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Poetry: MCT or Classical Writing?


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I am having a really hard time trying to decide between these two. I want to do 6 weeks of poetry this spring, and we are just poetry beginners. Of course I don't plan on finishing either book in 6 weeks - we'll do the rest next year in 6th grade.

 

I wasn't able to find much info on MCT's website as far as how much is covered in the books, how many lessons there are, how long it takes, etc. Is it meant to be done daily, weekly, what? I'd love to see a TOC.

 

I'd love to hear from anyone about what they didn't like if they used one of these programs. Or tell me what you did like! I definitely am more impressed with the visual aspect of MCT - looks much less boring. But I guess I'm being superficial! I like how Classical Writing goes over the poem four times during the week, each time focusing on something different.

 

Any idea which program is more thorough? Both seem to be pretty meaty, right?

 

Thanks so much.

Edited by HeidiKC
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We're doing Classical Writing Poetry for Beginners A right now. I find it introduces the basics extremely well and the manner in which it covers the concepts, helps them stick. After only 2 lessons, my dd was able to take what she'd learned and apply it other poems quite easily. Yes, it does look boring but, as I've said before, it gets the job done! I believe there are 10 lessons in Level A and each day (4 days per week) you do analysis and imitation. Whenever I pull out the book, my dd is excited to do the next lesson. The only minor annoyance was that the teacher's guide didn't reference the page numbers in the core manual (like I was used to in Homer) so I was fumbling around for a while. Then a very kind and organized mom on the boards took pity on me and gave me very detailed help for which I'm forever grateful (thanks, Heather! :) )

 

Sorry, I don't have any input regarding MCT. The whole program interests me but I don't want to look ........... the last thing I need is another good program distracting me. :willy_nilly: :D

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We have previously completed the first few weeks of CW poetry. I really like the program. That being said we have not went back to it for many reasons.

 

To throw out another idea CAP has poetry program The Art of Poetry. We haven't started it yet, but I've spent a lot of time reading through and planning it. What I find different about this program is that it truly address the artistic side of poetry. This program appears to want to challenge the student to find the beauty in poetry and learn from that aspect. IMO CW (the weeks that we completed) takes a more methodical look at poetry.

 

CAP's program can be divided up to be over several years. The first lesson has you looking at the imagery of poetry.

 

IIRC CW's first lesson has you looking at the meter of poetry. I haven't looked at MCT, but it may depend on what your goals are with poetry.

 

Perhaps it could be summed up that CW's program that a more grammatical, mechanical approach to poetry(again from what we experienced), while CAP views it more as literature.

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I have never enjoyed any poetry program more than MCT's. He introduces poetry concepts in a way that inspires you and let's you see the beauty. My oldest dd loved Music of the Hemispheres last year. We will do Building Poems this year. Building has 7 chapters. I'm stretching it out to 14 weeks (one a week). We will read the chapter one week and do a practical application the next.

 

It is so easy to kill poetry. MCT shows you how to love it. :)

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We have previously completed the first few weeks of CW poetry. I really like the program. That being said we have not went back to it for many reasons.

 

To throw out another idea CAP has poetry program The Art of Poetry. We haven't started it yet, but I've spent a lot of time reading through and planning it. What I find different about this program is that it truly address the artistic side of poetry. This program appears to want to challenge the student to find the beauty in poetry and learn from that aspect. IMO CW (the weeks that we completed) takes a more methodical look at poetry.

 

CAP's program can be divided up to be over several years. The first lesson has you looking at the imagery of poetry.

 

IIRC CW's first lesson has you looking at the meter of poetry. I haven't looked at MCT, but it may depend on what your goals are with poetry.

 

Perhaps it could be summed up that CW's program that a more grammatical, mechanical approach to poetry(again from what we experienced), while CAP views it more as literature.

 

Thanks for the link, Paula. I always enjoy the 'gems' you find! :001_smile:

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