Summer Reading Challenge

 

My first child loved to read, all the time; couldn't get enough books. She read most everything I offered her, and gave me evaluation if I should offer it to her siblings. Most books I've chosen from my favorites, the classics, and reputable sources of recommendations. I thought this would be the pattern for all my children. 

Her personal library is significant, and we also have two family libraries in our home for books that aren't in bedrooms. We've donated baskets and boxes full of books that were not up to standard, and we still have a good sized collection of fiction and non-fiction. We've become more mindful over the years what we allow and what's a keeper.

(Other library pic coming soon, in reorganizing mode)

However, the next three teens have been a challenge when it comes to getting them to read the books I bought and put on their homeschool shelves as mandatory reading. Somehow, they missed the "you MUST read these this year" part of their assignments. They go on to read other books of low quality or questionable content by borrowing them from friends or a quick grab at the library. Other days they don't want to read because their curriculum is heavy on the reading. They're also SLOW readers.  I save negative consequences for more serious matters, and I've tried to be lenient and foster their love of reading whatever they choose. It's made for good discussion. So it's never been a serious matter for them to read everything I offer.

So how do I incentivize my children to read the books I took the time and consideration to pick out for them? 

Bring on the Summer Reading Challenge rewards system. There are enough books still on the shelves this summer that they chose to ignore, so I created this reward system, with their input, if they read those books. I'll also give them a small reward for giving me a written review of the books they read of their own choosing. With a reasonable goal of  2 good sized chapter books per month, another reward is given for reaching 6 books, with oral or written reviews. 

An Overview of the sheet: 

For every TEACHER CHOICE you read,  AND give an oral review, you earn: A REWARD TICKET [A day without chores. 1 Hour gaming/arcade OR Visit a Playground. Choice of family movie. Lunch out with Mom. Outing with Dad. Permission to sleep in.]

For every chapter book you read of YOUR CHOICE, AND write/type up a review, you earn:  Fill in the line with something they'd like. [such as time to paint, visit a museum, a round of golf, go to the pool, get a new something they've wanted, etc.]

For Reading 6 Books with Reviews: A Reward or Activity of Your Choice [Such as a Movie, Dessert, Friend Over, MP3 song, Outing, Kindle Book, etc… (up to $5 Value)]

Why not something the local library offers for a summer reading program? 

Because then we have to go to the library where they will ask for books that are not of the quality I want them to read. Books that  Charlotte Mason and GK Chesterton would consider better for starting a fire which to read a better book by. However, they may reserve books from the library on our list if we chose not to buy them. And they may still turn in the local library's summer reading program slips when we go to pickup. We do utilize the library for movies and audiobooks, especially movies made from the books they've read.

Why include book reviews for summer reading? 

That is how I can best evaluate that they read and comprehended the books. Also, because I often chose books with virtuous character development and meaningful content, there is more to discuss. Finally, the books I add were originally for during their school year, where I'd require the review. Notice, I gave the easier oral report for my book choices, and the more challenging written report for their choices. Yet, another incentive to gravitate towards my picks.

Whether you print out this free bookmark and rewards tickets, or devise your own, I hope it has inspired you in motivating those reluctant readers. If you have any other ideas for motivation or rewards, please share in the comments! I'd like to have a variety of reward tickets for them to choose from over the years.

Catholic Children's Prayer Book {Interactive}

 Oh my dear friends, here we are at the beginning of a new school year, which means another year of Faith Formation as well. Busy, busy! This year we are blessed to have a daughter preparing for First Reconciliation and Communion, as well as a daughter and son preparing for Confirmation! As a homeschooler, we do most of the faith lessons at home and that gets my fingers busy at the computer creating activities for them. This year a good friend of mine, who is a Faith Formation Coordinator at our church and also the author of The Sacred That Surrounds Us {aff link}, Andrea Zachman, asked to collaborate with me on this delightful new Children's Prayer Book! You can be assured, all the essential prayers to learn and more are in this book.

