Will TLP work for Co-ops? Micro-Schools? Hybrids?
By: Lanette Judy
Yes! Yes! Yes! In fact, our guides are a fantastic tool to talk about literature.
Using literature-study in a homeschool co-op is a tremendous way to engage students in meaningful reading, discussion, and activities; while building community and critical thinking skills.
Here's a simple guide on how to do it successfully, along with practical ideas and tips.
Choose the right book - Be sure to pick a book that matches the age and reading level of your group. Also, look for a book that has rich themes, characters and discussion points. (Hint: ALL of Total Language Plus novels do this!) Could we suggest My Side of the Mountain Grades 4-6 or Treasure Island Grades 7-9?
Decide on a format and schedule - Total Language Plus includes a schedule in the front of all of our guides, but decide specifically how you work to complete the guides with your students.
Add Creative Ideas - Total Language Plus has an extensive list of activities that would work well for small groups. For example, write an alternative ending for the story, play spelling word Bingo, create a diorama from a scene from the book or let your students pick. Wrap up your study with a small book themed party.
Total Language Plus includes instruction for comprehension, writing, spelling, vocabulary and grammar that can be segmented to meet the needs of your co-op or hybrid model. The best way to use the time together as a small group is for literature discussion. This means students will likely read ahead of time, and do the beginning pages that introduce the spelling and vocabulary for the week. In class time or time as a small group can be used to review the spelling words, play review games, clarify the meaning of vocabulary words or work with a partner to check each other's work.
Need help figuring it all out…drop us a line at Hello@totallanguageplus.com We’d love to help you set up a schedule that will work for your situation.