Copywork and Biography questions

[jensmom]

Okay, I am getting ready to start Beyond (finishing up some summer lessons first) and I need to get ready for the Copywork. Is there a site where I can type in the part that we will be using for copywork onto a "1st grade lined paper". In other words, instead of having to write it on a piece of properly ruled paper for 1st graders, is there a site where I can print off this type paper AND type onto it first? I am assuming that just a couple of sentences will be sufficient. This poen has several longer words...

Second, how in the world do you make the biography last for 20 lessons? We are starting with Helen Keller and even if I read only a chapter each day that will only last for 7 lessons? Do you read less per week or finish early or read something else once the book is finished?

I am so excited to get started!!! The first history lesson is about St Augustine so I am timing the lessons so that we will be in St Augustine for the latter part of Unit 1 and can go on Day 5 to see all of the places in person. This is going to be so much fun!!! I just hope dd enjoys it also...

On a side note, we decided to do Singapore K over the summer to bring her up to speed. I am SO very thankful that we did. It is challenge enough right now and I think going straight into 1st grade SIngapore would have been a huge mistake. Now I know that we can do it and right on schedule. We should finish up in the next couple of days so we can start Beyond on Friday.

Judy

[jensmom]

Well, I found my own answer to the copywork question after more searching. http://www.handwritingworksheets.com/de ... make-d.htm This site allows you to input words or sentences to print handwriting worksheets in denelian style. This is the style required of our local public schools. Not that I plan to strictly enforce this....

I had to input each line on a separate sheet but this should be better anyway for her first copywork. Any thoughts?

Judy

[Carrie]

For the read-alouds in "Beyond...", you just divide the number of pages in the book by 20 days. In some of the books the readings are very short. If you are a family who prefers to read-aloud more, you can certainly add any other biography that you'd love to read aloud. We give wonderful suggestions in the Appendix of "Beyond..." for each genre.

Our book schedules will always keep the readings very short, Charlotte-Mason style, using good books read slowly over time. The beauty of HOD is that you can vary it to suit your family's personal preferences.

With our busy schedule, I was always relieved when the read-alouds were short, although I do love to read-aloud when I have the time!

Blessings,
Carrie

[jensmom]

We will certainly have to add more books. It is hard enough to stop at one chapter! We may even try to fnd more about Helen Keller. DD is really enjoying learning about her.

I attended a seminar by Jessie Wise and Susan Wise Bauer and really got the lowdown on how bad TV is for critical thinking. Not that we watched a lot before, but we are really setting stronger limits on TV and encouraging more reading. I also got some books on tape/CD for dd as an alternative to TV time. Plus we implemented SSR (silent sustained reading) as suggested by Jim Trelease (Read Aloud Handbook). I really enjoy this time to sit and read my current selection.

Judy

[inHistiming]

My kids absolutely loved reading about Helen Keller last year! It really made them think about what it would be like to be unable to see. There are restaurants that offer Braille menus, McDonald's for one. You may be able to obtain 1 or 2 and use them to get a 'feel' for what reading would have been like for her.

My kids enjoy the silent reading time we have, too. Especially my oldest, who is an avid reader. The books on tape is a good idea...I may have to try that. My kids (and I) have gotten into the habit of watching a t.v. show during lunch. It would be much better, and probably more fun, if we could listen to a book while eating.

[my3sons]

Hi Judy! It sounds like you've got a good handwriting idea, and my ds loved reading Helen Keller too. You may want to check out the book about Louis Braille. That is another awesome book on the same topic! We enjoy reading books more slowly for read-alouds, but we have an independent reading shelf for each child that they can read anything off the shelf at their own pace. We have 20 minutes a day for reading independently from that shelf, and also 20 minutes a day for listening to audio books. I try to make sure the genres from DITHOR are represented, and I've been able to "cover" all of HOD's bookshop books either as read-alouds, independent reading shelf, or audio books over the years now. Carrie has a great talent for picking awesome books! Well, I'm off to read my own book for the evening! Happy reading!

In Christ,
Julie

[Valerie]

http://www.writingwizard.longcountdown. ... maker.html

I found this worksheet maker, it allows you to enter up to 10 lines. That is enough for each stansa and this way we will get one stansa done a day!!!


Valerie