Happy Birthday, Blessed Mother
After our family rosary this evening, Rose helped decorate the birthday cake for our Blessed Mother, with her Marian Shining Light Dolls, and then she lit the candles while we sang “Happy Birthday!” ♥
Here is a beautiful traditional prayer for today from Maiden & Mother: Prayers, Hymns, Devotions, and Songs to the Beloved Virgin Mary Throughout the Year:
Encouraging Words for Parents from Archbishop Sample as We Begin Our New School Year
“Since parents have given children their life, they are bound by the most serious obligation to educate their offspring and therefore must be recognized as the primary and principal educators. This role in education is so important that only with difficulty can it be supplied where it is lacking. Parents are the ones who must create a family atmosphere animated by love and respect for God and man, in which the well-rounded personal and social education of children is fostered.”
I am frequently amazed at how seriously many parents take this responsibility which God has given them. Some parents have clearly made the formation of their children in the ways of the faith the absolute top priority in their lives. I find this to be especially true among most of those in the home schooling community…
…I cannot emphasize this point strongly enough. Far too often, it seems that parents hand over the responsibility that is primarily theirs to Catholic school teachers or parish catechists. These are there to assist the parents and augment the education, faith formation, and example that the children receive in the home, within the family…
…The bottom line is that the primary responsibility of parents is not to get their children into the best schools and universities so that they can be “successful” in the world. Their primary duty is to do everything within their power to help get their children into heaven, plain and simple. That is what the Lord will be interested in at the end of our life, and that is what parents solemnly promised before Him on the day of their children’s baptism.
I thank parents from the bottom of my heart for taking this responsibility seriously. I fully realize that it is a very challenging task to raise children in this current cultural climate. You do the best you can, recognizing the free will God gave your children, and trusting that the seeds you have planted in the home will bear fruit one day in the faith lives of your children. God bless you, and please know that you are in my prayers!
Christmastime in New Orleans by The Nola Players {Sponsored Giveaway}
I had planned to share our curriculum plans this week, but over the weekend Blogger ate the post I had slowly been working on all summer… I’ve started to recreate it to share with you all, but it’s going to take a little while and I need to focus on getting our school year off to a good start. In the meantime, here is a little something from my drafts folder for the rest of you, who are most likely more organized than I, and like to prepare well in advance! 😉
This is a sneak peek of a brand new Christmas CD from AimHigher Recordings (the same producers of Christmas In Harvard Square) which is destined to be a classic (think ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas‘ CD). It will be accompanied by a one-hour broadcast special which will highlight the unusual culture of New Orleans, which lives out the liturgical calendar year round- from The Epiphany (King’s Cake-King’s Day), Mardi Gras, St. Joseph’s feast, to naming their football team The Saints- the Catholicism from French, Spanish, Creole influences (to name a few), permeates the cuisine, the history, the music and yes all united under the quiet Catholicism that is the foundation of it all. This project highlights the season of Christmas with Christmastime in New Orleans. More information to come on the special & DVD- in the meantime, the compendium to this special is a CD.
Here is a brief description of the music: A big band jazz orchestra composed of 18 of New Orleans’ finest jazz and classical musicians, The NOLA Players came together to honor their beloved city through this musical Christmas card, Christmastime in New Orleans. The latest offering from Verve/AimHigher Recordings and The NOLA Players’ first collaboration, this gorgeous and merry recording contains 14 tracks of brand new original arrangements of Christmas favorites and is sure to be a classic for this season and many to come.
It will be released this week, on September 9th, and is available to order now!
I have three copies of the CD to giveaway this week! Enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter box below. Giveaway has ended – Congratulations Jo, Christine and Aleesa!
Commemorating the Canonization of Mother Teresa
On September 4, 2016, Mother Teresa will be canonized a saint!
I remember very clearly traveling to San Francisco in 1988 (when I was just 10 years old!) with my Grandmother to see Mother Teresa, at St. Anne’s Church, as she welcomed 11 new nuns into her order. I remember my grandmother telling me that, “one day this amazing little nun will be declared a Saint!” My grandmother passed away just a few short years after that trip. I am so thankful for those precious times we had together, and her amazing love for our Lord and His Saints that she shared with us grandchildren. – posted here on The Feast of Blessed Mother Teresa in 2008
Mother Teresa wasn’t always named Mother Teresa. She was born in 1910 into a regular family, like you or me, in modern day Macedonia in Southeast Europe. Her name was Anjezë, which is Agnus in English. When she was 18 years old, she felt called to be a nun, so she left home for Ireland and joined a religious order called the Sisters of Loreto. A nun will often choose a new name when she becomes a sister, and she took the name Sister Teresa, after St. Therese of Lisieux. She was sent to Calcutta, India, where she served as a teacher for many years.
