I have decided not to combine 2 chapters per day. It feels too rushed and does not accomplish the goal of contemplative thought or discussion.
Teaching Composition
I believe in these Kindergarten years, we are setting up the imagination for future narration and composition.
This chapter is excellent!
Do we underestimate our children? Charlotte Mason believed teachers often had a tendency to underestimate children. I can remember a time I underestimated my third grader. His literature for that year was not challenging enough. Many years ago I learned to follow Charlotte's advice and use literature that was at a slighter higher level for my children.
Guidelines for the transition from oral to written: It is interesting to note that oral narrations continue with written narrations. The book says written narrations may be lengthy and "run on" but we can use this as the rough draft.
Side note: My own personal views on what has helped me in teaching composition has been to not rely so much on creative writing but more on essay writing in the upper grammar levels. Proper writing is becoming a lost "art" in most schools nowadays. I have taught/I am teaching my children to write in MLA format. Colleges are different than they were years ago, specific details are not the same as the were years ago. The CM method builds an excellent foundation for writing! But for us, in the later years, we use a writing curriculum:)
How did you like this chapter?
I really enjoyed this chapter. I was underlining, starting/hearting, and writing notes while reading this chapter. The thing about the CM method is that it connects. Like narration can be used for all subjects, start out with oral and then written. I wish I would’ve had the chance to learn under the CM method! I am glad my children will be able to learn this way. Even in narration, children are viewed as persons. They have their perspective to what they just read. I really liked the quote on pg 140 that Karen really wanted to share with us. I thought what she had to say was spectacular. I am definitely excited to teach using the Charlotte Mason method!
This is an excellent chapter that I know I'll need to refer to each year as my child's composition ability grows and changes. I do like that CM doesn't want split attention when writing. Write freely, edit later.
I think what will be hard is that it starts so slow, which is different from the schools. But be patient and consistent. Over the years, all the pieces will be put together and it'll be so worth it. I can see how this way of composition allows children to become great story tellers and writers.
Oh I also found it interesting that she says it's okay for a young child to copy an author's style of writing... Eventually the child will develop their own style. This is a great piece of advice.
Jenny, thanks for offering your personal ideas as well. It makes sense about teaching proper writing. At what age are you introducing a writing curriculum and what do you like using?