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What do you do with a toddler, a preschooler and a kindergartener? Charlotte Mason calls this ‘the quiet growing time’ They are not quite ready for formal school yet but ready to explore the world! So if you're looking for ideas on how to keep up with your child’s curiosity and energy, read on. Now, let me share a little secret with you - when my son was 3 years old, we embarked on an incredible journey of read-alouds, habit formation, Bible study, and outdoor play. I must have read so many books to him that I could probably rival the number of books a preschool teacher reads in her entire career! Ha! But you know what? It was worth every moment. We started with a toddler's Bible, then moved on to a preschooler's Bible, and finally delved into the world of children's Bibles. We would read these stories over and over again, and as my son grew, his curiosity grew too. He always had questions, and we would have the most wonderful discussions. But reading books wasn't the only thing we did. We were always out and about, exploring the world around us. My son loved helping me sweep the leaves in our front yard, and guess what? He still does it to this day! He even asked to help wash the dishes when he was little, and now he takes care of the breakfast dishes all by himself. Now, let's dive into how a week and a month would look like at home with children aged 3 to 5, integrating read-alouds, habit formation, Bible study, and outdoor play. Get ready for some fun and exciting adventures! "The mind is capable of dealing with only one kind of food; it lives, grows and is nourished upon ideas only; mere information is to it as a meal of sawdust to the body; there are no organs for the assimilation of the one more than of the other." (A Philosophy of Education, p. 105) Week 1: Monday: Get cozy and embark on a short read-aloud session, introducing a new storybook (find out what living books are here) filled with captivating characters and an exciting plot. Encourage your little ones to ask questions and share their thoughts. Let their imaginations soar! Oh, and by the way, if you're from the Philippines, you've got to check out The Learning Basket and Pumplepie Books. They're like treasure troves of amazing books that will make your read-aloud sessions even more magical! Tuesday: Let's focus on forming good habits. Teach your children simple routines like tidying up their toys or brushing their teeth. But hey, let's make it fun and engaging! You can sing the Clean Up Song by Super Simple Songs while packing away the toys. Trust me, it works like a charm! And guess what? I've got a little secret weapon for you - a Charlotte Mason List of Habits printable that you can use as a guide not just for these early years, but all the way until your child is all grown up. How cool is that? Wednesday: Time for some Bible study! Pick a short Bible story and dive deep into its moral lessons. Encourage your little ones to reflect on how they can apply those lessons in their daily lives. You can ask them questions like, "If you were Noah, would you say yes to God if He asked you to build a big boat because it's going to rain and flood the whole world?" or "How about if Mommy asked you to wear your rain boots because it's safer to walk in muddy puddles with them on?" Let their imaginations soar while learning valuable life lessons! Oh, and (again) guess what? I've got a whole series of blog posts on Bible story lessons. You can use them as a guide for each week. How handy is that? Thursday: Let's step outside and embrace the wonders of nature! Take your little ones on a nature walk and let them explore the world around them. Encourage them to collect leaves or rocks and engage in sensory activities. Trust me, just an hour outside in the morning or afternoon will do wonders for both you and your child. Friday: It's time for some hands-on fun! Engage in a creative activity that connects to the read-aloud book from Monday. It could be a craft, a role-play, or even a simple science experiment. Let your child's imagination run wild while reinforcing the lessons learned from the story. Get ready for some unforgettable moments! Now, let's take a look at what a whole month of exciting adventures looks like! Month 1: Week 1: Let's explore our world! Read-Aloud: Introduce your little ones to a new book series, reading a chapter each day. Discuss the characters, settings, and themes, and watch their imaginations come to life. Habit: This week, let's focus on forming good habits related to personal hygiene, like washing hands, taking a bath, or getting dressed independently. Let's reinforce these habits with positive reinforcement and lots of praise! Bible: Dive deeper into Bible study by exploring different stories and discussing their moral teachings. Encourage your little ones to express their thoughts and relate the stories to their own lives. Let their faith grow alongside their curiosity. Outdoor Play: Take your little ones to a local park or nature reserve and let them engage in