Drawn into the Heart of Reading

Julie,

I have not used it but I took a very few moments to give it a look. Just from my brief examination, I think you are right that it could become a burden to both you and your children.

As you are reading with or listening to what your children have read in the form of narrations, you will notice all these character traits that the author of this curriculum is listing for you. Plus your children will have the gift of natural self-discovery. You, as their God-given parent are their guide in these discoveries. That’s where the analysis comes in. God has taken one mature believer and matched her with two younger ones. It’s an opportunity to mentor them in discernment and that is so exciting!

I’m not sure that this is how the curriculum works, but let’s say that, in the book, today’s lesson is on responsibility. But the little one slings mashed potatoes at the older one over dinner (wild example, I know :)). God has just handed you their homeschool lesson for the next day but the curriculum is in conflict with that. When I have gotten involved in things like that, my tendency was to try to add it all in. Then the only lesson they learned was what a frustrated mommy looks like.

Like I said, I took a very few moments to review this and I’ve probably gone way farther than you wanted, so if I’m way off base, I apologize, truly. Maybe someone has used it and loved it so you can get a more balanced reply.

Blessings,

Cindy

Hi Julie,

We have used this program and while I think it is very well organized and the content is great, we did feel “chained” to it. I think there are some types of students who would enjoy it, but it felt ‘unnatural’ to me; mechanical-like. I agree with Cindy in that I have plenty of NATURAL opportunities to teach character traits each and every day!! LOL We feel less burdened now that we simply read and narrate together, which I feel is a more relational approach.

Hope that helps.

MJ