Narration newbie questions

If you’re just beginning, you may need to start slow. You don’t want to require narrations of every single thing when they’re not familiar with the idea of narrating, especially with your 6yo. Start with a short history reading, and ask for a narration. Try writing some key words, people, or places on a white board or something to give them what Charlotte called “hooks on which to hang their narrations”. It may take several days or weeks of practice.

I rarely have the children dictate to me while they’re narrating. I have one child doing written narrations and one doing oral narrations. I do not see the necessity in keeping record of every thing read/narrated, but I am in Texas, and it is not required for me to keep those records. Your state may be different. We would be drowning in paper if I kept every narration! Charlotte had her students narrate everything. I have mine narrate most history readings, independent literature, and science. Family literature is read just for enjoyment, although I keep record of the books we read in the Organizer. 

When I typed my children’s narrations, it was distracting for both of us. They got lost trying to watch me type, and I got lost trying to keep up with how quickly they spoke. If you are absolutely set on typing all of their narrations, try a digital recorder. Record them first, then go back and type them at your own pace when you have the chance. Personally, I don’t think this is necessary, but you have to determine what’s best for you. 

If your 13yo catches on to narrating quickly, you can have him/her write or type his/her own narrations. That will save you some time and work, and written narrations are begun in a CM homeschool around age 9-10–but later for those not used to narrating. 

Hope that helps,

Lindsey