One of the greatest, most satisfying phrases parents hear from their children is, ‘Please, read another chapter!’ If parents can teach their children to speak and to walk, which are two of the most difficult things humans learn to do, I know they can be their child’s best reading teacher.” — Leigh Bortins in The Core
New Read-Aloud Books for Cycle 2
One of the best ways to not only learn but also grow closer together as a homeschool family is to read aloud. Whether you read aloud to your littlest learner in the Foundations program or take turns reading passages aloud with your middle or high school Challenge student, these read-aloud times are great opportunities to develop your student’s listening and attention skills, provide topics for meaningful discussion, and help you and your student learn through the power of story.
This spring, we’re excited to release two brand-new read-aloud books for families with young students in our Classical Conversations Cycle 2!
Exploring the Heavens with Uncle Paul
Exploring the Heavens with Uncle Paul is the second of three books in our Uncle Paul Science Stories series of read-alouds designed to help families appreciate the wonders of God’s creation together. Cultivate a wonder of the night sky with your littlest learner as you go on these adventures with “Uncle Paul” and his nieces and nephews!
This optional read-aloud book pairs perfectly with Cycle 2 of our Scribblers at Home resources, with all the stories conveniently organized to align with each week of Scribblers. Still, this book can just as well be used to complement the weeks of Foundations Cycle 2.
Although this book can be read in the comfort of your home, with you and your child snuggled on the couch by the fireplace, make sure to also get outside and explore the natural wonders “Uncle Paul” discusses with his nieces and nephews in these stories for yourselves. As with all books in this science read-aloud series, Exploring the Heavens aims to inspire homeschool families to get outside and discover the beauty of God’s creation together.
Exploring the Heavens is available now on our bookstore. The first read-aloud book in this Uncle Paul Science Stories series, Exploring Insects with Uncle Paul, is also available for purchase. This book accompanies the Classical Conversations Cycle 1.
Senators of Rome
Another sequel in a Classical Conversations trilogy, Senators of Rome is the latest installment of our Roman history series. This Cycle 2 reader guides parents and their children in the journey that began in Kings of Rome. Observe Western civilization unfold as you read aloud these fascinating tales of ancient Rome with your student (and be on the lookout for an introduction to some Latin vocabulary as well!).
Like Exploring the Heavens, Senators of Rome offers stories for each week to align with the Scribblers at Home Cycle 2 resources, but it can also be paired easily with the Cycle 2 weeks of the Foundations program.
Although the captivating stories in this book are sure to entertain your littlest learner, these tales offer so much more than just enjoyment. As you and your student encounter these stories of great figures from ancient Roman history, you’ll discover models of virtue, excellence, and lives well lived. After reading a story aloud together, be sure to discuss with your child the characters’ decisions and whether these characters are good or poor examples of how to live life. Indeed, reading Senators of Rome aloud serves as a wonderful opportunity to develop your child’s moral compass!
Senators of Rome is now available on our bookstore. The first read-aloud book in this Roman history trilogy, Kings of Rome, is also available for purchase. This book accompanies the Classical Conversations Cycle 1.
Read-Alouds Cultivate a Spirit of Community
Reading aloud together as a family not only cultivates a spirit of wonder and discovery, but also of community. As you build a foundation of knowledge both about the night sky with Exploring the Heavens with Uncle Paul as well as about Ancient Rome, Latin, and virtue with Senators of Rome, you will also build a foundation of memories and love and family. Both read-aloud books are designed to be approachable and easy-to-read and to serve as introductions to ideas, names, places, and events your student will study in more detail later in their education.
We hope they lead to memorable moments of reading aloud, great conversations, and exploration together with your family!
Not yet a Classical Conversations member and interested in our community-based approach to homeschooling? We’d love to hear from you! To learn more about us, click here.
