My sweet family- you are all rock stars. You love me, support me, entertain my crazy ideas, and always have my back to make it happen. Not one character of this program would exist without you. Do not digitally alter or redistribute as in any way. HOME USE: FREE TO COPY AND PRINT AS MUCH AS NEEDED FOR PERSONAL USE.
©2019 Erin Elizabeth Cox All Rights Reserved. For use in home settings only. Contact [email protected] for use in classrooms or co-ops. FONT: Print Clearly by Blue Vinyl via www.FontSpace.com Austin from FontBundles.com
ISBN: 9781079552492 The Gentle + Classical Press www.LifeAbundantlyBlog.com www.GentleClassical.com The Gentle + Classical Preschool
Level 2 K4-Kindergarten
Don't forget the Level 2 Bundle! While this curriculum guide is 100% complete on its own and will lend itself to a wonderful preschool and kindergarten experience, your job becomes much easier with all the tools on hand!
There is a custom-designed bundle of printable materials found at LifeAbundantlyBlog.com/shop perfect for helping you implement this program at home- in peace, confidence, and ease! Table of Contents Page Topic 2 Part 1 4 Welcome Letter 7 Preparing our Hearts and Minds 10 Program Structure 15 Scope and Sequence 17 Unit Overview Key 20 What are the “attainments”? 23 A Formidable List of Attainments for a Child of 6 25 Scheduling and Planning; Quick Start 27 Book List and Notes 30 Scheduling and Organization 33 Sample Weekly Schedule 35 Sample Daily Schedule 36 Memory Work Boards 38 Storyboards- Narration 40 Art + Music Overview 45 Math Overview 48 Attainments in Detail 54 The Moral Imagination- Fairy Tales for Preschoolers? 58 The Purpose of Memorization 61 Alignment with other Gentle + Classical Programs 63 Part 2 64 Quick Action Guide 67 Term 1 93 Term 2 119 Term 3 144 Appendix: Planning Pages
©Gentle + Classical Nature Important This curriculum is composed of two parts:
PART 1: Introduction, scope and sequence, scheduling, and detailed teacher guidance.
PART 2: Curriculum Content
If the philosophies of Charlotte Mason and Classical Education are new to you, if possible, please take the time to read through Part 1 in advance of beginning The Gentle + Classical Preschool, Level 2. If you read Part 1 of Gentle + Classical Nature, you will see some overlap but be aware that there is much new information as well.
I challenge you to read through it at least twice as well as to prayerfully consider reading Volume 1: Home Education by Charlotte Mason for yourself. You’ll be immensely blessed.
NOTE: All links, suggested books, and materials found in this program can be found “clickable” via “Level 2 Links” at www.GentleClassical.com.
1 ©Gentle + Classical Nature Part 1
©Gentle + Classical Press 2 Welcome
3 ©Gentle + Classical Press Hi there, friend!
I’m so thankful that you have found The Gentle + Classical Preschool Level 2 for your little one. Whether you’ve already walked through Level 1 with your toddler or you’re just getting started, I pray and believe that this program will be a welcome respite and will put your deepest apprehensions to rest.
YOU are your child’s greatest teacher. I believe that homeschooling is a Godly calling, and He will not call you then abandon you. I know from experience that the task of home education is daunting, overwhelming, and ripe with uncertainty. But I have also enjoyed the wonderful freedom in accepting that God’s grace IS truly sufficient (even for this) and surrendering my plans and expectations at the foot of the cross.
As I set out to write Level 2 of this program, I had some well-laid and perfectly logical plans. But as I began to seek God and submit this entire program to His Will, things began to change. Beginning to write this program is the hardest thing I’ve ever done professionally. God has taken me down a path that I was completely unfamiliar with and resistant to. I’ve learned so much and still remain at the feet of those wiser than I.
As you read through Part 1 of this program, you’ll become familiar with some terms that I only recently became deeply acquainted with. Don’t feel overwhelmed or “behind” if they are new to you. I’m closing in on a decade of homeschooling and am still learning SO MUCH! Part 1 of this program purposes to equip and encourage you in understanding how this program is structured, why it’s structured this way, and how to best approach it and plan for it. It’s my deepest desire that your heart and mind be full, confident, and restful as you walk into your first few weeks of The Gentle + Classical Preschool Level 2.
In Part 1, we will walk through the basic concepts behind the program. We will discuss Charlotte Mason’s “Formidable Attainments for a Child of 6.” We will reflect on how those can all be attained by utilizing both this program and Gentle + Classical Nature. (Don’t worry, I have plenty of scheduling help ahead). We will purpose to understand why anyone would want to read “creepy” fairy tales to their young children and how those develop the moral imagination. We will explore the absence of history in this program, which is wholly uncommon in current classical circles. We will explore all the books you will need and how best to order your days around your purposes for your child in this tender stage.
In Part 2, you will find all the material included in the program for implementation. I believe that you will find the memory work and teacher notes clear, concise, and easily implementable once you’ve done the work of investing time in fully understanding Part 1.
If, after you’ve read Part 1, you have more questions about who I am as a curriculum author and ©Gentle + Classical Press 4 what my personal homeschool journey has been like, I would encourage you to read the Welcome Letter from the free pdf download of Gentle + Classical Nature. In that program, I fully flesh out what my own personal journey has been in finding my way into the “Charlotte Mason/Classical” world and the worldview that I approach writing this program from. I didn’t wish to repeat it here for those who have read through that program already.
If it is not readily apparent thus far, I’m a follower of Christ. My belief that our culture is rapidly swinging away from traditional Judeo-Christian beliefs is a significant motivating factor for the basis of this program. This is why we read fairy tales (more on that in the section Moral Imagination). I’m a publicly schooled student with a BS in Banking and Finance. On all accounts, I am not equipped to write a liberal arts curriculum. However, I persevere as I know that ALL wisdom comes from God and trust Him fully to cover my every insufficiency.
After having recently attended a large homeschool convention, I can attest that most curriculum programs do not seek to encourage and equip the parent so much as they seek to help the parent “get the job done.” We all have MUCH to do and many responsibilities in our homes, communities, and churches. That is most definitely not lost on me! But one thing I know for sure is that there is no one curriculum program or author that we can FULLY trust to impart a proper and complete Biblical worldview to our children. As Spirit-led as many programs are, as parents, it is still OUR calling to teach our children to order their affections for that which is lovely and good. We cannot fully unload that burden upon a book and expect it to “work.”
I personally made that mistake for years, and it made me all the more thankful for grace! But I want to come alongside you and encourage you not to make the same mistakes that I did. I am not God and therefore, I am fallible and sinful. My worldview is not perfectly Biblical or without error as I continue to grow in Christ and confront new sins daily. I want you to recognize that up front.
My hope in bringing this to your awareness would be that it would serve as an encouragement to make sure you never stop learning. Learn about education and how the mind develops. Learn about how stories and movies shape our worldview. Learn how to properly read and dissect literature. Read as much as you can- for knowledge and for beauty. Not only does this help us all continue to develop into whole people ourselves, but it shapes us as a community and gives our children excellent models. It need not be more than 20 minutes per day, but I task you with expanding and redeeming your own education so that YOU are ultimately the best teacher you can be. And always, above all, seek God’s Word first.
If I could summarize the purpose of the Gentle + Classical programs together, it would be this:
“As Gentle + Classical Nature acquaints our children with God’s Creation and instills WONDER for their Creator into their souls, through The Gentle + Classical Preschool, literature and fairy tales will enliven their minds and exercise their moral imagination. Virtue, reverence, and character are shaped 5 ©Gentle + Classical Press through stories that thrill, perplex, and delight. Their poetic knowledge is developed as their souls observe good triumphing over evil, as it does in life through our victory in Christ.”
Enjoy this journey, friend! For years, I was frustrated with the saying, “The days are long, but the years are short.” As my own high schooler prepares for her sophomore year, getting her driving permit, and starting her first job, I can testify to its accuracy. However, I have the unique perspective of also being in the season of long toddler days and sleepless nights simultaneously. It’s a blessed perspective that I wouldn’t change for anything in this world. This season is so short, despite how desperately long it feels. And above all, it is so sacred! Let us not wish away these trials of tempers and tantrums for easier times when those moments of speaking Truth into hard little hearts are the most precious of all.
This time— these ages— are paramount to the development of our children as WHOLE, fully formed people. Yes, they are born whole persons, but as mothers we are tasked with the tall order of ensuring they have all they need to feed upon to develop all aspects of their personhood. And this task, of focusing on them in their full wholeness, is (prayerfully) what you will find within these pages. Skills and knowledge are right and good, but let us never elevate that scientific knowledge above the poetic knowledge of developing their identities as image-bearers of Christ. Let us spend as much time on their virtue, character, and knowledge of God as we do upon numeracy and early phonics skills during this brief and hallowed time.
Let us journey together, sweet friend! I pray that your days in educating your child gently and classically will be blessed and overflowing with goodness and God’s mercy!
In Christ, Erin
©Gentle + Classical Press 6 Preparing Our Hearts and Minds as Teachers
7 ©Gentle + Classical Press At first glance (and possibly second!), this program may seem intimidating. There are many parts to it, and honestly, it’s very different from how most of us were educated. It’s SO different that there is a learning curve for us as Mama/Teachers that we have to tackle head-on.
Admittedly, most programs don’t require (BEG) that you read an entire book before utilizing them. While that’s truly in your own hands (and the program can certainly be used if you don’t), this author asks you to take the time to read Charlotte Mason’s Volume 1: Home Education for yourself then asks you to read through Part 1 of this program at least twice before you begin.
Why? Because, for most of us, we are very much used to (and looking for) “open and go.” That’s my typical scouting process for new curriculum: “Is it OPEN AND GO?” I 1000% get it, friend. We have limited time and many of us have several children, in various grades, with different learning styles to consider. However, what I’m imploring of you here is something that will inherently affect how you educate every single child in your home, regardless of their ages or abilities, from this point forward.
As you grow in understanding of this “classical/CM” method, this program becomes very “open and go” on a daily and weekly basis. Aside from procuring books, your week-to-week planning won’t be stressful or cumbersome at all. I personally feel like this will be due to your diligence and faithfulness in fully preparing your own heart and mind prior to stepping into this program.
In planning for your child’s year, you’ll want to take time to plan for your own education as well. One of the most exciting aspects of home education is the ability to enrich our own thought lives, expand our own understanding, and learn new things about how God made us and designed us to learn! You will reap a 100-fold bounty in your own heart and in your child’s education by investing your time into this preparation.
Here are a few tips to take into consideration during your “planning phase” of using The Gentle + Classical Preschool Level 2 (TGCP2): »»Rather than seek out a “summary” of Charlotte Mason’s ideas (and there are some great ones), if you are educating a child under the age of 6, nothing will surpass the beauty and clarity of reading Miss Mason’s OWN words about this season in Volume 1: Home Education. »»My personal edition (and there are many) is from “The Home Education Series” published by Living Books Press and has been formatted to match the original printings (and page numbers). This will be very helpful as I direct you to certain pages throughout Part 1 of this curriculum to read Miss Mason’s instructions in various skills, where they are too lengthy for me to include here. »»Even if time doesn’t allow for you to read it in full before beginning TGCP2, you will want to have it on hand, nonetheless. As mentioned above, it is often cited, and is therefore an indispensable resource in implementing TGCP2. If you can’t read the full book, reading through
©Gentle + Classical Press 8 page 233 will give you the vast majority of insight you need for a child under the age of 6. For children over 6, I really encourage you to read the whole volume. »»There is also a FREE online version, with original page citations, that will roughly align with citations in this book. That link can also be found via the “Level 2 Links” at GentleClassical.com. »»Obviously, the homeschool police will not show up if you don’t read the book first! You can likely skip into the curriculum if you are very enthusiastic to begin, then reference back as needed. My entire hope is that you will have all the tools and information readily at your disposal so that your year of TGCP2 is overflowing with goodness and ease for yourself and your child.
9 ©Gentle + Classical Press Program Structure Scope + Sequence
©Gentle + Classical Press 10 The Gentle + Classical Preschool Level 2 is composed of 36 units of work, divided into 3 terms, based upon the virtue being studied. They are:
TERM 1: KINDNESS TERM 2: SELF-CONTROL TERM 3: FAITHFULNESS
As you walk through the program, you will find that the scripture studied and the books read all have a connecting thread coursing through them, related to the term’s virtue. As our children memorize what each of these terms mean, they will encounter these ideas lived out in the adventures of the characters we read in stories and through the word of God, again and again. Furthermore, if you elect to do the optional “On Mission Around the World” study (see page 14), you will find these themes continued there.
There are a few components to this program, so I want to detail them here one-by-one, with important notes:
1- Attainments: While we will discuss Charlotte Mason’s “Formidable List of Attainments for a Child of 6” in great detail shortly, be aware that we will not work toward all of the attainments in this program alone. TGCP2 has been written with the assumption that you are also going to use Gentle + Classical Nature (GCN) alongside it OR at some time in the future. GCN is the nature study and science portion of this program and accomplishes the vast majority of these attainments in its pages. However, if accomplishing Miss Mason’s attainments are not important to you, rest assured that both programs are robustly fruitful regardless of whether you seek to meet her “attainments” or not. Ultimately, her attainments are simply a scope and sequence for the Kindergarten year that is vastly different from the current education system’s goals, all the while more relevant than ever before in helping our children grow in wisdom and knowledge. If you choose not to utilize GCN, you may choose any other method of nature study or science that you desire.
2- Memorization: In a few pages, we will discuss the purpose and value of memorization in a child’s early education. I want to mention briefly that we work toward memorization of key facts in the context of learning about that which we are memorizing. We do not seek to memorize without context. In reflecting upon this concept, I can’t imagine that I would enjoy to memorize all of the parts of a car for a year, only to not see a car, ride in one, or use those terms in any way for years to come. All memory work in this volume is pertinent to a young child’s life, character, and the material we will read and explore. However, all children have different aptitudes for memorization. Do not let your child’s “poor memory” stop you from the daily practice of the memory work. The WORK inherent in recitation and chanting will foster the development of their memory just as much as it will serve to plant the seeds that we hope to plant.
3- Living Books: You will find the complete book list for this program in just a few pages. Like with 11 ©Gentle + Classical Press most Charlotte Mason-inspired programs, this is a book-intensive feast. In curating the book list and selecting various stories, I worked diligently to find volumes and treasuries that encompassed several titles to reduce the overall volume of individual books you would need to purchase, hopefully reducing costs. Furthermore, I looked for books that are commonly available in libraries or used book sales.
AN IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT THE FAIRY TALE VOLUMES I HAVE CHOSEN: I read, researched, and investigated MULTIPLE volumes of fairy tales. In seeking out fairy tales to read to children ages 4-6, I had a few important goals: »»That they be as accurate to the original telling as possible »»All the while on an age-appropriate level »»Maintaining the basic stance of a CLEAR defeat of evil, with a redemptive ending, and threads of virtue woven throughout »»With excellent, engaging illustrations
Unfortunately, it is most common these days to find stories that have reduced the “gore” factor of the original story to such an extent that all CLEAR distinctions between right and wrong become extremely blurred. As you will read in the section titled: MORAL IMAGINATION (see page 54), the utmost goal of our use of fairy tales is to help our children clearly define and “experience” the stark contrast between good and evil. The bowdlerization of these once rich, clear tales has left us scrounging for versions that strike a balance between honest integrity to the original story and causing our children to lose sleep! We want pictures that delight, inform, and entertain while not creating monsters that torment them.
If you choose a different version of the fairy tales than I’ve suggested here, please be sure to pre- read them. If there are illustrations- are they frightening? Does the story clearly demonstrate right and wrong without creating terror? Is the wrong rightly punished while good has victory?
AN IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT NURSERY RHYMES: Nursery rhymes can be a bit nonsensical, and we can wonder if they are truly worth our valuable time in our homeschooling day. However, their rhythm and rhyme are foundational in cognitive development. Nursery rhymes help with developing phonemic awareness, memory and articulation, listening skills, and rhyming abilities- all of which are CRUCIAL pre-literacy skills. The more consistently we do our “work” now, the easier reading skills will be developed and enjoyed. Plus, they’re so silly the kids won’t care that they don’t make sense- they will have fun chanting and acting them out anyway!
AN IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT POETRY: In this program, you will see references to TWO different kinds of poetry. You will see “GCN Recitation” in each unit overview and in the Meaningful Menu custom- aligned to this program. This is for those who desire to use the nature-inspired poetry from the Gentle + Classical Nature program and implement it for recitation (speaking it) until the point of memorization. Additionally, each unit we read and listen to poetry from Robert Louis Stevenson. THIS ©Gentle + Classical Press 12 section of poetry is for enjoyment and exposure to great prose- not for memorization unless you choose that you would rather supplement one of these poems in the place of our selections from Gentle + Classical Nature. Each unit, you can use ONE poem, both, or none. You choose!
4- Morning Basket and (optional) Wonder Tale Treat Time: As you work through this program and review the suggested schedule, you will see these two activities referred to throughout it. While it certainly isn’t required that you partake of a “morning basket” or “tea/treat time,” we have found that it’s an effective way to insure that we all enjoy the riches in a Charlotte Mason education, that everyone participates, and that we get as much accomplished in our day as possible.
In the scheduling section, I have multiple suggestions and considerations, based upon your family’s desires and structure. That said, doing a morning basket, circle time, or morning collective is an excellent way to accomplish much in a small amount of time with young students. The schedule gives you the option of doing most of our work during this time, or you can divide it up between the Morning Basket and Wonder Tales Treat Time. I’ll go into detail about both of these, thoroughly, in the scheduling section.
I have teamed up with Ashley of Meaningful Menus to supply you with a phenomenal resource for implementing a convenient and full Morning Basket Time. You can find more details in the following pages and via the “Level 2 Links” at GentleClassical.com
5- Preschool or Kindergarten Morning Binder: You will want to choose which Morning Binder you would like to utilize based upon your child’s age and readiness. The Kindergarten Morning Binder features smaller text and more challenging activities. We tend utilize our Morning Binder daily during the beginning of our school day, once older siblings are working independently. It’s also an EXCELLENT way to keep very young toddlers “busy” doing work as well, while I give my attention to their siblings. I have the primary 3 pages of the Morning Binder that we do each day (in which we review writing our name, the days/months/date, the weather, our emotions, and so forth) always in dry erase sleeves. The other pages, I insert into sleeves at the beginning of each week based upon the letters, numbers, or skills we are practicing and learning. You can find these at LifeAbundantlyBlog.com/ Shop. (Click the button for The Gentle + Classical Preschool Level 2 Materials to see both options and utilize the previews to decide which would work best for your student.)
6- Art + Music: Art and music are both incredibly integral aspects of a young child’s development. I know messes can be daunting, but when we finally accept them as a part of life educating our little ones, we can experience a lot of freedom. In the program we will do both great artist and composer studies following a very Charlotte Mason-friendly method plus we will experience art and music through creation as well. We will purpose to help our students develop a keen eye for great works at an early age and attempt to “replicate” them along with learning about the basic elements of art. Aside from art explorations, we will be learning about the various instruments found in the orchestra. We will also have an opportunity to enjoy a wonderful music at home program via MyMusikatHome. 13 ©Gentle + Classical Press com. (More details on this in the Art + Music Section on page 40.)
8- OPTIONAL- “On Mission Around the World”: This study has been written to expand this program for children who are at the upper end of the 4-6 year range and for whom you wish to add a history or geography portion to the program. It can also be utilized with children through 3rd grade. This 36 unit missionary and cultural study easily aligns with the 36 units of The Gentle + Classical Preschool Level 2 and Gentle + Classical Nature. In it, you will travel the world with 6 historical missionaries and explore both their homeland and the lands that they traveled to in order to spread the Gospel. These missionaries have been chosen and ordered based on the virtues of each term as well. Our students will read excellent living books, learn to use an atlas, have geographic terms to add to their memorization, experience international foods, learn about cultural diversity in dress and customs, and sing songs from around the world as travel through India, China, Scotland, Nigeria, Guatemala, Mexico, Oregon, Ireland, Germany, The Netherlands, Ecuador and more! You can visit LifeAbundantlyBlog.com/shop to see previews, review the required book list, and read the full details
Sometimes it’s nice to see what allScope you’ll be accomplishingand Sequence “at-a-glance.” On the next page you will see a summary of these 36 units of work:
©Gentle + Classical Press 14 15 ©Gentle + Classical Press ©Gentle + Classical Press 16 Unit Overview Key
17 ©Gentle + Classical Press Each virtue is accompanied by The corresponding unit for a tune suggestion. You may G+C Nature is listed here as a need to repeat a line or two in reference, in the event you are order to make the tune fit. aligning them.
These are sweet and funny poems to teach invaluble life lessons and instill good habits.
These lyrics are available online or in the Meaningful Menu.
The Memory State- ment Cards from the Level 2 Bundle will help you have a visual aid. These are general summaries from the text: The Ology. I have created them to re- flect important Biblical doctrine that most denominations will agree on.
Use the suggested version or your own preferred Bible translation
These scriptures are from a variety of translations and are This space includes reminders, partial.They align with the songs from Dana Dirksen that we helpful notes, ideas, and space use and are chosen for their relation to each term’s virtue. to record your own!
©Gentle + Classical Press 18 I have included the full poem here for This is for anyone who is working through Na- your reference, though I still encour- ture and including poetry recitation (until even- age looking for a copy of A Child’s tual memorization) as a part of that program. Garden of Verses for your own family. 3 options are included in the Meaningful Menu.
Here you find the primary/required books needed for the unit. Further books may be listed below under Art or Music Education.
Here you find a list of related, highly recommended tools and materials to make implementing the program easier.
Each unit, this space indicates supplies, books, or other materials needed for this portion of the program.
Art and Music alternate weeks. Here, you will find book and page references for the week’s master, their work of focus, related explorations, suggestions, and additional materials and books.
19 ©Gentle + Classical Press What are the attainments?
©Gentle + Classical Press 20 What are these “attainments”? In a curriculum from the 1890’s, Charlotte Mason outlined a list of “attainments” that she believed were a challenging set of skills and knowledge that a well- educated child of 6 would do well to have. In an excellent post from JuniperPines.com (http://bit.ly/ AttainmentList), Marjorie clarifies misconceptions about this “Attainment List.” The main take-away here is that this list of skills is not for a child to have mastered BY the age of 6, but rather to be challenged with AT the age of 6. What does this mean? It essentially means that the following list of attainments are not a “kindergarten readiness” list but instead would be considered Miss Mason’s “kindergarten” program.
So this begs the question: should we be endeavoring to begin this list of attainments with our 4 and 5 year olds? Will we keep them from their full potential by encumbering them with lessons? My answer to these questions is two-fold (and based on my own personal convictions and interpretations of research):
1. Counter-culturally, I propose that we must not always approach everything in absolutes. Yes, childhood is short and days can be busy. However, when our children are 3-5 years old, they are often awake for 12-14 hours each day. Is that not enough time to let them have an abundance of open-ended play both inside and out-of-doors as well as begin early, natural, developmentally appropriate instruction? For our family, we believe that 20 minutes of intentional instruction woven into the natural rhythm of our day beginning around age 2 or 3 will only give them an advantage, as long as they are not forcibly resistant to it.
2. What do you think? That is to say, for your family, for your children, based on your home education goals, the hours in your day, and your impassioned prayer for God’s guidance, do you believe that you ought to begin instruction with your child, given their age, temperament, maturity, and other life circumstances? This answer will inherently be very different for each mother AND each child. Once you are certain about your child’s readiness, you can walk confidently forward in the way God is leading you.
For your convenience, the attainments are listed next, in their entirety.
On page 48 of Part 1 of this book, we will approach each attainment individually, dive deeply into its purpose, and discuss our method of accomplishing each, relying heavily upon Miss Mason’s words and guidance.
21 ©Gentle + Classical Press List of Attainments Issued by Charlotte Mason (in brief )
©Gentle + Classical Press 22 A FORMIDABLE LIST OF ATTAINMENT FOR A CHILD OF SIX (items in this font will be covered within the 3 terms of Gentle + Classical Nature, items in this font are handled here in Level 2 of The Gentle + Classical Preschool)
1. To recite, beautifully, six easy poems and hymns.
2. To recite, perfectly and beautifully, a parable and a psalm.
3. To add and subtract numbers up to ten, with dominoes or counters.
4. To read — what and how much, will depend on what we are told of the child; children vary much in their power of reading.
