Author Archives: rachelwhitson

The How

How do I use all this?

Any way that you like!  Here’s how our family uses it:

We call this part of our day “Travel.”  It works best when we can avoid too many distractions, so we wait until younger siblings are napping.  Travel takes place on the couch, with a globe, atlas, and computer within reach.

  • Start with the Daily Sheet (under the “Curriculum” tab)
    • Ask the kids what they think that day’s character word means
    • Read the key verses, then ask again and discuss
    • Give a definition and example in your own words
      • This is important, as it clarifies your values and expectations
      • Differentiate between this and similar character words
    • Read the Bible passage
      • Ask how the character word relates to something in the reading
    • Follow up with any additional resources as you wish.  Some pages have a column titled “Rose Book,” which refers to this excellent 3-volume resource:
  • Watch the video(s) together
    • Discuss
    • If the kids seem to have picked up on the lyrics, ask why they think that song was chosen for the day.
  • Read the picture book(s)
    • Ask how something in the book is related to today’s word
    • Discuss any questions that have come up during the reading
  • Follow the itinerary.  Here are some suggestions for your travel:
    • Add that day’s country or countries to this puzzle: The Global Puzzle
    • Find your country or countries on a globe
    • Look up a country in an atlas (we like Geographica)
    • Research a country in Operation World and pray for its people
    • Use an atlas and tracing paper to trace a country
    • Create a card file of facts about each country
    • Use Google Earth Pro to visit your country
    • Watch a video tour of your country on Youtube
    • Find a recipe from your country that uses ingredients you have on hand, and cook supper
    • Use Youtube to experience the local language, music or dancing
    • Look up your country in What the World Eats
    • Using a globe, determine how you would travel between countries, then figure the distance, your rate of travel, estimated time enroute, and magnetic course
    • Under the “Tools” tab, find your country’s flag, print it and color

DON’T TRY TO DO ALL OF THIS!!!  If the day is chaotic, then don’t do any of these. Pick and choose what feels right for you and your kids at the moment and what fits well into your day.  If you’re revisiting this curriculum year after year, knowledge and familiarity will grow gradually and at a natural pace.  I hope you will find resources here to help you engage in great conversations with your kids.  Enjoy the journey!

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