I like to pair our read-aloud literature with our history studies. I feel Peck receives a better understanding of a time period or culture, when he also reads literature from that same era. That said, I also throw in random books because I don’t like to be too structured. This year, we’re studying ancient world history, which is my favorite! I’ve been eagerly waiting to take him on this journey through ancient civilizations. I’m also interspersing Bible history with our material. I want him have to a firm grasp on when certain events happened in the Word.

I never plan too far ahead. Our lives are too crazy for that, and I am too fickle to adhere to long term lesson plans. So here’s what we’re reading aloud for the next couple of months.

The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis–We’ll read the Chronicles of Narnia more than once throughout our homeschooling. Right now, he’s just old enough to follow the story. Later, we’ll discuss the symbolism. I bought a cheap paperback containing all of the books from Amazon.

The Children’s Bible by Golden Press–My parents purchased my copy before I was born! However, copies are still floating around out there. I highly suggest adding this to your library. Purchase here.

Poetry Unit

Using creation and Noah as a theme, we’ll be reading poetry about animals and rain. I’m using three different collections of poems. Two I found at an antique store priced at $4.oo each. That proves you can find homeschool resources just about anywhere!

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I doubt you could easily find these for purchase, so I’ll be listing the poem titles and author names. Poems can often be found published online. Tech received the other book as a gift when he was Peck’s age. Please, Mr. Crocodile! compiled by Tessa Strickland boasts a variety of poem styles partnered with colorful, engaging illustrations. Purchase here.

  • “Leviathan” by Louis Untermeyer
  • “Snake” by Emily Dickinson
  • “The Bee” by Isaac Watts (Because Isaac Watts was also a hymn writer, we will also be singing “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” and “O God, our Help in Ages Past” during Bible.)
  • “The Tiger” by Joan E Cass
  • “The Tyger” by William Blake (I love Blake because he emphasizes the wonder of God’s creation in his writing.)
  • “The Lamb” by William Blake
  • “Kitten Playing with the Falling Leaves” by William Wordsworth
  • “The Corn Scratch Kwa Kwa Hen” by Julie Holder (One of our favorite poems because of the rhythm she creates with her words.)
  • “The Rain” by Rowena Bastin Bennett
  • “A Rain Song” by Clinton Scollard (An excellent example of rhyme and rhythm)

A Story of Gilgamesh by Yiyum Li–I wanted a children’s version of this ancient story that remained true to the original. Based on reviews, this one seemed most likely to fit my needs. Also, the illustrations are stylized and unique, creating the feel of ancient times. Purchase here.

Egypt

I own this wonderful out-of-print world lit textbook. I bought it when Tech studied world lit on high school and kept it because I loved the collection of literary works. It has a few translations of ancient Egyptian poems we’ll read. It’s a worthwhile addition to your homeschool library. Purchase here.

I also found this webpage with Egyptian poems. Finally, I located a site with Egyptian myths. We’ll be reading “The Greek Princess” to compare with the Trojan War when we study it later this year and “The Shipwrecked Sailor.”

And if we have time or I get bored, we’ll read The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner.

Side note: We will definitely watch Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at some point during the Egypt unit.

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