How to do a McGuffey's Lesson part 1

Here is the link to the free reading program:
momdelights.com/index.php/2019/05/24/teach-your-child-to-read-for-free/
Here is the link to the free lesson sheets:
momdelights.com/index.php/2016/08/30/free-lesson-sheets-printables/
If you don't know me, I am the homeschooling mom of 15 children, married to my husband for 36 years, in love with the Lord Jesus. I have been a blogger since 2005 and sensed the need to move to vlogging.
You can still enjoy lots of posts I have done over at my blog, MomDelights.com. I offer lots of free stuff for you to download :) Here is the link:
momdelights.com/
You can also order lots of my materials already printed out in book form from Amazon.
The Lesson Book series; a Charlotte-Mason style unworkbook of sorts to use with the McGuffey readers or just about any living book:
The Lesson Book, Level One www.amazon.com/gp/product/1974440052/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_taft_p1_i0
The Lesson Book, Level Two www.amazon.com/gp/product/1975813952/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i1
The Lesson Book, Level Three www.amazon.com/gp/product/1975846788/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_taft_p1_i4
The Lesson Book, Level Four www.amazon.com/gp/product/1975847792/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_taft_p1_i5
The Lesson Book, Level Five
www.amazon.com/gp/product/197584937X/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_taft_p1_i3
The Record Book -- a simple way to record all of the learning you and your children enjoy each day so it counts! www.amazon.com/gp/product/1981524339/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_taft_p1_i2
The Gentle Grammar Series: a stress-free approach to early language arts to help young children.
Level One
www.amazon.com/Gentle-Grammar-Level-1/dp/1720816328/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1539308836&sr=1-1&dpID=51uKHBPUNWL&preST=_SX218_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch
Level Two
www.amazon.com/Gentle-Grammar-Level-2/dp/1720825734/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1539308836&sr=1-6
Level Three
www.amazon.com/Gentle-Grammar-Level-3/dp/1720825831/ref=sr_1_9?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1539308836&sr=1-9
Level Four
www.amazon.com/Gentle-Grammar-Level-4/dp/1720825823/ref=sr_1_10?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1539308836&sr=1-10

[@wrennerd]

Wow, I've had the McGuffey books for years but never knew how to use them. The Lesson Books make them make so much sense, especially combined with CM! Thank you!

[@jillcain5267]

We are on our second year using McGuffey's and the Lesson Books and we love them! We followed your approach to Language Arts exactly and all three of my kids have grown by leaps and bounds in reading, spelling, narration, and grammar. I have finally found a Language Arts program that has everything I want. Thanks, Sherry! I am also loving your reading program with my six-year-old.

[@MomDelights]

That's so good to hear! Thank you for taking the time to comment 👍

[@handsathome]

I made the switch to McGuffey's and your lesson sheets last school year for reading and spelling. We LOVE it! I wanted to switch to Spelling You See this year bc I didn't think that I could discuss the patterns in the words to help my daughter who is in the 2nd reader. However, we both enjoy the McGuffey's and the lesson sheets that I decided to stick with it. We are ordering your lesson books from amazon this year. After watching this video I feel confident to teach her the different patterns in words myself. Thank you.

[@MomDelights]

You are welcome :)

[@berrypatch5583]

We are loving the Mcguffey at our house this year. Thank you for all you do for the homeschooling families. May the Lord bless you.

[@MomDelights]

That's great to hear! Thank you for taking the time to comment :)

[@raquelschneider7072]

This video is so helpful! It really helps to see you explain the process with the visual aids of the readers and the workbooks in hand.

[@MomDelights]

Yay! Thank you for your sweet response :)

[@nicoleauld9536]

Such a great detailed video! Thank you for sharing wisdom and free resources with many of us! Many blessings to you and your family! ❤️

[@MomDelights]

Thank you--I receive those blessings :)

[@naomimaendel767]

I absolutely adore you! Thank you for all your efforts to help the homeschool community. You are a treasure.

[@Flourgirl4]

Once again, thank you! Wonderful ideas. Can’t wait to implement them with my daughter. Looking forward to part 2.

