dumb questions, but this is about reading assignments

[Ame E.]

I'm torn between Notgrass Exploring America (all laid out for me).. and a designing my own thing using a text and various sources.

Generally, when I did junior high elementary school lesson plans, I'd have them read something like a section at a time.. and then answer questions after the section.. The sections for the thing I am looking at are short.. There are spot checks at the end of each section.. So do I have them read the sections for 3 days and then do the spot checks, then do end of chapter questions, writing assignments and activities the other 2 days.. or do I have them just read the chapter in one sitting then have them go back and do textbook answers to questions the next day.. and then focus on other things like geography, teaching company, writing papers, historical novels, primary sources the other 3 days.... rather than just doing textbook stuff.. Should I leave it up to them? I am not sure what to require. They will have weekly tests.. but again with the tests do I have it be open book.. should I have them memorize facts, etc. I am trying to gently transition them to high school work.. but not sure what is too little or too much if I do a design my own thing for history.

thanks

[Jan P.]

Hi,

Are you asking about textbooks? I guess there are many different ways to use a textbook, but I generally have my dc read one section at a time and answer the questions pertaining to the section. I guess if your dc is a global thinker then by all means have the child read the entire chapter and then reread each section answering the questions. Now I tried to teach my ds for his history book to read the questions first and then read the section. He could write his answers down on paper as he read the section. So you see, there are many different ways to do it. Do what works best for your student.

HTH,
Jan P.