Jennifer’s Comments (group member since Feb 13, 2014)

Jennifer’s comments from the Classical Conversations group.

Lisa wrote: "Have you read 'The Incorrigible Children of Ashtyn Place' series? I venture to say they deserve an honorable mention."

Thanks for the recommendation!

A couple of nuggets to ponder. Even if children are good at math, sometimes it's important to let them do two math books at a particular level. When we teach them to read, we often have them practice increasing their speed by reading books that are at or below their abilities. Sometimes, we forget to do this in math.

Also, we tend to discuss history and literature outside of "school time" in our homes. My husband initiates math conversations at the table. Sometimes he gives the children word problems. Sometimes he will use stacks of pennies to explain concepts like inflation, Social Security, etc.

We love making math an integral part of family time!

Yes! No such thing as neutral or value-free education.

My favorite book changes each year as I see new insights based on my life experiences that year and on the discussions I have with that year's students. Right now, I am really enjoying Screwtape Letters. Last year, I would have definitely said Julius Caesar. As I have said, though, my preference for Julius Caesar last year is based on the fact that we had our most fruitful and enjoyable discussions while reading that play.

I enjoyed the math chapter. We had to wrestle so much to think about math in a different way that I loved seeing the conversation fleshed out. I've been trying very hard to ask a lot of questions in my math class and guide that seminar hour as a discussion.