Just wondering....Is the Five in a Row method compatible with CM? I bought these long ago, before I decided to educate CM style. I do still like FIAR but I see them now as unit studies. Is that right? Is anyone using FIAR in a CM way? I'd appreciate any thoughts and ideas.
Thanks!
anabetica
Member
FIAR is definitely a unit study which CM is not. BUT, that said, it was FIAR that gave my children and I such a love of books. I schooled my three older ones together using FIAR and those memories are some of the most precious homeschool memories to both my children and I.
I now have a a 6 yr old and for some reason, we could not make FIAR work with her and our life. But I still have al the books and now my dh reads them to her before bed.
You could incorporate alot of CM methods using FIAR, like narration, copywork, etc... There are alot of great ideas in FIAR and I think it was definitely a blessing to us at that time. You could look at the books recommended for your child's age here at SCM and incorporate those into your day as well. It is an easy transition from FIAR to CM as your children transition into chapter books. It gave my children such a love of learning and a love of books. So, if you have FIAR and it's working for you, I'd say enjoy it!
Hi,
I love CM. I also think that FIAR is a quality, beautiful way to homechool and agree that you still use alot of CM methods with FIAR. I would definitely use FIAR for my dc if it wasn't so hard to obtain (due to shipping, availability of books etc as we are in Australia).
I think it is really important to do what feels good for your family and not feel confined to a method as such. As time has gone on we have used more and more of CM methods and advice, but I have had to let God lead us in our homeschooling because my children (our whole family) do not fit into one method (or box) of education.
Your children will learn and develop regardless of what they are using, if you are a parent who loves them and looks for what suits your family. To grow in a love for living books in those early years is priceless. If you are just starting FIAR would be a great way to help you get into the swing of things. There's a little more leg work choosing and carrying out CM, in saying that it is all very gentle, remembering to keep lessons short and bring them to an end before the child starts to feel fatigued with what they are doing. If you can end a lesson while they are still on a high and enjoying it they are more likely to get back into it next time with enthusiasm & without moaning! This is a lesson I've been learning the last 18months. My first child is really the guinea pig, poor thing.
We have a couple of FIAR books and occassionally look for the manuals (on sale) and would still consider using it down the track - and this from an avivd CMer.
Don't be afraid to be your own style. You cannot go wrong either way and variety is a wonderful thing.
Blessings, Renelle
Monucram
Member
I too love FIAr but CM is enough, in more ways than just academic. The way i would incorp. it is do so many weeks of CM, like 6, then 1 week of FIAR, and back to 6 for CM to finish the term.
Imo they are too much together.
Yolanda
Amy
Member
Well, I have just started FIAR with mine and they love it. Doesn't CM advocate re-reading / re-telling favorite stories in the early years? I'm "targetting" my 6 and 4 yo boys, but my 8 yo listens in and enjoys it. And my 6 yo is expected to listen and start to narrate along with my 8 year old. Right now, I want to teach them to love books. Anyway, it works for us. I guess I'll have to label us as CM + LCC (Latin centered curriculum) + FIAR now... LOL.
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