PSN5: Through Shakespeare's Eyes

To read past library recommendations, or to join the email list, visit: Pope Saint Nicholas V.

Check to see if this title is already in your library's catalog. If it is, put a hold on it and check it out. If not, fill out a patron request form right away. This can usually be done online at your library's website.

Title: Through Shakespeare's Eyes
Author: Joseph Pearce
Publisher: Ignatius Press
Date Published: February 2010
ISBN-10: 1586174134

ISBN-13: 978-1586174132
Price: 19.95 hardcover (Amazon price $13.57), Kindle $9.99

Product Description:

Fulfilling the promise he made in his previous book, The Quest for Shakespeare, bestselling literary writer Joseph Pearce analyzes in this volume three of Shakespeare's immortal plays -The Merchant of Venice, Hamlet and King Lear - in order to uncover the Bard's Catholic beliefs.

In The Quest for Shakespeare, which has been made into an EWTN television series, Pearce delved into the known biographical evidence for Shakespeare's Catholicism. Here the popular and provocative author digs into the plays, which were written and first performed during the English crown's persecution of Catholics.

English history and literature were taught for generations through the prism of English Protestantism. Of late both of these fields have been dominated in universities and academic presses by modern scholars with filters and interpretations of their own. Though the evidence for Shakespeare's Catholicism has been studied before now, thanks, in part, to the unique contribution of Joseph Pearce, the Bard's genius is being analyzed in the open air of the public arena, the very place where Shakespeare intended his dramas to entertain and edify.

"What more is there to be said about William Shakespeare? Yet the supply of books on the great dramatist is never ending. Now, however, there is a new reason for this supply. The religion of Shakespeare, and specifically his Catholicism, is now recognized as a 'hot topic'."
-Peter Milward, S.J., Shakespeare scholar and author,Shakespeare the Papist.

Side Note: Homeschool Connections offers a MacBeth course from Dr. Henry Russell: The Catholic Shakespeare. It is currently available via the subscription service.

Catholic Unit Studies

A friend wrote to me:

Dear Maureen,

I am looking for an engaging Catholic home school program that teaches the family together while having individual assignments related to a theme. I have heard that this is what Konos does but it is not Catholic. I am not keeping up with teaching them all individually and they don't like it either.

Got any suggestions?

So, what are your suggestions for her? I'd love to hear what others have to say!

On the Radio

I have an interview tomorrow (Friday) on Relevant Radio to talk online education and take questions. They're giving me the entire hour from 2:00 to 3:00 PM Eastern on the show On Call. I hope you all will tune in and maybe even call in with a question or two. If you don't have a local station, you can listen online.

I'm also scheduled to appear on April 7th and July 8th to discuss homeschooling.

Upcoming Speaking Engagements

I have 5 confirmed speaking engagements so far this upcoming season. I'd like to share the schedule with you so if you're in the neighborhood you can mark the date. I love meeting friends when I travel.

March 21
North Pittsburgh Catholic Homeschoolers

March 26-27
St. Louis Catholic Homeschool Association

May 21-22
Dayton Catholic Homeschool Conference
Topics: Relax You Too Can Homeschool and Virtually Homeschooling

May 28-29
Minnesota Catholic Home Education Conference
Topics: Thrifty Homeschooler, Relax You Too Can Homeschool and For the Love of Literature

June 19
Sacred Heart -- New Jersey

Hillside Education and Helping Those in Need

A while back, Margot Davidson of Hillside Education started a special page at her website to help homeschooling families in financial crisis. This month her Helping Those in Need page is focusing on Regina Doman's family. If you'd like to find some good buys and help a struggling family at the same time please pay a visit. Look for the links that say Handmade Items, Books Used, Books new, etc. (I'm leaning toward the rosary roses and crocheted hats myself!)

Homeschool Connections is taking part too. We will donate 50% of all live courses and $30 for every subscription (recorded courses). Just drop us an email at homeschoolconnections@gmail.com to let us know to credit your enrollment or subscription to Regina and her family.

Thank you Margot for organizing this effort!

Regina Doman, Fairy Tales, and Juvenile Diabetes

I am making a special appeal to you on behalf of our dear Regina Doman. If you do not know Regina, she is a very special Catholic homeschooling mother. Her Fairy Tale Novels have been inspiring teens, including my daughters, for some years now. When I see Regina at conferences there is always a line out the door of homeschooled teens waiting their turn to gush over her.

Recently, Regina's 6-year-old son was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. Unfortunately, the Doman's current financial and insurance situation leaves little if any room to cover the projected on-going costs of managing this illness.