Calcutta is very poor. Sister Teresa could look out of the window of the school where she taught and see many people on the streets who needed help. Some people did not have enough food to eat, others were sick and had no one to take care of them.
One day, when she was on a long train ride, Sister Teresa experienced a powerful moment of prayer. She heard Jesus asking her to leave the Sisters of Loreto to take care of the people who needed help on the streets of Calcutta. She had no idea how she would do it, but she knew she had to try. So she started out on her own.
At first, she cared for the people she met on the streets of Calcutta. She gave the hungry food, helped take care of the sick and spent time with people who had no one to talk to. Within a few months, she attracted followers.
Some of the students from the school where she taught came to help. These women were the first to join her new order of sisters, called the Missionaries of Charity. It was then that Sister Teresa became Mother Teresa, the founder of a new order.
There are now 4,500 sisters working in countries all over the world! The Missionaries of Charity spend many hours in prayer and service each day. Their prayer helps them remember that when they are caring for the poor, they are caring for Jesus who suffers. Jesus tells us that he is present in the poor in a special way. The sisters live very simply, without conveniences like washing machines, microwaves or—in many of their convents— even beds, because part of their mission is to live among the poor…
Mother Teresa died in 1997, but she still inspires us today. She reminds us to not be afraid to answer Jesus’ call, even when it means stepping outside of our comfort zones. And her story also reminds us to notice and reach out to people who are in need. – Source
On this special day, in the same charitable spirit exemplified by our beloved Mother Teresa, let us join in helping the needy. A trustworthy resource is your own pastor who knows of struggling families, the poor, and the hungry. He can direct you how best to apply your generosity.
“If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.”
Here are some additional ways we will be celebrating her canonization on September 4th and her first feast day as a canonized saint on September 5th:
Beautiful Dolls
St. Mother Teresa from Naturally Catholic
Teresa of Calcutta Saint Block from Almond Rod Toys
Mother Teresa habit from The Little Habit…
… and Mother Teresa Costume from Our Coats of Many Colors
(You can also find DIY costume tutorials at Blossoming Joy and Catholic Icing.)
Remember this post (and this silly post too!) from last year? ♥
Inspiring Books from Our September Book Basket
(You can read my review on the first two books here. The giveaway ends on September 3rd!)
Mother Teresa: The Smile of Calcutta by Charlotte Grossetete
Mother Teresa of Calcutta by Francine Bay
Mother Teresa by Demi
Mother Teresa (Marvel Comic Book)
Blessed Teresa of Calcutta: Missionary of Charity
The Gospel on Five Fingers: Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta (Glory Stories: Volume IV) available from Holy Heroes
You can find our complete September Book Basket here.
Giveaway
Works of Love Are Works of Peace: Mother Teresa of Calcutta and the Missionaries of Charity
“Let us pray that this book will draw people to Jesus, help them realize how much God loves them, and help them to want to pray. Let it be for the glory of God and the good of His people. God bless you.” – Mother Teresa From the Introduction
This beautiful and moving photo-documentary gives the reader a glimpse inside the life and mission of Mother Teresa and the Missionaries of Charity, the order she founded. In addition to all the inspiring photographs and quotes, you will also find all the prayers of the M.C. Prayer Book, the official prayer book of the Order, included as well.
Ignatius Press has offered to give away a copy of this beautiful and inspiring book to one of my visitors here at Shower of Roses.
Enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter box here.
(Giveaway has ended – Congratulations, Janalin!)
Mother Teresa Coloring Pages
Free Online Resources:
- Blessed Teresa from Waltzing Matilda
- Saint Mother Teresa from Holy Heroes
- St. Teresa of Calcutta Quote Coloring Page from Life, Love, & Sacred Art
- Mother Teresa Quote Coloring Pages and More from Look to Him & Be Radiant
Coloring Books to Purchase:
- Mother Teresa from Fenestra Fidei
- Miracle of Life Coloring Book from Culture of Life Studies
“Do something beautiful for God.
Do it with your life. Do it every day.