free play. Watch as they discover the wonders of nature, observe plants and animals, and simply enjoy the beauty of the world around them. Week 2: Let's dive into emotions and stories! Read-Aloud: Choose a story that explores emotions and feelings. Let your little ones discover the power of empathy and understanding. Habit: This week, let's focus on saying "please" and "thank you." It's all about teaching them the importance of gratitude and kindness. Bible: Discuss stories of courage and facing challenges. Let your little ones find inspiration in the stories of heroes and heroines from the Bible. Outdoor Play: Encourage imaginative games in an outdoor setting. Let their creativity soar as they create their own stories and adventures. Week 3: Let's discover the power of friendship! Read-Aloud: Explore stories about friendship and cooperation. Let your little ones learn the value of true friendship. Habit: Let's focus on practicing good table manners. It's time to teach them the joy of sharing meals with loved ones. Bible: Introduce stories of sharing and caring for friends. Let your little ones learn the importance of kindness and compassion. Outdoor Play: Play interactive games that promote teamwork. Watch as they learn the power of working together towards a common goal. Week 4: Let's explore our world through the seasons! Read-Aloud: Select a book about the changing seasons. Let your little ones discover the beauty and wonders of nature's cycle. Habit: This week, let's form the habit of brushing teeth before bed. It's all about taking care of ourselves and our bodies. Bible: Connect Bible stories to the beauty of different seasons. Let your little ones see the wonders of God's creation through the lens of the changing seasons. Outdoor Play: Explore nature's seasonal changes through observation. Let your little ones marvel at the magic of nature's transformations. Remember, these are just starting points. Feel free to add your own twist and adapt the activities to your child's emerging interests. The key is to make learning fun, engaging, and tailored to your child's unique needs. By integrating read-alouds, habit formation, Bible study, and the joy of outdoor play into short lessons, you're setting the stage for an educational journey that nurtures your child's love for learning and holistic development. Get ready for some unforgettable moments and let the adventure begin! So there you have it, a glimpse into the wonderful world of the short lesson in Charlotte Mason method for ages 3 to 5. I hope these ideas inspire you to embark on your own adventure of nurturing young minds and blossoming imaginations. If you want more resources, tips, and support on implementing the Charlotte Mason approach, I encourage you to join and subscribe to our community. Together, we can create a rich and joyful learning experience for our little ones. Happy exploring!

Here are four relatable saints whom every wife and mom can aspire to emulate. The Blessed Virgin Mary She may not be considered a Saint but I think she would inspire and intercede for all wives and mothers Feast Day: Many. See Marian feast days here https://marian.org/mary/feast-days Patronage: mothers, childbirth and all humanity How to get to know her more: 1. Do a the 33 Day Consecration to Mary using this book: 33 Days To Morning Glory https://www.thedivinemercy.org/articles/33-days-morning-glory-introduction by Fr. Donald H. Calloway 2. Celebrate her feast days - Read more about Marian feast days and when to celebrate here https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/marian-feasts-in-the-roman-calendar-11127 and here http://www.catholictradition.org/Mary/marian-feasts.htm 3. Get a Mary peg saint doll for Mom on her birthday of Mother’s Day 4. Pray the Rosary as a family. Saint Clare of Assisi Feast Day: August 11 Patronage: laundry, embroiderers, needle-workers, eye disease, goldsmiths, gilders, good weather, telephones, telegraphs, and television How to get to know her more: 1. Read about her on franciscanmedia.org and CNA 2. Celebrate her feast day. Lots of celebration ideas at Catholic Culture and Everything Is Grace 3. Seek her intercession through novenas and prayers. Saint Gianna Bretta Molla Feast Day: April 28 Patronage: mothers, physicians, and unborn children How to get to know her more: 1. Read more about her at saintgiana.org and Vatican News 2. Celebrate her feast day. Celebrating at home ideas at Catholic Culture 3. Ask for her intercession for pregnant mothers or add her name to the litany of Saints that you pray during family prayer time. Saint Monica of Hippo Feast Day: August 27 Patronage: wives, mothers, difficult marriages, alcoholics, conversion How to get to know her more: 1. Read more about him at Church Pop and franciscanmedia.org 2. Celebrate her feast day. Celebrating at home ideas plus recipes at equippingcatholicfamilies.com 3. Include prayers and novenas to Saint Monica in your personal prayer time. Do you have any other go to Saints for wives and moms? Who are they? Tell me about them in the comments.