[@MomDelights]

Yay! Hope to have that up soon :)

[@gbcflower]

I haven't felt very confident in teaching the word patterns myself to help my children with spelling. But this year I am trying the McGuffey Readers with my second grader. We'll be using your ideas in a composition book. Thank you for the video. It got me even more excited about this year.

[@MomDelights]

That's wonderful to hear :). Thank you for leaving such a sweet comment!

[@evabtz]

Awe so so happy I found you! This is wonderful! First time homeschooler bringing my kids from a christian school I was overwhelmed with all the options out there. Luckily I'm learning quickly what is the most effective and you have confirmed it for me. I ordered and today received The lesson 1 book! Brilliant! I just ordered the gentle grammer 1 book! I can not wait to get started with my two 1st graders!

[@annagreene5257]

I so needed this video! Thank you, I finally understand the process. I have been overwhelmed trying to understand how to implement a language arts study for struggling writers/readers as well as beginners to reading. This is an answer to prayer! Thank you SO much. God bless!

[@MomDelights]

You are very welcome :)

[@thisrothtribe3780]

This video was incredibly helpful, Sherry!!!!

[@summer5834]

Late coming in here but want to thank you for these detailed videos. We just ordered both McGuffey's sets and a lesson book. 💗🙏

[@MomDelights]

Wonderful--thank you for your purchase :)

[@crystalmanteuffel8858]

I recently printed your free pages of The Lesson Book for this coming year. I only have a 6 year old doing lessons so I printed the lowest level. The first day she'll write the words for the lesson from the Revised First Reader (purchased through www.dollarhomeschool.com) and read the story, the second day she'll read the list of words and I'll choose a sentence or two for her to copy on the copywork page, the third day I will dictate two to three of the words from the list plus a short sentence. I really want to make sure we're practicing all of the grammar, reading, and spelling skills that the book offers. We will also use the drawn narration portions as my daughter gains confidence in this area. She's a bit of a perfectionist and struggles with things not looking exactly how she wants. Thank you for providing the lesson book pages for free because I found them after we had made our major purchases and didn't have enough in the budget to buy more. But now that I know about them, I hope to be able to purchase the other books to support your efforts.

[@MomDelights]

That is so sweet :) It makes us very happy to hear we helped! That sounds like a terrific plan.

[@tiffanywalker7474]

Thank you so much for this video. I have been looking for something that explains step by step like this. I hope you have one for other subjects as well. Thank you

[@berrypatch5583]

I love the way you teach. What is the ages of your children? Mine are 2 months, turning 3, 5, 8, 10, turning 14, and turning 16. I am truly enjoying our new year...simplicity of focusing on reading, English, and math...with primary readouds, preschool readalouds, and family Bible time. My older kiddos love to do independent Science and History...mostly Rod and Staff/ Apologia/ Notgrass...I am focusing on mothering and housekeeping well with a schooling focused mornings...this has been so freeing. No longer 7 hours of schooling...simply no longer teaching any Science or History once they can read it themselves has cut so much time off of my tutoring times...allowing me to play with my littles and do a beautiful primary rotation-mostly using Beautiful Feet, but also other programs for health, music, and art.

[@MomDelights]

That sounds so lovely! You should do a video explaining how you get it all done :)

[@MomDelights]

I forgot to tell you our children range from 35 years down to 10 years old. I am now homeschooling the last four of the 15.

[@berrypatch5583]

@@MomDelights I have never done a video, but maybe a large family series would be a great thing to do...it may encourage some moms like you do.

[@jaykay3839]

This is wonderful! I've been homeschooling for 18 years and always wanted to try the McGuffey readers but I wasn't sure I'd be able to use them practically so I never got up the courage to spend that much money on something I wasn't sure I could use, plus with all the reprints, the type can be very degraded in some versions. I was pushed to take another look because I use 100 Easy Lessons and I accidentally gave away some of the books I had accumulated over the years that are listed in the back of 100 Easy Lessons for continued reading. Honestly, I'm not a fan of some of the selections anyway. Then I was sent a Rainbow Resource catalog and kept flipping through looking for just the right readers. My youngest child is 7 and has low vision. She has an eye condition that will most likely be degenerative so I have to pay attention to the clarity of the type in books she uses, plus, other old fashioned readers tend to have that degraded reprinted type which makes it harder to see. I stumbled across your review and subscribed to your channel. I found another video reviewer who was inspired by your first video so that really turned me on to finally purchasing the McGuffey set. This is excellent information. I so appreciate these instructional videos because I've never seen anything like it when it comes to the McGuffey readers. I have not seen anyone explain it so in-depth before. :)

[@MomDelights]

Spool glad I can be of help!

