• Jul. 2, 2007
Language Arts/Reading recommendations...
Hey, how about that? I remembered to blog! YAY! I feel like a kindergartener who was just praised by her parent-teacher! ha ha ha
I'm thinking about the 2007-2008 school year and will tweak our schedule a little. Last year was the best ever school year in every way. We took more field trips, participated in numerous co-ops, finished our work on time daily, and stayed focused.
I'm still working on the school room. We really have to have it done before the next year begins. In the past, we've tried it both ways...having our home and school strictly defined and having them all-in-one. Last year it was all-in-one and it became frustrating for the kids when their public school friends would come in to play and disturb their work to "look" at it. For some reason, after all these years, our public school friends still feel the need to compare what we're learning to what they're learning. I am sad for them because they seem to be envious of our situation.
Ok....now to the Language Arts/Reading recommendations....
The program I'm going to try this year is one recommended by a good friend. It's called The Elson Readers published by Lost Classics Book Company. What I like about it is that the reading is filled with wonderful stories from the world's greatest writers. It is "wholesome literature that views the world of nature with awe and which upholds the ideals of service to others and country and encourages sound moral development in the reader." All the stories are in one book along with discussion questions and phrases for study after each story. The teacher's manual includes the activities and vocabulary from the stories. There are a few stories in each unit and each unit begins with student objectives and ends with a review. It is intended for children working from the primer level through 8th grade. Their website is at www.lostclassicsbooks.com or you can call 1-888-611-book.
Last year I found Total Language Plus and the kids really enjoy it. I'll still use it also. (I'm very eclectic). Unlike Elson, it is a curriculum that requires you to purchase or borrow (library) the literature book. Each book is completed slowly and will take 6-8 weeks on average. It is a total language curriculum including: reading, language arts, grammar, writing, vocabulary, spelling, and extended activities from a Christian perspective. There is a recommended schedule to use at the beginning of each manual that is easily adjusted to the needs of your family. Each unit (usually a week) the child is introduced to 2-3 scripture verses relevant to the story they are reading. It can be used from grades 3-12 but be sure to look at the "novel groups" link for more information on difficulty level and grade level recommendation. Their website is totallanguageplus.com and then find a representative in your state.
To be honest we'll probably use Elson somewhat like TLP because the kids love that format so much.
Have a great day!
Rhonda
Comments
• Jul. 2, 2007
Untitled Comment
Posted by ApplesofGold
It sounds like you had a great year and will be having another great one! I'm going to check out that link to the classic books. Thanks! Holly
• Jul. 9, 2007
Untitled Comment
Posted by Michelle32
Hi, Rhonda! I love the Lost Classics books.
We're trying out Eggleston's history texts.
Michelle