Do it in your own way. But do it!”
Canonization Cupcakes
I created these cupcake wrappers and toppers to hand out during one of my workshops at the 2016 Rocky Mountain Catholic Home Educators Conference earlier this summer!
You can download my FREE PRINTABLE documents here:
Mother Teresa Cupcake Wrappers
Last weekend my girls tested a recipe for the upcoming canonization: Chai Cupcakes topped with a simple Vanilla Buttercream Frosting and sprinkled with additional Chai Spice mixture. Mmmmmmmm! You can find the recipe over at Catholic Cuisine.
“Not all of us can do great things.
But we can do small things with great love.”
Fun Treats and Delicious Recipes
The following recipes can be found over at Catholic Cuisine or linked below:
- Bible Cookies (“Words which do not give the light of Christ increase the darkness.”)
- Heart and Hand Cookie Cutter (“Give your hands to serve and your hearts to love.”)
- Heart Fruit Platter or Lemon Heart Cake with Berries (“Love is a fruit in season at all times and within reach of every hand.”)
- Poor Man’s Stew (“If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.”)
- Indian Chai Tea (My favorite has always been Oregon Chai, but I might try an AIP Chai recipe this week.)
- Naan – Indian Flat Bread (serve with Chicken Tikka Masala)
“There is a terrible hunger for love.
We all experience that in our lives – the pain, the loneliness.
We must have the courage to recognize it.
The poor you may have right in your own family.
Find them. Love them.”
Gift Ideas
There are so many great gift ideas to honor Mother Teresa. Here are a few:
- Mother Teresa Quote from Printable Prayers
- Mother Teresa Apron and Dish Towel
- Mother Teresa from Shining Light Dolls (update: and this new one too!)
- Mother Teresa Apron from Catholic Cuisine
- Mother Teresa from Tiny Saints
- St. Teresa of Calcutta Backpack Clip from SaongJai
Watch the Canonization
The Live Streaming and Archived Videos can be found on the Vatican YouTube Channel (English):
We (the older kids and I) are hoping to be able to stay awake and watch the canonizations live using the EWTN app and AirPlay. (You can view the EWTN schedule here.) We’ll see… It’s going to be in the middle of the night for us out here on the West Coast – 1:30-3:30 am!
Lord Jesus, merciful face of the Father, you came to give us the Good News of the Father’s mercy and tenderness.
We thank you for the gift of our dearest Mother, Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, who will be canonized in this Jubilee Year of Mercy. You chose her to be your presence, your love and compassion to the brokenhearted, the unwanted, the abandoned and the dying. She responded wholeheartedly to your cry, “I Thirst,” by the holiness of her life and humble works of love to the poorest of the poor.
We pray, through her intercession, for the grace to experience your merciful love and share it in our own families, communities and with all our suffering brothers and sisters. Help us to give our “hearts to love and hands to serve,” after the example of Mother Teresa. Lord Jesus, bless every member of our family, our parish, our diocese, our country, especially those most in need, that we all may be transformed by your merciful love.
Amen.
“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow is not yet begun.
We have only today. Let us begin.”
St. Teresa of Calcutta, ora pro nobis!
Two Brand New Mother Teresa Picture Books {Sponsored Review & Giveaway}
I love collecting picture books about the saints! These brand new picture books about Mother Teresa, sent from Ignatius Press for us to review, will be a welcome addition to Our September Book Basket this year, just in time for her canonization on September 4th.
Excellent for every age, the timely book Mother Teresa: The Smile of Calcutta is another touching addition to The Life of a Saint series.
Written for children, the story of soon to be canonized Mother Teresa, will certainly move readers of all ages and be treasured by adults and children alike.
The book gives readers an in-depth look at the life of a modern day saint and her example provides us a model, foundation, and remedy against modern injustices against life. Mother Teresa’s devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and unwavering defense of life at all stages is evident in this little story. Mother Teresa’s ability to see God in suffering souls and lift them up from despair and rejection and regain the dignity and hope that God desires in all His children is captured here with soul stirring effect.
The reader will be inspired by her charity and her timeless statements quoted throughout the book, such as: “It’s enough to turn toward Jesus and say, ‘I love you, my God, I have trust in you, I believe in you, I need you.’ Little things as simple as that. These are wonderful prayers.” Strongly encouraged for readers of all ages.