5. To copy in print- hand from a book.
6. To know the points of the compass with relation to their own home, where the sun rises and sets, and the way the wind blows.
7. To describe the boundaries of their own home.
8. To describe any lake, river, pond, island, &c, within easy reach.
9. To tell quite accurately (however shortly) three stories from Bible history, three from early English, and three from early Roman history.
10. To be able to describe three walks and three views.
11. To mount in a scrap book a dozen common wildflowers, with leaves (one every week); to name these, describe them in their own words, and say where they found them.
12. To do the same with the leaves and flowers of six forest trees.
13. To know six birds, by song, colour, and shape.
14. To send in certain Kindergarten or other handiwork, as directed.
15. To tell three stories about their own “pets” — rabbit, dog, or cat.
16. To name twenty common objects in French, and say a dozen little sentences. 23 ©Gentle + Classical Press 17. To sing one hymn, one French song, and one English song.
18. To keep a caterpillar, and tell the life story of a butterfly from his own observations.
We will dive fully into how The Gentle + Classical Preschool Level 2 is designed to cover these attainments momentarily. For now, let’s look at planning and scheduling information to keep our eyes on the “big picture.”
©Gentle + Classical Press 24 Scheduling + Planning Quick Start
25 ©Gentle + Classical Press Quick Start Ideally, once you’ve read through this program introduction (Part 1) a time or two, you’ll feel confident in moving forward. I find the best way to wrap my mind around a new program is to read it thoroughly once and ponder it by mentally “walking through the day” using the schedules as outlined. I may even “narrate” my plans to my husband or a friend. Then, I read back through the introduction again, fleshing out details that may have previously confused or eluded me. Once I’ve mentally rehearsed the schedule as outlined and talked through it with someone willing to listen, I then have the mental fortitude to begin mapping out how our family can adapt this tool to fit our days and our goals. Ultimately, once you have your mind wrapped around the program, you will be able to “open and go,” using the tools from the Level 2 Bundle (LifeAbundantlyBlog.com/Shop) to streamline your days and reduce prep time.
Here are the steps you’ll need to follow to dive in: 1- Print this guide and insert it into a binder or order the print edition via Amazon.
2- It is highly recommended that you purchase the Level 2 Bundle from LifeAbundantlyBlog. com/Shop. This includes Memory Statement Cards for your memory work board (see page 36), your Preschool or Kindergarten Morning Binder (depending on your child’s age), an Art + Music Pack for implementing artist study and art exploration, as well as tools to help you in phonics instruction (regardless of what program you use) and in acting out narrations.
ADDITIONAL: I have teamed up with Ashley of Meaningful Menus to create a Menu specifically designed to make your morning basket time run smoothly. Find more details about the Level 2 Bundle and Meaningful Menus via the “Level 2 Links” at GentleClassical.com
3- Decide whether you will be utilizing the “On Mission Around the World” extension. This program was described on page 14 and is intended for use by children who are kindergarten age and older. It can be added at any point in the year and was developed to be used with multiple ages.
4- Buy or reserve your books from the library. See Book Notes on the next page.
5- Access the music selection on Spotify for scripture, poetry in song, and nursery rhymes. You can find a link via GentleClassical.com (Look for a black box that says “TGCP Level 2 LINKS”). Alternatively, you can build your own playlist on your preferred music app or purchase the CDs suggested under Book Notes. Music selections for the composer study are also available on Spotify, but I encourage you to consider purchasing the audio dramas from Classical Kids detailed under Book Notes.
6- Get ready! Create your memory work board. (See page 36 or create your own version, based on space and your family’s needs). Create your daily rhythm, using the scheduling ©Gentle + Classical Press 26 suggestions and ideas as a springboard (from page 30). A Gentle + Classical Planning Page has been included in the appendix as well (or you can download it from the Resource Library at LifeAbundantlyBlog.com.)
Consider prepping all printables you might need from the Level 2 Bundle and insert them into sleeves in a 3-ring binder. I group mine by units so that I can grab the “Unit 1” sleeve and have all activities, memory statements, and tools we need for that week ready to go! Book List + Notes Knowing God Better (Catechism): »»The Ology by Marty Mackowski »»Your preferred version of the Bible for young students OR Read-Aloud Book of Bible Stories by Amy Steedman
Manners: »»Everyday Graces by Karen Santorum
Wonder Tales: (no particular order) »»The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams »»The Complete Brambly Hedge by Jill Barklem »»A Beatrix Potter Treasury »»Choo Choo by Virginia Lee Burton »»Stone Soup by Marcia Brown »»The Progress of Pilgrim Mouse by Alan and Linda Parry »»Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother Goose by Scott Gustafson »»Classic Fairy Tales by Scott Gustafson »»Classic Storybook Fables by Scott Gustafson »»The Children’s Book of Virtues by William J. Bennett
NOTE: All materials above this note are considered required materials in order to effectively implement this program, even if your particular version of the suggested books differs. Below this note are materials that greatly enrich the program and are integrated into it, but if your budget is tight, focus on the above items foremost.
Hymnals + Poetry + Scripture: »»Printable hymnals are provided via the custom-aligned Meaningful Menus (“Level 2 Links” at GentleClassical.com) »»A Child’s Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson though I have also included each poem on each unit’s overview in this curriculum, for your convenience.
27 ©Gentle + Classical Press Art + Music Exploration »»Various methods, activities, art prints, and 3-Part Montessori cards that we will use to implement artist study and art explorations are included in an Art + Music Pack that can be purchased separately and is included in the Level 2 Bundle. »»The Story of the Orchestra by Robert Levine »»Teaching Art with Books Kids Love: Art Elements, Appreciation, and Design with Award- Winning Books by Darcie Frohardt
If you choose to implement the art explorations portion in full, you’ll need the following picture books as well: »»7 Blind Mice by Ed Young *art element: color »»Owl Moon by Jane Yolen *art element: space »»The Village of Round and Square Houses by Ann Grifalconi *art element: value »»Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak *art element: texture »»Mirette on the High Wire by Emily Arnold McCully *art element: line »»Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold *art element: shape
Artist + Composer Biographies: »»Linnea in Monet’s Garden by Christina Bjork »»The Noisy Paint Box: Colors and Sounds of Kandinsky’s Abstract Art by Barb Rosenstock »»Mozart Finds a Melody by Stephen Costanza »»Becoming Bach by Tom Leonard »»The Magic Flute by Kyra Teis *This book is used over 2 units in Term 2 as we listen to selections from The Magic Flute by Mozart »»The Story Orchestra- Swan Lake and The Nutcracker; both by Katy Flint *These two books are used for 3 units each as we study Tchaikovsky in the Term 3.
Additional Art + Music Resources: »»Optional Process Art Recommendation: The Artful Parent by Jean Van’t Hul (This book has GREAT recommendations for very open-ended ways of incorporating all varieties of art and expression into your day to day life. You can find many resources at her page ArtfulParent.com) »»A suggested resource for music education (outside of our included Composer Study) is the resource MyMusikatHome.com. You can find a coupon code for a free trial month via the Level 2 Links at GentleClassical.com. If you utilize this program, your students will need: rhythm sticks, a scarf, wooden shakers. You can visit her website for more details on implementing that program. She has a helpful, engaged Facebook group as well.
Optional Music CDs: (Purchase if you prefer to own rather than using the Spotify Link.) »»A Child’s Garden of Songs and Back to the Garden by Ted Jacobs (These are the poem selections from A Child’s Garden of Verses put to song and aren’t required but are highly recommended.) ©Gentle + Classical Press 28 »»Songs for Saplings by Dana Dirksen (These songs are helpful with memorization of our scripture selections.) »»Audio stories from Classical Kids for Composer Study (free with Prime Music): Mozart’s Magic Fantasy, Mr. Bach Comes to Call and Tchaikovsky Discovers America. (Feel free to substitute the Maestro Classics CDs or simply play music selections from the composers during the normal course of your days.) »»NOTE: The Spotify music list includes the songs by Dana Dirksen, Ted Jacobs and selections from Bach, Mozart, and Tchaikovsky. It does NOT include the audio dramas from Classical Kids.)
Additional/Optional Tools and Resources »»The Gentle + Classical Preschool Level 2 Bundle from LifeAbundantlyBlog.com/shop includes: Art + Music Pack, Memory Statement Cards, ABC/Phonics/Sight Word Flashcards, Narration Storyboards, Preschool/Kindergarten Morning Binder, a Morning Basket/Wonder Tale Treat Time daily itinerary »»Meaningful Menus, designed for use with G+C Preschool Level 2 (see “Level 2 Links” via GentleClassical.com) »»My Musik at Home as the music education portion of The Gentle + Classical Preschool. (Level 2 Links at GentleClassical.com) »»“On Mission Around the World” extension from LifeAbundantlyBlog.com/shop
29 ©Gentle + Classical Press Scheduling + Organization
©Gentle + Classical Press 30 In this section, I want to walk through a variety of different scenarios, hopefully helpful suggestions that may or may not fit your situation, as well as present sample weekly and daily schedules. Remember that these schedules are just suggestions! They may not work for your family, but hopefully they will serve to get your wheels turning:
»» If you have multiple older students and are just introducing your pre-k or Kindergarten student into your day, I encourage you to take it slowly. Begin your oldest students in their studies in your new school year and get them into good habits over the first few weeks. THEN, once everyone else is doing OK, begin this program with your younger students. My big girls start mid-August, but I don’t do anything with my boys until after Sept 1. »» If you have older students, it will serve you for years to integrate as many subjects together as possible AND lead your students into independent learning. Once they are “reading to learn” rather than still learning to read, it’s important to help them establish habits like following a checklist, organizing their work, and reporting to you when they are done or have an issue. I’ve learned that having them work 100% independently may not always be the best solution, but teaching them organizational habits and faithfulness will serve them for their entire lives. »» Older students can absolutely listen to nursery rhymes, poems, picture books, and more with their younger siblings. They can also help keep little ones busy for you, maintain order, or do the reading aloud FOR YOU as part of their own reading practice. Equip your older students to be helpers who look for a way to chip in and keep morning time and tea time moving smoothly. Have them be in charge of beginning the music or setting up the tea time. They’ll love being an important part of their younger siblings’ education! »» If you’re in that challenging stage where you have a child beginning Pre-K/Kindergarten but also have students in first and second who are learning to read and need much hands-on instruction, I encourage you to keep it all SUPER SIMPLE for your Kindergarten/Pre-K student. The sometimes-secret blessing in home education is the time and space and grace to keep the pace gentle and slow. Do things SIMPLY for you- because your sanity honestly matters the most, my friend. Pace yourself by starting with just 1-2 pieces of this program and add to it as you feel ready. (I already fully intend to use it for my oldest son for Pre-K this year, modifying it as needed to work for our family, then repeat it next year for his Kindergarten year, letting my youngest join in who will be turning 4 by that point.) »» Try to use as much of this program as possible for as many students as possible. These poems, wonder tales, living books, and nursery rhymes are certainly not “just” for your youngest children. We can ALL benefit from them. Keeping everyone together and moving forward will help increase efficiency in your day, especially when you have multiple children depending on you for instruction. »» The sequence of activities (on the schedule on the next few pages) is thoughtfully designed and ordered to reflect Miss Mason’s general philosophy that a change is as good as a rest (though she never personally said those exact words). We want to keep their attention on each particular activity so long as not to exhaust but to exercise. Then, before they grow bored and fall into the habit of inattention, swap to a new activity that engages them in an all together 31 ©Gentle + Classical Press different way. For example: We sing a hymnal, then listen to a story, then craft with our hands, then listen to another short reading, then chant/sing memory statements, then play at math activities. In this way, we are using different portions of their brain and keeping the topics fresh and moving along. »» You’ll also note that after all of this activity and exercising of self-control during morning basket, I schedule free play and then a snack for youngest students. If you prefer to do your reading/math instruction for students who are ready for that in the morning, then do what works for you! This is all just a suggestion based upon what works for our family. The remainder of the day’s schooling activities reflect this “rotation of attention” so as not to overwork them and keep everything feeling much like play. »» In the outlined program, which you will notice assumes you’re using Gentle + Classical Nature, you will see a total of 3 hours and 15 minutes of time scheduled for older students. You may need more than that- so again, make your adjustments. Get everyone doing as much as possible together, foster independence in older students (which is a PROCESS), and trim the extra that you just can’t fit in and is overwhelming you. »» I assume that you are using Gentle + Classical Nature for 2 reasons: These programs are designed to work together to give the “full feast” of a Charlotte Mason curriculum AND if you are using both programs, I want you to see how they can be used together without being overwhelming. If you are NOT using both, then you’ll just substitute in your own science or nature curriculum where I’ve scheduled G+C Nature. »» I have created a daily sample schedule, but I have also created a weekly schedule as well. The weekly schedule indicates “themed” days. In the early years, I find it best to have our “core subjects” (reading, math, and handwriting) daily for short periods of time, 4 days per week. Then, the other subjects each have their own day. This helps me to be sure that we get to everything at some point during the week AND keeps me from feeling like I’m going 10 ways at once (more than I already am!). »» Also, you’ll see G+C Nature is scheduled for two days of the week. In a Classical/CM education, nature study is a CORE part of a child’s education. G+C Nature is a ROBUST curriculum that has many activities, explorations, and books as you explore each themed unit and work toward the attainments. I wanted to insure that we have plenty of time for those important activities as they are foundational to a Charlotte Mason education. For a child of 4-6 years, anything beyond nature exploration is “icing on the cake.”
On the following pages, you will find a weekly outline with a breakdown of all that is covered during morning basket and Wonder Tales Treat Time. After that, I’ve shared an outline of an “ideal” day in our homeschool, with high school down to toddlers.
In the following Morning Basket outline, some items include an asterisk (*). Those items are what we integrate into Wonder Tale Treat Time instead of during Morning Basket Time. Since I have older students and very young preschoolers, Morning Basket gets too long for us if we do it all at once. If you have primarily early grammar students, you might choose to do it all at once. ©Gentle + Classical Press 32 Daily Morning Basket (approx 1hr 20min if all Daily “Wonder Tales Treat Time” subjects are done during this time) *optional- To break up a long morning basket time for Hymnal (5 min) shorter listeners, schedule these items during a special GCN Term Reading (2-3 pages; 5-7 min) afternoon tea or treat time. When doing this, your Morning Basket time should be closer to 45 min. Treat GCN Poetry Recitation* (5 min) Time will be about 25 min. Handicraft Practice (10-15 min) GCN Poetry Recitation Bible Story/The Ology (loop/alternate days; 7-10 min) Nursery Rhyme Memory Statement Practice (10 min) Wonder Tale Reading Nursery Rhyme* (2-3 min) A Child’s Garden of Verses Manners Overview* (3-5 min) Manners Overview A Child’s Garden of Verses (recite or sing; 3-5 min)* Math Circle Activities (5-7 min) Portion of Wonder Tale Reading (2-3 pages; 5-7 min)* Day 1- Nature + Core (Utilizing Day 2- Art/Music + Core Day 3- Nature + Core (Utilizing Gentle + Classical Nature) Gentle + Classical Nature) Read any book related to Outside Exploration. Be sure to the unit’s composer or artist Visit your attainment for the collect the flower/tree parts for (optional). unit, practicing observation and the unit (when applicable). Add remembering skills, reflecting to Nature Collection Journal, Implement Art Study OR child’s level Composer Study Mentally review previous weeks’ Use foreign language terms Walk/View or “Body of Water” Do related art activities or during discussion and music activities as outlined in exploration, as appropriate, Use French/Spanish flashcards the curriculum and Art + Music reviewing old ones as well to practice new terms Pack Read aloud additional book from Read Science spine text Core “book menu” (Messner) Math Lesson (10) Phonics Lesson (5-10) Discuss reading and relationship Begin chosen activity or unit Handwriting Lesson (5) to memory statement project. Finalize or continue working on Play warm-up “picture-painting” project or a unit activity as or memory games needed
Core Core Math Lesson (10) Math Lesson (10) Phonics Lesson (5-10) Phonics Lesson (5-10) Handwriting Lesson (5) Handwriting Lesson (5)
33 ©Gentle + Classical Press Day 4- Story Day Day 5- Missionary + Culture
Make sure you have read all/ (Optional; For those who are most of the Wonder Tale for opting to utilize the “On Mission the Unit. Around the World” Expansion)
Utilizing the Storyboard Pack, Read missionary or culture book finger puppets, or dress-up, have our child narrate the story Review Map back to you. Model as needed. Do activities or crafts related to Encourage “acting out” the the missionary or the culture for nursery rhymes or wonder tales the Unit. for the week. Review any geography related Have your child share their memory work. Discuss term favorite Bible story with you virtue in relation to reading. from this week or any previous week. This is a great day to schedule field trips as well. Have your child share any “hero” story they remember from a previous reading (Bible or living book).
Do any optional language arts activities or crafts.
Core Math Lesson (10) Phonics Lesson (5-10) Handwriting Lesson (5)
©Gentle + Classical Press 34 Sample Daily Schedule 8:00 Begin Morning Basket: (Have all grammar age students join in. Older students can also benefit from the first portion preceding the Memory Statement Practice.) • Hymnal- 5 minutes (*Included in the Meaningful Menu) • GCN Term Reading (2-3 pages)- 7 minutes (*As explained in Gentle + Classical Nature) • Handicraft Practice- 10 minutes • Bible Story/The Ology (loop)- 5 minutes (read a Bible story on Day 1, The Ology on Day 2, back to Bible on Day 3, back to The Ology on Day 4) • Memory Statement Practice (w/ songs and chants)- 7-10 minutes (*Scripture and Catechism are included in the Meaningful Menu) • Math Circle Activities- 5 minutes (*Included in the Meaningful Menu) 9:00 Done with Morning Basket; preschool and early elementary students have free play --> THIS IS 1.5 HOURS FOR INSTRUCTION WITH OLDER/OTHER STUDENTS 10:30 Snack for everyone (Begin any readings for that day while they’re captively eating.) 11:00 Day’s assigned activities (For example: Nature Walk for GCN; Acting out or narrating wonder tale or nursery rhymes; Beginning artist or composer study or art activity; utilize Preschool or Kindergarten Morning Binder) 11:45 Lunch and quiet time --> THIS IS 1H 45MIN FOR INSTRUCTION WITH OLDER/OTHER STUDENTS 1:30 Finish Day’s reading and activities (If any remain, if they do not, go into any “core subjects” that your child may be ready for, like reading instruction. If you don’t yet do “core subjects,” then this is additional time with other students.) 2:30 Core Subjects (based on readiness: 10” reading, 10” math, 5” handwriting) 3:00 Wonder Tale Tea Time (This is a sweet tradition to transition from “school” to the remainder of the day in your home.) • GCN Poetry Recitation (*Included in the Meaningful Menu) • Nursery Rhyme • Wonder Tale Reading • A Child’s Garden of Verses 3:30 Free Play + Outside Explorations
For your convenience, a printable itinerary/checklist for both the Morning Basket and Wonder Tale Treat Time are included in the Level 2 Bundle, so that you can efficiently implement these portions of your day. Utilizing this itinerary alongside the custom-aligned Meaningful Menu, creating a memory work board (see the next page), and organizing your books and handicrafts in advance make for smooth collectives!
35 ©Gentle + Classical Press Organization Memory Work Boards During my years as a homeschool mom, I’ve found that I’m not alone in always looking for a more efficient way to walk through our days, plan ahead, and keep moving without getting bogged down and distracted. One of the most effective ways I’ve found to stay on track with younger students is the addition of a memory work board or display in our home. Over the past year, I’ve received email after email from users of The Gentle + Classical Preschool Level 1 or Gentle + Classical Nature all reflecting the same sentiments- they felt lost and unfocused in their school days UNTIL they created a memory work board! The Memory Statement Cards found in all of my bundles for each program are made JUST for this purpose. Having these cards on hand also makes it easier to shuffle the program around a bit if you need to.
I have a video on my IGTV (www.Instagram.com/LifeAbundantly_blog) detailing how I assembled the board on the next page. I have two boards- one for Gentle + Classical Nature and one for The Gentle + Classical Preschool. Had GCN existed when I first began I feel confident everything could be fit onto one board. I’ll include the supplies that I used below. The entire project is under $15 and takes around 30 minutes. However, I’ve received messages with Memory Statement Cards displayed on cork board, hung with magnets on dry erase boards, and strung across a line on the mantle, so do what works for you! You can really get creative, but I will caution you that I’ve heard from NUMEROUS mamas that building a board just like this, right from the start, would have saved them time and money. Having a memory work board on display truly brings the program to life and this format is proven to work for most families.
In really tight spaces, you could even put them all into an 8.5x5.5” 3-ring binder and flip through them to review, separating each unit with a tabbed divider.
In order to construct a board as pictured, you’ll need the following materials: »»black, tri-fold, foam board measuring 48”x36” (I purchased mine from Hobby Lobby but most stores like Michael’s and Wal-Mart carry them for $5-10. I don’t think that you “need” it to be tri-fold, but mine is. If you want to fold it up and store it each day, this is helpful.) »»about 2 dozen clothespins- full size or mini (These can be found on the craft aisle at stores like Wal-Mart. The size is only a matter of preference.) »»hot glue gun and glue sticks
The process for assembling this is very simple: 1- You will want to print out and trim the “board headers” that are included in the Memory Statement Bundle or any other bundle from my shop.
***Decide on your orientation. If you are hanging it on the wall, you can orient the board horizontally ©Gentle + Classical Press 36 or vertically. I’ve done both, and both ways work well. If you are setting it on a table, you’ll want to lay it out horizontally/landscape.
2- Lay out the materials before gluing anything down. You may have to treat it a little like Tetris and find a configuration that helps you get everything onto your board that you would like it to have. I honestly didn’t really plan mine ahead very thoroughly. You can even use a yard stick and pencil to gently sketch out straight lines to use as guides if that’s very important to you.
3- Once you are confident about where you want to place each header as well as the clothespins to hold each Memory Statement Card, you can carefully begin hot gluing them all into place. You will want TWO clothespins for each Memory Statement Card. You can get away with one clothespin for the ABC or 123 Flashcards if you are putting those on your board.
5- I used several (maybe 6) of the Velcro® Command Strips® to hang mine on the wall. That may be overkill. I find the Velcro® ones easier to remove when taking things down, so I prefer those over the poster strips. If you don’t have a space on your wall, the tri-fold display board can easily be set up on a table or on the floor and then stored after you’re done with school for the day.
Over the years, I have personally Organizingdeveloped several the habits Bundles for managing printables and digital curriculum. I’ve found that if you consistently do the same thing with your digital resources, they are even more valuable, as you can get the most use from your investment in them. 37 ©Gentle + Classical Press 1- Save everything to ONE location. I like to use Google Drive so I can access my materials from anywhere in the event I need to remember what I have on hand while I’m out of the house (or sitting on my couch with my phone in my hand!).
2- Organize your files. I categorize mine by age (preschool/grammar/middle/high school) and then by subjects. It takes a couple of extra clicks to navigate when saving and retrieving, but I find in the long term, it makes the content more USEFUL.
3- PRINT as much as possible, right away. You can find some great information and a comparison chart about printing via the “Level 2 Links” found at GentleClassical.com.
4- Once you’ve printed, go ahead and set aside a slot of time to copy/cut/laminate. The more you prep at once, the more likely you are to USE the materials. This also saves time in the long run as you won’t have to pull out your cutting supplies, laminator, and so forth every single week.
5- Once you’ve trimmed, laminated, hole punched, etc- ORGANIZE and label. Do future you a favor and don’t trust her to remember anything you did in the past ;) I like to organize my materials by unit. I put all Memory Statement Cards, worksheets, flashcards, Morning Binder pages, and printable manipulatives for each unit into a “sheet protector” sleeve. I then use tabbed dividers to label each unit. I utilize a few 3” 3-ring binders to hold a year of content. When I get to a new unit, I just grab the sleeves I’ve labeled for it. I then hang the board sheets, set up the Morning Binder pages, and keep the manipulatives on hand for the week’s activities. This helps the entire year run smoothly!
