Yesterday was February 17. That might not be a significant date in your household, but in our home, it was supposed to mark the end of broadcast TV. Yesterday, we only lost one of our three channels, though, and we are eagerly awaiting the loss of the other two - at least I am!! We did apply for the government coupons back in the Summer, but no store in town had any converter boxes in stock the three times I went out to purchase them. So, after 2 months, the coupons expired and we resolved to look forward to our time with no TV!!
Our winter nights are dark, short and cold here in TN, so we are always inside early and wondernig what to do next after dinner. This is usually our alloted "TV" time to watch Wheel of Fortune or an episode of Little House on the Prairie. Since Christmas, though, we have gotten in the habit of reading after dinner and sometimes right up until bedtime!! The kids and even Dad have wanted to continue reading to see what happens next! It has been a fun time in our family, so I thought I would share with you a few of the books we have been reading as of late.
1. Big Truths for Little Kids by Susan Hunt and Richie Hunt - This book teaches children the First Catechisms to help develop their knowledge of biblical truths and encourage them to live for the glory of God. Each chapter includes a few short questions and answers and then gives a story to show the practical application of the catechisms learned. The stories are fantastic and have us wanting to keep reading to see what happens!! We usually read this book after breakfast or during lunch.
Watch Little E as he recites his catechism!!!
2. The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare - This book was recommended to us by a 3rd grade teacher at a Christian school here in town and all of our children enjoyed this one! Even Robbie asked me not to read it when he was not here because he wanted to get in on the adventure of the story. A great read especially if you have boys! It is about a 12 year old boy named Matt who travels with his father to Maine to pioneer new land and build a home. After building a log house, the father must return to Massachusetts to get the rest of the family and Matt must stay behind to defend the house and care for the crops that they planted. He learns many lessons in survival and faith.
3. Stone Fox by John Reynolds Gardiner and Greg Hargreaves - A short and easy read about a boy whose Grandfather, and legal guardian, becomes deathly ill due to money problems. The boy proves to be a hard and diligent worker who will do whatever it takes to earn money and save his Grandfather's life. Great life lessons and discussions came out of this book as well.
4. Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe - We just started reading this book this week and it has proved to be a challenging read for me!! It was first published in the early 1700's and reads like it, but the girls are really enjoying it. I am planning on taking them to an island at the river where my in-laws live and let them explore it and see what resources we can find to make camp, tools, food, etc. I think there will be many hands on activities we do as we read through it.
So, here is some prodding to turn off the TV, pick up a good book and enjoy exploring literature and nature with your children!!
We read Sign of the Beaver last year and the kids loved it. This year one of our favorites was Understood Betsy. Have you heard of that? Your girls would love it!
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