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Got a Bible? Good, turn to Proverbs 18:6. At our house we read through the book of Proverbs every month. That is why there are 31 chapters in Proverbs. Handy, huh?
So while reading our Proverb of the day I will sometimes tell the children, “Choose one verse on which you would like to expound.” (I really do speak to my children this way. They’re not babies anymore.) And when we are done reading the chapter, I ask them, in turn, to read their chosen verse and explain it and give an example pertinent to daily life.
Once we are done with that, I will get out my trusty little table-top white-board easel, and write the verse I have chosen.
Today it’s 18:6. In my ESV it reads, “A fool’s lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating.” (I have my reasons for choosing this particular verse, and they have nothing to do with Language Arts. I’ll call this a bonus.)
I go over this verse bit by bit with the children. The olders don’t need very much instruction and are done copying it before I finish giving the instructions. This is where knowing your children comes in handy.
I know that The Squid needs everything explained and pointed out. We talk about the capitalization, the punctuation, and the spelling.
With certain of the olders, we can talk more about parts of speech. I can follow the Winston Grammar lesson of the day, having them do the same to the verse as they did to the sentences in the grammar book.
You could use more than one verse if you don’t do other copywork. But for the younger ones (10 and under) there is more value in doing one verse nicely, than three or four and ending up sloppy and unhappy.
You will eventually want a grammar handbook. Definitely buy one made for homeschoolers or at least for Christian schools. The one I have is from ABeka, but Rod and Staff also has a good one. You won’t need this until at least 6th grade. And it’s more for you than them.
For younger children you could use Learning Grammar Through Writing by Sandra Bell and James Wheeler. Again, more for you than them.
You just look at the table of contents and decide where you need to start. Read that section and teach that item with your verse(s) for the day. Don’t progress too fast. Spend enough time on each item so that they have a good understanding of it. Then move on. You’ll be able to tell when and if review is needed. THIS is homeschool, you do it by feel. Not according to publisher’s predetermined speed.
So, keep your weather-eye out for a grammar handbook at the thrift store or the bookswaps.
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This are some great ideas. I plan on using your bible verse idea this coming year. I love it!
Toni
I love having new book ideas to watch for! Thanks for the heads up. And great idea to blend copywork and proverbs – especially with that easel where everyone can see nice and big. May have to watch for one of those too!