Living History Book Questions

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  • October 11, 2009 at 9:40 pm
    amandajhilburn
    Participant

    I just reviewed the section of the SCM Seminar DVD on teaching history because I am not sure how to handle this problem….I think my question was answered, but want to be sure.

    So, Sonya, if we have been reading  If You Sailed on the Mayflower and my children whine and complain that they do not like history do I stop reading that book and choose a new one on Pilgrims?

    My first reaction was “Sorry guys, but we are going to read this.” Then I thought I remembered you saying that Charlotte said that the children must like the book……..So if we begin reading something and they are not enjoying or the book makes them detest our history time, it should be switched out, right?

    I just want to help them love to learn, but are there not some things that just may not be very exciting to some children?

    October 12, 2009 at 3:26 am
    Sonya Shafer
    Moderator

    Yes, Charlotte said, “The children must enjoy the book. The ideas it holds must each make that sudden, delightful impact upon their minds, must cause that intellectual stir, which mark the inception of an idea” (Vol. 3, p. 178). So we should do all we can to select a book that will make learning come alive.

    However, there is always a balance with CM. Keep in mind that CM is not a child-directed method. The teacher lays out the plan and selects the best books she can — books that she thinks the children will enjoy, will be able to narrate, and will give living ideas (as opposed to mere facts). Some books will be enjoyed more than others. I would be careful of using a book that they “detest,” but I wouldn’t want to fall into the trap of depending on their approval for every book I’m considering. 

    October 12, 2009 at 3:51 am
    amandajhilburn
    Participant

    Okay, thank you:)

    I had also checked out Pilgrims of Plimouth from the library. I also just printed part of Our Country’s History to read over and try and make a decision between the three 🙂 Pilgrims of Plimouth (at first glance) may be the best for us. After this, I will try and at least read the first few pages of our history books before I begin reading them to the kids. (That should be a “no-brainer, but it just occured to me tonight) I can sort-of tell if they are going to like it or not now.

    Thanks again,

    Amanda

    October 12, 2009 at 1:17 pm
    Sonya Shafer
    Moderator

    It’s a process, that’s for sure. Selecting the books can be the biggest challenge. You’re right, you start to develop a sense of what your children will enjoy. So give yourself grace along the way and you’ll do fine. Smile

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