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Creative Communications

Thirty Writing, Speaking, and Drawing Projects for Homeschoolers
Book cover: 'Creative Communications: Thirty Writing, Speaking, and Drawing Projects for Homeschoolers'
Author(s): 
Sandra Garant
Number of pages: 
139 pages
Copyright: 
2000
Publisher: 
Catholic Heritage Curricula
Binding: 
Softcover
Sample Pages
Subject(s): 
Composition
Grade / Age level: 
Elementary
Review: 
"This book is actually a description of how and why I taught my three children to write. I read a few 'teaching chldren how to write' books and had no desire to use the suggested exercises. They seemed meaningless and out of touch with our daily lives. I wanted my children to use writing, drawing, and speaking to handle specific situations successfully. I wanted them to be able to write conversational letters, to take phone messages, and to learn to ask thoughtful questions. I wanted them to communicate their thoughts and ideas clearly to others and to be able to determine the best means according to each situation." (quote from the author in "Why I Wrote This Book")

This is a book of projects to encourage communication - and especially writing - in practical (and often fun) ways that are especially appropriate for homeschool families. The book is divided into three sections...

The first section "Pre-Writing Projects" includes seven projects to encourage those just beginning-to-write-a-little to be well-prepared for writing by playing word and memory games, writing name tags, learning manners relating to meeting and talking to people, labeling household items, telling stories, singing songs, writing lists, etc. Far from being a list of projects, this twenty-five page section includes quite a bit of detail, adequate descriptions and many ideas for implementation of these projects. You'll also find examples of particular people working on their communication skills and ideas for gaining the cooperation of reluctant writers. I found these descriptions quite creative and it is obvious that the author has really used these ideas in her own family.

Section Two covers ten "Short Projects for Ready Writers" which includes projects such as composing prayers, having a pen pal or a "cyber-pal" to write to, writing menus, making greeting cards, taking telephone messages (and other aspects of telephone communication and etiquette), special story-writing ideas and a family newsletter project. One of the appendices also includes a listing of websites where children can find Catholic pen pals on the Internet. This section also includes tips for parents on "When Is Your Child Ready to Write?", "Communication is Worth the Work" and "Ready for Informal Grammar". I think the ideas are very practical and very homeschool-mom friendly.

Thirteen "Advanced Projects for Real Writers" are covered in Section Three. These include projects of a more advanced nature which "require spelling and grammar skills, but ... also require planning, thought, and some technical skills." These are designed for those old enough to do a good deal of independent work with parental approval but minimum parental supervision/assistance. Projects range from learning to express spiritual beliefs and convictions to writing tests and study guides, from practicing proofreading skills to simple computer programming and audio/video productions. (To give you a better sense of this section, the following is a list of the project titles: "Wearable Words", "Study Guides", "Writing Your Own Tests", "Journals with a Theme", "Magazine and Newsletter Submissions", "Proofreading Skills", "Instructional Aids", "Memory Book", "Family History", "Calendars", "Action Letters", "Computer Programs" and "Radio and Video Production".)

In addition, you'll find: extensive tips and explanations on the whys and hows of teaching writing - including helping children to be motivated to write and a short essay encouraging teens to use communication skills to do good within the community and gain valuable experience. Appendices include twenty four "plot situations" to get started on writing assignments, a listing of "How to" Books and Websites relating to the projects; suggested supplies, an overview of copyright laws and Fair Use Policies, simple grammar rules and sixteen pages of writing samples from the author's children (which help to illustrate some of the project ideas given in the text.

Most of the content is very practical (and family-oriented) in nature. Religious content extends to ideas and examples (within the various projects) that would be of interest to Catholic homeschoolers, such as writing letters to television stations to encourage moral programming and helping spread devotion to the Sacred Heart. I find the author quite creative in using ordinary experiences as good learning opportunities. I'm looking forward to digging into some of the projects with my own children this fall.

