During our first year of homeschooling, I have really been struggling with figuring out what approach I am taking. It's not so much that I feel like I need to put a name to it, but I am just trying to figure out what works best for us.
I have been pretty interested in Charlotte Mason and her approach to education. Although I suspect that we will always be more along the lines of homeschoolers with an eclectic approach, I think that as I change things up for next year, we will likely be having a Charlotte Mason slant to our studies.
But, as long as I've been in the mood for homeschooling confessions, let me go ahead an extend those thoughts...
Homeschooling Confession #8: I *heart* many books that Charlotte Mason (and followers of her method) would consider twaddle. Books that have been dumbed down and the like would be "twaddle." Charlotte Mason believed that children should hear and read wonderful, living books.
And, yes -- we do read those kinds of books. My kids have been loving to follow along with the Ingalls family in the Little House series.
But, our dirty little secret is that they also love to follow along on the zany antics of Junie B. Jones, for example. Oh man -- that Junie B. -- she's something else. Sure, we do have discussions about why many of the things that Junie B. does are wrong, but we all get the giggles while reading the books. (And, seriously -- maybe it gives me us a subtle opportunity to lay some ground work about expected behavior. Yeah...that's what I tell myself.)
Apparently I'm all about keeping it real this week. I have admitted both to bribing my kids to try fruits and veggies, and reading them trashy children's books.
I guess I shouldn't hold my breath waiting for that Mother of the Year Award.
image from Google Images
Thursday, January 29, 2009
I *Heart* Twaddle
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10 comments:
Junie B. is a riot. LOL
I don't home school, but I used to love reading Junie B. to the first graders that I taught! The books are so much fun and my students were really motivated because they wanted to read the books independently. They saw, through my read-alouds, how much fun reading can be (with silly voices and quirky characters!). I know she has her critics, but I LOVE Junie B.!
I love Junie B. too -- some of those books make me laugh until I cry! (I even "blog-named" my daughter after her!) :)
When I think of "twaddle," I think more of dry, pedantic books that process all the info ahead of time and distill away all the wonder and excitement otherwise inherent in the subject ... along with that variety of children's books most likely found at the grocer's checkout, next to the candy. Stuff that'll never feed your mind or soul.
But I really don't class Junie B. that way. Maybe it's not "classic literature," but it's simple, readable, hilariously funny, engaging to the kids -- and therefore totally worthwhile.
Not twaddle.
So maybe you'll still get that award someday, after all! :)
I LOVE Junie B! She is such a real kid, and I think Barbara Park does a fabulous job of writing in her "voice." And so funny!
If Junie B. is "twaddle" then so is Pippi Longstocking.
Heh, I read Twaddle now and then myself.
a book is a book...and if a child enjoys the story and is reading that is the primary goal. sometimes you should just read for fun...and don't we all?
We love Junie B., too!
While it might not be advisable to base your entire language arts curriculum around Junie B. exposing your children to many kinds of literature just helps foster a healthy attitude about reading. Kudos to you for that!
I love the Junie B jones books these are great books
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Our whole house is a Junie B. fan. Every one of us. The kids love for me to read them out loud. I am very animated and they want me to read.. "911, 911, My tooth's knocked out. My tooth's knocked out!" over and over again.
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