Teaching the Classics: 2 questions

[Mamabyrd]

1. What are the optimal ages for using this program? I will have a 3rd and 5th grader next year.

2. The description of Teaching the Classics that is in the Rainbow Resource catalog makes it seem like the DVD is not absolutely essential to this program. Unlike IEW where the syllabus doesn't really make sense without the DVDs, the description of Teaching the Classics makes it seem that, while certainly helpful, the DVD is not essential to using it. Is this true? Can you do this program with only the written guide? I'd love to be able to save some money!! Thanks...

[PixieKris]

Hi there,

I think teaching the classics can be used with any age. The DVD was helpful, but the majority of what he says is straight out of the book, so if you read that, you should be good.

The most important thing to remember (in my opinion) is to not try to do too much. My 6th grade daughter and I started with stories like Make Way for Ducklings and Sylvester and the Magic Pebble, and I filled out the story chart. Then, I had her do one orally while I wrote. (Another simple story - I don't remember which one.) We very slowly worked our way to her doing it independently (I was using it for my book group, so she was really just 'helping' me at first.) Once she was comfortable with that, we started doing some of the questions. It's been great - she uses the story chart for essays, and the questions are great for discussion.

Good luck and have fun!

Kris

[Beth in Central TX]

I think this program is best for logic age students. I purchased the set and went through the program myself when my boys were in the grammar stage. Starting in 5th grade, I assign literature books that tie in to the history period they are studying. Each week, I ask socratic type questions located in the appendix of the TtC workbook, and we talk through a story chart. This was difficult at first, but as my boys get the hang of it, they began looking for the elements themselves as they read through their books.

I usually pre-read their literature selections in the summer & take notes so I limit these books to about 10-12 a year. They read more than that, but I don't do the in-depth discussion like I do for these selections. Each boy has their own literature notebooks, and I have them write a sentence or two to summarize the chapter that they read. They can refer to their notes during our weekly discussions. Occasionally they will write a book report on these selections too.

I do not have a background in literature, so I found the DVDs helpful, but if you can borrow them from someone that would be even better. I refer to the workbook on a weekly basis, so I find it invaluable. Since I have the DVDs, I think I will have my oldest son watch them either this summer or next summer (or maybe both) in preparation for high school.

HTH!