Hi friend,
In our last newsletter, I shared some insight into how to incorporate Bible lessons into your homeschool rhythm. This week, I want to talk about incorporating singing lessons. This is a great activity to place in the middle of your schedule when your child needs a change of pace.
From Charlotte Mason
“With the ancient Greeks, we begin to realise that music is a necessary part of education.”
— Charlotte Mason, Towards a Philosophy of Education, Volume VI, p. 329
Charlotte Mason’s words remind us that music is not simply an enjoyable extra to add after the “real” lessons are finished. It is part of a generous education. Through singing, a child learns to listen carefully, recognize melody and rhythm, and use the voice with increasing confidence.
In the homeschool setting, singing does not need to be elaborate or reserved for musically gifted families. A short lesson placed between more demanding subjects can refresh the atmosphere of the school day while still offering meaningful instruction.
A singing resource
We use The Singing Family’s Solfa Lessons playlist for short, guided singing practice.
Open the Solfa Lessons playlist on YouTube
How we use this in our family
We do singing class once a week for 10 minutes. We follow the Solfa Lessons playlist on The Singing Family channel and stop the lesson at 10 minutes or so whether we finish the video or not. The lessons are fun and engaging. This is an easy addition to our homeschool rhythm and gives us a welcome change of pace after more demanding subjects. I like to schedule it after our math time or when I see we need a small break.
What’s new on the website
Grade 6 History
Grade 6 History is finished and available for purchase on the website! This grade took me a little longer because I wanted to handle the earliest period of human history carefully. The opening lessons place the assigned book’s long-age account alongside one Young Earth Creationist account so families can compare and discuss both perspectives. After researching sources that represent that viewpoint and talking with family and friends, I wrote an original article for the curriculum. I’m excited to share it with you!
Arithmetic Practice in Student Profiles
Student profiles now include arithmetic practice that families can try free during the trial period. I like to schedule these practice sessions on our nature-outing days. My children still complete some math while I prepare lunches and get the car ready. This extra practice can help strengthen the basic skills they need to solve more complex problems efficiently.
Warmly,
Scarlette
Fostering Wonder