Other books in the series include: Therese: The Little Flower of Lisieux, John Mary Vianney: The Holy Cure of Ars, and Bernadette: The Little Girl from Lourdes which can all be found in our book baskets, as well as Francis: The Poor Man of Assisi and Peter, Apostle of Jesus which are on our “wish list.”
The full color illustrated book Mother Teresa of Calcutta details the life of this soon to be canonized saint of our modern times.
Written for ages 9 and up, Mother Teresa of Calcutta records significant events in the life of Mother Teresa that readers of all ages will find inspirational and appealing.
This picture book shows its readers how with nothing but a burning love in her heart to serve God through the suffering souls in her midst bearing His image, Mother Teresa was able to change the face of an entire region and impress upon the modern world the living Gospel of Christ in action. Catholics will find intriguing facts of how Mother Teresa formed her Order, even explaining in detail the choice of the simple habit and colors Mother Teresa chose for herself and her sisters. The book details significant chapters of Mother Teresa’s life including a section under the heading “All Life Is Sacred” where Mother Teresa is quoted saying, “Life is God’s life in us, even in an unborn child.”
The final pages of Francine Bay’s book display a timeline of her life from birth to canonization, a prayer to St. Teresa of Calcutta invoking her saintly intercession, and ending with this beautiful Meditation of Mother Teresa:
Ignatius Press has offered to give away one of each of these brand new picture books to my visitors here at Shower of Roses as we prepare to celebrate the canonization of Mother Teresa! Two winners will be selected, one for each book.
LEGO Ideas :: Ancient History Inspired Mini City
Road Trip to Portland
I can’t even remember the last time I went on a road trip by myself… It’s probably been at least 17 years, pre-marriage and children! I’m not someone who really needs “breaks” from my children, I prefer taking at least some of them with me when I have out-of-town plans, but after working all summer (including 15-20 hours per week at the office) I was definitely ready for a break from all things work related. Sean had the weekend off (he hasn’t been sent on any fire assignments yet this summer) so it worked out perfectly. I kept debating whether or not I should go, and I almost cancelled at the last minute, but I’m so very glad I did!
After driving over 250 miles, I arrived in Portland right at rush hour… Instead of fighting the traffic, I enjoyed some quiet time with Our Lord, beautiful stained glass windows, and the sound of some talented soul practicing the organ! 🎶 #unlockedchurches #deogratias
I ended up staying with the parents of one of my childhood friends. On the way to their home I stopped at Kyra’s Bake Shop, a 100% gluten free bakery in Lake Oswego. Kyra is the only four-time winner of Cupcake Wars and her gluten-free goodies are amazing!
I was especially excited to find Egg Free Paleo Double Chocolate Chip Cookies. Yum! Even though they were dairy-free, grain-free, egg-free, and refined sugar-free, they were not 100% AIP approved, but close and, well, vacation! 😉
I’ll definitely be making a point to visit again the next time I’m in the Portland area.
“Harvested from the cold, pristine waters of Netarts Bay on the Oregon Coast, Jacobsen Salt Co.’s flake and kosher sea salts have gained much critical acclaim for their beautiful and pure taste, texture, and appearance, and are used by chefs and home cooks around the world. We are proud to be the leader in the emerging vanguard of American Saltmakers, as well as first company to harvest salt in the Pacific Northwest since Lewis & Clark.”
In addition to their website and tasting room you can also find Jacobsen Salt over at Amazon.
On Saturday I had such a wonderful time at the Catholic Women Rejoice conference… Morning Mass offered by Archbishop Sample, encouraging and inspiring talks by Mary Lenaburg, Jenna Guizar, Rebecca Frech, and Hallie Lord, visiting friends from all over the state (and out-of-state!), and finally meeting so many online friends!
I drove back into Portland for an early morning Latin Mass offered by Fr. Andersen at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church before beginning the drive back home! Portland is so blessed.
I didn’t plan to visit Mount Angel Abbey on this trip, but God had other plans.
I had been invited to Mass and brunch with our youngest daughter’s godparents, but I had to get back on the road early on Sunday so that I could make it back home in time for a BBQ for my sister’s birthday. She was visiting from Utah and I wanted to see her while she was in town.
When I was about 45 minutes south of Portland I got a text from another sister saying that she hoped I was having fun in Portland and that she wanted to get together with me soon. I told her I was on my way home and that I’d see her at 6:00 at Dad & Mom’s. She responded that the party had been changed to 1:00 and that she was worried that no one had told me.
