McGuffey Readers by lmj mikejaqua@worldnet.att.net October, 1998 McGuffey, William Holmes (1800-1873): American educator, born near Claysville, Pennsylvania. McGuffey is best remembered as compiler and editor of a series of primary school texts, the Eclectic Readers. The McGuffey Readers contained simple moral lessons and fables, poems, and extracts from American and English literature. The Readers passed through many editions and were used in more than 37 states. What versions of McGuffey's Readers are available and where can I get them? 1) Mott Media re-published the original 1836 edition by McGuffey in its entirety. They are called "McGuffey's Eclectic Readers, primer through 6th reader". They are "overtly" Christian and moral. There is a study guide by Ruth Beechick which is included in the 8 volume set. There are numerous book sellers which offer these. 2) Also available the Revised McGuffy Readers: Kivar (paperback) 7 volume set, is a newer eddition revised in the late 1800's. Aparently with the wave of public education some of the Christian references and "moralizing" were removed...... 3) "The Christian Eclectic Readers" 4 readers (no primer) and a study guide. It is a revision by Betty Burger of the ORIGINAL McGuffy Readers. "The Burgers' revision of the McGuffeys has only revised outdated spellings and meanings. I have an original second reader (100 years old ) and have compared them. My revision is very close to the original -- overtly Christian and moral! " Go to Amazon Books and TA-DAH!!! for $40.00: The Christian Eclectic Readers Goals of the McGuffey readers: (a semi paraphrase from the study guides) I) articulate speaking and fluent oral reading, II) reasoning with logic III) speaking with wisdom and grace. -- At the grammar stage, we start with 1)phonics, 2) pronouncing the letters correctly in speaking, i.e. distinguishing "d"'s and "t"'s, pronouncing the -ing sound at the end of words, et.c. We work on 3)correct inflection when there is a ? or a ! as well as 4)reading with "feeling". 5) Around the 5th grade, short writing assignments for logic practise, 6) 8-10th grade includes both speech and debate practise, structuring your arguments with both logic and style. Completing these goals requires a small recital support group meeting about twice a year. Later,... participating in a science fair or talent night type exhibit... and eventually more of a speech/debate club. Comments from homeschooling mothers using the McGuffey Readers: "McGuffey does practise, practise, practise reading the same passage over and over. In year 1 and 2, you use the same lesson 2 weeks on a row. They are very short. The purpose is mastery of reading that short passage with FEELING and INFLECTION. Each year has different oratory skills and rules which are introduced during the year. In year 3 and up, one practises the same passage every day for a week. Betty Burger's version has a relevant Bible verse after each lesson (which we memorize) and extra study questions. The aim is ORATORY. All arguments,logic and rhetoric is based on moral Christian grounds. -- The study guide goes year for year, week by week, so it is EASY to follow." "We just started using the McGuffy Readers this year. The boys read a chapter each day; then my 2nd grader copies a sentence and writes 3 spelling words that I dictate. My 4th grader copies a paragraph and they both draw a picture to go with the copy. My 2nd grader is in the Eclectic Pictorial primer, very simple but excellent in terms of reinforcement of phonic sounds. My 4th grader is in the 2nd Eclectic Primer, which is still very easy for him (he reads about 7th/8th grade level according to SATs), but he does enjoy the simpleness of the story. I appreciate the quality and character woven into the stories and the progression of difficulty in the stories. I am planning to use these to teach my almost 4 year old to read when the time comes. They seem to be a very complete phonics, reading, spelling program, especially with the parent guide that lays out each lesson." "We go through one lesson every one or two weeks -- depending on how long the word list is. We use the word list for spelling lists and split it in two over two weeks if it is long. I read the lesson then my duaghter reads the lesson out loud for the first few days, then she just reads it. I thought that reading the same lesson for a week or two sounded pretty weird -- until the first spelling test! Her spelling has dramatically improved since we've followed this plan. " Other readers: Several moms also use the A-BEKA Readers: "I just wanted to put in my plug for A-BEKA readers which I found to be just what I needed for first and second grade; they are overtly moral and Christian; classical, well written and beautifully illustrated, and have Biblical verses, poetry, abstracts from literature and history, etc. They are also very patriotic. They have questions for comprehension at the end of each piece." The A-Beka readers are stepping stones in reading in terms of difficulty. The materials are excerps from classical children's books and could be used in a similar fashion to that which we have outlined above for the McGuffey Readers. The National Cardinal Readers are the Catholic euqivalent to McGuffey's Readers: These readers can be obtained from Kolbe Academy and other Catholic Book suppliers. " Here is a sampling of a lesson from the National Readers : Answer questions Explain the following expressions (pulls an expression from the story with a paragraph number for reference) Find other words that means the same as the following word in the story(with paragraph number reference). Rewrite a poem in prose. Tell the story in your own words. Each grade is a bit different. So far, most of the fifth grade has been.... Explain the following expressions. The exercises are thoughtfully done." Artes Latinae, A software review: by lmj October, 1998 Artes Latinae is a complete, self-instructional Latin Course Vers 1.1 Platform: Windows 3.1, Windows 95, 98 Artes Latinae consists of 30 units of beginning Latin. It is geared for a independent reader who does not need the added motivation of arcade style games and colorful video clips to work through the material. Unit 1 carefully explains how to use the software. All the information is given in plain text and plain audio form with a few black and white maps and pictures of the history of Rome for illustrations.  