Listen! The wind is rising, and the air is wild with leaves,
We have had our summer evenings, now for October Eves! – Humbert Wolfe
The October Simple Guide to Morning Time embraces the beautiful leaves of autumn. We will be using them in the nature study, poetry, art, and craft. As a result, I hope that by using this month’s study you spend a lot of time outdoors, wrapped in cozy sweaters, exploring the wonder and beauty of fall with your family.
A Simple Guide to Morning Time | October
To download the October Morning Time Bundle click here.
MUSIC
The music this month, “My Old Kentucky Home, Good Night”, was written by Stephen Collins Foster. Foster is known by many as “the father of American music” and was also a good friend of this month’s poet, George Cooper. He wrote over 200 songs, some of which you may know: “Oh! Susanna”, “Old Folks at Home”, and “Beautiful Dreamer”.
Throughout the month you will learn more about Stephen Foster and his song style by using the following links.
Our October composition can be found here: Stephen Foster – My Old Kentucky Home
You can read more about Foster’s life here: Classics for Kids – Stephen Foster
Listen to this show featuring some of his most famous works here (this show is nearly an hour long, you may wish to listen to it over 2-3 days): Stephen Collins Foster Americas Bard
POETRY
October gave a party;
The leaves by hundreds came –
The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples,
And leaves of every name.
The sunshine spread a carpet,
And everything was grand,
Miss Weather led the dancing,
Professor Wind the band.
George Cooper was an American poet remembered mainly for his song lyrics, many set to music by this month’s composer Stephen Foster. His happiest poems were written for children and consequently is why he is most remembered. October’s Party, the selected poem this month, most definitely falls into the happy category and I believe is one your family will enjoy reading and memorizing together.
Read more about our poet, George Cooper, here: Hymntime.com – George Cooper
You can find other poems by Helen Hunt Jackson here: Poems by George Cooper
ART
The works of this month’s artist, George Durrie, may feel familiar to you. If so, there may be a reason why. Currier & Ives lithographed 10 works from this month’s artist and many of them were used as calendar illustrations in the 20th century. If you have ever thumbed through old calendars at a local flea market, or even through your grandmother’s old things, you may have seen his work there.
This month we are studying his piece called Cider Pressing. The colors in this painting are vibrant and highly saturated. He paints a beautiful fall scene with trees of all shades and colors, making this a perfect subject for our October morning time.
You can find this months art piece here: Wikimedia Commons: Cider Pressing by George Henry Durrie
Read a biography of Durrie’s life here: National Gallery of Art – Artist – George Durrie
To view other works by Durrie click here: Wikimedia Commons – George Durrie
SCRIPTURE
Month 4 of an 18 month series on the Character Qualities of God. God is Holy.
I Peter 1:15-16 – “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
Vocabulary:
Holy – exalted or worthy of complete devotion as one perfect in goodness or righteousness.
Key Concept – God never has and never will sin. He is perfect and pure.
Corresponding scriptures:
Revelation 4:8 – “And the four beasts had each of them six wings about them; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.”
I Samuel 2:2 – “There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.”
Here is a link to help guide you as you help your child(ren) understand that God is Holy: Ministry to Children – God is Holy
NATURE STUDY
This month we will be studying the Chestnut Tree using The Handbook of Nature Study to help direct our learning. The morning time bundle will help guide you through this process.
Here is an online resource that is linked in the bundle and may be used in your studies:
Owlcation – The Horse Chestnut Tree and Conkers
CRAFT
Our morning time craft for October is a combination of nature study and poetry. You will be gathering leaves (specifically looking for those mentioned in this month’s poem), drying them with a press, and then displaying them on simple card stock labels already prepared for you. These will look beautiful displayed as a banner and hung in a prominent place for display. In all, the craft will take at least 3 weeks to complete as you allow the leaves to dry before mounting them. So, be sure to plan accordingly.
CHARACTER STUDY
This month we are studying the life of President William Howard Taft.
The Ultimate Guide to the Presidents section for Taft: The Ultimate Guide to the Presidents: America Enters a Dangerous New Century. Begin around minute 23:00 and watch to 27:16
The Big Book of Presidents: From George Washington to Barack Obama by Nancy Hajeski
Visit the national historic site and William Howard Taft’s home here: National Historic Site: William Howard Taft Home
Visit Taft’s burial site here: Arlington National Cemetery: Monuments and Memorials: William Howard Taft
RECIPE
This month you will enjoy Baked Apple Cider Donuts as part of the morning time bundle. These are delicious and healthier for you than most donuts. Despite its simplicity, this recipe is delicious.
To make the donuts you will need a donut pan. Here is a link to the one I used: Nordic Ware Donut Pan
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 for the month. This is simply a guide. You can add to or take from it as you wish and as your learning leads you.
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.
Please know that I am praying for you as you lead your family toward love and good deeds.
Click here to download the October Morning Time Bundle
**Please note: As an amazon associate I earn a small commission off of the products I link here. **
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