I haven't read all of the replies, but I think it depends on the school and its principal. We live in an inner city, and the neighborhood has come together for community gardening at one of our schools, fund-raising, etc. I honestly haven't been very active in this, but I would be happy to ask any Q's if you are interested since it has been successful! BEFORE having children and homeschooling I did volunteer at the school near us for a year and was able to be a teacher's helper in a few classrooms.

One of my very favorite books of all time is _The Very Last First Time_.

Thank you for all of these recs! ~the struggle is real~

I'm not sure it would fit the bill, but classicsforkids.com has some info.

~just bumping in case there is any news on the very BEST Advent calendar out there~ :)

Just coming by with some more ideas! I'm not Catholic, but I do so love Elizabeth Foss! Christmas Read Aloud Around the World: http://www.elizabethfoss.com/journal/yhavjusuq827mdi7gh70r4v8t8pd9v Advent and Christmas with Tomie DePaola: http://www.elizabethfoss.com/journal/advent-and-christmas-with-tomie-depaola Page CXVI's playlist for Advent to Christmas: A Classical Kids Christmas playlist: COPYWORK! :) https://www.facebook.com/benandme/photos/a.299055863498113.66786.230268717043495/957807824289577/?type=3

Thank you, and please accept my apologies! ~I must be member to quite a few ratchet forums, as I'm used to the popcorn being a sign that drama will ensue~ :P Abba12, I have quite a few Advent resources I'm excited about! We love the Arnold Ytreeide stories, but here are some free things, too: Global Advent Calendar to participate with others, all over the world: http://aco.org/adventword Advent Art Journal: http://thehandcraftedstory.com/advent-art-journal/ (Used to be free~not so sure it is now by the looks of it?) Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Calendar: http://www.faithgateway.com/jesus-storybook-bible-advent-calendar-printable/ And our very favorite last year was an Advent jar that I just wrote little ideas on slips of paper. You can look online for such lists to include crafts, acts of service, and silly stuff! Our favorites were to put on a whipped cream beard and snap a pic, dance party to Christmas music, etc. I'm having to refresh and look for some of the ideas again, myself. Should have saved that!!! There are tons more, but I'm on my way to a soap making class! Feel free to ask or e-mail, because I keep forgetting to check here! titus2fam at yahoo ELLIE! ~that would make my whole, little life! It's one of the very BEST resources for Advent there is!!!!! *THANK YOU!* (((((HUGS))))) sandi

I see the popcorn... I hope this is not a controversial topic?

As we gear up for Advent I see that my very favorite thing is no longer available! I realize the links were old and broken, but it was still such a wealth of RICH information. When I looked it up I found an old, archived post here and was just hoping that somewhere out there is another source... Pretty please... I have years of laughing until tears roll with my children over singing "The Twelve Days of Christmas" Hawaiian style and many such memories from TeachingMom's Advent Calendar! ~Thank y'all~ sandi