LLftLOTR Student Workbook?

[KimberlyI]

We are planning to begin Literary Lessons Lord of the Rings and work our way through it slowly as an "extra."  We are not planning to do much of the busywork I've read about here but focus on the strengths of the programs in the unit studies.  So, I'm wondering if the Teacher book is all I need to purchase or will the student workbook still be valuable?

 

Thanks!!

[A.J. at J.A.]

I have found the teacher book to be very valuable in my grading and discussion with him.  I think they have wonderful essay ideas and thoughtful input.  However, if you are really familiar with LoTR then you might not need it. 

[Lori D.]

We are planning to begin Literary Lessons Lord of the Rings and work our way through it slowly as an "extra."  We are not planning to do much of the busywork I've read about here but focus on the strengths of the programs in the unit studies.  So, I'm wondering if the Teacher book is all I need to purchase or will the student workbook still be valuable?

 

Thanks!!

 

 

It depends which edition you purchase.

 

In the original edition of the program, the Teacher Book is identical to the Student Book, but with the answers filled in for all the fill-in-the-blank worksheets AND discussion question answers, plus writing assignment ideas, lesson plans, and a few additional teacher resources. So, for the original edition, you can just purchase the TEACHER book and you will have all the materials for the program in one book.

 

However, the second edition (ether copyright 2009  ?? or 2010 ?? and later) reorganized the material, with the Teacher book now a smaller size and much thinner book as it just contains the answers and teaching materials I listed above. The loss in only purchasing the Student book would be you would not have the answers to the discussion questions, which are worthwhile, plus the loss of the writing assignment ideas, schedule, and appendix materials for additional teacher resources.

 

If you are comfortable with literature discussions and don't need for the themes and connections the answers provide, and are only using LLftLotR as an "extra", then you could go with just the Student book.

 

Side note: one reason for considering going ahead and getting the Teacher book, even if you would only use it from time to time, is to increase the re-sale-ability of the program. Having both components, esp. if you don't write in the Student book worksheets, will make the program more desirable and will increase what you can re-sell for... Just a thought! :)

 

 

Enjoy your journey through Middle Earth, whatever you decide! Warmest regards, Lori D.

[KimberlyI]

 

However, the second edition (ether copyright 2009  ?? or 2010 ?? and later) reorganized the material, with the Teacher book now a smaller size and much thinner book as it just contains the answers and teaching materials I listed above. The loss in only purchasing the Student book would be you would not have the answers to the discussion questions, which are worthwhile, plus the loss of the writing assignment ideas, schedule, and appendix materials for additional teacher resources.

 

Thanks, Lori, for your input.  You seem to be the board expert and was hoping you might see my post:)  However, I didn't ask my question very clearly.  I plan to definitely use the teacher guide.  I already purchased it, 2nd edition.  But I'm wondering if the student book might not be necessary if we don't do the comprehension checks (as HUGE Tolkien fans I'm confident the kids are comprehending just fine) or the vocabulary.  I'm not really sure what the student book contains.  I actually purchased the student book already also but I'm wondering if it is just going to sit on the shelf unused and perhaps I should return it.

 

Thanks!

[Lori D.]

I plan to definitely use the teacher guide.  I already purchased it, 2nd edition.  But I'm wondering if the student book might not be necessary... I'm not really sure what the student book contains...

Thanks!

 

 

Well, my understanding is that for the 2nd edition, the Student book is what contains the great notes for each chapter, plus the 12 units of material... And that's what it sounds like you *want*. ;) I was looking at the sample pages at Rainbow Resource for the 2nd edition, which seems to confirm that all the "meat" is in the Student book, while the Teacher book has answers, quizzes, and lesson plans...

 

Since you already have both (or they are on the way), I'd suggest carefully looking through them and then deciding. :) Best of luck! Warmly, Lori D.

[StephanieZ]

With the second edition, the best material is only in the student book! Those chapter notes and unit studies are the meat of the program. So, yes definitely get the student book! If you are feeling very frugal, you could post a WTB for a used student book. Offer $10 plus shipping and I am sure you'll get a taker.

[KimberlyI]

Thanks for the feedback!  Very helpful to know we need both pieces of the curriculum.