Julie
Member
Has anyone used this? Is is really beneficial for my 4th and 6th grader to start analyzing the meaning of what they read? Will this become an unnecessary burden for my children? I'm still trying to depart from the typical school mindset, which is a big struggle for me, so any advise on this would be a blessing.
Thanks,
Julie
CindyS
Member
Julie,
I have not used it but I took a very few moments to give it a look. Just from my brief examination, I think you are right that it could become a burden to both you and your children.
As you are reading with or listening to what your children have read in the form of narrations, you will notice all these character traits that the author of this curriculum is listing for you. Plus your children will have the gift of natural self-discovery. You, as their God-given parent are their guide in these discoveries. That's where the analysis comes in. God has taken one mature believer and matched her with two younger ones. It's an opportunity to mentor them in discernment and that is so exciting!
I'm not sure that this is how the curriculum works, but let's say that, in the book, today's lesson is on responsibility. But the little one slings mashed potatoes at the older one over dinner (wild example, I know :)). God has just handed you their homeschool lesson for the next day but the curriculum is in conflict with that. When I have gotten involved in things like that, my tendency was to try to add it all in. Then the only lesson they learned was what a frustrated mommy looks like.
Like I said, I took a very few moments to review this and I've probably gone way farther than you wanted, so if I'm way off base, I apologize, truly. Maybe someone has used it and loved it so you can get a more balanced reply.
Blessings,
Cindy
Julie
Member
Thank you, Cindy, for taking the time to look at this program. I really appreciate and value your input. I love your example!
After much prayer and looking over our schedule again I do believe it is unneccessary for us to try to incorporate this into our school day. And like you said, we as parents are to be their guide, not some curriculum that will bog us down. We are new to CM and haven't done much narration, but I'm sure once we get into it I'll discover that my children will be analyzing what they read without the prompting of a guide.
Julie
mj
Member
Hi Julie,
We have used this program and while I think it is very well organized and the content is great, we did feel "chained" to it. I think there are some types of students who would enjoy it, but it felt 'unnatural' to me; mechanical-like. I agree with Cindy in that I have plenty of NATURAL opportunities to teach character traits each and every day!! LOL We feel less burdened now that we simply read and narrate together, which I feel is a more relational approach.
Hope that helps.
MJ
Julie
Member
Thanks, MJ! Your comment did helped. I'm thinking now that a program such as the one mentioned isn't really necessary when using the CM method. I'll be returning it for credit and using the money to buy more living books!
Julie
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