Yes! I think there needs to be lots more talk about the hows and whys of teaching in the area of language arts. I really think with classical language learning there is simply this idea that it is essential to a classical education without really diving into the how. The why gets talked about often, but usually only for Latin. Hard to find stuff for Greek.

Thanks!

nm

Thanks 8!

Have any of you been enjoying Patrick Stewart's daily reading of Shakespeare's sonnets on FB? I have enjoyed listening to him read them so much! Here is what he said the first day he posted- "I was delighted by the response to yesterday's posting of Shakespeare's Sonnet 116, and it has led me to undertake what follows. When I was a child in the 1940s, my mother would cut up slices of fruit for me (there wasn't much) and as she put it in front of me she would say: "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." How about, “A sonnet a day keeps the doctor away”? So...here we go: Sonnet 1" This has really been making me think. How wonderful that his mother gave him a gift of reading sonnets. It always seems like the really successful have mothers behind them right? He must have had so much time to practice words, and speaking well. Anyways, has anyone done anything like this with their kids? Reading a poem each day or a sonnet? DS is 8, so still a little young to handle all of Skakespeare's sonnets. We have memorized a few of his shorter works.

DH and I have a few non Latin based alphabets under our belts. DS has one right now. For us, I don't think it will be a stopping point. At least it is read left to right! Arabic was so hard on my brain! But I do know stopping and taking time to work through the alphabet is needed. If we go through Greek we probably will spend 3rd learning the alphabet for half the year. Unless more time is needed.

Yes, I want our English usage to be improved by studying a classical language. We live in Asia, and are not learning any Latin based languages as our living language currently. So my goals with a classical language are to work on our English and thinking. Grammar, vocabulary, translation all for the benefit of our English, writing, grammar. From your experiences what would you say are the differences you see in your children using montessori language arts with classical languages vs. your grammar-translation background? I do think every language learned needs to include an oral/aural part. But my goals are different than a living language. With a living language it is important to me to understand all kinds of speakers (fast talkers, slang, mubbles). My goals may be very different just because we live overseas. But listening and understanding are big goals that include much more time than reading and writing. And being able to speak the sounds well so other understand, internalize the grammar and think in the language. Thinking really is a sign that all the other things have meshed. I was so excited the first time ds said he had dreamed in his 2nd language! But I don't think dreaming or thinking in a classical language is needed.

Do you use Latin as your main grammar instruction? Or do your kids have a good grasp of grammar before starting? I am trying to think through the value of using classical languages as the main method of grammar, or getting solid on grammar before starting.

I have seen some fun family dynamics with heated conversations between parents using different languages! 😂 And I watched friends argue in front of the kids saying words that just don't translate to the other language. It can be a hoot!

Anyone else want to share what writing looks like for your 8 year olds? I do like to see what others are doing on a weekly basis. Helps me think through my own thoughts.

I would love to hear how/why/what you all do with classical languages in your homeschool. Reading what others do helps me think through my ideas. I want to start a classical language as a way to work on grammar, and translation (thinking, logic skills). DS is 8 and will be in 3rd next year. I think this will be a good time to have a gentle start. I would like to be done by 8th grade and then have high school be optional. I think this will be a great way to talk through and study grammar in relation to English. And a great way to train the brain doing translations, reading, and writing. My goals are not speaking or listening skills. We already have a living language we have learned (but are always learning more). However, we approach languages with immersion. My goal in living languages, at least our currently, is hearing, understanding, speaking, and naturally aquiring the thoughts in the grammar. We don't focus on translations at all, and I don't explain grammar in relation to English. Usually when ds needs more work on understanding a part of the language we explain in the language using what he already knows to build further knowledge. We also hire native speakers as tutors and give him several hour a time several days a week. DS is interested in Greek and Hebrew so he can read the Bible. But being that he is only 8, I know his thoughts could change. And I really do know how long it takes to be able to read the Bible in Koine Greek! I think I would be fine doing Greek and not Latin. The alphabet doesn't scare us, we really could handle that. But does Greek offer the same benefits as Latin? I know most study Latin, but who has done Greek? Is it worth the work at the elementary ages? What Greek programs are the best for working on grammar, translations, writing, and so forth? How long each week do you spend? Or is Latin really the best route? It also gives a lot of vocabulary for English. But could an indepth study of roots be enough for that? I would also like to add a Romance language in late middle school through high school, so again maybe Latin is best now. But I also want to follow what ds wants. Interest and desire is half the battle right? Anyone work on a classical langauge and immersion in a living language at the same time? Any issues? Advice? Anyways, I am stuck in bed. I would love to hear others experiences and thoughts. Keep my mind on something other than this awful virus please!

nm

c-rods have been used the most and are the most flexible of what we have. I bought and tried to use RightStart. The program just didn't click with us, but the manipulatives I have kept and used. There are a lot. I really like- geoboard, abacus, place value cards, clock, tangrams, meter stick, and the whole math games kit.

nm

nm

Thank you that was very helpful.

These all sound so so good! We have no access to bacon. I live in a 99.9% Muslim country. No bacon here. 😉

Not much at all. Food is about the same. We are using up some stuff we had, but have needed to get some more things to stock up on. We walked most places and spent about $8 a week on public transportation when needed. So it hasn't been a big savings. Some of our utilities will be up I am sure. We normally spent a big chunk of time at the park a day.

Thanks everyone!!

All kinds 😂 I have black, kidney, white, chickpeas, navy.

Dried, but I usually soak and then cook them before use.

I usually take them off in the morning. I make my bed each morning so on wash day I don't make the bed. But it usually is afternoon when they get in the wash and clean sheets are put on. We don't have a dryer so each bed has 2 sets. I change sheets 2x a month. Sometimes I aim for weekly, but that usually doesn't happen.

Thanks for all the ideas! His drawing frustration is a combination of wanting it to be perfect, and fine motor skills. He took a long time to get handwriting down. We worked a lot on proper pencil holding, and fine motor skills. His handwriting is now legible! A year ago I never thought I would say that! But drawing is a struggle. He has a desire to learn, but gives up when it isn't perfect. So I figure now is the time to take the time. I will try some of your ideas. And look at the drawing book. Thanks.

nm

We are home more than we ever have been. So I was thinking of what would be some good things to focus on for ds, 8 yo. What are you all doing with more time at home? Cooking- he already makes all kinds of eggs, but I want him to learn to make pancakes (from scratch), fried chicken, ground hamburger, use a knife Chores- dishes, vacuum, fold laundry, mop. He has learned these already, but he still needs work on these skills. Tie his shoes and pants Drawing- he really needs work on drawing and not giving up Learning some hymns on the piano Academic- cursive, maybe CAT testing, finish up some subjects for the year, work on some sort of writing project, some sort of history project. More stamina in personal reading I am also going to need to figure out ways to add some movement each day and sensory input. I figure doing a lot of chores will be good for his body. But he will need more.