Novel Thoughts

The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe [ Part 1 ]

In this episode, Novel Thoughts dives into the essential questions of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, one of the most spiritually significant picks in our 5th grade homeschool curriculum. Spiritual and moral formation is a foundational part of a classical Christian education, and Lewis provides an entertaining and engaging allegorical on-ramp for students navigating spiritual questions. This book and the books that follow in the Narnia series are excellent additions in the literature picks for middle school and high school students. Memoria Press is proud to offer this review of LWW and recommend it for any homeschooling family looking to improve their 2024-25 curriculum picks for the ongoing or coming school year.
 
Narnia is a magical land frozen in eternal winter by the White Witch. Siblings Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy get caught up in an unforgettable adventure to set it free. Lucy is the first to find her way through the secret wardrobe into Narnia. At first no one believes her, but soon Edmund, Peter, and Susan discover the Magic and meet Aslan, the Great Lion, and all manner of Talking Beasts and fantastical creatures. They each fight internal battles of courage, integrity, and sacrifice before joining in the battle for Narnia itself.The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Set contains The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Student Guide, and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Teacher Guide. https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/literature-and-poetry/fourth/the-lion-the-witch-and-the-wardrobe-set/
 
Check out the complete Lewis collection from Memoria Press! https://www.memoriapress.com/wardrobe/
 
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A Bear Called Paddington

On this episode of Novel Thoughts talks Paddington Bear and his adventures. From his love of marmalade, to his infamous hard stare, to the many antics and activities throughout the Paddington series, this delightful character has enchanted children and adults of all ages.
Memoria Press is proud to feature Paddington in our classical literature education program for students to read and enjoy. We hope you enjoy this book recap and deep dive into the delight and warmth of Paddington Bear.
"Paddington Bear had traveled all the way from Peru when the Browns first met him in Paddington Station. Since then, their lives have never been quite the same . . . for ordinary things become extraordinary when a bear called Paddington is involved. First published in 1958, A Bear Called Paddington is the first novel by Michael Bond, chronicling the adventures of this lovable bear. Paddington has charmed readers for generations with his earnest good intentions and humorous misadventures. This brand-new edition of the classic novel contains the original text by Michael Bond and illustrations by Peggy Fortnum.”
The A Bear Called Paddington Set includes the novel by Michael Bond, the Student Study Guide, and the Teacher Guide. https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/literature-and-poetry/third/a-bear-called-paddington-set/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Novel+Thoughts&utm_campaign=30
Interested in learning more about a classical Christian education and the choices you have in homeschooling curriculum? Check out https://www.memoriapress.com/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Novel+Thoughts&utm_campaign=30
 
#memoriapress #novelthoughts #paddingtonbear

The Moffats

Today Novel Thoughts dives into one of the best chapter books for beginner 3rd and 4th graders in the Memoria Press curriculum: The Moffats! This book is a great read for boys and girls to engage with big questions: How is home defined? What does it mean to be a part of a family or community? When is a spirit of adventure good? Meet the Moffats. There is Sylvie, the oldest, the cleverest, and—most days at least—the responsible one; Joey, who though only twelve is the man of the house…sometimes; Janey, who has a terrific upside-down way of looking at the world; and Rufus, who may be the littlest but always gets in the biggest trouble. Even the most ordinary Moffat day is packed with extraordinary fun. Only a Moffat could get locked in a bread box all afternoon, or dance with a dog in front of the whole town, or hitch a ride on a boxcar during kindergarten recess. And only a Moffat could turn mistakes and mischief into a hilarious one-of-a-kind adventure. Children's literature can be a treasure trove of valuable learning and constructive experiences when we put great books in front of them. The Memoria Press 3rd and 4th grade curriculum is packed with easy chapter books for first time readers, which shows early on the value of virtuous characters and themes.

Mr. Popper's Penguins

Today, Novel Thoughts explores Mr. Popper's Penguins, a book in the 3rd Grade Literature Curriculum Program. This delightful and entertaining read is a great option for kids in their third grade year. We cover how to teach Mr. Popper's Penguins, review key themes and insights, and talk about how the book provides a great catalyst in the rest of our Classical Christian homeschool curriculum. Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater is a classic work of imagination that always delights young readers. The Teacher and Student Guides included in the Set will increase the student’s Reading Comprehension skills. The lovable Mr. Popper dreams of being an intrepid Antarctic explorer, living a life among the penguins alongside his hero, Admiral Drake. So he is shocked one day when the Admiral responds to his fan letter by sending him a package containing a real live penguin! Soon, this penguin is joined by another and before long Mr. Popper has an ice rink in the basement and a dozen delightful penguins living in his house. With hardly enough money to feed his family, and an ever-increasing bill for raw fish and canned shrimp, what can the wonderfully imaginative Mr. Popper do but train his penguins and take the show on the road! This unforgettable tale has become a beloved classic, inviting readers to imagine, dream, and believe that anything is possible. Caldecott and Newbery Medal winner Robert Lawson offers delightfully humorous illustrations that are as integral to the charm of this classic as the story itself.

