Book of Remembrance

An ongoing writing project we enjoy is our Books of Remembrance. Sometimes we add to this once a week for a writing assignment. Other times we work on them on Sundays. Here's a list of prompts to give your children something to write (and think) about.

Book of Remembrance Prompts

1. In what ways are you a blessing to your family?

2. What is your favorite scripture, and why do you like it?

3. If you could paint a picture that would remind you to be good, what would you paint?

4. What is your earliest memory?

5. Tell about one of the kindest people you know

6. What is your favorite hymn, and why?

7. Tell how you most feel Heavenly Father’s love

8. How are you following Jesus’ example daily?

9. How is each of your siblings a blessing?

10. How do mothers bless families?

11. How do fathers bless families?

12. Tell about someone with great faith

13. What are you good at teaching?  How can you get better at it?

14. Is there a movie that makes you want to be good?  Why?

15. How have your grandparents blessed your life?

16. What is a favorite family memory of yours?

17. What is the most important thing you want to teach your children?

18. Tell about one of your heroes

19. Tell about a time when you learned a hard lesson

20. What is the most beautiful sight you ever saw? 

21. Tell about someone who has been a good example to you

22. Tell about a dream you had that has meaning for you

23. What is your most important responsibility as a daughter of God?

24. Share your favorite story of Jesus

25. Who is your favorite scripture character?

26. Tell about someone with great courage

27. What talents do you have?  How do you think they are meant to bless others?

28. If you could spend a whole day however you liked, what would you do?

29. Tell about your favorite trip

30. Tell about one of your favorite books

31. Where is the most beautiful place you’ve been?

32. What makes you smile?

33. What ancestor do you especially love?

34. If you had to leave home and take only one possession, what would it be?

35. Tell about a great patriot

36. What is the greatest challenge you face?

37. If you could give your children only one book besides scripture, what would it be?

38. Tell about someone with great perseverance

39. What counsel of the prophet are you trying to follow?

40. Who is your favorite person from church history?

41. Tell about a time when you felt the spirit.

42. What strengthens your testimony?

43. Have you ever felt joy in service?

44. Tell about a miracle you witnessed.

45. Tell about a prayer that was answered.

46. What has a friend done that made you feel loved?

47. Who is the happiest person you know?  Why do you think they’re so happy?

48. What is the difference between pleasure and joy?

49. Why do you think trials are a necessary part of life?

50. Which attribute of the Savior do you most want to develop? Why?

Geography for High School

Besides reading living books that make them feel they are THERE, and of the course the ultimate geography experience: travel, we have our children do a geography project that uses the form below as a guide and in the ends looks like a notebook full of information they've learned as they independently study. I loved the ideas I gleaned from Around the World in 180 Days by Sherrie Payne, but I needed it a little more simplified. If you want to expand on this idea look up her program!

World Geography Notebook

Each continent will require a map page and at least 4 more pages of information. Please do not copy and paste any information. You can use short quotations if you cite them properly, but for the most part put the information in your own words. For each continent, do the following:

1. Draw and label a map of this continent (include landforms, rivers, countries and cities, and climate).

2. Give a brief overview of the history of this continent.

3. Tell about the dominant religions and how they have impacted the cultures of the continent.

4. Tell about 3 key people from this continent (historical or political figures, artists, scientists, church leaders).

5. Tell about some of the current events or issues affecting this continent (political, social or religious).

Africa

Australia

Antarctica (make adjustments to above requirements as needed)

South America

Asia

Europe

North America

Four Year Rotation: No More Gaps (well, not as many, anyway...)

We all fear gaps in our children's educations, don't we? And they're inevitable. But for peace of mind I want to know that at some point we'll cover at least the most essential topics-- and preferably more than once.

We study the same history and science subjects as a family. For the last 8+ years we've used a four-year rotation plan that we developed over years of homeschooling and with inspiration from many sources. I always know what we're studying, I know what's ahead so I can prepare, and I know if we don't go deep enough on a topic this time around, we'll revisit it in four years and learn more!

The best way to explain this rotation is probably visually.

This is it, straight out of my planner. 

Year One we study Ancient History (in 6 week units) for history, Physical Science and Astronomy for science, etc. 

Some of it may not make sense to you, but that's okay if you get the general idea. You put in the topics that your family wants to study. 

And remember if you decide to plan this way, that this rotation is your tool not your master. It's a scaffolding you can build each year's plan on, but you don't need to be a slave to it when it's not helping you reach your goals.

One of my favorite things about this plan is that my children end up covering each of the areas of science and epochs of history at four different ages, so they cover them at a different and deeper level each time.