Advent Reading

I have to admit that my favorite part of advent is reading our much loved stories. I am sad that I did not understand the magic of picture books more when my adult children were little. I was surprised to find out recently that my 16yo had never heard the story "Country Angel Christmas" by Tomie dePaola. It is one of the books that we have read each advent for the last several years. I probably did not think to include her in our story time... I wish I had.

(Paul working on craft do go with Country Angel Christmas)

We began this year, as is tradition, with "Strega Nona". It is the perfect beginning to advent because it is all about Strega Nona preparing for Natale (Christmas). This year we are working on a puppet play to present to the family at Christmas. Paul (11yo) has graciously agreed to play the part of Strega Nona. Mark is Big Anthony and James is the townspeople. Erin will be the narrator. It should be fun!!

  

Next, "Country Angel Christmas"...another book about preparing. The boys made our own heavenly stars to hang in our kitchen window.

The biggest inspiration for reading during advent has been Elizabeth Foss' Tomie dePaola Christmas Unit Study. I highly recommend this study!! Included in it are several of Tomie dePaola's wonderful books. We have added a book or two to our collection each year. We have also been able to borrow some of them from the library. Each year we do different items offered in the study-- no year have we done even nearly all of it.
                                                                                                                                                                     

(James working on star craft)

Our first book for this, the second week of advent, is "The Legend of the Poinsettia". As with all of the Tomie dePaola books, this one is full of his trademark illustrations plus the wonder and magic of the season.

We will focus this week on reading about Christmas plants, reviewing what we learned about Mexico (last year we did a short study on Christmas traditions in Mexico), and read Tomie dePaola's book "Our Lady of Guadalupe".

(image source: Spotlight On @ Tomie's Books)

We plan to purchase some poinsettias for decorations to put near our nativity, learn a bit about the tradition of the nativity scene by reading "Francis, Poor Man of Assisi", and, finally, make a banner of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

(image source: amazon books)

This may all happen or not, but we will for sure read all of our books!! :)