A Children's Prayer Book to print and color. Recommended for K-6th grade. This is a perfect activity for First Reconciliation and First Communion formation classes, or as a gift. 40 Page Booklet (10 sheets)

YOU CAN FIND IT ON MY ETSY SHOP

{CHILDREN'S PRAYER BOOK}

www.etsy.com/HomegrownCatholics/listing/1068532342/childrens-prayer-book-pdf-file

Prayers Include:
Morning Offering
Spiritual Communion
Anima Christi
Guardian Angel
Prayer Before School
Acts of Faith, Hope, Love
Spiritual Adoption Prayer

Grace Before Meals
The Angelus
Divine Mercy Chaplet
Holy Rosary

Nicene Creed, Apostles Creed
Our Father
Glory Be
Come Holy Spirit
Hail Mary
Hail Holy Queen
Memorare
Saint Michael

Christmas Novena
Divine Praises

Lent Offering
Stations of the Cross

The 10 Commandments
Prayer Before a Crucifix
Maxims
Examination of Conscience
Works of Mercy
Virtues
Fruits of the Spirit
The Beatitudes
Capital Sins
2 Acts of Contrition
Evening Prayer

YOU CAN FIND IT ON MY ETSY SHOP

{CHILDREN'S PRAYER BOOK}

www.etsy.com/HomegrownCatholics/listing/1068532342/childrens-prayer-book-pdf-file

PRINTING DIRECTIONS

40 Page Booklet

>>10 (8.5x11) sheets, to print back to back, then cut in half to fold into a booklet. These can be printed into a 4.25"×5.5" booklet, or you could print and cut out to paste onto a craft or journal. I print my copy onto multipurpose 20lb weight paper and can see images through, but it folds nicely and fits my needs. 24-32lb paper would be better, but I don't recommend 60lb cardstock.

 

There are 10 sheets to print individually to use on a craft or in a journal. If you print these back to back, you can make a 4.25"x5.5" booklet.

To make a single book, print the odd numbered pages (1,3,5,7,9), then reinsert as needed to print on the backside the even pages (2,4,6,8,10). So 1 and 2 are together, 3&4, 5&6, 7&8, 9&10.

To make a bulk print of books for your class, I suggest printing each page to the number of copies you need. So if you need 50 copies, print 50 sheets of page 1, then print page 2 on the back. Then print 50 copies of page 3 and print page 4 on the back... and so on.

When you have the sets together, you cut on the line the short way, which is between the top two images and the bottom two. Stack together in page number order. Fold in half. Staple or sew a seam if you'd like.

I hope these directions are clear, but as always, you can email me with any questions. homegrowncatholic@gmail.com

YOU CAN FIND IT ON MY ETSY SHOP

{CHILDREN'S PRAYER BOOK}

www.etsy.com/HomegrownCatholics/listing/1068532342/childrens-prayer-book-pdf-file

Marian Activities for the Family

There are many Marian feasts throughout the year, but I find that the month of May is a time when we focus particularly on crafts and activities to honor Our Lady Mary. I listed as many as I could recall on this post below, and plan to add to this post frequently. I hope you'll share a comment of your personal favorites, and anything that peaked your interest on my list. Bookmark and Pin this one!

ALL MARIAN ACTIVITIES TO PRINT: CLICK HERE FOR THE PDF FILE

MARIAN CONSECRATION

While the Blessed Mother Mary has been a huge part of my entire life, growing up in a very Marian family, it wasn't until I was 40 that I read "33 Days to Morning Glory: A Do-it Yourself Retreat" and made an official Consecration to Mary. I highly recommend that book for teens and adults. Afterwards, I really wanted to do the same for my children and found two wonderful books for it. I am reading one to my 0-7 year olds, and the other to my 8-18 year olds. Then we will have a special consecration day utilizing many of our past Marian activities posted on this blog. 

"Consecration to Mary for Little Ones" by Kimberly Fries 

This book is perfect for toddlers and young children. Simple daily reading and prayer. Beautiful artwork.

"Marian Consecration for Children" by Carrie Gress 

This book is perfect for children and teens. It integrates lessons from popular children's stories and our whole family really enjoyed the lessons, conversation starter questions, Did You Know section, and prayers. 

MARY'S LITTLE FLOWERS TEA PARTY

Our girls enjoyed a year of Little Flowers club, and it ended with the most beautiful tea party. I think this is a must for anyone with a young girl, but I know my boys would appreciate it also. We played games, drank tea, had a delicious luncheon and prayed together. We have done this on a few occasions with friends, dressing up and putting out all the linens, vases and tea cups. 

