Hello [Recipient First Name],

A few weeks ago, something clicked, and I instituted a new standard for our family when we go to Wisdom's Way or speech & debate club meetings: I'm having the children dress nicely.

In the old days of Christian education, students were required to dress up to attend school.  In fact, the lack of nice-looking clothing without stains or tears could present an obstacle to poor children having access to an education!  But in the old grammar school days, when an education was considered an inestimable gift to be appreciated and treasured—not a bothersome thing to be scorned—people expected children to dress up for school.

It meant that this was something the students were taking seriously.  The effort students put into their outward appearance reflected the effort they would put into the work they did at school.

I'd always read about this in the old books.  But last fall, this fantastic article by O.W. Root really inspired me.  Then, in January, something I read by C.S. Lewis pushed me over the edge.  Our culture teaches that the happier you are, the more you ought to dress like an absolute slob.  But Christian culture has never taught such things.  And, i think, for good reason.

In this issue's Article Spotlight, I've copied out for you what Lewis wrote about solemnity, something I think our Christian Classical families will be helped by thinking about.  Give it a quick read, and see what you think!

I'm very excited to announce that the new hardcover Grammar of Grace books are in stock and ready to ship!!  I've been using mine for a couple of months now, and it's even more wonderful than I was hoping!  It's the exact same Grammar of Grace we all know and love, but with actual hardback covers, and even heavier paper than the old study edition had, bound together with a big, thick coil binding.  It took quite some working with the print shop to get everything right, and the result is fantastic!

I pray that the Lord blesses you with all wisdom for your precious homeschool, that your (and my) little ones will grow up to love our Lord and serve Him faithfully, all their days!

Grace & peace to you,

Robyn van Eck

grammarofgrace.com

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