it with my children. Not only can I print out maps, but I can also determine what I will show on the maps using the nifty layering tool. Borders, rivers, cities, country names, map key and so much more can be added or deleted as needed. I can print out a blank map in black and white with just the borders and have my children label each country. I can add in the rivers and other features and even use color. The historical maps also feature a modern overlay which depicts today's boundaries. I find that I can show two maps on my screen at the same time to depict the changes in Europe from before and after both World Wars, which just happens to be the time period we are studying right now.
Comparing Europe at the end of World War I to the end of World War II
WonderMaps software collection will be an invaluable tool for us as we make our way through time and across the world. Browse the Timberdoodle on-line catalog here or request a copy through the mail. We have enjoyed purchasing much of our homeschooling materials through Timberdoodle for at least 20 years now and have always received prompt and quality service.
And, finally, as a member of Timberdoodle's Blogger Review Team I received a copy of WonderMaps for my frank and unbiased review.
 |
| http://www.hiphomeschoolmoms.com/2011/09/hip-homeschool-hop-91311/ |
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Chickens and Fall Garden
We let the chickens out of the chicken tractor on Saturday so they could spread their wings and scratch around a little more. Twenty-two chickens were flying everywhere! I was afraid we wouldn't be able to gather them all back up, but they all got back in the tractor by themselves by mid-afternoon.
Here, Caedmon is trying to catch a chicken. I think he probably delayed the laying of the first eggs by chasing them around the tree.
In the middle we have a cuckoo maran, an americana and a buff orpington.
The buffs are so pretty in the sunshine!
Jordan (almost 19) caught a cuckoo maran for Caedmon (almost 3).
Look at those big feet! And these birds are just a few months old!
A four by four bed planted with spinach
Another 4 x 4 with a variety of lettuce
bell peppers are finally producing
We still have several beds of tomatoes that we will probably pull up this week and use the green tomatoes in some canning recipes and in this one for green tomato cheese muffins as well. That's it for today! How are things going on your homestead?
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| homesteadrevival.blogspot.com |
Menu Plan for September 12-18 and Lemon Jello Cheesecake Recipe
Monday
b-granola, toast with jam, eggs
l-white beans with ham bits, whole grain cornbread and raw veggies
d-pork roast with cabbage, potatoes, carrots, onions, creamed corn and English peas
Tuesday
b-applesauce muffins, grits
l-chicken sandwiches, popcorn, apples, grapes, broccoli soup
d-grilled chicken, onions and zucchini, cheese rotel grits and butter beans
Wednesday
b-baked oatmeal
l-cheese cubes, crackers, olives, Sunbutter, fruit
d-baked potatoes and chili
Thursday
b-biscuits, bacon, eggs, grits
l-chicken sandwiches, popcorn, apples, grapes
d-leftovers
Friday
b-blueberry muffins and eggs
l-refried bean dip, tortilla chips, olives and carrot sticks
d-homemade pizzas and dessert
Saturday
b-pancakes and sausage
l-leftovers
d-baked spaghetti, salad and garlic bread
Sunday
b-cinnamon rolls
l-church
d-bbq sandwiches, cole slaw and country fries
A few weeks ago I came across a mock cheesecake recipe and knew my newly turned 15 year old son would love it. He is extremely allergic to eggs, so desserts for him can sometimes be a challenge. He liked the cheesecake, but some of the others thought it was a little more Jello-y than we cared for. I made some adaptations when I made it again for his birthday dessert and we all loved it. In fact, the kids loved it so much that I only got one piece out of a 9 x 13 pan. I do not normally use Jello or Cool Whip, but on occasion I make concessions.
Lemon Jello Cheesecake
Take one sleeve of graham crackers. Crush in the blender and add 1/4 cup melted butter. Press into a 9 x 13 casserole dish.