Utilizing Storyboard Printables Storyboards are the term I use for a set of printable manipulatives that represent the various characters in a story or nursery rhyme. While I have included several that have been custom made for the nursery rhymes and tales we read in this program, you can also utilize flannel boards as well. The Storyboard Pack in the Level 2 Bundle gives instructions for how to set them up for use. Several elements will be used for different stories so laminating them is highly suggested.
So, why are we using storyboards? One of the most engaging ways to bring stories to life is by re-enacting them, and narration in the early years can come in any number of ways. As our earliest learners develop their vocabulary and learn to both attend to a story AND retrieve the information in order to express it, they can struggle to find the words to tell back stories. Charlotte Mason’s recommendations for narration actually applies to children 6 and older, and I readily agree with her. But I also know even 2 year olds are “tellers,” so they’re perfectly capable of retelling something that has engaged their attention and imagination.
On “Story Day,” we can utilize these tools in a number of ways. We can use them to act out the story to our children, once we’ve read it. We can obviously let them play with them, telling us the story in their own words, using the figures and scenes to assist them and ignite their imagination. ©Gentle + Classical Press 38 And once we are done using them in our “educational” setting, they are free to use them however they’d like.
It’s also encouraged that they play dress-up to act out the stories and nursery rhymes themselves. Acting out these stories in every way helps them to fully engage with them and deeply remember all of the challenges, triumphs, decisions, and adventures that these characters experience. While not every child will remember every story- they’ll most certainly remember the ones that they have deeply experienced, acted out, and “played at.”
If your child IS capable of telling back various portions of the story without these tools, I encourage you to allow him to do that first but ALSO still utilize these fun tools.
I want to share a gentle warning that I appreciated learning about: It is helpful to know that the emotions children experience when they are first learning a new thing (whether it’s math, science, reading, sitting still, or going potty) will be an emotion that is evoked BY THAT activity for most of their lives. For example, if reading instruction (or listening to a read aloud) is filled with stress, unmet expectations, anger, and frustration— over time— reading will bring those feelings to the surface for them. We want to work diligently to foster positive associations, all the while seeking wisdom when it comes to discipline issues. I share this to illustrate the importance of maintaining an atmosphere of joy, play, lightheartedness, and fun in all of our early educational endeavors, especially in the preschool and kindergarten years. Things can get more challenging in the older years, but we want to set a joyful foundation as much as possible. Playing with the storyboards and acting out the stories will intensify the very positive associations they’ll make with literature.
39 ©Gentle + Classical Press Art + Music
©Gentle + Classical Press 40 Art + Music Approach Sticky fingers, messy creations, scissors in hand- there is amazing beauty in art creation in the preschool and kindergarten years. It’s that glorious time in a child’s life when enthusiasm to imagine and create has not yet been dampened, but they typically have stopped hurling paint from the high chair! Our approach to art and music studies will be two-fold in this program: exposure to the Masters and hands-on experience.
Art We are seeking to expose our little ones to great artist while having fun “replicating” their work. At the same time, we will be learning about six fundamental elements in art: line, shape, value, texture, color, and space.
Great Artists Our methodology for approaching this topic is very simple and is spelled out by Charlotte Mason in Volume 6: “We recognise that the power of appreciating art and of producing to some extent an interpretation of what one sees is as universal as intelligence, imagination, nay, speech, the power of producing words. But there must be knowledge and, in the first place, not the technical knowledge of how to produce, but some reverent knowledge of what has been produced; that is, children should learn pictures, line by line, group by group, by reading, not books, but pictures themselves. A friendly picture-dealer supplies us with half a dozen beautiful little reproductions of the work of some single artist, term by term. After a short story of the artist’s life and a few sympathetic words about his trees or his skies, his river-paths or his figures, the little pictures are studied one at a time; that is, children learn, not merely to see a picture but to look at it, taking in every detail. Then the picture is turned over and the children tell what they have seen,––a dog driving a flock of sheep along a road but nobody with the dog. Ah, there is a boy lying down by the stream drinking. It is morning as you can see by the light so the sheep are being driven to pasture, and so on; nothing is left out, the discarded plough, the crooked birch, the clouds beautiful in form and threatening rain, there is enough for half an hour’s talk and memory in this little reproduction of a great picture and the children will know it wherever they see it, whether a signed proof, a copy in oils, or the original itself in one of our galleries.” (pg 214)
As you can see from Miss Mason’s words, our most significant goal in art study is the intimate exposure to the art itself while also guiding them to study it in deep detail. In this program, we will study 6 works from 3 artists each- Vermeer (realism, baroque), Monet (impressionism), and Kandinsky (abstract, post-impressionism). We focus on one artist per term so that our students are deeply acquainted with that particular artist’s work.
41 ©Gentle + Classical Press Here’s how this look with preschoolers:
1- To introduce a new artist, we spread the full selection of 6 works in front of our students, making sure to have laminated them so that our kiddos may freely touch each one and look closely. 2- You’ll then tell them a simple narration of information about the artist from the Art + Music Pack (in the Level 2 Bundle) OR via an artist biography (available for Monet and Kandinsky, listed in Book Notes). 3- Choose the first piece of art that you will study and put the others away. 4- Ask your students to name anything they see in the picture- colors or objects. 5- Ask them what they think the picture is about? Do they like it? Why or why not? How does the picture make them feel? There are no right or wrong answers. Make sure you participate and model. This may be extremely brief, but as you experience this process week after week, your student will grow in confidence and enthusiasm. 6- Allow everyone a few minutes to study the art (for as long as they can attend), then lay the picture face down. Now you can tell them that you’re playing a game. Who can remember what was in the picture? Who can remember what colors it has in it? 7- Turn the picture back over so everyone can know if they were “right” or not. Then you can put it away. 8- Additionally in the Art + Music Pack, there are 3-Part Artist Cards. You can spread those on the table in front of you. Which pieces belong together? Which pieces don’t belong? Can they remember the names of the artists? Can they match the art to its creator? The Art + Music Pack includes a variety of ideas for using these 3-Part cards.
Art Explorations/Education On your scheduled art/music day, once you’ve finished your artist study, you’ll then move into creating art for yourself! Each art unit will provide an opportunity for explorations! Your art activity will either replicate the artist’s work in some way or focus on one of the 6 elements.
We are heavily utilizing a book called Teaching Art with Books Kids Love. We will not be following the sequence set forth in the book as the elements we cover will correlate to the artist we are studying. However, the book can be used this way easily. In Teaching Art with Books Kids Love, the author explains the basics of each artistic element to you (the adult). There are posters included in the Art Pack that demonstrate what each of these elements means for display and to assist you in describing these to your student.
Once you have presented the element (lines for example), you will look at your famous artist’s piece for the unit and ask if the student sees any lines. Point them out if they need help. Now, you will be tasked with an activity from Teaching Art with Books Kids Love. Additionally, in some units, a picture book selection will be offered that does a lovely job of illustrating using the particular element of
©Gentle + Classical Press 42 study. For example, Mirette on the High Wire by Emily McCully does an excellent job of exemplifying lines in an illustration. Teaching Art with Books Kids Love provides several popular book options, related art activities, and explanations of HOW that book exemplifies that element. For our studies, I have chosen specific books and activities and expanded upon those in the Art + Music Pack.
For all of the art supplies that you will need this year, see the Art + Music Pack or each unit overview page in this curriculum.
Optional: The Artful Parent is a beautiful book that focuses more on process art- that is, art which has no real primary goal other than enjoying the artistic process. Sometimes process art does have an end goal but does not prescribe how the goal would be achieved. Art can be a tricky area for many of us when we struggle with mess or a lack of art education and exposure in our own lives. This author does a GREAT job in equipping those of us who shiver at the sight of glitter with confidence and conviction in helping our children dive into their creativity headlong. You can learn more about the book and its methods at ArtfulParent.com. Ideally, these activities are something you would use in the afternoons, weekends, or on a fun “art day” in your homeschool.
Composer Study Composer study will likely be one of the most simple and enjoyable parts of home education for your family. It is also one of the most fruitful, as science has shown us time and again that early and frequent exposure to great compositions creates new synaptic connections in our children’s growing, eager brains.
Over the three terms, we will experience the great works of Bach, Mozart, and Tchaikovsky. We will begin each term with a brief biography of our great composers from Story of the Orchestra. Then, we listen! I have included several coloring pages in the Art + Music Pack to help keep little hands busy as they listen to these compositions. Here are a few tips to consider:
1- Listen to these composers as often as possible during the term, as background music to your day. 2- Choose the piece that fits the mood or activity. We don’t want the liveliest works right before bedtime! 3- These compositions are especially excellent as background music during your Wonder Tales Treat Time. 4- On art/music day, have a very intentional time of listening. At the beginning of each term, introduce each composer using the short bio available in Story of the Orchestra (or a listed living book biography). In addition to playing these works (included in the Spotify app and on the Story of the Orchestra CD) when we can, our family has always enjoyed the audio dramas from Classical Kids. These are engaging for even the youngest students. They have 2 dramas for Mozart, and 1 for Bach and Tchaikovsky each. These can be found on Amazon and we listen with our Prime Music membership. These are around 45-60 minutes, so they’re best split up into 43 ©Gentle + Classical Press 10 minute increments over the term. I allow coloring, drawing, play dough modeling, and so forth during this listening time.
Music Explorations/Education I will readily admit that I suffer from musical ignorance. I’m just now redeeming my own education in relation to great works and composers. Additionally, I cannot read music, and you don’t want to be nearby when I sing. Since I’m aware of my shortcoming in this area, I have a great desire to not suffer my children the same fate. My girls have taken piano or violin for a few years and even my dyslexic daughter can read music. (Proud mama moment!) I am quite aware of the impact that interactions with music have upon the developing brain and we have personal experience with music helping to overcome learning differences. So while I am fully inept in this area, I have learned to outsource rather than ignore!
Our music explorations and education in this program has two parts:
In the first portion, we are simply introducing our children to some of the instruments of the orchestra. Story of the Orchestra does an EXCELLENT job of providing a brief biography about the composers we are studying, supplying us with a CD that includes their works, and walks us through the various instruments found in orchestras. In the music section of our program, in addition to listening to a specific composition each unit, we will also learn about the families of instruments over all three terms, focusing on a different instrument each week. Story of the Orchestra has excellent images of each instrument as well as compositions (on the included CD) that demonstrate each of the instruments’ sounds. It’s really an invaluable resource!
The second aspect of our music education comes from My Musik at Home. I met the owner, Kathryn Brunner, via email as a subscriber to Life, Abundantly! I was elated to have found her expertise in early music education. Kathryn’s website MyMusikatHome.com is an excellent and affordable resources. Using just a few inexpensive music tools, you can choose the program that works for the ages in your home, and learn about rhythm, tempo, notes, movement and so much more. You simply watch the sweet videos with your children and guide them through the program as you both learn together. My boys both LOVE this program immensely, and it’s an extremely bright portion of our week. I have included a note in each music education unit that lists a video unit from My Musik at Home that would be a compliment to what we are studying. You can learn more and receive a ONE MONTH FREE TRIAL via the “Level 2 Links” at GentleClassical.com
©Gentle + Classical Press 44 Math
45 ©Gentle + Classical Press While I share several tips for choosing a math level and curriculum on pages 44-45, I wanted to give information here about the “Math Circle Activities” mentioned in the morning basket schedule along with a few additional notes.
You will notice on each unit overview in part 2 of this guide, that some math elements lend themselves to instruction or a visual aid. You’ll find most of these topics so basic that you will naturally know how to integrate them into your day. Where appropriate, it is notated that you have a “visual cue.” I have created a visual cue for all 36 units of math memorization via the Memory Statement Cards included in the Level 2 Bundle. Rather than attempt to have a 4-6 year old remember the literal definition for point, line, or prism, we will simply show them what it is so they can recognize one when they see it.
Aside from daily math instruction, math memorization, and general “life opportunities” for math integration, physical activity that incorporates math skills is invaluable in helping young children truly attain number sense. Since toddlers and preschoolers are designed to learn through play and are generally “whole body” thinkers, I’ve included a selection of math activities that several ages and stages of children can participate in. Furthermore, these are a great way to break up the listening/ singing repetition of the morning basket time.
Conveniently, these activities are highlighted and scheduled for you in the Meaningful Menu customized to align with this program.
For your reference, they are as follows:
Monday Mix-Ups Arrange flashcards or numbered bean bags in a random order on the floor. You can use all numbers 1-10 or 1-20 or only utilize evens or odds (depending upon your child’s math level). Have your children race against each other or the clock to order them properly. (Challenge them to do it correctly without being timed if you don’t do races.)
Tuesday Toss Using a bean bag, count by 1s, 2s, 5s, or 10s as you toss the bean bag to one another. Try to develop an even rhythm as you toss the bag back and forth. This is much harder than it sounds as they have to keep track of the bag, catch, and toss, all the while listening to the counting and anticipating what they should say next, when it’s their turn.
Wednesday Wipe-Out Utilizing a dry erase board, write a number that your child is familiar with on the board. Once you’ve written the number, have the child race across the room and wipe that number away, writing the next number (based upon the counting method you are practicing- 1s, 2s, 5s, etc). Multiple children ©Gentle + Classical Press 46 can play, racing to the board to wipe away the current number and write the next correct number.
Subitize Thursday Keep a small stash of similarly shaped/colored objects near your morning basket- like small counting bears. Give counting flashcards or number cards to each student, 1-10. Set out a number of objects (for example, 5 bears) and silently count to 3 to give your students time to see the bears accurately. Remove the object and challenge your student to show the card that correlates to the number of objects your presented. Give a longer period of time and use fewer objects with younger students or students who are just beginning to subitize. Friday Freeze As your children *calmly* walk around the room in a circle, count upward (by whatever function you are working on- 1s, 2s, 5s etc) and intentionally skip a number. When you miss a number, they should “FREEZE” to catch your error. You can even implement small prizes like stickers or chocolate chips for the children who catch your error.
Math Activity Supplies You’ll likely have most of these supplies on hand. I suggest gathering them into a Morning Basket BASKET and storing them in the room where you plan to implement your Morning Basket Time— alongside your handicrafts, books, and memory work board, so that you always have them ready to go! »»numbered flashcards or bean bags (1-20) *Homemade versions would work just fine! »»1 bean bag, beanie baby, or soft ball for tossing as you count »»a dry erase board and marker (Either a wall-mounted one or small, lap-size works fine.) »»10 counting objects (These should all be “like” items- buttons, counting bears, stones, cubes- that are easy to grab and use for Subitize Thursday.)
47 ©Gentle + Classical Press Attainments (in Detail)
©Gentle + Classical Press 48 Now that we’ve walked through what we hope to accomplish in this program, our schedules and required books, let’s walk through the attainments set forth by Charlotte Mason for a child of 6, in a deeper way. If you are utilizing Gentle + Classical Nature, the vast majority of attainments are accomplished in those volumes. However, there are several attainments that lend themselves more to language arts than nature study. Below, I will only expound on the attainments we are focusing on in the pages of this program. To learn more about the other attainments and the methodology for accomplishing them, please read the first portion of Gentle + Classical Nature (which you can download, in full, for free at GentleClassical.com)
Note: Items in this font are covered in Gentle + Classical Nature. Items in this font are covered in this program.
1. To recite, beautifully, six easy poems and hymns. We actually implement nature-related poetry recitation in Gentle + Classical Nature, and thusly integrate it into our Morning Basket and Wonder Tale Treat Time However, we happen to also be learning and singing the joyful poems of Robert Louis Stevenson in this program as well. This gives you the freedom to choose which poems you prefer between the two programs or do both. Additionally, in this program, we are also learning one hymnal per term (which leaves us with 3 hymns this year, rather than 6). Feel free to add in additional hymns if reaching 6 is important to you. Also, another modification is that we are singing rather than reciting. In your homeschool, you can do either! Hymns are typically beautiful spoken or sung. I found that children learn things best when set to tune and most of us are accustomed to singing hymns rather than reciting them.
We can hear from Miss Mason on what she means by recitation below. Since we intend to sing our hymnals, it’s all the more easy for us! We simply sing! You can find my favorite versions to follow along with on the Spotify playlist via the Level 2 Links at GentleClassical.com. We have also included the lyrics to the hymns in the custom-aligned Meaningful Menu which you can also find via the “Level 2 Links.”
As far as “beautifully recite”, this is what Miss Mason has to say in reference to “The Children’s Art” (or recitation): “The child should speak beautiful thoughts so beautifully, with such delicate rendering of each nuance of meaning, that he becomes to the listener the interpreter of the author’s thought.... The child is led to find the just expression of the thought for himself; never is the poor teacher allowed to set a pattern- ‘say this as I say it.’ The ideas are kept well within the child’s range, and the expression is his own... (Recitation) will behoove every educated man and woman to be able to speak effectively in public; and in learning to recite you learn to speak.” (v1; p223-224)
Tips for recitation with pre-readers: We obviously begin memory work and recitation with pre- readers in this program. I’ve done this with all of my children and see great fruit in my teen daughters. A few quick suggestions: 1. Keep your expectations realistic (attention and memory spans seem to vary by the day). We 49 ©Gentle + Classical Press frequently have great “remembering” days followed by “complete blank” days. 2. Record the recitation with your child so that they can use the video for independent practice. I record their face (which they enjoy to watch) and say a portion, having them repeat after me, just as we would do in person. They then watch and practice with the video each day. They enjoy it, AND it gives them independence. 3. Have them share their recitation with family members as soon as they can. ______2. To recite, perfectly and beautifully, a parable and a psalm. In our scripture memory during the 3 terms, we will seek to recite and memorize 9 portions of scripture, just right in length for preschool and Kindergarten. Of these verses, several are from Proverbs or Psalms, all of them endowing wisdom from God’s word and related to our term’s virtue focus. As an additional tool, you can utilize the recommended music from Dana Dirksen. We greatly prefer to sing scripture to help us memorize it in the early years. Therefore, I have intentionally chosen scripture portions and translations that reflect the music from her album, Songs for Saplings. You can purchase her CD from Amazon or utilize it via the Spotify Playlist at GentleClassical.com. ______3. To add and subtract numbers up to ten, with dominoes or counters. 4. To read — what and how much, will depend on what we are told of the child; children vary much in their power of reading.
These two portions of the attainments are what I refer to as “core subjects”- reading and formal math instruction. I will outline my preference for math and phonics programs below, but my main encouragement is to not begin these subjects until you sense readiness and eagerness in your child. Sometimes, children can be eager before they are truly ready to attend and grasp this kind of instruction, and sometimes, the alternate is true. Look for both a willingness to learn these skills and a mental and physical ability to attend and follow instruction. I promise that you will know when your child is ready!
Math Instruction: I have used several math programs over the years. I have two that I highly recommend. First, if you have a child who is 4 and has not completed the skills found in Preschool Math at Home by Kate Snow, I encourage you to begin there. You can research her book online to decide whether your child is past that level or not.
The two Kindergarten level programs that I highly recommend are Math-U-See and Rightstart Math. We have used multiple levels of Math-U-See with success with my older students. However, after learning about Rightstart Math, I am a huge fan of its approach to math instruction. In my opinion, Rightstart is an extremely Charlotte-Mason friendly program and heavily aligns with the Montessori method as well. I am now using Rightstart with my youngest 3 children. (There are probably several other excellent programs available that I have no experience with. These are the ones I have used and loved.) In©Gentle addition + Classical to a recommended Press 10 minutes a day of50 formal math instruction using your preferred program, we have integrated math memory work into this program. The math memory work included is collected from the skills covered in Level A of Rightstart Math. If you have not done math memory work with your student before and he/she is 4, I would encourage you to look at the math portion of The Gentle + Classical Preschool Level 1. You can easily substitute Level 1 terms in the place of Level 2 if your child is still learning shapes, colors, counting to 30, and positional words like above/below. If your child is familiar with all of those skills already, then he is ready for the Level 2 memory statements.
Important Note About Math Memory Statements: Math is a subject that has a broad variance in ability from child to child. As mentioned above, if your child hasn’t learned the terms and skills from Level 1, begin there and begin with Preschool Math at Home by Kate Snow. It doesn’t matter if your child is 4 or 6, begin where he is so that he can progress at his own pace and not be frustrated or overwhelmed. It’s best to download Level 1 (for free at GentleClassical.com) and look through those math terms and compare them to the math skills in this level. There is SOME overlap between the programs for review.
If your child already knows all of the skills and terms from both Level 1 and Level 2, begin where he is! You can look through your own math program and retrieve facts, terms, counting skills, etc to recite and memorize. If your child goes through the first 12 units and needs to walk back through them again, do that. If your child knows the skills presented in units 1-12, then begin at unit 13.
Your math memory work does NOT have to align with the unit you are on in the rest of the program. Meet your child where he is. Walk slowly through these skills, learning them until they truly KNOW them before moving forward. Math skills should always build, and the foundation you’re setting now is the most important of all. Their mathematical foundation must be built gradually, intentionally, and faithfully.
Reading Instruction: While I have seen, reviewed, and read several programs that are truly excellent, our personal preference is for All About Reading. Having used multiple programs over the years with a child with a reading disability, I came to know and love All About Reading. I find the program amazingly simple to use, systematic, enjoyable, and effective. You can go to my blog and read more by searching “reading.”
In the past, we have utilized Bob Books as a supplement for practice. However, I was recently introduced to Dash Into Reading and absolutely LOVE the style of the books. My son finds them extremely engaging and the illustrations are gorgeous!
In the schedule, I have indicated 10 minutes of daily instruction. Once your child is ready and eager, I implore you to keep your lessons VERY short- even if they desire to continue past your time limit. Always end lessons (reading or otherwise) on a positive note so that they are happy and excited to begin again the next day. For a very young preschooler who has shown signs of eagerness and 51 ©Gentle + Classical Press readiness, I would go with a 5 minute limit. ______5. To copy in print- hand from a book. (This is accomplished via the copywork set forth in the Gentle + Classical Nature Bundle. However, you may choose to implement copywork in whatever way works for your child. We personally love and greatly enjoy the program Handwriting Without Tears. For us, a systematic handwriting program works best to establish proper letter formation and habits. In our family, we typically don’t begin actual copywork until around the 2nd grade.) ______6. To know the points of the compass with relation to their own home, where the sun rises and sets, and the way the wind blows. 7. To describe the boundaries of their own home. 8. To describe any lake, river, pond, island, within easy reach. ______9. To tell quite accurately (however shortly) three stories from Bible history, three from early English, and three from early Roman history. As you may have noticed in the weekly schedule, Day 4 is considered “Story Day.” On this day we focus not only on finishing up and expanding our understanding and relationship with the literature we’ve been reading but also in narrating our favorite stories from other readings.
