Difficulty with Narration & Remembering

[Canada_Mom]

For the last 2 weeks of History, using SOTW, DD6 has been unable (or unwilling?) to answer any of the questions at the end of the reading. I read ahead to find out what the questions are so when we encounter the answer in our reading, I point out the information and make her repeat it back to me.-usually multiple times.

For example I'll read the passage twice then say "what was the one-eyed monster called?" I'll make her repeat "Cyclops" a few times then have her tell me what Cyclops was. This seems all fine & dandy and I'll make it a point to emphasise that word (or whatever the question is about) until the end of the story.

Once we get to the end of the story and we get to the question "what was the one-eyed monster called?" she draws a complete blank. Time and time again. Why is this?

She has had no problems with the questions until this point. Is she bored and refusing to answer? She claims to love History and listening to the stories. It just seems to be getting more and more difficult to get her to answer a question. Does the text get that much harder to comprehend? We're not even 1/2 way through level 1. I'm guessing the problem lies with her but I'm no expert.

I hope someone has an answer. I'm at my wits end. I do not wish to continue reading History if she is not listening to anything that I am reading. I certainly have better things that I'd rather be doing with my time... :(

[Lenora in MD]

Children will remember what appeals to them and awakens their interest. The cyclops may just not have been that interesting to her. For a young child, it is ok if sometimes they don't want to narrate. Instead of asking her questions, you could just ask her if she remembered anything from the story or what the chapter was about. Then you will see what she was listening to. Give it some time and with consistency she will understand what is required of her and she will become more comfortable with it. I would continue with sotw because sometimes even though they don't seem to be listening or can't remember, they will surprise you later when they say "Mom, that story reminds me of the cyclops." You are building up a wealth of info in her whether you realize it or not. Also, if she does not like to narrate from sotw, try another book that is more interesting to her. Also, for that young, you could just give her a sentence or two and ask her what they are about.

[AllSmiles]

You might try less formal narrations. For example, at the dinner table, you can bring up the topic, and then perhaps your DD can tell her Dad what she is learning. I know my kids love to tell their Dad, uncles, and aunts all the different things they are learning.

[Linda]

Yep.

On-the-spot narrations have not been nearly as fruitful as dinnertime recaps with Dad.

[Suzanne in ABQ]

I agree with Lenora and AllSmiles. She's very little. You don't need to take it so seriously. She doesn't need to regurgitate every detail, or even the ones *we* might think are important. Just keep reading and try to keep it fun and interesting for her.

I never "tested" my kids in history. I figured that even if they only remembered 5% of what we studied, they still more than 95% of kids their age. They surprised me time and again with what they remembered.

I remember once, we were visiting an acquaintance of mine. This couple had no children, and had very formal decor. (We're talking purple velvet draperies). Anyway, they had a bust of Augustus Caesar in their dining room. My children (then age 6 and 7) were wandering around looking at all the beautiful things. All of a sudden, they got all excited and cried "Augustus Caesar!!!" Our hosts were blown away. The husband said, "Hmmm. I always thought that was Julius Caesar." We checked the carved writing on the front, and it said Caesar Augustus, in plain Latin. :o) He was very impressed that they knew more than he (or any other adults in attendance) did. :) I downplayed it, and explained that we had just seen a photograph of the original piece in a book. That day was a highlight for us.

Anyway, don't worry about your dd remembering every fact. She is remembering more than you'll ever know, and you will notice it making it's way into her imaginary play, or in her telling her dad/grandparents, or she'll make connections to something else she's learning. She's still little. Just relax and enjoy the ride.

[Trivium Academy]

What does your dd do while you read?
Is she able to share read yet?

Children (well, everyone) remembers better if they see, say and do something to aid the retention. How about acting out the reading?

Have you seen the narration jar information before?
http://heartkeepercommonroom.blogspot.com/2005/08/narration-jar.html

Another hopefully helpful post for you:
http://kerugma.net/blog/?p=361

Other parents suggestions for narrations
http://www.amblesideonline.org/Narration.shtml

[Debbie in London]

Children will remember what appeals to them and awakens their interest.


I've just started narration with DS6 so I can't be of too much help, but just thought I'd mention that the above quote has been true for us. Yesterdays narration was, "The Phoenicians traded with people around the Mediterranean Sea. They were famous for their stench." He thought that was soooo funny. :)

Debbie