CM Style Writing/Narration ?

[dlrickett]

Hi,
I have read older threads on the CM philosophy, but I have a question. When CM method encourages borrowing words and phrases from the author in narrations, especially written narrations, doesn't that qualify as plagiarism? Also, as students get older how do you get them to move away from using the author's words and instead put things in to their own words?

I know as kids move into high school and college the ability to write a thesis and support it is important. Skills of summarizing and putting ideas into their own words are crucial. Does the CM approach (and HOD) teach toward that?

I am grateful for any info you can give as I try to sort all of this out in my mind! Thanks!
LaChelle

[my3sons]

When dc do oral narrations and written narrations, they are done from memory, and dc are not looking at the text in the book (save for spelling help in written narrations, and that's often AFTER writing the narration). So, this concept of encouraging the borrowing of words and phrases is more about the idea of emulating a writer's style of writing - taking on the style of the writer so a narration "sounds like" that writer. As dc read excellent books and narrate upon them, they can borrow words or phrases from the author to "sound like" them, but because they do not have the text in front of them as they are doing this, the wording is not identical (unless they memorize the entire section read , in which case we'd talk about how this is not narrating but instead memorization). This would be similar to taking good notes, as this requires jotting down pertinent phrases and information. In this way, words are borrowed, but not in their entirety, and style can be emulated, though not completely, so a child's work can reflect both good retention and individual personality. There is not a better approach for teaching summarizing, while still encouraging dc to put information in their own words than narrating. HOD uses this manner of teaching. We've been amazed at the results in our dc - I think you will be too!

In Christ,
Julie

[dlrickett]

Thank you for your reply, Julie. I do appreciate it! It's encouraging to know that you have had such good results with narration. Since we decided to homeschool about a year and a half ago, I've done TONS of research on all things related to homeschool and I have learned so much! I have a degree in education, but I feel like I've learned so much more since beginning to homeschool! There's so much out there that I just didn't know existed and the CM philosophy is one of them. I still have lots to learn though, so I appreciate your patience with my questions. I think as moms we just want the VERY best for our kids and so that drives me to research and ask lots of questions. We are using LHFHG this year and enjoying it very much. I look forward to future guides too as I've heard so many good things about them!!
Thanks again,
LaChelle

[deltagal]

As I read this thread I was reminded of an experience I had this spring when I served on the panel for a College Senior Thesis presentation. The general comment by the faculty who provided input was that the student needed to work more on writing. And the suggestion, by the most prolific author on the panel, was find an author you like and emulate his/her style for a period of time while you try to find your own voice. Journal, copy phrases, practice wording that other authors use to discern how you want to speak. Sounds ALOT like what we're trying to do here...doesn't it?!

[dlrickett]

Wow! That is very interesting and encouraging! Thanks for sharing that, Florence!

[Carrie]

This is an excellent question with some very terrific responses worth pondering! Thanks for sharing ladies!

What a wealth of sharing thoughts and reflecting goes on on the board. It is a blessing to have a place we can come to discuss these areas on our homeschool journey.

Blessings,
Carrie