For Charlotte Mason, as a citizen of England, she would have had her students learn and narrate English stories as well as ancient Roman stories as a matter of history. Since we are not specifically learning history this year in Level 2 (read more about why in the section titled: Moral Imagination), we will likely not fully achieve this attainment as part of the program. However, I have a few caveats to share: »»Since we are reading from our Bibles 2-3 days per week, your child will have plenty of time to become acquainted with great Biblical heroes and their stories. On story day, this gives you a wonderful opportunity to help your child choose a favorite Bible hero/story that you’ve recently read about and tell the story back. You can also happily reread the story to help them fill in the gaps. After taking some time each week over 3-4 weeks, your child will likely be very familiar with this Bible story and be able to tell it faithfully. You can then move onto the next story of interest. I have scheduled one Bible story per unit to read. »»As we are not specifically studying history this year, I have not planned out particular history stories for our students to “tell.” If your child is 5 or older and you choose to utilize the “On Mission Around the World” extension, your child will have rich fodder for telling many great stories from around the world. Furthermore, the missionaries we are studying are indeed historical figures. I would suggest that you help your child to remember and tell the story of a handful of these excellent, noteworthy characters of great virtue to reflect upon. »»I believe that learning and remembering notable stories in our nation’s history is absolutely invaluable. No matter what program you use for American History later on, I encourage you to utilize narration to help your child truly remember and take ownership of these great stories as a ©Gentlematter + Classical of national Press pride and culture. 52 ______10. To be able to describe three walks and three views. 11. To mount in a scrap book a dozen common wildflowers, with leaves (one every week); to name these, describe them in their own words, and say where they found them. 12. To do the same with the leaves and flowers of six forest trees. 13. To know six birds, by song, colour, and shape. ______14. To send in certain Kindergarten or other handiwork, as directed. Handicrafts are incredibly beneficial in a number of ways, especially in the development of fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. We tackle the topic of handicrafts in Gentle + Classical Nature, if you choose to implement them. I have included an entire “menu” of handicrafts in the G+C Nature Bundle. ______15. To tell three stories about their own “pets” — rabbit, dog, or cat. 16. To name twenty common objects in French, and say a dozen little sentences. Note: We cover several French (or Spanish) terms each unit of Gentle + Classical Nature, according to the method Miss Mason has outlined in her books. Additionally, in our home, we are using a program called Whistlefritz to learn additional Spanish and French terms, very casually. This program includes a very engaging DVD component for your children that uses the “immersion” method of foreign language instruction and includes a music component as well. This is purely optional, “bonus” material that we enjoy in our home. You can find links to it on both Amazon and Rainbow Resource under Level 2 Links at GentleClassical.com. 18. To keep a caterpillar, and tell the life story of a butterfly from his own observations.
53 ©Gentle + Classical Press The Moral Imagination: Fairy Tales for Preschoolers?
©Gentle + Classical Press 54 The terms moral imagination and poetic knowledge may be words that you are very familiar with or words that have never entered your microcosm before. It has only been in most recent years that God has began piecing together for me what it looks like to educate my children as “whole persons.” Through revelations via the writings of Charlotte Mason, GK Chesterton, CS Lewis, Vigen Guroian and others, these terms have anchored for our family what was once a disjointed pedagogy.
It turns out that our great purpose in early education is not necessarily reading instruction and early math skills as top priority, but instead, that we would help our children to rightly order their affections for all that is good, true, and lovely.
If you are a follower of Christ, it is probably your deepest desire to see your children truly know God and serve to make him known to the world. For generations, this has been the greatest desire on the heart of faithful parents and teachers.
Historically, the “knowing” of God- called poetic knowledge- was considered the greatest of all knowledge. It was elevated well above scientific knowledge- which is simply a knowing of tangible facts. Poetic knowledge is the awareness of and connection with all that is outside of our physical existence. It is a deep, heart knowledge that informs us of that which we cannot see–truth, justice, compassion, faith– and is just as real and significant as that which we can hold in our hand. To have a deep, poetic knowledge of the world was historically considered infinitely more important than any amount of scientific knowledge.
So if poetic knowledge is so fundamental to drawing our hearts toward the heart of God- how is it developed? First, let us recognize that it is only through the grace of God and work of the Spirit that we can come to know Christ as our Savior. As parents and teachers, we cannot “save” our children. However, what we can do is faithfully direct them toward all that is reflective of his nature and do our level best in presenting a feast before them that provides an opportunity to order their affections rightly.
One of the most important tools in the development of poetic knowledge is the exercise of the moral imagination. The moral imagination is the power of forming a mental image of the principles of right and wrong behavior and the exercise of creatively confronting and dealing with goodness or badness of human character.
In other words, when we actively engage our children in the use of their moral imagination (through stories), we are giving them robust opportunities to be confronted with both good and evil and to discern between them, without any actual risk. In the simplest terms, the moral imagination gives them the ability to put themselves in the place of the characters, confronting the same evil, making the decisions to do good or do wrong, overcoming and failing, all alongside their new friend or in defiance of their new foe.
55 ©Gentle + Classical Press Through reading tales filled with wonder, adversity, and redemption, our children see and experience a character’s trials, all the while exercising their own internal conscious and convictions. Will Benjamin Bunny do the right thing and obey his mother? Will the Velveteen Rabbit ever understand what it means to be “real”? Will Choo Choo get carried away in her selfish delights and end up in over her head? These are all opportunities for our children to imagine themselves in these stories and stretch their own internal, developing morality into the life of the characters that have entranced them.
Ultimately, we strengthen their poetic knowledge of goodness, love, and mercy when they have imagined their way through countless moral quandaries, to find that ultimately, evil always looses.
Over time, through fascinating and thrilling stories and tales, this process helps their hearts to seek truth and beauty above all else. This process of seeking truth and hating evil, even in an imaginary story setting, sets a foundation for the skill of discernment in the hearts and minds of our children.
You have probably watched your child’s development flow from complete selfishness to a firm desire for “fairness” between the ages of 4 and 8 years. You may notice your child beginning to bring up notions of justice and right punishment. The moral imagination comes into play by allowing our children to participate in the decision making of characters who go on misadventures or face evil themselves without physically having to make those same poor decisions or face real evils.
Our little ones are often big thinkers with big fears and big questions. Through tales handed down over the centuries that often present a very clear distinction of good and evil, our children practice making decisions, facing “dragons,” and overcoming loss alongside the characters they are journeying with.
G.K. Chesterton said it best:
“Fairy tales, then, are not responsible for producing in children fear, or any of the shapes of fear; fairy tales do not give the child the idea of the evil or the ugly; that is in the child already, because it is in the world already. Fairy tales do not give the child his first idea of bogey. What fairy tales give the child is his first clear idea of the possible defeat of bogey. The baby has known the dragon intimately ever since he had an imagination. What the fairy tale provides for him is a St. George to kill the dragon.”
Stories that foster the moral imagination not only have CLEAR boundaries between good and evil, they also often picture the evil with such grotesque behaviors that we want to shield our children from them. I completely understand this impulse, friend! While we still have to use discretion based upon our child’s sensitivity to violence and gore, we don’t want to miss this precious opportunity to plant a deep understanding of right and wrong and to begin to cultivate a love of the beautiful.
There is much to learn in a lifetime. An excellent education is no small order! An education that helps them face their worst fears, exercise their sense of justice, bravery, and discernment, and empowers ©Gentle + Classical Press 56 them to face the future with a foundation in Christ is our utmost Christian duty. That calling can be fully overwhelming, especially as we begin in the early years. But I encourage all of us to elevate the importance of poetic knowledge to its proper place above the scientific knowledge of this world, so that we may set a right foundation that our children can stand upon for a lifetime. History has a time and place--we cannot raise good citizens of the future without their understanding where our country and world has come from. But before we ask them to read and understand the adventures of Columbus or the wars of Ancient Greece, we must first instill a right knowing of virtue and morality. What better way to do that than through timeless, living, whole, healing stories that draw them in and help them develop their muscles of discernment?
57 ©Gentle + Classical Press Purpose + Importance of Memorization
©Gentle + Classical Press 58 Throughout my years as a home educator who has always loved classical education, I have pursued knowledge about the world of classical education since antiquity. In my searching, I have come to recognize that there may be some distortion of what a classical education is meant to be, with a frequent overzealous focus on memorization. Memorization is an excellent tool. I’ve seen the seeds that have been planted early on be put to great use in the older years myself. Our memorization here is just for that purpose- to place pegs into little minds upon which terminology and exciting information can be hung upon for years to come.
However, memorization in itself is NOT the end purpose. It is one tool of many in a gentle, classical education that can inspire wisdom and wonder in the minds of our children. The goal is not to create little poll-parrots (though they’re very good at being such!) but rather to sow the fertile soil of their minds with seeds that will produce a bountiful harvest of knowledge and Godly wisdom, all the while stretching and exercising their mental faculties.
Now that we have the importance of memorization in right perspective, let’s consider our little “poll-parrots” for just a moment. Have you ever noticed how your toddler literally repeats everything you say? How such small children can remember such intricate details that you would have never anticipated them to recall? They have amazing minds that are RIPE for planting seeds of knowledge that, over time, will develop into understanding and ultimately into application.
It is with this in mind, that we begin early and frequent use of memorization in our homeschool. The implementation of memory work encompasses many habits like attention, responsiveness, perseverance. and obedience. In order to memorize, our children have to exercise their muscles of self-control, attend to what is being said, and repeat it back accurately (time and again). Despite my personal belief in its incredible importance in early education and its insurmountable value as your child progresses through the stages of education, it is not the ONLY aspect of classical education included in curriculum from Life, Abundantly. There are several other important, time- tested tools that are utilized as well to present the whole feast to our children.
What tools do we use in order to conduct a gentle, classical preschool in our homes?
Pretend play Excellent literature Nature study Narration Hands-on interaction Memorization Song and dance
Using a variety of approaches in teaching our children ensures that we are meeting them where they are, while appealing to their personal learning style and keeping much-needed variety in their school day. 59 ©Gentle + Classical Press In Gentle + Classical Nature, we focus on memorization, living books, narration, hands-on interaction, and nature study in order to introduce our children to our Creator’s world. In Gentle + Classical Preschool Level 2, we also incorporate pretend play and song and dance into our days. Taken as a whole, the two programs work in tandem to bring the best aspects of classical education and the Charlotte Mason philosophy to children in the early years.
Considering this information about memorization, in light of the attainments we’ve been focusing on, when and how does memorization come into play during our day?
Over time, we have found it most effective to intentionally introduce the Memory Statements during a “memory work” time each day. We gather around our Memory Work Board and review each subject, singing or chanting each 2-3 times. Then, as we progress through our day, go on nature walks, or encounter something that brings it to mind, I will form a question and work with my little one to help them connect our memory statement to this story or experience in front of us. The goal is that this process of reviewing and integrating it into the day would be very “by-the-way” rather than overtly forced into situations in which your child is not engaged or receptive.
Memorization can work in your homeschool to support your other efforts in helping your children develop a firm foundation of knowledge that will serve them over the years. Most children enjoy this time and see it as a fun way to learn, especially when songs or chants are employed!
©Gentle + Classical Press 60 Alignment with Other Gentle + Classical Programs
61 ©Gentle + Classical Press Gentle + Classical Nature replaces the science portion of The Gentle + Classical Preschool Level 2 since the age focus is the same and they are created to be complementary. Together, they are a beautiful and thorough early education (though you will still need your own phonics program and complete math program, based on when you choose to begin those).
While they are highly complementary, it is not required that you utilize both or begin them at the same time. Over the span of time, they work exactly the same way- to help you child reach all of the attainments (and much more) in a gentle, classical way.
For those families who have children throughout the early ages, you may be interested in utilizing both Level 1 and Level 2 alongside one another. I have a few suggestions: 1- In general, I would just plan to include the Level 1 student in everything I’m doing with my 4-6 year old. He will catch on quickly. Make sure you get him a Preschool Morning Binder and include him in as much as you possibly can with the older siblings. 2- If you want to make sure that certain memory statements fit your Level 1 child’s abilities, then grab the Memory Statement card set for those particular subjects from LifeAbundantlyBlog.com/ Shop. When you have those cards on hand, it makes it easier to swap out statements when you want to tweak things and add a separate level to one Memory Work Board. 3- With multiple little ones, I would NOT attempt to do all of both Levels. Choose the portions of them that work for all the children and leave the rest. You know your children best! 4- It’s typically easier for your younger students to tag along with older students than vice versa, but every family is different.
“The educational error of our day is that we believe too much in mediators. Now, Nature is her own mediator, undertakes, herself, to find work for eyes and ears, taste and touch; she will prick the brain with problems and the heart with feelings; and the part of the mother or teacher in the early years is to sow opportunities, and then to keep in the background, ready with a guiding or restraining hand only when these are badly wanted.” (v1; p192-193)
©Gentle + Classical Press 62 Part 2
63 ©Gentle + Classical Press For Unit 1 only, I want to offer a “walk through”Getting for Started both your planning and for the week. I hope that this will help bring the entire program together in your mind so that implementation for the next 36 weeks will be low-key, enjoyable, and fruitful.
Planning and Preparation Gather all materials listed on the unit overview page: »»Books »»Other Resources »»Art Education Materials
Also, grab these for planning purposes: »»Gentle + Classical Planning Sheet (in the appendix or Member Resource Library- LifeAbundantlyBlog.com) »»Morning Basket + Wonder Tale Tea Time Itinerary “At-a-Glance” from Level 2 Bundle »»A basket (or baskets) sufficient for holding your Meaningful Menu, Holy Bible (or Read Aloud Book of Bible Stories), nursery rhyme book, The Ology, materials for math circle activities (see page45), G+C Nature term read aloud if applicable, and handicraft materials for each student,) It is ideal to store this in the room where you will have Morning Basket, very near to where you display your Memory Work Board.
If you intend to have both a MorningOther Basket Considerationsand Wonder Tale Treat Time (versus a longer period of Morning Basket), I encourage you to plan ahead as to what your treat or tea time will include. In our home, we enjoy milk and cookies each afternoon. This is attractive enough to lure my toddlers around the table for wonder tales, poetry (in song), poetry recitation, and our manners discussion. I pre-mix a large quantity of gluten free cookie dough each Sunday afternoon and pre-bake a portion then. I can then bake the remainder on Wednesday for the rest of the week. This rhythm keeps this time precious and enjoyable by all.
For the easiest implementation of this program in full, I can’t stress enough how important the Level 2 Bundle from LifeAbundantlyBlog.com/shop is. The Meaningful Menu that was custom-designed for your morning basket time is also extremely helpful in creating smooth days. Many “other resources” highlighted throughout the program will be found in the Level 2 Bundle. You can also access much of the music via the Spotify Link found via “Level 2 Links” at GentleClassical.com.
All hymns, nature poetry, virtue definitions, scripture, catechism, and math circle activities are found in the Meaningful Menu (link at GentleClassical.com). Since you are working predominantly with pre- readers, you will likely only need one Meaningful Menu per family for the entire year. The simple
©Gentle + Classical Press 64 layout of these menus lends themselves to creating an extremely easy-to-implement morning time.
Once you have all the books, resources, and art supplies, you can begin the quick planning stage.
Looking at your Gentle + Classical Planning Page, you will see the days are already designated by the theme proposed in the scheduling section of Part 1. From this point, you simply fill in the blanks for each day. What will you collect during your nature exploration time? Which book will you read for Nature? What artist or composer are we studying this week and which of their works? What instrument or art element? What activity are we doing to explore this? You’re simply grabbing the information from the Unit Overview pages (or from Gentle + Classical Nature) and plugging it into this planner! Easy-Peasy! This planner also works as an attendance tracker if you label the dates and mark as you complete it.
There you have it: All of your books are gathered, the spotify list is loaded, the Morning Basket and Wonder Tale agenda is set (using that Itinerary found in the Bundle), and you have your printables ready to go, Mama! Now that you’ve prepped and planned, you’re in for a week you can truly enjoy.
Once you have set an agenda, you can now RELAX as real life weaves itself inside of your well-laid plans. Don’t forget that it absolutely will! When you’re in the season of littles or busy bigs or just LIFE, these plans are our guideposts and our rhythm. They are not our Bible! I encourage prayerful flexibility, a frequent visit with your homeschool vision, and mommy time-outs when needed.
65 ©Gentle + Classical Press ©Gentle + Classical Press 66 Term 1
67 ©Gentle + Classical Press Unit 1 Virtue Gentle + Classical Nature I am kind. I have gentle words and Amphibians gentle ways. I am kind. 3 Blind Mice Wonder Tale “The Three Little Pigs” Manners + Hygiene Classic Fairy Tales; pg 131 I honor my father and mother. Everyday Graces; pg 5 Nursery Rhyme “The Robin Redbreasts” “Little Bo Peep” Little Bo Peep has lost her sheep, Hymn And doesn’t know where to find “The Doxology” by Thomas Ken them. Leave them alone, and they’ll come Math home, Count to 30 Bringing their tails behind them.
Knowing God Better Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother Catechism Goose; pg 8 In whose image are we made? We are made in the image of God. Notes As a reminder, Part 1 of this curriculum Bible Story gives detailed instructions on the The Creation Story implementation of each subject featured Read Aloud Book of Bible Stories; here. Utilizing the daily planner from the pg 3 appendix brings it all together. The Ology; Lesson 9* ______(*over 2 units) ______Scripture ______Be kind to one another. ______Ephesians 4:32a ______©Gentle + Classical Press 68 Books Needed Poetry Everyday Graces by Gentle + Classical Nature: Poem Recitation of Choice Karen Santorum Read Aloud Book “Bed in Summer” by Robert Louis Stevenson of Bible Stories by Amy In winter I get up at night Steedman Classic Fairy Tales by And dress by yellow candle-light, Scott Gustafson In summer, quite the other way, Favorite Nursery I have to go to bed by day. Rhymes from Mother Goose *Read over 2 by Scott Gustafson units The Ology by Marty I have to go to bed and see Machowski The birds still hopping on the tree, Teaching Art with Or hear the grown-up people’s feet Books Kids Love by Darcie Frohardt Still going past me in the street. Other Resources And does it not seem hard to you, Art + Music Pack: Vermeer Bio, Prints, 3-Part When all the sky is clear and blue, Cards, Activity Instructions And I should like so much to play, Meaningful Menu To have to go to bed by day? Includes: Hymnal, GC Nature Poetry Recitation, Catechism, Scripture, Art + Music Virtue, Daily Math Games Artist Study: Vermeer; Girl with a Pearl Earring “A Child’s Garden of Songs,” by Ted Jacobs; Art Element: Color Track 1 Art Education: Teaching Art with Books Kids Love; pg Phonics, Math, 45 Handwriting of Choice Vermeer was renowned for his extravagant use of Art Education vermillion blue in his art (which was exorbitantly *Focus on primary colors expensive during his time). This week, you will crush chalk (various colors) chalk to replicate how artists of the baroque period blue, white, black, yellow and green tempura had to crush and mix their own paints each day. Then paint you can experiment with blue by adding white, black, inexpensive paper or yellow, or green to develop different shades and tints paper plates of this hue. paint brushes 69 ©Gentle + Classical Press Unit 2 Virtue Gentle + Classical Nature I am kind. I have gentle words and Freshwater Fish gentle ways. I am kind. 3 Blind Mice Wonder Tale “The Little Red Hen” Manners + Hygiene Classic Storybook Fables; pg 58 I keep a tidy room. Everyday Graces; pg 19 Nursery Rhyme “The Crooked Man” Hymn There was a crooked man, “The Doxology” by Thomas Ken And he walked a crooked mile, He found a crooked sixpence Against a crooked stile. Math Count to 50 He bought a crooked cat, Which caught a crooked mouse, Knowing God Better And they all lived together Catechism In a crooked little house. In whose image are we made? We Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother are made in the image of God. Goose; pg 12
Bible Story Notes Noah and the Rainbow of Hope Keep in mind, as you read each story, Read Aloud Book of Bible Stories; reflect on each scripture, and learn each pg 9 catechism, that ultimately we are looking for our virtue thread throughout. In “The The Ology; Lesson 9 Little Red Hen,” rather than ask them for judgments of those who weren’t kind, Scripture consider asking: “What would you have Be kind to one another. done? Were there missed opportunities Ephesians 4:32a for kindness? Why do you think they were unkind? Do you ever feel like being ©Gentle + Classical Press 70 unkind? Why?” Books Needed Poetry Everyday Graces by Gentle + Classical Nature: Poem Recitation of Choice Karen Santorum Read Aloud Book “Bed in Summer” by Robert Louis Stevenson of Bible Stories by Amy In winter I get up at night Steedman Classic Storybook And dress by yellow candle-light, Fables by Scott Gustafson In summer, quite the other way, Favorite Nursery I have to go to bed by day. Rhymes from Mother Goose by Scott Gustafson The Ology by Marty I have to go to bed and see Machowski The birds still hopping on the tree, Story of the Orchestra Or hear the grown-up people’s feet by Robert Levine ______Still going past me in the street. Other Resources And does it not seem hard to you, Art + Music Pack Spotify Playlist When all the sky is clear and blue, Meaningful Menu And I should like so much to play, Includes: Hymnal, GC To have to go to bed by day? Nature Poetry Recitation, Catechism, Scripture, Virtue, Daily Math Games Art + Music “A Child’s Garden of Composer Study: Bach; The Well-Tempered Clavier Songs,” by Ted Jacobs; Track 1 Instrument: Instrument Overview/Introduction Phonics, Math, Optional Read Aloud: Becoming Bach by Tom Leonard Handwriting of Choice Music Education: Utilize Story of the Orchestra to introduce the concept Music Education that there are many kinds of instruments that we will be MyMusikatHome.com learning all about. Membership- Family Music for Preschoolers 1: Pond Read pg 15 for an overview of Bach or the biography. Play Utilize the 3-Part Instrument cards to try to sort “like” Becoming Bach by Tom instruments before we learn much this year. Discuss what Leonard they believe to be similarities, pointing out a few of your own 3-Part Instrument observations. Cards Begin listening to Mr. Bach Comes to Call by Classical Kids. 71 ©Gentle + Classical Press Unit 3 Virtue Gentle + Classical Nature I am kind. I have gentle words and Freshwater Arthropods/Dragonflies gentle ways. I am kind. 3 Blind Mice Wonder Tale “The Boy Who Went to the North Manners + Hygiene I am orderly and neat. Wind” Everyday Graces; pg 20 Classic Storybook Fables; pg 72 “Young Puppy Goop” Nursery Rhyme Hymn “The Queen of Hearts” “The Doxology” by Thomas Ken The Queen of Hearts She made some tarts, All on a summer’s day. Math Count to 100 The Knave of Hearts He stole those tarts, Knowing God Better And took them clean away. Catechism Who where our first parents? Adam The King of Hearts and Eve Called for the tarts, And beat the knave full sore. Bible Story The Story of Abraham The Knave of Hearts Read Aloud Book of Bible Stories; Brought back the tarts, pg 15 And vowed he’d steal no more. The Ology; Lesson 10* (*over 4 units) Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother Goose; pg 14 Scripture Be kind to one another. Ephesians 4:32a ©Gentle + Classical Press 72 Books Needed Poetry Everyday Graces by Gentle + Classical Nature: Poem Recitation of Choice Karen Santorum Read Aloud Book “Young Night Thought” by Robert Louis Stevenson of Bible Stories by Amy All night long and every night, Steedman When my mama puts out the light, Classic Storybook I see the people marching by, Fables by Scott Gustafson *Read over 2 As plain as day before my eye. Favorite Nursery units Rhymes from Mother Goose Armies and emperor and kings, by Scott Gustafson The Ology by Marty All carrying different kinds of things, Machowski And marching in so grand a way, Teaching Art with You never saw the like by day. Books Kids Love by Darcie Frohardt So fine a show was never seen At the great circus on the green; Other Resources For every kind of beast and man Art + Music Pack: Is marching in that caravan. Vermeer Bio, Prints, 3-Part Cards, Activity Instructions As first they move a little slow, Meaningful Menu But still the faster on they go, Includes: Hymnal, GC And still beside me close I keep Nature Poetry Recitation, Until we reach the town of Sleep. Catechism, Scripture, Virtue, Daily Math Games “A Child’s Garden of Art + Music Songs,” by Ted Jacobs; Artist Study: Vermeer; The Milkmaid Track 9 Art Element: Color Phonics, Math, Art Education: Teaching Art with Books Kids Love; pg Handwriting of Choice 53-55 Art Education Optional Read-Aloud: 7 Blind Mice by Ed Young play dough with red, Through this treasure by Ed Young, we will explore yellow, and blue primary colors mixing primary colors to make secondary colors 7 Blind Mice by Ed following the instructions from Teaching Art with Books Young Kids Love. Utilize the color wheel from the Art + Music Printable color wheel Pack to help bring the concept of primary/secondary from Art + Music Pack
colors full circle. 73 ©Gentle + Classical Press Unit 4 Virtue Gentle + Classical Nature I am kind. I have gentle words and Waterbirds (Freshwater) gentle ways. I am kind. 3 Blind Mice Wonder Tale “Little Red Riding Hood” Manners + Hygiene Classic Fairy Tales; pg 31 I do my chores. Everyday Graces; pg 21 Nursery Rhyme “Jack be Nimble” Hymn Jack be nimble, “The Doxology” by Thomas Ken Jack be quick, Jack jump over The candlestick. Math Counting Down From 20 Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother Goose; pg 16 Knowing God Better Catechism Who where our first parents? Adam Notes and Eve Remember that the stories do the work. You only have to read. Discuss Bible Story as the opportunity arises or the Isaac and Rebekah Spirit prompts you. Listen. Engage, Read Aloud Book of Bible Stories; PLAY. It doesn’t have to be more pg 23 complicated than that, friend! The Ology; Lesson 10 ______Scripture ______Be kind to one another. ______Ephesians 4:32a ______©Gentle + Classical Press 74 Books Needed Poetry Everyday Graces by Gentle + Classical Nature: Poem Recitation of Choice Karen Santorum Read Aloud Book “Young Night Thought” by Robert Louis Stevenson of Bible Stories by Amy All night long and every night, Steedman When my mama puts out the light, Classic Fairy Tales by I see the people marching by, Scott Gustafson As plain as day before my eye. Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother Goose Armies and emperor and kings, by Scott Gustafson All carrying different kinds of things, The Ology by Marty And marching in so grand a way, Machowski You never saw the like by day. Story of the Orchestra by Robert Levine So fine a show was never seen ______At the great circus on the green; For every kind of beast and man Other Resources Is marching in that caravan. Art+Music Pack Spotify Playlist As first they move a little slow, Meaningful Menu But still the faster on they go, Includes: Hymnal, GC And still beside me close I keep Nature Poetry Recitation, Until we reach the town of Sleep. Catechism, Scripture, Virtue, Daily Math Games “A Child’s Garden of Art + Music Songs,” by Ted Jacobs; Composer Study: Bach; Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 Track 9 Instrument: Keyboard Instruments: Organ Phonics, Math, Music Education: Story of the Orchestra; pg 87 Handwriting of Choice ______Utilize the 3-Part Instrument cards to sort “like” instruments each unit. Group by family and see their Music Education understanding change as they learn. Play games Mr. Bach Comes to Call by Classical Kids (included in Art + Music Pack) with the 3-Part Cards. MyMusikatHome.com Continue listening to Mr. Bach Comes to Call by Membership- Family Music Classical Kids. for Ages 4-7 8: Heron Consider a field trip to a local church that has Watching and Bog Hopping CD of instrument an organ to allow your students to experience one in sounds person. 75 ©Gentle + Classical Press Unit 5 Virtue Gentle + Classical Nature I am kind. I have gentle words and Freshwater Mammals gentle ways. I am kind. 3 Blind Mice Wonder Tale “The Ugly Duckling” Classic Storybook Fables; pg 6 Manners + Hygiene I am kind to my siblings. Nursery Rhyme Everyday Graces; pg 30-31 “Little Tommy Tucker” “Love Between Brothers & Sisters” Little Tommy Tucker Sings for his supper. Hymn What shall we give him? “The Doxology” by Thomas Ken White bread and butter.