Mix one large tub of Cool Whip, one softened 8 ounce bar of cream cheese, 1/3 cup lemon juice, 1 can condensed milk and two small boxes of lemon jello. Beat until smooth. Pour over graham cracker crust and chill until firm, about 2-3 hours.
b-granola, toast with jam, eggs
l-white beans with ham bits, whole grain cornbread and raw veggies
d-pork roast with cabbage, potatoes, carrots, onions, creamed corn and English peas
Tuesday
b-applesauce muffins, grits
l-chicken sandwiches, popcorn, apples, grapes, broccoli soup
d-grilled chicken, onions and zucchini, cheese rotel grits and butter beans
Wednesday
b-baked oatmeal
l-cheese cubes, crackers, olives, Sunbutter, fruit
d-baked potatoes and chili
Thursday
b-biscuits, bacon, eggs, grits
l-chicken sandwiches, popcorn, apples, grapes
d-leftovers
Friday
b-blueberry muffins and eggs
l-refried bean dip, tortilla chips, olives and carrot sticks
d-homemade pizzas and dessert
Saturday
b-pancakes and sausage
l-leftovers
d-baked spaghetti, salad and garlic bread
Sunday
b-cinnamon rolls
l-church
d-bbq sandwiches, cole slaw and country fries
A few weeks ago I came across a mock cheesecake recipe and knew my newly turned 15 year old son would love it. He is extremely allergic to eggs, so desserts for him can sometimes be a challenge. He liked the cheesecake, but some of the others thought it was a little more Jello-y than we cared for. I made some adaptations when I made it again for his birthday dessert and we all loved it. In fact, the kids loved it so much that I only got one piece out of a 9 x 13 pan. I do not normally use Jello or Cool Whip, but on occasion I make concessions.
Lemon Jello Cheesecake
Take one sleeve of graham crackers. Crush in the blender and add 1/4 cup melted butter. Press into a 9 x 13 casserole dish.
Mix one large tub of Cool Whip, one softened 8 ounce bar of cream cheese, 1/3 cup lemon juice, 1 can condensed milk and two small boxes of lemon jello. Beat until smooth. Pour over graham cracker crust and chill until firm, about 2-3 hours.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Prep Challenge September 10
Garden--
-We'll be gathering all the green tomatoes in the next week, buying onions and peppers to can green tomato relish.
-Jordan has been gathering muscadines from the vines in the woods. So far he's accumulated about 3 gallons which we are freezing. Next month we'll be making muscadine jelly.
-Two beds of lettuce, one of spinach and one of turnips are up. I think we need more turnips and spinach and we have started broccoli and cabbage which will be put in their beds very soon.
-Some of my herbs have pretty much dried up due to the heat and lack of rain. I am seeing some renewal in them as temps have gone down and we had a good bit of rain in the early part of the week due to tropical storm Lee. Hope to have some to dry. Unknown to me, Jackson (7) has been pressing herb samples. He wants to decorate the walls with them. I think he needs to start a notebook for his collection and add to it through the years. And I thought we weren't doing any science studies right now!
Food storage-
-We eat more than I thought. Our oil supply quickly dwindled as has our honey and apple cider vinegar.
The oil and honey go quickly as they are big ingredients in our granola. Not buying dry cereal means we can eat a lot of granola. We only have 7 jars of pinto beans remaining from my last canning session when I canned 18 quarts. Today I am canning white beans with ham. I also need to can applesauce. The pinto beans will wait until next week. I did dehydrate more tomatoes, but still have tons of carrots to do. Maybe I can talk someone into washing and scrapping them for me this afternoon.
- We will soon be getting fresh milk again...which means butter, cheese and yogurt making along with the occasional batch of ice cream. Can't wait!
Chickens-
-We should be getting eggs soon. Our chickens are so pretty!! The chicken coop building project has been put on hold due to Jeff's and Jordan's busy work schedule for the next two weeks. Jeff will take some time off after filming is complete and they will get the coop completed. Here are some pictures from last Saturday's work. It was Jeff's birthday and our oldest daughter was here with her children. He had lots of helpers!!
