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CM With One Child?
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I have been homeschooling my youngest since she was in PreK, she is now 10. We began using SCM loosely last year, and more formally this year. Her nearest sibling is 18 and will graduate PS this spring. So she is in essence being schooled like an only.
Have any of you ever schooled only one child using this method? Do you feel it is as effective with one child as it seems to be for multiples? I envision that with multiples there is a sense of competition, and some peer pressure to make a greater effort. I am speaking primarily as regards narration. With multiples narrating, someone else would potentially pick up what others missed, each wanting to show how much they remembered of the story.
Then there’s the question of narration itself. Am I correct in saying that narration is not so much remembering the story (as in memorization) as it is in remembering the story as it had meaning to you? So, if my daughter’s narrations are brief or void of much substance, is that ok? Does it simply mean this or that didn’t speak to her? Further, should I then be looiking for other materials that would bring more meaning to the subject for her?
I think I am having an end of year, heading into the upper elementary levels panic attack. Any thoughts or opinions you all would like to share would be greatly appreciated.
Blessings, Paula
I too am homeschooling an only (nearest sibling is 17 and graduated from PS) so I totally get where you are coming from 🙂
I will say, for Narrations, I just ask DS7 to tell me about what was read to him or what he read (I find he actually remembers more when he reads himself, but that is not an option for all the material due to reading level). If I don’t feel like he narrated enough, I may ask him questions like; “What was your favorite part of the story?” or “Why do you think the character did …..?” or “Tell me 3 facts or 3 important things from the reading”. If he is still having problems narrating, or doesn’t seem to “get” the story, then I may do my own narration in my own words to help him understand and allow him to ask me questions. I mainly want to see that he comprehended the information that was read.
Paula, narration is a hard skill to really perfect in a short amount of time. You haven’t been doing CM long, so narrations of the sort you are getting are normal. =) If you are consistent about your expectations of solid narrations and are diligent in asking for them, you will see amazing results. It is especially effective if you review what you last read prior to the new material – it ties it all together in their minds. Even if she is not verbalizing it the way you wish, she is thinking about it. I guarentee that she will remember things at times in other lessons and you will be amazed. It is finally starting around here!
I think that the only child can still be wonderfully enriched using the CM methods. They are just as important as a group of siblings. In fact, sometimes I think how cool to only have one from the teachers point of view (not my mama eye – I’d never want to get lose my children for anything!) 😉 But…imagine the rabbit trails of interest and knowledge you can follow more easily, how much more indepth you can go in lessons…it sounds every bit as delightful as having multiple children is. =)
Ditto Sheraz on narration. Narration is the child creating a picture in their mind’s eye, and then translating that picture into words. It is a learned skill that develops over time and with practice. It is tremendously helpful in the thought processes involved in writing and communicating. And it is definitely beneficial to anyone (even adults!) whether they are in a group or not. I would not say it is really a group skill at all.
Personally, I find that CM families are some of the least likely to use comparison among their children. They tend to see each child as a unique individual and foster that individuality.
Charlotte actually taught, “The principles of authority on the one hand and obedience on the other, are natural, necessary, and fundamental; but – These principles are limited by the respect due to the personality of children, which must not be encroached upon, whether by fear or love, suggestion or influence, or undue play on any one natural desire.”
In other words, I don’t think Charlotte would approve of using group narration as a competitive means to spur the other children on to adding more. If anything, in a group setting it should be a cooperative effort.
I don’t think your child being an ‘only’ would hinder her development with CM methods. The methods are still legitimate and effective for her spiritual and educational growth, whether she is among siblings or on her own.
I would highly recommend “Educating the WholeHearted Child” if you haven’t already read it. Also, SCM’s “All Day Seminar” DVD is a tremendous help when you are getting in to the ‘how to’s’ of a CM education.
Blessings on the journey!
Thank you all for the encouraging words. It has been a rough week.
Yes, I think I need to relax a bit and remember that we are both new to narrations. I need to be more consistent with my requests for them. I do not review previous readings enough, I am sure it would help.
The book recommendation is greatly appreciated. I am going to get a copy this week.
I think part of my problem comes from listening to other homeschoolers, and making mental comparisons of my daughters abilities with other children her age.
It is hard to keep the faith that what we are doing now will produce greater things in the future.
I recently read an older post here about the value of narration, over time. I think thats the key, time, patience, and practice.
Thanks again, Paula
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