simple home
Member
I'm pondering the idea of picking 2 or 3 long passages of quality poetry or literature for my almost 13 year old to recite next year. One could be a bible passage for sure, and I thought also of doing something that Charlotte Mason picked for her students.
Anyone else done this, and/or recommend something?
blue j
Member
Yes, we do this. Right now I have the girls working on either on a fable, short nursery story, or a Bible story. We have done fables including Aesop's Fables, passages of scripture, nursery stories, famous speeches, historical correspondence, etc.
simple home
Member
And they have put these to memory? Do you have them read it throughout the week until they have it solid?
If you could choose a famous speech, which one?
Just trying to get a realistic perspective on how this will play into our day. :)
blue j
Member
Well, for the ones that we are working on now, I had them read through their choice completely at least once each day for two weeks. Then I broke their choice into 4 sections having them read through and learn each quarter for each week. We are currently working on this step. After they go through this and learn each section, I give them another week, sometimes two, for inflection, etc.
As far as speeches, my kiddos have done the Gettysburg Address, portions of MLK's I Have A Dream, George Washington's fairwell address, portions of Paine's Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death, among others.
I also forgot to mention that we also choose poetry.
jawgee
Member
We use the Scripture Memory System as outlined here:
http://simplycharlottemason.com/timesavers/memorysys/
I don't use it exclusively for Scripture, although most of our memory work is Scripture. I also include poetry, prayers, and other worthy passages in the index card box. I really like that we, as a family, review those passages regularly. Just because something is memorized doesn't mean it shouldn't be reviewed.
I recently heard a talk entitled "Nurturing Competent Communicators". The speaker, Andrew Pudewa, talks extensively about memorizing poetry, scripture, etc. It is an excellent resource for homeschoolers. I believe you can download it for free here:
Yes, we've done this, too. This year we've used the SMS together instead. Next year, we will continue, but I'm going to give my kids each some things on their own, too. I'm thinking I'll give each a box of their own.
simple home
Member
Yes, I love the scripture memory system. It's been very successful for us the last couple of years. I would like to add some other things along with the verses. However, I am thinking longer passages will need a bit extra time and strategy than what I usually do with the scripture box.
A memory box of their own sounds interesting. I will think more on that one, thanks Christie.
Thank you too, blue jay, for the specific ones you do. I definitely want to incorporate those history selections.
Jawgee, actually went to see Pudewa and it changed a lot of my thinking. I think every teacher needs to hear him! :)
Thanks ladies!
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