You’ve probably noticed our little slogan: “Guidance for the beginner. Flexibility for the pro.” Here’s a quick overview of how SimplyCharlotteMason will work for both.

(1) Select books and other resources
For the beginner, we’ll provide for each child a complete list of suggested resources that you can use or modify. So if we list a book for Literature that you’ve already read, you can easily select a different one from our database of hundreds of CM-style books.

The pro can start from scratch and simply select all the resources you want to use. If a resource is not in our database, you can easily add it.

We’re providing both options — the suggested curriculum guide and the build-your-own-from-scratch — because of this response to our survey:

  • I like to use a program as a foundation and then modify it: 62%
  • I like to put together my own curriculum from scratch: 31%

(2) Schedule your selected resources
For the beginner, we’ll give a suggested pace and weekly schedule for the resources in the guide. You can try that schedule or modify it to fit each child’s pace and any outside family activities.

If you’re a pro, setting up your resources from scratch, you can also set the pace and schedule for each.

(3) Check off completed progress
Your resource and schedule choices will be compiled and organized into daily plans. You’ll be able to see at a glance what you scheduled for today and check off each assignment as it’s completed. You’ll also have the freedom to change your mind or reschedule assignments on the fly.

(4) Access reports of your records
As you check off the assignments, they will automatically be archived in your school records for each child. You’ll be able to view those records in a variety of reports. (And you can download all your data at any time.)

Whew! (And that’s the quick version!) Now you see why this tool is taking several months to get ready. We’re working hard. Let us know what you think.

Update as of 3/1/07: We’re happy to announce that the CM Organizer is now online.