Questin for Sonya abot literature suggestions

Right, Alicia. I did not require narrations from our family literature read-alouds; but depending on the book, I would sometimes ask for narrations from the older children on literature books they read independently.

I tried to pre-read all of the books. There were a few times that I depended on the opinion of trusted other CMers when I didn’t have time; but over all I thought I could offer the most sympathy (read that, shared emotional experience) if I had read the book too. Logistically, it got easier with subsequent children, of course; but even with the oldest ones I tried to keep at least one or two books going on the side for my own personal reading from the time the children were young, so I would have a running start, if you will. 🙂

The couple of times with a high school student that I assigned a book I hadn’t read yet, I took on the role of learner, myself. I told the child that this was a book I’d been wanting to read for many years (which it was) but I hadn’t yet been able to, so I was counting on her to give me really detailed narrations so I could “read” the book second-hand through her for now. For that one I had her narrate orally; I tried to convey my interest on my face as she told about the book; I showed emotion and shared my excitement about personal connections I had made through her narrations. Now, that approach might depend on how closely you have your child’s heart turned toward your own. We have a great relationship, so we trusted each other in that process.

Maybe those thoughts will encourage some ideas of your own that will fit your situation well. Remember that not all narrations need be written in the upper grades; Charlotte continued some oral narrations all the way through 12th grade. So try to find a balance that will work well for you.