Included was a complete copy of the Wise Woman by George MacDonald, as well as questions and vocabulary. Recommended as a read-aloud for children 9-11 and independent reading for those 12+ (high school). We enjoyed reading it together and then discussing the questions, rather than writing them out.
Even if you have read this classic story in the past, there is so much to learn from it-- how two young ladies, from two very different backgrounds are shown the errors of their ways and learn some important lessons about greed, selfishness, self-control and laziness.
For those of you who haven't already read this timeless tale, the story describes how a woman of mysterious powers- "The Wise Woman," pays visits to two very different young girls: one a princess, the other a shepherd's daughter. Neither girl is left unchanged by the startling events that are unleashed as a result; and the reader is confronted by astonishing fairy-worlds in which the girls are forced to choose between good and evil. Much, much to think about and discuss, that's for sure.
The questions encourage much thought about oneself and one's sinfulness and how we all can learn to be better people. As parents, we all realize how important character training of our children is, especially in the society in which we live. The main point of each chapter is underlined for further emphasis. I have always believed in the importance of character education. Children need to read and be exposed to stories where characters model the right behavior and make good choices. And, in this case, if they do not make those good choices, they learn from their mistakes and see how they can better themselves in the future.
It is evident from the responses I received from my children, as well as the wheels I saw turning, that they were learning and thinking quite a bit about the lessons and morals presented in the story. There are no right and wrong answers to the questions, but they are certainly thought provoking and open their eyes in a way that they can understand what the author was trying to present in the tale.
When presented with material like this, they didn't even feel like they were doing "school." Learning truly can be fun, stretch their imaginations and challenge them to be better people all at the same time. Aren't they truly some of the important reasons why we have chosen to home educate our children-- to teach in a fun and engaging way, to foster creative imaginations and to encourage them to be good and productive people, while helping to make the world a better place.
Stacy Farrell is offering a discount on all of her downloads for a limited time. Use the code below to take advantage of this wonderful offer. As you can see below, and in my colleagues' reviews, Stacy has other products in addition to "Wise Woman." I am sure that they are equally as wonderful.
The print edition is available for $28.95 and the download is $14.95. (less 10%!)
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