[@jocelyn8035]

My first grader just finished up the very first Primer the Eclectic Primer. I took some time to go over the Pictorial Primer to see what we will do for her reading lessons. I feel like the Pictoral Primer is easier starting out than the Eclectic Primer!

[@MomDelights]

I agree! That's why I try to go straight to it.

[@YaniceHilario]

Hello Sherry. I was wondering if you can do a video showing how you do spelling for your kids or what curriculum you use. Please 🙏

[@teresar1297]

THANK YOU SOOO MUCH!!!! I felt lost with how to use these with my kids.

[@JulieDobbins.76]

I like how Ruth Beechick's Parent-Teacher Guide has you alternate between different portions of the Primer and the Pictorial Primer.

[@MomDelights]

Funny, but I hadn't noticed that before. Thank you for pointing it out!

[@deen8842]

I am soo confused on which to buy 😩 there is a first eclectic reader, pictoral eclectic reader, primers? revised? I am so lost lol I just want to purchase the first book I need after learning letters & their sounds. Thank you for all your time! You are a wealth of wisdom!

[@awilson8521]

So, I just found your videos. Downloaded a McGuffey reader, started sounding out cvc words, and my 3yo requested to sound out mom, dad, her name and her brothers name. Suddenly, we're making phrases like "mom and dad" and "mom and Eve" 🥹 She doesn't know all her letters or sounds, yet, but I'm excited that it happened so sweetly. Thank you for your channel!

[@clarkrandee]

Thank you! This is very helpful!

[@MomDelights]

So glad :)

[@michellechannell1219]

Very helpful Thank you so much!

[@MomDelights]

Wonderful to hear :)

[@fritzieschomaker1476]

There are so many ideas and practical advice in this video! I have two questions: when you go over one lesson in a week (you mentioned one day reading, then copying the words, copywork, dictation), do they read other books on their non-reading days? In another video you mentioned you used the McGuffey Readers to teach your child their style of cursive. I would love a video about that ❤️!

[@MomDelights]

Sure they can read other things, it just depends on their reading level. I rarely assign other reading unless it is for science and history, they tend to read loads of other classics on their own :)

[@fritzieschomaker1476]

Mom Delights that is very helpful, thank you!

[@tarah7050]

New sub here! I love vintage homeschool books too. What do you use for Math? Thank you!

[@MomDelights]

I sort of hodge-podge it, vintage books mixed with some modern worksheets, etc.

[@tarah7050]

@@MomDelights Do you like Ray's arithmetic?

[@hannahlossing6094]

Nobody (for me) has explained the learning process as well as you.

[@MomDelights]

Thank you :)

[@Another_Look]

Thanks for these videos. I have a question. I can see in Lesson One, the book has the word 'my' that has the long y. On the next page, (6:18) we have the words 'do we go.' The sound of 'o' in 'do' is different from 'o' in 'go.' Also, 'we' uses the long 'e.' How do we deal with all these differences so early in the book?

[@Kendergurl]

Gutenberg only has the revised editions. Maybe you could do your originals to Gutenberg?

[@vitaliyab]

So my son is actually on lesson 50 from the “teach your child to read in 100 easy lessons” should I finish that book and than start with the pictorial primer? Or could I drop that book and start with mcguffey? What do you say?

[@vitaliyab]

And you also recommend going through your reading program and than start the McGuffey’s?

[@thisbibliophagist]

Do you teach handwriting alongside this, letter formation?

[@azuremeandering4894]

I have two questions at this point. At about 11 minutes into this video you talk about writing as in sentence copywork, not just letters or CVC words. I am wondering, what age is sentence copywork a good idea to start? Were you thinking 5 year old or maybe older? Can you clarify? We have started using the 100 Easy book. Which is my next question. I think in one of your videos you said by lesson 15 in 100 Easy Lessons to switch over to the McGuffey Original Eclectic Primer?

