Spine Books

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  • July 11, 2011 at 12:11 am
    Carolyn
    Participant

    I have been enjoying the journey over the last 6 months of learning about CM when God led me to homeschooling.  My boys are 20 months and 4 1/2 so I am still a couple of years from formal education.  One thing that I am still trying to understand is the difference between a spine and a living book.  Also, why would I use a spine if it is not a living book? 

    Thanks,

    Carolyn

    July 11, 2011 at 12:32 am
    suzukimom
    Participant

    Many spine books are living books…..

    I’ve mostly heard the term Spine book for history, and possibly for science.    In those contexts… the Spine book is the main book you are reading to give the main overview, or more like the main flow of the course.  I use one for continuity.  Then I add other books to add extra interest, or a bit more detail.  A spine book might be used for several years.

    So, for instance,  for history I use “Childs History of the World” for our spine.  I like the author, and I think it is a living book… but it is an overview for sure.   We use it for all our rotations (we do a 5 year rotation.)  Depending on the time period, we have from 9 chapters to about 36 chapters to read in our school year.  Then we add in other living books… for instance “Our Little Viking Cousin of Long Ago”.  Some are history books, some are biographies, some are historical fiction etc.

    Same for science.  A couple of years ago, we used the Childcraft book “World and Space” for the spine, to learn about various things about Space, and the Earth.  We added either “The Stars” by H. A. Rey or “Finding the Constellations” by the same author.  (similar books for different age range….)

    Now, I wouldn’t call the Childcraft books Living books by the normal definition.  They are written by several people and are, of course, like an encyclopedia (they are made by Worldbook…)  But I do find them really nice, I enjoyed them as a child… and we own them.  My son must have liked it as he has been reading space books from the library ever since.

    anyway, I hope that helps a bit!

    July 11, 2011 at 12:36 am
    CindyS
    Participant

    Hi Carolyn

    As I understand it, a spine book covers a broad time period in history. For instance, you may choose to use Story of the World, which covers a particular era. Then there are the added books that pinpoint certain events/people. The goal is to use a ‘living book’ in all areas, whether spine or otherwise. A spine can help pull it all together for the student, help put what they are learning in context, and help us moms feel like we’re not leaving gaps in our children’s education Wink. Some people use them, some don’t.

    Blessings,

    Cindy

    July 11, 2011 at 12:40 am
    Tanya
    Participant

    Welcome Carolyn to the world of Charlotte Mason – this kind of homeschooling has been such a blessing to our family.

    A living book is a book that is well written, captures the imagination, uses good vocabulary, has a pleasing and engaging writing style, etc. 

    Sonya wrote some blog entries on living books (but this is the only one I could find at the moment):

    http://simplycharlottemason.com/2009/11/04/books-stories-in-the-early-years-early-years-homeschooling-part-5/

     

    A spine book falls under the category of a living book and is the “main book” used in a subject area (say history or science) and other living books can be added to enhance if you desire.

    Hope that helps somewhat.

    -Tanya

    July 11, 2011 at 12:41 am
    Tanya
    Participant

    oops – it looks like others have already started answering your question…sorry for the repeat!  Embarassed

    July 11, 2011 at 2:18 am
    Carolyn
    Participant

    Thank you all!  That helped my understanding so much Smile

    July 11, 2011 at 11:22 am
    CindyS
    Participant

    I think some of us hit te send post button at the same time! That’s funny.

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