The author is a Catholic mother of three, a free-lance writer, and has been homeschooling her children since 1989.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
8-10-2000

Cuisenaire Rods

Publisher: 
ETA/Cuisenaire
Subject(s): 
Math
Grade / Age level: 
Grades 3-5
Elementary
Resource Type: 
Manipulative
Review: 
When I first researched homeschooling products and resources, I spent quite some time looking at different math manipulatives. For one thing, there are so many, and for another, I love math. I remember wondering whether these colored rods would really be worth purchasing, as they are on the expensive side. And my math education, as far as I could remember, had been accomplished without a single manipulative. Then I found Miquon Math, and immediately liked the concept. Miquon uses Cuisenaire rods as their primary manipulative, so with some trepidation, I acquired a starter set. I needn't have worried. The rods made math so much easier for my very concrete, hands-on son to grasp. That was almost a decade ago, and now my youngest enjoys doing his math with the rods. The concept behind the rods is simple. Each rod color is a specific length, representing a particular number of units. White rods are "units" 1cm long, reds are twice as long and represent the number 2, and so forth. A starter set comes with several of each rod from 1-10, with more of the smaller rods. The child then uses the rods in combination to visualize basic math concepts. Perhaps it is obvious that addition can be modeled using such rods, simply by putting them end to end in a "train." However, they can also be used for subtraction, multiplication, and division, and even fractions, areas, and more. Using the Cuisenaire rods, quite young children can understand what multiplication means and can work out simple problems. We actually own a lot of math manipulatives, including both store-bought and homemade ones, but these are the ones I use the most.
Reviewed by: 
Suchi Myjak
First reviewed: 
5-5-2009

Cursive Connections: A Traditional Style

Author(s): 
Kathy Libby
Number of pages: 
80 pages
Copyright: 
1998
Publisher: 
KEL Publications
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Handwriting
Grade / Age level: 
Elementary
Review: 
Cursive Connections is a very simple and straightforward program for beginning cursive writing. The author considers the text appropriate for a mature 2nd grader or a 3rd grader. Permission is given for photocopying the materials for use within your own family.

The text is strictly black and white with no distracting illustrations. (These details are a matter of personal preference - I prefer this simpler style and others would rather have more colorful texts.) This text would be easy to use in a homeschooling situation because of the introductory information is rather complete: "the purpose of these materials", "who uses these materials", "practice methods", "expectations of the child", "correct paper position", etc. Different sorts of cursive strokes are explained as well as several examples of poorly done letters alongside "better" and "best" examples.

Individual cursive letters are given quite a bit of practice space on their own, and then practiced alongside other individual letters (particularly those which are more difficult to connect). As more and more letters are introduced, the practice begins to include short words and some phrases. After all of the lower-case cursive letters are introduced, the text moves along to Upper Case. "When should a capital letter connect to the next letter?" and when it should be left alone is also clearly explained.

This is in no way a "religious" text. However, the words God, and many Christian names (such as Xavier) are included in the word practice pages. Also, there is absolutely no offensive or "politically correct" content.

Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
1998-99

D'aulaire's Book of Greek Myths

Book cover: 'D'aulaire's Book of Greek Myths'
Author(s): 
Ingri and Edgar Parin D'Aulaire
Number of pages: 
192 pages
Copyright: 
1962
Publisher: 
Delacorte Books
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
History
Setting: 
Ancient Greece
Mythology
Grade / Age level: 
Elementary
Review: 
This was first published in 1962 and is a wonderful book of Greek mythology. It tells the stories of the gods, goddesses, and heroes of Ancient Greece. Details of Homer's Iliad and Odyssey are included, as well as the Argo, the Argonauts, and Jason's quest for the golden fleece. Some of the references of the legends are sparce and would need further references. (I would recommend Padric Colum's books, The Golden Fleece and The Children's Homer.) The book is highlighted with beautiful drawings, elaborate family trees, and a large map. More than half of these pictures are in colour-an added bonus.

You can purchase this paperback or hardcover book from most homeschool companies or better bookstores. Perhaps your local library would have a copy on it's shelves that you could borrow? It can be used for a variety of ages. Younger children would like it as a 'read aloud' and older students would enjoy it as an excellent introduction to greek mythology. All in all, it is a classic retelling of Greek myths and legends, and belongs on every homeschool bookshelf.