[@MomDelights]

I think that depends on the child, but I also caution that 5 years old is pretty early to be expecting these things. Children during McGuffey's days did not begin school until the ages of 7 or 8, and yet they were more literate than we are today. In modern times, Dr. Raymond Moore has written numerous books suggesting children are not physically ready for close book work until those ages. Something to look into that will help you as you begin on this wonderful learning adventure.

[@TinyFitz]

Will you please do a video showing off all the books you sell so I can order the appropriate books for our homeschooling journey. The record keeping book is one I can’t find a pic of the inside. 😁 Ps you are amazing and I love your videos and wisdom

[@MomDelights]

I could certainly do that--actually a good idea to fit into my next video or so in my current series. Thank you!

[@TinyFitz]

Mom Delights oh wonderful! Thank you! Also anything extra you have on your process with ray’s arithmetic etc? I’m sure you are busy with so many. I only have 5 and I go crazy around here but if you can find the time to share your math wisdom I would be so grateful. Thank you again and God Bless!

[@MomDelights]

@@TinyFitz that's something I could think about☺

[@TinyFitz]

Mom Delights 😇💕

[@jlf6614]

ok, this was great and very helpful but i have one more clarifying question and i apologize if you have addressed this already! if I have the gently grammar books and am doing these with my daughter, do you still do your lesson sheets with the McGuffey readers in addition to the grammar sheets? Thank you

[@MomDelights]

That's a great question! Yes, we do the grammar books along with the McG's because they help children learn how to make basic sentences and paragraphs early-on.

[@jlf6614]

@@MomDelightsthank you and may the Lord richly bless you and your family!!!

[@amyjolley7096]

Mom Delights do you do McGuffey’s the one day and Grammar the next then? Or do you do both in one day?

[@hayleylashea]

Does Mrs. Hayes have any videos about the McGuffey "Speller" book?

[@MomDelights]

Actually, I am currently working on something that will help in that vein (a spelling "curriculum" of sorts, perhaps--it will be cheap, I promise :) ) that I am putting on my calendar for the new year--Lord willing!

[@myessentialcalling]

Hi Sherry. I have the McGuffeys New Third Eclectic reader with instructions for Charlotte Mason Teaching Methods. It doesn’t look like your book and I can’t find the one you are showing online. Which edition of the readers do you use and where can I purchase.

[@MomDelights]

If you scroll down in the description below the video you will find the link😉

[@myessentialcalling]

Mom Delights Every link I click on says “Sorry this page cannot be found. “

[@MomDelights]

So sorry! I'll check that out and get back to you!

[@MomDelights]

I checked the links and they are working from what I can see. Try doing a search on Amazon for The Lesson Book by Sherry Hayes.

[@markholder4944]

I ordered your lesson book 1 off of Amazon. My daughter is loving this more than anything else we’ve used. My question is do you also need the grammar book as well? I wanted to get it too but I guess I’m confused what the addition of the grammar book is for. Is the lesson book /McGuffey enough for language arts?

[@MomDelights]

Are you referring to Gentle Grammar? If so, I don't believe you will need it until your child is able to read at least at a second grade level and can write words without too much shakiness, etc.

[@markholder4944]

@@MomDelights Thank you. Yes, Gentle grammar. I went back and watched one of your q and a and got my answer. So grateful for your content.

[@arielletuttle9490]

Do you use the lesson word lists as spelling words? My daughter could easily read the last lesson of the primer but would have some trouble spelling all the words. Would that be ok to still start her in the first reader? (Coming from a different curriculum) Thank you!

[@MomDelights]

What I like to do is lessons that are actually a bit lower than their reading ability so we can take advantage of the word lists and copywork as a reinforcement of good spelling and sentence mechanics (more explanations in the new video to come soon).

[@courtneysimon444]

Hi Sherry! So does the McGuffy reader and the lesson book, splendid spelling, and gentle grammar make up your full language arts program?

[@MomDelights]

I would throw in Harvey's Grammar and some general writing instruction, besides loads of good novels and information books.

