Math Lessons a Chore? Integrating Math into Everyday Life

You’ve read through the descriptions of all the <a href="https://canadianhomeeducation.com/core-subjects/math/complete-math-curriculum.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Math programs</a> and have decided on the one that suits your family and your child best. You’ve settled on a schedule and started the daily work. But then your child starts the (very typical) complaint that math isn’t relevant, asking why they have to do it. Many parents respond with “Just do it!” but as a homeschool parent you have the chance of demonstrating why math is so important, and even make the learning fun!
Are fractions making your child fractious? Bake together! Talk about measurements as you bake, asking how many third of a cup scoops you will need to get a full cup of flour, or how many quarter cups go into a half of a cup. Double a recipe and discuss how to double all the individual measurements. Or for a quicker lesson, bring out a handful of smaller coins and discuss how they’re all fractions of a dollar. How many ways can you put together a dollar’s worth of coins? You can even set a timed challenge!
If they’re struggling with remembering how to handle fractions you can play games like <a href="https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/fraction-dominoes.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fractions Dominoes</a> or <a href="https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/math-rush-volume-3-fractions-decimals-percentages.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Math Rush 3</a> or find a fun book like “<a href="https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/fractions-in-disguise-a-math-adventure.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fractions in Disguise</a>” to present the information a different way. The same principle can be applied for almost any subject. Geometry? Try cutting up desserts like Jello into different shapes, learn about origami, or build something out of wood. The <a href="https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/core-subjects/language-arts/novels-such/series/sir-cumference.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sir Cumference books</a> are tremendous at delivering geometry information in engaging stories, and the <a href="https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/geometrical-designs-coloring-book.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">“Geometrical Designs Coloring Book”</a> can grab the interest of artists.
I am a firm believer that once most children can see the practical value of learning, they’re much more willing to put the time and work in. Once percentages can be tied into interest rates and how they can make money, or fractions can be used to make delicious desserts, math becomes a useful tool to be mastered and not a chore to be complained about. Give it a try!
Michelle -  Home School Mom of 4

You’ve read through the descriptions of all the Math programs and have decided on the one that suits your family and your child best. You’ve settled on a schedule and started the daily work. But t

Encouragement in August

Depending on the season of life and many other external factors, a homeschool mom’s reaction when noticing that August (and therefore the new school year) will soon arrive can range from giddy excitement to dismay and fatigue. If you’re on the joyful side of the emotional spectrum, that’s absolutely wonderful! If, however, you’re worn out and wondering how you’ll manage the coming year, may I offer some encouragement and advice? I have homeschooled for 16 years now, and have learned a few things along the way that might be helpful.
First of all, you don’t have to start book work on the first of September. Perhaps the focus in September can be game-schooling (if this is a new term for you, look it up online, there are some amazing resources out there) and field trips, or harvesting and canning the bounty of your garden! The zoos and museums will be much emptier now, as will the swimming pools and parks. Look up the things you see on your adventures and learn informally. Learning can be enjoyable for everyone, it doesn’t have to be stressful.
Second, if you’re feeling exhausted and overwhelmed, look for others in the trenches, so you can support each other. Whether it’s an official homeschool support group or an informal gathering, it often helps to remind ourselves that we are not alone, and it can buoy our spirits to see our children playing happily with others. Lastly, if what you tried last year didn’t work well, it’s absolutely OK to try something else. Maybe your children are getting older and are fighting you because they want more say in how they’re learning, and it’s time to sit down with them and discuss what they would like to focus on next year so you can find something that suits you both. Maybe your two year old wrecked your science experiments last year and this year you can do them on the weekend so you have more adult help, or have a mother’s helper come one afternoon a week to entertain the littles. Maybe you are tired of learning alone and this is the year for joining a co-op, or maybe you’re tired of being in a co-op and this is the year you take the year off.
You know best what will work for your family, and there’s no shame in changing course to suit your current situation and needs. If you look at the coming year from this perspective, I hope that your mindset will start shifting from dread to anticipation. No school year is perfect, we are all fallible humans, but it can be a wonderful year for your and your family, full of learning experience and good memories.
Michelle -  Home School Mom of 4

Depending on the season of life and many other external factors, a homeschool mom’s reaction when noticing that August (and therefore the new school year) will soon arrive can range from giddy excit

What Math Curriculum is Right for Your Child?

