I recently shared the list of printables we’ll be using for our classical notebook this year. I listed only printables found on CC Connected (aka C3). But, guess what? You don’t need access to CC Connected to make a classical notebook for your student. As CC Founder Leigh Bortins shares in The Core, “Copy work is the tool used to develop…” self-discipline, reading, memorization skills, fine motor skills, hand strength, and beautiful handwriting. It is important, but also simple.
We’ve found that copying the memory work for CC is a great way to develop the above tools and learn our memory work. How could you do this without a stack of printables? Easy! If it were me, here’s how I’d do it.
1. Provide a 3 ring notebook for each of your littles filled with handwriting paper in whatever sizing they need. Provide 24 numbered tab dividers to divide the work by CC weeks.
2. Provide the work you want them to copy. If they’re young and learning to write correctly still, I’d write the memory work on the lined paper you provided for them. This example will allow them to see exactly how the letters should look, fit on the line, and the proper spacing between words. They can look at that while writing their own.
If they’re older, you can simply type up the memory work for each week and place it at the front of the tab for them to copy. Then they can see all that needs to be copied and divide it up accordingly throughout the week. Or you can hand them the Foundations guide with instructions on what subjects to copy each week.
Looking for something a little more polished? Create your own copywork sheets for any and all subjects by following these directions which involve downloading a free font and typing away.
Stick in the sand? This is it. A classical notebook with designed printables is great, but also totally unnecessary. Simply grab a stack of paper and get started.
How do you notebook? Do you keep it simple or add in the extras? I think I fall somewhere in the middle. The luster of the extras draws my eye, but the simple approach has my heart.
This is much of what I am planning :)! I am purchasing a binder builder set just to make things easier for me and be able to print it all for my 3 oldest children. I love that the principle of CC is not in fancy curricula or lots of materials but in simplicity. The Lord keeps encouraging me that while I may weep because we can’t take our extensive library, He will provide ways for my children to still be well-educated!
Thanks so much for the wonderful ideas that you provide on your blog. I love it!!!! At what age would you recommend starting the notebook? I have a 5 year old and this will be her second cycle but it just seems like a lot of copy work to me. Your thoughts??? Thanks again!
I agree, Jessica! It would be a lot of copywork for a 5 year old. I created the notebooks for my 8 and 7 year old. My 5 year old will primarily learn the memory work through recitation, music, and simple games. It’s his second cycle too! 🙂 Knowing he would want to be like his big brothers though, I created a notebook for him with colors, letters, and shape practice. His also has the maps included.
Thank you so much for your response. Have a blessed day!
I’m working on getting ours together too! I typically like to pre-bind our notebooks, but for CC stuff I think I’m going to leave the sheets loose and put them in a binder once they are finished. We will do copywork (of course! I love copywork =) map tracing, coloring pages, some fine arts warm-up type pages, etc. I plan on having any sheets for the week in a paper tray and my kids can grab one and do it whenever, the goal being to get them done by the end of the week. I think it will work well for us. Thanks for all your ideas!