Started Module 1 last year but quit

You could just let the 5 and 4 year old join in listening when they want to. They are still young. I’ve heard others didn’t enjoy Letters from Egypt and substituted or just left it out for younger ones. I know some have used Sojourn in Africa as a substitute that was enjoyed better though I have not read it myself. Maybe the younger ones could keep their hands busy with something while you read as well, like playdoh or Legos and just make sure they know they must be quiet. Even the older ones might benefit from keeping their hands busy during read alouds. Hope this helps, I’m sure others will have some good advice too.

I would not expect a 5 and 4 year old to listen in the same way as I would expect the older two.  My dc are a bit older but my 7yo is a bit fidgety during these readings (well, most readings, who am I kidding??!!)  I do let him play with Legos or draw but because he is old enough to narrate I do expect him to be listening somewhat.  I do shorten the lessons if necessary and make sure everyone has had a snack, used the restroom, or whatever before we start, as well. 

We skipped Pharaoh’s of Ancient Egypt, too, just couldn’t get that one really going.  I’m not too concerned as they will all have an opportunity to pass by AE again in the future and so will your dc.  OR, if they are really interested, they can read about AE, watch documentaries, on their free time. 

And, I did purchase Letters from Egypt but didn’t use it.  We subbed with the Sojourn in Africa instead.

HTH

We skipped “Letter of Egypt” when we did Module 1.  My DD was 6-7 at the time.  We did do the Exodus commentary.  I loved it!  It did get to be long with the Bible reading, so sometimes we would break it up or we would just choose parts to read of each.  The Pyramid book took us longer than the module suggested b/c the readings were long for my 1st grader.  And we started “Pharoah’s Boat” but dropped it after a few pages.  “Boy of the Pyramids” was definitely a favorite!

I would suggest finding what books work for you.  Skip or subsititute what your family is not enjoying.  The littles can listen in, but I wouldn’t require it of them.  Also, I got a flannel board for the Bible lessons.  For my DD who is visual and also kinesthetic it helped immensely to add this component.  She retained the lessons so much better. 

Hi there – I am sorry you had trouble with making the reading work with your family. I am wondering about a few things:

1. Is this your first attempt at a CM style education, or just with the SCM modules? I ask because it takes some time and practice for kids to develop the habit of attention.

You could consider throwing the ‘schedule’ out the window and starting with shorter readings (maybe 15 minutes at a time). As the habit of attention is developed, you can lengthen the readings. It is also a good idea to break up your readings with periods of active learning (art, music, timeline or notebooking, etc…).

Something we do is save our family read alouds for the very end of our family school work. The kids love these, so it gives them something to look forward to and they hang in there knowing that the ‘fun’ book is on its way!

2. Did you try subbing out books that you and the kids were bored with? One of the things Charlotte talked about is that the child must like the book.

Some books are a little harder to ‘warm up’ to than others, but if your family really doesn’t like a book you should feel free to change it. There are lots of good, living books out there so don’t feel bound to someone else’s selection.

Your younger kids (before age 6) really don’t need to do all of the work that an 11 year old would do. You might consider reading a ‘lighter’ book with them, and then dismissing them for quiet time or a quiet activity while you get into the heavier reading material with the bigger kids.

Hope it works out for you! Blessings!