4Real Forums: literature study

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Topic: literature study

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sunny
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Posted: Aug 07 2015 at 9:41pm \| IP Logged

My dd (age 10) picked up a Memoria Press Robin Hood study guide at a used curriculum book sale. Study guides definitely were NOT on my radar for this year. She insisted she wanted to do it. How could I say no? Then my ds (age 11) got on the bandwagon and asked to do a study guide also! (of course he wanted something different from his sister) I haven't bought one for him yet and he finally took a good look at hers. He is so disappointed with it! He said, "It is so dry and boring." He said he doesn't want a comprehension guide; he comprehends what he reads. He wants a study guide. Any suggestions?

ekbell
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Posted: Aug 07 2015 at 11:10pm \| IP Logged

What does he think a study guide *should* be like? (

The study guides we have around here are mosy the ones used with the Connecting With History program which have discussion questions (both comprehension and one that require drawing conclusions) and projects but generally no additional information on the book, its setting or author (I've only really used the highschool level ones)

I have done done the Catholic Heritage Curricula Shakespeare workshop at this age which covers "The Comedy of Errors" as well as Shakespeare's life and times (for ages 9 to 11 the Lamb's version is read plus selected excerpts of the play and the book -The Bard of Avon-) which is much more varied (although still having comprehension questions) and is as much if not more about the author (Shakespeare) as the play.

Unfortunately, reading guides which provide notes and extra assistance in understanding the text tend to be easier to find at higher levels (particularly for the Bible :-) ).

(I don't have any experience with them but lapbooks or unit studies based on a particular book might be of more interest)

Aagot
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Posted: Aug 08 2015 at 1:00am \| IP Logged

Not that this is a study guide but have you looked at the Center for Literary Education? They had a few free classes over the summer and the recorded webinars are available. There are also sample classes. The reason I mention this is that he might enjoy the socratic disscussions. They do delve into more info. Maybe pick a sample you think he would like. Have him read the book first and then listen to the discussion.
Here is the link to some samples
center for lit

sunny
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Posted: Aug 08 2015 at 11:58am \| IP Logged

ekbell wrote:

What does he think a study guide *should* be like? (

I think he differentiates comprehension guides as asking for a specific answer within the text. For example - What did Sally do after she crossed the street? This is opposed to what he sees as a study guide which might ask, "why do you think Sally crossed the street? What would have happened if she had not crossed the street?"

We recently reread the Narnia Chronicles as a family and used a book called, http://www.aRoar: A Christian Family Guide to the Chronicles of Narnia/dp/1590525361 and we all LOVED it. It had great conversation starters and discussion guides, Bible parallels, information about C.S. Lewis.

I do appreciate all your ideas and will look into the CHC Shakespeare.

I really like the Center for Literary Education idea. It might be right up his ally!! I will definitely look into this with him!!

Thank you both for your input and great ideas!!!

Aagot
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Posted: Aug 08 2015 at 3:35pm \| IP Logged

I think your son is very perceptive! Those are much better questions. if he likes the center for lit class, they offer a full school year of online classes or you could get the Teaching the Classics dvd and learn how to run your own socratic discussion. ( I am not connected to the company, just enjoy their product)

Have fun!

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