The Harp and Laurel Wreath: Poetry and Dictation for the Classical Curriculum

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful Collection of Poetry for Children
Review: This collection of poetry, especially designed for those putting together a curriculum for children, does all the work of finding important, interesting and beautiful works for children to study or memorize from the simplest verses for young tots "The world is so full of a number of things, I'm sure we should all be as happy as kings" to more complex works for high school (such as "Ode to a Grecian Urn" by John Keats) that include study questions and an answer key. This is a true treasure especially for homeschool parents and teachers - it's so comprehensive and easy to use.

It's not the only poetry book you should own (there certainly is a place for beautifully illustrated poetry books to pick up for pleasure reading as well), but it is a real gem and a great value.

Rating:
Summary: Twaddle-free Copywork
Review: This is *the* all-in-one resource for your classical copywork, dictation, and memory work needs. Laura Berquist has done all the legwork for busy homeschooling parents, bringing together a lovely selection of poetry and organizing it according to the stages of the trivium. Selections for the rhetorical stage include study questions, so the book could double as a literature text in the upper grades.

One note to clear up a misconception by another reviewer: This isn't meant to be a comprehensive poetry anthology for reading aloud - plenty of these are available - but rather a sourcebook for classical language arts. It's an attractive enough book, with black-and-white line drawings on some pages, but not a decorative one; that's not its purpose. The emphasis is on language throughout, not visuals. But that's part of the appeal for classical homeschoolers.

All in all, this is a wonderful time-saving resource for your classical homeschool.

Rating:
Summary: Not at all colorful or fun to read for parents or students
Review: We have this book - in fact, we have had it for six years and have never used it. I have tried, but it is too boring to use. Poetry should be colorful and beautiful. Not page after page of poetic text to read. I suggest getting some classic poetry books - full of color and pictures - and reading the beautiful words to your children. This book is one to skip.