Teaching Literature: Subject by Subject, Part 9I’ve been cleaning off my bookshelves these past couple of weeks, trying to cull out duplicates. Now, usually duplicate copies of a title are not a problem in a household of readers, but when the shelves are full and you…Sonya ShaferMarch 1, 201615 Comments
Using Language Well: A New Language Arts ResourceLast week we talked about how Charlotte Mason used guided discovery with her students to help them grow in language arts—the art of using language well. With guided discovery, you guide your student’s attention to a particular aspect of a…Sonya ShaferJuly 1, 20158 Comments
Guided Discovery: The Power of Dictation, Part 3The other day my older daughters were invited to an outdoor wedding at a barn. They spent considerable time discussing what they should wear. No one was quite sure. They wanted to wear something appropriate for the occasion, but they…Sonya ShaferJune 23, 20156 Comments
Growth in Spelling: The Power of Dictation, Part 2I remember in elementary school we had weekly spelling lists. Ten words we were expected to learn before Friday’s spelling test. I would look over the list and identify any words I didn’t already know and study those. When it…Sonya ShaferJune 16, 20153 Comments
A Natural Progression: The Power of Dictation, Part 1Natural progressions. We see them all around us. A plant sprouts, then grows taller and wider, then develops buds, then blossoms with flowers. A baby pulls himself up, then stands, then cruises with the help of the sofa or mom’s…Sonya ShaferJune 9, 20152 Comments
Shakespeare in Three Steps: A New ResourceMy first exposure to Shakespeare was in a high school language arts class. We had a substitute teacher that day. He didn’t know what to do with the class, so he wheeled in one of those TV-on-a-cart jobs and popped…Sonya ShaferFebruary 13, 2015
Creative Narration, Creative Writing(Editor’s Note: I sometimes get asked, “What about creative writing?” Here is a lovely post about how to approach creative writing by guest writer, Karen Andreola.) “If we would believe it, composition is a natural as jumping and running to…Karen AndreolaNovember 26, 2014
The Line That Strikes UsSometimes a phrase jumps off the page and sticks with me. I’m sure you have experienced similar moments. The choice of words resonates with my heart or touches something deep inside my mind, and I notice them replaying in my…Sonya ShaferNovember 6, 20147 Comments
Postponing Formal Grammar InstructionThe ladies over at Analytical Grammar recently sent out an excellent post in support of delaying formal grammar instruction until the student is at least 10 years old—just as Charlotte Mason advocated. Read Erin and Robin’s timely advice and be…Sonya ShaferJune 16, 20143 Comments
To Narrate and DiscussThe time has come for your child to perform the Act of Knowing. We’ve discussed the first three steps to a successful narration lesson: pick a good living book, look ahead and behind, and read the passage. Those steps are…Sonya ShaferFebruary 20, 2013
Time to ReadWe’ve been talking about the 5 steps to a successful narration lesson, and today we want to continue that series. So far we’ve discussed the importance of selecting a good living book. Book selection can make or break your child’s…Sonya ShaferFebruary 13, 20132 Comments
Find Your BearingsProbably the best way to illustrate Step 2 is to talk about the importance of framework. I saw an interesting video clip in which some instructions were read that were difficult to remember or to relate with. But once the…Sonya ShaferJanuary 30, 20136 Comments
The Power of a Good StoryLast week we started a new series, 5 Steps to Successful Narration. Do you remember the five steps? Don’t worry, we’ll review them often as we talk our way through them over the coming weeks. It’s tempting to think that…Sonya ShaferJanuary 23, 2013
5 Steps to Successful NarrationMy husband has been lifting weights for several months now in an effort to get into shape and improve his health. It’s been good. The program he is using challenges him to regularly increase the number of pounds he lifts,…Sonya ShaferJanuary 16, 20137 Comments
A Variety of Tools for Teaching ReadingA few weeks ago we were on the road in Texas, between conventions, when our battery light came on. My husband is mechanically minded (for which I am often thankful), so he knew what to do. We found the nearest…Sonya ShaferJuly 20, 2011