Math How shall he cut it Days of the Week Without a knife? How will he marry Knowing God Better Without a wife? Catechism Of what were our first parents Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother made? God made the body of Adam Goose; pg 18 from the ground and formed Eve from the body of Adam. Notes The more fun the children have reciting or chanting the nursery rhymes, the more Bible Story they’ll “stick.” These are foundational in Jacob and Esau pre-literacy and cognitive development, Read Aloud Book of Bible Stories; and their significance can’t be overstated. pg 29; The Ology; Lesson 10 Math: Amazon and other music services Scripture have many song options for calendar Every good and perfect gift is from work, skip counting, and more. Our favorite above. James 1:17a options are included on the Spotify ©Gentle + Classical Press 76 Playlist linked at GentleClassical.com Books Needed Poetry Everyday Graces by Gentle + Classical Nature: Poem Recitation of Choice Karen Santorum Read Aloud Book “Rain” by Robert Louis Stevenson of Bible Stories by Amy Steedman Classic Storybook The rain is raining all around, Fables by Scott Gustafson It falls on field and tree, Favorite Nursery It rains on the umbrellas here, Rhymes from Mother Goose by Scott Gustafson And on the ships at sea. The Ology by Marty Machowski Teaching Art with Books Kids Love by Darcie Frohardt
Other Resources Art Pack: Vermeer Bio, Prints, 3-Part Cards, Activity Instructions Art + Music Meaningful Menu Artist Study: Vermeer; Young Woman with a Pearl Includes: Hymnal, GC Necklace Nature Poetry Recitation, Art Element: Color Catechism, Scripture, Virtue, Daily Math Games Art Education: Teaching Art with Books Kids Love; “A Child’s Garden of pg 55, Option 2 Songs,” by Ted Jacobs; Follow the instructions on page 55 for creating a Track 4 Phonics, Math, color mixing opportunity utilizing an egg carton, paint Handwriting of Choice brushes, and red, yellow, and blue paints. You can also use the color wheel included in the Art + Music Pack for Art Education matching their created secondary colors to the colors egg carton paint brushes on the wheel. red, yellow, blue paint Discuss a comparison between this unit’s art piece and color wheel from Art the prior one studied. What are some similarities and + Music Pack what are a few differences? Don’t forget to utilize the 3-Part Artist Cards 3-Part Artist cards to continue to match “like” works. 77 ©Gentle + Classical Press Unit 6 Virtue Gentle + Classical Nature I am kind. I have gentle words and Reptiles gentle ways. I am kind. 3 Blind Mice Wonder Tale Manners + Hygiene “Beauty and the Beast” I return what I borrow. Classic Storybook Fables; pg 20 Everyday Graces; pg 30 “Borrowing” Note: This story continues over two weeks, Hymn so feel free to break the reading in “The Doxology” by Thomas Ken half. On story day, go ahead and use the storyboard to narrate your Math reading thus far. Months of the Year Nursery Rhyme Knowing God Better “Wee Willie Winkie” Catechism Wee Willie Winkie Of what were our first parents Runs through the town, made? God made the body of Adam Upstairs and downstairs from the ground and formed Eve In his nightgown. from the body of Adam. Rapping at the window, Bible Story Crying through the lock, Joseph, The Dreamer Are the children all in bed, Read Aloud Book of Bible Stories; For now it’s eight o’clock? pg 37; The Ology; Lesson 10 Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother Scripture Goose; pg 21 Every good and perfect gift is from above. James 1:17a ©Gentle + Classical Press 78 Books Needed Poetry Everyday Graces by Gentle + Classical Nature: Poem Recitation of Choice Karen Santorum Read Aloud Book “Auntie’s Skirts” by Robert Louis Stevenson of Bible Stories by Amy Steedman Classic Storybook Whenever Auntie moves around, Fables by Scott Gustafson Her dresses make a curious sound, Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother Goose They trail behind her up the floor, by Scott Gustafson And trundle after through the door. The Ology by Marty Machowski Story of the Orchestra by Robert Levine ______
Other Resources Art + Music Pack Spotify Playlist Meaningful Menu Includes: Hymnal, GC Nature Poetry Recitation, Catechism, Scripture, Art + Music Virtue, Daily Math Games Composer Study: Bach; Suite No. 3 in D Major “A Child’s Garden of Instrument: Keyboard Instruments: Piano and Songs,” by Ted Jacobs; Track 8 Harpsichord Phonics, Math, Music Education: Story of the Orchestra; pg 88-91 Handwriting of Choice Utilize the 3-Part Instrument cards to sort “like” ______instruments each unit. Group by family and see their Music Education understanding change as they learn. Play games MyMusikatHome.com (included in Art + Music Pack) with the 3-Part Cards. Membership- Family Music Continue listening to Mr. Bach Comes to Call by for Ages 4-7 5: Singing or Squawking? Classical Kids. 3-Part Instrument We have enjoyed experimenting with Piano for Cards Kids using the Musicolor Method (Level 2 Links via ______ GentleClassical.com) ______79 ©Gentle + Classical Press Unit 7 Virtue Gentle + Classical Nature I am kind. I have gentle words and Inland/Forest Birds gentle ways. I am kind. 3 Blind Mice Wonder Tale “Beauty and the Beast” Manners + Hygiene Classic Storybook Fables; pg 20 I am thankful for my home. Everyday Graces; pg 41 “Home is Where There is One to Love Us” Nursery Rhyme “Goosey, Goosey, Gander” Hymn Goosey, goosey, gander, “The Doxology” by Thomas Ken Whither shall I wander? Upstairs and downstairs Math And in my lady’s chamber. Counting by 2’s Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother Knowing God Better Goose; pg 23 Catechism Where did Adam and Eve live? They lived in the Garden of Eden. Notes Most lessons from The Ology are covered over multiple units, due to Bible Story their correlation with our catechism. Joseph, The Ruler You can read just a few sentences Read Aloud Book of Bible Stories; each day to spread them out longer. pg 45 It’s always wise to look ahead into The Ology; Lesson 11* the next weeks and make notes (*over 6 units) about how many pages you might like to read or how it might work best for Scripture your family to space the reading. Every good and perfect gift is from above. James 1:17a ©Gentle + Classical Press 80 Books Needed Poetry Everyday Graces by Gentle + Classical Nature: Poem Recitation of Choice Karen Santorum Read Aloud Book “Where go the Boats” by Robert Louis Stevenson of Bible Stories by Amy Dark brown is the river, Steedman Golden is the sand. Classic Storybook It flows along for ever, Fables by Scott Gustafson With trees on either hand. Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother Goose Green leaves a-floating, by Scott Gustafson Castles of the foam, The Ology by Marty Boats of mine a-boating— Machowski Where will all come home? Teaching Art with Books Kids Love by Darcie On goes the river Frohardt And out past the mill, Away down the valley, Other Resources Away down the hill. Art + Music Pack Spotify Playlist for skip Away down the river, counting songs A hundred miles or more, Meaningful Menu Other little children Includes: Hymnal, GC Shall bring my boats ashore. Nature Poetry Recitation, Catechism, Scripture, Art + Music Virtue, Daily Math Games Artist Study: Vermeer; The Little Street “A Child’s Garden of Songs,” by Ted Jacobs; Art Element: Space Track 7 Art Education: Teaching Art with Books Kids Love; pg Phonics, Math, 61-63, Definition of “space” and examples; pg 69 Handwriting of Choice Optional Read Aloud: Owl Moon by Jane Yolen Art Education Here, we are learning about the various ways that black construction space is considered in art. The Little Street is a great paper opportunity to discuss perspective, utilizing the space white or yellow pencil, crayon, or chalk pastel poster from the Art + Music Pack. Additionally, we will picture of leafless read Owl Moon and learn about positive and negative tree from Art + Music Pack space via the activity on pg 69 of our art education Owl Moon by Jane spine. See the Art + Music Pack for more details. Yolen 81 ©Gentle + Classical Press Unit 8 Virtue Gentle + Classical Nature I am kind. I have gentle words and Forest Animals gentle ways. I am kind. 3 Blind Mice Wonder Tale “The Little Hero of Holland" Manners + Hygiene The Children’s Book of Virtues; pg 12 I am grateful for all I have. Everyday Graces; pg 42 Nursery Rhyme “Humpty Dumpty” Hymn Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, “The Doxology” by Thomas Ken Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. All the King’s horses and all the King’s men Math Counting by 2’s Couldn’t put Humpty together again. Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother Knowing God Better Catechism Goose; pg 24 Where did Adam and Eve live? They lived in the Garden of Eden. Notes ______Bible Story ______The Finding of Moses ______Read Aloud Book of Bible Stories; ______pg 53 ______The Ology; Lesson 11 ______Scripture ______Every good and perfect gift is from ______above. James 1:17a ______©Gentle + Classical Press 82 Books Needed Poetry Everyday Graces by Gentle + Classical Nature: Poem Recitation of Choice Karen Santorum Read Aloud Book “The Swing” by Robert Louis Stevenson of Bible Stories by Amy How do you like to go up in a swing, Steedman The Children’s Book of Up in the air so blue? Virtues by William Bennett Oh, I do think it the pleasantest thing Favorite Nursery *Read over 2 Ever a child can do! Rhymes from Mother Goose units by Scott Gustafson The Ology by Marty Up in the air and over the wall, Machowski Till I can see so wide, Story of the Orchestra River and trees and cattle and all by Robert Levine ______Over the countryside— Other Resources Till I look down on the garden green, Art + Music Pack Spotify Playlist Down on the roof so brown— Meaningful Menu Up in the air I go flying again, Includes: Hymnal, GC Up in the air and down! Nature Poetry Recitation, Catechism, Scripture, Virtue, Daily Math Games “Back to the Garden” by Ted Jacobs; Track 2 Art + Music Phonics, Math, Composer Study: Bach; Suite No. 2 in B Minor Handwriting of Choice ______Instrument: String Instruments: Violin ______Music Education: Story of the Orchestra; pg 44-45 Utilize the 3-Part Instrument cards to sort “like” Music Education instruments each unit. Group by family and see their MyMusikatHome.com Membership- Family Music understanding change as they learn. for Preschoolers 2: A Walk Play games (included in Art + Music Pack) with the in the Woods 3-Part Cards. 3-Part Instrument Cards Continue listening to Mr. Bach Comes to Call by ______Classical Kids. ______83 ©Gentle + Classical Press Unit 9 Virtue Gentle + Classical Nature I am kind. I have gentle words and Butterflies gentle ways. I am kind. 3 Blind Mice Wonder Tale The Velveteen Rabbit Manners + Hygiene I say, “Please.” by Margery Williams Everyday Graces; pg 48 “Politeness” Note: The Children’s Book of Virtues; pg 33 This book is read over two units, so “Please” note your edition’s total page number and divide roughly in half. Feel free Hymn to still use the storyboard elements “The Doxology” by Thomas Ken to begin narration this week.
Math Nursery Rhyme Counting by 10’s “Little Tommy Tittlemouse” Little Tommy Tittlemouse Knowing God Better Catechism Lived in a little house. What were the two special trees in He caught fishes the Garden? They were The Tree of In other men’s ditches. Life and The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother Goose; pg 26 Bible Story Moses, The Great Leader Notes Read Aloud Book of Bible Stories; Don’t forget to gently and naturally bring your virtue thread into the discussions pg 59; The Ology; Lesson 11 about each of our stories or scripture verses. In how many different ways Scripture can we see kindness reflected in The Happy are the people whose God is Velveteen Rabbit? What about in the the Lord. Psalm 144:15b character of Moses? Of God? ©Gentle + Classical Press 84 Books Needed Poetry Everyday Graces by Gentle + Classical Nature: Poem Recitation of Choice Karen Santorum Read Aloud Book “The Swing” by Robert Louis Stevenson of Bible Stories by Amy How do you like to go up in a swing, Steedman The Velveteen Rabbit Up in the air so blue? by Margery Williams Oh, I do think it the pleasantest thing The Children’s Book of Ever a child can do! Virtues by William Bennett Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother Goose Up in the air and over the wall, by Scott Gustafson Till I can see so wide, The Ology by Marty River and trees and cattle and all Machowski Teaching Art with Over the countryside— Books Kids Love by Darcie Frohardt Till I look down on the garden green, Other Resources Down on the roof so brown— Art + Music Pack Up in the air I go flying again, Spotify Playlist Up in the air and down! Meaningful Menu Includes: Hymnal, GC Nature Poetry Recitation, Art + Music Catechism, Scripture, Artist Study: Vermeer; The Music Lesson Virtue, Daily Math Games Art Element: Space “Back to the Garden” Art Education: Teaching Art with Books Kids Love; pg by Ted Jacobs; Track 2 66-67 Phonics, Math, Handwriting of Choice Overlapping is an important concept in space perception- it’s one way we know what’s closer and Art Education what’s further away. Utilizing our art education spine cardboard or paper tangram pieces (use your and the poster from the Art + Music Pack, discuss this own or print/cut from Art + concept with your kids. Additionally, enjoy the projects Music Pack). from our book that demonstrates this concept. Look for several objects overlapping elements in our art piece this week. Review of one kind cut from a magazine (shoes or books previous works and look for elements of space in each as an example) of them. 85 ©Gentle + Classical Press Unit 10 Virtue Gentle + Classical Nature I am kind. I have gentle words and Bees gentle ways. I am kind. 3 Blind Mice Wonder Tale The Velveteen Rabbit Manners + Hygiene by Margery Williams I answer the phone politely. Everyday Graces; pg 51 Nursery Rhyme “How Do You Answer the Telephone” “For Want of a Nail” For want of a nail, the shoe was lost, Hymn For want of a shoe, the horse was lost, “The Doxology” by Thomas Ken For want of a horse, the rider was lost, For want of a rider, the battle was lost, Math For want of a battle, the kingdom was Counting by 10’s lost, And all for the want of a horseshoe Knowing God Better nail. Catechism What were the two special trees in Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother the Garden? They were The Tree of Goose; pg 28 Life and The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Notes If ever our manners or hygiene topic Bible Story does not apply, I encourage you to simply review anything that we’ve previously The Story of the Spies covered. And of course, you can always Read Aloud Book of Bible Stories; skip or pick something that your family pg 67; The Ology; Lesson 11 needs to focus on. ______Scripture ______Happy are the people whose God is ______the Lord. Psalm 144:15b ______©Gentle + Classical Press 86 Books Needed Poetry Everyday Graces by Gentle + Classical Nature: Poem Recitation of Choice Karen Santorum Read Aloud Book “The Hayloft” by Robert Louis Stevenson of Bible Stories by Amy Through all the pleasant meadow-side Steedman The grass grew shoulder-high, The Velveteen Rabbit Till the shining scythes went far and wide by Margery Williams Favorite Nursery *Read over And cut it down to dry. Rhymes from Mother Goose 2 units by Scott Gustafson Those green and sweetly smelling crops The Ology by Marty They led the wagons home; Machowski And they piled them here in mountain tops Story of the Orchestra For mountaineers to roam. by Robert Levine ______
Here is Mount Clear, Mount Rusty-Nail, Other Resources Mount Eagle and Mount High;-- Art + Music Pack The mice that in these mountains dwell, Spotify Playlist No happier are than I! Meaningful Menu Includes: Hymnal, GC Oh, what a joy to clamber there, Nature Poetry Recitation, Oh, what a place for play, Catechism, Scripture, Virtue, Daily Math Games With the sweet, the dim, the dusty air, “Back to the Garden” The happy hills of hay! by Ted Jacobs; Track 8 Phonics, Math, Art + Music Handwriting of Choice Composer Study: Bach; Piano Concerto No. 5 ______Instrument: String Instruments: Viola and Cello ______Music Education: Story of the Orchestra; pg 46-47 Music Education Utilize the 3-Part Instrument cards to sort “like” MyMusikatHome.com instruments each unit. Membership- Family Music Group by family and see their understanding change for Preschoolers 4: Bugs and Bees as they learn. Play games (included in Art + Music Pack) 3-Part Instrument with the 3-Part Cards. Cards Continue listening to Mr. Bach Comes to Call by ______ ______Classical Kids. 87 ©Gentle + Classical Press Unit 11 Virtue Gentle + Classical Nature I am kind. I have gentle words and Arachnids gentle ways. I am kind. 3 Blind Mice Wonder Tale “The Legend of the Dipper” Manners + Hygiene The Children’s Book of Virtues; pg 77 I am polite, even when I don’t feel like it. Everyday Graces; pg 56 “Politeness” Nursery Rhyme “Rub-a-Dub-Dub” Hymn Rub-a-dub-dub “The Doxology” by Thomas Ken Three men in a tub. And who do you think they be? The butcher, the baker, Math The candlestick maker, Counting by 5’s Turn ‘em out, knaves all three!
Knowing God Better Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother Catechism Goose; pg 32 Which tree should they not eat of? They should not eat of The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Notes Keep it simple, friend. Remember, this Bible Story curriculum is a TOOL, in your wise and capable hand. Trim what you need to Gideon, The Soldier trim. Pick and choose. Operate from a Read Aloud Book of Bible Stories; place of following God’s promptings and pg 77; with wisdom from those ahead of you. The Ology; Lesson 11 Remember, if you drop portions for a season, you can always come back later! Scripture ______Happy are the people whose God is ______the Lord. Psalm 144:15b ______©Gentle + Classical Press 88 Books Needed Poetry Everyday Graces by Gentle + Classical Nature: Poem Recitation of Choice Karen Santorum Read Aloud Book “The Hayloft” by Robert Louis Stevenson of Bible Stories by Amy Through all the pleasant meadow-side Steedman The grass grew shoulder-high, The Children’s Book of Till the shining scythes went far and wide Virtues by William Bennett And cut it down to dry. Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother Goose by Scott Gustafson Those green and sweetly smelling crops The Ology by Marty They led the wagons home; Machowski And they piled them here in mountain tops ______For mountaineers to roam. ______ ______Here is Mount Clear, Mount Rusty-Nail, Mount Eagle and Mount High;-- Other Resources The mice that in these mountains dwell, Art + Music Pack Spotify Playlist No happier are than I! Meaningful Menu Includes: Hymnal, GC Oh, what a joy to clamber there, Nature Poetry Recitation, Oh, what a place for play, Catechism, Scripture, With the sweet, the dim, the dusty air, Virtue, Daily Math Games The happy hills of hay! “Back to the Garden” by Ted Jacobs; Track 8 Art + Music Phonics, Math, Artist Study: Vermeer; The Allegory of Painting Handwriting of Choice Art Element: Space ______Art Education: Art + Music Pack Art Education This week is a great opportunity to review previous art The Allegory of elements, specifically related to identifying those in Painting puzzle from Art + the works we have studied from Vermeer. Also utilize Music Pack 3-Part Art Cards the 3-Part cards to continue matching works to their creator. The activity this week is detailed in the Art + Music Pack. Reminder: God gifts great talent for His Glory. How has Vermeer pointed to his Creator? 89 ©Gentle + Classical Press Unit 12 Virtue Gentle + Classical Nature I am kind. I have gentle words and Worms gentle ways. I am kind. 3 Blind Mice Wonder Tale “St. George and the Dragon” Manners + Hygiene The Children’s Book of Virtues; pg 53 I am an encourager. Everyday Graces; pg 58 Nursery Rhyme “Tell Him So” “Jack Sprat” Jack Sprat could eat no fat Hymn His wife could eat no lean, “The Doxology” by Thomas Ken And so between them both, you see, They licked the platter clean. Math Counting by 5’s Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother Goose; pg 38 Knowing God Better Catechism Notes Which tree should they not eat of? Music may seem a bit redundant They should not eat of The Tree of at times- you listen and review Knowledge of Good and Evil. the cards. However simple it may seem, this consistency sows seeds Bible Story of faithfulness in your children and Ruth, The Gleaner grows their affection for these new Read Aloud Book of Bible Stories; friends they’re learning about. pg 89 ______The Ology; Lesson 11 ______Scripture ______Happy are the people whose God is ______the Lord. Psalm 144:15b ______©Gentle + Classical Press 90 Books Needed Poetry Everyday Graces by Gentle + Classical Nature: Poem Recitation of Choice Karen Santorum *Read over Read Aloud Book 3 units “My Shadow” by Robert Louis Stevenson of Bible Stories by Amy I have a little shadow that goes in and out with me, Steedman And what can be the use of him is more than I can see. The Children’s Book of He is very, very like me from the heels up to the head; Virtues by William Bennett And I see him jump before me, when I jump into my bed. Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother Goose by Scott Gustafson The funniest thing about him is the way he likes to grow— The Ology by Marty Not at all like proper children, which is always very slow; Machowski For he sometimes shoots up taller like an india-rubber ball, Story of the Orchestra And he sometimes goes so little that there’s none of him at all. by Robert Levine ______He hasn’t got a notion of how children ought to play, And can only make a fool of me in every sort of way. Other Resources He stays so close behind me, he’s a coward you can see; Art + Music Pack Spotify Playlist I’d think shame to stick to nursie as that shadow sticks to me! Meaningful Menu Includes: Hymnal, GC One morning, very early, before the sun was up, Nature Poetry Recitation, I rose and found the shining dew on every buttercup; Catechism, Scripture, But my lazy little shadow, like an arrant sleepy-head, Virtue, Daily Math Games Had stayed at home behind me and was fast asleep in bed. “A Child’s Garden of Songs,” by Ted Jacobs; Track 6 Art + Music Phonics, Math, Composer Study: Bach; Cantata No. 78 Handwriting of Choice Instrument: String Instruments: Double Bass and Harp ______Music Education: Story of the Orchestra; pg 48-49 Music Education Utilize the 3-Part Instrument cards to sort “like” MyMusikatHome.com instruments each unit. Group by family and see their Membership- Family Music understanding change as they learn. for Mixed Ages: 4. Twist & Play games (included in Art + Music Pack) with the Turn - Rhymes & Rhythms 3-Part Instrument 3-Part Cards. Cards Continue listening to Mr. Bach Comes to Call by ______Classical Kids. ______91 ©Gentle + Classical Press ©Gentle + Classical Press 92 Term 2
93 ©Gentle + Classical Press Unit 13 Virtue Gentle + Classical Nature I have self-control. I think before Lichen + Mushrooms I act, and I put others first. I have self-control. Wonder Tale Row, Row, Your Boat “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” A Beatrix Potter Treasury; pg 29 Manners + Hygiene I think before I speak. Nursery Rhyme Everyday Graces; pg 75 “Under a Hill” “The Chatterbox” There was an old woman Hymn Lived under a hill, “May the Grace of Christ Our Savior” And if she’s not gone, Benediction by John Newton She lives there still.