Having been both an experienced early childhood teacher and homeschooler, I have personally witnessed the profound impact that early religious education can have on children's lives. Catechism lessons, in particular, provide a solid foundation for children to develop a deep understanding of their faith. In this blog post, I will delve into the importance of incorporating Catechism lessons into the early years and share how you can implement weekly lessons using the K-2 Catechism Lessons: Bible Stories Series, inspired by the Charlotte Mason method. Why Catechism Lessons Matter: 1. Building a Strong Foundation: Catechism lessons lay the groundwork for children's understanding of their faith. By introducing them to the core beliefs and teachings of their religion, we equip them with the tools to navigate their spiritual journey. 2. Fostering a Personal Connection: Catechism lessons help children develop a personal relationship with their faith. Through engaging stories and discussions, they learn to apply these teachings to their everyday lives, strengthening their connection to their religious community. 3. Developing Moral and Ethical Values: Catechism lessons provide a framework for children to develop a strong moral compass. By exploring topics such as love, kindness, forgiveness, and empathy, they learn to make ethical choices and develop a sense of responsibility towards others. Implementing Weekly Catechism Lessons: 1. Choose a Catechism Curriculum: The K-2 Catechism Lessons: Bible Stories Series, inspired by the Charlotte Mason method, offers a comprehensive and age-appropriate curriculum for young children. These lessons are designed to engage children through storytelling, hands-on activities, and discussions, making learning enjoyable and meaningful. 2. Create a Weekly Lesson Plan: Set aside a specific time each week for Catechism lessons. Plan engaging activities that align with the lesson's theme, such as role-playing, crafts, or journaling. This interactive approach will help children internalize the teachings and make connections to their daily lives. 3. Encourage Active Participation: Allow children to ask questions, share their thoughts, and express their understanding of the lesson. This fosters a sense of ownership and encourages critical thinking, helping them develop a deeper understanding of their faith. Introducing Additional Resources: To enhance your Catechism lessons, my blog offers a range of printable activity packs and coloring pages that complement the K-2 Catechism Lessons: Bible Stories Series. I've created a range of printable activity packs and coloring pages that perfectly complement the K-2 Catechism Lessons: Bible Stories Series. They're super fun and designed to reinforce the concepts your little ones are learning while also giving them a chance to get creative. I encourage you to sign up for my latest creations (in the form below) and visit my TpT Store and check out these valuable resources. They'll definitely make your lessons even more engaging! Nurturing faith in the early years is a precious gift we can offer our children. By incorporating Catechism lessons into their education, we provide them with a strong foundation, a personal connection to their faith, and a moral compass to guide them through life. The K-2 Catechism Lessons: Bible Stories Series, inspired by the Charlotte Mason method, offers a comprehensive curriculum that will engage and inspire young learners. Join us to access the latest creations and subscribe to my social media accounts for more resources and support on your faith journey. Let's embark on this beautiful journey of faith together! Find more Catechism lessons and resources here

These four inspiring saints for teens, offering guidance and inspiration in their lives. Their stories and teachings provide valuable lessons on faith, courage, and compassion, making them ideal figures for teenagers to look up to. By learning from their examples, teenagers can find strength and guidance in their own journeys of faith and personal growth. Saint Maria Goretti Feast Day: July 6 Patronage: youth, young women, purity, and forgiveness How to get to know her more: 1. Read about her life and martyrdom on catholic.org and franciscanmedia.org. 2. Celebrate her feast day by attending a Mass in her honor or organizing a purity retreat for teens. 3. Learn about the virtue of chastity and the importance of forgiveness through her example. 4. Pray for her intercession for purity and strength in facing challenges. Saint John Bosco Feast Day: January 31 Patronage: students, apprentices, young people, and juvenile delinquents How to get to know him more: 1. Explore the life and teachings of Saint John Bosco on salesianmissions.org and catholicculture.org. 2. Celebrate his feast day by organizing a youth event or participating in activities that promote education and mentorship. 