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Literature-Based Learning
June 21, 2017
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I am not an expert on literature-based learning, as we are a bit eclectic in style. (If you are wondering about styles, we are highlighting methods and styles in the upcoming Summer issue of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, releasing July 1st in both print and digital!)
But, I can say that, after teaching more than twenty years, my children have learned exponentially more through good literature than I could ever expose them to in real life.
The books they have read have taken them on grand adventures through time, space, and creation. In reading biographies, they have lived with missionaries in jungles, deserts, and foreign places, while facing dangers of many kinds. In historical fiction, they have read about life and death and relationships. In the Classics, they have encountered problems to face, and inner and outer conflict to overcome. They have seen what it is to have courage and perseverance and lovingkindness. They have read what evil does and have seen good win over evil. The world and all its history and geography and anthropology and human emotion has been opened up to them through the literature that they read. (Parents, make sure it is worthy literature!)
Besides all of that, they have learned new vocabulary, observed proper grammar, and increased their spelling capabilities just by reading good literature, and reading a lot of it—whether that is in paper form, on an electronic device, or through an audio presentation.
And you must know what I am going to say next, which is: The best literature is the syntax, context, vocabulary, substance, and etymology of Scripture. Words on a page are great, but there is nothing better than the Living Word speaking directly to the heart.
Many good books will penetrate a reader’s mind, his perspective on life, or even move his feelings. But the Book containing the very words of the Most High God Himself will change the inner heart of the man and will impart what no man has words to teach, while renewing the mind to discern the will of God for how to live.
This is the transforming power of the Word of God, the Bible—the best literature-based learning around.
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:1-2).
Now, I am going to do what Gena Suarez does so well and say this: Hey, Mama, you are valued by the Writer of the Book of Life, and He desperately desires your name to be written in His very own book, as well as the names of your household. He has given you everything you need to run this race; so get up, dust off, and look at His face. He is smiling at you, and loves you just as much as He loves His own Son, and will run with you to the finish line. You are valued, and important, and have been given the highest calling of all—to lead your little ones to His face, too. Run well, Mama.
~Deborah
[email protected]
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When most people think of literature, they tend to think of it in terms of the traditional classroom setting. A book, usually a Classic, is read by the student, followed by a series of comprehension questions and, typically, some kind of writing assignment. Sometimes it also includes discussions on time periods, cultures, or authors.
However, literature-based learning is something quite different. While it takes a little more effort on the parent/teacher’s part, the possibilities are endless and, quite frankly, can be a lot of fun. Unlike the traditional “literature” class, the book(s) you choose are the foundation for many other subject areas. For example, (23 years ago—before this was as popular as it is today), I used a literature-based approach using books on penguins. We took sentences from the books and learned about grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation. We copied sentences for handwriting, wrote stories and poems about penguins, and chose spelling words based on the books we read.
Along with basic math facts, we created word problems associated with the theme as well. We studied the regions that penguins lived in, missionaries who traveled to those areas, and the history and culture surrounding those areas. We looked at anatomy of a penguin and what allows them to withstand the cold; how temperature affects the atmosphere, plants, and vegetation; and so much more. After six weeks, we changed topics and started all over again.
There are so many other ways this can be done; that was just one way I was able to do it. Today, there are actual curriculums, co-ops, and support groups that can guide you in the literature-based learning approach. This will not be a fit for every family, but it is another option you have in a homeschool setting.
Most importantly, no matter what approach to homeschooling you may take, always have the Bible as your main literature source! 2 Timothy 3:14-15 says “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” I am a firm believer that when we put this book into the minds, but more importantly, into the hearts of our children, the best learning takes place, and everything else will naturally fall into place.
~Jodi
Jodi has been with TOS since April 2016. She serves as a Human Resources and Operations Assistant. Jodi is a pastor’s wife and has 3 boys. She has homeschooled for 16 years and also taught in the private and public school settings. Jodi enjoys teaching, playing the piano, scrapbooking, and making cards. Her heart’s desire is to help others learn to enjoy these things as well!
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Logos Online School is a Christian school
providing live, online, teacher-led, Classical education
that is both convenient and affordable!
