Sizing and Spacing

I am pulling books off the shelves in preparation of Jesse's school year. I wish I had kept a more detailed list of which books were read by which children. Books I read aloud to sons #1-2 were sometimes forgotten about for sons #3-4. I had assumed they were listening when I read aloud!

And maybe they were, but comprehension for The Last of the Mohicans probably wasn't real strong when they were 4 and 2 years.

So now I have this HUGE pile of classics that need to be read by Jesse in the next couple of years. And alas, he is a slooooowwwww reader.

Not only is he a slow reader, but the size of the font in the book is terribly important to him. Jesse is mildly dyslexic- very functional- would never have known this was the problem except that if affected his love to read. If his eyes start to water then the text is too small. Too much strain. They tear up. Even within one or two sentences. Large print is too big and his little man ego would probably prevent him from reading something in the large print edition. Hmmph. Men.

Spacing between lines is also another issue I have to deal with. There needs to be some spacing between the lines.

So even the books I have on the shelf, and oh boy, do I have books- these aren't going to work for him. I considered the Kindle so that he could adjust the size of the font. He is really not too keen on the idea and I am not sure I want to share. I love my Kindle. I won't share it with anybody. And I am never more than 10 feet from mine. So this is an issue.

I had bought a new The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis last year and the sizing and spacing will be perfect. So that will go to the front of the reading list. My Side of the Mountain is also adequate. The Yearling, however, is not.

Robinson Crusoe is not.

The Deerslayer is not.

The House of Seven Gables is not.

I have to go book shopping. I can't even shop on my beloved Amazon because I need to see the books and decide if they will work for him. Jesse will need to go with me and test out a few sentences. I could go by myself. I know what will work. But I want to train him to make these decisions for himself in a book store.

Dyslexics who are understanding how their eye-to-brain function works have to learn how to learn. And that includes understanding how they are designed. Just different. Acknowledging design is liberating for us. A little more costly for me, but I would much rather have two copies of these books on the shelf and them both read by all the sons than one copy and one not able to read it.

This is why I need more bookshelves!

Founding Fathers

It is IMPERATIVE that our children understand

the Constitution and the intent of the Founding Fathers.

Notebooking for The Politically Incorrect Guide

to The Founding Fathers

Chapter 6

The antithesis of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams' part in the founding of our country is detailed. He is not one of the most likeable men in the Big Six, but lessons can be learned from him. While learning about his character- flaws and all- his passion for this country is sure. One thing is learned- every group needs one man to challenge thinking and sharpen ideas through debate and disagreement. John Adams was that man. He brings to the Founding Fathers lessons mixed reactions to his personality, character, and intentions for this country. It seems tolerance was required in days of old as well as today.

Categories covered:
The Revolution
"His Rotundity"
The Insecure President
Retirement

Download now for $1.50!

Notebooking for The Politically Incorrect Guide to The Founding Fathers

Matthew 6:25b "...is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?"

Just in case you have the pressing down on your chest "I have so much to do" feeling, just remember these liberating words from our Savior. There is so much more to taking care of your little ones than feeding and clothing them. I know all about that burden. Feeding four sons did take up a lot of my time and thoughts. I had a small budget to work with and their stomachs were/are bottomless. Clothes- it was/is a constant burden. It is very easy to get bogged down and schedule the greatest amount of our time concerned with taking care of our childrens physical needs.

But life is so much more than food and raiment.......so much more.

Focus more on this verse. Let it liberate you and take guilt away if you know there is a greater need for snuggles and cuddles, or a nature walk, even an afternoon of art.

The laundry will still be there and so will the dishes.

~Shannon (pictured with Ethan, Breigha, and Chloe- my grandchildren)

The Government Can

Nice little way to incorporate history, music, dance, and reading into school! I am a huge fan of Tim Hawkins and this little video made me smile- on a Monday morning no less!

The Government Can

Mommies Can Learn Too

Keeping up on current events is hard when you have little ones all around and a dozen schedules to coordinate. News? Who wants to watch and get depressed? And you can't keep it on long for fear of traumatizing your young ones. Do they really need to see the policeman who was killed or the home that was burned to the ground? News watching and gathering is tricky. I get most of my news from my favorite web sites but even that gives me conflicts as I spend enough time with a keyboard in front of me.

So how does one stay up on all the little tricksy things the politicians are up to? I have learned a little trick these last few months that will allow you, on those rare date nights with real grown ups eating real food, food you did not have to cut up into tiny non choking pieces, to participate in grown up "Washington" conversations. You need to know 2 things:

1. the Constitution
2. the intent and purpose of the Founding Fathers

Have you ever heard the saying, "If you study the truth long enough, you can easily see the lie"?

If you were to study just enough to grasp or refresh these two elements, you can stay on top of any political conversation (from my experience so far!). I am reluctant to turn this post into a sales pitch, yet I am feeling quite passionate for you, dear mothers. If there has ever been a time in our recent history where it is vital for you to play a part in leading your child through current events fused with correct American history, it is now.

My experience from these last few months of helping FFYB create this notebooking line for The Politically Incorrect Guide to The Founding Fathers has been one of incredible insight into my own lack of sharp debating skills, lack of current events knowledge, and my awkwardness at being left behind in interesting adult dinner conversation.

Might I suggest this Notebooking series might be a good summer course for mommies? I KNOW you don't have much time, but the design on these pages is quick, to the point, and thorough. Do just one chapter a week. Look at the notebook page and you could scan the book to make it even quicker.

If you study the basic principles then it won't matter what current event happening at the time. Reference the Constitution and the Founding Fathers and you are up to speed. It's brilliant.

You need the reference book The Politically Incorrect Guide to The Founding Fathers. I bought mine used at Amazon.

You will need these files: buy chapters as needed- Notebooking for The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Founding Fathers

I want to encourage mommies to stay in tune with our history as it is happening.

Perhaps these quick, little files will help you do just that.

Blessings,

Shannon- up-to-date dinner conversationalist.