Math Baked apples she sold, Odd and Even And cranberry pies, Knowing God Better And she’s the old woman Catechism That never told lies. What is sin? Sin is when we break the law of God. Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother Goose; pg 40 Bible Story Samuel, The Little Server Notes Read Aloud Book of Bible Stories; Odd and Even are terms that need pg 97 demonstration and practice and may The Ology; Lesson 12* need to be revisited multiple times. (*over 2 units) It’s outside of the scope of this program to teach this skill. However, Scripture your math curriculum likely includes He will take great delight in you. teaching opportunities. This is a Zephaniah 3:17c chance to review. ©Gentle + Classical Press 94 Books Needed Poetry Everyday Graces by Gentle + Classical Nature: Poem Recitation of Choice Karen Santorum Read Aloud Book “My Shadow” by Robert Louis Stevenson of Bible Stories by Amy I have a little shadow that goes in and out with me, Steedman And what can be the use of him is more than I can see. A Beatrix Potter He is very, very like me from the heels up to the head; Treasury by Beatrix Potter And I see him jump before me, when I jump into my bed. Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother Goose The funniest thing about him is the way he likes to grow— by Scott Gustafson Not at all like proper children, which is always very slow; The Ology by Marty For he sometimes shoots up taller like an india-rubber ball, Machowski And he sometimes goes so little that there’s none of him at all. Teaching Art with Books Kids Love by Darcie He hasn’t got a notion of how children ought to play, Frohardt And can only make a fool of me in every sort of way. He stays so close behind me, he’s a coward you can see; Other Resources I’d think shame to stick to nursie as that shadow sticks to me! Art + Music Pack Spotify Playlist One morning, very early, before the sun was up, Meaningful Menu I rose and found the shining dew on every buttercup; Includes: Hymnal, GC But my lazy little shadow, like an arrant sleepy-head, Nature Poetry Recitation, Had stayed at home behind me and was fast asleep in bed. Catechism, Scripture, Virtue, Daily Math Games Art + Music “A Child’s Garden of Artist Study: Monet; Garden at Sainte-Adresse Songs,” by Ted Jacobs; Track 6 Art Element: Value Phonics, Math, Art Education: Teaching Art with Books Kids Love; pg Handwriting of Choice 35, Definition of Value ______Optional Read Aloud: Linnea in Monet’s Garden by Art Education Christina Bjork Value poster from Art A new artist for a new term! Monet is exceedingly + Music Pack well-known and was a great influence on many artists. Value worksheet from Art + Music Pack The optional read aloud is a beautiful biography of Black crayon Monet in an engaging, living story. We now focus on Linnea in Monet’s value. You can utilize the poster and activity from the Garden by Christina Bjork Art + Music Pack to explain the concept. ______95 ©Gentle + Classical Press Virtue Unit 14 Gentle + Classical Nature I have self-control. I think before Mosses I act, and I put others first. I have self-control. Wonder Tale Row, Row, Your Boat “The Tale of Benjamin Bunny” A Beatrix Potter Treasury; pg 43 Manners + Hygiene I am honest. Nursery Rhyme Everyday Graces; pg 82 “Yankee Doodle” “Truth the Best” Yankee Doodle came to town, Riding on a pony, Hymn He stuck a feather in his cap “May the Grace of Christ Our Savior” And called it macaroni. Benediction by John Newton Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother Math One More Goose; pg 44
Knowing God Better Catechism Notes We will be listening to several What is sin? Sin is when we break selection from Mozart’s The Magic the law of God. Flute for units 14-18. Next unit, we will include a picture book of this Bible Story story. Jonathan, The Soldier Prince Read Aloud Book of Bible Stories; Math: You can include practicing one pg 105 more and one less, by simply using The Ology; Lesson 12 small manipulatives, counting them and adding one more, asking how Scripture many there are now. Coach your child He will take great delight in you. into not recounting but simply going Zephaniah 3:17c up (or down) one. ©Gentle + Classical Press 96 Books Needed Poetry Everyday Graces by Gentle + Classical Nature: Poem Recitation of Choice Karen Santorum Read Aloud Book “My Shadow” by Robert Louis Stevenson of Bible Stories by Amy I have a little shadow that goes in and out with me, Steedman And what can be the use of him is more than I can see. A Beatrix Potter He is very, very like me from the heels up to the head; Treasury by Beatrix Potter And I see him jump before me, when I jump into my bed. Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother Goose The funniest thing about him is the way he likes to grow— by Scott Gustafson Not at all like proper children, which is always very slow; The Ology by Marty For he sometimes shoots up taller like an india-rubber ball, Machowski And he sometimes goes so little that there’s none of him at all. Story of the Orchestra by Robert Levine He hasn’t got a notion of how children ought to play, ______And can only make a fool of me in every sort of way. He stays so close behind me, he’s a coward you can see; Other Resources I’d think shame to stick to nursie as that shadow sticks to me! Art + Music Pack Spotify Playlist One morning, very early, before the sun was up, Meaningful Menu I rose and found the shining dew on every buttercup; Includes: Hymnal, GC But my lazy little shadow, like an arrant sleepy-head, Nature Poetry Recitation, Had stayed at home behind me and was fast asleep in bed. Catechism, Scripture, Virtue, Daily Math Games “A Child’s Garden of Art + Music Songs,” by Ted Jacobs; Composer Study: Mozart; The Magic Flute; K. 620: Track 6 Overture Phonics, Math, Music Education: Story of the Orchestra; pg 19 Handwriting of Choice Optional Read Aloud: Mozart Finds a Melody by Stephen ______Costanza Music Education Page 19 includes an overview of Mozart. Listen to a MyMusikatHome.com few of his pieces after reading a brief biography. How Membership-Family Mu- sic for Ages 4-7 1: Home is he different from Bach? Sweet Home Alternative: Read Mozart Finds a Melody as a 3-Part Instrument Biography Cards Begin listening to Mozart’s Magic Fantasy by Mozart Finds a Melody by Stephen Costanza Classical Kids 97 ©Gentle + Classical Press Virtue Unit 15 I have self-control. I think before Gentle + Classical Nature I act, and I put others first. I have Ferns self-control. Wonder Tale Row, Row, Your Boat “The Story of a Fierce Bad Rabbit” Manners + Hygiene A Beatrix Potter Treasury; pg 101 I have self-control at the table. Everyday Graces; pg 89 Nursery Rhyme “Whole Duty of Children” “Peter, Peter Pumpkin Eater” Peter, Peter pumpkin eater, Hymn “May the Grace of Christ Our Savior” Had a wife and couldn’t keep her; Benediction by John Newton He put her in a pumpkin shell And there he kept her very well. Math One Less Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother Goose; pg 46 Knowing God Better Catechism What was the sin of our first Notes parents? They ate the forbidden Math: You can include practicing one fruit (from the Tree of Knowledge of more and one less, by simply using Good and Evil). small manipulatives, counting them and adding one more, asking how Bible Story many there are now. Coach your child David, The Shepherd Boy into not recounting but simply going Read Aloud Book of Bible Stories; up (or down) one. pg 115; The Ology; Lesson 13* (*over 4 units) ______Scripture ______He will take great delight in you. ______Zephaniah 3:17c ______©Gentle + Classical Press 98 Books Needed Poetry Everyday Graces by Gentle + Classical Nature: Poem Recitation of Choice Karen Santorum Read Aloud Book “Autumn Fires” by Robert Louis Stevenson of Bible Stories by Amy In the other gardens Steedman *Over 2 A Beatrix Potter Units And all up the vale, Treasury by Beatrix Potter From the autumn bonfires Favorite Nursery See the smoke trail! Rhymes from Mother Goose by Scott Gustafson The Ology by Marty Pleasant summer over Machowski And all the summer flowers, Teaching Art with The red fire blazes, Books Kids Love by Darcie Frohardt The gray smoke towers. Other Resources Sing a song of seasons! Art + Music Pack Spotify Playlist Something bright in all! Meaningful Menu Flowers in the summer, Includes: Hymnal, GC Fires in the fall! Nature Poetry Recitation, Catechism, Scripture, Virtue, Daily Math Games Art + Music “Back to the Garden” Artist Study: Monet; Water Lily Pond by Ted Jacobs; Track 5 Art Element: Value Phonics, Math, Art Education: Teaching Art with Books Kids Love; pg Handwriting of Choice 41-43 (Variations 1 and 2 for pre-k and kinders) ______ ______Optional Read Aloud: The Village of Round and Square Houses by Ann Grifalconi Art Education This unit, we will continue to learn about the cardboard (letter size or larger) differences between dark and light through an paper activity outlined on pages 41-42 of our art education tape spine, drawn from the recommended read aloud. The pencil variations listed on pages 42-43 are great for younger sidewalk chalk sunshine students as the main project is a little lofty for most ______4-5 year olds. 99 ©Gentle + Classical Press Virtue Unit 16 I have self-control. I think before Gentle + Classical Nature I act, and I put others first. I have Tree Anatomy self-control. Wonder Tale Row, Row, Your Boat “The King and His Hawk” Manners + Hygiene The Children’s Book of Virtues; pg 44 I keep my hands to myself at the table. Everyday Graces; pg 89 Nursery Rhyme “Never Poke Your Uncle with a Fork” “Three Blind Mice” Three blind mice, see how they run! Hymn “May the Grace of Christ Our Savior” They all ran after the farmer’s wife, Benediction by John Newton Who cut off their tails with a carving knife, Math Did you ever see such a thing in your > Means “Greater Than” life, As three blind mice? Knowing God Better Catechism Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother What was the sin of our first Goose; pg 49 parents? They ate the forbidden fruit (from the Tree of Knowledge of Notes Good and Evil). ______Bible Story ______David, The Fighter ______Read Aloud Book of Bible Stories; ______pg 123; The Ology; Lesson 13 ______Scripture ______He will take great delight in you. ______Zephaniah 3:17c ______©Gentle + Classical Press 100 Books Needed Poetry Everyday Graces by Gentle + Classical Nature: Poem Recitation of Choice Karen Santorum Read Aloud Book “Autumn Fires” by Robert Louis Stevenson of Bible Stories by Amy In the other gardens Steedman The Children’s Book of And all up the vale, Virtues by William Bennett From the autumn bonfires Favorite Nursery See the smoke trail! Rhymes from Mother Goose by Scott Gustafson The Ology by Marty Pleasant summer over Machowski And all the summer flowers, Story of the Orchestra The red fire blazes, by Robert Levine ______The grey smoke towers. Other Resources Sing a song of seasons! Art + Music Pack Spotify Playlist Something bright in all! Meaningful Menu Flowers in the summer, Includes: Hymnal, GC Fires in the fall! Nature Poetry Recitation, Catechism, Scripture, Virtue, Daily Math Games “Back to the Garden” Art + Music by Ted Jacobs; Track 5 Composer Study: Mozart; The Magic Flute, K. 620, Act I: Phonics, Math, Papageno’s Song Handwriting of Choice Instrument: Woodwinds: Flute ______Music Education: Story of the Orchestra; pg 52 ______Optional Read Aloud: The Magic Flute by Kyra Teis Music Education (spread over units 16 & 18) MyMusikatHome. Utilize the 3-Part Instrument cards to sort “like” com Membership- Family Music for Ages 4-7 3: Tree instruments each unit. Group by family and see their Homes understanding change as they learn. Play games 3-Part Instrument (included in Art + Music Pack) with the 3-Part Cards. Cards The Magic Flute by Continue listening to Mozart’s Magic Fantasy by Kyra Teis Classical Kids. 101 ©Gentle + Classical Press Virtue Unit 17 Gentle + Classical Nature I have self-control. I think before Evergreen Trees I act, and I put others first. I have self-control. Wonder Tale Row, Row, Your Boat “Hansel and Gretel” Classic Fairy Tales; pg 74 Manners + Hygiene I use my manners when eating soup. Note: “Hansel and Gretel” is a longer Everyday Graces; pg 91 story, and we will cover it over 2 “How to Eat Soup” units. Roughly split it in half, but feel free to play-narrate half this week. Hymn “May the Grace of Christ Our Savior” Benediction by John Newton Nursery Rhyme “Bat, Bat” Math Bat, bat, come under my hat, < Means “Less Than” And I’ll give you a slice of bacon. And when I bake, Knowing God Better I’ll give you a cake, Catechism If I am not mistaken. Who tempted Adam and Eve to sin? Satan tempted them. Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother Goose; pg 50 Bible Story Solomon, The Wise King Read Aloud Book of Bible Stories; Notes ______pg 133 ______The Ology; Lesson 13 ______Scripture ______Be patient with everyone. ______1 Thessalonian 5:14e ______©Gentle + Classical Press 102 ______Books Needed Poetry Everyday Graces by Gentle + Classical Nature: Poem Recitation of Choice Karen Santorum Read Aloud Book “A Good Play” by Robert Louis Stevenson of Bible Stories by Amy We built a ship upon the stairs Steedman All made of the back-bedroom chairs, Classic Fairy Tales by And filled it full of soft pillows Scott Gustafson To go a-sailing on the billows. Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother Goose We took a saw and several nails, by Scott Gustafson The Ology by Marty And water in the nursery pails; Machowski And Tom said, “Let us also take ______An apple and a slice of cake;”-- ______Which was enough for Tom and me ______To go a-sailing on, till tea. Other Resources We sailed along for days and days, Art + Music Pack And had the very best of plays; Meaningful Menu But Tom fell out and hurt his knee, Includes: Hymnal, GC So there was no one left but me. Nature Poetry Recitation, Catechism, Scripture, Art + Music Virtue, Daily Math Games Artist Study: Monet; Bridge Over a Pond of Water Lilies “Back to the Garden” by Ted Jacobs; Track 5 Art Element: Value Phonics, Math, Art Education: Art + Music Pack Handwriting of Choice This unit’s art piece and last unit’s are very similar, ______ ______but are very different in one distinct way- value. Have ______your students observe the difference. How does the difference in value of these works make your students Art Education feel? Discuss how color and value changes our Art + Music Pack instructions perception of art. Use the Monet 3-Part Cards to review, 3-Part Monet cards compare the values and order them from light to dark. black and white paint Can your student choose which works belong to Vermeer paint brush egg carton or paper and which to Monet? Lastly, check out the Art + Music plate pack for instructions for exploring value this unit. ______103 ©Gentle + Classical Press Virtue Unit 18 I have self-control. I think before Gentle + Classical Nature Deciduous Trees I act, and I put others first. I have self-control. Wonder Tale Row, Row, Your Boat “Hansel and Gretel” Manners + Hygiene Classic Fairy Tales; pg 74 I have self-control with sweets. Everyday Graces; pg 112 Nursery Rhyme “Chocolate Cake” “The North Winds” Cold and raw the north winds blow Hymn Bleak in the morning early, “May the Grace of Christ Our Savior” All the hills are covered with snow, Benediction by John Newton And winter’s now come fairly. Math And, add, plus, and sum all mean to Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother use addition. Goose; pg 53 Notes Knowing God Better ______Catechism ______Who tempted Adam and Eve to sin? ______Satan tempted them. ______Bible Story ______Elijah, The Hungry Prophet ______Read Aloud Book of Bible Stories; ______pg 141 ______The Ology; Lesson 13 ______Scripture ______Be patient with everyone. ______1 Thessalonian 5:14e ©Gentle + Classical Press 104 ______Books Needed Poetry Everyday Graces by Gentle + Classical Nature: Poem Recitation of Choice Karen Santorum Read Aloud Book “The Land of Nod” by Robert Louis Stevenson of Bible Stories by Amy From breakfast on through all the day Steedman At home among my friends I stay, Classic Fairy Tales by *Over 2 But every night I go abroad Scott Gustafson units Afar into the land of Nod. Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother Goose All by myself I have to go, by Scott Gustafson With none to tell me what to do— The Ology by Marty All alone beside the streams Machowski And up the mountain-sides of dreams. Story of the Orchestra by Robert Levine The strangest things are these for me, ______Both things to eat and things to see, And many frightening sights abroad Other Resources Till morning in the land of Nod. Art + Music Pack Spotify Playlist Try as I like to find the way, Meaningful Menu I never can get back by day, Includes: Hymnal, GC Nor can remember plain and clear Nature Poetry Recitation, The curious music that I hear. Catechism, Scripture, Virtue, Daily Math Games Art + Music “Back to the Garden” Composer Study: Mozart; The Magic Flute; The Priest’s by Ted Jacobs; Track 9 March Phonics, Math, Instrument: Woodwinds: Piccolo and Oboe Handwriting of Choice ______Music Education: Story of the Orchestra; pg 53-55 ______Optional Read Aloud: The Magic Flute by Kyra Teis (spread over units 16 & 18) Music Education MyMusikatHome.com Utilize the 3-Part Instrument cards to sort “like” Membership-Family Music instruments each unit. for Preschoolers 6: Birds, Play games (included in Art + Music Pack) with the Trees and Butterflies 3-Part Cards. 3-Part Instrument Cards Continue listening to Mozart’s Magic Fantasy The Magic Flute by Classical Kids. Kyra Teis 105 ©Gentle + Classical Press Virtue Unit 19 I have self-control. I think before Gentle + Classical Nature I act, and I put others first. I have Coastal Birds self-control. Row, Row, Your Boat Wonder Tale “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” Manners + Hygiene Classic Fairy Tales; pg 7 I can set the table. Everyday Graces; pg 130 Nursery Rhyme “Hey Diddle Diddle” “Little Jack Horner” Little Jack Horner Hymn “May the Grace of Christ Our Savior” Sat in the corner, Benediction by John Newton Eating his Christmas pie. He put in his thumb, Math And pulled out a plum, Less, minus, take away, and reduce And said, all mean to subtract. “What a good boy am I!” Knowing God Better Catechism Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother How did sin enter the world? It Goose; pg 54 entered through the disobedience of Adam and Eve. Notes Bible Story ______Elisha, The Man of God ______Read Aloud Book of Bible Stories; ______pg 149 ______The Ology; Lesson 14* ______(*over 2 units) ______Scripture ______Be patient with everyone. ______1 Thessalonian 5:14e ______©Gentle + Classical Press 106 Books Needed Poetry Everyday Graces by Gentle + Classical Nature: Poem Recitation of Choice Karen Santorum Read Aloud Book “The Land of Nod” by Robert Louis Stevenson of Bible Stories by Amy From breakfast on through all the day Steedman At home among my friends I stay, Classic Fairy Tales by But every night I go abroad Scott Gustafson Afar into the land of Nod. Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother Goose by Scott Gustafson All by myself I have to go, The Ology by Marty With none to tell me what to do— Machowski All alone beside the streams Teaching Art with And up the mountain-sides of dreams. Books Kids Love by Darcie Frohardt The strangest things are these for me, Both things to eat and things to see, Other Resources And many frightening sights abroad Art + Music Pack Meaningful Menu Till morning in the land of Nod. Includes: Hymnal, GC Nature Poetry Recitation, Try as I like to find the way, Catechism, Scripture, I never can get back by day, Virtue, Daily Math Games Nor can remember plain and clear “Back to the Garden” The curious music that I hear. by Ted Jacobs; Track 9 Phonics, Math, Art + Music Handwriting of Choice Artist Study: Monet; Impression, Sunrise ______ ______Art Element: Texture ______Art Education: Teaching Art with Books Kids Love; pg 27-28 Definition and Examples Art Education The next few units of art education will cover the items inside your home or from your nature element of texture. There are activities outlined in walk with various textures the Art + Music Pack as well as a poster to help Art + Music Pack demonstrate texture. After reviewing the concept of activities and poster ______texture via the poster and activities, look for various ______textures in this week and previous weeks’ work. ______107 ©Gentle + Classical Press Virtue Unit 20 I have self-control. I think before Gentle + Classical Nature I act, and I put others first. I have Ocean Arthropods self-control. Row, Row, Your Boat Wonder Tale Choo Choo Manners + Hygiene by Virginia Lee Burton I take good care of my body. Everyday Graces; pg 139 Nursery Rhyme “Grungy Grace” “Old Mother Hubbard” Old Mother Hubbard, Hymn “May the Grace of Christ Our Savior” Went to the cupboard, Benediction by John Newton To fetch her poor dog a bone. But when she got there The cupboard was bare, Math 1 + 1 = 2 And so the poor dog had none.
Knowing God Better Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother Catechism Goose; pg 56 How did sin enter the world? It entered through the disobedience of Notes Adam and Eve. ______Bible Story ______Hezekiah, The Good King ______Read Aloud Book of Bible Stories; ______pg 157 ______The Ology; Lesson 14 ______Scripture ______Be patient with everyone. ______1 Thessalonian 5:14e ______©Gentle + Classical Press 108 Books Needed Poetry Everyday Graces by Gentle + Classical Nature: Poem Recitation of Choice Karen Santorum *Over 2 Read Aloud Book units “The Moon” by Robert Louis Stevenson of Bible Stories by Amy The moon has a face like the clock in the hall; Steedman Choo Choo by Virginia She shines on thieves on the garden wall, Lee Burton On streets and fields and harbour quays, Favorite Nursery And birdies asleep in the forks of the trees. Rhymes from Mother Goose by Scott Gustafson The Ology by Marty The squalling cat and the squeaking mouse, Machowski The howling dog by the door of the house, Story of the Orchestra The bat that lies in bed at noon, by Robert Levine ______All love to be out by the light of the moon. Other Resources But all of the things that belong to the day Art + Music Pack Spotify Playlist Cuddle to sleep to be out of her way; Meaningful Menu And flowers and children close their eyes Includes: Hymnal, GC Till up in the morning the sun shall arise. Nature Poetry Recitation, Catechism, Scripture, Virtue, Daily Math Games “A Child’s Garden of Art + Music Songs,” by Ted Jacobs; Composer Study: Mozart; The Marriage of Figaro Track 14 Phonics, Math, Overture Handwriting of Choice Instrument: Woodwinds: Clarinet and Saxophone ______Music Education: Story of the Orchestra; pg 56-57 Music Education Utilize the 3-Part Instrument cards to sort “like” MyMusikatHome.com instruments each unit. Group by family and see their Membership- Family Music understanding change as they learn. for Mixed Ages 6. Twist & Play games (included in Art + Music Pack) with the Turn - Splashy Songs & Rainy-Day Rhymes 3-Part Cards. 3-Part Instrument Continue listening to Mozart’s Magic Fantasy Cards ______109 ©Gentle + Classical Press Virtue Unit 21 Gentle + Classical Nature I have self-control. I think before Saltwater Fish I act, and I put others first. I have Wonder Tale self-control. “Snow White” Row, Row, Your Boat Classic Fairy Tales; pg 41 “Snow White” is a longer story and Manners + Hygiene therefore is spread out over two units. I bathe myself well. Read roughly 10 pages her week, Everyday Graces; pg 140 and 141 depending upon your version. Feel free to Girls: “Washing and Dressing” Boys: “Dirty Jack” narrate and act out on Story Day what Hymn you’ve already read. “May the Grace of Christ Our Savior” Benediction by John Newton Nursery Rhyme “The Lion and the Unicorn” The lion and the unicorn Math 1 + 2 = 3 Were fighting for the crown. The lion beat the unicorn Knowing God Better All around the town. Catechism What happened to Adam and Eve Some gave them white bread, when they sinned? They were sent And some gave them brown. from the Garden, to live separately Some gave them plum cake from God. And drummed them out of town.