Check us out at logosonlineschool.com
or call 800-488-2023 today.
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Members need to go to their Members Dashboard here. On the Dashboard is a code to use in the TOS Store to purchase the magazine for free. Clicking on the picture of the Summer Issue will take you to the store, and adding the code that is listed on the Dashboard will get you on our Summer Print TOS Magazine list.
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Why do 7,000 families use
SchoolhouseTeachers.com
for their online homeschooling platform? Other than the high-quality, unlimited classes (over 300 to choose from), it is just so AFFORDABLE. Just $19.95/month per FAMILY, but if you use JUNEBUG as your coupon code during the month of June, then you'll be locked in to a $10.95/month fee for as long as you remain a member. And your first month is only $5!
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-Unlimited usage (Netflix-style). Use all you want. No added fees.
Hit the CHAT button on the site to speak with live reps about getting your kids all set up for the coming HOMESCHOOL year.
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FREE
Share this newsletter with a friend, and be sure to let those
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It’s no secret that reading opens up new worlds for your children, but do you know just how MANY reading-themed courses we have at SchoolhouseTeachers.com?
- Middle Ages History and Age of Revolution I by TruthQuest History: These history courses are based on living books and encourage critical thinking, imagination, understanding, and more.
- Literature Kits incorporate everything from cooking to crafts in their studies of popular books.
- More than four dozen monthly reading lists explore themes such as architecture, entrepreneurship, music, patriotism, history, and more.
- Adventures with Books offers suggested activities to accompany books on topics including seasons, holidays, and more.
- American History in Picture Books is a series of history studies based on picture books. It is designed for young, struggling, or ESL readers. Each study includes activities and discussion questions, and some units also include suggested vocabulary.
PLUS, this summer, SchoolhouseTeachers.com is offering its first-ever reading program. Get all the details on the site, and enter your kids to win one of several great prizes!
If you’re not already a member of SchoolhouseTeachers.com, we would love to have you join us. JOIN NOW during our June sale and save! Just $5.00 for the first month and $10.95/month thereafter locks you in at the sale price for as long as you keep your membership. An Ultimate Monthly Membership is usually $19.95/month, so this is a sale you don’t want to miss. Discover all the courses and resources we offer that can make your homeschool day simpler and less stressful. There are no per-child fees or additional fees for textbooks.
If you or someone you know is interested in designing lessons for our site, please contact Director Bonnie Rose Hudson at [email protected].
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in the latest issue of
The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine.
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I have discovered as a wife that the home economics course I took in middle school did not equip me for managing a house or for being a housewife with four children. In fact, the main thing I remember from the course I took was learning how to make no-bake cookies. It has taken me many years to learn what I have needed to learn to manage our house, and I am embarrassed to say that I still don’t do a great job of it. I do not want our daughters to be hampered by the same inabilities that I had. So, when I had the opportunity to review the thirty-six-week curriculum, Home Economics Household Skills: Becoming a Daughter with Purpose, I realized that this was a perfect opportunity for me to go through a home economics course with my older daughter and for both of us to learn.
Becoming a Daughter with Purpose is a large, thick 408-page curriculum. The author, Amy Maryon, sells an e-book version on her website for $20 or in paperback through Amazon for $29.99. The book is meant to be a 36-week curriculum for a high school-aged student, but middle school students and adults would also benefit from this book.
Each week includes a devotional. These devotionals are usually on a character quality, such as devotion, gladness, or strength. Then, there is a main section of text and tasks for the week. Sometimes there is only one main section of learning. Other weeks, there are several main branches of learning. For example, in week one, she teaches your teen how to clean and declutter her room, how to vacuum and how (and who) to send letters and notes of encouragement to. Most sections are written with the expectation that you daughter will follow the instructions to complete the work as a hands-on assignment. At the end of the week, there is a form and guidelines for teacher evaluation of work. (. . .)
(Read the rest of the review.)
YOU can WIN this set for your homeschool!
TO ENTER: Email Kathleen with your name, mailing address, and phone number for contact purposes, with the subject line, “Home Economics” for a chance to win* it for your family!
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So love reading TOS on my iPad from cover to cover every month!!!"
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Dunwoody, GA
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