Question about Bigger History - Read independently?

[tnahid]

I have a question...

Would it be okay to go ahead and assign my sons to read their own history portions each day independently and then talk with them each about it individually about their assignments, etc.? I feel like I am continually running out of time to read to them, and they seem to be ready to progress to this stage. My oldest is 10, will be 11 in Feb. but kind of immature for his age, and my youngest just turned 8 in August but is a VERY independent, mature young boy. I am feeling the idea to do this, but just wonder what you all think about it. I am enjoying the read-alouds WHEN I DO THEM, but it is becoming sporadic with all the other things they are involved with every day. And they seem to be antsy now when I read and not as interested in it as last year.

My thoughts are to still do the storytime read-aloud with them, but to have them read the other material on their own and just narrate it to me when they are finished. I am going to continue the interaction on the Bible lesson, poetry, and song though, as well as their LA, Math and whatever like that.

Thoughts? Suggestions? Thank you. I want to have them do this for the science portion as well. And just come to me for an explanation of their assignment or for narration.

[netpea]

My daughter ( who turns 9 today!) still likes me to read her history to her but is quite able to read it herself. I read to her most of the time but part of the time I have her read it herself then we do the discussion in the box. CM said they should take over the readings themselves when they are capable of doing it.

[mom23]

My daughter in Bigger reads her History and Science independently.

[beverett]

Tina,
I am not sure if this will work, but here is a thread where Carrie shared how she made Bigger more independent for one (? i think) of her children... Hope this helps viewtopic.php?f=6&t=6502&p=47428&hilit= ... ent#p47428
If it doesnt work I put "making Bigger hearts more independent" in the search and looked for a response from Carrie.

[beverett]

Just wanted to add that i tried the link and it worked ( Hoooraaayyy ). After you click it just scroll down to Carries response!

[tnahid]

Should I read through the history assignment first to know if their narration is accurate or not? That is something I will miss personally, is learning all the history on my own! I think I will just read it ahead to myself because I really ENJOY it. We actually tried this today and they did really well with reading it on their own.

[Carrie]

This current thread may be of help to you as you ponder too: viewtopic.php?f=6&t=10561

Blessings,
Carrie

[tnahid]

Thank you, Carrie. That was helpful. My youngest is only 8, but I think he can read the history pretty well already, and he really seems to want to instead of sitting and listening. It isn't that he can't listen. He does very well, he just doesn't seem to enjoy it as much as I would have hoped. But, he does do well when I read. My concern is my oldest. I really do want him to read it all on his own, but how do I separate them if I decide to read the History to my youngest, but not to my oldest? They are both doing Bigger. My oldest will be VERY upset about that, because he really LIKES for me to read to him. Hmmm... Not sure what to do on this. That is why I was going to try and have them both read it independently. Maybe I could read it aloud one day a week, like on Fridays or something like that. And the other days, just have them read it. I am just not sure about my youngest. He is only 8 but very mature and a great reader for his age. Does anyone else have their 8 year olds read Bigger history and science independently?

[Carrie]

Tina,

Great questions! I did have one of my 8 year olds read his own history and science in Bigger Hearts when he was 8 1/2, simply because he was ready and had very strong reading and comprehension skills. I started by having him read his science on his own first for awhile to see how that went. You could do the same with your pair. Start with both reading their own science and see how it goes.

Then, I'd be more likely to move them to reading their own history if the science goes well for awhile. I'd move them toward reading their own material in stages like that though, rather than all at once. I'd also move toward them reading more of their science directions from the guide first before moving toward having them read the history on their own.

Blessings,
Carrie