Literary Lessons from Lord of the Rings

There are times when you purchase curriculum that does its job, and you’re happy with it.  There are other times that the ‘fantastic, new, curriculum’ is an absolute flop, and ends up sitting on the shelf or re-sold.  And then, there are times when you purchase something that is an absolute hit – just perfect for your children, for you, and your homeschool.

Literary Lessons from Lord of the Rings, for us, is one such curriculum.  I purchased it several years ago, and I was always a little nervous about it; the student and teacher volumes are huge, as is, of course, the Lord of the Rings itself.  And yet, it remained on my ‘to do’ list – one day – in the future. 

Earlier this year, I was busy planning our curriculum, and I needed to choose something for either literature or essay writing.  We’d completed several of the IEW courses, and I knew my teens were quite proficient with essays, so I decided to go with literature.  But what to use?  As always, there was a stack of choices, and then I spied LOTR, sitting on the shelf, waiting.  Maybe, I thought, now was the time to use it.  And I’m glad I did!

So much more than a fill-in-the-blanks curriculum, LiteraryLessons from Lord of the Rings offers comprehensive chapter summaries, vocabulary words, challenge questions, essay suggestions, and at the end of each book, unit studies.  The unit studies cover things such as the author’s life, other great works of literature, map work, and more.  Currently, we are working through Unit Study Five, which covers the timeless works of Homer and Vergil – The Odyssey, the Iliad, and the Aeneid.  Having studied Homer’s works a couple of years ago, it is refreshing to do a re-cap of these marvellous, epic tales.  The essay assignments are also wonderful (at least from my point of view!), and there are many ‘optional writing assignments’, some of which we tackle, and others that we freely leave out and move on. 

All the elements of literature are covered as well.  One lesson may concentrate on theme, the next on conflict, another on character or setting, and so forth.  In this way, literary terms are learned, and with the writing assignments, they are also put into practice.  Recently, we were asked to write a paragraph, vividly describing our favourite location, which could have been imaginary or real.  The programme also encourages the use of strong verbs and quality adjectives, meaning it dovetails with the IEW programme perfectly!  So I can rest assured that my young writers are also receiving some fantastic instruction that has helped them in their own writing endeavours.

Even my ten-year-old loves it.  Although she is not reading the novels or completing the essays, she enjoys sitting down with us as we discuss each chapter and work through the exercises.  She is in charge of the answer book, and as we shout out our answers, young Aimee excitedly informs us whether or not our answers are correct! 

Literary Lessons from Lord of the Rings is certainly a keeper.  The chapter summaries help with putting the story together and keeping everything fresh in one’s mind, and the vocabulary word studies give a greater understanding of the author and the text.  Sometimes, comprehension questions and literature studies can dull the story, but that is not so in this case.  This curriculum helps to bring to life the timeless story of Frodo and his companions, and the studies of other great classics, the challenging essays, and the literacy lessons make this a complete high-school Literature course.  This is one resource that undoubtedly receives the ‘thumbs up’, and I look forward to using it again in the future.

Linda.

Our Centenary

This past Sunday saw a huge celebration in our town;  the Centenary of our local Catholic Church.

 

The bishop attended, along with our current priest, a previous priest from our parish, and of course, our own Sister Moreen.  The church was packed, not just with Catholics, but with people all denominations and creeds.  Many people took part, including our own Daniel, who was called upon to read the prayers of the faithful. 

After Mass,  we headed out to the cemetery, where the Bishop blessed the graves of the faithful departed.  While there, I managed to find the grave of my late Step-Grandfather, who is the one, sole Catholic in my ancestry line as far as I am aware. It took a while to find the grave, as it was sort-of facing the opposite way to most of the tomb stones, but, find it we did.  The Bishop handed me the holy water, and together, we blessed his grave.  I then proceed to tell him the story of 'Robbie', who I never met, but had only heard the story of how one day he was drunk and swore at the visiting priest.  'Well, that'd be why we made him face the opposite way to everyone else, as his punishment', commented the bishop, and with a big grin, turned to move onto the next grave.

Later, it was time to head to the bowling club for lunch.  Now, it is a long-held tradition in the Maher family that the children, no matter how unruly at home, know how to present themselves in public, be well dressed, and behave in an orderly way.  I think we're definitely breaking with tradition there.  :)

There I was, giving a well-prepared talk to my three youngest girls on the importance of waiting before taking second helpings or taking too much one one's plate, when two of my darling teens arrived back at the table - plates ready and loaded with  - yep, seconds! 

 

Next, I turn to see my twelve-year-old looking like this:

And, it just got worse! 

Adorable, arent' they?   Yep, it's official - we are who we are, take us or leave us....   I've done my best! 


Still the bishop didn't seem to mind - in fact, both our local priest and the bishop eventually joined our little gathering for a laugh and a chat.

Still, sometimes we question why the people of our town think we're a little 'strange' - just can't figure it out.....