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CHER carries several quality math programs to help you teach your child well. But which one is the best for your child? They all come highly recommended by other home school families. So which to choose? Remember, what works for another family, or even another child in your family, may or may not, be the right fit for this child. And it has to work for Mom as well.
Some programs are very teacher directed, with teacher manuals that tell Mom what to think, do and say. Some have the teacher's notes included in the text for student direction. Some are colorful, others black &amp; white. Some are very hands on, with lots of manipulatives, others rely on workbooks to explain the concepts well. Some use a story approach to explain concepts, others use just the facts.
Educational philosophies differ as well. When do you start certain concepts? How do you introduce them? Do you include manipulatives? Are workbooks a necessary tool? Do you need a teacher's manual to teach the course?
So what Math Curriculum is right for your child?
 
<a href="https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/core-subjects/math/complete-math-curriculum/math-lessons-for-a-living-education.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="math-curriculum-img" src="https://api.canadianhomeeducation.com/media/wysiwyg/cher-blog4.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" /></a>
 
<a style="color: #000000;" href="/1102-Math-Lessons-for-a-Living-Education">Math Lessons for a Living Education </a>
Instead of leaving Math as a subject all on its own, <a href="/1102-Math-Lessons-for-a-Living-Education">Math for a Living Education</a>uses stories to incorporate all the other subjects in a more natural way. Just like in real life, Angela O'Dell has shown us math can not only be interesting, but it can be more of what Charlotte Mason refers to as a living math book.
Available for grades K through grade 6, Math for a Living Education is now in a user friendly format that is sure to please many learning styles, especially that literary minded child who enjoys a story.
<a href="https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/core-subjects/math/complete-math-curriculum/singapore-math-dimensions.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="math-curriculum-img" src="https://api.canadianhomeeducation.com/media/wysiwyg/cms/cher-blog5.jpg" alt="" width="50%" height="95" /></a>
 
<a style="color: #e03e2d;" href="https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/354-Singapore-Math-Standards-Edition">Singapore Math - Equip Students with a Strong Foundation</a>
 
The Primary Mathematics Standards Edition is a series of elementary math textbooks and workbooks from the publishers of Singapore's successful Primary Mathematics series. The program aims to equip students with sound concept development, critical thinking and efficient problem-solving skills.
 
The Primary Mathematics Standards Edition 1A-5B is ideal for both classroom and home use for 1st - 5th grades. This series is an adaptation of Primary Mathematics U.S. edition, the most popular (Singapore Math) primary math series used by schools and homeschoolers in the U.S. and Canada. Each textbook is used in conjunction with a workbook. Also available are optional Extra Practice books and Tests books.
This series is recommended for those who want a solid, basic math program with a proven track record and an emphasis on concept development, mental techniques, and problem solving, along with a program that covers all the California state standards for each grade level. The books include added units on probability and data analysis primarily, as well as negative numbers and coordinate graphs, concepts not covered normally until secondary levels in Singapore and not covered in the Primary Mathematics U.S. Edition. This series also provides more re-teaching of material from earlier levels and more frequent review and is therefore recommended for students new to Primary Math but not starting at the beginning. This is primarily a direct instruction program. Students are given several approaches for solving problems and are encouraged to discuss ideas and explore additional methods.
 Looking for other editions of Singapore Math? CHER carries them too! Here are some links to other Singapore Math editions: <a href="https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/1327-Singapore-Math-Dimensions">Dimension Math</a> ®, <a href="https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/387-Singapore-Math-US-Edition">Singapore Math US Edition</a>, <a href="https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/615-Singapore-Math-CC-Edition">Singapore Math CC Edition</a>, and <a href="https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/9788-singapore-math-2022-edition">Singapore Math 2022 Edition</a>.
 