What I would like to ask of you is this:

In addition to your prayers, please ask your bookstore, library, youth group, homeschool group, school, and book club to consider buying Regina Doman's Fairy Tale Novels.

Buying directly from Regina is the best route to help financially. Also, Regina's Fairy Tale Novels are available on Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble, as well as from these websites and others:

St. George Books
Adoremus Books
Catholic Child
Catholic Company
Living Bread

Interestingly, Regina's Fairy Tale Novels will also be available in Polish. She recently signed an agreement with a publisher in Poland. How cool is that!

Contest - Win One Free Year of Recorded Courses!

Homeschool Connections just started a new subscription service and to celebrate we're having a contest! Leave a comment on the fan page in the next 48 hours and you can win a free 1-year subscription to our recorded courses. If you're not already a fan, that's easily fixed, just go HERE.

This subscription service is great for all families with middle to high school age kids. Try it for 7 days at $1! You can then keep it for only $30/mo or cancel with no obligation. This is a terrific way to supplement your child's education at your pace, on your schedule, and in the comfort of your own home!

Christmas Menu

Now to get the grocery list together for the Christmas day meal. Not only do I have to keep it gluten free but I also need to be mindful that my husband is a vegetarian. Oh, we'll have a turkey, one won by Sparky at the 4-H turkey shoot, but I'll make sure to have enough vegetarian fair for Rob. Fortunately, he eats fish and eggs (from our own free-range chickens). I would probably opt for salmon or smoked whitefish as our main dish if it were not for the prize turkey.

Here's the menu:

Appetizers
Shrimp Cocktail
Christmas Tree Cheese Log and crackers

Salad
Lynette's Salad
Raspberry Vinaigrette

Side Dishes
Winter Root Pudding
Wild Rice Pilaf with Water Chestnuts

Main Course
Roast Turkey

Dessert
White Chocolate Cheesecake

Gluten-Free Christmas Baking

I'm getting my shopping list together for Christmas baking. In choosing what will go on the Wittmann goody list, I need to keep my child with celiac disease in mind. The following Christmas recipes are all gluten free and totally yumcious:

Popcorn Snowman
Meringue Cookies
Peanut Butter Cookies
Fudge Wreath
Cream Cheese Mints
English Toffee
Lollipops

It's different from the days when I would bake hundreds upon hundreds of cookies but no less delicious. And I don't find myself covered in flour at day's end.

Sea to Shining Sea at Google Books

My nine-year old was having trouble finding an answer in her Sea to Shining Sea textbook and so she brought the book to me. I couldn't find the answer anywhere in the book. So, I did what I always do -- I googled the question. Lo and behold, I not only found the answer but I found it straight from the horse's mouth. The teacher's edition for Sea to Shining Sea (Ignatius) is online for free!

You'll find it here:
From Sea to Shining Sea the Story of America Teacher's Edition

Hey There Obama (Drink the Kool Aid)

I love this YouTube. You got to watch and then pass it on! The singer is a friend of ours and he did a great job along with all the other folks who wrote and produced the video. Wouldn't it be cool if they got their views up to 500,000! Do want you can to help them attain that goal.

Now, be prepared to laugh (or cry) ...

PSN5: Discovering Mary

I started reading David Mill's newest book on the way home from St. Louis recently. I'm excited about getting it posted on the Pope St. Nicholas V list as it's a good one for public libraries. It offers Catholic teaching but in the kind of non-sectarian style libraries like. It’s more an explanation than an apologetic, though I think the explanation itself is apologetic, at least to those who have ears to hear.

It’s also a good book for homeschool theology studies as David was careful to present the data in a way that gives a Catholic student the necessary foundation for more advanced doctrine and devotion. The Q & A format makes it easy to read and understand, and by golly the facts are just fun to know.

To read past library recommendations, or to join the email list, visit: Pope Saint Nicholas V.

Check to see if this title is already in your library's catalog. If it is, put a hold on it and check it out. If not, fill out a patron request form right away. This can usually be done online at your library's website.

Title: Discovering Mary: Answers to Questions about the Mother of God
Author: David Mills
Publisher: Servant Press
Date Published: October 2009
ISBN-10: 0867169273
ISBN-14: 978-0867169270
Price: 12.99, paperback (9.35 Amazon)

Reviews:
Mike Aquilina
Big C Catholics

Yumcious Cool Whip Frosting

This is the easiest frosting recipe and yummy too! My friend Colleen gave it to me 15 or so years ago and I still make it from time to time, including today for Teen Daughter 2's Sweet 16.