Reviewed by: 
K.H.
First reviewed: 
1998-99

Daddy's Lullaby

Book cover: 'Daddy's Lullaby'
Author(s): 
Tony Bradman
Illustrator(s): 
Jason Cockcroft
Number of pages: 
25 pages
Copyright: 
2001
Publisher: 
Margaret K. McElderry Books
Binding: 
Sewn Hardcover
Subject(s): 
Stories for Children
Grade / Age level: 
Grades K-2
Resource Type: 
Picture Books
Review: 
Daddy's Lullaby by Tony Bradman, beautifully illustrated by Jason Cockcroft, is a children's storybook about a young dad who comes home late at night to find the baby wide awake in his crib. In his efforts to soothe the baby back to sleep, dad cuddles him in his arms and tours the house with the baby to see all the other sleeping members of the family. When that doesn't work, dad takes the baby downstairs and sings him a soft lullaby about "Daddy will hold you safe from all harm" and "Love you forever--A promise he'll keep." Exhausted from his long week at work, dad falls asleep with the baby nestled in his arms. In the morning, mom and big brother find them still sleeping peacefully. The strength and power of this dad is displayed in his commitment to his family, "let me chase that bad old dream away" and the warmth and the love he has for them with words like "And here's the best mother a baby could have. You're a lucky baby and I'm a lucky dad!" In this day and age of broken homes, this story is a refreshing encouragement to dads about the real meaning of family life. The captivating pictures poignantly illustrate the tenderness and love of this dad for his family.

Reviewed by: 
Elizabeth Yank
First reviewed: 
6-22-04

Dawn of All

Book cover: 'Dawn of All'
Author(s): 
Monsignor Robert Hugh Benson
Number of pages: 
282 pages
Copyright: 
1911
Publisher: 
Lepanto Press
Binding: 
Sewn Hardcover
Subject(s): 
Authors
Grade / Age level: 
Adults
Mature Teens
Review: 
This book, together with its counterpart Lord of the World, is an early venture into the "speculative" genre of fiction. Written in 1911, it could be considered early science fiction with its descriptions of future technology, but it is really much more a religious and philosophical exploration of the effects of belief systems on society.

Msgr. Benson wrote the book, he comments in a preface, as a response to readers of Lord of the World who felt he painted too bleak a picture of a future where Christianity was marginalized and all but extinguished by the forces of Modernism. This book takes the opposite premise as a starting point - that the truth of Catholic claims have been almost universally recognized except by a few stubborn Socialists.

A dying priest of the turn of the century, who has lost his faith to the modern conceptual framework of science and psychology, slips into a coma and find himself, with no memory of his past, in a future world which seems strange and unsettling to his Modernist sensibilities. The science and psychology communities studying miracles under the authority of religion at Lourdes? An Ireland which has become basically a country-wide contemplative order? Learned men telling him pityingly that it is only the half-educated mind which can compartmentalize faith and reason rather than realizing they are both tools for the search for Truth? The USA government a monarchy, with Massachusetts a haven for a last remnant of earnest, earthbound Socialism?

The searching, intellectual, slightly distanced tone of these observations suits the character of the protagonist-priest. With his intellect, he sees the force of the Catholic claims; but his heart continues to resist. A crisis comes when he witnesses the trial and execution of a pure-minded but self-confessed heretic priest under the secular authority. How can this be right? Can this ascendant Church, whose supremacy is acknowledged world-wide, be truly the Church of its suffering servant Founder? In a world where societies punish heresy as a crime, and "freethinkers" are sent to exile, how can church leaders claim to be allied with He who is meek and humble of heart? The church has shown herself to have the Truth, but does she have a heart?

Monsignor Benson uses this projected future society to explore some of the criticisms of our past, historical Church and offer some perspective on the paradox of a Holy Church whose earthly work is carried out by weak, fallen man. I don't think it is any coincidence that the dying priest has lost his faith while co-writing a book about the popes. When a ferocious German socialist party, willing to annihilate the world rather than concede defeat, threatens Europe and kills Catholic envoys, it is a pope who show how meekness and courage can be reconciled with authority in one person, the person of Christ's Vicar.

