Over 5 years ago I was an ardent follower of CM using AO, but one day I woke up and just couldn't do another day. My voice was tired and I felt like CM's methods let me down. I didn't feel that my kids liked the books or wanted to read them. Narration wasn't happening well and writing was nonexsistent. Maybe my expectations were wrong, but it all seemed so dry and dull.
We switched to MFW and then to Sonlight. I have Cores F and 200 from SL for next year. Core 200 looks like too "much" for my 15 year old dd. I want to soften it a little.
Writing is what has me panicing. Especially for for dd. over the last 2 years of using SL's writing I don't feel like I am seeing any improvements. I have used IEW a little but wow is it time consuming and it just doesn't feel right. (What an excuse, it doesn't feel right, how lame) She is planning on community college for after high school and working with young children, so I don't need intensive writing. Maybe epi kardia's essay writing might help. That is within my price range. Any advice?
I have been reading many archived posts on teaching writing here and I feel drawn to written narrations again and more CM styled learning. My heart cringes though as I felt CM methods let me down before.
I am afraid to trust. Does it really work, DOES IT???!!! If it worked for you do you thik there were other lifestyle choices that you made that helped it work? Can I come back at such a late time with twins boys who are 11 and dd who is 14? If I come back, can I rearrange my SL? (I can't really buy new stuff, tight budget)
Has anyone else ever left and then come back to CM's methods before?