Morning Time

We are loving our "new" school and one of those reasons is because of Morning Time.
After breakfast, we gather together in the living room. I usually let Benny and Charlie play while the older kids are eating breakfast and then right before morning time, I fix Benny and Charlie their breakfasts so they can eat but still hear during morning time. So far, this works for a few moments of quiet, but they have played pretty well after....with a few distractions;)

• We pray a morning offering.
• I read the gospel and we reflect and discuss it. Benny surprised me today with explaining to me what he heard.
• The focus is then directed to our monthly art piece that has been laminated and displayed. The pieces are from a program called "Art Masterpieces: A Liturgical Collection" available from Catholic Heritage Curricula...I've mentioned this before. One special project a month is required from learning about the painting, scripture passages, and artist.

Below is a page from the Art Appreciation Guide that comes with the set. 

• We also read Blessed Pope John Paul II's weekly segments from his book, "My Dear Young Friends" Each segment includes a Think About section, a Take Action section where the kids have to do a challenge, a Prayer section and a trivia fact about Blessed John Paul II.
• We read a poem from Laura Berquist's "The Harp and the Laurel Wreath" There is a section in the book that has discussion questions after to reflect on the poem's meaning. We discuss this as well.
• Finally, this week we are reading aloud "Hind's Feet on High Places" by Hannah Hurnard.  
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• We follow up morning time with an overview of expectations for the day including assignments, chores, and projects.            

Morning Time usually takes about an hour...depending on distractions.     
Then while the kids do school, I turn on classical music...it's amazing what a calming, yet focusing effect this has had on all of us.