Venn Diagrams

Venn Diagrams are great tools that you can use with any age group as you learn together.  A Venn Diagram is made up of two circles that slightly overlap, like this.  Let’s say you are reading a book about cats and dogs.  Over one circle, you would write “cats”, over the other circle you would write “dogs”.  In the cat’s circle you might write things like: use a litter box, clean themselves, stay at home etc.  In the dog’s circle you could write things like: need to be let out or walked to potty, need baths, can travel with you.  Then, in the middle part of the circles, you would put things that both cats and dogs have in common like: furry, you can play with them, you have to feed them etc.

Obviously, the expectations of what is included in the Venn Diagram will change as the child grows older.  You can use a Venn Diagram to compare things for math, science, characters or situations in a book. Although they aren’t traditionally used this way, you can even use Venn Diagrams when trying to make a choice (like if the family should get a pet dog or a cat).

For children who are still learning to write, you can let them dictate what to put on the diagram, or you can let them draw pictures.

Book Review – Joan of Arc: Heavenly Warrior

Before reading this book the only things I really knew about Joan of Arc were that she was burned at the stake, she fought in battles, is remembered for her strong faith, and is now considered a saint.  I thought it would be great to read a biography to find out more about this famous heroine.

Joan of Arc by Tabatha Yeatts is an excellent read.  Not only is it hard to put down, but the author gives a fairly unbiased look at Joan’s life from birth through her continued impact on people today. The book is filled with pictures and paintings that help the story come alive.  One of my favorite features is the added information found throughout the book.  There are colored boxes that give more information about individual people, customs of the time, Catholicism, the 100 years war and much more.

One of the great things about this book is that it gives your child many opportunities to branch out to learn more about this period in history.  The bibliography in the back is a great place to start for continued learning.