Linda.

2012 Art Encouragement Award

Back in April, I mentioned in one of my posts that I had won the 'Art Encouragement Award' at our local Laura Folk Fair. 

However, it was a busy time, and I never got around to putting up any further information, or a picture of my 'prize-winning' composition.

It was a great honor to receive the award, especially given that only one award is given each year, and we have some fantastic artisits living in our area.  I had no expectations of winning, so it took me completely by surprise.

The award read: 

And here is my composition.  I used pastels on black card, and entitled the painting 'Velvet Roses'.

Velvet Roses

I am very grateful to have been chosen for this award, and it has most certainly encouraged me to continue with my art work - time of course, is always an issue - but it is certainly something I enjoy.


Linda.

TTC22 - Touch Twin Markers Challenge

Over the past couple of days, I've managed to take some time out for some art & craft.  Here's my latest card, which I am entering into the 'TTC22 - Touch Twin Markers' latest challenge:

For this card, I used Pastel Blue, Pale Green, and Cosmos to colour the butterflies, and based the card on one of the examples as shown on the Touch Twin Markers site.

We have a few agricultural shows coming up in our area, which include several art and craft categories, so no doubt the card, paper, pencils, markers, and whatever else will be well used over the next few weeks!  


:)

Linda.

An Experience I'd Rather Not Repeat.

The good news is, we are home safely from band practice.

The bad news?  Our car is totalled.

About 1/2 way home, a huge kangaroo decided to jump out on the road, and we collided head-on.  I am absolutely astounded just how much damage can happen in a split second, and how much a car can crumple with one thump.

Fortunately, we were able to continue our drive home, all be it with a very buckled bonnet, and a front door that will probably never open again.

Of course, the best news is that all four of us are fine.  However, it's an experience I'd rather not repeat any time soon.  :)

Linda.

My Dad...

My Dad is 91 years old.  You could say he was 'old' even before I was born. Not that I've ever thought of him as 'old' - to this day, he remains the 'youngest' 91-year-old I've ever met, and is still ready for a laugh and some fun!

I was the youngest in our family - quite a shock, actually - my next oldest sibling, my brother, is 11 years older than I, so my parents had thought their family was complete.  And yet, Surprise!  Along came Linda. 

Dad has led a long, full, and fun life.  However, it seems age is finally catching up with him.  He now lives in the 'Old Folks Home', is almost blind and suffers with severe hearing loss.  Because of this, he doesn't get around much, and spends most of his days in his comfy chair listening to his radio.   However, as soon as he has the opportunity, he is always ready to entertain his listeners with stories of the 'old days', and to tell what he and his brother got up to, back in the days of 'life on the farm'.

I once wrote down one of his stories, and I thought you might enjoy it.  I entitled it, 'Holy Boulder' - you'll soon see why.

Holy Boulder!

            

The year was 1933. Things were different then – no television, no computers, and certainly no PlayStations – a kid had to make his own fun.

Ernie was twelve years old. He was a skinny kid, with thick black glasses and straggly brown hair. He also had an uncanny knack for getting into trouble. But not today. He was staying at his Uncle Frank’s house, and he was determined to be good.

Uncle Frank was undoubtedly Ernie’s favourite relative. He was tall, slender, and hardworking, and always had time for the youngsters. He also knew how to cook up the most delicious damper and the best beef stew. Without a doubt, the farm was Ernie’s favourite place on earth.

“Well, c’mon, Ernie”, Uncle Frank called, “How ‘bout helping me build my wall down at the creek?”

“Yes, sir!” Ernie responded – he was always ready for some good, hard work, even at his young age.

            The horses and wagon were organised, and soon they were rambling along the rough dirt track. “So, no hassling my horses this time, eh?” Uncle Frank asked. 

“Er, no....” Ernie began.

Uncle Frank smiled. “Last time, you know – they took weeks to recover - I trust you’ll be keeping your nose clean this time?”

“Yes sir, I’ll be on my best behaviour – thinking before I act, just like you taught me!” Ernie replied, full of determination not to let his uncle down.

            In no time at all, they had reached the creek and Uncle began working on the wall. “Right then, I’ll gather some stones, shall I?” Ernie offered.

“Here, take this”, said Uncle Frank, handing Ernie the crowbar. “There’s some good ones up on that hill – see if you can fetch some”.

“Yes, sir!” replied Ernie, eagerly taking the crowbar and scooting up the slope. Quickly, he began digging at whatever stones he could find, and with a quick tap, sent them tumbling down towards the creek. And then, he spotted it. Up on that hill stood a large boulder. Many a time Ernie had tried to shift it, but it just wouldn’t budge – but today, he had been handed a new, shiny crowbar – and had actually been told to gather some stones!

            Glancing back to ensure Uncle Frank wasn’t watching, he quickly made his way along the top of the grassy rise, and reached the boulder in no time. “Hello, old friend”, Ernie said, grinning to himself. “Let’s see if we can move you today, eh?”

