On January 10th, Laura Berquist will be leading a one-hour class on the Primary Stage of Formation, exploring different family situations and how best to apply MODG methodology. Enrolled families can sign up through the family site (Seasonal Workshops - Stages of Formation). Non-enrolled families please contact our office.

MODG's Office will be closed from Christmas, December 25th through New Years Day, January 1st. May you have a blessed and merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

We are pleased to announce our new Kindergarten Art Book is now available for purchase in our bookstore. This 61 page text contains beautiful images, discussion questions, and many activities and games to achieve the formation goals of close observation and memorization. The paintings are carefully chosen to appeal to children. 

Malina Costello (MODG 6th Grader) raised $300 through her business "Little Miss Rose" to gift a cow through World Vision to a family in need. Malina designed a catalog for her business, contacted her parents’ friends, packaged and wrapped her products, and successfully raised the full 6 shares to purchase a dairy cow.

Madeline Custer (MODG 11th Grader) received the Bronze Congressional Medal from U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady. This provides recognition for the goals the recipients have reached in public service, personal development, physical fitness and exploration. Madeline is a senior acolyte at her parish and a proficient viola player having been invited to play with the Conroe Symphony Orchestra.

Hannah Voss (MODG class of 2014), current senior at Benedictine College is a finalist in the 2018 Rhodes Scholarship competition. The Rhodes Scholarship is the oldest and most celebrated international fellowship award in the world, and arguably the most famous academic award available to American college graduates.

Benedictine College's first ever Homeschool Visit Day is scheduled for Friday, November 10. Homeschool students who are considering Benedictine are invited to come to Benedictine College to experience of Benedictine's faith, community, and scholarship and to hear from current Benedictine faculty, staff, and students who share their passion for homeschooling! 

I have one more general thing to say about discussion. The materials and the questions have to fit the stage of formation.  Don’t use complex materials, at least for discussion, before the student is ready. Reading the Greek myths from the Oxford World Classics to young children would be a mistake. They aren't ready for the complex language, let alone the complex ideas. But reading D'Auliare's Greek myths would be fine. The material has to suit the child. 

"Discussion is necessary to come to wisdom." - Laura Berquist. 

How do we foster good discussions within our homeschools? Laura shares her suggestions and talks about the importance of the art of discussion.