Mcguffey's New Eclectic Readers (1857 Edition With Charlotte Mason Instruction)

Description

Homeschool families have cherished the McGuffey Readers for years. Whether the classic tales and academically rigorous content or the nostalgic sentiment that overcomes us as we behold these charming readers, we simply can't get enough. Yet, if you are like me, the struggle to effectively use these classics in your children's education is tangible. Thankfully, Janice Campbell has provided us with Readers with detailed instruction for integrating them into a Charlotte Mason methodology. Focusing on Miss Mason's guiding principles of copywork, narration, recitation and dictation, Mrs. Campbell provides nearly 20 pages of elaboration/teaching on the CM approach on the McGuffey Readers as a core language arts curriculum for today's students (she also notes that families are welcome to simply enjoy the beauty of the McGuffey Readers for reading practice, without embracing Miss Mason's language arts ways).

Each volume contains the original text, graphics, and diacritical markings from McGuffey's 1857 edition, which was carefully selected for numerous reasons. The 1857 editions were the first editions with 6 readers (with readers 5 and 6 added to provide high school literature, reading and elocution practice), and they were the last edition with which Mr. McGuffey was personally involved in reviewing. These readers reflect the values and ideas of the 19th century, which are clearly taught from a Christian perspective. One belief that is occasionally present is the idea that being good or kind is a prerequisite for being loved, and in these rare occasions, Mrs. Campbell counsels parents to stress that negative behavior does have consequences, yet children are always loved. This edition also contains additional teaching notes with a greater focus on articulation and elocution for all ages, something that is sadly missing from today's language arts curricula. Interestingly, Mrs. Campbell shares her long-held personal belief that many spelling and reading difficulties can be attributed to incorrect or unclear pronunciation; and while not guaranteed, her premise of focusing on clear pronunciation and proper expression may provide an advantage to struggling students. See below for content details. The softcover books measure 5" x 7.5", contain 102-448 pgs, and are available individually or in sets. ~Deanne

Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.