Ernie began working quickly but carefully, digging the dirt out from around the boulder. Then, placing the crowbar underneath, he gave it a hefty heave. It moved! Only a little at first, but then suddenly, it began to roll. Faster and faster it moved down the hill, heading directly for the creek - talk about perfect positioning!

            Unfortunately, a slight bump in the hillside sent the boulder slightly to the left. “Damn”, Ernie muttered, “Now it’s going to head......” Ernie stopped short – for he realised it was going to head for not only the creek, but the horses as well – which also meant Uncle Frank!

The boulder was gathering speed at a tremendous rate – Ernie tried to cry out, but his throat just seemed to close – there was no time, nothing he could do, but stand there and look on in horror.

Glancing up from his work, Uncle Frank had just had enough time to cry out “Holy Cow!” before the boulder hit the clump of rocks on the edge of the creek. The rocks sent it hurtling skyward - over the heads of the horses, and as Uncle Frank ducked, it flew straight over his head, too!

In spectacular fashion, the boulder then plummeted to the ground and crashed straight through the netting fence on the opposite side of the creek, tearing it to shreds. Eventually, it came to rest, surrounded by a cloud of dust, a little way beyond the fence.

Cautiously, Ernie made his way down the hill. Uncle Frank turned slowly to face his terrified nephew. “Ernie....”, he began.

“I’m .... I’m sorry Uncle Frank – I... I... I though it would go over there..”, Ernie stammered – his arms wildly pointing off to the right, along the creek-bed.

            “Ernie”, Uncle Frank slowly continued, “I know I told you to gather some stones – but do you think you could leave the hillside there?”

            Dropping his arms, Ernie simply stared at his Uncle, tears and frustration welling up inside him like burning fire. “I… I….” was all he could manage to stammer.

“Well”, Uncle went on, “It seems, young man, that you will not be coming to Church with us tomorrow, as you have yourself some work to do!”, and he gestured towards his netting fence, now laying in ruins. And with one final, fierce look, Uncle Frank turned on his heels, and staggered towards the wagon to calm his startled horses.

            “Oh”, Ernie gasped, his disappointment now complete. For Sunday was the only chance he had to meet with boys of his own age, and now that opportunity had vanished. And as Ernie turned to survey the damage of the netting fence, he wondered to himself if it wouldn’t be several Sundays before he would be allowed to go to Church, or anywhere else for that matter, again.

ends.

Linda.

Free E-Book Giveaway!

FREE E-BOOK COMPETITION:

JULY 25 - AUGUST 11

Adnil Press, along with our friends at Common Sense Press, would like to offer you the chance to win FREE E-BOOKS to the value of US  $30.00!

Your prize can be chosen from any of the Common Sense Press e-books, and include some fabulous titles, including 'Learning Language Arts Through Literature', the 'Great Science Adventure' series, and 'Grocery Cart Math'.

A full list of the CS Press E-books can be found at the link below:

Common Sense Press E-Books

To enter our competition, all you need to do is follow three simple steps:

1. Be a follower of this blog.

2. On your own blog, web-site, or homeschool group, put up a link that links directly back to this post.

3. Leave a comment below.


The winner will be randomly selected after the entries close at midnight AEST, on August 11, and the announcement will be made via a new post on August 12.

Make sure you check back on or after August 12, and if your name is selected, be ready to email us with your contact details!*    Once we receive your email address, we will forward you the details of how to claim your free E-Books. 

Good luck!

Linda.


*If no contact is made within 48 hours, another winner will be randomly chosen.

 
 This prize is not redeemable for cash.

Family Photos

Having all the children home recently offered a rare opportunity for a family photo.  Although we were extremely busy in that time, we managed to grab an afternoon for a trip down to our local 'Appila Springs', were we had the following photos taken:

The Maher Family

The Children (Or More Accurately, The 'Young Adults')  - Plus One!

It was a lovely day, and I feel very blessed to have had them all together again.



Linda.

So Much for That Thought......

Not two minutes after I posted my thoughts last night of our family not being 'in touch' with one another, I heard giggling coming from the two computers next to me.

I turned to ask what was going on, only to discover my 17yo son and my 16yo daughter laughing and chatting with each other - not in person, but - via Google Chat.

It's a conspiracy - I give up!

Linda.

Quote of the Day

There are times when I've felt very discouraged by reading other people's blogs - some people seem so with it, so organised, and their families seem so together.   And, everyone seems so 'in touch' and in agreement with each other.  I often feel like, although this is my ideal, it's a far cry from the reality of our family.

As I mulled over this 'supposed' problem recently, lamenting on how our children seem so different from one another and how we often see things so differently, my darling 15 year old daughter piped up with, 'But Mum, because we're all different, we can each focus on our own talents, and don't have to worry about competing with each other - it's a great way to be!'

Case closed - we're all different - and we're happy that way!

Linda.