I was so upset. Why didn’t they let me know?! I had planned the whole day around needing to get up and leave really early so I could get home in time for the party. I could have stayed in Portland longer. I sat on the side of the freeway trying to decide what to do now. I realized that I was only about 15 minutes away from the Abbey, so I decided to stop and visit.
It was a beautiful day. I visited the Abbey Church, walked around, sat on a bench enjoying the peaceful view, and took a few photos. As I was walking back to my car, getting ready to leave, I ran into friends from my area and visited with them for about 15 minutes. I said goodbye, walked down the stairs to the quiet back corner of the parking lot and couldn’t believe my eyes… There was my Archbishop!
He was walking about 20-30 feet away, towards the Abbey. I called over to him and asked if I could speak to him. I just so happened to have a letter addressed to him in my purse! I had hoped to give it to him the day before at the conference in Portland, but I never had the opportunity. He was so kind. He recognized my name and said he had heard great things about my family from a mutual friend/priest who we had recently had over for dinner. I was finally able to share so many of the challenges we have faced over the years, including our current challenges with getting our older boys confirmed. It’s a very long story, and not one that I am going to go into here on the blog, but he listened patiently and lovingly, while I apologized for the tears. At the end of our conversation he thanked me for my perseverance, said that he will take care of this, and that families like mine give him hope for the Chuch. God is so Good! I’m still in awe over His love, grace, and absolutely perfect timing!
End-of-Summer Daybook
Outside my window…
It’s been a little crazy around here, but it looks so peaceful inside the LEGO cathedral that’s on the coffee table! #wishiwasaminifig {Master Builder: Ranger}
I am thinking…
I need to put together a post with pictures for “Phase 3” of the LEGO Cathedral project Ranger has been working on this past year! He’s still not finished, but he is getting closer. Here are the links to Phase 1 and Phase 2 in the archives.
I am thankful…
for smokeless skies this summer!
Learning all the time…
The Driver’s Education course that Captain took at the local community college this summer was excellent! I can not even believe how much it has improved his (and my!) driving. He passed the final exam and his Behind-the-Wheel Driving test with a score of 96%. Now we are just waiting for him to rack up the rest of the hours he needs before he takes one final computer test and is issued his driver’s license!
{July 31st} “Lots of “firsts” for this guy today: Drive on the freeway, Drive at night, Drive-through Dutch Bros to celebrate! After telling the Dutch Bros barista about our driving adventures, I’m guessing the messages he picked for each of our lids were intentional”
Celebrating the liturgical year…
Monday was the feast of the Assumption of Mary! I took the day off work, dropped everything on my “to-do” list, and loaded up the van to drive (or rather Captain drove!) to the parish we have been attending on Sunday mornings for the noon Mass on the parish’s feast day.
It was such a beautiful Mass (ordinary form) complete with Latin Marian hymns and incense. The boys were asked to serve when we arrived. After Mass, as I was kneeling praying with my littlest ones, an older man who had been sitting in front of us, walked over and said “Are these ALL your children?!” I have fun with that question, especially when I can answer, “No….” (pause) “I have two more! My older boys were the two serving Mass!” His mouth dropped and he said, “You have more!” He grabbed my head, kissed my forehead, and said “BLESS YOU!” The girls both turned bright red and Snuggles whispered (after the older man had walked away) “Quick! Wipe it off!” Hahaha! That was a first.
On the drive home we stopped to visit with some friends and stop at Dairy Queen for a special feast day treat in honor of Our Lady, Queen of Heaven!
The Assumption of Mary (Summertime Saints) • Rosary Rummy • Feasts of Our Lord and Our Lady
From the kitchen…
Better late than never, right? A few weeks ago I finally got around to printing out Summer Bingo cards for our kids. It had been a couple years, after spending last summer traveling. It’s been a great way to encourage them to get a jump start on their math for the school year, as well as a few other subjects.
After leaving them on the counter in the kitchen I heard one of the kids yell: “MOM! What baby?!?!?!” I knew there was a reason I needed to update those cards.
Oh well… It was quick and easy to fix! 😉
I am working on…
finishing up this year’s curriculum list and plans. I recently shared Our 2015-2016 Curriculum.
I am creating…
plans for a 13th birthday coming up at the end of this month. The soon-to-be-teen was having a hard time coming up with a theme, but I think I’ve come up with one that she’ll love!
