Books, Writing & Boys July 2014

Our world has been one of swimming, Wordly Wise, xtramath.org and Mario. The Mom (me) has had opportunity for refreshment from Ann Voskamp's Bible study, 1000 gifts. But now we will soon embark on our academic activities in earnest. Jack will be at home, Classical Conversations and a class for IEW. I'm doing my homework now, getting ready to embrace Saxon Math, and determining which spirals I'll be using for a 'boys who'd rather build forts' -writing class, and an older group who may have some writing experience. The odds are that over half of these kids will be dyslexic or have some type of reading/writing issues. This is the reason I love IEW. It's custom for really hammering home tools that make writing work for those who need explicit instruction. I'm looking into the Geography spiral that matches up with Beautiful Feet Books' collection for literature, Paddle to the Sea, and other books by Holling C. Holling.
Another possibility is working on a Book Detectives class. One book at a time. Just like Heidi at Mt. Hope Chronicles. I have learned that I will never 'be' Heidi, but her ideas and understanding of Classical Education as well as 'all things boy' are top-notch. Exceptionally excellent. This book looks like a great place to start. I know I can re-invent the wheel, but I may just have to copy you Heidi. Just this once.
If you've struggled with an understanding of why Classical Conversations has moved to Circe Institutes materials for Challenge, read with Heidi at her blog. She understands this jump, and has references that will make it clear. Some free audios about writing, boys, and learning can be found at Circe Institute and IEW websites.
OK, off to review Structure and Style for IEW.
Blessed, blessed with gifts beyond measure, even in the chaos that is my world.