This program is geared for a mature independent ten year olds and up. Possibly, a younger child might benefit from going through the program together with an adult, which is what I did with my 8 year old son. The first units focused on pronunciation of the long and short vowels and the consonants. It was delightful to find that one can choose between the three possible Latin pronunciations. There is ample review and repetition for any student to learn to pronounce the words correctly. I personally found it frustrating not knowing the meaning of the phrases which were practised for the pronunciation exercises. However, the program clearly states that the goal is for the student to discover the meanings of each Latin word and phrase for himself.  It is very satisfying for my child to be able to pronounce the Latin words with confidence. The next few sections dealt with grammar using English examples of subject, verb and object agreement. Again, the drill is excellent for retention and the student who feels competent in the material can  go ahead any time. Likewise the student who needs to review previously studies units can easily go back. After that, one "finally" got into the LATIN. The Unit tests are fill in the blank tests with pictures, very child friendly and motivating, easy for the teacher to grade. Likewise the reference book consists of fill in the blank pages for easy writing and easy review of Latin grammar and vocabulary. As an old bookworm, I "missed" having a Latin book in my hands, however, my child who was raised with computers didn't share my sense of loss. The program is a clearly written and thorough first year Latin program for students ten years  and up through adult. I heartily recommend it as a fun and engaging way to study Latin. It has the distinct advantage over textbooks and cassette tapes of instant feedback on spelling and grammar. Also, one is constantly able to review and monitor one's pronunciation as one proceeds. New Features: The CD ROM includes  Books I and II of Artes Latinae, original 15 cassettes/tapes by Waldo E. Sweet; also new: Restored Classical Pronunciation by Robert P. Sonkowsky; Ecclesiastical pronunciation. System Requirements:   Double-speed CD-ROM drive or better VGA or SVGA monitor 1MB of hard disk space for typical install Windows 3.1 or Windows 95 Audio sound card Package Contents: CD Rom with an instruction booklet, a student reference grammar book unit tests with teacher keys. Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers Inc. Location: 1000 Brown St., Unit 101 Wauconda, IL 60084 Email- latin@bolchazy.com Customer Support: Phone - 847.526.4344 Fax- 847.526.2867

Nature Study Ideas contributions chiefly by DMB edited by lmj October '98 Donna's Night Hikes Do you ever take your nature walks at night? Night hikes are a blast.. the best time to go is at dusk because it gives your night vision time to adjust. You need to bring a flashlight covered in red cellophane. Any craft store would have this. Just cover the lens with the cellophane and keep it in place with a rubber band. Animals are not bothered by red light and it allows you to keep your night vision intact. If your children don't believe that red light actually helps you to see better... try this... 1)Have all the kids cover one eye up and stare at an unlit candle. 2) Light the candle and have them stare at it. 3)Have them look in the woods using their peripheral vision... and straight ahead of them. They won't be able to see much. Blow out the candle and have them uncover their other eye.. which still has its night vision. It's like magic. Wow! They can see great in the dark. This demonstrates to them why we should leave our bright white light flashlights home. Also, sometime during the hike we talk about the forest losing color. I give them a square piece of construction paper and each one tries to figure out what color he or she has. It is important to be familiar with what species are in your area. The best place to take a night hike is in a state park or any place where someone else has written up the species of your park. If you are an expert, then it doesn't matter, but to "newbie" nature folks, knowing what you are most likely to see is a big help. Animals start moving around right at dusk. Most of the activity begins then, so don't miss it! We watched lots of raccoons (don't forget that they feel with their feet) and foxes. Be sure to discuss adaptations of nocturnal animals. ... Ears- Have the children cup their ears while you talk in a regular voice. They should hear you better. ...Eyes- Nocturnal animals often have large eyes too! I always have kids look at a few slides before we trek out so they can notice the big ears and eyes. You can come up on many species of amphibians with the red light and they won't hop away. We see sirens and lots of frogs and toads. Some toads (like Fowler's) love to sit under a security light and catch insects. Chances are the toads under security lights are Fowler's in the Southeast. See if you can borrow ultrasound device from someone. They aren't cheap, but they are fun. They magnify the echolocation sounds of bats. Very cool! Now, Spider sniffing... Put your red light flashlight behind your ear right next to your head. Then, walk slowly and you