August 31, 2016

New School Year

It's that time again, when school is back in session.  This year, I tried even harder than ever to be ready.  I spent months figuring out what books to buy for my students, researching which books would be best for each of my kids, because they learn so differently from each other.  I waited patiently until we could go school shopping with the kids to get the things we needed and that I wanted to make school better this year.  I was able to get most everything, there are still 2 items on my list that I wanted but haven't been able to find for the price that I want.  Weird, but you know what, that's life!

We have white boards, we have markers, we have paper, and note books and binders!  I now have a nice electric pencil sharpener, and a good strong  stapler, a good 3 hole punch.  As the teacher I have a plan and am totally ready to start having fun with my students.  Best of all, I'm excited to once again be teaching my own children, since we homeschool.

What are your teacher must haves?
What is your favorite part of going back to school?
Do you have any traditions for back to school fun?



August 19, 2016

Whispering to Horses Book Review

Whispering to Horses is a short quick book about the honest hard work of an Amish boy, an adult man who learns about his family history, and a broken promise of youth.  When you see how short this book is, you might think that it's a Young Adult book, or even a child's book but do not be fooled, this book though it's pages are few, pack lessons of life for all to read.

Matt is a young adult man who is trying to fix up his Grandfather's old farm house and yard so he can sell it and move to the big city so he can be closer to work and his lifestyle.  Next door to him is an Amish community, starting with a family of young children and a teenage boy.  This boy is observed by Matt has to always be working, working really hard with a pair of beautiful large horses and funny looking equipment.  The boy wonders why Matt's family sold off their farm land; while Matt wonders why this youth uses old fashioned contraptions for his yard work instead of new technology like tractors and such.

Matt's family is very much on the path of life that follows the famous saying "Keeping up with the Jones".  But as the story flows, you can see how open Matt's heart really is, and how a young boy who knows how to whisper to horses, use old equipment, and work hard can bring a light and happiness to a busy city guy.

I have to admit it's hard to write this review, because there are so many great lessons, but I don't want to put spoilers in my review.  Let me just say, this book is worth reading regardless of your age.  It's perfect for teachers to use as they teach their students History, cultures, and economics.  This is a great fast read for adults who want to ponder deep life questions Matt asks and discovers through his relationship with the boy and his Amish neighbors.  My nugget of suggestions is to really think about the lesson of :"Whispering to Horses" and how that can help you in your life.

To comply with the Federal Trade Commision's regulations, I must mention as part of every review because of BookCrash, that the publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of the book, through BookCrash, in exchange for an honest non biased review.