Long ago and way back when – before the boys could read – we invested in the entire set of McGuffey Readers with the Ruth Beechick Teacher’s Guide.

Since we are focusing this term on Science, Nature, Robotics, Stop Motion, History, Math, Music, Art, and Writing – it doesn’t leave a lot of room for Literature.  So –  I pulled out the 3rd and 4th readers.  We’ll read through a story on Monday, workout the vocabulary definitions and bunny trail down any paths that open up.  We actually bunny trailed until Tuesday this week.  Great conversations!

Here’s the intro from Mott Media:

THIRD READER
Develops thinking skills and the richer vocabulary of grades six through eight. Contains famous authors such as Addison, Irving, and Byron. Readings address questions such as how we know the Bible is from God; character building topics such as work versus idleness; and topics of science and nature. This book is an education in itself and not merely a Reader. After mastering this, the student is reading better than most high school students.
FOURTH READER
Develops advanced vocabulary and thinking skills. Introduces some of the greatest English authors – Webster, Jefferson, Shakespeare, Johnson, Schiller and others. Students will read of Napoleon and Wilberforce, of Jesus and the Apostle Paul. They will ponder death, good and evil, the Bible, eternity, duty, and God. Elocution helps included. May be used at high school level, although some schools use it with good readers in junior high.

My hope is that this winter, as we are forced indoors a bit more, that we will sink into some great literature – but for now – these pieces will keep us on track.

How about you? Is your school more classical literature focused? If you have mostly STEM classes – how do you make sure literature isn’t missed?