 
 
<a href="https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/core-subjects/math/complete-math-curriculum/horizons-math-curriculum.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="math-curriculum-img" src="https://api.canadianhomeeducation.com/media/wysiwyg/cms/cher-blog6.jpg" alt="" width="50%" height="95" /></a>
<a style="color: #e03e2d;" href="https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/356-Horizons-Math-Curriculum">Horizons Math - Brightly Illustrated, Engaging Workbook Curriculum</a>
Looking for colourful, incremental workbooks to capture your child's attention?
Combine hands on learning with 2 colourful, well planned student <a href="https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/356-Horizons-Math-Curriculum">Horizons Math</a> workbooks, add a comprehensive, easy to use teacher's guide and you have Alpha Omega's Horizons Mathematics program for grades K through 8. Teacher's manual includes clearly laid out daily lesson plans, readiness tests, scope and sequence, list of manipulatives needed, answer keys, and extra worksheets. Lesson plans list concepts, objectives, teaching tips, materials, supplies and equipment activities, and worksheets needed for each lesson. Lesson plans are presented on a two page spread to make presentation not so overwhelming for the beginning teacher/parent yet well laid out for the experienced teacher. Horizons Math incorporates a detailed concept introduction, development, and review cycle.
 
 
<img class="math-curriculum-img" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://api.canadianhomeeducation.com/media/wysiwyg/cms/cher-blog7.jpg" alt="" width="50%" height="73" />
<a style="color: #000000;" href="https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/355-Saxon-Math-Curriculum">Saxon Math HomeSchool Edition</a>
Results, not methodology, should be the basis of curriculum decisions. Results matter.  
- John Saxon - Co-Author of the Saxon Math Series
<a href="https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/355-Saxon-Math-Curriculum">Saxon Math</a> has long been the favourite homeschool math program for grades 4 and up. Brenda used it with great success with her own 3 children and homeschool families have told us over and over again how much they love Saxon Math. Saxon's continual and incremental practice provides your child with the opportunity to learn and remember the foundational skills and concepts of mathematics.
<a href="https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/355-Saxon-Math-Curriculum">Saxon Math</a> for Grades...                                                          <a style="color: #000000;" href="https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/355-Saxon-Math-Curriculum">(MORE)</a>  
 
 
<a href="https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/core-subjects/math/complete-math-curriculum/life-of-fred.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="math-curriculum-img" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://api.canadianhomeeducation.com/media/wysiwyg/cms/cher-blog8.jpg" alt="" width="95%" height="95" /></a>
<a style="color: #e03e2d;" href="https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/357-Life-of-Fred">Life of Fred Math ... as serious as it needs to be</a>
So, you think math is boring and there is nothing much anyone can do to make it "un-boring"?
You think the average person can't really ever understand math, and "Who needs it?" if you have a calculator in hand!
 
Think Again!!
 
<a href="https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/357-Life-of-Fred">Life of Fred</a> is a unique math program that is presented in a story format. Engaging, humorous, but always teaching math and life principles in such a way that children are eager for the next lesson.
 
CHER's biggest, and only problem with the Life of Fred series is that the kids keep reading ahead!
Some families are using Life of Fred as their full curriculum, while others are adding Life of Fred to their current math program in order to enrich their math lessons and make math more enjoyable.
 
Life of Fred begins with Life of Fred Apples and continues to Statistics and Trigonometry.
 
