Resource Reviews

Drawn Into the Heart of Reading Program
by Carrie Austin
Reviewed by Shirley Minster

Drawn Into the Heart of Reading is an excellent literature series written to guide teachers as they help their students become good readers with good comprehension. It is a multi-level program for children in various grade levels, which makes it ideal for homeschool families as well as for private school teachers in classrooms with combined grades. Carrie Austin, a homeschooling mother with a Masters degree in Educational Leadership and years of teaching experience in grades 3 -7, knows the importance of using good materials that cover many areas. Its especially helpful when one is going to be teaching for many years and needs to have basic materials that can be applied year after year.

There are three student levels (2-3, 4-5, 6-8) and one teachers guide, which is to be used for all three levels. The teachers guide explains how to determine which level student book should be used. The student books are consumable. I was impressed by the font size and white space in both the student and teachers guide which makes both easy on the eyes. Literature concepts covered include literary styles, higher-order thinking skills, literal interpretation, vocabulary development, and personal application of knowledge gained. Acting, art projects, researching, creative writing, and oral presentations are just some of the activities from which students can choose to complete each unit.

The nine creative units in each level can be completed in any order: historical fiction, adventure, biography, fantasy, mystery, folk tale, nonfiction, humor, and realistic fiction. Each unit covers setting, conflict, character, mood, prediction/inference, compare/contrast, cause/effect, main idea, theme, and perspective/point of view. It is a Biblically based program teaches students how to look at character traits both philosophically and personally. The nine Godly traits covered are joy, integrity, responsibility, fear of the Lord, faith,brotherly love, virtue, obedience, and loyalty.

The lessons are well laid out with plenty of explanations for both students and teachers. Older students could work independently, but I recommend that time be spent regularly with the teacher to discuss author style and personal interpretations.

Teachers will need to have good book lists handy to help them choose books for each unit. Perhaps Mrs. Austin will add this because it would help parents who are not sure which books would be good choices. Overall, this is a wonderful and practical series that will be used successfully for many years and in many classes.

Little Hands To Heaven Preschool Program, Priority Publications, Inc.
by Carrie Austin
Reviewed by Shirley Minster

Carrie Austin, author of the Drawn Into the Heart of Reading series, has written another wonderful program. Little Hands To Heaven is a Biblically based preschool program for children ages 2 to 5. Each of the 33 Bible story theme units is designed to take five days to complete.

She was correct when she wrote that the lessons are easy to do, but she forgot to say that they are also fun to do!

Each day starts with a fingerplay to introduce or reinforce the theme and a letter of the alphabet. Then there is a Bible story, music, and a variety of activities such as art, cutting and pasting, writing, devotions, drama, and math.

The teachers guide contains clear directions and papers to photocopy. Additional items such as the childrens Bible and music tapes can be purchased from Priority Publications, Inc.

For parents and grandparents who are looking for a solid program that
shows how much fun learning can be, I’d recommend the Little Hands To
Heaven Preschool Program.

For more information:
Telephone - (605)-428-4068
E-mail - carmikeaustin@msn.com
1004 Westview Drive
Dell Rapids, SD  57022

Grandmom's Summer Reading Club
by Elizabeth C. Henderson

Five summers ago, retired English teacher, Elizabeth Henderson was looking for a way to get her grandson Jordan interested in books. Actually, she was wondering how to get all her grandchildren to read more.

She came up with Grandmom's Summer Reading Club, now entering its fifth summer and the subject of Henderson's book by the same name.

"I have found as I talk to more and more groups that grandparents are often disconnected from their families. And families are so busy," she says, "Grandparents have clung to (the reading club) because it's a consistent activity."

Grandmom's Summer Reading Club contains information to start a reading club. Henderson begins by sending each grandchild an official invitation to join the group. She also sends age-appropriate reading journal forms. As each journal page is filled, the child returns it to Grandmom for praise and prizes.

Included in the book are samples of invitation letters, journal pages, bonus point ideas and lists of suggested books. Liberally sprinkled throughout are pictures of each grandchild.

Books may be ordered directly from the publisher for a discounted price of $12.75 which includes shipping charges. Acorn Publishing, PO Box 341, Ferrysburg, MI 49409. You will receive your book in 4-5 days from receipt of your order. Great Mother's Day gifting. You may also request an autographed copy. For quicker service but a higher price of $15.95 you may call toll-free: 800-431-1579.