1 c. milk
1 (8 oz.) Cool Whip
1 small pkg. pudding

Mix the milk and pudding well, fold in the Cool Whip, and frost cake.

Easy!

I'm not a big frosting person. In fact, I've been known to eat my cake and leave the frosting behind. But I really like this one! The only thing is that you need to put leftovers in the fridge instead of out on the counter.

Have You Missed Me?

While in St. Louis for Thanksgiving, my mother, who does not have internet and no clue as to how one surfs the internet, scolded me, "How come you haven't been writing in that blog thingy!!!" Apparently, my sister Chrissy likes to keep up on my life via Blogger and she complained to my mother that I haven't written in a zillion years. Plus, being the good daughter she is, Chrissy will call Mom and read my posts to her when I write something remotely interesting.

I explained to my mother that my life is busy. You know that whole homeschool mom thing and now business owner on top of it. Running Homeschool Connections leaves just enough time for the kids and not enough for blogging. "Besides," I defended myself, "Chrissy can get Facebook if she wants to follow me." I only got a blank stare with that one. Did I mention my mom doesn't have internet?

I left things at that, traveled home to Michigan, got back to my life and ignored my poor pitiful blog. And then the phone call came. It was Mom. "I have a favor to ask as your mother." I knew I was in trouble. Whenever you mother starts a sentence like that you start thinking, "Please let it be a little favor, please," because, as you all know, you can't say "No" to your mom when she says that. If you do, then you'll get the Catholic-mother-guilt-trip. You know the one, "Oh, that's okay. I don't mind really. It's not like I gave up my whole life just to birth you or anything. I wouldn't want you to go out of your way for me. I should be more selfless as your mother and the person who gave you the gift of life. So don't worry about it. It's okay." I know this is true because I use the Catholic-mother-guilt-trip on my own children and it works like a charm.

Where was I? Oh yes, "I have a favor to ask as your mother. Write in your blog thingy just once a week. That's all I'm asking. Just once a week. It would make your sister so happy."

So, here I am writing. My sister better be reading this. Though I'm not so sure about the prospect of her calling my mom and reading it to her. Thankfully, she's 500 miles away and can't threaten to ground me for my bad tone of voice (I got in trouble for that a lot. That and eye rolling.)

I hereby promise to write in my blog thingy once a week. At least until my sister gets that Facebook thingy.

Free Shipping from Catholic Heritage Curricula

I love Catholic Heritage Curricula. I started ordering from them back in the day when they were known as Catholic Heritage Games. Right now they're offering free shipping on orders over $50. So, if you need to place an order for the spring semester, now is the time.

Survey: Your Input on Catholic College Information

I need your input. Remember a few days ago I mentioned Catholic College Month? Well, the response has been terrific. I've been notified by a large number of good Catholic colleges and universities over the past few days who would like to participate.

Here's how you can help: I need to know what topics and what colleges you want to hear about. Please take a couple of minutes to complete this survey: Catholic College Webinars. There are only four questions to complete, but I can't tell you how much that would help everyone involved in this ever growing project. Please tell all your friends!

Thank you!

PSN5: The Rosary

When I received this little book in the mail I thought to myself, "Sigh. Yet another book on the rosary." I know that sounds terrible, but in my defense I do have a whole shelf full of rosary books. However, it was written by fellow blogger Karen Edmisten, and being a fan I gave it a read. And I'm glad I did. It was fresh and I loved it.

Not only did I love it, but my teen daughter loved it. During a long drive one afternoon, just the two of us with her driving, she asked me to read it aloud to her. As side note I have to interject here that I love homeschooling. I don't know many, if any, non-homeschooled students who would ask their mom to please, please read a book on the rosary to them.

Anyway, back to my mini review, Karen not only taught my daughter and me about the history and the beauty of the rosary but she touched our emotion. I found myself at moments, when Karen talks of her fallen past, with tears welling up in my eyes. Being a recovering heathen myself, I was quite moved by Karen's discovery of the Church and the rosary after years of atheism.

So, with all that said, I've decided to recommend Karen's book on the Pope St. Nicholas V list. I think it belongs not only on your bookshelf but on the library's shelf as well. It is a short easy read yet packed full of vital information -- perfect for today's reader.

To read past library recommendations, or to join the email list, visit: Pope Saint Nicholas V.

Check to see if this title is already in your library's catalog. If it is, put a hold on it and check it out. If not, fill out a patron request form right away. This can usually be done online at your library's website.

