Description
A Simple Guide to Morning Time | April 2022
Thank you so much for supporting last month’s morning time despite the dry blog post it received. When the end of the month arrived, and it was time to put together the morning time bundle, our family caught covid. We were all sick for some time. I did my best to pull together what I could but lacked the energy I needed to give it my best. Hopefully, as you look through the April morning time guide, you will find a more inspired and helpful post.
MUSIC
The April musical selection is Beethoven’s 6th (Pastoral) Symphony. Beethoven was a lover of nature who spent a lot of time on walks in the country and enjoyed working in rural locations. The Pastoral Symphony has five movements. Their translation into English means:
- Awakening of cheerful feelings on arrival in the countryside.
- Scene by the brook.
- Merry gathering of country folk.
- Thunderstorm
- Cheerful and thankful feelings after the storm.
These scenes are reminiscent of spring and make perfect studies for spring morning times.
The symphony, as a whole, is very long. You may wish to break it up by movements or listen to it as you do your daily tasks.
Use the following links to learn more about Beethoven. These links are listed in the morning time bundle and will add depth to your studies.
POETRY
Our poem this month is one we learned a few years ago that I believe is worth reviewing from time to time. This poem is good to study and learn while simultaneously giving attention to our winged friends (which you will be doing in the nature study).
The poems of Virna Sheard, this month’s poet, were once described by a Canadian columnist in this way:
Her tender sympathy with small helpless things, her interpretation of the music of nature, her spiritual quality, and her rendering of reverent Biblical subjects reflect the mind of an idealist, and the inspired lines of one deeply moved. – M.O. Hammond, in “The Globe” Toronto
You can find a brief biography and some of her other works here: digital.library.upenn.edu
ART
Many years ago, when both of my children were middle-school-aged or younger, we ran across the art selected for this month’s study. Instantly I was drawn to the merriment and joy found in this painting. As you observe the fine details, you will see the setting of this painting centered around a time of harvest. Even so, I hope you enjoy it for a spring picture study.
You can learn more about the artist, Myles Birket Foster, and view some of his other pieces of art at the links listed here:
Biography: Myles Birket Foster
Paintings: Wikimedia Commons: Myles Birket Foster
SCRIPTURE
God cares for His children and does not give them the punishment they deserve. Alistair Begg describes this perfectly in this statement: “At best we are but clay, animated dust; but viewed as sinners, we are monsters indeed. Let it be published in heaven as a miracle that the Lord Jesus should set His heart’s love upon people like us.”
This month, I hope you are overwhelmed by God’s grace and mercy to you.
To compliment your scripture memory, you can also study these passages: Titus 3:5, Psalm 25:10, Lamentations 3: 22 – 23.
If time allows, you may also wish to use the following website to help guide you in a study on God’s mercy: Ministry to Children: God is Merciful
NATURE STUDY
Robin sightings are so common in our “neck of the woods” that they are often unnoticed. Though they may be familiar, you will find that they are not uninteresting. This month you will observe, study, and create a small keepsake for your efforts.
You can find many of the books we enjoy when studying the robin here:
Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Botsford Comstock
A Nest Full of Eggs by Priscilla Belz Jenkins
The Book of Eggs by Mark E. Hauber (perfect for the coffee table)
CRAFT
The morning study guide will direct you as you dye eggs with natural products. There are three processes listed using beets, cabbage, and turmeric powder.Natural dyes produce beautiful colors but aren’t as instant as the ones you will find in the Easter aisle at your local market. Our eggs were soaked in the dye baths for 12-15 hours to achieve the dark blue color we wanted.
CHARACTER STUDY
The character study for April has brought us to the end of World War II and the presidency of Harry Truman. The following links are listed in the bundle and will help guide your learning of this President:
Biography: Truman Library
Documentary: Truman Documentary
Visit the Truman home: Harry S. Truman National Historic Site
Documentary on past presidencies: The Ultimate Guide to the Presidents
The Big Book of American Presidents by Nancy Hajeski
RECIPE
This month you will create and enjoy delicious berry-filled hand pies. The recipe includes blackberries; however, any berry will do!
SCHEDULE AND ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
With the purchase of the bundle, you receive four weeks of loop scheduling to help aid your morning time studies. You will study music on Monday, poetry on Tuesday, art on Wednesday, and Scripture and President on Thursday. We reserve Fridays for nature study, crafts, and baking. This schedule is very flexible and meant to add to or take from as you desire. You will find that all of the websites and links listed in this blog post are included on the additional resource sheet for you to refer to as needed.
THANK YOU
Thank you so much for your continued support of my small business. I hope that these bundles bless your family time together and, ultimately, they draw you closer to Christ, who loves you so dearly.
**Please note: As an amazon associate, I earn a small commission on the products I link here. **
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