I am going…
to the 5th Annual Catholic Women Rejoice conference! I really need a little break and retreat before the new school year begins. I’m especially looking forward to finally give Hallie a hug and check out her new book, On the Other Side of Fear: How I Found Peace.
 |
| I spotted a few familiar faces on my way over to the hall after Mass this morning! How is it possible that it’s almost August already?!? I need to figure out how to sneak away for a few days so I can attend Catholic Women Rejoice again this year! #CWR16 #rejoiceandbefree |
I am hoping…
to make some time soon to try and catch up on some emails. I’m horribly behind. Email is always one of the first things to go when I’m struggling to keep up.
I am praying…
for perseverance, and for the grace to know where I need to make changes and simplify.
I am reading…
book lists and syllabuses.
Pondering these words…
from St. Catherine of Siena:
I am listening…
to the captivating Audio Dramatization (also available on Audible) of The Story of Civilization: Vol 1 – The Ancient World. Have you entered the giveaway I am hosting yet?
Around the house…
It’s been about three weeks since we’ve been able to eat at the dining room table… It’s been covered with books since starting the annual book sale. Still so much to do before our new school year begins! Sometimes I really miss having Our Little School Room.
One of my favorite things…
stained glass windows, even if they are made from LEGO.
This week’s plans…
Three of my sisters just got into town (two from UT and one from CA) yesterday and I was so torn on whether I should still go to the conference or not, but I’ll get back in time for Julianna’s birthday on Sunday night and will finally get to meet her boyfriend. It will be another busy week at the office, with payroll and a few other things I’ll need to catch up. I also have a 13th birthday to plan for the end of this month!
A little peek at my day…
This picture is actually from yesterday morning. Ranger and I got up extra early to attend the Orientation Session for his upcoming online Latin class!
I hope you all have a great weekend!
The Story of Civilization: Vol. I – The Ancient World {Review & Giveaway}
I am so excited about the new history series from TAN Homeschool! We will be focusing on Western Civilization II and American History this upcoming school year, but I’m already planning to incorporate The Story of Civilization: Vol. 1 – The Ancient World the following year when our family cycles back to Ancient History.
TAN sent me the complete set to review here at Shower of Roses and I’ve been very impressed at what I have seen so far. It is a welcome addition to our home library! In fact, we have already started listening to the captivating Audio Dramatization (also available from Audible) as a family on our drive to Mass each Sunday! Even our high schoolers are enjoying listening to the fun and exciting audios and have learned some interesting new facts.
The complete set consists of:
- Text Book
- Test Book
- Activity Book
- Teacher’s Manual
- Video Lecture Series
- Audio Dramatization
- Timeline Map (Receive a FREE copy of the Timeline Map when you order the complete set – a savings of $14.95!)
The series is also available over at Amazon. {affiliate link}
Text Book
From the product description page:
Children should not just read about history, they should live it. In The Story of Civilization, the ancient stories that have shaped humanity come alive like never before. Author Phillip Campbell uses his historical expertise and story-telling ability together in tandem to present the content in a fresh and thrilling way.
The Story of Civilization reflects a new emphasis in presenting the history of the world as a thrilling and compelling narrative. Within each chapter, children will encounter short stories that place them directly in the shoes of historical figures, both famous and ordinary, as they live through legendary battles and invasions, philosophical debates, the construction of architectural wonders, the discovery of new inventions and sciences, and the exploration of the world.
Volume I, The Ancient World, begins the journey, covering the time periods from the dawn of history and the early nomads, to the conversion of Emperor Constantine. Children will learn what life was like in the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Mesopotamia, Persia, Greece, Rome, and more, as well as learn the Old Testament stories of the Israelites and the coming of Christ.
The strength of the content lies not only in the storybook delivery of it, but also in the way it presents history through the faithful prism of the Church. Have you always wanted your children to learn about world history from a Catholic perspective? Here, you’ll have the trusted resource you’ve always wanted.
Dramatized Audio Book
Talented voice actor and audio book producer Kevin Gallagher returns to bring children the history of the world in this riveting reading of The Story of Civilization: The Ancient World. This follows his immensely popular reading of TAN Book’s The Story of the Bible. our children will be transported back in time through the sound effects, music and voice acting that complements the reading of the text. Whether looking for entertainment on a long road trip, enhancing the experience with the text, or catering to the needs of a child with a reading disability—this audio dramatization will open up a new world of adventure for kids of all ages.