Reading this book, the Catholic reader must examine his assumptions and think about profound topics. Though the reading and interest level is suitable for a ninth grader, I think the novel should be read under supervision, with some care to explain to the student the genre and intentions of the book. I think it would be more profitably read along with the companion novel Lord of the World and possibly as a starting point to a study of various ideologies and how they affect the day to day details of society.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Reviewed by: 
Willa Ryan
First reviewed: 
3-19-02

de-coding Da Vinci

The facts behind the fiction of The Da Vinci Code
Book cover: de-coding Da Vinci
Author(s): 
Amy Welborn
Number of pages: 
124 pages
Copyright: 
2004
ISBN: 
9781592761012
Publisher: 
Our Sunday Visitor
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Apologetics
Bible
Grade / Age level: 
High School
Adults
Resource Type: 
Book(s)
Review: 

The 2003 release of the novel The Da Vinci Code created one of the largest literary crazes in recent history. With sales of almost 6 million in its first year, the novel gained a cult-like following. Author Dan Brown's ability to blend fact and fiction left many readers questioning what they really knew of the origins of Christianity. News is now out that we can expect to see the story in theaters in about a year. Certainly viewers will come away with many of the same questions readers had as to how much, if any, of the story line is factual, and how much is fiction.

Fortunately for those who want to sort out the facts, Amy Welborn has written decoding Da Vinci: the Facts Behind the Fiction of the Da Vinci Code. Welborn covers everything from the marketing of the book to the sources of information presented, and ultimately reveals a "startling number of blatant, glaring errors on matter great and small that should send up red flags to anyone reading the novel as a source of facts, rather than just pure fiction" (decoding Da Vinci p. 10). She also helps explain why this confusion over fact versus fiction is occurring when she states:

Historical fiction is a very popular genre, but in writing historical fiction, the author makes an implicit deal with the reader. He ... promises that while the novel concerns fictional characters engaged in imagined activities, the basic historical framework is correct. [Readers] trust the author is telling the truth about history. In The Da Vinci Code, imaginative detail and false historical assertions are presented as facts and the fruit of serious historical research, which they simply are not. (p. 21 italics added)
decoding Da Vinci is handily divided into a preface, a section entitled "How to Use this Book", an introduction which provides a plot synopsis, ten chapters (each addressing one key issue of the book), and an epilogue. The plot synopsis is thorough enough that you need not have read the novel to make use of this book. Each chapter also ends with further reading suggestions and questions for review and discussion. Readers can thus study particular issues in more depth on their own, or even use the material for a group study. The book is a quick read from cover to cover, but also organized so that each chapter stands on its own for easy reference.

Throughout her book, Welborn uses a tone readers will be familiar with from her Prove It series and other writings. Straightforward and to-the-point, she is never condescending or preachy. The book thus becomes a powerful tool to help counter the myths Brown has presented in his original work.

The up-coming movie release makes this book an important and timely choice for adults and older teens to read.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Reviewed by: 
Mary Zelinski
First reviewed: 
2-22-05

Dead Log Alive!

Book cover: Dead Log Alive!
Author(s): 
Jo S. Kittinger
Number of pages: 
64 pages
Copyright: 
1996
ISBN: 
9780531202371
Publisher: 
Franklin Watts/Grolier
Binding: 
Sewn Hardcover
Sample Pages
Subject(s): 
Animal Life
Plant Life and Fungi
Grade / Age level: 
Elementary
Review: 

This book provides an interesting and detailed look at what comes to live in and around a dead log – woodpeckers, squirrels, mushrooms, fungi, moss, molds, porcupines, foxes, snakes, scorpions, millipedes, centipedes, pill bugs, salamanders, ants, termites, and beetles. Includes many interesting color photos and details about each species, how to tell them apart and much more. The book also includes an index, a glossary and suggestions for further reading.

Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
4-4-01

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