-We'll be gathering all the green tomatoes in the next week, buying onions and peppers to can green tomato relish.
-Jordan has been gathering muscadines from the vines in the woods. So far he's accumulated about 3 gallons which we are freezing. Next month we'll be making muscadine jelly.
-Two beds of lettuce, one of spinach and one of turnips are up. I think we need more turnips and spinach and we have started broccoli and cabbage which will be put in their beds very soon.
-Some of my herbs have pretty much dried up due to the heat and lack of rain. I am seeing some renewal in them as temps have gone down and we had a good bit of rain in the early part of the week due to tropical storm Lee. Hope to have some to dry. Unknown to me, Jackson (7) has been pressing herb samples. He wants to decorate the walls with them. I think he needs to start a notebook for his collection and add to it through the years. And I thought we weren't doing any science studies right now!
Food storage-
-We eat more than I thought. Our oil supply quickly dwindled as has our honey and apple cider vinegar.
The oil and honey go quickly as they are big ingredients in our granola. Not buying dry cereal means we can eat a lot of granola. We only have 7 jars of pinto beans remaining from my last canning session when I canned 18 quarts. Today I am canning white beans with ham. I also need to can applesauce. The pinto beans will wait until next week. I did dehydrate more tomatoes, but still have tons of carrots to do. Maybe I can talk someone into washing and scrapping them for me this afternoon.
- We will soon be getting fresh milk again...which means butter, cheese and yogurt making along with the occasional batch of ice cream. Can't wait!
Chickens-
-We should be getting eggs soon. Our chickens are so pretty!! The chicken coop building project has been put on hold due to Jeff's and Jordan's busy work schedule for the next two weeks. Jeff will take some time off after filming is complete and they will get the coop completed. Here are some pictures from last Saturday's work. It was Jeff's birthday and our oldest daughter was here with her children. He had lots of helpers!!
 |
| Is that measure once and cut twice or measure twice and cut once? |
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| Aaron looks very warrior-like here...wielding the metal yard stick. |
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| I think they were having a good time. |
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| Rafters are up! |
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| It looks like a tunnel! |
They did get some of the front done before calling it quits for the day. The little boys were crawling all up under the coop and were extremely filthy. All had to have a bath before having Pop-pop's birthday dinner. I wonder if all the little guys will remember "helping" to build the chicken coop in the years to come.
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| Grandson Chase covered in red dirt! |
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| My two youngest sons, Caedmon-2 and Jackson -7 with grandson, Chase-4. Oh, how dirty there were! |
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| Grandson, Elisha-2...trying to get even dirtier! |
Friday, September 9, 2011
What Brings You Here?
Just wondering how you found your way to Busy Hands Busy Minds. Do I know you in real life or just from the bloggy world? I find it interesting to see the path that you all take to get here. The following links show where most of my blog traffic comes from. Some of these may be new to you, so I hope you will check them out!
1. homesteadrevival.blogspot.com Amy blogs about homesteading, homemaking and homeschooling. I link up to her blog on Saturdays for the prep challenge and on Mondays for the barn hop.
2 and 3. networked blogs and Facebook connections
4. raisinghomemakers.com features many guest writers who focus on raising their daughters to be keepers at home. I link up there on Wednesdays sharing recipes and household tips.
5. linkwithin found at the bottom of each blog post, clicking on the pictures will take you to another post on Busy Hands that is related to the current post
6. gnowfglins.com features Wardeh teaching all about nourishing foods. I link up there most Thursday's for her Simple Thursday blog hop.
7. Sometimes a strange website features my blog for some unknown reason. We share no interests so I really don't know why they share my link, but right now this particular one is at number 7. I will not share the address as I don't want to send them any traffic. : )
8. google searches--most common is just searching for the blog, but others are "prayer for a new school year", "victoria botkin"
9. more linkwithin posts
10. theprairiehomestead.com hosts the Monday barn hop with homesteadrevival.com
11. megafamilies.blogspot.com Busy Hands Busy Minds is listed almost at the end of this page for large families...that means that we are one of the smallest featured here!
