By looking constantly to Jesus with the eye of faith, we shall be strengthened.
Desire of Ages, 391
Our local children’s librarian has again requested that I submit a list of suggested books for future library purchases. Books that homeschooling families would find valuable. Last year I asked them to add more simple biographies to the children’s collection and they did! What an opportunity! I’m looking through what we plan to study next year to make a nice long list of suggested titles, especially those ‘nice to have’ books that are beyond our budget. The librarian’s request reminded me of this past blog post, so I thought I’d share it again. Every time you visit the library, leave suggestions for books or other media. Make maximum use of your library!
The local public library can be a homeschooling family’s best resource. Are you making maximum use of the libraries near you? Here are some ideas for utilizing the libraries in your area:
1.Don’t just go to your nearest library, make an effort to visit all of the libraries available to you in your area. Different amenities may be available at each location. Get cards from multiple libraries if necessary.
2.Call and inquire if the colleges and universities in your area will allow you to check out materials. Colleges with teacher education programs often have excellent educational materials . Even if you cannot have borrowing privileges, you can still stop by and use the resources in-house.
3.Contact your local school district about borrowing privileges in the school libraries.
4.Be sure to pick up fliers listing the resources and activities available at each library. What classes, story times, lecture series and tutoring programs are available?
5.Take time to meet the children’s librarian as well as the reference librarian. These librarians are excellent resources for unit study ideas and research projects. They can alert you to resources that you may not know about. Share what you are planning to study for the year, and give the librarians a copy of the textbooks and literature selections you would like to use. Many times children’s and reference librarians are looking for ideas on new books to order, and your curriculum plans may help.
6.Take note of library book sales. Savvy homeschool moms will be there when the doors open to purchase books for mere pennies.
7.Check to see if your library offers inter-library loans for books and videos.
8.Do you have an e-book reader? Be sure to share your e-book requests with the librarians as well.
9.What online resources does your library offer? Online catalogs are very helpful for searching from the comfort of home. Can you renew your library books online? Does your library give out passwords for special online collections and sites? Many libraries have subscriptions to reference resources online. Be sure to ask for a list of those subscriptions.
10.If your library does not give receipts for books checked out, make it a habit to have your children complete a library book log to keep track of how many books to return. Assign a child to mark the due date on a calendar as soon as you return home.
11.Are there conference or meeting rooms available for you to reserve to work on a research project? A conference room may be a more comfortable space to work in if you are also bringing younger children along.
12.the library have display space available for larger homeschool projects? Perhaps your library may allow your child to display his science project for a week or two.
13.Are there special library privileges for teachers that you can also use, such as longer check-out dates, or sets of themed materials. It never hurts to ask!
14.Genealogical resource rooms are full of inspiration for great local and state history study. Be sure to go in and browse.
15.Are there library-related service projects available for your child to participate in? Creating a themed bulletin board, sorting books for a book sale, organizing display cases, etc.
There is a great work to be done in our world. This is no dreamland. Before us are living realities. On every hand are to be seen the manifestations of Satan’s power. Let us co-operate with Him who works to restore and uplift. And let us not forget that he who works for Christ must recruit his strength at the source of all strength…. Christians need power of thought, firmness of will, and knowledge that comes from the study of God’s Word. They cannot afford to fill their minds with trifles. Every day they must be renewed in spiritual power.
Maranatha, 120
To all who are reaching out to feel the guiding hand of God, the moment of greatest discouragement is the time when divine help is nearest. They will look back with thankfulness upon the darkest part of their way…. From every temptation and every trial He will bring them forth with firmer faith and a richer experience.
The Desire of Ages, 528
Read-aloud time is an extra special blessing of homeschooling. Having the ability to set aside extended time during the school day for reading a book together is not only a family bonding time, but a learning time. If your schooling hours are jam-packed, then an evening read aloud time is a perfect way to unwind from a busy day.
We are currently reading the last volume of The Bible Story aloud together. I read the set of ten books straight through to my older children when they were young. When my youngest child came along, I started reading the series all over again, but this time interspersed with the Conflict of the Ages series by Ellen White. As soon as we finish volume 10 of The Bible Story, we’ll finish the Conflict series with Acts of the Apostles.
My 11yo loves to be read to, but what about the 18yo still at home? You might think he’s too old to be read to(or read to us), but he has gained his own special blessings from our read aloud time. When he was asked to prepare and present a sermon at church , he chose to research and expand upon one of the stories we had read together a week earlier. There’s a blessing for everyone!
Our favorite book list is varied, and includes: They Dared for God, by Glenna Barstad, several of the Sam Campbell books, and The Seventh Day Ox by Bradley Booth.
What are you currently reading together with your family? We’d love to hear what you are enjoying. Leave a comment so we can add new books to our reading lists!
The Adventist Home Educator 