MtMM, Help Please

[glperky]

My 16 yo will be starting MtMM on Tues.. I have never used a HOD guide past LHFHG so this is all new to me and I could use some help, please!

1. My DS has never done dictation before, so which level should I start with? How will I know if it is the level we should be on?

2. I don't see where dictation is scheduled in the guide. Which box will I find it it?

3. I don't see a box for the Poems in the Appendix so I don't know what to do with them.

4. I also don't understand the bookmarks or what the purpose of them is for.

5. My DS doesn't like to write in pen at all, only pencil. However, I want him to start writing in pen. So which parts of MtMM would be good to require him to write in pen?

Thanks for any help you can give. I need all the help I can get and feel way in over my head.

[davisfam7]

I used this last year with a 16yo son and 14yo daughter. I would start with level 6 dictation and if he finds it too easy, you can always bump up from there. This way he can get his feet wet and figure out what dictation is and how to do it correctly. Dictation is scheduled in the Language Arts box 1st on Unit 1 Day 2, it is the very first sentence in the box. The poetry is scheduled in the Nature Journaling and Poetry box, Unit 1 Day 3 is the first time the poetry is introduced. The book mark helps the student keep track of what they have read and where they are in the book. It also provides a place for the student to write about that days reading and it is advancing their higher level thinking skills with prompts. As far as the pencil/pen issue, I have a younger one who is just like that and I have no advice on it for you. Maybe just pick one area and make him use pen for that only to slowly transition him into using pen. Written narrations might be a good place to do this. Hope this helps some what, let me know if you have any other questions! Blessings and Happy School Year!!

[glperky]

Sarah,

This was a HUGE help. Thank you. I think I had just looked at the guide so much that my eyes were glazing over and I couldn't see straight to see those boxes! now that you pointed them out, I am like wow, if it would have been a snake!

For the poem, is all that ever happens with it is that he reads it and we discuss it?

Thank you again, very much.

[davisfam7]

I am glad I was able to help! I know what you mean about glazing eyes!! I have a feeling when the Geography guide gets here I will have the same problem as I try to read through it to get started asap!! I do believe that the poetry is only for discussion. My daughter did both the Nature drawing and Poetry, my son only did that box when poetry was involved. Not a fond lover of anything artsy, that one So I figured, why fight with him about it. Blessings!