Miss Marple Posted December 15, 2009 Share Posted December 15, 2009 Does one need to be a die-hard fan of LOTR to enjoy this program? If I do this in co-op, I know that some of the kids may not be as thrilled about the books as other kids. While ds#2 enjoyed the movies, I don't think he would enjoy reading the books; but ds#4 will probably devour them. I read the LOTR trilogy along with The Hobbit many years ago but am not dying to read them again although I will if I teach the program. Has anyone done this program with less than enthusiastic kids? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lori D. Posted December 15, 2009 Share Posted December 15, 2009 Well, we are all die-hard fans of the books here :w00t:, so I can't speak objectively to that question, BUT... I think that if you cover a good portion of the material in the 12 additional units of material, that should draw in any unenthusiastic students. Also, if you're covering some of the other works discussed in LLftLotR, (The Iliad; Beowulf; Arthurian works; Macbeth, The Tempest, or Midsummer Night's Dream; etc.) that might also help students maintain interest, who otherwise would not be that "into" *just* reading / studying LotR. Also -- I can't seem to find the old thread -- but StaceyL in Canada has taught Literary Lessons from the Lord of the Rings as a co-op class, so maybe private message her for her thoughts / ideas. Or maybe someone else here can re-post Stacey's cool co-op ideas, which included things like listening to Ian McKellan read portions of Beowulf (which is analyzed in one of those 12 additional units) by candlelight for atmosphere. BEST of luck, whatever you decide! Warmest regards, Lori D. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Marple Posted December 15, 2009 Author Share Posted December 15, 2009 Thanks, Lori. I have a PM out to Stacey but I don't think she gets over here very often anymore. I'll try to dig up her e-mail addy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted December 15, 2009 Share Posted December 15, 2009 I decided not to teach the programme because I find the books a dead bore. I know that teachers in school have to teach books they don't like (I read an interview with a former teacher a few days ago about his dread of the years when he had to teach Jane Austen) but I don't feel the need to inflict my lack of enthusiasm on my children. They have enjoyed reading the books anyway. Laura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Marple Posted December 15, 2009 Author Share Posted December 15, 2009 I decided not to teach the programme because I find the books a dead bore LOL! I really enjoyed them as a teen, but I'm wondering if I would find them as enjoyable at my current age. Maybe it was the movies that caused the problem - I found them to be incredibly long and drawn out. Ds#4 wanted a set for Christmas. I was hoping to capitalize on his interest, but maybe I should just let him enjoy them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted December 15, 2009 Share Posted December 15, 2009 Maybe it was the movies that caused the problem - I found them to be incredibly long and drawn out. Yawn. One d*%$n battle after another. Laura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EKS Posted December 15, 2009 Share Posted December 15, 2009 I absolutely would *not* under any circumstances use LLLOTR with a kid who is not enthusiastic. It is a *long* haul. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Marple Posted December 15, 2009 Author Share Posted December 15, 2009 Thanks, all, that's what I needed to know. It would probably work well for us, but not for our co-op. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lori D. Posted December 15, 2009 Share Posted December 15, 2009 Maybe it was the movies that caused the problem - I found them to be incredibly long and drawn out. And may I just add -- the movies are SOOO NOT the books!!! The movies were all about spectacle and the "cool" costumes, creatures, and special effects. The books contain incredible deep, rich themes (loyalty; self-sacrifice; what is a true servant; leadership; pride; temptation; the Christian walk; etc. etc. etc.). The movies stripped out virtually all of the themes, definitely all of the depth, radically changed character motivations from nobility to post-modern wimpy self doubting. The books are like entering a whole new world, rich with history, languages, cultures, etc. I could go on and on, but just want to stress: do NOT judge the books by the movies! :rant: Getting off the soapbox now. (LOL!) Warmest regards, Lori D. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in Australia Posted December 16, 2009 Share Posted December 16, 2009 I absolutely would *not* under any circumstances use LLLOTR with a kid who is not enthusiastic. It is a *long* haul. thank you , you have just answered all my unasked questions , and saved me $.;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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