Title: The Rosary: Keeping Company With Jesus and Mary
Author: Karen Edmisten
Publisher: Saint Anthony Messenger Press
Date Published: May 2009
ISBN-10: 0867168757
ISBN-14: 978-0867168754
Price: 8.99, softcover

Reviews:
Conversion Diary
Danielle Bean
Nancy Carpentier Brown
Links to many, many more positive reviews can be found at Karen's blog.

Relevant Interview

I have an interview later today on Relevant Radio to talk homeschooling and to take questions. They're giving me a whole hour from 2:00 to 3:00 PM Eastern. I hope you all will tune in and maybe even call in with a question or two.

If Relevant Radio isn't in your town, you can listen online.

Catholic College Month Coming Up In October

One of the things I'm working on at Homeschool Connections (and keeping me from blogging) has been Catholic College Month. We're going to dedicate the month of October to free webinars to help Catholic parents and students with that ever scary topic of college. Well, scary for me at least. But I'm sure I'll be comfortable with it by the time I get to child five or six. Or, perhaps, after I attend all these wonderful free webinars!

I'm really excited to tell you that the very first college to sign up is Franciscan University in Steubenville. As you all know, I'm a bit partial to Steuby since my oldest son is an FUS student (Studying in Austria this year).

We also have Katherine O'Brien scheduled to give a webinar on navigating the financial waters. Now, this is THE scary topic for me but after talking to Katherine I understand the process better and am relieved to know there are people out there like her to help me. If you don't know Katherine, she owns a company called Celtic College Consultants in addition to being a Catholic homeschool mom. Very cool!

We have a number of Catholic colleges lining up to participate in Catholic College Month but we don't have dates set in stone yet. Until then, here are links and information on the FUS and Katherine webinars:

How to Pay for College Without Going Broke
http://tinyurl.com/affordcollege
Monday, Oct. 5, 2009, 8:30 PM Eastern
Presented by: Katherine O'Brien of Celtic College Consultants
http://www.celticcollegeconsultants.com/


Franciscan University of Steubenville Catholic? Absolutely! Typical? Not Even Close!
http://tinyurl.com/meetfus
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009, 3:00 PM Eastern
Presented by Margaret Weber and Joel Recznik of the Admissions Dept.
http://franciscan.edu/

What's the Best Preschool or Kindergarten Curriculum

"I need your help. I'm at my wits end looking for just the right curriculum for my girls!"

"How old are they?"

"3 and 5."

I can't tell you how many times I've had this discussion with new homeschoolers. The best homeschool wisdom I ever heard was from my friend Becky when she told me 15 or so years ago, "I don't do kindergarten."

Since those early years, I've grown more and more fond of the Better Late than Early philosophy. As a homeschooler, I do not strive to imitate school. Instead I strive to instill a love of learning in my children that will live well into their adult years.

With that in mind, I try to keep learning as natural as possible in those early years. My experience has been that putting a 3 or 4 year old down at a table with formal lessons backfires in the long run. Oh, they may learn to read at an early age but are you killing their natural desire to explore and learn on their own? I think so.

It's been a lot of years since I read the Moores' book on this subject but, if I recall correctly, studies show that early learning does not translate into academic success later on. They maintain that it is better to wait until 8 or even 10 to begin formal studies. It is enough that they are in a loving and supportive home.

That doesn't mean that you chuck education and watch TV all day. Instead, I think, it means creating an educational yet inviting environment in your home. In those preschool and kindergarten years we just play and explore leaving formal schooling for later. We focus on the joy of discovery.

For example, instead of formal reading lessons I might naturally introduce letter sounds when sitting on the floor building blocks with my littles. "Oh, look! An "M" that says mmm like Mommy." Or we might count/add/subtract blocks in place of a math book. Instead of a science program, walks in the woods or park and observing animal and plant life.

I read aloud a lot so that when we do get around to formal phonics lessons, they are so in love with the written word that they are excited about reading lessons so they can read their own books. Think Charlotte Mason and living books.

I try to make learning an enjoyable and natural process. For preschool that means lots of play at our house. And kids do learn a lot at play. They learn to share, follow rules, logic, small & large motor skills and more.

Does it work? There have been times over the years when I've wondered whether my pedagogical approach was too off the wall. But now that I have adult children, I doubt it far less. Look at my oldest son. I didn't begin formal science lessons with him until high school. Up until then science was real books, exploring, nature studies, etc. Yet, he scored a perfect ACT score in science. A 36 out of 36. He is definitely an example of a Better Late than Early child. He did not take off reading until he was 10. And yet again he did great on his ACT -- a 35 out of 36 in reading.

So, if you're totally stressing over just the right curriculum for your 6-year old, take a deep breath, grab a ball and head out to the park to play with her.