I think I am beginning to really appreciate and understand the notebook approach and the purpose of the student’s notebook. Much of the content in these workbooks can be recorded in a workbook as I teach. I see how that is possible and better(in my estimation) than having it printed in on a workbook page that u just ‘fill’ in the answers.

For example, in Abeka’s Spelling curriculum(which I use only parts of) they have some of the phonetic rules printed on the workbook page in the spelling text. I did not buy the Phonics text b/c I just didn’t ‘feel’ it like I did with buying the Arithmetic. But it dawned on me that since I did not have the Phonics text make her notebook her Phonics text. Record the phonics rules as we come across them, record the word lists, record any tests taken, record spelling lists, word analysis….and refer to these pages just like we would with a text when she needs to review something.

The same for arithmetic…for arithmetic record mathmatical principles, record addition families(in addition to oral drill), record counting by 1, 2, 5, 10 up to 100 or 200 and refer to these page
; keep in chart form, record 100 counting chart….

I’m beginning to see the value in notebooking and beginning to understand the term ‘notebook methodology’. Upon reading that section in GACE some months ago I always just thought it meant put what u learn in a notebook…I think it’s purpose goes deeper than that. What our children(or us for that matter) record by way of learning, or insight, or information, our reasonings, enable us to internalize what we write down. If WE write from our own understanding it then becomes ours, rather than a writer of a textbook writing it for us…we are so much the more ‘removed’ from the revelation of it if it comes from a ‘workbook’

I remember when I was in school when we used to have to write words 3x each or write addition facts and because I wrote it down I was able to remember quicker and what I spent time recording stayed with me. Now the only difference is that I desire to impart an understanding to my children about why certain words are spelled the way they are(phonics rules) or how we can see God in what we study(biblical foundation) or the explanation as to why 2 is an even number…or why 58 is greater than 49.(rules of arithmetic)

I guess I see now why in the SDS and even GACE it encourages you to write down your philosophy of education, government, defintions, your own study of each principles and key words…It then becomes yours and as u grow in understanding u can refer back to these writings and quite possibly glean even more insight and wisdom.

Well all I can say is that u can learn much by studying but you can learn even more by doing and allowing God to show u how to put into action what you studied.

I thank Him for leading, guiding, and instructing me……

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