12. joyfuljohnsons.blogspot.com Actually someone I know and who would recognize me at the grocery store. Roan and I have been friends in real life for about 10 years as we live in the same area and both homeschool. Our paths don't often cross much these days as she and her family are busy running and my family is busy with our homesteading endeavors. Roan is just as sweet in person as she is on her blog. Her family is just as sweet as well!
13. grocerycartchallenge.blogspot.com I link up a favorite recipe here every so often on Saturdays. Lots of great new recipe ideas are to be found.
14. raisingolives.com Kimberly and I would be friends in real life....if we lived closer together that is!! We are in neighboring states and next time we head up to the Smokies I hope we can meet up with her blessedly large family.
So, did you find Busy Hands through one of these links or another one? Please let me know! I have great fun looking at new blogs and coming across Busy Hands Busy Minds listed in a blog roll of someone I've never met...in person or online. Stop by and introduce yourself.....please! ; ) Oh, and just because she was here last week and just because we finally got a picture...let me introduce my granddaughter who will be one year old next month... Ashtyn Claire is a petite little sweety!
1. homesteadrevival.blogspot.com Amy blogs about homesteading, homemaking and homeschooling. I link up to her blog on Saturdays for the prep challenge and on Mondays for the barn hop.
2 and 3. networked blogs and Facebook connections
4. raisinghomemakers.com features many guest writers who focus on raising their daughters to be keepers at home. I link up there on Wednesdays sharing recipes and household tips.
5. linkwithin found at the bottom of each blog post, clicking on the pictures will take you to another post on Busy Hands that is related to the current post
6. gnowfglins.com features Wardeh teaching all about nourishing foods. I link up there most Thursday's for her Simple Thursday blog hop.
7. Sometimes a strange website features my blog for some unknown reason. We share no interests so I really don't know why they share my link, but right now this particular one is at number 7. I will not share the address as I don't want to send them any traffic. : )
8. google searches--most common is just searching for the blog, but others are "prayer for a new school year", "victoria botkin"
9. more linkwithin posts
10. theprairiehomestead.com hosts the Monday barn hop with homesteadrevival.com
11. megafamilies.blogspot.com Busy Hands Busy Minds is listed almost at the end of this page for large families...that means that we are one of the smallest featured here!
12. joyfuljohnsons.blogspot.com Actually someone I know and who would recognize me at the grocery store. Roan and I have been friends in real life for about 10 years as we live in the same area and both homeschool. Our paths don't often cross much these days as she and her family are busy running and my family is busy with our homesteading endeavors. Roan is just as sweet in person as she is on her blog. Her family is just as sweet as well!
13. grocerycartchallenge.blogspot.com I link up a favorite recipe here every so often on Saturdays. Lots of great new recipe ideas are to be found.
14. raisingolives.com Kimberly and I would be friends in real life....if we lived closer together that is!! We are in neighboring states and next time we head up to the Smokies I hope we can meet up with her blessedly large family.
So, did you find Busy Hands through one of these links or another one? Please let me know! I have great fun looking at new blogs and coming across Busy Hands Busy Minds listed in a blog roll of someone I've never met...in person or online. Stop by and introduce yourself.....please! ; ) Oh, and just because she was here last week and just because we finally got a picture...let me introduce my granddaughter who will be one year old next month... Ashtyn Claire is a petite little sweety!
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Music Appreciation Resources
I have to admit that I have a natural inclination for gathering up resources for our homeschool and especially love music history and appreciation resources as I have a master's degree in music education. Here are some of the resources that we have used and loved in the past few years. I have to admit that we do not own all of the composers audiobooks and all of the Opal Wheeler biographies, but will be adding some more to our home library soon. The following are affiliate links, so if you purchase any of these I will get a small percentage as a commission.