Bible Story Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother Jeremiah, the Prophet Goose; pg 58-59 Read Aloud Book of Bible Stories; Notes pg 165; The Ology; Lesson 15 & 18 In The Ology, Lessons 15 & 18 align with the next two units’ catechism. Lesson 15 Scripture continues to correlate for 2 additional Let your requests be made known units. You can use lesson 18 for 2 units then lesson 15 for units 23-24 or combine unto the Lord your God. Philip 4:6c them in any other way that suits you. ©Gentle + Classical Press 110 Books Needed Poetry Everyday Graces by Gentle + Classical Nature: Poem Recitation of Choice Karen Santorum Read Aloud Book “The Moon” by Robert Louis Stevenson of Bible Stories by Amy The moon has a face like the clock in the hall; Steedman Classic Fairy Tales by She shines on thieves on the garden wall, Scott Gustafson On streets and fields and harbour quays, Favorite Nursery And birdies asleep in the forks of the trees. Rhymes from Mother Goose by Scott Gustafson The Ology by Marty The squalling cat and the squeaking mouse, Machowski The howling dog by the door of the house, Teaching Art with The bat that lies in bed at noon, Books Kids Love by Darcie Frohardt All love to be out by the light of the moon. Other Resources But all of the things that belong to the day Art + Music Pack Meaningful Menu Cuddle to sleep to be out of her way; Includes: Hymnal, GC And flowers and children close their eyes Nature Poetry Recitation, Till up in the morning the sun shall arise. Catechism, Scripture, Virtue, Daily Math Games “A Child’s Garden of Art + Music Songs,” by Ted Jacobs; Artist Study: Monet; Woman with a Parasol Track 14 Phonics, Math, Art Element: Texture Handwriting of Choice Art Education: Teaching Art with Books Kids Love; pg ______29 ______Optional Read Aloud: Where the Wild Things Are by Art Education Maurice Sendak Textured art pieces . In this unit, we will be examining texture by creating like: pompoms, glitter, our own “monster” variations. For your convenience, I’ve googley eyes, pipe cleaners, tissue paper, given you a basic monster “body” in the Art + Music sequins, buttons, etc Pack. Following the instructions in our art education Glue spine, create your own many-textured monsters. Crayons Monster body 111 ©Gentle + Classical Press Virtue Unit 22 Gentle + Classical Nature I have self-control. I think before Large Ocean Predators I act, and I put others first. I have self-control. Wonder Tale Row, Row, Your Boat “Snow White” Manners + Hygiene Classic Fairy Tales; pg 41 I dress properly for the occasion. Everyday Graces; pg 145 Nursery Rhyme “My Teacher Wore Pajamas” “Pat-a-Cake” Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake, Hymn Baker’s man “May the Grace of Christ Our Savior” Bake me a cake Benediction by John Newton As fast as you can;
Math Pat it and prick it, 1 + 3 = 4 And mark it with a T, Put it in the oven Knowing God Better Catechism For Tommy and me. What happened to Adam and Eve when they sinned? They were sent Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother from the Garden, to live separately Goose; pg 60 from God. Notes Make sure to substitute your child’s Bible Story name and initial into this unit’s The Story of Daniel nursery rhyme. Read Aloud Book of Bible Stories; ______pg 173; The Ology; Lesson 15 & 18 ______Scripture ______Let your requests be made known ______unto the Lord your God. Philip 4:6c ©Gentle + Classical Press 112 Poetry Books Needed Gentle + Classical Nature: Poem Recitation of Choice Everyday Graces by Karen Santorum “Picture Books in Winter” by Robert Louis Stevenson Read Aloud Book Summer fading, winter comes— of Bible Stories by Amy *Over 3 Frosty mornings, tingling thumbs, Steedman units Window robins, winter rooks, Classic Fairy Tales by And the picture story-books. Scott Gustafson Water now is turned to stone Favorite Nursery Nurse and I can walk upon; Rhymes from Mother Goose Still we find the flowing brooks by Scott Gustafson In the picture story-books. The Ology by Marty Machowski All the pretty things put by, Story of the Orchestra Wait upon the children’s eye, Sheep and shepherds, trees and crooks, by Robert Levine In the picture story-books. ______
We may see how all things are Other Resources Seas and cities, near and far, Art + Music Pack And the flying fairies’ looks, Spotify Playlist In the picture story-books. Meaningful Menu How am I to sing your praise, Includes: Hymnal, GC Happy chimney-corner days, Nature Poetry Recitation, Sitting safe in nursery nooks, Catechism, Scripture, Reading picture story-books? Virtue, Daily Math Games “Back to the Garden” Art + Music by Ted Jacobs; Track 6 Composer Study: Mozart; Serenade No. 13 In G Major Phonics, Math, Instrument: Woodwinds: Bassoon and Contra-Bassoon Handwriting of Choice Music Education: Story of the Orchestra; pg 58-59 ______ ______Utilize the 3-Part Instrument cards to sort “like” instruments each unit. Group by family and see their Music Education understanding change as they learn. MyMusikatHome.com Membership- Family Music Play games (included in Art + Music Pack) with the for Mixed Ages 5. Twist & 3-Part Cards. Turn - Bouncing & Bound- Continue listening to Mozart’s Magic Fantasy by ing Classical Kids. 3-Part Instrument Cards ______113 ©Gentle + Classical Press Virtue Unit 23 Gentle + Classical Nature I have self-control. I think before Marine Mammals I act, and I put others first. I have self-control. Wonder Tale Row, Row, Your Boat “The Honest Woodman” The Children’s Book of Virtues; pg Manners + Hygiene I get ready without wasting time. 101 Everyday Graces; pg 153 “Dress Quickly” Nursery Rhyme “Hey Diddle, Diddle” Hymn Hey diddle, diddle, “May the Grace of Christ Our Savior” The cat and the fiddle, Benediction by John Newton The cow jumped over the moon. The little dog laughed Math To see such a sport, 1 + 4 = 5 And the dish ran away with The spoon. Knowing God Better Catechism What effect did Adam’s sin have on Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother all mankind? We are all born into a Goose; pg 66 state of sin. Notes Bible Story ______Queen Esther ______Read Aloud Book of Bible Stories; ______pg 181 ______The Ology; Lesson 15 ______Scripture ______Let your requests be made known ______unto the Lord your God. Philip 4:6c ______©Gentle + Classical Press 114 ______Poetry Books Needed Gentle + Classical Nature: Poem Recitation of Choice Everyday Graces by Karen Santorum “Picture Books in Winter” by Robert Louis Stevenson Read Aloud Book Summer fading, winter comes— of Bible Stories by Amy Frosty mornings, tingling thumbs, Steedman Window robins, winter rooks, The Children’s Book of And the picture story-books. Virtues by William Bennett Water now is turned to stone Favorite Nursery Nurse and I can walk upon; Rhymes from Mother Goose Still we find the flowing brooks by Scott Gustafson In the picture story-books. The Ology by Marty Machowski All the pretty things put by, Teaching Art with Wait upon the children’s eye, Sheep and shepherds, trees and crooks, Books Kids Love by Darcie In the picture story-books. Frohardt
We may see how all things are Other Resources Seas and cities, near and far, Art + Music Pick And the flying fairies’ looks, Meaningful Menu In the picture story-books. Includes: Hymnal, GC How am I to sing your praise, Nature Poetry Recitation, Happy chimney-corner days, Catechism, Scripture, Sitting safe in nursery nooks, Virtue, Daily Math Games Reading picture story-books? “Back to the Garden” by Ted Jacobs; Track 6 Art + Music Phonics, Math, Artist Study: Monet; Cliff Walk at Pourville Handwriting of Choice Art Element: Texture ______Art Education: Art + Music Pack ______ ______In this unit, we wrap up our explorations of texture. You can find all the details for these activities in the Art Art Education + Music Pack. Additionally, utilize your 3-Part Cards- inexpensive acrylic or tube watercolor without can your student remember the difference between dilution (thick paint is the Vermeer and Monet? Has he learned the names of any goal) of the pieces? Sort by value light to dark or by texture selections of items to from smoothest to most textured. paint with: sponge brush, plastic spoon or forks, thin spatula, sea shells, etc 115 ©Gentle + Classical Press Virtue Unit 24 I have self-control. I think before Gentle + Classical Nature I act, and I put others first. I have Polar Animals self-control. Row, Row, Your Boat Wonder Tale Stone Soup Manners + Hygiene by Marcia Brown I shine the light of Christ in darkness. Everyday Graces; pg 175 Nursery Rhyme “A Child’s Prayer” “Old Mother Goose” Old Mother Goose, Hymn When she wanted to wander, “May the Grace of Christ Our Savior” Would ride through the air Benediction by John Newton On a very fine gander. Math 2 + 2 = 4 Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother Goose; pg 68 Knowing God Better Catechism Notes What effect did Adam’s sin have on We are at the end of Term 2! I all mankind? We are all born into a suggest planning a celebration! This state of sin. is a wonderful opportunity to allow your kids to demonstrate all that Bible Story they’ve learned and memorized to Nehemiah, The Warrior Builder family and friends. Consider putting Read Aloud Book of Bible Stories; on skits for dad or extended family pg 191 or take a week to go back and The Ology; Lesson 15 review some of what you’ve learned and revisit favorite stories. Scripture ______Let your requests be made known ______unto the Lord your God. Philip 4:6c ______©Gentle + Classical Press 116 ______Poetry Books Needed Gentle + Classical Nature: Poem Recitation of Choice Everyday Graces by Karen Santorum “Picture Books in Winter” by Robert Louis Stevenson Read Aloud Book Summer fading, winter comes— of Bible Stories by Amy Frosty mornings, tingling thumbs, Steedman Window robins, winter rooks, Stone Soup by Marcia And the picture story-books. Brown Water now is turned to stone Favorite Nursery Nurse and I can walk upon; Rhymes from Mother Goose Still we find the flowing brooks by Scott Gustafson In the picture story-books. The Ology by Marty Machowski All the pretty things put by, Story of the Orchestra Wait upon the children’s eye, Sheep and shepherds, trees and crooks, by Robert Levine In the picture story-books. ______
We may see how all things are Other Resources Seas and cities, near and far, Art + Music Pack And the flying fairies’ looks, Spotify Playlist In the picture story-books. Meaningful Menu How am I to sing your praise, Includes: Hymnal, GC Happy chimney-corner days, Nature Poetry Recitation, Sitting safe in nursery nooks, Catechism, Scripture, Reading picture story-books? Virtue, Daily Math Games “Back to the Garden” by Ted Jacobs; Track 6 Art + Music Phonics, Math, Composer Study: Mozart; Piano Sonata in C Major Handwriting of Choice Instrument: Review using 3-Part Cards, Story of the ______Orchestra, and accompanying CD of instrument sounds ______Utilize the 3-Part Instrument cards to sort “like” Music Education instruments each unit. MyMusikatHome.com Group by family and see their understanding change Membership- Family Music for Ages 4-7 4. Rain or as they learn. Shine, All the Time! Play games (included in Art + Music Pack) with the 3-Part Instrument 3-Part Cards. Cards Finish listening to Mozart’s Magic Fantasy by ______ ______Classical Kids. 117 ©Gentle + Classical Press ©Gentle + Classical Press 118 Term 3
119 ©Gentle + Classical Press Unit 25 Virtue Gentle + Classical Nature I am faithful. I am faithful. I do what Seed Germination I said, and I trust God. (Repeat) Frère Jacques Wonder Tale “George Washington and the Cherry Manners + Hygiene Tree” I can talk to everyone. The Children’s Book of Virtues; pg 84 Everyday Graces; pg 170 “Talking without Words” Nursery Rhyme “Peter Piper” Hymn Peter Piper picked a peck “Holy! Holy! Holy! Lord God Almighty!” Of pickled peppers, by Reginald Heber A peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked. Math 2 + 3 = 5 If Peter Piper picked a peck Knowing God Better Of pickled peppers, Catechism How many peppers What is always the result of sin? Sin Did Peter Piper pick? always brings God’s judgment and separation from him. Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother Goose; pg 70 Bible Story The Messenger of the King Notes Read Aloud Book of Bible Stories; ______pg 199 ______The Ology; Lesson 16* ______(*cover over 2 units) ______Scripture ______The word of the Lord endures ______forever. 1 Peter 1:25a ______©Gentle + Classical Press 120 Books Needed Poetry Everyday Graces by Gentle + Classical Nature: Poem Recitation of Choice Karen Santorum Read Aloud Book “The Land of Counterpane” by Robert Louis Stevenson of Bible Stories by Amy When I was sick and lay a-bed, Steedman I had two pillows at my head, The Children’s Book of *Over 2 And all my toys beside me lay, Virtues by William Bennett units To keep me happy all the day. Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother Goose And sometimes for an hour or so by Scott Gustafson I watched my leaden soldiers go, The Ology by Marty With different uniforms and drills, Machowski Among the bed-clothes, through the hills; Teaching Art with Books Kids Love by Darcie And sometimes sent my ships in fleets Frohardt All up and down among the sheets; Or brought my trees and houses out, Other Resources And planted cities all about. Art + Music Pack Meaningful Menu I was the giant great and still Includes: Hymnal, GC That sits upon the pillow-hill, Nature Poetry Recitation, And sees before him, dale and plain, Catechism, Scripture, The pleasant land of counterpane. Virtue, Daily Math Games “A Child’s Garden of Art + Music Songs,” by Ted Jacobs; Artist Study: Kandinsky; Composition 8 Track 5 Phonics, Math, Art Element: Line Handwriting of Choice Art Education: Teaching Art with Books Kids Love; pg ______3-5 Definition and Examples ______Optional Read Aloud: The Noisy Paint Box: Colors and Art Education Sounds of Kandinsky’s Abstract Art by Barb Rosenstock paper We enter a new term with a new artist and new ruler element! Utilize the Art + Music Pack for a short pencil or marker biography as well as the read aloud for an interesting 3-Part Artist Cards ______history of this man. Use the 3-Part Cards to sort the ______Kandisky from the Monet and Vermeer. See the Art + ______Music Pack for line- related activities. 121 ©Gentle + Classical Press Unit 26 Virtue Gentle + Classical Nature I am faithful. I am faithful. I do what Flower Anatomy I said, and I trust God. (Repeat) Frère Jacques Wonder Tale “The Frog Prince” Manners + Hygiene Classic Fairy Tales; pg 94 I can always help out. Everyday Graces; pg 174 Nursery Rhyme “The Lion and the Mouse” “The Old Woman in the Shoe” There was an old woman Hymn “Holy! Holy! Holy! Lord God Almighty!” Who lived in a shoe, by Reginald Heber She had so many children She didn’t know what to do. Math She gave them some Review: Square, Circle, Triangle, Broth without any bread. Rectangle, Diamond, Oval Then whipped them all soundly And put them to bed. Knowing God Better Catechism Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother What is always the result of sin? Sin Goose; pg 76 always brings God’s judgment and separation from him. Notes ______Bible Story ______The Coming of the King ______Read Aloud Book of Bible Stories; ______pg 205 ______The Ology; Lesson 16 ______Scripture ______The word of the Lord endures ______forever. 1 Peter 1:25a ©Gentle + Classical Press 122 ______Books Needed Poetry Everyday Graces by Gentle + Classical Nature: Poem Recitation of Choice Karen Santorum Read Aloud Book “The Land of Counterpane” by Robert Louis Stevenson of Bible Stories by Amy When I was sick and lay a-bed, Steedman I had two pillows at my head, Classic Fairy Tales by And all my toys beside me lay, Scott Gustafson To keep me happy all the day. Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother Goose And sometimes for an hour or so by Scott Gustafson I watched my leaden soldiers go, The Ology by Marty With different uniforms and drills, Machowski Among the bed-clothes, through the hills; Story of the Orchestra by Robert Levine And sometimes sent my ships in fleets ______All up and down among the sheets; Or brought my trees and houses out, Other Resources And planted cities all about. Art + Music Pack Spotify Playlist I was the giant great and still Meaningful Menu That sits upon the pillow-hill, Includes: Hymnal, GC And sees before him, dale and plain, Nature Poetry Recitation, The pleasant land of counterpane. Catechism, Scripture, Virtue, Daily Math Games Art + Music “A Child’s Garden of Composer Study: Tchaikovsky; Swan Lake, Op. 20: Act Songs,” by Ted Jacobs; Track 5 2 - Scène Phonics, Math, Instrument: Brass: Trumpet and French Horn Handwriting of Choice Music Education: Story of the Orchestra; pg 62-65; ______Brief Biography of Tchaikovsky on pg 26 Music Education Optional Read Aloud: The Story Orchestra- Swan Lake MyMusikatHome.com by Katy Flint (Use over units 26, 28, 30.) Membership- Family Music Utilize the 3-Part Instrument cards to group. for Preschoolers 3: Visiting the Meadow Play games (included in Art + Music Pack) with the 3-Part Instrument 3-Part Cards. Cards Begin listening to Tchaikovsky Discovers America by The Story Orchestra- Classical Kids. Swan Lake by Katy Flint 123 ©Gentle + Classical Press Unit 27 Virtue Gentle + Classical Nature I am faithful. I am faithful. I do what Fruit I said, and I trust God. (Repeat) Frère Jacques Wonder Tale “The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck” Manners + Hygiene A Beatrix Potter Treasury; pg 121 I respect my elders. Everyday Graces; pg 179 “Consideration” Nursery Rhyme “Little Miss Muffet” Hymn Little Miss Muffet “Holy! Holy! Holy! Lord God Almighty!” Sat on a tuffet, by Reginald Heber Eating her curds and whey, Down came a spider, Math Who sat down beside her, Hexagon and Trapezoid And frightened Miss Muffet away. Knowing God Better Catechism Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother What is the promise of God? God’s Goose; pg 78 promise is that we have eternal life Notes through Jesus Christ. In The Ology, you can do Lesson 17 this unit and Lesson 20 next unit, or Bible Story do part of each over each unit. The Boyhood of the King Pre-read and make that decision for Read Aloud Book of Bible Stories; your family. pg 215 ______The Ology; Lesson 17 & 20* ______(*over 2 units) ______Scripture ______The word of the Lord endures ______forever. 1 Peter 1:25a ©Gentle + Classical Press 124 ______Books Needed Poetry Everyday Graces by Gentle + Classical Nature: Poem Recitation of Choice Karen Santorum Read Aloud Book *Over 3 “The Wind” by Robert Louis Stevenson Units of Bible Stories by Amy I saw you toss the kites on high Steedman And blow the birds about the sky; A Beatrix Potter And all around I heard you pass, Treasury by Beatrix Potter Like ladies’ skirts across the grass— Favorite Nursery O wind, a-blowing all day long, Rhymes from Mother Goose O wind, that sings so loud a song! by Scott Gustafson The Ology by Marty I saw the different things you did, Machowski But always you yourself you hid. Teaching Art with I felt you push, I heard you call, Books Kids Love by Darcie I could not see yourself at all— Frohardt O wind, a-blowing all day long, O wind, that sings so loud a song! Other Resources Art + Music Pack O you that are so strong and cold, Meaningful Menu O blower, are you young or old? Includes: Hymnal, GC Are you a beast of field and tree, Nature Poetry Recitation, Or just a stronger child than me? Catechism, Scripture, O wind, a-blowing all day long, Virtue, Daily Math Games “A Child’s Garden of Art + Music Songs,” by Ted Jacobs; Artist Study: Kandinsky; Three Sounds Track 2 Phonics, Math, Art Element: Line Handwriting of Choice Art Education: Teaching Art with Books Kids Love; pg 6-9, Variation #2 Art Education Optional Read Aloud: Mirette On the High Wire by Emily 12x9” (approx) heavy drawing or watercolor Arnold McCully paper In this unit, we are learning about horizontal, vertical, white glue and diagonal lines. Page 9 of our art education spine 1” flat paint brush tissue of various has variations. #2 is best for young students as colors, cut into strips precision isn’t required to get the desired effect. Help (various lengths/widths) your student look for diagonal, horizontal, and vertical Mirette On the High lines in the art works we’ve observed so far. Wire by Emily McCully 125 ©Gentle + Classical Press Unit 28 Virtue Gentle + Classical Nature I am faithful. I am faithful. I do what Vegetables I said, and I trust God. (Repeat) Frère Jacques Wonder Tale “Spring Story” Manners + Hygiene The Complete Brambly Hedge; pg 9 I am creative and never bored. Everyday Graces; pg 211 Nursery Rhyme “Block City” “Fiddle Dee-Dee” Fiddle-de-dee, fiddle-de-dee, Hymn The fly shall marry the bumblebee. “Holy! Holy! Holy! Lord God Almighty!” They went to the church, and married by Reginald Heber was she. The fly has married the bumblebee. Math 3D: Sphere and Cylinder Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother Goose; pg 80 Knowing God Better Catechism What is the promise of God? God’s Notes We have 8 units left, my friend! promise is that we have eternal life I want to encourage you to finish through Jesus Christ. strong. But I also want to encourage you to make the most of the season. Bible Story Have wisdom and diligence, but enjoy St. John the Baptist your homeschooling freedom. When Read Aloud Book of Bible Stories; the spring calls- answer! Warm days pg 223 on a picnic blanket are the most The Ology; Lesson 17 & 20 delicious memories of all! ______Scripture ______The word of the Lord endures ______forever. 1 Peter 1:25a ©Gentle + Classical Press 126 ______Books Needed Poetry Everyday Graces by Gentle + Classical Nature: Poem Recitation of Choice Karen Santorum Read Aloud Book “The Wind” by Robert Louis Stevenson of Bible Stories by Amy I saw you toss the kites on high Steedman And blow the birds about the sky; The Complete Brambly And all around I heard you pass, Hedge by Jill Barklem Like ladies’ skirts across the grass— Favorite Nursery O wind, a-blowing all day long, Rhymes from Mother Goose O wind, that sings so loud a song! by Scott Gustafson The Ology by Marty I saw the different things you did, Machowski But always you yourself you hid. Story of the Orchestra I felt you push, I heard you call, by Robert Levine I could not see yourself at all— ______O wind, a-blowing all day long, O wind, that sings so loud a song! Other Resources Art + Music Pack O you that are so strong and cold, Spotify Playlist O blower, are you young or old? Meaningful Menu Are you a beast of field and tree, Includes: Hymnal, GC Or just a stronger child than me? Nature Poetry Recitation, O wind, a-blowing all day long, Catechism, Scripture, O wind, that sings so loud a song! Virtue, Daily Math Games “A Child’s Garden of Art + Music Songs,” by Ted Jacobs; Composer Study: Tchaikovsky; Swan Lake, Op. 20: Track 2 Phonics, Math, Waltz Handwriting of Choice Instrument: Brass: Trombone and Tuba ______Music Education: Story of the Orchestra; pg66-69 Optional Read Aloud: The Story Orchestra- Swan Lake Music Education MyMusikatHome.com by Katy Flint Membership- Family Music Utilize the 3-Part Instrument cards to group. for Ages 4-7 2: Make Your- Play games (included in Art + Music Pack) with the self at Home 3-Part Instrument 3-Part Cards. Cards Continue listening to Tchaikovsky Discovers America The Story Orchestra- by Classical Kids. Swan Lake by Katy Flint 127 ©Gentle + Classical Press Unit 29 Virtue Gentle + Classical Nature I am faithful. I am faithful. I do what Garden Insects I said, and I trust God. (Repeat) Frère Jacques Wonder Tale “Summer Story” Manners + Hygiene The Complete Brambly Hedge; pg 39 I show hospitality to our guests. Everyday Graces; pg 215 Nursery Rhyme “A Prince Meets a Pauper” “An Old Woman” There was an old woman tossed up Hymn “Holy! Holy! Holy! Lord God Almighty!” in a basket, by Reginald Heber Seventeen times as high as the moon. Math Where she was going I couldn’t but 3D: Cube and Cone ask it, For in her hand she carried a broom. Knowing God Better Catechism “Old woman, old woman, old woman,” Can we be with God forever while we quoth I, are in sin? No. Sin separates us from “Where are you going to up so high?” God. “To brush the cobwebs off the sky!” “May I go with you?” Bible Story “Aye, by and by.” The Work of the King Read Aloud Book of Bible Stories; Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother pg 233 Goose; pg 82 The Ology; Lesson 24* (*over 2 units) Notes ______Scripture ______A friend loves at all times. ______Proverbs 17:17a ©Gentle + Classical Press 128 ______Books Needed Poetry Everyday Graces by Gentle + Classical Nature: Poem Recitation of Choice Karen Santorum Read Aloud Book “The Wind” by Robert Louis Stevenson of Bible Stories by Amy I saw you toss the kites on high Steedman And blow the birds about the sky; The Complete Brambly And all around I heard you pass, Hedge by Jill Barklem Like ladies’ skirts across the grass— Favorite Nursery O wind, a-blowing all day long, Rhymes from Mother Goose O wind, that sings so loud a song! by Scott Gustafson The Ology by Marty I saw the different things you did, Machowski But always you yourself you hid. ______I felt you push, I heard you call, ______I could not see yourself at all— ______O wind, a-blowing all day long, O wind, that sings so loud a song! Other Resources Art + Music Pack O you that are so strong and cold, Meaningful Menu O blower, are you young or old? Includes: Hymnal, GC Are you a beast of field and tree, Nature Poetry Recitation, Or just a stronger child than me? Catechism, Scripture, O wind, a-blowing all day long, Virtue, Daily Math Games O wind, that sings so loud a song! “A Child’s Garden of Songs,” by Ted Jacobs; Art + Music Track 2 Artist Study: Kandinsky; On White II Phonics, Math, Handwriting of Choice Art Element: Line ______Art Education: Art + Music Pack ______This unit, we continue to explore lines. This piece lends itself to a geometric reproduction. See the Art Art Education white paper + Music pack for details. Continue to use your 3-Part shapes cut from cards for grouping, identifying, reviewing, and ordering. construction paper or the Keep in mind that the over-arching goal at this age Art + Music Pack ruler is EXPOSURE and positive experiences. If they can’t black marker or paint remember the names or terms we are using, that’s Alternative: paint, col- 100% OK and fully expected! ander, paper, and marble 129 ©Gentle + Classical Press Unit 30 Virtue Gentle + Classical Nature I am faithful. I am faithful. I do what Seasons on the Farm I said, and I trust God. (Repeat) Frère Jacques Wonder Tale “Autumn Story” Manners + Hygiene The Complete Brambly Hedge; pg 69 I am a good friend. Everyday Graces; pg 244 Nursery Rhyme “A Friend’s Greeting” “Old King Cole” Hymn Old King Cole “Holy! Holy! Holy! Lord God Almighty!” Was a merry old soul, by Reginald Heber And a merry old soul was he. He called for his pipe Math And he called for his bowl 3D: Prism and Pyramid And he called for his fiddlers three.
