July 2017 Newsletter
A newsletter and a reading suggestion I’ve had several people ask me if there is a difference between the newsletter I hand out at conferences, and the one that comes via email, so I thought I’d show you a sample....
Tagged: excellence in literature
Thanksgiving: Blessings and Sales
Here’s a Thanksgiving sale with four different offers (with free shipping) on our most popular items, including Excellence in Literature, the McGuffey Readers, Grammar and Spelling Made Easy, and more.
Teach Classic Literature in Context
Reading and teaching literature in context is a bit like studying a map before you set out for a walk in a strange city. Context helps you find significant intersections, decipher archaic language, and find a path through old-fashioned rhetoric. Here’s how to do it.
Why Context? What You Know Changes How You Read
Most modern readers have little context for the mindset, manners, and morals, or even many of the conflicts that consumed the characters in the novels of the late 19th and early 20th century. This lack of context can affect understanding and appreciation of the tales.
Why Study Literature in Context?
Why study literature in the context of art, music, history, and worldview? Context — the history, art, and music related to a particular piece of literature — helps to bring a book to life and make it more understandable, especially...
Biographical Approach Paper Format
Here is a biographical approach paper format you may use to write about authors or other significant people. Approach papers help students think through the things they study in a deeper way, so this can be useful not only for Excellence in Literature, but also for any subject.
Writing Programs I Like
I’ve seen good results from students who have used these writing programs. Choose based on the student’s learning style for best results.
Learn to Write While Using Excellence in Literature
By using classics and models and learning by doing, it’s natural and possible to learn to write well while using Excellence in Literature.
Excellence in Literature Worldview
Why choose worldview over specific content? Here’s why I did so for Excellence in Literature.
Three Things to Consider When Making Curriculum Decisions
Choosing curriculum can be a challenge. Here are three things to think about to make it easier!
How I Chose Great Books for Excellence in Literature
My goal in writing Excellence in Literature is to pass along my love for some of the most beautiful, thought-provoking literature in the world, and to help students learn to think critically and analytically while growing mentally and spiritually. Here’s how I chose which books to include.
World Literature is Here!
It took longer than I thought, but World Literature— the English 5 level of the Excellence in Literature: Reading and Writing Through the Classics curriculum is finally here! You can see it, read all about it, and order it on...
Bayeux Tapestry: An Animated Look at History
One of the highlights of our memorable trip to Europe was seeing the Bayeux Tapestry — the story of the 1066 war. I’d just finished reading 1066: The Year of the Conquest by David Haworth (highly recommended), so it was fresh...
Great Books Week- October 4-10, 2009
Join Excellence in Literature as we celebrate the beauty of great books with a blog tour! If you’d like to participate, write a post on your own blog on the appropriate topic each day, then visit the appropriate post on...
Great Literature is Great Because It’s Sticky
Classic literature sticks in my mind because the questions it raises are about some of the most important issues we face.
New Video Review of Excellence In Literature
I just came across another informative review of Excellence in Literature! Kerry Beck of Curriculum Connection has written a great review, and posted a video that walks you through the entire book. At the convention this past weekend, so many...
New Excellence In Literature Review on TOS!
I’m always happy to get a good review of one or more of my books, and this morning I came across a very nice review on The Old Schoolhouse website. Kathy Gelzer has done a beautiful job of outlining the...
Andrew Pudewa’s Video on Excellence In Literature
If you have enjoyed IEW’s materials, or if you have a teen who loves to read or write, I think you’ll find that Excellence in Literature is an ideal next step for your motivated teens. I’ll let Andrew tell you all about it in this brief video!
Convention Coupons, Excellence in Literature, and other Good News
There are several interesting things happening this coming weekend. The CHAP convention will take place Friday and Saturday, May 8-9, in Harrisburg, PA. While I won’t be there personally, due to a very unfortunate conflict, I sent my able assistant...
American and British Literature are Here!
I opened the door this morning, and there on the front steps was a box from Andrew Pudewa’s IEW. The American and British literature levels of Excellence in Literature have arrived and are ready for you! Yesterday was my grandmother’s...
SAT* Score Reporting, FAQ, Essay Workshops, & EIL 1 is HERE!
Beginning with the March 2009 administration of the SAT, the College Board has implemented a new policy that should make a lot of people very happy. According to the website, the new policy “will give students the option to choose...
SWOT Analysis for Homeschools
SWOT Analysis is a very useful tool for homeschoolers. By analyzing Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats, you can learn to balance balance the elements and make effective decisions about homeschooling.
Questions about using Excellence In Literature in a co-op
I received an e-mail this morning from a co-op leader, inquiring about the Excellence in Literature (EIL) curriculum. When I receive detailed questions like these, I know that others are probably wondering some of the same of the same things,...
