Classical Writing for Older Beginners

[mommy25]

I just received my CW for Older Beginners and have been going over it for a couple of hours. I am almost in tears here and was hoping someone could help. I am not understanding how the three books work together and what some of it means. For example, pg. 21 of student book in the grey box its says "Aesop Day 1 A & I pp. 17-19." What does A & I mean?

I need advice as well on whether my child should even be using this book. It was quite intimidating to me. She will be in the 7th grade in the fall, is a good speller, has never taken a solid grammar course but is familiar with the parts of speech. She has a lot of copying and dictation under her belt and she writes very well, mainly fictional stories when she is motivated, but cannot write well at all when asked to write about something specifically. I am starting my 4th grader in the 1st Aesop book. Should I start my 7th grader there to? I don't think I am comfortable teaching this, mainly because I don't know much grammar and because I am new to classical education. I really need some suggestions.......Thanks in advance

[Lene Mahler Jaqua]

Take a deep breath first. It is not that hard, but it is new.

1. you should have four books

a. Older Beginners Instructor's Guide (this is for the teacher's organization and planning)
b. Older Beginners Workbook (this is for the student to write in, and where you find the student assignments and check lists)
c. Aesop and Homer core books (this is where all the theory and instruction in the subject of writing are found.)


2. Everything you need to do is in the Instructor's Guide. You open it, you start reading, you do what it says. Today, all you need is to orient yourself in that book. When it says to read an introduction elsewhere, like in the Aesop Core book. Do so.

As for your daughter, she should be fine with this material if she is a solid reader and speller. It's not that difficult. It's more getting into the routine of what you do daily.

Does that clear it up or is there something else that makes this still confusing?

Lene

[mommy25]

Yes, it does. Thank you. I am just feeling overwhelmed right now. I have 5 children and am new to classical education and am in the middle of trying to figure out a scedule and what everybody should be doing.

I will do as you have suggested and go from there and post questions as they come up. Thank you for your assistance and I apologize for being so emotional.

Take care.

[Lene Mahler Jaqua]

... and be sure to ask here if something doesn't 'gel' with you, or if you feel overwhelmed with the amount of work. There are tons of ways to cut back and limit the way it's done to minimize the time stresses it sounds like you have.

I have homeschooled my own four and two neighbor kids part time at the same time. It's an art to work out the schedule, but it does get better and more flexible as they get older and can wait longer or can do something without you while you instruct someone else.

My most difficult years were right around the time when my own four were about ages 6 to 12 . I always felt like the ones I was not teaching were just standing in line waiting for me to get done... which makes one feel rushed when one dreams of being a quality classical teacher sharing words of goodness, truth, and beauty with one's cherubs.

Easier years will be up ahead... at least it has been so for me,

Lene

Lene