classical reading

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  • petitemom
    Participant

    I love the CM philosophy and although I am not following everything to the dot I am trying as much as possible. The only thing is that my kids do not enjoy reading classics. I have tried a few books here and there, they are doing ok w/Narnia but read just the minimum required and read books they picked up on their own for other reading time. My oldest enjoyed “where the red fern grows” although I had to push a bit in the begining. Other books he tried he didn’t understand what he was reading.

    I have been reading really good books as part of our history to them but not classics.

    I need to find something else for after Narnia, don’t really know what to do next for reading. I guess I’ll have to do some research. (they will be 4 and 6th grade)

    How important is it that they read classical things and listen to classical music (which they do not enjoy at all either)?

    Steph

    Monica
    Participant

    How long have you been reading classics with them? If these are kids that are used to reading popular books written for tweens nowadays, it will definitely take some time for them to adjust to the content and the writing style.

    Perhaps try to find some classics that are tailored towards their interests. Do lots of read-alouds, and also check out http://www.librivox.org to find some audio books that they might like. For independent reading, I suggest finding classic books that might explore things they are interested in.

    For the classical music – are you reading biographies about the artists when you introduce the music? I found my kids more likely to be interested in what they were listening to when they “knew” the man that wrote the music.

    4myboys
    Participant

    I’m not expert, but I can relate with my boys who are 11 (5th) and 7 (2nd).  We’ve only been homeschooling since September and they’ve not really developed a taste for the classics yet — at least not to read them on their own.  They do enjoy being read to however, and I am hoping as they are exposed more and more to the classics they will be more willing to give some a shot on their own, realizing that I actually do know what I’m talking about when it comes to good books. 

    That being said, I don’t read only classics myself, and it seems rediculous to me to dismiss all modern books as unsuitable or twaddle.  I suggest looking for recommendations and reviews of more current books on Christian websites.  I know there are several, but I’m afraid I don’t have time to find you a link right now. 

    If you find anything great, let me know!  We’re always looking for something good to read!

    artcmomto3
    Participant

    I believe the main reason why your boys don’t enjoy the classic lit and music is due to lack of exposure.  Perhaps start with some simpler classics that are easier to understand.

    For music there are lots of things you can do.  Have them listen for certain things in the music.  For example, what instruments do you hear?  What picture comes to your mind when you hear the theme?  You can also read books or short stories on the composer.  When I taught music my students loved “Lives of the Musicians”.

    One of my favorites is Mozart who we are studying presently.  You can play “Symphony No. 40”, and every time the theme is played sing, “It’s a bird, it’s a plane, no, it’s Mozart!”  “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik” is another famous work they will recognize.  Start with well known piece of music they would recognize from commercials and such.  Then move on to some other pieces by the same composer that are less well known.  Another piece by Mozart that is great to listen to is “Variations on ‘Ah, je vous dirai je maman'”.  Have them listen to the theme (“Twinkle, Twinkle”) and then listen to how it changes for each variation.  We are getting ready to read “The Magic Flute” by Anne Gatti.  My students enjoyed this book very much!  It is a great way to introduce opera to children.  You read a portion of the story then play some of the music.  It’s a great story for children b/c it has fantasy, a love story, good vs. evil, etc.  I used it to teach the various voice parts as well: soprano, mezzo-soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, and bass.

    HTH!

    petitemom
    Participant

    thanks for the responses, the good thing is that although they have been used to different styles they do love to read. I’ll have to be doing research for easy classics, any suggestions would be welcomed…

    Good ideas for the music, thanks!

    jmac17
    Participant

    I agree that it’s a matter of exposure.  They will likely come to appreciate things more as they become more familiar with them.  Doing lots of family read alouds is great at any age, and will help them get used to the language without having to read it independently yet.

    There are also lots of great living books (classic and more modern) that are a bit easier to handle.  The Little House on the Prairie series is the first that comes to mind.  Also, E.B. White’s books (Charlotte’s Web, Stuart Little, Trumpet of the Swan, etc.).  We just did Trumpet of the Swan as a read aloud with my 6yo DD and 4yo DS.  My DD has enjoyed the Patricia MacLachlan books (Sarah, Plain and Tall and sequels).  They are short and sweet, but deep at the same time! 

    Take a look through some of the suggestions in the SCM curriculum guide for the younger years and let your children ‘cut their classical teeth’ on those.  The Thornton Burgess books are great for animal lovers of any age.

    I introduced our study of classical music with “Peter and the Wolf”.  Our library has a couple of different versions of it, including a ballet performance on DVD that has some special features that talked about the music and the instruments.  It got my young kids excited about the different instruments, and they now enjoy trying to identify the instruments they hear in other music.  Of course, it also got my DD interested in learning to play the violin and now I’m trying to learn to play it myself fast enough to teach it to her (no time or money for lessons).  So be careful, sparking those interests can mean more work for you!  LOL

    Joanne

    petitemom
    Participant

    thanks Joanne, I was thinking I would probably look for lower age level to start with. I’ll check those suggestions out. I was looking at the SCM list last night again. I should be able to find a few that will work.

    Steph,

    I would also recommend that you read aloud some fun classics. I was halfway into reading Trumpet of the Swan when my reluctant reader grabbed it and read the rest for himself, he said he couldn’t wait for me to finish it! These books are timeless and charming, and if kids don’t naturally gravitate towards them, then make a point to guide them by reading it to them. They will enjoy it, and it makes for sweet family memories.

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