4Real Forums: Reading book lists

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Nurturing the Years of Wonder ( Forum Locked)
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Topic: Reading book lists

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Lorraine
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Joined: July 06 2007
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Posted: July 18 2007 at 10:58pm \| IP Logged

There are a few book lists that seem to pop up during my reading and research - Five in a row, Catholic Mosaic, the "Real Learning" list by Elizabeth. I'm guessing many of you are very familiar with them. I'm wondering if these lists work in parallel? Should I aim to get most if not all of the books? If I'm doing more of a Montessori-style school session in the morning, should these books be read leisurely "outside" of school time? It seems like FIAR in itself is an entire program, is that right? Catholic Mosaic is geared towards enriching the Catholic faith? Elizabeth's list is... well, I forgot how she puts it, but I think she describes the books as starting points for narration and possibly further studies? I'm just concerned that both my kids and myself would be overwhelmed with too many things going on at the same time. I guess it also depends on how I read the book to my kids - whether it is "let's snuggle and read a story" or "let's study what's in this book"? Oh, BTW my kids are 4.5 and 2.5 so that could be a factor too.

Sorry again if I ask too many questions within one post. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! I'd like to know how I should budget for these books

Thanks,
Lorraine

lapazfarm
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Joined: July 21 2005
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Posted: July 19 2007 at 1:44am \| IP Logged

Lorraine, I would start with Real Learning. It really explains beautifully how to integrate great children's literature into a lifestyle of learning, no matter your approach. The book lists are there really just as helpful suggestions for wonderful, worthy books to share with your children. There are many such lists out there, and you just pick and choose the books that appeal to you and your children. You can do as much or as little with the books as you wish, letting your children's interests and enthusiasm take the lead. Simply snuggle and read, or take off on a rabbit trail, either way it is all good at that age!
FIAR is a curriculum based on reading childrens books and then doing activities based on them. It is not a complete curriculum, however, and they recommend supplementing with reading and math instruction of your choice.
Catholic Mosaic is just as you thought, a literature approach to learning more about the Catholic faith, and has rave reviews from many of our members. It was written by one of our members, Cay, and you may have noticed a forum specifically related to it. If you want to know more about it, go there and ask away!

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Theresa
us-schooling in beautiful Fairbanks, Alaska.
LaPaz Home Learning

SeaStar
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Posted: July 19 2007 at 7:07am \| IP Logged

Lorraine,

I second starting with the "Real Learning" book. It is a great place to see how an over all approach to learning at home.

I used FIAR last year quite a bit- the kids really enjoyed the books. You can do as much or as little as you want of the activities. I found some of the activities too much for my then 3 yo going on 4yo- but we picked the ones that worked for us at the time. My kids really enjoyed the geography activities.

I also have Catholic Mosaic. Again, last year some of the books were too long/deep for the attention span of a 3/4 yo and a 2 yo. I think Cay is working on a preschool list of books. However, I love this book and definitely plan for us to work up to all the activities and stories. It is a "Keeper".

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Melinda, mom to ds ('02) and dd ('04)

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Meredith
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Posted: July 19 2007 at 10:12am \| IP Logged

Ditto what the other ladies have said above Lorraine! You're in good company here as we have used all these wonderful booklists with our dc for many years now and it's still a joy and a pleasure to return to our beloved books with a younger child and discover it all over again through their eyes!!

If you have a good library near your home you should be able to find most if not all of the books presented in these lists, then as you discover the ones your dc like the best you can add them to your personal library via the grandparents or as b-day/holiday gifts

My dc love to receive books as gifts, it's the best!

Have fun discovring them all!! Thanks for asking here!
Blessings!

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Meredith
Mom of 4 Sweeties
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SuzanneG
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Joined: June 17 2006
Location: Idaho
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Posted: July 20 2007 at 6:49pm \| IP Logged

Whippersnapper Books has some great selections.

There are great suggestions at Ambleside Online

Nina always has great selections at her blog Painted Rainbows and Chamomile Tea.

Judy Elliott has 57 Listmania lists on Amazon!!! Look for her "Ambleside Online Year 0" booklists.

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Suzanne in ID
Wife to Pete
Mom of 7 (Girls - 14, 12, 11, 9, 7 and Boys - 4, 1)

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