It is the middle of August, and the Back-to-School posts are being written, with many home educators getting back into the groove of formal learning and instruction. We are still enjoying our last few lazy days before going full steam ahead in September, but even the children are looking forward to a return of our usual routine. Our plans for the first day are laid out in the July issue of mater et magistra Magazine in an article called "A Litany of Saints for Scholars." We will be celebrating the new year with afternoon tea, back-to-school treat bags—and most of all prayer. Our special Litany reminds the children to invoke the patronage of particular saints to assist them in learning and studying, not to mention pray for other home-educated students everywhere. I am hoping it will set just the right tone for a grace-filled and happy year.
If you have not yet subscribed to mater et magistra (formerly Heart and Mind), I must tell you that it is completely beautiful. I was so happy to receive my first issue, full of inspiration and information, particularly an article on Hope by my friend, Alicia Van Hecke, a virtue we all need every day. Do not miss it!
I love your tradition of back-to-school treat bags, it almost makes me regret that we don't take proper holiday breaks! I also love the idea of praying for other homeschooled students. I think we will add that to our pre-lesson prayers too. Thanks as always for the inspiration.
Posted by: patience | August 15, 2008 at 04:50 PM
The magazine is beautiful. Congratulations, everyone!!
Your article has totally motivated me to make the first day of school special for my children. That first day still being weeks away..... :)
Posted by: Erica | August 18, 2008 at 11:10 AM
Sounds like a great way to begin! Blessings on your year. I'm still trying to pull things together over here, but am anxious to get going...
Posted by: michelle waters | August 19, 2008 at 09:28 AM