Note: You can find my previous review of The Story of the Bible here.
Video Lecture Series
In this lecture series, author of The Story of Civilization, Phillip Campbell, leads students on a chapter-by-chapter journey, reviewing the events, characters, and lessons that make up Volume I. This companion piece to the text is meant to assist parents and allow a hands-off approach to their lesson planning.
In each lecture, students will find:
- A 10 minute narrative review of each chapter
- A discussion of key figures
- Further explanation of historical events
- Engaging visual aids and graphics
- A short quiz to test their knowledge
After viewing these lectures, students will be able to turn to their workbooks and test books with confidence!
Note: Videos are streaming on www.tanhomeschool.com. At purchase, you will receive a card with a digital code to access the videos.
Test Book
Suggested for 5th-8th grade, the test book serves as a companion resource to The Story of Civilization: The Ancient World. The pages of the test book are perforated for easy removal and already punched for storage in three-ring binders!
From the product description page:
With this book, students can test their reading comprehension and further educate themselves on the content found in the text. One quiz corresponds to each chapter in the text book. Questions for each chapter are suitable as a study exercise or as an objective answer test, with an answer key for teachers in the back. The questions include matching items, multiple choice, and true/false.
Activity Book
Suggested for 1st-4th grade (though I think my 6th and 7th grade daughters will enjoy some of it as well!), the activity book is filled with all sorts of fun activities… Coloring Pages, Map Activities, Crossword Puzzles and Word Searches, Craft Projects and even Drawing Projects (How-to-Draw) – lots to choose from to review and reinforce what has been read in The Story of Civilization: The Ancient World!
Teacher’s Manual
The Teacher’s Manual is an excellent addition to the set! In addition to the answers and directions to the exercises found in the Activity Book, it also includes: Reading Comprehension Questions, Narration Exercises, Science Projects, and even Fun Snack Ideas and Recipes like “Canaanite Fig Bars” and “Gaius Marius Eagle’s Eggs In A Nest“!
Timeline Map
From the product description page:
Keeping track of the people, events, and dates that shaped history can be difficult. With this fun, comprehensive, and engaging timeline that employs an easy to follow format and vibrant illustrations, students will have the help they need to track the chronology of the story of civilization. This timeline mirrors the scope of The Story of Civilization text book, beginning with the early nomads and running to the conversion of Emperor Constantine. Within these bookends, children will be introduced to the pharaohs of Ancient Egypt, Greek inventors and philosophers, Spartan warriors, the famous figures of the Old Testament, infamous Roman Emperors, and the Holy Family.
Included as a FREE bonus when you purchase the complete set directly from TAN, the Timeline Map features:
- Laminated format capable of being written on with a sharpie
- 36 x 18 size when unfolded
- Easy to follow structure
- 40+ illustrations
- Covers over 75 major events and people
- “Timeline Trivia” on the back
I plan to use it as a guide and inspiration for new timeline additions to my children’s personal Timeline Binders.
.: Giveaway :.
TAN has generously offered to send one COMPLETE SET (Valued at $154.70!) to a visitor here at Shower of Roses including the Text Book, Test Book, Activity Book and Teacher’s Manual, Video Lecture Series, Audio Dramatization, and Timeline!
Bargain Priced Books :: 2017 Saints Calendar
If you haven’t ordered it yet, today is a great day to place an order the 2017 Saints Calendar & 16-Month Planner, and any other books you might be wanting to order from TAN Books, using the 50% off coupon code they shared over on Instagram! (Valid today only!)
The ever-popular 2017 Saints Calendar and Daily Planner is a 16 month calendar ready to use in September. Our spiral-bound design allows plenty of space for daily appointments in a lay-flat format. This calendar has become a favorite for home or office with professionals, students and busy homeschool families. TAN calendars contain special feasts and fascinating Catholic traditions. They are marked with days of Fasting, special Saints Days, and the Sundays of the Liturgical Year for both the Ordinary and Extraordinary Calendar.”
Also available from Amazon (though the coupon code won’t work over there), the TAN Saints Calendar has been one of my favorite planners for the past 10 years.
Speaking of bargain priced books, there have been quite a few new links added to the 6th Annual Curriculum Sale Blog Hop! Be sure to check them all out. I also just finished reducing the prices on all the books I have left for sale!
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