School hours are like a monster (however excellent that school may be), gobbling up the child’s treasure of time.  Careful now!  We only get to be a child once.  For some children, there are more calls on time:  gymnastics, music, swimming, extra spelling, French tutoring.  And what about the church?  However worthwhile each separate activity is, it is important to keep a check on how much of the child’s time is being "organized," and make a wise and balanced choice of priorities.  Children’s overall needs should be thoughtfully considered. Children are being "fitted into" a streamlined schedule designed for the parents so they can cope with their pressures. There should…

I don’t know why it is but I have a hard time getting fresh ideas and inspiration for our Nature Study.  I feel it’s a little pointless sometimes since my boys spend plenty of time outdoors and have  learned quite a bit about nature without any help from me!   This week I needed some ideas so I turned to Keeping a Nature Journal by Clare Walker Leslie.  Under the chapter The Autumn Journal she gives several suggestions.  I chose the following, making a few variations: 1.  Find different grass, rush, and sedge seed heads, and draw them. 2.  Find different colored leaves.  (This is a challenge around my house since a lot of…