Timeless Literature
"What should my children do for English class," many homeschool moms ask me.
"Read good books," I reply without hesitation.
"Should they read anthologies or English textbooks?" they continue, amazed that the answer is so simple.
"NO! Just read good literature. It will build vocabulary, teach grammar effortlessly, and improve spelling."
"What should they do for book reports?" homeschool moms continue.
"They don't need to do book reports," I reply.
"What?" they are aghast.
"Just talk about books with your kids," I explain. "You can tell if they understand the book when you talk about it with them. Ask questions like this....
"Did you like the book? Why?"
"Who was your favorite character in the book? Why?"
"Tell me about the story. Was it exciting or boring? What made it exciting or boring?"
"Do you think your sister would enjoy this book? Why or why not?"
Just, let them read! Here are some of our family's favorite classics.
Charlotte's Web by E. B. White is a bittersweet tale of friendship between a pig destined for slaughter and the beloved spider that saves him. When Katie Beth finished this book, her first "chapter book," I knew she had "comprehended" the story because she sobbed when Charlotte dies. A touching tale your family will enjoy set in an old-fashioned barn.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott will introduce your children to a lovely family of daughters who are devoted to one another. Their fun-filled adventures will put a smile on your children's faces. Life lessons are learned along the way and this book has some sad parts too.
The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain is a fun adventure story of a poor boy who looks exactly like a prince. You guessed it--they trade places. This tale moves quickly and is full of humor. Set in England, the land of queens and kings.
The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare is set in the time of Jesus in Galilee when Rome occupied Israel. Daniel, a young Jewish man, has witnessed the crucifixion of his own father and is bent on taking revenge. But he meets someone who changes his life. A great story!
Heidi by Johanna Spyri is a lovely tale of how love can change lives. Heidi hears the Gospel and gives her heart to Jesus when she stays with her cousin, Clara. In turn, Heidi's love transforms her grandfather, who goes back to church after a lifetime of bitterness at the end of the book. Set in the Swiss alps, you can see the lovely scenery through the eyes of the author. You will laugh and cry as you turn this book's pages.
Freckles by Gene Stratton-Porter is the story of a homeless orphan who tries to prove his value as a young man. This story is set in the Limberlost swamp. A great story for reading aloud too.
Strawberry Girl by Lois Lenski is set in Old Florida at the time of Crackers. This is the story of a young family beginning a new life in the wilderness called Florida. A great story, neat setting, and delightful characters.
Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates by Mary Mapes Dodge introduces you to a sweet family in Holland who have found themselves in hard times. This is the story of their struggle. What godly character is displayed in this book. You will love the story!
Swiss Family Robinson was written by a pastor, Johann Wyss, to tell his children. This is a great adventure novel filled with all kinds of exciting moments. This is one of our favorite read alouds. Filled with life lessons, this book is a Christ-centered story, something that is not evident in the Disney movie version.
Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder is the first in a lovely set of books based on the author's childhood adventures. You will love Ma, Pa, big sister Mary, and baby sister Carrie.
Pollyanna by Eleanor Porter will have your family playing the Glad Game too, just like Pollyanna who transforms a whole town with her way of finding the good in everything. Her cheerful optimism is put to the test and the town comes through in a beautiful way. I love this story!
Amos Fortune, Freeman by Elizabeth Yates is a tale that covers 2 continents. Born the son of a king, Amos is captured by slave traders and finds himself in Massachusetts. He dreams of freedom for himself and others, but he doesn't just dream--he makes it happen. My son loved this book.
The Door in the Wall by Marguerite de Angeli is a creative adventure story of a boy who saves his castle. This tale is set in the Middle Ages. A great historical fiction story.
For more ideas for your homeschooling reading adventures, grab some reading lists off of my website, Joyful and Successful Homeschooling. Happy reading.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott will introduce your children to a lovely family of daughters who are devoted to one another. Their fun-filled adventures will put a smile on your children's faces. Life lessons are learned along the way and this book has some sad parts too.
The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain is a fun adventure story of a poor boy who looks exactly like a prince. You guessed it--they trade places. This tale moves quickly and is full of humor. Set in England, the land of queens and kings.
The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare is set in the time of Jesus in Galilee when Rome occupied Israel. Daniel, a young Jewish man, has witnessed the crucifixion of his own father and is bent on taking revenge. But he meets someone who changes his life. A great story!
Heidi by Johanna Spyri is a lovely tale of how love can change lives. Heidi hears the Gospel and gives her heart to Jesus when she stays with her cousin, Clara. In turn, Heidi's love transforms her grandfather, who goes back to church after a lifetime of bitterness at the end of the book. Set in the Swiss alps, you can see the lovely scenery through the eyes of the author. You will laugh and cry as you turn this book's pages.
Freckles by Gene Stratton-Porter is the story of a homeless orphan who tries to prove his value as a young man. This story is set in the Limberlost swamp. A great story for reading aloud too.
Strawberry Girl by Lois Lenski is set in Old Florida at the time of Crackers. This is the story of a young family beginning a new life in the wilderness called Florida. A great story, neat setting, and delightful characters.
Swiss Family Robinson was written by a pastor, Johann Wyss, to tell his children. This is a great adventure novel filled with all kinds of exciting moments. This is one of our favorite read alouds. Filled with life lessons, this book is a Christ-centered story, something that is not evident in the Disney movie version.
Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder is the first in a lovely set of books based on the author's childhood adventures. You will love Ma, Pa, big sister Mary, and baby sister Carrie.
Pollyanna by Eleanor Porter will have your family playing the Glad Game too, just like Pollyanna who transforms a whole town with her way of finding the good in everything. Her cheerful optimism is put to the test and the town comes through in a beautiful way. I love this story!
Amos Fortune, Freeman by Elizabeth Yates is a tale that covers 2 continents. Born the son of a king, Amos is captured by slave traders and finds himself in Massachusetts. He dreams of freedom for himself and others, but he doesn't just dream--he makes it happen. My son loved this book.
The Door in the Wall by Marguerite de Angeli is a creative adventure story of a boy who saves his castle. This tale is set in the Middle Ages. A great historical fiction story.
For more ideas for your homeschooling reading adventures, grab some reading lists off of my website, Joyful and Successful Homeschooling. Happy reading.
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