Novel Thoughts

Memoria Press

Join the literature team from Memoria Press as they come together for living room chats about the cohesive and connected nature of the Memoria Press Literature Curriculum. read less

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

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/ #chroniclesofnarnia #memoriapress #classicaleducation

Episodes

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

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/ #chroniclesofnarnia #memoriapress #classicaleducation

A Bear Called Paddington

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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 ]

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

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!

The Courage of Sarah Noble

The Courage of Sarah Noble

Today, we look at how to teach and what to look for in The Courage of Sarah Noble from the Memoria Press Second Grade Literature Curriculum. We dive into how to study this book effectively to find the themes and metaphors that make this classic novel essential to a great homeschool education. If you have any great study tips on how to review and study this novel in your own homeschool, let us know down below! The Newbery Honor-winning The Courage of Sarah Noble by Alice Dalgliesh dramatizes a young girl’s struggle in colonial America. Eight-year-old Sarah Noble and her father travel through the wilderness of Connecticut in 1707 to build a new life. As they live in the wild, Sarah sometimes finds it hard to be brave when there are strange noises in the woods. However, she soon makes new friends in her wilderness home, and when she must stay alone while her father goes to fetch the rest of the family, Sarah learns what it really means to be brave. The Courage of Sarah Noble Set includes everything you need to guide your student to a deeper understanding and appreciation of this exciting, historical children’s novel.

Today, Novel Thoughts sits down to explore a student's first chapter book in the Memoria Press curriculum! Prairie School by renowned children’s author Avi tells the story of Noah Bidson growing up on the prairies of Colorado. One day, his Aunt Dora arrives and begins teaching Noah reading, writing, and arithmetic. Noah is hesitant at first, trying to find ways to avoid studying. However, once Aunt Dora begins teaching him outside on the prairie, Noah discovers the joy of learning, and his life changes forever. The Prairie School Set comes with the everything you need to ensure your student will read, understand, and learn from this beautiful children’s book for beginners.

Animal Folk Tales of America

Animal Folk Tales of America

On today's episode of Novel Thoughts we go back to analyze one of the first literature books that students are expected to read on their own! No more read-aloud books, it's time to move on to Animal Folk Tales of America. This book contains many famous stories told throughout American history, adapted by Caldecott Honor-winner Tony Palazzo. Legends in this text include Paul Bunyan, Pecos Bill, The Jumping Frog, Davy Crockett, Johnny Appleseed, Sweet Betsy, and others. Your student will explore magnificent landscapes and discover legendary deeds as they come to know and love these treasured tall-tales!

Second Grade Read-Alouds [ Part 7 ]

Second Grade Read-Alouds [ Part 7 ]

Today, Novel Thoughts unpacks the final books of our Second Grade Read-Aloud collection. What a journey it's been! Today we're talking about Island Boy, a handful of Animal Fables, and Sam, Bangs, and Moonshine. We'll cover how to teach children about family and growing up, the role of community leadership, and how our imagination can often get us into trouble. Thanks for joining us for this episode, we hope you enjoy it!

Second Grade Read-Alouds [ Part 6 ]

Second Grade Read-Alouds [ Part 6 ]

Today we unpack two categories of books in our 2nd Grade Classical Homeschool Curriculum, poetry and history. We will talk through Emily, A Visit to William Blake's Inn, Paul Revere's Ride, and The 4th of July Story, as we explore how understanding the language, meter, and rhyme of poetry prepares children for later success in their language arts studies. Second grade is a great time to get children invested in reading poetry, a skill and pasttime that is a worthwhile investment for students at any stage of their education journey.

Second Grade Read-Alouds [ Part 5 ]

Second Grade Read-Alouds [ Part 5 ]

Today, Novel Thoughts dives into the second semester of the Memoria Press Second Grade Read Aloud Books. We will talk about two books that almost didn't make it into the curriculum, Verdi and The Gardener. But we learned that this literature guides students toward understanding the themes of belonging, place, and self-reflection; important lessons that you shouldn't miss either! Start your second semester right, with two great books that we know will prepare your students for the semester ahead!

Second Grade Read-Aloud [ Part 4 ]

Second Grade Read-Aloud [ Part 4 ]

Today Novel Thoughts dives back into the Memoria Press Second Grade Read Aloud Books. Let us be your literature guides as we be talk about Wee Gillis, Johnny Appleseed, and The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey, and how these read alouds contribute big lessons in our classical Christian homeschool curriculum. We hope you enjoy this review of our education material and how reading these books are a great first start to learning how young children can begin to find their purpose!

Second Grade Read-Alouds [ Part 3 ]

Second Grade Read-Alouds [ Part 3 ]

On today's episode of Novel Thoughts, we dive into Maybelle the Cable Car and The Ant and the Elephant. These two classic stories are excellent stories that unpack a person's civic responsibility to their city or town and their interpersonal responsibility to their friend and neighbor. As young kids navigate their world, it's important for their teachers to enourage kindness, thoughtfulness, and grace toward one another as well as a larger social awareness of how they can enact change in the world around them. We invite you to come along as we unpack our next two books in our Second Grade Read-Aloud Set from Memoria Press.

Second Grade Read Alouds [ Part 2 ]

Second Grade Read Alouds [ Part 2 ]

On this episode of Novel Thoughts, we continue to unpack selections from our 2nd Grade Read-Aloud set: Cinderella and The Emperor's New Clothes. These are two of Leigh's favorite choices from our set of 33 classic children's books. With every story and every illustration these classic authors give us countless lessons and virtues we can glean wisdom from. Join us as we talk about pride, jealousy, redemption and more. Have you ever thought about how the story of Cinderella reminds us of the story of Joseph and his brothers?

Second Grade Read Alouds [ Part 1 ]

Second Grade Read Alouds [ Part 1 ]

Memoria Press 2nd Grade Literature Curriculum introduces stories with powerful and poignant themes, like those of The Velveteen Rabbit. Today on Novel Thoughts we explore these classic children's stories, fairy tales, and read along books for kids using our classical homeschool curriculum. Education through story is a core part of our learning strategy and these books are a big part of setting a great foundation for young readers.