We've also simplified it at home for afternoon read aloud time.

This is a perfect time to pick out a short story to read, or perhaps your Marian Consecration reading. The book pictured is "The Book of Virtues: A Treasury of Great Moral Stories" by William Bennett.

 This is a classic shower game, where one is blindfolded and must find as many safety pins in the rice as they can. The person who finds the most in a minute wins. 

 My daughter and I created this Tea Bag hide and seek game. There are two identical sets of pretend tea bags (brown paper stuffed with a cotton ball and labeled with a kind of tea). You could of course use real tea bags. Two groups are formed and they get a page protector with instructions and a dry erase pen. Tea bags are hidden, and the groups find one of each tea and check it off their list. If they find the double, they must put it back quietly. First to find them all, wins.

*I apologize, I did not save where I got these images from.  I will gladly credit as soon as I know.

Find this and all Marian printables in the PDF linked at the top of the post.

MARY'S LITTLE CROWNS CLASS

My popular blog: Mary's Little Crowns Class includes printables to make a paper Mary Statue, Mother Thrice Admirable rosary to color, Offering Basket, and Marian Princess Crowns. It comes complete with a script and prayer card to print and use for a class.

Click on this image to go to the complete lesson plan for a 

Schoenstatt Mary's Little Crowns lesson plan.

MARIAN CRAFTING

Mary Statue 

Print on 65lb cardstock. Color, cut and staple. Add sticker stars for extra flair.

Find this and all Marian printables in the PDF linked at the top of the post.

Cut dotted lines and slide the cut areas together, or staple or glue.

  

Find this and all Marian printables in the PDF linked at the top of the post.

 Peg Doll Mary

There are so many appearances of Mary around the world, so I suggest you try painting your favorite Mary on a wooden peg doll, or create a whole set. This version I thought was the simplest style that even little girls could do.

Repair a Statue

Have you ever rescued a saint statue from the thrift store? This statue was given to me by my Great Aunt Lolly. It was faded and chipped, so I gave it new life with acrylic paint and several coats of clear spray paint. It's still a favorite in my home.

Sew a Veil or Mantle for your Mary statue.

We haven't done this project yet, but found the idea in "Sewing with St. Anne" by Alice Cantrell

Embroidery (Saint Anne & Mary)

 The Name of Mary (Paper Mosaic)

Our children enjoyed creating this Ave Maria art, using construction paper scraps. It was a great cutting skills project, discussion about color families, Mary's names, crowns and more.

Decorative Kneeler

 Garden Knee Pad w/ Puffy Paint

Mary's Little Crown

Make crowns for girls with a birthday party pack of tiaras and Marian stickers.

Rosary Hangers

These were a fun project. We began with the children carrying their bare cross during Holy Week. Then in Easter, we decoupaged them with tissue paper and added a small hook.

Make a Beaded Rosary

 

Some of these were made with pipe-cleaner craft sticks and pony beads. They can be a little poky over time, but it made for a quick craft. For something long-lasting, I recommend learning how to do a knotted rope rosary. It's more involved, but the children can gain dexterity from beading.

Q is for Queen of the Universe

This is a blue construction paper cut as a "Q" and a child's footprint in white paint. Then her crown of stars is yellow finger prints. Of course, it is not complete without googly eyes.

Marian Door Hanging

We used a foam door hanger, a printed image of Mary, sticker stars, hot glued on silk flowers, and labeled with the letter "V" for Virgin Mary.

Holy Family Hearts, stained glass windows

My daughter and I taped off our windows with painters tape in the outlines of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (with Divine Mercy rays), Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Chaste Heart of St. Joseph. The final image is the USA. We painted using tempura paints mixed 1:1 with dish soap.  We used wide brushes in swirls and swipes, and the clouds we used a natural sponge. It's been up for weeks and it's been a real joy to walk past anytime of day. 

PRINTABLE PRAYERS

Memorare Prayer

Find this and all Marian printables in the PDF linked at the top of the post.

Morning Offering

 

This and more printable daily prayers found at my post "Commitment to Daily Prayer"

Print this rosary to color, or put on candies to eat, as they follow.

Find this and all Marian printables in the PDF linked at the top of the post.