 
<a href="https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/core-subjects/math/complete-math-curriculum/apologia-exploring-creation-with-mathematics.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="math-curriculum-img" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://api.canadianhomeeducation.com/media/wysiwyg/cms/cher-blog9.jpg" alt="" width="50%" height="95" /></a>
<a style="color: #e03e2d;" href="https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/1371-apologia-exploring-creation-with-mathematics">Apologia Exploring Creation with Mathematics</a>
<a href="https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/1371-apologia-exploring-creation-with-mathematics">Apologia Exploring Creation with Mathematics</a>, is a curriculum that makes common, age-appropriate, everyday connections so that students have the strong foundations that are crucial if a student is going to achieve success not only in higher levels of mathematics but also in life. Exploring Creation with Mathematics, was designed to encourage your child to dive into a joyous journey of discovering new things about the world and its Creator. This hands-on, interactive curriculum also encourages your child to ponder creation on a new level. Why does mathematics work? Right from the start, the tone in Exploring Creation with Mathematics courses lets students know that they are going to study math as a tool to help them understand their unique place in all the universe. Every unit begins with a “Seeing Our Creator” section that places the concepts coming up in their proper place – back with our Creator.
 
Apologia Exploring Creation with Mathematics uses a well researched progression that moves children through the Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract method of teaching and learning to mastery. Author Kathryn Gomes has made this a fun curriculum that uses household items for manipulatives. Included in the beginning of each chapter is a short devotional.
 
<a href="https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/1371-apologia-exploring-creation-with-mathematics">Apologia Exploring Creation with Mathematics</a> is currently available for grades 1 through 4. Watch for more levels to come!
<a href="https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/core-subjects/math/complete-math-curriculum/mathematical-reasoning.html"><img class="math-curriculum-img" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://api.canadianhomeeducation.com/media/wysiwyg/cms/cher-blog10.jpg" alt="" width="50%" height="95" /></a>
<a style="color: #e67e23;" href="https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/391-Mathematical-Reasoning">Mathematical Reasoning - by Critical Thinking Press</a>
Complete Curriculum or Supplemental Resource
 
<a href="https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/391-Mathematical-Reasoning">Mathematical Reasoning™</a> helps children devise strategies to solve a wide variety of math problems. These highly effective activities take children far beyond drill-and-practice by using step-by-step, discussion-based problem-solving to develop a conceptual bridge between computation and the reasoning required for upper-level math. Activities and units spiral slowly, allowing children to become comfortable with concepts but also challenging them to continue building their math skills.
<a href="https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/core-subjects/math/complete-math-curriculum/jump-math.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="math-curriculum-img" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://api.canadianhomeeducation.com/media/wysiwyg/cms/cher-11.jpg" alt="" width="50%" height="95" /></a>
<a style="color: #e03e2d;" href="https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/370-Jump-Math">Jump Math - New Canadian Edition for Grades K to 6</a>
<a href="https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/370-Jump-Math">Jump Math's</a> goal is no matter where your child is starting from in math, JUMP Math can help them master it – and learn to love it. Their approach is based on the science of how children learn, so your child should achieve success in understanding math, and gain the self-confidence that they can do anything in life.
 
JUMP Math’s resources and approach to math instruction are designed for and mainly used by teachers in classrooms, but many home school families have used them with great success. Jump Math is aligned with math curricula in BC, AB, SK, MB and ON.
Jump Math is also available for grades 7 &amp; 9 and French Jump Math for Grades to 6
<a href="https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/core-subjects/math/math-manipulatives.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="math-curriculum-img" src="https://api.canadianhomeeducation.com/media/wysiwyg/cms/blog-cher12.jpg" alt="" width="50%" height="95" /></a>
<a style="color: #e03e2d;" href="https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/195-Math-Manipulatives">Math Manipulatives</a>
So what are Math Manipulatives? Any time you use an object to help solidify a Math concept, you are using Math manipulatives. For example, if a child is learning how to count, you can count toys, buttons, fingers, pennies (if you have any saved up in a jar), rocks, and my favourite - gummy bears (you can eat them after the lesson!). You can also count each stair going up and try counting backwards going down. Board games that count, like snakes and ladders reinforce counting, Cribbage is great for addition facts. All these, and more, are Math manipulatives.
 
CHER has some great math manipulatives that can help your child understand math concepts. Base Ten Blocks, Pattern Blocks, Fraction Equivalancy Cubes, Hundred Charts, Balances, Clocks and Mathlink Cubes are just a few of the resources that could make learning math concepts easier. These, and many more, are available on our website.
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CHER carries several quality math programs to help you teach your child well. But which one is the best for your child? They all come highly recommended by other home school families. So which to choose?Remember, what works for another family, or even another child in your family, may or may not, be the right fit for this child. And it has to work for Mom as well.