should see animals, insects, amphibians' eyes glow.. You will find all kinds of wildlife. You can look at a patch of grass and see hundreds of spiders' eyes glowing back at you. They will be tiny lights. If you are skeptical try it. It might take a little patience to get the hang of it, but once you can do it, you'll find all kinds of things... Also, you won't be startling them with a bright light. It is very hard to do this with glasses on. You need to wear contacts or have good vision. Night hikes near water are the best because so many animals go to the pond at night. Buy a night bird tape, birds will call back. In mating season you have to be careful. A Great Horned Owl will attack. We have called called screech owls during the summer. A good resource to have is "A Guide to Night". It is a cassette tape and booklet. It is distributed by Chelsea Green Publishing Co., Rt 113, P.O. Box 130, Post Mills, VT 05058-0130 There is another neat tape and booklet called, "The Calls of Frogs and Toads". It is also distributed by Chelsea Green. I am sure Barnes and Noble or another bookstore can order it for you. The ISBN for the "Night Sounds" is 1-878194-03-08. Other great tapes include: "Know Your Bird Sounds" Vol.1 & 2. These are distributed by Chelsea Green Publishing. "Wild Sounds of the Northwoods" by Adventure Publications, P0 Box 269, Cambridge, MN 55008 (1-800-678-7006) The tape we use to call owls: (don't play it during mating season), "Curious Bird Enticers" by White-Throat Images P.O. Box 316 Berrien Springs Michigan 49103. Also, a great magazine: "Bird Watcher's Digest" It is half-price for schools!! (~ $9). Elementary children can read it without much help, though it is not a children's magazine. It is very enjoyable reading and is packed with articles and information. They sell wonderful books and other nature-related items. P0 Box 110 Marietta, OH 45750-0110 Day Time Hikes: Get a net and go to a pond. Stick the net near the edge of the pond and hit the bottom three times in the muck. One, two, three.. this stirs the bottom up... then scoop up the muck. Look in your net.... lots of species to look at! Remember to talk about stages of pond life critters, like dragonfly nymphs. Did you know that when people are surveyed, the 10 most popular animals (in order) are: eagle, dog, deer, fox, bluebird, bear, coyote, robin, box turtle, racccoon? You can do a nature walk based on the list above. Of course, you can be a little weird, like me, and do a walk based on the 10 Least Popular Animals (in order) leech, slug, ant, jellyfish, tarantula, moth, buzzard, razorback sucker, skunk, and worm. People also dislike bats, clams, snakes, coyotes, packrats and toads. It even took me awhile to get my children comfortable enough to catch toads. If people have inherited a kernel of squeamishness or fear of certain animals, we can be flexible enough that we can help children and adults overcome these feelings through nature education. What I try to do is a combination of four strategies. Combining the strategies seems to work best. 1. exposure; children can view the animals in terrariums or cages 2. modeling: I can handle a toad (1ust as an example) while the children watch 3. direct contact; children can touch the toad 4. information: children listen to stories and information about the toad Why should we care about the 10 least popular animals? *A scientist studying a common type of moth, discovered a new class of antibiotics called cecropins. *Secretions from a tropical frog contain a peptide called adenoregulin, which has the potential for treating disorders such as depression, stroke, and seizures. *Leeches produce substances that may one day have medical applications, including anesthetic compunds and various chemicals that prevent or dissolve blood clots. *Many snake venoms contain proteins called disintegrins, which may help doctors prevent blood platelets from clumping together in patients with blood clots. *Venom from a snake called jararaca contains a peptide that may help control blood pressure. *A protein called Bat-PA, obtained from vampire bats. may be another pmmising cardiovascular drug. *Many of these animals also play important roles in ecosytems. Classes at your state park are usually very cheap. We charge $1 and no park fees to get in the park if you are signed up for a class. Naturalists also do trips on request, so give yours a call! Sketch Book resources: Nature journals -- Many of us have our children keep a nature book for day hikes. They can paste leaves, feathers and other treasures in there as well as draw what they see while they are out. "I've used both 5x7 spiral-bound blank sketchbooks and hardcover sketchbooks. I like the way the spirals open flat and can be folded over backwards, but I like how the hardcover looks more. I think a hardcover would be better for an older student who's a little more skillful in writing and sketching." The Re-Print Corporation: Art Sketch Book (8 X 11',) for $3.60, probably 30 pgs. (11 X 14" for $4.80) Address included in Handwriting resources article in August's Newsletter. Greenleaf Press Blank sketchbooks (looks like a sewn binding) for $13.50 (8 X 7'1-hardback, 192 pg.). Also, for $16.95, a canvas cover book in 8 X 11" size, 224 pg. (These would be SO nice--maybe when the kids are older!) Whole Heart Ministries (P0 Box 67 Walnut Springs, TX 76690): Mead Acadamie Sketch Diary for $5.95. 8 X 11", 70 sheets, spiral bound. This is in their '97 catalog, but not in the '98 edition, so may not be available... Nature's Workshop Plus (P0 Box 220 Pittsboro IN 46167-0220): spiral bound sketch book for $3.50. 30 pg. 9X12" Thanks to KC's posting, we have this feature. Click on the logo below to go to the PuzzleMaker web site and make your own educational puzzles for YOUR children. 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