These paragraphs sort of sum up the author's thesis:
"That which is excellent has a certain spirit of literature present. The sensitivity of the reader says, 'This is true.' 'This is real.' And it sets in action something in the reader which profoundly affects him. It has been an experience- spiritual, imaginative, intellectual, or social. A sense of permanent worthwhileness surrounds really great literature. Laughter, pain, hunger, satisfaction, love, joy -- the ingredients of human life are found in depth and leave a residue of mental and spiritual richness in the reader.
"If we familiarize our children with this kind of writing, then they have a ground for making comparisons. Not everything they read will be excellent, but they will know a story's possibilities. It will set their reading patterns into motion."
I found my copy at our town's book sale and got it for 50 cents, but my copy was published in 1978. Zondervan has continued to publish this book ever since, and you can get your copy here. (With a new picture on the cover, that makes you feel like reading might be fun!) If I had the means, this is a book that I'd buy by the case and hand out to each friend I know. Last week we had a playdate every morning and I kept my copy in my bag so that I could tell each friend about it.
The first half of the book sets the motivational ground work for why books are so powerful. I think we could all answer, "well duh" to that premise, but I am telling you the way she lays out the chapters was so inspiring. I have never been so excited about the great privilege of being the one who gets to present good books to my kids!
Then she has a section called Poetry is for Pleasure and gives her picks for how to introduce poetry to your family. I've never been captured by poetry the way many are. Which is odd, since I do love words! So I am excited to introduce poetry to my kids with hopes that I catch the spirit too...
The final section is again divided by age groups and is titled, "Helping Preschoolers Through Third Graders Grow as Christians" Then she recommends books for 4th-6th graders and again teens to mature readers.
4 comments:
I remember that book from when my kids are little. Let me know how the poetry thing works out for you. It doesn't enamor me either. Except Shel Silverstein. I liked his stuff.
Oh Becca, I could go on and on about this topic with you! I have so much to share that I've learned since starting down this homeschooling journey 3 years ago. You hit the nail on the head with this book...such a spectacular resource! We've read many, many of the wonderful books Hunt suggested.
In addition, I wanted to let you know about another fantastic resource we use continuously. Last year, I splurged and ordered Sonlight curriculum because every homeschooler I spoke to swore by the incredible literature interwoven into this curriculum. Honestly, though, by Jan., I dumped the packaged curriculum (in my opinion: great reading lists, very poorly designed curriculum, but that's just me), and the kids and I just started devouring each and every book that came with the curriculum. So this year, rather than wasting almost $800(!!!), I simply printed Sonlight's book list for the grade level I wanted, and I designed our history/reading/language arts units around these books. (Bonus tip: I planned ahead and checked them all out from the library, so instead of spending almost $1000, I spent NOTHING!) The kids read many of them on their own, but I also spend hours (yes, literally hours) reading aloud to the kids from these phenomenal books every single day, even throughout the summer. The quality of the literature, high moral integrity of the characters, expansive vocabulary, compelling story lines, and historically accurate facts included in each book are incredible. My kids have literally learned everything from the earliest American history up until the late 1800's from these great books (no textbooks in this house!), and the story lines are so captivating not only do they constantly beg me to keep reading, but they also retain vast amounts of knowledge from each book we read. I would be willing to wager that my kids know more about American history than the majority of college graduates. Honestly!
So, in addition to Hunt's recommended resources, I'd also suggest checking out Sonlight's website, and printing off one of the book lists for whatever grade level you'd like. I teach my kids simultaneously, so I go with the grade level Isabella is working at and then just alter any assignments I create to be more appropriate for Noah. At first you might worry that the younger child will struggle, but trust me, they won't. They will learn so much from their older sibling, reading aloud to them, and the in-depth discussions that naturally follow, that they will thrive all the same. You will be blown away by how much they can understand and retain!
You are absolutely on the right track, Becca. You're kids are so blessed to have you and Rory for their parents. Well done, my friend!
I love all the recommendations you give Becca. We have memorized the "Sing the Bible" cd you recommended. I also love the teas you recommended. I will be getting this book. Amazingly, I didn't hear about it MACHE.
Also, I would second Pagie's recommendation of the Sonlight book lists. We have only done the P3/4 from Sonlight, but those books were awesome. The kids request them. I have the books for the P4/5 and the Kindergarten levels and am so excited to read them. I find them at garage sales and thrift stores for super cheap. Libraries also have most of them! Quality reading that is so rich! We are doing the eclectic schooling and will be using the sonlight books in conjunction with other curriculums.
Sounds like a great discussion on homeschooling is being started here!! Thanks for the book recommendation...will order soon and thanks to other comments about Sonlight book lists!! Sounds like you are venturing into the world of homeschooling?? We are but I'm getting a little afraid and feeling lonely (despite, what I am told is, a good community here). Maybe I'll just need to plan vacations around MACHE in the future as I've only heard great things about it.
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