Sparkle Schoolhouse
The Story is Only the Beginning! With the inspiration of each Sparkle Story as a beginning, the corresponding Sparkle Schoolhouse lesson continues the journey with wholesome enrichment, inspired tutorials and a welcoming community for our homeschooling Sparkle Parents, Adults, Teachers and Children.
FIFTY Study Page: Kansas— "The Rivalry"
This story from the FIFTY collection uses historical fiction to explore the history of the Kansas/Missouri conflict over Kansas becoming a state and its relationship to the Civil War.
Sparkle Weekly Wonderings: The Light in the Darkness: Sparkle Solstice
Candlelight in the dining room. A lighthouse shimmering from the open sea. The first star in the evening sky. These all carry the magical mood of Winter Solstice.
FIFTY Study Page: Maryland — "The Test Oath"
This story from the FIFTY collection uses historical fiction to explore the impact of religion on U.S. history, particularly in Maryland.
FIFTY Study Page: Montana— "The Marriage Bar"
This story from the FIFTY collection uses historical fiction to explore the History of Montana Territory and State, and the history of women’s rights in the American West.
Tips for a December Day of Rest
It’s no small thing to create space for rest in the busy month of December. But consider taking a page out of Martin and Sylvia’s book and imagine a few ways to restructure, reframe, or re-evaluate your activities so that you can take just one day for a few hours of restoration.
FIFTY Study Page: Rhode Island— "The Cohan Family Mirth Makers"
This story from the FIFTY collection focuses on the history of Rhode Island by exploring vaudeville, the backstory of American Theater, and the biography of George M Cohen.
Sparkle Weekly Wanderings: Happy Thanksgiving
As America launches into the season of gift giving and getting (and do consider the gift of stories this year - see below for big sale), we’d like to take a breath and talk about gratitude.
FIFTY Study Page: Massachusetts — "The Power of Thanksgiving"
This story from the FIFTY collection uses historical fiction to explore the Native American history of the many tribes of New England and their interactions.
FIFTY Study Page: Oklahoma— "Migrant Mother"
This story from the FIFTY collection is historical fiction that explores the History of the Dust bowl and the official "Indian Territory" of Oklahoma. The characters can be useful as reference points and inspirations. Read about our suggested topics for investigation!
Parent Cheat Sheet: Martin & Sylvia's Daily Advent Activities
As you are planning and preparing for your own Advent season, we thought you might enjoy a little "cheat sheet" for what’s ahead with Martin and Sylvia. You can let the ideas from the stories inspire your own daily activities.
Sparkle Weekly Wonderings: Veteran's Day - Military Families
For the last few weeks I’ve been talking to military spouses about life as an Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine family. I’ve learned a great deal in the process. I have had many friends who grew up in military families, but I now have even more appreciation and respect for this community.
FIFTY Study Page: Nevada— " The Telegram"
This story from the FIFTY collection uses historical fiction to explore the History of Nevada Territory, and of Morse Code, and the Telegraph technology.
FIFTY Study Page: North Dakota — "Snow Dancing"
This story from the FIFTY collection uses historical fiction to explore the history of Immigration to North Dakota ad in particular the Norwegian Community.
November Tips for a Day of Rest
What can we learn from Martin and Sylvia’s November Day of Rest? Here are a few ways to follow their example.
FIFTY Study Page: New Jersey — "Miss Barton’s Free School"
This story from the FIFTY collection uses historical fiction to explore the history of Public Education in America, and of the American Red Cross.
FIFTY Study Page: West Virginia "Follow Your Own Noon"
This story from the FIFTY collection uses historical fiction to explore the history of Coal and Electric Power in the Appalachian part of the country.
FIFTY Study Page: Nebraska — "Omaha Claim Club"
This story from the FIFTY collection uses historical fiction to explore the history of Claim Clubs and justice in the American Wild West, as well as early feminism in the territories.
FIFTY Study Page: Louisiana "Gumbo and the Petticoat Insurrection"
In the FIFTY story for Louisiana, “Gumbo and the Petticoat Insurrection,” Ambroisine Melange sets out from Paris to seek adventure and opportunity in Louisiana — a place where, so she was told, anything was possible.
October Tips for a Day of Rest
This is a month of enchantment and mystery — from fairies to costumes to decorations — and Martin and Sylvia’s family wants to lean into that more deeply. They propose giving some extra focus to the moments of magic and wonder that arise, especially on their Days of Rest. Doesn’t this sound like a marvelous idea?
FIFTY Study Page: Pennsylvania —"Three Men and a Bell"
This story from the FIFTY collection uses historical fiction to explore symbols of the Revolutionary War and America in general.