[@erinreneded]

If I only have access to the blue/revised set, will that work?

[@MomDelights]

It sure can! Just make sure and write the words without the diacritical marks so your child will not become confused, and make sure you use my free reading program so that there is a foundation of phonics and sounding out practice before and as you go along.

[@bribriannita7935]

What do i do if i dont know anything about all the rules and compound words, prefix and so on? is there teacher notes with each lesson? Do i need to do grammar separate course? Thank you

[@MomDelights]

I understand how lost you feel. I have a free spelling curriculum that may help you and your children--it's called Splendid Spelling and you can download it as a pdf. momdelights.com/?s=splendid+spelling

[@IndianaKristina]

One thing I feel unsure about is how do I know when my child is “ready” to begin the primer? We did a basic phonics program which taught how to blend and read Cvc and Cvcv words. And that’s about where the program ended. Very basic. Is that a good enough place for starting the primer?

[@hayleylashea]

Personally I am doing Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons. Then I am working through Mrs. Hayes Reading Phonics program which introduces the Primer.

[@MomDelights]

Sorry for the late reply, you probably have already discovered the answer, but I thought it important to acknowledge you, anyway. I just discovered YT does not inform me of all comments, so I just discovered yours :)

[@YaniceHilario]

I have a son that he will be in 5 grade and he is struggling in reading. I feel that he needs help with long vowels. What book should you recommend for me to start with him? I appreciate your wisdom and your opinion.

[@MomDelights]

If he is struggling it may be good to start him in the primer. You could go quickly through the first few lessons and then go more slowly as you hit the areas he is weak in.

[@YaniceHilario]

Thank you

[@oliviarinck5886]

Im so sorry if I missed this in your video, but do you have a preference over the original or revised editions?

[@MomDelights]

Actually, I prefer the original up through the second reader, and the revised after that❤️

[@rebeccagonzalez3970]

A funny thing about the word cock. It’s actually the term for a male chicken under a year of age. It’s not a rooster until it’s 1. A female is a pullet until it’s 1 then it’s a hen. 😉 I only know this because we raise chickens

[@blessedmamalife]

Do you do the words, copy work, dictation, & narrative drawing every day?

[@MomDelights]

Good question. No, I split it up; read and do words one day, copywork the next, dictation the next, then narration, or something to that effect.

[@lindsaypotter9776]

Are these similar to the revised edition?

[@SethRAlexander]

Mrs. Sherry, can you explain what you mean when you say dictation?

[@mycrazyfamilyid]

Parent reads and the child writes what is said. If doing Charlotte Mason studied dictation, the child reads the passage first to get an idea of punctuation, capitalization, and spelling. :)

[@brittany6704]

Do you have a link for your phonics program? :)

[@MomDelights]

It's on the blog page of my website, MomDelights.com and is called To the Top.

[@Mariekalake]

Thank you for this video, I have found it really helpful

[@MomDelights]

That's great to hear!

[@joannahollenbeck5667]

Can you confirm if the MCG 1st eclectic reader goes with Gentle Grammar level one and so on?

[@MomDelights]

It does if you are using the McG's revised in the 1880's😉

[@joannahollenbeck5667]

@@MomDelights I have the Mcguffey's eclectic reader revised edition. :) I plan on using your lesson books, Gentle Grammar, and Splendid Spelling. 😀 Is there a chart that matches which lesson book and level of Gentle Grammar corresponds to which McG book?

[@MomDelights]

@@joannahollenbeck5667 unfortunately, no. That might make a good video😁

[@mindyjones8421]

I would be super interested in knowing this as well! 😊

[@gabrieladelopez941]

Hi!! Would you say that McGuffey are a good fit for struggling learners? My yourger is dyslexic. I would really love your opinion. Thank you!

[@MomDelights]

Absolutely! If you go to my channel you will find a recent video where I show how the McG's could be used for beginning/struggling readers. Also, I have a totally free, no sign-ups, etc. reading curriculum that I developed for use with my own struggling readers. You can find it on my website, MomDelights.com in the freebies section. Hope this helps!

[@gabrieladelopez941]

@@MomDelights Thank you so much Ma'am! I'm on my way to that video. Blessings from Nicaragua 🇳🇮