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Literature analysis for high school
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Hi! I’m new to the forum, although I’ve been lurking for quite awhile. We homeschool our 15 year old ds. We’re new to CM, but it turns out we’ve been using a lot of her approach over the years, even if unknowingly. 🙂
My question (for the moment, anyway) concerns high school literature. Does one do formal study of the lit at this level, or do you just turn your child loose with the good books listed? I would love to take the latter approach, but I guess I worry that I will be short-changing my son regarding this area of his education. I wonder if he can fully appreciate the books without some study of, say, symbolism, author purpose, etc, etc.
Are there any study guides that are CMish in nature (not sure what that would be)?
Thanks for reading,
Dawn
Dawn,
I will sheepishly answer.
My children have always studied literature through the use of a book list. That would be a total of 1,600 – 2,000 pages (it averages out to about 8 books – this meets our state’s standard). Their typical requirement is a 2-4 page book report with character analysis that leads to a life application of their own (my requirement). If I were more on the ball, I would probably add some requirement regarding the writing tools you mentioned.
I choose the books and base my decision on the need of the child. For the most part, the books on their lists are ones that promote character and a closer walk with the Lord. Typically they have to do with the history period they are studying. Sometimes they are books that had to be deleted from the history list because it was too long. That is one way.
Another method we have used is Welcome to the Classics, though just for selections, not cover to cover. I like that book. Currently, we have added Brightest Heaven of Invention for studying Shakespeare. I like that book also. I will likely use these books more thoroughly in the coming years.
Here are couple of criticisms I’ve had from other hs moms regarding my use of character building books: 1)Not all of our books are ‘high literature’ (see Let’s Roll, for example; not high literature, but what a valuable book for our boys, especially!) and 2) Christians (especially during this last election) are being discounted as ignorant and we need to be familiar with the literary greats so that we are conversant on these topics and are no longer seen as ignorant. These are things to think about.
My children have picked up on the writing methods through the years as we’ve discussed/narrated books, plays, and poetry, though we’ve not done a formal study. You will also find that you will get that in the above books I mentioned.
Blessings,
Cindy
I have to “ditto” all of what Cindy wrote above. I am teaching my second high schooler right now. My oldest graduated in 2008. I didn’t use any formal writing programs with her until around 11th grade, and then I panicked. I had her take a few classes (2 college prep) and she got straight A’s after never having formal writing. I truly believe that a lot of reading, a great book list each year, is the key. Not looking at what others are doing is critical.
Cindy, we too focus on character building literature selections. I finally joined the Lamplighter book club because I was purchasing so many titles. They are mine, and my children’s, favorite. We heavily discuss each Lamplighter title that we read. We incorporate history, science, and classic book titles, but truthfully are careful to keep character training books as most frequently read.
I do use and love a couple of things that do incorporate some writing; Queen’s Language Lessons and copywork and Spelling Wisdom. Very gentle, natural approach.
Nedra in So. CA
HSing 5; ages 18 (graduated in 2008), 15, 11, and 3 yr. old twins
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