Talk to me about Literature

Viewing 6 posts - 1 through 6 (of 6 total)
  • Author
    Posts
  • May 18, 2015 at 4:07 pm
    shernandez
    Participant

    So, I am ditching workbooks/study guides for literature books and switching to a more CM approach. However, I am worried I may not be doing it right. My daughter (1st grade) is an avid reader and also enjoys being read to. We are just finishing up Pinocchio (using a guide that we abandoned toward the end) and will be starting A Little Princess this week. Basically, she reads a chapter and then narrates to me about what she read. She can usually narrate almost word-for-word what she read, in her own words. Tuesday and Thursday, we have a longer discussion about plot, etc. She enjoys discussing what she reads and is responding well to this method. I guess I am just hesitant that she will miss something because we dropped workbooks. We do a family read-aloud at night, too. Is there anything different I should be doing? Thanks!!

    May 18, 2015 at 4:15 pm
    Melanie32
    Participant

    Hi Shernandez! 🙂 Sounds like you’re doing it perfectly. Trust me, an elementary age child does not need literary analysis! Narrations are like oral essays and they require a much higher thinking level than work books do.

    May 18, 2015 at 4:24 pm
    shernandez
    Participant

    Thanks, Melanie32:) It is just hard to go from the mentality of using a study guide to a more relaxed approach. However, she was starting to get a sad look on her face when it was time for literature, and as an avid book-lover that broke my heart. We are both much happier now, and I’m glad to know I’m on the right track.

    May 18, 2015 at 4:28 pm
    Melanie32
    Participant

    🙂 I wouldn’t call narration a more relaxed approach. It’s actually more difficult. It’s just a more natural  and enjoyable approach than workbooks.

    May 18, 2015 at 4:37 pm
    shernandez
    Participant

    Very true, but for us it is sooooo much more relaxed because she enjoys doing it and we snuggle on the couch to talk. Mentally, you are absolutely correct:) I think this approach to literature has just taken a huge weight off of my shoulders, so I feel like it is too easy;) Even if it isn’t really…lol.

    May 19, 2015 at 5:44 am
    Melanie32
    Participant

    I know what you mean. CM methods come much more naturally and they are so enjoyable that it does feel relaxing. Karen Andreola calls it “the gentle art of learning”. I like that. 🙂

     

Viewing 6 posts - 1 through 6 (of 6 total)
  • The topic ‘Talk to me about Literature’ is closed to new replies.