Literature

When using the Charlotte Mason method you want to be sure to enjoy the books you are reading.  This isn't the time to ask bunches of comprehension, true/false, fill in the blank questions.  This is a time to snuggle up to a good book not analyze it to death.  I read aloud to our son usually he is snuggled in right beside me or sometimes he is coloring or doing something quiet.  He is very strong in auditory learning so I also find audiobook downloads for him to listen to on the iPod.  If your child is older feel free to assign a set of books for them to read independently. As you probably have seen I really love the Simply Charlotte Mason website and here is a great reading list that I found on the site of books appropriate for literature reading.  There are many lists on the internet for many genres so feel free to go searching and let me know what you find.

Wizard of Oz

Image from Rochester Opera House

We just finished with The Wizard of Oz children's classic book and audiobook which I found a free download at Librivox. I also found it at Books Should Be Free but haven't downloaded from this site yet. After finishing the books we sat and watched the movie and the most recent movie, Oz the Great and Powerful. We also went to the Rochester Opera House in Rochester, NH to watch the play.  Adrian really enjoyed this!! Homeschool tip: Always ask for the education discount for homeschoolers.  We were able to get tickets for almost half the price!

I always try to read the book before watching the movie or play.  What we have pictured in our minds usually isn't what the movie producer has in their mind.  Plus, we give our children the ability to create and think more independently and become who they are not what Hollywood wants them to think.  Did you know the original color of Dorothy's slippers are NOT ruby!?! Plus many more details that are in the original book that Hollywood changed...go ahead read it for yourself and you will see :)  When comparing the play to the book we found the play to almost be exactly like the movie.  I found it kind of disappointing that people only relate to the movie for this classic book, even though the movie was made in 1939, it still has effect on people in 2014. I challenge you to go and read the book first and discover so many more details that are missing from the movie and to discover what color are Dorothy's slippers?? Why would Hollywood change this one detail and why it made such an impact?