The Latin-Centered Curriculum

That my dd is 12 (6-7th grade). We're starting at the beginning of the 3rd grade rec's in Literature, though.

I'd like to have something that helps us go deeper. Maybe just having her write her narrations? Or perhaps a brief essay answering a particular question?

We've always been readers (no TV), and we read aloud all the time. But we've never discussed literature except to clarify vocabulary, straighten out characters, and so forth. I'm hoping to incorporate some literary terms and so forth.

Any other ideas?
Thank You!

Yes, your dd's age does make a difference. I'm reading Tanglewood Tales with an 8 year old.

I plan to go through "Teaching the Classics" to learn about how to incorporate analysis into our literature discussions. Beyond that, I don't yet know. I have a degree in literature, as I keep reminding myself, over and over. I find, though, that I'm only fit to teach my children about poetry.

Is Teaching the Classics that DVD set? Is there a book?
I've ordered "Invitation to the Classics" as well.
I only finished a semester or so of college, and although I was an honor student in school, I know zilch about studying literature. We're all starting from scratch. :o)

Thanks.

The way narrations typically work is that younger ones narrate to you and you transcribe it for them.
Older ones narrate and transcribe first a part, then all of their narration.
And once they get to your DD's age, they write their own. I'd keep with the 'narration theme' as it were, but let her write a summary of the story.
Better yet, get her a blog, and allow her to paste her best narrations/reviews up online :)

Literary terms... perhaps if YOU read How to Read A Book by Adler and Van Doren, you might get some ideas. The reality isn't whether you use the appropriate literary terms but how well she understands and can discuss what she has read.
If you also do something like Classical Writing or Classical Compositions, then she will probably learn some of the terminology there :)

~Rachel~

SAHM to James (6) and Lenore (2)

I love the idea of a blog! She's working on her typing speed, so that would be very appropriate and meaningful practice. :o)

I actually already have How to REad a Book on hold at the library, so will get a chance to read it soon.

thanks for the help!

"How to Read a Book" put me to sleep. I didn't get past the first two chapters.

I understand someone sells a study guide, a "How to Read 'How to Read a Book.'"

I wonder if I could get my oldest son to blog his history narrations and summaries. Hmmm.

How to Read a Book is VERY VERY wordy. The book should have been at least 200 pages less than it is. I'm having a difficult time getting through it now, it puts me to sleep too!

Blessings,
~Becky
Mommy to:
Zarek 11, Alexis 10, Caitlyn 7, & Brett
www.homeschoolblogger.com/LaMereAcademy
www.homeschoolblogger.com/ClassicalEducator

HTRAB is hard going... and it gets a lot easier after the first few chapters LOL. If y ou have problems with it SWB The well educated mind is a good one to try!
And keep us posted on the new blogs if they ever get started ;)

~Rachel~

SAHM to James (6) and Lenore (2)

Off to check it out....I think my local education/art store carry these as well. Might have to make a trip tomorrow!