In case you couldn't tell, I'm constantly reading children's books. We go to the library a lot. This last weekend I attended a Catholic homeschool conference with a friend of mine and found so many wonderful books. Some of the true gems, such as the great readers from the 40s and 50s, are books that are no longer in print. I'm sometimes asked what some good titles are for parents wanting to immerse their children in the Faith. Here are some I could not resist this weekend:
The Story of God's Love: My Bible by Melissa Wright. This is an excellent children's Bible. I've been looking for a good one for a long time. This one, I'd say, is ideal for kids 5-8. It is published by Pauline books and Media (the Pauline Sisters are sisters who publish various media and I recommend their materials highly, particularly their coloring books). $25 (The Pauline site is down so here's a link to the title.)
A Catholic Child's Picture Dictionary by Ruth Hannon. This is a beautifully illustrated picture dictionary, primarily on Catholic terms. Originally published in 1956, it is now put out by the wonderful Angelus Press: www.angeluspress.org. $20
A Child's Rule of Life by Robert Hugh Benson. This is a gorgeous, black-and-white book published by Neumann Press. It takes you through a child's day, including the Holy Mass. This book is indescribably beautiful. Perhaps I'll have time to post a picture and excerpt in the future. $20. Sold by Keller Books: www.kellerbooks.com (However I didn't have luck with Keller's search function, so here's a link to the title.)
Mary by Demi. This is a beautifully illustrated book all about the life of the Blessed Mother of God. It must be seen to be believed. Each page has a different scene from her life and Bible excerpt. Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books in 2006. $20 Also purchased from Keller Books. (However, no picture on the Keller site, so here's a link.)
A Treasure Chest of Traditions for Catholic Families by Monica McConkey. This book is a spiral bound activity book that takes you through the Church year and gives activities for various saint days and holidays. I was happy to meet Mrs. McConkey at the conference. Trained as an architect, she has many really great items available. Check them out at www.armadei.com $22
Make Your Own Noah's Ark by Clare Beaton. "Stand-up Noah's Ark scene. Figures for cutting out, coloring, and playing." A great book with readymade activity! Published and sold by the Paulines: www.pauline.org.$10 (By the way, the Daughters of St. Paul have a Books & Media Center in Northeast Philadelphia, well worth a visit.)
Though these aren't books, you simply must check out Jody's Hands On Learning. Jody, who I met at the conference, is a homeschooling mother who was simply trying to help her kids memorize their prayers and catechism lessons. She wound up inventing this neat system of games, devices, and activities. I hope to show them to our pastor soon. They are good for training altar servers, teachings kids their prayers, you name it. If your child is a kinesthetic learner (as most are) or if you prefer a fun, Montessouri-style approach to learning, check out her stuff!
Although I haven't yet tried it out, I subscribed to a year of CD-roms that will be sent to my house through the mail from Nippert & Company, also known as Catholic Art Works. I purchased the Teacher's Helper CDs. The idea is that I will receive them every month or so and there are many countless Catholic art activites able to be printed out from my computer, from art sheets to holy cards and beyond. I tell you the man's work is beautiful and I can't wait to try them out. The year of CDs, which can be used over and over again (unlike online subscriptions can be) cost $42. One of the projects he had displayed that impressed me was of a little altar the child could color, cut, and construct, and a priest. But if you turn the priest around, you instead see Jesus Himself. It is meant to teach that the priest stands in persona Christi. How clever.
Well, that's all for now, but it doesn't even scratch the surface of all we saw. If you would like more information on any of these titles and cannot find them through the webistes above, I'd be happy to talk more about them. Just let us know. Remember, these homeschool conferences aren't just for homeschoolers. Any Catholic can go and explore the wealth of materials available. Plus, there are excellent talks given and confessions heard, too. The one in Virginia was totally free, but more locally CHAPLET, a South Jersey homeschooling group, hosts one each spring at Mater Ecclesiae in Berlin, NJ that is equally good.
The Story of God's Love: My Bible by Melissa Wright. This is an excellent children's Bible. I've been looking for a good one for a long time. This one, I'd say, is ideal for kids 5-8. It is published by Pauline books and Media (the Pauline Sisters are sisters who publish various media and I recommend their materials highly, particularly their coloring books). $25 (The Pauline site is down so here's a link to the title.)
A Catholic Child's Picture Dictionary by Ruth Hannon. This is a beautifully illustrated picture dictionary, primarily on Catholic terms. Originally published in 1956, it is now put out by the wonderful Angelus Press: www.angeluspress.org. $20
A Child's Rule of Life by Robert Hugh Benson. This is a gorgeous, black-and-white book published by Neumann Press. It takes you through a child's day, including the Holy Mass. This book is indescribably beautiful. Perhaps I'll have time to post a picture and excerpt in the future. $20. Sold by Keller Books: www.kellerbooks.com (However I didn't have luck with Keller's search function, so here's a link to the title.)
Mary by Demi. This is a beautifully illustrated book all about the life of the Blessed Mother of God. It must be seen to be believed. Each page has a different scene from her life and Bible excerpt. Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books in 2006. $20 Also purchased from Keller Books. (However, no picture on the Keller site, so here's a link.)
A Treasure Chest of Traditions for Catholic Families by Monica McConkey. This book is a spiral bound activity book that takes you through the Church year and gives activities for various saint days and holidays. I was happy to meet Mrs. McConkey at the conference. Trained as an architect, she has many really great items available. Check them out at www.armadei.com $22
Make Your Own Noah's Ark by Clare Beaton. "Stand-up Noah's Ark scene. Figures for cutting out, coloring, and playing." A great book with readymade activity! Published and sold by the Paulines: www.pauline.org.$10 (By the way, the Daughters of St. Paul have a Books & Media Center in Northeast Philadelphia, well worth a visit.)
Though these aren't books, you simply must check out Jody's Hands On Learning. Jody, who I met at the conference, is a homeschooling mother who was simply trying to help her kids memorize their prayers and catechism lessons. She wound up inventing this neat system of games, devices, and activities. I hope to show them to our pastor soon. They are good for training altar servers, teachings kids their prayers, you name it. If your child is a kinesthetic learner (as most are) or if you prefer a fun, Montessouri-style approach to learning, check out her stuff!
Although I haven't yet tried it out, I subscribed to a year of CD-roms that will be sent to my house through the mail from Nippert & Company, also known as Catholic Art Works. I purchased the Teacher's Helper CDs. The idea is that I will receive them every month or so and there are many countless Catholic art activites able to be printed out from my computer, from art sheets to holy cards and beyond. I tell you the man's work is beautiful and I can't wait to try them out. The year of CDs, which can be used over and over again (unlike online subscriptions can be) cost $42. One of the projects he had displayed that impressed me was of a little altar the child could color, cut, and construct, and a priest. But if you turn the priest around, you instead see Jesus Himself. It is meant to teach that the priest stands in persona Christi. How clever.
Well, that's all for now, but it doesn't even scratch the surface of all we saw. If you would like more information on any of these titles and cannot find them through the webistes above, I'd be happy to talk more about them. Just let us know. Remember, these homeschool conferences aren't just for homeschoolers. Any Catholic can go and explore the wealth of materials available. Plus, there are excellent talks given and confessions heard, too. The one in Virginia was totally free, but more locally CHAPLET, a South Jersey homeschooling group, hosts one each spring at Mater Ecclesiae in Berlin, NJ that is equally good.