There are so many good chapter books for this stage. How do I pick which one to read with him for narration and which ones to let him loose reading? And do you require narrations for your family/literature read-a-loud book as well? Narration sounds quite simple; I don't know why I can't figure it out. :tongue_smilie:

The "just visiting sign is gone!

I have a 7 yr old son, going into 2nd grade. He's been narrating from Aesop daily and reads pretty well (he can read one of the Boxcar books in a few hours). Here's where I need your help: How do I progress him along in narration? I tried assigning him a book (eg. Boxcar), a chapter a day. But he doesn't narrate well, or doesn't like to; says 'I don't know" a lot. Also, he doesn't like to read just a chapter a day. So I tried to sit down with him to have him read a chapter to me than narrate. But I haven't been good at sitting down with him consistently. Even as I'm writing this, I'm wondering if I should make his assigned readings easier beginner readers and just let him run with the longer/harder books for free reading? Or would the beginning readers be too easy/short and would I be short changing him in comprehension if I let him take off reading? So I guess my question is two fold: assigned reading/narration - how and what? free reading - how and what? Am I making any sense? :tongue_smilie: Btw, how do I get rid of the "just visiting" sign. I'm here much too often to be just visiting. Thanks everyone. Ellie

thanks jennifer. what kind of questions do they ask on the sheets and do they vary from animal to animal? also, is it a bound book or loose leaf pages? thank you. just trying to figure out what to do.:001_smile:

Hi. I'm trying to decide how to notebook with AW. I haven't purchased the whole curriculum, just some of the books. I was wondering if someone could tell me a little about the Make My Notebook from WP. Is one animal a week scheduled for notebooking? So you cover maybe 4-5 animals/habitat? Or I would appreciate any suggestions if you've done it a different way. Thank you!

Tami, I love your distinction between productive free time and leisure time. That's very helpful to keep that in mind. What are some of the acceptable activities on your list? Oh, btw, I tried again and was able to download the AHYS schedule! They're amazing! Thanks!

Thank you for all the replies. It's interesting and encouraging to see inside other's homes. Mine,too, play outside, play with legos, make up games, and the rest. Sometimes they just get rowdy, loud , or run around... all the normal boy stuff I guess. My nerves and ears just get overwhelmed sometimes. :tongue_smilie: And sometimes, they'll just end up quibbling or bickering a little too much. I was wondering if perhaps they needed a little more structure/direction/ boundaries/... ? Thanks for all your replies.

I forget the term Charlotte Mason uses but what does directed free time look like in your house? Is there a list of activities to choose from or is every day assigned a certain activity/project? I would love to make better use of this time, if you know what I mean. ;) Also, any suggestions of activities for little boys (5-7yrs)? Legos, mazes, drawing, building, quiet reading,.....?

I've been searching this board, trying to determine my history curriculum for next year. I will have a 2nd grader and kind'er (both boys) next year. I would like to cover American history, using good books (with a spine). But would also like to include crafts and projects to make it more hands on. I recently came across Truthquest history and the Time Traveler Series. I like the commentaries from Truthquest and the activities from TT Series. Does anyone have any input - any likes, dislikes, experience with either. And how do these differ from SOTW and AG? ...then there is Winter Promise too. Oh, the list could go on! :lol: Thank you for any input.