book

Dear Homeschoolers,

The Book of the Month for November is Ox Cart Man by Donald Hall. The ISBN is 0-14-
050441-9. I chose this book because it is a poem about preparation. It follows the providential
theme we just had with our Columbus book. There is a great chain of events, or as the Bible
says, an unfolding of God's great plan.

For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed;
Neither hid, that shall not be known. Luke 12:2

Our Book of the Month continues this theme. God works through the ages toward the
regeneration ages of the entire creation. It is a very long chain of events. It teaches us the
patience of God. We alsowork through the seasons of life in faith and patience. This is a
link to the original poem drafts:

http://www.izaak.unh.edu/exhibits/kenhall/DRAFTS.HTM

It is great for our children to see the work that goes into life, faith and in writing a poem.

Below is an activity that you can do with your child/children. You can adjust for the grade
level. The preteens and teens can divide the poem into seasons in life. For example: being a
child, teen, adult, mature adult. How do we prepare for these different seasons in our life? Is
preparation necessary? Feel free to divide the poem writing activity up to work with the theme
that your homeschool is working on.

Here is the activity:

-Many poems are lines of writing with a theme or/and words that
rhyme. You are going to read a poem about preparation to give you
ideas about how to write your own poem.
You will read the poem "Ox-Cart Man". You should look at the
illustrations that go with the poem.

1.After you read the poem, you will need a sheet of paper.
2.Fold it two times. You will have four places to draw your pictures
of the Seasons.
3.Write at least two lines that rhyme and tell about the season.
Here's an example:
In Summer the sun is hot
I like to run and play a lot.

Activity taken from "Ox-Cart Man" Cyber guide

Have your child write a poem. Memorize it, if at all possible. Then
we can all have something to share on "Book of the Month" day, Nov.
19th from 12:00 – 14:30.

We will also be discussing the pilgrims. There is so much
information out there. You may want to discuss how the pilgrims had
to prepare for their journey. How did they survive and prepare for
the American winter? You may want to incorporate the pilgrims into
the poem writing activity.

One more thing… The Halliday family would love to go Christmas
Caroling! Our first carol that we are practicing is "Joy to the
World". If you are interested please teach this carol to your
child/children (memorize) for starters. We will add one every week
until Christmas. Then we can go out and make a joyful noise unto
the Lord!
May our Lord, Jesus Christ, bless and keep you all.
Patricia Halliday