Homeschool Curriculum Reviews
Product Name: English for the Thoughtful Child, Volume One
Publisher Name: Greenleaf Press
Telephone: 1-615-449-1617
Website URL: www.greenleafpress.com
Product Overview (from Publisher): I had a long list of things I wanted to find in a first grammar/composition text: I wanted to apply what Charlotte Mason called “narration,” material concentrating on the writing process that would not burden the young child. I wanted a text that would draw the child into writing, and lay the foundation for good composition skills that could be applied in all learning situations. I wanted something simple and fun to work with. Originally published in 1903, this book uses wonderful pictures to stimulate the child’s imagination and lead him or her into writing. There are memorization assignments, oral compositions, written compositions and practice exercises. Useful as a second grade English text, but it is also very useful as a first course for older, reluctant writers. No teacher’s edition necessary; everything you need is in the student text.
Brant with English for the Thoughtful Child |
My Review: I was having trouble finding an English program for my two oldest children when I came across multiple recommendations for this product.
The description stated the program was for second-grade level. I tried it with both my second grader and my third grader and neither liked it.
My son (2nd grade) was overwhelmed by the lengthy lessons and my daughter (3rd grade) was bored with the set-up. They did both learn from the book but after roughly 15 lessons, we stopped using the book.
The book itself is very nicely made, crisp white pages. Very sturdy, which is always a plus for me. The drawings are black and white and very old-fashioned, which I also appreciate!
I hung on to our copies and plan on trying this with my next daughter. I think if I had used it earlier with my oldest daughter, she would have enjoyed it more. My son, because of his personal learning style and personality, would not have liked the book no matter what his age.
Do you use English for the Thoughtful Child with your children? Or used it in the past?
Tell me what your experiences have been with this curriculum, I'd love to include your thoughts here for other homeschool parents.
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