We will be starting back with our composer studies in the next few weeks. The older boys will be away from home working with their dad on filming project for a couple of weeks, so we will start back up after that is finished.
These Mr. Pipes books written by Douglas Bond cover the music through the history of the church. We have read most of these out loud as part of our group studies and I have to admit that we really liked them and I, myself, really learned a lot about what makes a good hymn.
We will be starting back with our composer studies in the next few weeks. The older boys will be away from home working with their dad on filming project for a couple of weeks, so we will start back up after that is finished.
These Mr. Pipes books written by Douglas Bond cover the music through the history of the church. We have read most of these out loud as part of our group studies and I have to admit that we really liked them and I, myself, really learned a lot about what makes a good hymn.
 | Mr. Pipes and the British Hymn Makers By Douglas Bond / Christian Liberty Press An understanding of the great hymns of the Christian faith is often lacking in today's generation; convey the fabulous glory of hymnology as Mr. Pipes escorts two young Americans around England, learning about hymns and Christianity wherever they go. 242 pages, softcover. |
 | Mr. Pipes and Psalms and Hymns of the Reformation By Douglas Bond / Christian Liberty Press Follow Mr. Pipes throughout Europe as he accompanies his two young American friends on a tour of the famous hymn writers. Examining the significance of worship and the godly traditions they're built upon, this book aims to rekindle a genuine interest in the traditional hymns of the faith. 240 pages, softcover. Grades 7-10. |
 | Mr. Pipes Comes to America By Douglas Bond / Christian Liberty Press Cultivate a love of traditional hymns in your young believers as they follow Mr. Pipes from his cozy English cottage to America! From Plymouth to Amesbury, Princeton to Boston, Mr. Pipes leads Annie and Drew on a delightful historical adventure, teaching them about the lives and music of John Eliot, Phillips Brooks, John Greenleaf Whittier, and other great hymn writers. Includes music and lyrics. 194 pages, softcover. |
 | The Accidental Voyage: Discovering Hymns of the Early Centuries By Douglas Bond / P & R Publishing Get ready for a great story about two American teens traveling in Europe with David McCallum, an English organist known in his parish as Mr. Pipes. During a series of hair-raising adventures across Europe, Mr. Pipes introduces Annie and Drew to sixteen hymns from the early centuries, and to hymnists Ambrose of Milan, Bernard of Clairvaux, St. Francis of Asissi, St. Patrick, and more. |
A Young Scholar's Guide to Composers is what we are currently using in our studies. Timelines, biographies, musical selections and coloring pages make this guide a great multi-level teaching tool.
 | A Young Scholar's Guide to Composers By Melissa E. Craig & Maggie S. Hogan / Bright Ideas Press Introduce your students to the music, life, and times of famous composers! With this user-friendly resource, reluctant and enthusiastic musicians alike will enjoy learning about Mozart, Beethoven, Joplin, and others. This creative curriculum features 32 weekly lessons; 26 biographies; easy-to-use maps; a comparative timeline; information cards; games; note-taking pages; quizzes; answer keys; listening suggestions; coloring pages; and suggested resources. Grades 4 to 8. 299 pages, softcover. |
We don't have all the CDs in the set, but do have several and my children of all ages have enjoyed and learned a lot from them. The audiobooks tell an interesting story about the featured composer that will keep the listener engaged throughout. Musical selections are also included.