NOVELS & SUCH

Reading is such a vital part of our everyday lives. With reading we can use our imaginations and go to far away places, do heroic deeds, and still come home in time for lunch. We can get to know other people better, try on different cultures, learn more about ourselves, our values and our faith, eat delicious foods, fly with the Wright Brothers, and rediscover the telephone with Alexander Graham Bell. Such is the stuff of good books. This is where we want our children to be when they read. Where the imagination is full and challenged and still guided to higher ideals. Children will hunger for good reading if that is what they are accustomed to. They will gravitate towards poor writing and the “junk foods” of literature if that is what they are given to read as a steady diet. The reading lists in the Novels & Such section contain examples of good reading for your child to read alone or that both of you can share. Sharing reading aloud with another person is a very special experience. We read with our children as a habit every night when they were younger. Many families read aloud to their teens as well as to their younger children. Perhaps the most important part of learning to read is learning to love reading, and this is what happens when you read together. You model reading enjoyment to them. Some of the books we enjoyed most will be found in the lists on the next few pages. Some of them will be found scattered about in the Science or History & Geography (especially history) section. The books over in the Novels & Such section are obviously only some of the good reading available. If you are in doubt as to where to begin, grade levels are given only to act as a rough guideline for you and your child. Children, like adults, like to read at various levels during the day. They need some reading that is easy, which helps to build fluency. Reading at their own level helps to build confidence and reading more challenging material helps to build character. A rule of thumb for which book is right for a child is if they have trouble with five or less words on a page, it is probably the right level! Children in the early years vary in their readiness to read. A child of 6 may still be struggling to recognize his or her ABCs, or may be reading books at a junior high level. We have included several ways to list books, by division (for example Ages 6 to 8), which includes books that will appeal whether read aloud or by the child, or by interest (for example Historical Fiction or Biographies), where children are more likely to be able to enjoy reading the books on their own. Check the Readers section for grade level reading. Another good place to look for great reading is in the Series category. CHER has selected series that would do well for read-a-louds or read alone. We have collected classics and new series. Some books in a series can stand alone, while others you will not want to put down until the last page of the last book has been read.

Reading is such a vital part of our everyday lives. With reading we can use our imaginations and go to far away places, do heroic deeds, and still come home in time for lunch. We can get to know other people better

RECIPES FOR CHRISTMAS

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Christmas baking is a Christmas tradition we all love to share. CHER's staff members are sharing some of their Christmas family traditions with you below. Watch for more tried &amp; true Christmas recipes coming soon. Enjoy!
 
Wendy, says that this recipe is one of her family favourites. We hope you can enjoy baking them with your family this Christmas! Shortbread cookies are a definate favourite at Christmas. 
 
Wendy's Whipped Shortbread
 
1 c. icing sugar
3 c. flour
1/4 c. cornstarch
1 lb. butter, softened
1/2 tsp. vanilla
 
Preheat oven to 325° F. Whip all ingredients together in a stand mixer until very light and fluffy. Use pastry bag to pipe swirls approximately 2" in diameter. Sprinkle with red or green coloured sugar sprinkles and bake 15 minutes.
 
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Ellen's Cinnamon Buns are nice to get ready the night before, and bake in the morning. Who doesn't love the aroma of fresh baked cinnamon buns on Christmas morning - or anytime over the holidays? 
Ellen's Easy Cinnamon Buns
 
20-24 frozen unbaked buns
1 c brown sugar
¼ c instant vanilla pudding mix
1-2 T cinnamon
¼ - ½ c melted butter
 
Arrange buns in 2 greased bundt pans.
Sprinkle with sugar, pudding mix and cinnamon.
Pour melted butter over all. 
Cover with a hot wet kitchen towel. 
Let rise 8 hours/overnight. 
Bake for 25 minutes at 350.
 
