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How to Rotate Artist & Composers in the year?
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Okay so, as I continue to try and plan out my year, I see that SCM suggests 3 artist and 3 composers per year. And I’m seeing that things are pretty much set up on a Trimester type schedule. (3 Semesters, 12 weeks each). So originally I was thinking we were supposed to study artist 1 for the first 6 weeks and then composer 1 for the second 6 weeks, artist 2 for the 3rd 6 weeks so on and so forth and then all 3 artists and composers would be covered by the end of the year. (1 of each per 12 week trimester).
But when I look at the suggested schedule, it recommends both picture and music study every week. So would I do both and artist and composer each week and then rotate back through them. i.e. Artist & Composer #1 for the first 6 weeks, then artist and composer #2 for the 2nd 6 weeks and then artist and composer #3 for the third 6 weeks and then repeat all again? OR would I spend and entire 12 weeks on one artist and composer before switching to the next?
I’m probably making this way more complicated than necessary. lol
Do whatever you want! Spending 6 weeks on an artist and then 6 weeks on a composer is a great idea. Or you can spend the full 12 weeks on both. We use SCM’s picture study portfolios and like to use all the paintings included, which is usually 8. This means we’re spending 8 weeks on one artist instead of 6. Or you can rotate your “fine arts” things. For example:
Term 1: Shakespeare + Folk Songs + Artist Study
Term 2: Poetry + Artist Study + Composer Study
Term 3: Composer Study + Music Lessons + Foreign Language
It can look however you want it to. Composer study for us is the music we’re listening to by a composer during school time or in the car while running errands. We might read a book or two about him during the term, but it’s nothing formal or guided after that. We tire of listening to the same guy’s music for 6 weeks straight. For us, one composer for a couple or three weeks is plenty. We also listen to a variety of music, from Irish traditional to contemporary worship to the Beatles, not just classic composers and opera.
Last year, we did poetry for one term and Shakespeare for one term. It worked beautifully, and we never tired of either. You get to set up your studies in the way that works best for you. And if you try something and don’t like it, try something else!
Blessings,
Lindsey
Our artist study only lasts 6 weeks so we do it the first six weeks each term/trimester and have no artist study the second half of each term. Our composer biographies (Opal Wheeler ones) usually last closer to the whole term so we may only have a couple weeks off of that at the end of each term.
You really can schedule it however it works best for you.
Originally, I believe the scm team had 6 artists and 6 composers per year spending 6 weeks on each. Then through further research dropped it to 3 of each based on learning more how charlotte did it. I doubt the schedule has been updated to reflect that change.
You could try 6 weeks on each or alternate weeks spending 6/12 on each. That’s our plan with our co-op in the coming year. Really any schedule you like is fine.
Thanks for the feedback guys! Hearing others say that I can be flexible definitly helps me. Not sure why I always have a hard time wrapping my head around the idea of being flexible. (I’m just a little bit type-A. haha!) 😉
Oh and regarding Shakespeare, I noticed SCM suggests working on 1 play every other year but, I see many of you try to work it in at least once per week. Just wondering how everyone else works him into their weekly routine?
I found 3 used books on Amazon (I am still waiting on 2), so I can compare. (Figured I could re-sell which ever is not a good fit or maybe even pull a little from each one). Anyways, my daughter will be 7 in Oct. and I was thinking I would just read from one story at a time 1-2 times per week during our morning basket time and then maybe next year, let her choose her favorite from what we read to focus on for copy work, acting out etc. These are the 3 books I ordered…
Beautiful Stories from Shakespeare for Children by E. Nesbitt
Shakepeare’s Storybook: Folk Tales that Inspired the Bard by Patrick Ryan
Tales From Shakespeare – by Charles Lamb
What do you guys think?
Lastly, (for now anyways…haha!), regarding Hymn study, I have seen many books to choose from on Amazon, wondering if anyone likes one that you can recommend. Or do you just look them up online from one of the provided lists on SCM? For those who can’t play it on piano/read the music well, how do you know how to sing it? YouTube maybe?
I own and use all 3 of the above Shakespeare books. I prefer Lamb’s to Nesbitt’s because there is a bit more detail that makes it more clear in my mind. Shakespeare’s Storybook is lovely and my copy came with a cd. My dd7 has listened to it many, many times and enjoys it. I think your idea of reading a story periodically is great.
Hymns are easy to do online, but if you’d like an all in one resource look for a copy of Hymns for a Child’s Heart. It’s an excellent starting point. The Mr. Pipes books are nice, too, for something different.
Enjoy.
Christie
I really like Hymns for a Kids Heart. It has a short story about the composer of each hymn in the book and includes a CD of the songs as well as the words and notes.
Good to know you have the same books Christie. Thanks for the feedback. Now I don;t feel so crazy for ordering all 3. Haha! Mine will be coming with a CD as well. I confirmed with the seller that it was there and they said it appers to be in perfect condition. (yay!)
So are Hymns for a Child’s Heart & Hymns for a Kid’s Heart the same books? I love the sound of the one andream mentioned.
Nevermind, I am pretty sure you are both refering to the same one. So bummed they are out of print and the only used copies with a good price are w/out CD. Boo!
Try here instead then – http://songsandhymns.org. You can listen free on spotify or YouTube if need be.
This is the one I’m referring to:
There are other volumes of Hymns for a Kid’s Heart. I bought some at CBD. I found vol. 1 on EBay with CD.
The audio of children’s versions of Shakespeare are free on LibriVox.
Thanks for that link Christie! That will be very useful.
Andream, yes, thats the one I looked up. All of the affordable used ones have no CD. And the cheapest used vol. 2 is over $40 However, I think I just lucked out…I was looking at the Christmas vol. under used and found one that said Like-new, CD included and they said “this is not volume 3, this is volume 1, the ISB numbers are off. So I took a chance and ordered it. It was only $8.99. Even if it ends up being the Christmas one, I’m sure we will use it. 🙂
I looked at all volumes Wings2Fly. I can’t seem to find them on CBD’s webpage. And I only see Vol. 2 on ebay…for $99!
I did find a new copy of the Passion Hymns for Kids Hearts at TheAlertStore.com that I may ponder
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