This is a comparison of The Well Trained Mind's recommend weekly hours for 1-3 grade (averaged) and Charlotte Mason's Parents' Union School schedules for the same. It was more difficult then the comparison I did for eighth grade.
I had to make some judgements in order to compare and even then, they just don't line up neatly. Which is, of course, okay, because they are different methods/theories -- but I'm interested in both!
Charlotte Mason advocated hours of outdoor nature study, which is science not shown on the school schedule. Also, the Parents Union School students studied French from the beginning, whereas the WTM starts Latin in 3rd grade. Oh, another thing -- Language Arts for the WTM is comprised of grammar, spelling, penmanship, structured reading, and writing. Language Arts for the Parents Union School schedule were called only reading and writing.
As with my previous comparison, I very well may have a miscalculation in my addition. Adding hours is tricky!
11 comments:
Very interesting comparison!
I just blogged about our Minoan fresco project and linked to your blog in it! http://oursidehomeschool.blogspot.com/2008/03/minoan-fresco-project.html
This is an interesting comparison. Do you feel yourself leaning more one way or the other? Or are you trying to strike a balance?
I don't feel like I fit into any one "type" of homeschooling so it is interesting to see what others are doing!
Shannon
Thank you for doing this. I realize that I am more classical than I am CM after reading your post. However, I still follow the short lessons idea in the CM.
I like both the CM and WTM. I think that CM flows better in the younger grades and WTM in the upper. That is just my 2 cents.
Blessings,
Karen aka Testimony from WTM boards
www.homeschoolblogger.com/testimony
I find myself trying to strike a balance between these two. Looking at those it looks like we follow CM more in most, except math. But perhaps it's because I have natural math learners? Not sure...
Look at that palm tree behind your wall! *drool*
Thanks...I find these very interesting! I need to blow this up and wall paper with it. tee hee..so I cah stay on schedule
Thanks, Lee for all your work on this. It is very interesting: I problaby would have thought that LA would have lined up a little more closely but I am not at all surprised by the math difference! I follow the CM method more than the pure classical method EXCEPT I really need to do more art. I have plans to work on that.
Thanks again!
~Have a blessed day.
~Rhonda
Just saw your comments on my blog and wanted to send a quick message - we started ETC after dd was reading three letter words (CVC) easily. I didn't really try to pair them up. She is reading blends and digraphs now but is still finishing up ETC 1. I think it works as a good reinforcement of things she learned in OPG.
Glad your family liked the brownies - I LOVE the idea of adding caramel - I'll have to try that!
Thanks for doing this. I think next week I will time our schooling and see where we are.
Great job, Lee. As you notice, the differences between CM and TWTM are most pronounced in the younger grades. CM take a gentle approach, but gently turns up the "heat" year by year until Year 7, where there is considerable rigor.
As far as the Language Arts scope and sequence, that is one BIG area where CM and TWTM differ. I found myself needing to pick a path (early or delated grammar, formal spelling or dictation) or I would drive myself crazy.
For comparison purposes, there is also an Ambleside Language Arts scope and sequence that you may find helpful (sorry if this is a repeat for you.)
http://www.amblesideonline.org/LangArtsScopeSeq.shtml
There are also many methodology and philosphical differences which are most apparent in the younger grades. It is such a blessing to be able to pick a path that works best for your temperament and children.
I researched both as you are doing, and found my heart drawn to CM, though my mind is more drawn to TWTM. I also have a kiddo who has benefited from the habit training, definite lessons in a definite period of time, and the free afternoons. For a different child, ai may have chosen a different path.
Best to you!
Tami
Very interesting! :)
Interesting comparison! I remember Susan Bauer saying that her publisher made her come up with the schedules in the book... that she didn't keep those types of hours herself. I have followed the WTM model (loosely) for about 9 years and have always "Masonized" it pretty well.
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