For many years in our homeschool journey I struggled with knowing how to implement all of the things I truly desired to include in our homeschool days. Art, music, Bible, hymns, and poetry all sounded so wonderful, but how was I supposed to add these things when there were already so many other things on our plate? Last summer I took some time to read through Cindy Rollins Mere Motherhood and A Handbook to Morning Time and these two books changed everything for me. They gave me the confidence to step forward, use our time to its greatest potential, and start implementing those things I wanted to do so badly.
For the past year, we have successfully included some of these things and now I couldn’t imagine our homeschool days without them: they bring so much richness and beauty. So, now that I feel somewhat confident (in our morning time) I thought it would be fun to share some of the things I have learned with you and we could experience some of this beauty together.
I hope to create a new morning time printable each month, focusing on the season and month of the year. Of course, what could be better than beginning this in September when the promise of cool autumn days, falling leaves, cozy sweaters, and a warm cup of apple cider are just on the horizon. The things that will be included are music composition, poetry, an art piece, Bible verse, history memorization, and a simple craft activity. Hymn study is not included because we follow along with happyhymnody and they do such a wonderful job there is no reason to re-invent the wheel!
For this first time, I thought it may be helpful to hear how we implement these things in our home, so let’s get started!!
Music Study: This month we are listening to Our Town by Aaron Copland. The easiest way to saturate ourselves with this composition is simply to listen. I turn it on while we do our daily chores or play it while they are doing math, whenever their is a quiet moment. Occasionally, maybe once a week, I will have them listen intently while I play the music and read a little excerpt about the composer.
Poetry: I know this months poem is long, but this is one of our all time favorites. The Village Blacksmith teaches so much about the value of hard work and does a fantastic job of showing that men can be strong and gentle at the same time. We read the poem, in it’s entirety 2-3 times per week. After a month of repetition, you will be amazed at how quickly your children picked it up and memorized it without even “trying”.
Bible and History: this memorization is done the same way as poetry: read 2-3 times per week.
Art: You can simply introduce the artwork to your children, leaving it out for them to observe throughout the month. Each week you can focus on certain aspects of the picture. Here are some examples of what we do. Week 1: ask them what they notice in the picture, drawing attention to areas of light and shade, movement, etc. Week 2: ask them what they like best in the picture or if it reminds them of anything. Week 3: Tell them about the artist, let them see other works he/she has done. 4: Talk about the name of the art. Does it draw attention to a certain aspect of the piece?
Craft: Doing crafts and using time during our day to create is not one of my strengths. This activity is to push and stretch me to do things that do not come naturally. I want to make sure we are creating memories. For me, it is best that our activities require very few materials, otherwise they simply will not be done. I hope to keep these inexpensive and do-able for all.
In my previous post I linked up a couple of recipe card boxes that I would love to have to store our families recipes. Other than the Morning Time printout, the size of the art, Bible, history, and poetry cards are 5″x6″ and will fit perfectly in a recipe card box. Now that I know these will be added to our homeschool curriculum I have decided to purchase this one for our morning time. Of course, this isn’t necessary, but I thought it may be worth mentioning if you decide to follow along monthly.
To download the morning time printable simply click here.
I can’t wait to share next months morning time with you! Please let me now if you have any suggestions or ideas (or if you see a typo), I would absolutely love your feedback!
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Printing these off to use during our Morning Time starting this morning. They are just lovely!
Melissa!
This makes me extremely happy to hear! I hope they bless your morning time incredibly. Thank you, friend!
I am THRILLED to have found you on IG and I LOVE that you are doing this!! It too, is something I want to incorporate, but just didn’t really know how to pull it together. I am already looking forward to Octobers! Blessings to you!
Thank you, Deb! I am so glad that it is helpful. I think that October’s is going to be really fun, I am looking forward to it, too!
What paper are you printing these on and how do you get those lovely edges?
Hi Sarah,
I am using Southworth Resume Paper 32lb. in Ivory. I love the edges, too but am a little embarrassed to say that I am getting them from using an old Fiskars paper cutter with a really old blade. It isn’t cutting through the paper completely; instead perforating it a bit and then I pull it apart. I love the texture, so I have just gone with it!! I hope that helps.