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Ellen's Spinach Dip isn't a Christmas baking recipe, but it's a recipe her family will often make if having what her kids call a 'munchie meal' (i.e., veggies &amp; dip, crackers &amp; cheese, deli meats, shrimp, grapes, etc).
Ellen's Spinach Dip
 
8 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
8 oz can water chestnuts, drained and diced
2 green onions, finely sliced
1¼ c plain yogurt
½ c peppercorn ranch dressing
⅓ c mayonnaise
1 large round artisan loaf
 
Combine dip ingredients.  Chill for 2 hours or more. 
Hollow out loaf, cube removed bread. 
Fill the hole with dip and serve with cubed bread pieces.
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Deb's Mom's Marzipan Squares recipe looks delicious!  She made it a bit easier for people to follow from her Mom's instructions.
Deb's Mom's Marzipan Squares
First Layer 1 Cup All-Purpose Flour 1/3 Cup Shortening ½ TSP Salt 1 ½ TBSP Water - Cut shortening into flour &amp; salt - Drizzle in water to make a pastry bottom - Line a 9” pan with the pastry
 
Second Layer - Spread raspberry jam over pastry (a thin layer) Third Layer 1/2 Cup Butter 2/3 Cup White Sugar 2 Eggs 2/3 Cup Rice Flour (no substitute) 1 TSP Almond Extract - Beat with a mixer the butter &amp; sugar - Add eggs and beat well - Then beat in rice flour - Pour over second layer - Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until firm
 
Four Layer ¼ Cup Shortening 1 Cup Icing Sugar 1 ½ TSP Milk 1/4 TSP Almond Extract ½ TSP Vanilla Pink food colouring (can change to red or green food colouring for Christmas) - Ice the top of the cooled square
TSP = teaspoon TBSP = tablespoon
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Brenda's Mulled Christmas Apple Cider
The delightful scent of mulled apple cider and cinnamon are great for filling your home with warmth during those cold winter days and Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients:
2 L Apple juice
1/2 L Cranberry juice
1 Mandarin orange peeled and sectioned
3 Cinnamon sticks
4 whole cloves
4 cardamom pods
1/4 cup (50 g) fresh cranberries
1 Tsp (6 g) fresh ginger, thinly sliced
Directions:
Place all ingredients in a crock-pot two hours ahead of time. Heat on high until warm. Lower heat to low.
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Christmas baking is a Christmas tradition we all love to share. CHER's staff members are sharing some of their Christmas family traditions with you below. Watch for more tried & true Christmas recipes coming soon. Enjoy!

 The Chronicles of Narnia - Wendy's Staff Pic

Wendy's Staff Pic for November 2023
The Chronicles of Narnia 
by <a style="font-size: 16px; color: #315fc3;" href="https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/11604-Lewis,-C--S-" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link-type="web" data-segment-action="add" data-segment-id="6748de3e-6d3f-11ee-bbec-fa163e78853a">C. S. Lewis</a> have been re-popularized in recent years by movies like The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Prince Caspian, and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, but like most movies based on books, the books are infinitely better. This seven-book series chronicles the creation, corruption, redemption, destruction, and re-birth of a world much like our own, but where animals talk, evil witches plot, and where fauns, centaurs, giants, and dwarves inhabit the land. Some children (and a few adults) from our world are drawn into this realm by magic, and must discover their purpose there and fulfill it. They have experiences of wonder and joy, fear and sorrow, lifelong friendships and betrayal, all while being guided and helped by the Great King, Aslan. 
 
These timeless books have been treasured over generations, and make some of the very best read-alouds available. Children of all ages love and relate to the characters, who learn how to be better people through their adventures in Narnia. Virtues like loyalty, humility, sacrifice, perseverance, and courage are taught by their examples. Adults too, will get caught up in the beautiful stories, rich with meaning, and will take away something new with each reading. 
 
