The second "R" in our homeschool routine is "recitation" - the discipline of memorizing. During the year, our children do this with our grammar memory work with Classical Conversations. But during the holidays, we are going to change it up a little.
Holiday poems
There are some wonderful poems for this time of year. Many of them have been put to music, but not all. Poems such as "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" and the lyrics of such fun holiday favorites such as "Jingle Bells" and "Over the River and Through the Woods" are all fun ones to commit to memory.
Christmas hymns
Speaking of poems put to music, one goal I have for my children this year is to memorize more than the first verse of some of our favorite Christmas carols. Have you ever paid attention to the words that come after verse 1? Many of them move past the Nativity and on to the second coming of Christ. There is wonderful theology in many of these hymns - if we will pay attention to them. I went on a hunt for these kinds of Christmas carols recently and compiled them in a book for my children to copy - one verse a day - and at the same time, to sing together and begin learning both the words and the meanings of these beloved songs. Would you like a copy of my Christmas Carol Copywork? You can request one here.
There are some wonderful poems for this time of year. Many of them have been put to music, but not all. Poems such as "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" and the lyrics of such fun holiday favorites such as "Jingle Bells" and "Over the River and Through the Woods" are all fun ones to commit to memory.
Christmas hymns
Speaking of poems put to music, one goal I have for my children this year is to memorize more than the first verse of some of our favorite Christmas carols. Have you ever paid attention to the words that come after verse 1? Many of them move past the Nativity and on to the second coming of Christ. There is wonderful theology in many of these hymns - if we will pay attention to them. I went on a hunt for these kinds of Christmas carols recently and compiled them in a book for my children to copy - one verse a day - and at the same time, to sing together and begin learning both the words and the meanings of these beloved songs. Would you like a copy of my Christmas Carol Copywork? You can request one here.
Holiday Bible passages
Have you seen the Peanuts Christmas special, the part where Linus goes on the stage, calls for lights, and proceeds to recite part of Luke 2 in an effort to help Charlie Brown understand what Christmas is all about? I wonder how many of us could do that? And yet, what a wonderful goal to have this time of year. If you are wondering where to start, here are some familiar passages to get you started:
How can YOU easily include the skill of memorization into your holiday homeschooling?
Have you seen the Peanuts Christmas special, the part where Linus goes on the stage, calls for lights, and proceeds to recite part of Luke 2 in an effort to help Charlie Brown understand what Christmas is all about? I wonder how many of us could do that? And yet, what a wonderful goal to have this time of year. If you are wondering where to start, here are some familiar passages to get you started:
- Luke 2:1-14
- Matthew 2:1-12
- Isaiah 9:6
- Psalm 100 (Thanksgiving)
- John 1:1-14
How can YOU easily include the skill of memorization into your holiday homeschooling?
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