Knowing God Better Every fiddler he had a fiddle, Catechism And a very fine fiddle had he. Can we be with God forever while we Oh, there’s none so rare are in sin? No. Sin separates us from As can compare God. With King Cole And his fiddlers three! Bible Story The Parables of Jesus Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother Read Aloud Book of Bible Stories; Goose; pg 84 pg 241 The Ology; Lesson 24 Notes ______Scripture ______A friend loves at all times. ______Proverbs 17:17a ______©Gentle + Classical Press 130 Books Needed Poetry Everyday Graces by Gentle + Classical Nature: Poem Recitation of Choice Karen Santorum Read Aloud Book “Farewell to the Farm” by Robert Louis Stevenson of Bible Stories by Amy *over 3 The coach is at the door at last; units Steedman The eager children, mounting fast The Complete Brambly And kissing hands, in chorus sing: Hedge by Jill Barklem Good-bye, good-bye, to everything! Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother Goose To house and garden, field and lawn, by Scott Gustafson The meadow-gates we swang upon, The Ology by Marty To pump and stable, tree and swing, Machowski Good-bye, good-bye, to everything! Story of the Orchestra by Robert Levine And fare you well for evermore, ______O ladder at the hayloft door, O hayloft where the cobwebs cling, Other Resources Good-bye, good-bye, to everything! Art + Music Pack Spotify Playlist Crack goes the whip, and off we go; Meaningful Menu The trees and houses smaller grow; Includes: Hymnal, GC Last, round the woody turn we sing: Nature Poetry Recitation, Good-bye, good-bye, to everything! Catechism, Scripture, Virtue, Daily Math Games “Back to the Garden” Art + Music by Ted Jacobs; Track 4 Composer Study: Tchaikovsky; Swan Lake, Op. 20: No Phonics, Math, 22, Act 3 - Danse Napolitaine Handwriting of Choice Instrument: Percussion: Timpani ______Music Education: Story of the Orchestra; pg70-73 ______Optional Read Aloud: The Story Orchestra- Swan Lake Music Education by Katy Flint MyMusikatHome.com Utilize the 3-Part Instrument cards to group. Membership- Family Mu- sic for Ages 4-7 1: Home Play games (included in Art + Music Pack) with the Sweet Home 3-Part Cards. 3-Part Instrument Continue listening to Tchaikovsky Discovers America Cards The Story Orchestra- by Classical Kids. Swan Lake by Katy Flint 131 ©Gentle + Classical Press Unit 31 Virtue Gentle + Classical Nature I am faithful. I am faithful. I do what Home Geography I said, and I trust God. (Repeat) Frère Jacques Wonder Tale “Winter Story” Manners + Hygiene The Complete Brambly Hedge; pg 99 I do not pick my nose or spit. Everyday Graces; pg 257 Nursery Rhyme “Simple Simon” Hymn Simple Simon met a pieman, “Holy! Holy! Holy! Lord God Almighty!” Going to the fair. by Reginald Heber Said Simple Simon to the pieman, Let me taste your ware. Math Said the pieman to Simple Simon, Point and Line Show me first your penny. (Memory Statement Cards provide Said Simple Simon to the pieman, visual cues) Indeed, I have not any. Knowing God Better Catechism Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother What does all sin deserve? God’s Goose; pg 87 just punishment. Notes Art: There are in fact 7 elements of Bible Story art, but we only touch on 6 of them The Triumph of the King in this program. Form is the 7th (and Read Aloud Book of Bible Stories; refers to 3D shapes) and can easily pg 251 be introduced alongside shape in The Ology; Lesson 25 these last few units. ______Scripture ______A friend loves at all times. ______Proverbs 17:17a ©Gentle + Classical Press 132 ______Books Needed Poetry Everyday Graces by Gentle + Classical Nature: Poem Recitation of Choice Karen Santorum Read Aloud Book “Farewell to the Farm” by Robert Louis Stevenson of Bible Stories by Amy The coach is at the door at last; Steedman The eager children, mounting fast The Complete Brambly And kissing hands, in chorus sing: Hedge by Jill Barklem Good-bye, good-bye, to everything! Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother Goose To house and garden, field and lawn, by Scott Gustafson The meadow-gates we swang upon, The Ology by Marty To pump and stable, tree and swing, Machowski Good-bye, good-bye, to everything! ______ ______And fare you well for evermore, ______O ladder at the hayloft door, O hayloft where the cobwebs cling, Other Resources Good-bye, good-bye, to everything! Art + Music Pack Meaningful Menu Crack goes the whip, and off we go; Includes: Hymnal, GC The trees and houses smaller grow; Nature Poetry Recitation, Last, round the woody turn we sing: Catechism, Scripture, Good-bye, good-bye, to everything! Virtue, Daily Math Games “Back to the Garden” Art + Music by Ted Jacobs; Track 4 Artist Study: Kandinsky; Squares with Concentric Circles Phonics, Math, Art Element: Shape Handwriting of Choice Art Education: Art + Music Pack ______ ______We are learning about our final element of the year- ______2D shapes. Kandinsky’s works lend themselves to this study perfectly. Using the Art + Music Pack, review the Art Education Card stock (4-5 basic 2D shapes with your students with the included sheets) cut into 9- 4”x4” poster. Then, follow the instructions in the art pack for squares) recreating this masterpiece! I’ve also included a selec- paint, markers, or tion of 3-Part Cards to practice identifying the names crayons (you choose) 12x12 paper for of 2D shapes and 3D forms. Have your student practice mounting if you desire naming them and differentiating between the two. 3-Part Art Cards 133 ©Gentle + Classical Press Virtue Unit 32 I am faithful. I am faithful. I do what Gentle + Classical Nature Farm Animals I said, and I trust God. (Repeat) Frère Jacques Wonder Tale “The Secret Staircase” Manners + Hygiene I know when it’s the right time to go. The Complete Brambly Hedge; pg 129 Everyday Graces; pg 257 “When to Go” Nursery Rhyme “Sing a Song of Sixpence” Hymn Sing a song of sixpence, “Holy! Holy! Holy! Lord God Almighty!” A pocket full of rye. by Reginald Heber Four and twenty blackbirds, Baked in a pie. Math Angle When the pie was opened, (Memory Statement Cards provide The birds began to sing. visual cues) Was not that a dainty dish, Knowing God Better To set before the king? Catechism What does all sin deserve? God’s The King was in his countinghouse, just punishment Counting out his money. The Queen was in the parlor, Bible Story Eating bread and honey. St. Peter and the Angel Read Aloud Book of Bible Stories; The maid was in the garden, pg 259 Hanging out the clothes, The Ology; Lesson 25 When down came a blackbird And pecked off her nose. Scripture A friend loves at all times. Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother Proverbs 17:17a Goose; pg 88-89 ©Gentle + Classical Press 134 Books Needed Poetry Everyday Graces by Gentle + Classical Nature: Poem Recitation of Choice Karen Santorum Read Aloud Book “Farewell to the Farm” by Robert Louis Stevenson of Bible Stories by Amy The coach is at the door at last; Steedman The eager children, mounting fast The Complete Brambly And kissing hands, in chorus sing: Hedge by Jill Barklem Good-bye, good-bye, to everything! Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother Goose To house and garden, field and lawn, by Scott Gustafson The meadow-gates we swang upon, The Ology by Marty To pump and stable, tree and swing, Machowski Good-bye, good-bye, to everything! Story of the Orchestra by Robert Levine And fare you well for evermore, ______O ladder at the hayloft door, Other Resources O hayloft where the cobwebs cling, Art + Music Pack Good-bye, good-bye, to everything! Spotify Playlist Meaningful Menu Crack goes the whip, and off we go; Includes: Hymnal, GC The trees and houses smaller grow; Nature Poetry Recitation, Last, round the woody turn we sing: Catechism, Scripture, Good-bye, good-bye, to everything! Virtue, Daily Math Games “Back to the Garden” Art + Music by Ted Jacobs; Track 4 Composer Study: Tchaikovsky; Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a: Phonics, Math, Handwriting of Choice No 3, Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy ______Instrument: Percussion: Bass and Snare Drums ______Music Education: Story of the Orchestra; pg74-75 Music Education Optional Read Aloud: The Story Orchestra- The MyMusikatHome.com Nutcracker by Katy Flint (Use over units 32, 34, 36.) Membership- Family Music Utilize the 3-Part Instrument cards to group. for Preschoolers 5: Sky & Play games (included in Art + Music Pack) with the Weather 3-Part Cards 3-Part Cards. The Story Orchestra- Continue listening to Tchaikovsky Discovers America The Nutcracker by Katy by Classical Kids. Flint 135 ©Gentle + Classical Press Unit 33 Virtue Gentle + Classical Nature I am faithful. I am faithful. I do what Savanna Animals I said, and I trust God. (Repeat) Frère Jacques Wonder Tale Manners + Hygiene “The High Hills” I do my best in my schoolwork. The Complete Brambly Hedge; pg 159 Everyday Graces; pg 277 “Maria” Nursery Rhyme Hymn “Hickety, Pickety” “Holy! Holy! Holy! Lord God Almighty!” Hickety, pickety, my black hen, by Reginald Heber She lays eggs for gentlemen. Gentlemen come every day Math To see what my black hen doth lay. Curve/Round (Memory Statement Cards provide Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother visual cues) Goose; pg 90 Knowing God Better Catechism Notes Did Jesus ever commit a sin? No. He ______was the spotless lamb of God. ______Bible Story ______Saul, The Persecutor ______Read Aloud Book of Bible Stories; ______pg 269 ______The Ology; Lesson 26* ______(*over 4 units) ______Scripture ______He is my rock, and there is no ______unrighteousness in him. Psalm 92:15b ______©Gentle + Classical Press 136 Books Needed Poetry Everyday Graces by Gentle + Classical Nature: Poem Recitation of Choice Karen Santorum *Over 2 Read Aloud Book units “Pirate Story” by Robert Louis Stevenson of Bible Stories by Amy Three of us afloat in the meadow by the swing, Steedman Three of us abroad in the basket on the lea. The Complete Brambly Winds are in the air, they are blowing in the spring, Hedge by Jill Barklem And waves are on the meadow like the waves there are Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother Goose at sea. by Scott Gustafson The Ology by Marty Where shall we adventure, to-day that we’re afloat, Machowski Wary of the weather and steering by a star? Teaching Art with Shall it be to Africa, a-steering of the boat, Books Kids Love by Darcie To Providence, or Babylon or off to Malabar? Frohardt Other Resources Hi! but here’s a squadron a-rowing on the sea— Art + Music Pack Cattle on the meadow a-charging with a roar! Meaningful Menu Quick, and we’ll escape them, they’re as mad as they can be, Includes: Hymnal, GC The wicket is the harbour and the garden is the shore. Nature Poetry Recitation, Catechism, Scripture, Virtue, Daily Math Games Art + Music “A Child’s Garden of Artist Study: Kandinsky; Yellow-Red-Blue Songs,” by Ted Jacobs; Track 3 Art Element: Shape Phonics, Math, Art Education: Teaching Art with Books Kids Love; pg Handwriting of Choice 17-19 Definition and Examples; pg 20-21 ______Optional Read Aloud: Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold Art Education In this unit, we survey this interesting work and an 12x18” dark blue excellent book by Faith Ringgold to learn more about construction paper shapes. Keep a running dialogue, allowing your additional construction paper students to identify shapes anywhere they see them. white, gray, black A “shape scavenger hunt” in your home is an excellent tempura paints reinforcement. Follow the instructions on pages 20-21 cardboard strips (1 per child) 3” long, 1/4” wide for this week’s activity. paintbrush, glue 137 ©Gentle + Classical Press Unit 34 Virtue Gentle + Classical Nature I am faithful. I am faithful. I do what Australian Animals I said, and I trust God. (Repeat) Frère Jacques Wonder Tale Manners + Hygiene The Progress of Pilgrim Mouse I always finish what I begin. by Alan and Linda Parry Everyday Graces; pg 281 “Always Finish” Note: This book is for use over 3 units. My Hymn “Holy! Holy! Holy! Lord God Almighty!” edition is 64 pages, so read 20-22 by Reginald Heber pages per unit.
Math Nursery Rhyme Symmetry “Mary, Mary” (Memory Statement Cards provide Mary, Mary, quite contrary, visual cues) How does your garden grow? With silver bells and cockleshells, Knowing God Better And pretty maids all in a row. Catechism Did Jesus ever commit a sin? No. He Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother was the spotless lamb of God. Goose; pg 92
Bible Story Notes St. Paul, the Servant of Christ ______Read Aloud Book of Bible Stories; ______pg 277 ______The Ology; Lesson 26 ______Scripture ______He is my rock, and there is no ______unrighteousness in him. Psalm 92:15b ______©Gentle + Classical Press 138 Books Needed Poetry Everyday Graces by Gentle + Classical Nature: Poem Recitation of Choice Karen Santorum Read Aloud Book “Pirate Story” by Robert Louis Stevenson of Bible Stories by Amy Three of us afloat in the meadow by the swing, Steedman Three of us abroad in the basket on the lea. The Progress of Pilgrim Winds are in the air, they are blowing in the spring, Mouse by Alan and Linda Parry And waves are on the meadow like the waves there are Favorite Nursery at sea. Rhymes from Mother Goose by Scott Gustafson Where shall we adventure, to-day that we’re afloat, The Ology by Marty Wary of the weather and steering by a star? Machowski Shall it be to Africa, a-steering of the boat, Story of the Orchestra To Providence, or Babylon or off to Malabar? by Robert Levine Other Resources Hi! but here’s a squadron a-rowing on the sea— Art + Music Pack Cattle on the meadow a-charging with a roar! Spotify Playlist Quick, and we’ll escape them, they’re as mad as they can be, Meaningful Menu The wicket is the harbour and the garden is the shore. Includes: Hymnal, GC Nature Poetry Recitation, Catechism, Scripture, Virtue, Daily Math Games Art + Music “A Child’s Garden of Composer Study: Tchaikovsky; Nutcracker, Op. 71: No Songs,” by Ted Jacobs; Track 3 12c, Act 2 - Chinese Dance Phonics, Math, Instrument: Percussion: Xylophone Handwriting of Choice Music Education: Story of the Orchestra; pg76-77; 81 ______Optional Read Aloud: The Story Orchestra- The Music Education Nutcracker by Katy Flint (Use over units 32, 34, 36.) MyMusikatHome.com Utilize the 3-Part Instrument cards to group. Membership- Family Music Play games (included in Art + Music Pack) with the for Preschoolers Bonus: ABC’s of Music 3-Part Cards. 3-Part Cards Continue listening to Tchaikovsky Discovers America The Story Orchestra- by Classical Kids. The Nutcracker by Katy Flint 139 ©Gentle + Classical Press Unit 35 Virtue Gentle + Classical Nature I am faithful. I am faithful. I do what Desert Animals I said, and I trust God. (Repeat) Frère Jacques Wonder Tale Manners + Hygiene The Progress of Pilgrim Mouse I am a good sport, even when I lose. by Alan and Linda Parry Everyday Graces; pg 309 “A Smile” Note: Hymn This book is for use over 3 units. My “Holy! Holy! Holy! Lord God Almighty!” edition is 64 pages, so read 20-22 by Reginald Heber pages per unit.
Math Nursery Rhyme Taller/Shorter “Little Boy Blue” (Memory Statement Cards provide Little Boy Blue, visual cues) Come blow your horn, The sheep’s in the meadow, Knowing God Better The cow’s in the corn. Catechism Who died for our sins so that we Where is the boy could have eternal life? Jesus Who looks after the sheep? He’s under a haystack Bible Story Fast asleep. St. John, the Beloved Disciple Read Aloud Book of Bible Stories; Will you wake him? pg 289 No, not I, The Ology; Lesson 26 For if I do, He’s sure to cry. Scripture He is my rock, and there is no Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother unrighteousness in him. Psalm 92:15b Goose; pg 94-95 ©Gentle + Classical Press 140 Books Needed Poetry Everyday Graces by Gentle + Classical Nature: Poem Recitation of Choice Karen Santorum Read Aloud Book “Foreign Lands” by Robert Louis Stevenson *Over 2 Up into the cherry tree of Bible Stories by Amy units Who should climb but little me? Steedman I held the trunk with both my hands The Progress of Pilgrim And looked abroad in foreign lands. Mouse by Alan and Linda Parry I saw the next door garden lie, Favorite Nursery Adorned with flowers, before my eye, And many pleasant places more Rhymes from Mother Goose That I had never seen before. by Scott Gustafson The Ology by Marty I saw the dimpling river pass Machowski And be the sky’s blue looking-glass; ______The dusty roads go up and down ______With people tramping in to town. ______If I could find a higher tree ______Farther and farther I should see, To where the grown-up river slips Other Resources Into the sea among the ships, Art + Music Pack Meaningful Menu To where the roads on either hand Lead onward into fairy land, Includes: Hymnal, GC Where all the children dine at five, Nature Poetry Recitation, And all the playthings come alive. Catechism, Scripture, Virtue, Daily Math Games “A Child’s Garden of Art + Music Songs,” by Ted Jacobs; Artist Study: Kandinsky; Circles in a Circle Track 13 Art Element: Shape Phonics, Math, Handwriting of Choice Art Education: Art + Music Pack ______In this last unit on Kandinsky, we combine our study ______of his work with our further exploration of shapes- focusing on circles in this unit. See the Art + Music Art Education clear contact paper Pack for details. Use your 3-Part Cards to see if your painter’s tape children can group the works together that belong to tissue paper (cut into each artist and name the artist. This is also a great circles of various sizes) ______time to review the shapes and forms cards as well. ______141 ©Gentle + Classical Press Unit 36 Virtue Gentle + Classical Nature I am faithful. I am faithful. I do what Amphibians I said, and I trust God. (Repeat) Frère Jacques Wonder Tale Manners + Hygiene The Progress of Pilgrim Mouse I sit still in church and pay attention. by Alan and Linda Parry Everyday Graces; pg 341 “Not to Walk in Church” Nursery Rhyme “The Man in the Moon” Hymn The man in the moon “Holy! Holy! Holy! Lord God Almighty!” Looked out of the moon by Reginald Heber And this is what he said, “‘Tis time that, now I’m getting up, Math Wider/Narrower All babies went to bed.” (Memory Statement Cards provide visual cues) Favorite Nursery Rhymes from Mother Goose; pg 96 Knowing God Better Catechism Notes Who died for our sins so that we This is it, my friend! You have arrived! could have eternal life? Jesus Congratulations on an amazing, sweet, and gentle year of home education! It Bible Story probably wasn’t perfect, but I bet there was some amazing growth and precious We finished our Read Aloud Book of moments tucked into the busyness of the Bible Stories last unit! Feel free to every day. Celebrate this wonderful event review. with a play, skit, picnic, recitation night- The Ology; Lesson 26 whatever fun looks like for your family! Thank you for journeying with us this year! Scripture ______He is my rock, and there is no ______unrighteousness in him. Psalm 92:15b ______©Gentle + Classical Press 142 Books Needed Poetry Everyday Graces by Gentle + Classical Nature: Poem Recitation of Choice Karen Santorum “Foreign Lands” by Robert Louis Stevenson Read Aloud Book Up into the cherry tree of Bible Stories by Amy Who should climb but little me? Steedman I held the trunk with both my hands The Progress of Pilgrim And looked abroad in foreign lands. Mouse by Alan and Linda Parry I saw the next door garden lie, Adorned with flowers, before my eye, Favorite Nursery And many pleasant places more Rhymes from Mother Goose That I had never seen before. by Scott Gustafson The Ology by Marty I saw the dimpling river pass Machowski And be the sky’s blue looking-glass; Story of the Orchestra The dusty roads go up and down With people tramping in to town. by Robert Levine
If I could find a higher tree Other Resources Farther and farther I should see, Art + Music Pack To where the grown-up river slips Spotify Playlist Into the sea among the ships, Meaningful Menu To where the roads on either hand Includes: Hymnal, GC Lead onward into fairy land, Nature Poetry Recitation, Where all the children dine at five, Catechism, Scripture, And all the playthings come alive. Virtue, Daily Math Games “A Child’s Garden of Songs,” by Ted Jacobs; Art + Music Track 13 Composer Study: Tchaikovsky; Nutcracker, Op. 71: No Phonics, Math, 13, Act 2 - Valse Des Fleurs * Flower Waltz Handwriting of Choice Instrument: Percussion: Cymbals and Triangle ______Music Education: Story of the Orchestra; pg 78, 80 Music Education Optional Read Aloud: The Story Orchestra- The MyMusikatHome.com Nutcracker by Katy Flint (Use over units 32, 34, 36.) Membership- Family Music for Mixed Ages Bouncing & Utilize the 3-Part Instrument cards to group. Bounding Play games (included in Art + Music Pack) with the 3-Part Cards 3-Part Cards. The Story Orchestra- The Nutcracker by Katy Finish listening to Tchaikovsky Discovers America by Flint Classical Kids. 143 ©Gentle + Classical Press Appendix
©Gentle + Classical Press 144 145 ©Gentle + Classical Press ©Gentle + Classical Press 146 147 ©Gentle + Classical Press ©Gentle + Classical Press 148 149 ©Gentle + Classical Press