 | Beethoven Lives Upstairs - Audiobook on CD By Classical Kids / Children's Book Store Dist. In this tale of genius and childhood, an eccentric new boarder turns a young boy's life upside-down. Ludwig Van Beethoven has moved in upstairs! Young Christoph exchanges letters about the chaotic arrival of Mr. Beethoven and learns to appreciate and understand the great composer and his music. The CD features over two dozen excerpts from Beethoven's music including the Moonlight Sonata, Symphonies #5-9, Fur Elise, Pathetique Sonata, Flute Serenade, and Minuet in G Major. |
 | Daydreams and Lullabies - Audiobook on CD By Classical Kids / Children's Book Store Dist. Follow a young family from playtime to dream time through the nursery, the park, the streets of Olde London and off to bed. Newborns to 90-year-olds will enjoy this magical mix of classical music, classical poetry and poems written and performed by children.Daydreams and Lullabies features a rich variety of the great classical lullabies, rounds for family singing and traditional English songs. Includes the music of Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Vivaldi, Schubert, Pachelbel, Tchaikovsky and Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel. |
 | Hallelujah Handel - Audiobook on CD By Classical Kids / Children's Book Store Dist. In 1750, George Frideric Handel gave musical history's greatest gift - his Messiah - to an orphanage in London. From that city's dark lanes comes Thomas, a boy who sings like an angel but will not speak. Finally the boy is healed with the help of Maestro Handel, Katarina (from Vivaldi's Ring Of Mystery) and the power and glory of the music. Includes more than two dozens excerpts of Handel's music, including the Sarabande in D minor, Water Music, Music for the Royal Fireworks, Arrival of the Queen of Sheba, Harp Concerto, oratorios, operas, and of course, Messiah. |
 | Mozart's Magic Fantasy - Audiobook on CD By Classical Kids / Children's Book Store Dist. The Story: With magic bells and flute, Sarah and the dragon find their way from the Queen of the Night's realm to Sarastro's castle. Together they help Prince Tamino find Princess Pamina and the bird-man Papageno find his Papagena. The Music: Features Mozart's best known arias, originally translated and freshly recorded with child-appropriate verse. Lyrics enclosed. |
 | Mozart's Magnificent Voyage - Audiobook on CD By Classical Kids / Children's Book Store Dist. The Story: The Dream Children are about to be written out of Mozart's most famous opera. In the hopes of changing their fate, they enlist the help of the composer's young son Karl. Together the children embark on an incredible journey that takes them back in time to Mozart's childhood and ahead to the future. Along the way, Karl comes to understand his father's legacy of timeless music. The Music: More than 2 dozen excerpts of Mozart's music, including Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, the Clarinet Quartet, Flute Quartet, Horn Concerto, Symphony No. 1, Ave Verum Corpus, Piano Sonatas, Concerto k.467 and "twinkle" Variations, plus several excerpts from Mozart's best loved operas. |
 | Mr. Bach Comes to Call - Audiobook on CD By Classical Kids / Children's Book Store Dist. The Story: After the dramatic send-off of his music into space about Voyager II, Mr. Bach, along with his magic orchestra and choir, drops in on a little girl as she practices piano. The Music: Over 2 dozen excerpts, including Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, Brandenburg Concerto #5, Flute Sonatas and Badinerie, Air for the G-String, Goldberg Variations, piano minuet and preludes, organ music and Choral Cantata #78 |
 | Tchaikovsky Discovers America - Audiobook on CD By Classical Kids / Children's Book Store Dist. Tchaikovsky arrives in New York for the grand opening of Carnegie Hall in 1891. It's all aboard for a fun-filled musical adventure to Niagara Falls. During his trip, the great composer shares stories with a young family about his music, his life and his fear of conducting. In the end, both the composer and the family discover something about courage and about themselves. Includes more than two dozen excerpts of Tchaikovsky's music, including The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake, The First Piano Concerto, String Serenade and 1812 Overture. Also included is a musical mosaic of well-known American music of the time, including ragtime, spirituals and popular folk classics. |
The Gift of Music gives biographical information about many composers. I have used this along with other studies as we learned about specific composers. Probably written more to the 12-15 age group all can learn from and appreciate the information shared that gives insight into many of the world's composers beliefs about Christ. My music loving 15 year old has been reading this book for his own enjoyment in the last few days.
