So how do those Charlotte Mason methods work out for a simpler schoolday? Here is a peek into the days of my K-er and 3rd-grader. Kindergarten: Pearl listens in on Duncan’s read-aloud time (this is at her wish, I do not require it) and then has her own. Her read-alouds contain a Bible story, … more
What would you think if I were to tell you that you could effectively cover all of language arts, from kindergarten to jr. high, without curriculum; just books, pens, and paper? After trying many different curricula with my firstborn, I have left them all behind and traded them for Charlotte Mason’s methods for my younger … more
The arts or skills of language are one of the things that set human beings apart from the rest of creation. It is one of the ways that we are made in the image of God. It is the vehicle which allows knowledge to be passed on. As a result we have fellowship, progress, beauty, and a … more
Laundering just sounds nicer than Laundry, doesn’t it? What mommy-blog would be complete without a post of “how we do laundry”? Yes, it is a mundane subject. But laundry is one of the hidden gears in the machinery of life that must turn smoothly for the more important gears to turn. Besides, I don’t want all of my … more
Here is what we are using this year. Dusty – 9th Grade Systematic Mathematics Algebra 2 – His last year with Mr. Ziegler! We have been very happy with this video-based program. Dusty’s progress and solid grasp of concepts continually impresses us. Wilson Hill Academy Honors Composition class – Last year’s online writing class was a rousing success … more
(Part 3 in a 3-part Planning series) Student planners are an integral part of organizing our school at home. I mentioned in an earlier post that I do not make lesson plans. The reason is that my students do! Student planners accomplish several things for us. They give some autonomy to our students (which increases … more
(Part 2 of a 3-part Planning series) How do you know what subjects need to be covered in your homeschool? Are you doing enough? Too much? And how does one choose curriculum? There are so many products in the homeschooling market today that it is easy to become confused and overwhelmed. After ten years of … more
(Part 1 of a 3-part Planning series) Another school year has gotten off the ground and planning is fresh on my mind. There are probably as many ways to plan as there are homeschool families. We each need to find what works for us. Here is how I do it. I begin by finding a … more
“The memory of being read to is a solace one carries through adulthood. It can wash over a multitude of parental sins.” –Kathleen Rockwell Lawrence I am convinced, whether you homeschool or not, that this is the single most important thing you can do for your children’s education. So many things are accomplished in this … more
If you move in the same online homeschool circles I do, you are well aware of the debate on whether a “Charlotte Mason” education, popular among homeschoolers, is a type of the coveted Classical education. Karen Glass, one of the founders of Ambleside Online, recently wrote a book attempting to prove similarities between the two. I … more