Twaddle

Continuing my study of Charlotte Mason she uses the word "twaddle" when speaking of educational materials.  If she felt that way then, how much more can we say it today.

Twaddle is what I have found to much of through my years of homeschooling.

Two years ago I fell into the belief that one of my children needed reinforcement in grammar.  I bought a workbook.  After a few days of workbook activities my sons eyes began to glaze over.  He was not being reinforced, he was bored.  I still felt it necessary to continue.  So after a few more days he begged, "Please, mommy, no more workbooks." 

Workbooks are easy for parents.  You assign  so many pages and look over them later.  But what did your child learn; how was his imagination ignited; did he grow as a person?

I no longer use workbooks.  If one of my children begins to struggle we spend more time one-on-one.  I give them a little extra work.  But the most important and meaningful thing I have done so far is to just sit and talk to the struggling child.  If given the opportunity the child will tell you why they are having a hard time.  The solution is usually very simple.  With my son he needed to be in a communal area to do his work.  Previously he had been working alone in his room.  He told me his mind tended to wonder away from his work when he was alone.  Problem solved.

For grammar this year we will be using Writing Strands and a good English handbook.  I find standard grammar textbooks too much like workbooks.  The best way to learn to write is to simply write.

I love grammar and am excited about this approach.  But even if grammar is not your forte this approach is easier than teaching your children endless diagramming of sentences.  And far less torturous for you both.