Charlotte's Web

Charlotte's Web— There must be something more than meets the eye when it comes to this beloved piece of classic children's literature. Today, Novel Thoughts sits down to unpack and explore this essential inclusion in our classical literature curriculum. Come along with us as we review the themes of friendship, freedom, responsibility, home, and belonging in a deep dive through the Memoria Press Literature Guides for Charlotte's Web.
We have found that reading great books as part of a traditional Christian education is the best way to get kids engaged with ideas and virtues that will shape them the rest of their lives. Teaching Charlotte's Web in your homeschool or classroom is an excellent first step to engaging your children in the great conversation! Charlotte's Web by E. B. White is an all-time Newbery Honor-winning classic of children’s literature. The Memoria Press Student Guide and Teacher Guide included in the Charlotte’s Web Set will help develop your student’s reading ability.

Farmer Boy

Today we unpack Farmer Boy , the first book in our 3rd grade homeschool literature curriculum. Farmer Boy is also the second book in Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House on the Prairie book series following Little House in the Big Woods . We hope this review of the essential questions from our Farmer Boy literature guides will enrich your studies and reading! Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder tells of her husband’s struggles on a farm in New York state when he was a boy. The Farmer Boy Set provides students and educators with all the resources they need to effectively study this classic story of boyhood and life in rural New York.

Introduction to 3rd Grade Literature

In third grade, things get pretty different when it comes to the literature curriculum. And today, on Novel Thoughts, we explore the Essential Questions model that have helped homeschool parents and children come to understand, appreciate, analyze, and explore the core themes and values from the Memoria Press curriculum. Moving forward in our show, Novel Thoughts will unpack each book from the same questions that we ask in our literature study guides. Literature study guides train students to become active readers. Our guides focus on vocabulary, spelling, comprehension, and composition skills. Each lesson includes a word study to help students build vocabulary. The comprehension questions challenge students to consider what they have read, identify the important content of each story, and compose clear, concise answers (a difficult skill at any age). Writing is thinking, and good questioning stimulates the child to think and write.

Little House in the Big Woods Part 2

On this episode,  Novel Thoughts goes into greater detail of the central themes and motifs of Little House in the Big Woods! Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder remains an all-time American classic about life on the frontier. The first book in the beloved Little House series begins in 1871 in a log cabin on the edge of the Big Woods of Wisconsin. Four year old Laura, her Pa, her Ma, her sisters Mary and Carrie, and their dog, Jack, all live happily together in the little house. Life as a pioneer is not always easy, especially when preparing for the long Wisconsin winter. But there is also joy and fun as Laura and her family celebrate Christmas, plant crops every spring, harvest in the autumn, and make trips into town. This heartwarming story will introduce students to America’s frontier history through the eyes of a young girl growing up in the safe, warm, and love-filled little house. With the Little House in the Big Woods Set, you will be fully prepared to guide your student to a deeper understanding and appreciation of this timeless American classic.

Little House in the Big Woods [ Part 1 ]

Today Novel Thoughts takes a look at the last book in the Memoria Press 2nd Grade Homeschool Literature Curriculum with Little House in the Big Woods! This is a big conversation, because it's a pretty big book. As students transition from 2nd to 3rd grade our vision for their abilities grows and we challenge them with a piece of literature that will set the stage of what to expect when they move up to the next grade. Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder remains an all-time American classic about life on the frontier. The first book in the beloved Little House series begins in 1871 in a log cabin on the edge of the Big Woods of Wisconsin. Four year old Laura, her Pa, her Ma, her sisters Mary and Carrie, and their dog, Jack, all live happily together in the little house. Life as a pioneer is not always easy, especially when preparing for the long Wisconsin winter. But there is also joy and fun as Laura and her family celebrate Christmas, plant crops every spring, harvest in the autumn, and make trips into town. This heartwarming story will introduce students to America’s frontier history through the eyes of a young girl growing up in the safe, warm, and love-filled little house. With the Little House in the Big Woods Set, you will be fully prepared to guide your student to a deeper understanding and appreciation of this timeless American classic.

The Tales from Beatrix Potter

Today, Novel Thoughts explores the world of Peter Rabbit, Benjamin Bunny, Tom Kitten, and all the other animal friends from the literature of Beatrix Potter. The Tales from Beatrix Potter Set from the Memoria Press curriculum includes four books by Beatrix Potter (The Tale of Peter Rabbit, The Tale of Benjamin Bunny, The Tale of Tom Kitten, The Tale of Johnny Town-Mouse), the Teacher Guide, and the Student Guide. The Tale of Peter Rabbit was first published in 1902 and endures as Beatrix Potter’s most popular and beloved tale. It tells the story of a very mischievous rabbit and the trouble he encounters in Mr. McGregor’s vegetable garden. The Tale of Benjamin Bunny is an original classic by Beatrix Potter all about Benjamin and Peter’s adventures in Mr. McGregor’s vegetable garden. The Tale of Tom Kitten is set in the cottage garden Beatrix created herself at Hill Top, the farm she owned near the village of Sawrey. The Tale of Johnny Town-Mouse follows Johnny and Timmy Willie, a country mouse, as they trade places and discover that they were much happier where they started!