Homeschool Diva

 Be sure to check out the lunar eclipse tonight.  We gave the kids naps so I hope we get  to see some of it tonight!  They will probably fall asleep before most of it, but we are going to give it the old college try.

I finished up How to Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons.  After we finished that book, I discovered that we needed a much deeper phonics understanding, so we are using Phonics Pathways.  We have really enjoyed it, including Jackson.  It has helped me see that he is a very mathmatical thinker.  This book has helped him understand that reading is like math,  using sound and blend combinations.

I love how the book gently eases you into dictation and the game component is a fun element.  If you need a bit of help with phonics this book will help you get off on the right start.

From time to time, I am asked by Christian authors to read their books and review them here on my blog. When Landel contacted me I was interested to hear that he actually created the book, Sentinel: City of Destiny originally for his boys. In the forward of this book Landel says “Growing up is easy, Growing up to be a man of good character is hard.” It always warms my heart to see parents developing ways to parent their children through life’s storms, and then sharing it with others.

This book is about twin boys and their journey to manhood. Each choosing separate paths and experiencing separate consequences. The language in this book is well written, fluid and articulate. Very reminiscent of Pilgrims Progress. The world that is created within the allegorical tale reminds me of Tolkien with its maps and index list to define the particular vocabulary words used within the story.

It is exciting, daring and courageous enough to captivate young men. There is nothing like a good battle to get a boy really involved. This story will give parents or teachers a great platform in order to share about the struggles common to all men. If you are a proactive parent who isn’t merely waiting for your children to “grow up” but hoping to train them and guide them into the way of Godly character, I highly recommend this book. There is even a study guide at the end of the book to help you process through the book.

In order to give Landel more exposure, this post was also submitted here.