 | The Gift of Music: Great Composers & Their Influence By Jane Stuart Smith & Betty Carlson / Crossway Books & Bibles "The arts are not extraneous . . . but a vital and essential part of our existence," write the authors. This stimulating overview integrates the biographies, beliefs, and music of 45 composers from Schutz to Shostakovich; and suggests recommended reading and listening to expand your students' understanding and appreciation of great music. Joyously written from a Christian viewpoint. 317 pages, softcover from Crossway. |
What a treasure trove of great reading for the younger crowd!! I originally found these books by Opal Wheeler at our local library sale and was able to purchase several old volumes. How wonderful that Zeedok Press is now republishing them!! I didn't include links, but there are also study guides to go with each book.
 | Sebastian Bach, The Boy from Thuringia Study Guide By Judy Wilcox / Zeezok Publishing, Llc This study guide accompanies Opal Wheeler's sold-separately Sebastian Bach, The Boy from Thuringia. Timelines, additional illustrations, tidbits of information, and reading comprehension questions are included. Answers follow the questions with referenced pages numbers where the answer can be found. 32 pages, softcover. Grades K-6. |
 | The Young Brahms - Hardcover By Opal Wheeler & Sybil Deucher / Zeezok Publishing, Llc The story of young Brahms, children will love the vivid descriptions of his childhood, from his family to his music lessons, his inspiration and dedication. A wonderful living book you'll want to have on your shelf for history, music, and other unit studies! Vintage pen-and-ink illustrations bring charm to the text, and included selections allow musicians to perform some of his works. Hardcover, 126 pages. Grades K-6. |
 | Joseph Haydn, The Merry Little Peasant By Opal Wheeler and Sybil Deucher / Zeezok Publishing, Llc Give your children a love for Haydn's compositions with this simple biography. From his boyhood to his early education to his adult life as a famous composer, this is one living book you'll want to have on your shelf for history, music, and other unit studies. Vintage pen-and-ink illustrations bring charm and whimsy to the text. 118 pages, softcover. Ages 8-12. |
 | Franz Schubert and His Merry Friends By Opal Wheeler & Sybil Deucher / Zeezok Publishing, Llc A detailed biography written for children, this story of the brilliant, young, and mischievous Franz Schubert is the perfect introduction to the young composer's life. Learn how the "Unfinished Symphony" was left incomplete not because of any tragedy, but because his friends were starting for a picnic when he was in the middle of it; his pranks and escapades; and all about his beautiful music. Numerous selections are provided, including the March Militaire, the Moment Musicale, the theme of The Erlking, the Cradle Song and several more. Vintage pen-and-ink illustrations bring charm and whimsy to the text. 124 pages, softcover. |
 | The Young Brahms By Opal Wheeler & Sybil Deucher / Zeezok Publishing, Llc The story of young Brahms, children will love the vivid descriptions of his childhood, from his family to his music lessons, his inspiration and dedication. A wonderful living book you'll want to have on your shelf for history, music, and other unit studies! Vintage pen-and-ink illustrations bring charm to the text, and included selections allow musicians to perform some of his works. Softcover, 148 pages. Grades K-6. |
 | Robert Schumann and Mascot Ziff By Opal Wheeler / Zeezok Publishing, Llc This engaging biography will become a favorite on anyone's shelf! Learn about Schumann's happy life, and how his inability to play perfectly due to one of his fingers helped to fuel his compositions. Vintage pen-and-ink illustrations bring charm and whimsy to the text. 157 pages, softcover. Musical selections are included, with track numbers referencing the sold-separately companion CD. |
We have used a few other musical resources through the years and I will share them at a later time. If you haven't included music appreciation or history in your homeschool, please consider doing so! God did, indeed, give us the gift of music and it is such a wonderful way to add beauty to your home.
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| http://ateachingheart.com/2011/09/07/mozarts-family/ |
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