I usually describe our homeschool as “Classical/Charlotte-Mason-y” but frankly we’re a bit simpler than either of these. After 13 years, our school is a mix of philosophies, honed and simplified down to what works for me and for my children. Someday I will write about those influences, but the overarching goal is what some call … more
A full year ahead! Our first–and only–year with all four children in school. Dusty – 12th Grade (!) Statistics, English, and Physics at the local Community College – From my Charlotte-Mason-y viewpoint at the beginning of high school, I never thought we’d go the route of community college. It is not free for homeschooled high-schoolers … more
My thoughts on last year’s curriculum choices: 11th Grade It’s getting a little hard to give detailed reviews at these upper levels because it has become so hands off for me. That’s a good thing! The biggest role for a parent at this stage of the game to to provide accountability. The Student Planner remains … more
Mathematics is a frequent subject of curriculum searches, and most homeschoolers go through a few different programs during their tenure. We’re all looking for a curriculum that teaches the maximum amount of math understanding with the minimum amount of pain. With the multitude of products available these days, and the belief that “different things work … more
I decided to do something new this year and post a quick review of the curriculum we used last year so we can all see how well it worked. 10th Grade Jacobs Geometry – I will admit it was a rough start, since Dusty was transitioning to self-teaching with a textbook from a video-based program. Once … more
Dusty – 11th Grade Precalculus – Dual-credit online class through LeTourneau University – LeTourneau is a college we are looking into for Dusty. When we found out that they had dual-credit online classes for half the cost of another online class we considered, we decided to give them a try. Center for Lit English classes … more
I never thought that one day I’d be lucky enough to have a homeschool retreat of this type in my own neck of the woods. Melissa, a friend who blogs at Reflections from Drywood Creek, is putting together a one-day retreat for those interested in classical and Charlotte Mason education. We will be honored to … more
In my small, specialized world of classical and Charlotte Mason homeschooling, a lively debate has taken form over the last year. A book had been written, and then a critique, and the ensuing conversations have created two “camps” in the previously-homogeneous crowd of Charlotte Mason educators. What are those two views? One, that Charlotte Mason was … more
You may have noticed my mentions of pens in posts regarding our schooling. Yes, we do use pens. I had heard pens, specifically fountain pens, recommended for children who are learning to write and who become fatigued by pressing too hard. I was told it was how children learned penmanship here in the past as well as … more
I can’t tell you how many times I hear this question come up in the context of homeschooling: What can I do to keep my toddler occupied so she/he doesn’t constantly interrupt and derail our school? After this question will come a torrent of suggestions, usually about curating a number of preschool-like activities to distract the … more