http://simplycharlottemason.com/2008/05/14/the-secret-to-fresh-wits/ Charlotte Mason method homeschool helps. Thu, 28 Aug 2008 18:42:11 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6 http://simplycharlottemason.com/2008/05/14/the-secret-to-fresh-wits/#comment-4679 Stephanie Fri, 16 May 2008 00:05:30 +0000 http://simplycharlottemason.com/?p=446#comment-4679 I do this in my planning and it does make a difference. I also take advantage of the math-music connection. Now I have no scientific evidence to back me up, but it seems that the children do very well when they practice their piano right before doing math! Since I have 4 in piano right now, I just stagger the oldest first, and right on down, and they're each required to do their math following piano practice, as well as alert the next person in line that it's their turn for piano practice. This has worked very well. The younger (and less advanced) piano students are inspired by the abilities of the ones who've played before them, nobody forgets these 2 very important subjects, I have time to devote to each different level of math individually, and my non-professional opinion is that their brains have been stimulated by the music to be more alert to their math. Plus we have an entire hour, at minimum, of lovely music in the house! I do this in my planning and it does make a difference. I also take advantage of the math-music connection. Now I have no scientific evidence to back me up, but it seems that the children do very well when they practice their piano right before doing math! Since I have 4 in piano right now, I just stagger the oldest first, and right on down, and they’re each required to do their math following piano practice, as well as alert the next person in line that it’s their turn for piano practice. This has worked very well. The younger (and less advanced) piano students are inspired by the abilities of the ones who’ve played before them, nobody forgets these 2 very important subjects, I have time to devote to each different level of math individually, and my non-professional opinion is that their brains have been stimulated by the music to be more alert to their math. Plus we have an entire hour, at minimum, of lovely music in the house!

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