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Claire F
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| Posted: March 09 2013 at 1:22am | IP Logged
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How does something like Primary Language Lessons fit into a Charlotte Mason language arts program?
My son is 8, in 2nd grade this year, and I'm thinking ahead to next year. Right now, we do copywork daily and narrations from various things we read. We work a bit on spelling as well, but I keep that very short, maybe 5 minutes a day, just to touch on some basics.
I have the Writer's Jungle and I really love the Bravewriter concept/approach to writing. We do some freewriting about every other week, and he loves doing it. I also have the Jot It Down writing projects, and we've enjoyed doing some of those as well.
Looking ahead to next year, I'm wondering if I'm going to be missing something if I continue with my pieced-together-myself language arts program. We'll keep doing copywork and narrations, and I plan to continue using some Bravewriter ideas for writing. I also plan to use Jennmack's suggestion of grammar intensive years in later elementary, middle school and high school.
What does something like PLL contribute? I want to keep things simple, because I've gotten off track this year and started to do too much and neither of us enjoyed it. Going back to the basics of copywork and narrations has really helped. But I'm also prone to the "am I doing enough?" syndrome.
Thank you!
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Claire
Mom to DS 12/04, DS 5/07, DD 8/09
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SuzanneG
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| Posted: March 09 2013 at 2:10am | IP Logged
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Hi, Claire~
What you're doing is totally enough! It's so very strange, but it really IS "that simple." We're just programmed to have to have a workbook or a program of some sort...we just keep thinking there has to be something more.
It sounds like you are touching all the bases for that age-child. 
:: narrations
:: copywork
:: fun, beginning writing
:: Eventually, you'd start dictations, but for another year or two.
PLL would be good for your situation if you had a child who really wanted to do "something more." A child who is wanting more seat work, or maybe wanting to be like older siblings.
But, as you illustrated above, when you combine narration/copywork/writing WITH a "program"...it's really a lot (too much) and it leads to frustration.
The other thing to use PLL for is as a teacher tool. YOU pull it off the shelf to give you an idea of something new and fresh to go over with your child. It's helpful to see how that tool is teaching or explaining. That's how I use things like that.
The only other thing I'd add is getting that wide range of subject-readings in a few different levels of writing. I think a key to this "CM language arts program" is the wide variety of reading at challenging levels.
So......books about several different subjects, at different levels....
:: Some easy/fun.
:: Some AT his level
:: 1 or 2 challenging books
And, I break down "level" in two different ways:
1. reading comprehension
2. subject matter
You take these things into consideration when deciding if a book should be read aloud, read independently, etc.
I feel like I'm getting off track here, but these books jump-start the copywork/narration, and vice versa. I know you asked specifically about language arts, but I'm just mentioning the reading aspect of it, because it's all tied in.
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Suzanne in ID
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Mom of 7 (Girls - 14, 12, 11, 9, 7 and Boys - 4, 1)
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SuzanneG
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| Posted: March 09 2013 at 2:20am | IP Logged
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Another thing you could do is "making this LA-thing a way-of-life."
:: Invest in some word games
:: Begin Family Spellng Bees "just for fun"
And, did you see Cassie started a thread on a specifc Bravewriter question? You're not at this point yet,but still fun to follow along with responses and see how this may pan out for you in a few years. It really is fun!
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Suzanne in ID
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Mom of 7 (Girls - 14, 12, 11, 9, 7 and Boys - 4, 1)
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Claire F
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| Posted: March 11 2013 at 11:27am | IP Logged
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Thank you Suzanne!
That makes perfect sense. I definitely don't have a child wanting to do "something more," unless it is more science or lego building  . I hadn't thought of using PLL as a resource for me, but that's not a bad idea, I'll consider that as well. I do like having resources that spark new ideas and give opportunities to expose him to things I wouldn't think of on my own.
And that is a great reminder about the reading level of our books. I do see how it is all connected, and I will continue to be mindful of our book choices so he (and my little ones as they get older) are exposed to a good variety of writing.
This is great - thank you so much!
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Claire
Mom to DS 12/04, DS 5/07, DD 8/09
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4Real Forums : Language Arts Come Alive
Topic: How does PLL fit in?