A Holy Rosary Guide

 

This guide and more on my post "Praying the Rosary"

Hail Holy Queen

Find this and all Marian printables in the PDF linked at the top of the post.

MARIAN GARDENS

 Read about gardening, especially Mary Gardens at this link. In our garden, Mary is surrounded by these perennials and more. This picture is from 2015 at it's peak bloom.

There is a website about Mary Gardens called: Mary Garden of Virginal Consecration, complete with poems and drawings that I think would be a great children's project. It is very through and perfect if you want specific names of plants and their Marian association.

"Snow Angel" Coral Bells,

Pansies or "Our Lady's Delight,"

"Mary's Mantle" [Alchemilla vulgaris]

Bleeding Hearts or "Sacred Heart of Mary."

May Day Baskets

May is the month of Mary, so May Day is a wonderful tradition to share about her with your friends. One year we made single potted flowers in decorated cups. They are also a good Mother's Day gift.

Painted Mary Garden

While we made this floral ring for a candle, it would be a perfect fit around a Mary statue. The base is a round cardboard from a frozen pizza, painted green. The flowers are paper egg cartons cut up, painted and hot glued in place. My daughters created this all on their own as a gift. It still amazes me how beautiful it turned out.

Mary Floral Crown

Chenille Craft Stick (Pipecleaner)

Floral wreath, crown or bracelet

This is an easy to make floral bracelet that you could make large enough to fit at the base of your indoor Mary Statue, or smaller for a crown. We used a stretchy cord for a comfortable fit. Perhaps add a Miraculous Medal to it.

Magnatile Marian Grotto

Another fun idea for those indoor Mary statues. Don't forget a snow grotto for the outdoor statue this winter!

MARIAN TREATS

Edible Marian Grotto

 

A marshmallow and krispy rice grotto is a fun snack project for toddlers! We used the multicolored rice cereal and toddler star puff snacks.

Cupcake Rosary (or Cookies)

MARIAN MEDALS & SCAPULARS
Each member of my family wears a Scapular and Miraculous Medal, or a 4-way Cross Medal. We wear them as a holy shield, a sacramental that reminds us of our consecration to Mary and her protection over her children.

Embroidery (Homemade Scapular)

While I've seen these sold on Etsy, I really enjoyed making it myself for my son's 1st Holy Communion. I stitched onto brown wool the white felt background and some felt hearts, then embroidered the symbols, flames and flowers to create the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary. A labor of love.

VEILING

Wearing our veils, we feel a little more like humble and holy Mary. Veiling at Mass and in Adoration has been increasing in our diocese and parish. All ages have interest, but I am seeing a beautiful trend in teenagers embracing the tradition. We are doing what we can to encourage it. This is me and one of my three daughters. After we began veiling, my sons asked what they could do, which inspired them to make an effort to dress up for Mass every time. There are days that little girls aren't fond of the long veil, so I did buy wide lace headbands to switch out and spare a scene in the pew.

I asked God what's something simple I could do to honor His True Presence... and He asked me to donate veils to our church. A friend and I pitched in, and have donated about 65 inexpensive veils found on eBay. I also included hair clips that have helped hold them in place very well. We also put out the information cards about veiling from Veils by Lily.

 

*I shared this with message with my church Mom's Group: For any lady, young or older, who has been thinking of veiling but unsure where to start or not ready to invest in the $30+ veils. Bonus hair-clip gets sewn in spot you need it to be, holds in place really nice. FREE as a gift.

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

"Praying the Rosary Like Never Before" by Edward Sri

"33 Days to Morning Glory" by Fr Michael Gaitley

"The Seven Sorrows of Mary: A Meditative Guide"

"Consecration to Mary for Little Ones" by Kimberly Fries 

"Marian Consecration for Children" by Carrie Gress 

PREVIOUSLY POSTED
Celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe with ideas from my OLG Post
Celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception with these ideas or more on my SIC Post

*DISCLAIMER: This blog contains affiliated links to products I recommend. This creates a small fund towards my efforts of offering all these free activity posts. It costs my readers nothing. If you decide to purchase anything I have recommended, I hope you'll use the links. I also have a few items for sale on my Homegrown Catholics Etsy shop. Thank you for your patronage.