mo2 Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 Is it enough just to read and discuss books, or do you really need a literature "program?" Didn't I hear of a book somewhere (probably here, no doubt) that tells a parent how to discuss a book with their child? Does anyone remember the title? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellie Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 I think it's enough, as long as you include a variety of genres and not just sci-fi, KWIM? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mo2 Posted January 5, 2009 Author Share Posted January 5, 2009 I think it's enough, as long as you include a variety of genres and not just sci-fi, KWIM? Right. I was thinking of choosing books from various lists, ie, Sonlight's reading lists, Great Books Academy lists, WTM, and LCC, to kind of cover a little bit of everything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiegirl Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 Was the book title Deconstructing Penguins? I just read and discuss with my kids. My oldest and I are reading Robinson Crusoe right now and we are having no problems with just discussing. I did look at Sparks Notes at the beginning just to make sure I was on the right track. Also, I have Teaching the Classics as a guide and that has helped as well but I consider that a general guide. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunshine State Sue Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 How old are your children? Is it enough just to read and discuss books, or do you really need a literature "program?" Didn't I hear of a book somewhere (probably here, no doubt) that tells a parent how to discuss a book with their child? Does anyone remember the title? TWTM offers questions for dialogue. Logic stage questions are in the reading section of Ch. 17 on page 338-339 of my 1999 copy. Was the book title Deconstructing Penguins? Helpful book. I've toyed with purchasing Teaching the Classics, but haven't done it yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JennW in SoCal Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 Another source for learning how to discuss and tackle literature is The Well Educated Mind. It has sections on fiction, poetry, plays, biography and history, and breaks down the jobs of reading and thinking for each genre into the familiar grammar, logic and rhetoric levels. In this case grammar stage reading isn't about elementary aged readers or books, but about the most basic level of reading a book and what you should be doing while reading (taking notes). I think many of us stumbled our way through college literature courses without understanding how to read for literary analysis -- the Well Educated Mind made the light bulb finally go off in my head. You can use the literature suggestions in the books, or apply what you learn to any book. I've never used a literature program in my 9 years of homeschooling, until this year. I'm using Literary Lessons from Lord of the Rings with my 9th grader, and Movies as Literature with my senior. Even with these, our discussions and essay topics don't always follow what is provided in the teacher's guides. I probably won't use another literature program for the rest of my youngest's high school career. I'd far rather choose my own books and let discussions naturally go in whatever direction we take them. I have my stock set of questions from the Well Educated Mind to start things, Spark Notes to refer to if I haven't had time to think much on my own before we start our discussion. The Teaching Company has some lecture series on great authors that many families have used in addition to their own studies. So, no. You don't need a literature program! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LisaKinVA Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 If your child is reading and discussing, what you're doing will probably continue working for you. You will want to begin introducing some literary terms (character, plot, setting, similie, metaphor, foreshadowing, etc....) as you go as well. I did this one year, but it didn't work for me (my oldest boy is NOT a reader. He can read, and read well -- but when we did this for 2nd grade literature/reading time was filled with wailing and knashing of teeth). All of that dissappeared when we went back to a literature program with readers as our "spine" So, from my experience it really depends upon you and the child :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mo2 Posted January 5, 2009 Author Share Posted January 5, 2009 Was the book title Deconstructing Penguins? That was it, thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alisa Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 We read aloud every morning for our history. I rarely have the kids do projects or papers though I have never found this to impede their learning. It is amazing what we find to talk about during and after our read alouds. They have shown amazing comprehension and insight. Never underestimate the power of the spoken word! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kimber Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 Deconstructing Penguins It walks you through the process. A great book--fun, cheap, and easy to read. ETA: I just noticed it was already recommended. I guess I second it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcconnellboys Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 Yes, it's enough! (And much less boring than lit study questions....) Mix up oral discussion and writing about various topics related to what's being read. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacy in NJ Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 Another great reference book is Reading Strands by the fella that wrote Writing Stands. It reviews the basics of lit analysis and terms. Very helpful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcconnellboys Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 Yes, I picked it up at convention last spring and it does have helpful info, like WEM. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.