There have been many reprints of this collection, all with the same illustrations, but some with colour. Even so, one of the advantages of reading a book is that the audience imagines their own mental pictures, which is easy to do, as<a style="font-size: 16px; color: #315fc3;" href="https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/11604-Lewis,-C--S-" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link-type="web" data-segment-action="add" data-segment-id="6748de3e-6d3f-11ee-bbec-fa163e78853a">C.S. Lewis</a> was a masterful descriptive writer. 
 
Whether The Chronicles of Narnia are read as an allegory of our own story, or as children’s fiction, they have a way of enriching the soul and becoming dear friends to visit over and over again. 
 
Wendy - An important member of CHER's friendly Customer Service Team

Wendy's Staff Pic for November 2023

The Chronicles of Narnia

by C. S. Lewis have been re-popularized in recent years by movies like The Lion, 

CAN I REALLY HOMESCHOOL MY KIDS? AFTER ALL, I’M NOT A TEACHER

If you are considering homeschooling, or are already venturing down that road, you may be wrestling with self-doubt, or even with skepticism from family and friends. After all, the argument goes, certified teachers have years of training in teaching a specific grade, they have spent considerable time learning about the subjects they will teach, and they have the support of other teachers and their school principal when it comes to various challenges and discipline issues.
I would counter those doubts by asserting that YOU are capable of providing a high quality, stimulating education for your children using thoughtfully designed homeschool curricula and by surrounding yourself with a support network that will get you through the difficult days (and there WILL be a few of those!).
 
While it is true that teachers have no small amount of training, and that good teachers understand the subject matter they are teaching in order to pass that knowledge on to their students, homeschool curricula has been designed for use by the average parent to effectively teach their children at home. Extensive work has gone into crafting engaging texts, interactive workbooks, teaching aids such as flash cards, manipulatives, hands-on activities, and even fun and games that teach concepts and skills. For example,<a href="https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/355-Saxon-Math-Curriculum"> Saxon Math </a>is renowned for its easy to use, scripted lessons, taking the guesswork out of how to present math concepts to young learners. The <a href="https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/1349-Logic-of-English">Logic of English</a> and <a href="https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/31201-All-About-Learning">All About Reading</a> programs utilize stories, flash cards, and games to engage children and make learning English skills easy and enjoyable.<a href="https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/620-Apologia-Young-Explorers-Series-Grades-1-to-6"> Apologia science</a> programs are well-known for the way the text is written directly to the student, in a conversational tone, while also providing top-notch scientific instruction, including <a href="https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/286-Hands-On-Science">hands-on lab assignments</a> for budding scientists to implement at home. <a href="https://canadianhomeeducation.com/195-Math-Manipulatives">Math manipulatives</a> and <a href="https://canadianhomeeducation.com/193-Math-Games">math games</a> take abstract concepts and make them concrete for children. Beautifully<a href="https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/1324-Around-the-World-with-Picture-Books"> illustrated story books </a>and <a href="https://canadianhomeeducation.com/211-novels-such">riveting novels</a> provide captivating pathways for children to learn the art of language. These are only a few examples of how a quality curriculum can take the guesswork out of teaching and help to create a learning environment in which children can thrive.
 
As for a support network, many homeschool families have found tremendous resources through their homeschool boards, churches, communities, friends, and families. Facilitators are there to answer questions about curriculum and meeting learning objectives and the individual needs of each child. Look into joining a community support group meeting where parents can discuss common challenges and encourage one another, or an online forum for families to share ideas and questions. Field trips with other homeschooling families can be organized, or shared gym time where the children can try different physical activities and make friends. Families can arrange learning co-ops, where parents share responsibility for teaching different subjects, providing the opportunity for each mom or dad to teach about an area they excel in or are passionate about, and children have the opportunity to learn from someone else. Look for other homeschool families to connect with and learn from within your community, church, and even extended family and friends. There are probably more people on this adventure than you realize!
 
