Force and Beauty
“The thing is, to keep your eye upon words and wait to feel their force and beauty;
and, when words are so fit that no other words can be put in their places, so few that none can be left out without spoiling the sense, and so fresh and musical that they delight you, then you may be sure that you are reading Literature, whether in prose or poetry.”
Charlotte Mason
The Force and Beauty booklet contains selections that can be used for morning time, recitations, or copywork, family worship, or personal growth. New poetry is chosen monthly, along with a hymn and folk song to sing together. During each of three 12 week school terms, various patriotic passages and songs are included in addition to longer Shakespeare and Bible passages. At the Marvel Academy, a booklet is printed for each child allowing everyone to read and sing together, or to use for personal copywork.
April/May 2023
Hello Spring! The Marvel Academy had an extended spring break - skipping a March Force/Beauty - to prep for moving 1600 miles south in April! You will find below a download for the April/May Force & Beauty that includes two hymns, two folk songs, two historical...
February 2023
Welcome to February, the longest month of the homeschooling year! While it may be tempting to drop all your typical homeschool patterns and hide under a blanket, perhaps you need a change of perspective instead of a change in scenery. God just may have a mysterious...
January 2023
Take me out to the ball game! Take me out with the crowd! We are deep into January's snowy frigid darkness and I'm dreaming of summer! Instead of complaining we are choosing to sing the familiar baseball tune (with its original verses) and laugh through The Complete...
December 2022
It should come as no surprise that the month of December can be crazy busy! It is easy to get swept up in parties, gifts, concerts, to-do lists, baking, and more. Slow down and remember you don’t have to do it all. Choose a few things and do them well! I created the...
November 2022
Do you know anyone who doesn't like poetry? Our poet this month might just convert them into poetry lovers! Enter Vachel Lindsay. Vachel Lindsay (1879-1931) was an American traveling bard known for his dramatic performances of poetry and music. His love of story and...
October 2022
What does Queen Elizabeth II have in common with Oberon, the Titanic, and the Nicene Creed? Nothing. Unless you are exploring the October edition of Force and Beauty! American poet Edna St. Vincent Millay is our focus for October. She was recognized for her poetry as...
September 2022
Force and Beauty is BACK! It is back-to-school time at the Marvel Academy, bringing with it much excitement, piles of books, and countless new school supplies! Force and Beauty has gotten its annual cover redesign - I hope you like it! You'll notice that one of the...
May 2022
We've reached the final month of our school year! Hallelujah! The May Force & Beauty includes a beautiful Easter poem, an obscure Scottish folk song from the 17th century, a review of all 50 states, and the final Heidelburg Q/A about the Lord's Prayer. I hope you...
April 2022
Hello April! You can find the April issue of Force and Beauty ready to download below! The hymn and F1/F2 poems are recitation pieces selected for the spring term of our homeschool community. I'm hoping the inclusion here will encourage the children at the Marvel...
March 2022
March brings the beginning of a new term at the Marvel Academy! We may not have warmer weather or blooming flowers yet, but we have new Bible passages and Shakespeare quotes! We even have a new patriotic song and excerpt from Common Sense. We finished our study of the...