Oh, Dearest Mother, Sweetest Virgin of Altagracia, our Patroness. You are our Advocate and to you we recommend our needs. You are our Teacher and like disciples we come to learn from the example of your holy life. You are our Mother, and like children, we come to offer you all of the love of our hearts. Receive, dearest Mother, our offerings and listen attentively to our supplications. Amen.



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Kathryn
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Posted: Jan 08 2014 at 8:34pm | IP Logged Quote Kathryn
Found this article on the blog written by the authors of the All Ye Lands, From Sea to Shining Sea etc. series (sold thru CHC and such). Thought it was interesting read.

Why Use a Textbook?

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SeaStar
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Posted: Jan 09 2014 at 11:57am | IP Logged Quote SeaStar
I like the idea they mentioned of a textbook being a tool- and I agree it can be hard to find living books for all time periods, such as WWI that are appropriate for children.

At my house, we are really enjoying "From Sea to Shining Sea" right now.
It doesn't feel text-bookish- I find the writing very interesting. The pictures are fantastic, and my kids say all the time: "Keep reading! I really like this book!"

One nice thing, IMO, about a text book is that if you make it through a good textbook, you can feel pretty sure you have covered all you need for 5th grade history (or whatever level). You don't have to worry: have I done enough?

Sadly, there seem to be SO many textbooks that are dry and boring. Using them is painful. Living books can really outshine them.



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Kathryn
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Posted: Jan 09 2014 at 1:45pm | IP Logged Quote Kathryn
SeaStar wrote:
You don't have to worry: have I done enough?




I think that's where I am right now with a 9th grader and 7th grader. I have just never been able to pull together (what I thought) was a fully integrated CMish curriculum that gives a broad base of awareness/knowledge. ? I love the idea of CM mastering a lot about a particular topic instead of learning a little about a lot and remembering none. However, I guess the idea that we live in such a global world makes me want to open more ideas even if they don't learn/remember a LOT about it all. Trying to find the balance. I have one that can devour every tidbit of information and recall it all and another that can't hardly recall the smallest tidbit.   

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SeaStar
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Posted: Jan 09 2014 at 5:40pm | IP Logged Quote SeaStar
Kathryn wrote:
    I have one that can devour every tidbit of information and recall it all and another that can't hardly recall the smallest tidbit.   


I have those same two at my house! Who knew we had cyber twins?

Maybe the key is finding really great textbooks. For some families, Apologia fits that bill. We flunked out of Flying Creatures, so I was leery about trying From Sea to Shining Sea. Yet I am so glad we did!

I can't be an expert in all things and know what to teach about everything.
If I can find a text to use as a reference to guide me along the way, that can be very helpful. It is a bonus if my kids like it, too.

I will never give up our living books, but I do think there is a place for both, at least at my house.

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