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Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Living Book: Understood Betsy
My latest reading frenzy is on Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and the Montessori Method. There's a lot to read and digest, so sometimes it's slow-going when reading these reference books. I just don't feel like I have a full grasp of the concepts -- no "aha" moment yet. It's not that I can't implement these ideas in my home, but I still haven't made a full connection of everything and still seeking that moment where it all clicks together.
But I'm much closer in seeing it in action. The Montessori Forum on the 4RealLearning Board had some wonderful recommendations for reading, including one from Cay for a living book on Montessori. I was thrilled to see my library had a copy of Understood Betsy by Dorothy Canfield Fisher.
What a marvellous book! I couldn't put it down, and read it through in a day. I can see myself as a young girl reading and rereading this story. But as a mother, I also saw some wonderful examples of the benefits of self-directed study, nature study, independent learning, read-alouds, crafts, "chores", homeschooling, and a child's personal joy in their "do-it-myself" attitude. A lot of Charlotte Mason and Montessori philosophy interwoven throughout. And like the "Little House" books and other reading, it ignites the desire of owning a little homestead or farm.
I can only make feeble attempts at a review, but why try? One of my favorite writers, Karen Edmisten did a fabulous review. Read the review. Then read the book...you'll see why I'm sorely tempted to buy a copy for myself and all my nieces.
Now, for anyone who has read the book, do you perhaps have a young son who liked it also? ;-)
11:22 Permalink | Comments (5) | Email this | Tags: Understood Betsy, Dorothy Canfield Fisher, Montessori, Charlotte Mason, living book
Comments
It's slow going for me too reading about COGS and Montessori. There seem to be so many rules-maybe that's not the right word-I just haven't got hooked on it yet.
Posted by: Cheryl | Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Jenn~Andrew's little friend,Gabriel,age 6 loved this book when he was 5. I haven't read it yet...it is on our booklist for this winter. I'll let you know. :)
Posted by: Marybeth | Wednesday, October 11, 2006
>Now, for anyone who has read the book, do you >perhaps have a young son who liked it also? ;-)
The last time we read it, my young son may not have been born, so we are due to revisit it again. Then I'll let you know what Patrick thinks!
Posted by: Alice Gunther | Wednesday, October 11, 2006
I feel the same way about Montessori - it seems very complicated to get started, but I am still very curious. If you keep up the awesome book reviews, maybe you'll do the work for me! :)
I am going out to get Understood Betsy this morning - it sounds wonderful!
Posted by: Jennifer | Thursday, October 12, 2006
Jenn,
Many thanks for the kind words! I'm glad you loved Understood Betsy -- I somehow missed it as a child, and I devoured it, along with my girls when we read it together. I know it's one that will be reread many times!
Posted by: Karen E. | Monday, October 16, 2006