Last time we discussed Nature study as perhaps the most obvious of Charlotte Mason’s suggested activities that utilizes many senses, hence appealing more to non-traditional learners. Of course, we are talking about being outside and actually observing nature first hand, rather than studying nature from books alone.  If you missed it, read that post here. Thankfully, Charlotte Mason’s educational methods dovetail with non-traditional learning in many other ways as well!

Train up a Child in the Way HE Should Go…

Many of the public school classrooms that most of us languished in only allowed for the traditional (auditory-sequential) learner to use her gifts. Hear a lecture, read a book, and then write a report on it.  Ho hum.

But if you have homeschooled for a while, you have probably noticed that all of your students do not learn in the same ways and they are not motivated by the same type of assignments. (Is that an understatement, or what?)  As we have mentioned before, as they become older, children begin to exhibit preferences for the way they like to learn.  Some like learning things out loud, perhaps to music, or maybe they like to discuss ideas orally.  There are others who need to read to learn, and are totally distracted by little brother’s humming and toe-tapping. Some think and remember best if information is presented in picture, chart or graph formats. Still others need to move around to maximize their learning.

Pay attention to these details and study your children in order to give them the opportunity to let them do their best work. Give them that opportunity by letting them use as many of their senses as possible, especially until you have identified which one they use the most.  Then maximize it by incorporating it into their assignments regularly.  They will be more engaged and cooperative when assigned work they enjoy and feel good about their ability to do!

Students Benefit by Hands on Learning

Activities that are hands on in nature generally benefit ALL types of learners, but especially those who are more ‘right-brained,’ which includes many non-traditional learners. So by giving your students the opportunity to do more hands on activities, you are maximizing all of your kids’ abilities to learn, but you are especially giving your non-traditional learners the chance to shine.  So continue to use those ‘living books’ in your schooling and have your students orally narrate.  But in addition, make sure students are not just reading and hearing; they also need to be seeing and doing.

For example:

• Have your students work on a project such as hooking a rug or dipping candles while you are reading to them about colonial times.

• Incorporate field trips into your school as often as possible – don’t just read about a farm, go visit one!  Let your students produce a photo essay of the trip instead of a written report.

• Let your children draw pictures while you are reading to them. Let your student narrate afterward, using his pictures.

• Create mini-books/lapbooks, Power-point presentations, or create video “TV commercials”  instead of writing traditional reports.

• Create African costumes and cook authentic African food while reading about Africa.

• Research and plan to have an evening of Olympic Games while reading about Ancient Greece.

Other Narration Ideas

As you know, one of those foundational beliefs of Ms. Mason’s was that information was not truly absorbed until it was reproduced in some way, usually through verbal narration.  But there are many ways to reproduce information.  I would not slight that method, however; especially if your children are younger and just starting out to ‘tell back’ that which they have read or have had read to them.  But as children become older, it is especially helpful for the non-traditional learner to be able to narrate in her own way, using her own natural bents.

• Let your very visual child actually take ‘notes’ in pictures while you are reading or teaching him.

• Allow more ‘hands on’ narration, in addition to the above suggestion, such as producing a dramatization, painting a picture, or creating a poem to ‘narrate’ what has been read.

Picture and Music Study

By their very nature, Picture and Music study appeal to the senses and should not be neglected. Some children are reached by art and/or music in a way that can’t be touched by reading.  Read about picture study here.  Books about period music and artists, as well as CD suggestions are included in every unit of our complete programs.

I’m so thankful that our kids have the opportunity to be taught the way that best suits them, rather than the way that best suits the school system!  If you have non-traditional learners at home, I would love to hear how YOU have incorporated Charlotte Mason’s methodology into your homeschool!   Please consider leaving a comment below.

Gratefully His,

In the busy lives of home school families, taking time to share intimate or romantic moments can be challenging. It seems like such a sweet thought to write a poem for your spouse or even your child, but the actual act of writing poetry is daunting for many people. Yet, poetry is a very personal gift that can be enjoyed repeatedly over many years and best of all, it costs almost nothing! You can follow these basic steps to make your poetry writing more successful and less frustrating!

· Read Poetry – look online or at your local library (or bookshelf!) to read through poetry that might inspire you. Don’t neglect Scripture in your research. Books such as Song of Solomon and Psalm offer beautiful, lyrical poetry. As you read, be sure to note any phrases or words that strike your fancy. Some online resources you might want to check out include:

o www.poemhunter.com/classics/

o http://classicpoetryaloud.podomatic.com/ (if you’d rather listen than read)

o http://www.poetry-online.org/christian-poetry-index.htm

· Brainstorm – Fill up a sheet of paper with thoughts and feelings about your poem’s subject. List your favorite qualities about the subject of your poem, be it your spouse or child, and recall the memories that you share. Think of how you felt when you first fell in love or first held your child. Include a list of descriptive words that remind you of these qualities and memories. Some examples might include: heartfelt, passionate, never ending, infinite and precious. Also list strong verbs related to these feelings like: enjoy, promise, remember and compel. Look through a photo album or reread old cards and letters from your spouse to help you get started.

· Create Comparisons – Robert Burns once compared his love with a red, red rose. Shakespeare contrasted his love with a summer’s day. What comparisons could you use with your love? Is your love as certain as the rising of the sun or as deep as the oceans? One solid comparison may offer the full theme of your poem or you may decide to include a couple of comparisons to express yourself completely.

· -To Rhyme or Not to Rhyme – Don’t be intimidated by writing poetry that rhymes. Beautiful poetry flows.

Think of your poetry like song lyrics with a specific rhythm. You decide whether you like free verse or rhymed verses. If you need help rhyming, Rhymer.com offers a free online rhyming dictionary.

· Be Succinct – Use your poetry to create word pictures and express your feelings. Using strong verbs and fewer words strengthens your poem’s meaning. For example, consider these two ways of expressing the same feelings:

Version A: When I think of you, I feel warm and comfortable, like when I look at all of the beautiful colors in a sunset.

Version B: You warm my heart like a brilliant sunset painted across the sky.

Once you have your poetry written, consider your presentation. Options include memorizing and reciting it or simply writing it down on decorative parchment or stationery. At the turn of the century, cross stitched poetry was all the rage, either framed as wall hangings or pillow tops. Accordion books or other types of mini books can be designed to hold poetry as well as a journal that would allow you to continue adding poetry. You can embellish your poem with ribbon, spritz it with perfume or tuck it in a colored bottle. Creating a shadow box with photos, momentos and your poem make a memorable gift. It’s even fun to mail a poem to your spouse or child. Everyone loves to get mail! Simply tucking the poem into a briefcase, notebook or wallet to be discovered at a later date offers a sweet surprise. No matter how you present your poem, the time and effort you put into the verses are sure to delight the recipient.

Poetry offers a beautiful way of sharing your feelings but requires little expense. Rather than just seeing poetry as another teaching obligation, consider it as a way to demonstrate your love for your family.

If you have a creative way of sharing your poetry, questions about poetry or suggestions for writing poems, be sure to respond to this blog!

God bless and happy writing!

Beth