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Members of the Bluedorn family, proponents of home education using the Christian Trivium, have put together a variety of helpful materials based upon their many years of experience. The adult children of the family are following in their parents footsteps in writing about their philosophy and methodology of homeschooling. Some of the many paperback booklets offered by Trivium Pursuit, the Bluedorns family business, are discussed below. Please also see the review of Teaching the Trivium, written by Laurie and Harvey Bluedorn. Lives in Print by Ava Bluedorn, $5 -- This 4 " x 11" booklet has an alphabetical list of 150 of Avas favorite biographies and autobiographies. The books selected include both Christian figures of different denominations, such as pastors, missionaries, religious pioneers, and famous historical leaders such as queens, freedom fighters, statesmen, and scientists. The content of each book is described, and a rating for reading level is given. It is also noted whether the book is a biography or an autobiography. In the back of the booklet, these "living" books are grouped by category for easy reference. |
Hand that Rocks the Cradle, a list of good books to read aloud to children, by Nathaniel Bluedorn, $5 -- Nathaniel Bluedorn begins this 4 " x 11" booklet with a persuasive essay on the benefits of reading aloud and the importance of the "healthy mental exercise" of reading over the "less mentally exerting road" of television. He recommends avoiding abridged books and "light reading" with simple grammar; rather, he suggests that families should focus on good classics. Over 300 books are listed alphabetically by author with most, but not all, having a description. Each description includes a brief synopsis, timeframe of the story, setting, copyright date, reading level, and some personal notes about the Bluedorn familys reaction to the book. Books are categorized by subject in the back of the booklet.
Become a Civil War Reenactor by Johannah Bluedorn, $6 -- Johannah Bluedorn tells how to get started in Civil War reenactment events in this 7" x 8 " booklet. She describes what happens at these events and then gives guidelines and suggestions for developing your "impression," the role you will play. Specific suggestions for buying or creating authentic clothing, including crochet patterns for ladies accessories, are shared. Dancing is discussed, and the instructions for doing a Virginia Reel are detailed. Johannah recommends that families attend an event as a spectator before deciding if the activity is right for them, and she lists references in the back of the book to assist families in finding events, reenactment enthusiasts, and companies that sell needed garb.
The Alphabet for Biblical Greek and The Alphabet for Biblical Hebrew by Johannah Bluedorn, $5 each -- Johannah Bluedorn introduces the Greek and Hebrew alphabets to young children with delightful illustrations in these simple picture books. Each letter is pictured on the left page, and the sound it makes, along with instructions on how to draw the letter, are shown on the facing page. A summary chart copied on plain paper is folded and put in a pocket on the last page of the booklet.
Recommendation: The Bluedorn family has put together information that is bound to stimulate new directions for study in your homeschool. If you are looking for some help in regenerating enthusiasm in living books or activities, these are sure to please.
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