“The Book of Centuries is a great joy to the owner, and even in these busy days it is possible to find some time, however short, to add an illustration from time to time.” – G.M. Bernau, “The Book of Centuries”, PR Vol. 29
One of the biggest requests that I receive is , “Can you share your pictures of your children’s Book of Centuries?” And so, that is what this post is about! Making entries in their BOC should be a happy habit, a form of vitality. For the most part, I have made it a choice for my children (beginning around age 9 or 10) during the afternoon hours. But we have tried something different lately and it has worked well.
I was inspired by the idea of the “Book of Centuries Tea” mentioned by Bernau. She said, “Children always take a keen delight in their books, and the writer has had more than one happy ‘Book of Centuries Tea,’ when various children have brought their books and compared progress with each other.” Doesn’t that sound sweet? So now, when our TBG Community meets, everyone brings their BOCs. We take about 15 minutes to go around and show what we entered and maybe a word about why we chose that artifact. This has worked well and has actually revived everyone’s interest in their work.
Our BOCs are from bookofcenturies.com (Laurie Bestvater). She has lots of wonderful BOC helps on her website. Riverbend Press carries a slightly different version – also lovely. I encourage
you to choose a BOC that will be a lifelong companion for your student.
Teaching from Peace,
Nancy
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| Tools and transportation seem to be where this student’s interests lie. |
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| maps! |
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| This student likes to put literary artifacts and musical instruments in her BOC. |
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| maps! |
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| Nice start to a 1st century BCE page. |
I have trouble putting people in the years unless it's a specific thing they did… Sometimes I put a life on the artifact page if theirs seemed to impact their time profoundly (like Ben Franklin).
My children have done this as well! When placing a name on the right side, they generally choose the person birth date.
do you put an artifact on the left & description on the right? Or do the two not have to match?
Yes, in this BOC, the artifact goes on the blank side in the proper century. No description is necessary, although you will notice that my children can't help themselves and sometimes need to write a tiny bit. The right side timeline entry does not necessarily have to relate to the artifact, other than taking place in the same century. HTH!
Love, love, love! 😀 A Book of Centuries tea…SWOON! 😀 I've allowed a bit more drawing of people/characters in my children's BoC's – how do I encourage artifacts/ "things" more? Or do you think that isn't necessarily a problem? Thanks for sharing this, Nancy. Always a pleasure when you post. Have a wonderful Tuesday. Amy
Good morning, Amy dear!
So they have put sketches of people on the blank page, too. I think that's fine. But I also think they will see that putting people's names on the right side is easier sometimes. When they go to make an entry, the assignment is something on the left side (I encourage artifacts) and something on the right side (battle dates and people fit well there).
Warmly,
Nancy
Thank you!
Do you have any suggestions for a student who has difficulty drawing? He sees examples like this and just gets even more discouraged.
You know, scaffolding of handwriting practice and drawing lessons are important here. We all enjoyed going through Bruce McIntyre's drawing textbook together when they were younger, as well as other drawing books. Also, they draw in pencil first and then go over it in ink to make sure they have it in the right place and have the picture just like they want it. Oh, and I joined them often (making an entry in my BoC), too – especially when they were just starting. HTH!
Warmly,
Nancy
I have never heard of that drawing textbook but it’s just what I’m looking for! So glad you mentioned it and now I can stop looking for one!
Yes, I highly recommend it! It really helped them develop their drawing skills.
Warmly,
Nancy
These are wonderful! We are just starting BoCs this year, so I will show these to my kids — they will really enjoy seeing other students' work. Almost like an sharing experience amongst students, even if it can't be in person! 🙂
Yes, a positive function of the internet! I hope their BoCs bring years of joy and growth.
Warmly,
Nancy