There is no such thing as a new idea. It is impossible. We simply take a lot of old ideas and put them into a sort of mental kaleidoscope. We give them a turn and they make new and curious combinations. We keep on turning and making new combinations indefinitely; but they are the same old pieces of colored glass that has been in use through all the ages. – Mark Twain
I’m always amazed at the wealth of resources available to us for morning time studies. The creativity and talent found in others is astounding. Every time we discover a new artist musician, or poet and read about the life of a past president I learn so much and appreciate the God-given talents given to so many others.
There was once a time when blacksmiths, farriers, coppersmiths, silversmiths, and leatherworkers were commonplace in towns and villages. Though now, thanks to the industrial revolution, those are crafts we rarely see. Few of us have learned the art of cross stitching, quilting, or even sewing our own clothes when these were once taught to each young girl in every family.
Though we only skim the surface of some of these skills each month, I hope you enjoy the kaleidoscope we are creating.
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MUSIC
German composer George Frideric Handel is responsible for composing for one of the best-known and most well-loved pieces in all of music, Messiah, but this month we will be studying one that I hope will become a new fav0rite, The Harmonious Blacksmith.
Our March composition can be found here: The Harmonious Blacksmith
You can read more about Hendel’s life here: Classics for Kids: George Frideric Handel
You can here more of his music here: Classics for Kids: Shows
POETRY
This month’s poem by Emily Dickinson highlights the virtues of anonymity. The poem strives to say it’s ok to be withdrawn, and that people aren’t necessarily alone in feeling like they want to keep themselves to themselves. In a world that tells us we all must make a name for ourselves, I find this poem encouraging. I hope to share this virtue with my children, even reminding them of Jesus’ words in Mark 10:35-45 encouraging the same.
The poem can be found here: I’m Nobody! Who are You? by Emily Dickinson
Read more about our poet, Emily Dickinson, here: Emily Dickinson Biography
You can find other poems by Beatrix Potter here: Emily Dickinson Poems.
For an interpretation of this months poem read this: litcharts.com
ART
Every month it seems I find a new favorite artist and a new favorite art piece. This month is no different! The Coppersmith by Edgar Melville Ward is a new favorite. I love the light, the workspace, his creation, and even the small stool in the corner. It truly is the details of this picture that draw you in. I hope that you enjoy it as well.
You can find this months art piece here: The Coppersmith by Edgar Melville Ward
You can find a biography of this month’s artist here: The Met Museum: Edgar Melville Ward
To view other works by Ward click here: Mutual Art: Edgar Melville Ward
SCRIPTURE
Eek!! I am so excited because this month we are beginning a new 18 month series on the Attributes of God. Each month will include a new character of God, vocabulary, key concept, and corresponding scriptures.
Our first attribute is God is Eternal. The verse we will be memorizing is Revelation 1:8
Revelation 1:8 – I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
Vocabulary:
Eternal – lasting or existing forever: without end or beginning.
Key Concept – God exists outside of time. He is not limited by time like we are.
Corresponding scriptures:
Habakkuk 1:12 – Art thou not from everlasting, O Lord my God, mine Holy One? we shall not die.
Isaiah 41:4 – Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I the Lord, the first and with the last; I am He.
Here is a link to help guide you as you help your child(ren) understand that God is eternal: truth78.org
NATURE STUDY
This month we will be studying the Frog using The Handbook of Nature Study to help direct our learning. We will be comparing the body of a frog with that of a toad, learning the differences between them. The morning time bundle will help guide you through this process.
If you do not have access to a pond or are unable to find a frog here are some online resources that may be used in your studies:
From Egg to Frog in Seven Weeks
Difference Between Frogs and Toads
Some books for your morning basket:
Over and Under the Pond by Kate Messner
Frog Song by Brenda Guiberson (I love the illustrations in this book)
The Complete Frog: A Guide for the Very Young Naturalist by Elizabeth Lacey
CRAFT
Though we aren’t coppersmiths, this month we will be using our craft time together to make something beautiful out of copper, just like the man in our art study.
Punched tin has a long history in the United States, especially during the 1700’s when it became widely available. Tin could be transformed into a number of unique items such as dishware, cutlery, washbasins, pails, watering cans, graters, candleholders, lanterns, and pie pans. Many of the pie safes had punched tin on the front punched with pretty patterns and shapes. This month we will be echoing that idea as we create sheets of punched tin in two pretty patterns to choose from.
After we complete ours I plan to frame and display our punched tin. I can’t wait what you decide to do with yours.
CHARACTER STUDY
This month we are studying the life of President Grover Cleveland. Cleveland was a president of “firsts”. He was the first Democrat elected after the Civil War, the only President to leave the White House and return for a second term four years later, and the only President to be married in the White House.
You can find The Ultimate Guide to the Presidents section for Grover Cleveland here: The Ultimate Guide to the Presidents: Executive Retreat begin around 29:30 – 33:15 and 34:45 – 36:45.
The Big Book of Presidents: From George Washington to Barack Obama by Nancy Hajeski
A brief visit to his historic birthplace can be found here: Grover Cleveland Birthplace
A virtual tour of Cleveland’s birthplace can be found here: Virtual Tour – Grover Cleveland Birthplace
RECIPE
I’m sharing one of our favorite mid-afternoon treats with you this month. It’s a simple recipe that is very refreshing on a warm day. We like to use Tazo Vanilla Caramel Chai Tea for this recipe, but you can use any favorite Chai.
SCHEDULE
The morning time bundle also includes a guide to help aid you in the implementation of this study. It includes 4 weeks of a suggested learning rotation that will help you cover all of the topics included over the course of the month. This is simply a guide. You can add to or take from it as you wish and as your learning leads you.
Click Here to Purchase the June 2021 Morning Time Bundle
Thank you so much for your continued support of my small business. I hope that these bundles bless your family time together and that ultimately they draw you closer to Christ who loves you so dearly. Happy Summer!!
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