3. Learn about his educational methods and incorporate them into your own studies and interactions with others. 4. Seek his intercession for guidance in making good choices and staying on the right path. Saint Therese of Lisieux Feast Day: October 1 Patronage: missions, florists, and the sick How to get to know her more: 1. Read her autobiography, "Story of a Soul," to learn about her "Little Way" and her deep love for God. 2. Celebrate her feast day by visiting a local nursing home or hospital to bring joy and comfort to the sick. 3. Embrace her spirituality of doing small acts of love and kindness in your daily life. 4. Ask for her intercession for strength in times of suffering and for guidance in discerning your vocation. Saint Maximilian Kolbe Feast Day: August 14 Patronage: drug addicts, prisoners, families, and journalists How to get to know him more: 1. Discover the heroic life of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, who sacrificed his life in Auschwitz to save a fellow prisoner, on franciscanmedia.org and catholic.org. 2. Celebrate his feast day by organizing a service project or volunteering at a local shelter or prison ministry. 3. Learn about his dedication to spreading the Gospel through media and consider how you can use your talents to evangelize. 4. Pray for his intercession for courage and compassion in standing up for what is right. Do you have any other go-to saints for teenagers? Who are they? Tell me about them in the comments.

As parents, we all want the best for our children, especially when it comes to their education. We strive to provide them with the tools, resources, and support they need to excel academically. However, in our quest for academic success, we often forget the importance of seeking God's guidance in every aspect of our children's education. By encouraging our children to come to God and pray for His wisdom and guidance, we can help them navigate through their educational journey with confidence, purpose, and a deep connection to their faith. Why Seek God's Guidance: 1. The Source of Wisdom: The Bible tells us that God is the ultimate source of wisdom (James 1:5). By seeking His guidance, our children can tap into His infinite wisdom and receive the discernment they need to make the right choices, both academically and in life. 2. Inspiration and Role Modeling: Encouraging our children to seek God's guidance in their studies teaches them the importance of being a good role model to their peers. By valuing education and pursuing their dreams with God's guidance, they can inspire others to do the same (1 Timothy 4:12). 3. Strength and Focus: Education can be demanding, and our children may often feel tired or fatigued. By praying for God's energy and focus, they can stay engaged in their studies and overcome any obstacles they may face (Isaiah 40:31). 4. A Safe and Nurturing Environment: As parents, we want our children to thrive in a safe and nurturing school environment. By praying for God's blessings upon their school, we can create an atmosphere where all students can reach their full potential (Proverbs 22:6). Suggestions for Praying These Prompts with Your Children: 1. Morning Prayer on The Way or Before Going To School: Encourage your children to start their day by praying for God's guidance and strength. This can be done individually or as a family, setting a positive tone for the day ahead. 3. Bedtime Reflection on The Last Day of The School Week: Before bedtime, encourage your children to reflect on the past week and offer prayers of gratitude for the progress they have made and the growth they have experienced (Philippians 1:6). 4. Weekly Family Prayer Time: Set aside a specific time each week for family prayer, using the prayer prompts as a guide. This will not only strengthen your children's connection with God but also foster a sense of unity and support within the family. By encouraging our children to seek God's guidance in every aspect of their education, we are instilling in them a deep faith and trust in God's plan for their lives. Through prayer, they can develop a strong foundation of values, resilience, and a sense of purpose that will guide them throughout their educational journey and beyond. As parents, let us promote and support our children's spiritual growth by utilizing the free, weekly prayer prompts digital download and printable, allowing them to seek God's wisdom and guidance in their studies and lives. Don't forget to subscribe and join our community to receive more free printables and resources in the future. May God bless you and your children as you seek His wisdom and guidance in all areas of life. Prayer Prompts for Students Mobile Wall Paper version is also available on my TpT store