Sparkle Schoolhouse
The Story is Only the Beginning! With the inspiration of each Sparkle Story as a beginning, the corresponding Sparkle Schoolhouse lesson continues the journey with wholesome enrichment, inspired tutorials and a welcoming community for our homeschooling Sparkle Parents, Adults, Teachers and Children.
March Tips for Creating a Day of Rest
This month, Martin and Sylvia’s family has been considering the nature of work and asking lots of questions! If your family is anything like theirs, it might be a good time to snuggle up with a bowl of buttered popcorn and have a heart-to-heart chat. You might like to take a few notes during the conversation.
SparkleCast Episode 13 – For the Love of Science with Podcasts "Tumble," "Brains On!" and "The Show about Science"
In this episode, Lindsay, Sanden, Eric, David, and Rebecca discuss the story “Measuring the World,” recall what got us all excited about science when we were children, and then explore ways to introduce and strengthen a love of science in kids today.
FIFTY Study Page - New York: "All Have Our Part"
This story from the FIFTY collection uses historical fiction to explore the history of Immigration in the United States – especially through New York City.
FIFTY Study Page – "Idaho: A Brave Day Indeed"
This story from the FIFTY collection uses historical fiction to explore the history of the Railroads – in particular the Northern Pacific Line and all the “railroad towns” that were built.
Exploring the Dry Gables Series - "All In"
Greetings, Sparkle Friends! Glad you are here to get comfortable with me while we spend some time with Dry Gables’ baker, Marta Bauer.
FIFTY Study Page – "New Hampshire: A Meeting on the Green"
This story from the FIFTY collection uses historical fiction to explore the inherent contradictions in the trajectory of history, and how one such significant dispute affects two young children as individuals and as friends.
SparkleCast Episode 12 - The Gifts of Outdoor Education with Meghan Fitzgerald
In this episode, Meghan, David, and Rebecca discuss the story “Winter Wonder,” in which Helmut, one of the Goose-eye Wilderness School apprentices, talks about how “wondering” can be an effective teacher in the natural world
Exploring the Dry Gables Series - "Whatever the Power I Have"
Greetings Sparkle Friends! Pull up a chair, stoke the irons of your fire and come spend some time with Dry Gable’s blacksmith and chief protector, Johann Bauer.
FIFTY Study Page – "New Mexico: Running for the Rebellion"
This story from the FIFTY collection uses historical fiction to explore the Native American interaction of European colonists, especially Spain. We also examine the Pueblo people in particular and how the different pueblos were autonomous, having their own language and culture.
Exploring the Dry Gables Series - "When Wide is Not Enough"
Hello, Sparklers! If you are anything like Jane Mayer, you hardly have a moment to quiet yourself to read this! As you know, when we are like Jane, we can hardly sit still, there's so much to do and so much to explore, and we have all of the reserves of enthusiasm to do it all!
FIFTY Study Page - "Ohio: The View from Above”
This story from the FIFTY collection uses historical fiction to explore the history of the oil business, transportation, and flight.
SparkleCast Episode 10 – Inspiring a Love of History with Steve Sheinkin
In this episode, Steve, David, and Rebecca talk about “The View from Above," (the first story in our new story series called FIFTY: The Stars, the States and the Stories), explore the difference between history and historical fiction, and ask the question, "What is true?"
Exploring the Dry Gables Series - "What Nothing Can Bring"
Hello, Sparklers! Please, pull up a chair and do nothing productive with Lena Denken and me! Doing nothing productive isn’t so easy for folks like Lena and me, but deep down, we know that sometimes, doing nothing is the most productive thing we can do!
Exploring the Dry Gables Series - "On Your Feet"
Hello, Sparkle Grownups! Nice for you to join me as we to get to know Max Denken, Dry Gables’ newspaper man. Our friend, Max can be a little harder to understand, so let’s get right to it!
SparkleCast Episode 8 – The Twelve Days of Christmas with Meredith Markow
In this episode, Meredith, Rebecca, and David discuss the collection Twelve Tales of a Tullyport Christmas – the stories-within-the-stories of our other holiday collection, Martin & Sylvia’s Twelve Days of Christmas. Meredith and David talk about the history of the festival and then how it has shown up in their lives.
Exploring the Dry Gables Series - "Get Your Ducks in a Row"
Clang! Clang! Clang! The school bell is ringing, and we don’t want to be late for our Dry Gables’ school teacher, Mr. Seamus O’Conner.
SparkleCast Episode 7 – Inspiring Service with Laura Chauvin of Her Best Foot Forward
In this episode, Laura, David, and Rebecca use the By Thistle By Thimble story “Purple” as the focus of a conversation about inspiring service in children and families. Laura tells the story of how Her Best Foot Forward was started and then talks about how service is central to her family’s life.
Exploring the Dry Gables Series - "Something Greater Than Myself"
Nice of you to join us, Sparkle Grownups, for a Meet & Greet with Dry Gables’ very own town mayor, EB Herz.
SparkleCast Episode 6 – Inspiring a Love of Music with Andrew & Polly
In this episode, Andrew, Polly, David, and Rebecca talk about music and ways to introduce or boost music appreciation in your home. They use the Junkyard Tales story “The Band” as a model of how music can create community and be a mechanism for social inclusion. They also show how music can come naturally to children.
Exploring the Dry Gables Series - "As I Truly Am"
Hello again, Sparkle Friends! Nice to be with you and our nurse and healer of Dry Gables, Liesl Herz.