There are so many different ways to homeschool - maybe as many as there are unique families, with unique children who have unique interests and needs. And as a parent, YOU are in the unique position of knowing how your children learn best, what their interests are, their strengths, weaknesses, and what they already know, as well as what they don’t. You also love your children, which is an advantage even the best teachers don’t have. So trust the curriculum. It is a tool that is there to make your job easier. Trust your instincts about your children. You have the freedom to explore the areas your child has a natural curiosity about, and to make learning a life-long joy. Surround yourself with people who recognize the potential in your kids, and the unlimited possibilities that homeschooling can offer. And above all, enjoy the journey. You can do this!!
 
Wendy W is a homeschool veteran mom of 3, who keeps chickens and bees and loves to cuddle her grandbabies and bake

If you are considering homeschooling, or are already venturing down that road, you may be wrestling with self-doubt, or even with skepticism from family and friends. After all, the argument goes, certified teachers have years of training in teaching a specific grade, they have spent considerable time learning about the subjects they will teach, and they have the support of other teachers and their school principal when it comes to various challenges and discipline issues.

CHER Staff Picks - Holling Clancy Hollings Books

Using the power of story, Beautiful Feet Books has compiled engaging books and created unit study guides to grow curiosity, heighten empathy, and develop critical thinking.
CHER stocks the Beautiful Feet study guides for Around the World with Picture Books Part 1, Around the World with Picture Book...

Using the power of story, Beautiful Feet Books has compiled engaging books and created unit study guides to grow curiosity, heighten empathy, and develop critical thinking.

CHER stocks the Beautiful Feet study guides for Around the World with Picture Books Part 1, Around the World with Picture Book...

“Courage Is More Exhilarating Than Fear And In The Long Run It Is Easier." - Eleanor Roosevelt

- Eleanor Roosevelt
 “Courage is more exhilarating than fear and in the long run it is easier." - Eleanor Roosevelt 
For some of us, taking the first step to homeschool is that frightening thing that you think you can not do. You have so many questions: "What about socialization? Will they graduate from highschool? Will they be able to go to higher education? Can I stand to have my children home all day? Is it legal? I'm not good in Math, how can I teach it? Does homeschooling take up my whole day?'
 
Thousands of families have gone before you who have answered all these questions for themselves. They have answered with an affirmative "Yes, we can homeschool."
 
What about socialization? Many homeschoolers will turn the question around and say that is exactly why they are homeschooling! Think about it. Is 30 children of the same age in a classroom really socialization? Home school children socialize with people of all ages - from newborn to 99. There are plenty of opportunities for children to participate in sports, church activities, community events, family gatherings and other activities where they are actively involved with other children and adults. Studies show that home educated children do well when interacting with all ages.
 
There are many options for homeschool students when it comes to graduating from high school. The traditional diploma route can usually be worked out with credits and through your school board. The apprenticeship route has been popular among homeschool families. Some students take courses at their local college for credits to help them get access to the school of their choice. If your student knows where he/she wants to attend, find out the requirements and work to fulfill those requirements. Look at the course requirements. You may be able to 'build" a course to meet those specifications. Check with your school to find out beforehand.
 
Homeschool children have gone on to the career of their choice. Sometimes it takes planning, but many colleges and universities actually prefer home school students.
 
Home education is legal in Canada. Every province has different regulations. Your provincial home school support group will have that information. Check CHER's website for a list of homeschool boards  <a href="https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/canadian-home-school-boards">https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/canadian-home-school-boards</a> , annual conferences  <a href="https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/canadian-home-school-conferences">https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/canadian-home-school-conferences</a> and <a href="https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/support-groups#National_Support_Groups">HSLDA (Home School Legal Defence Association)</a>
 
You do not have to know it all to teach your child. Teacher's in schools don't. One of the benefits of home schooling is that you learn along with your child.  If you are concerned, there are many excellent curriculum with teacher's manuals to help you. Foe example,  Saxon Math Home School  <a href="https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/355-Saxon-Math-Curriculum">https://www.canadianhomeeducation.com/355-Saxon-Math-Curriculum</a> for grades k through grade 3 has a comprehensive teacher's manual that tells you what to think, do and say! The older grades 5 through 12 have texts that are easily used by the student, with lots of incremental explanation and review to help your student develop strong math skills.

You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.' You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” 