SCM Discussion Forum

1. 

   Jennifer
   Member

   Even though I am using a CM curriculum and I do some CM ideas, I am not really as CM as I used to be in the past.  I use R&S math now instead of Singapore because we really hit a wall and it was very teacher intensive and I just couldn't do it anymore.  R&S is not CM, but so called CM friendly math programs didn't work for us either.  We're going to be using R&S English, and for the first time we're using a writing program, Writing with Ease, which is working really well for my 9 year old who after years of narrating still couldn't write anything that made sense on paper.  I'm also using All About Spelling for him because he is a terrible speller, and for the first time I've seen real improvement in his spelling.  Although I LOVE the idea of being a CM purist, or even a semi-purist, it just seemed that it was time to switch things up, and it's been working beautifully as far as seeing progress.  We are using SCM Mod 1 and we love that, along with some AO books that we love also, and that is going great.  I really couldn't be a lot happier with it than I am. 

   I don't really know why I posted this except that I needed to talk to other homeschool moms.  I actually went over to the Well Trained Mind board for the first time because I thought maybe with all these changes I've been making I shouldn't even be on a CM message board.    But after visiting there for a couple of days I know that it's absolutely not the place for me.  It's too big, too secular (although I'm sure there are lovely Christian women who frequent that site), and overall it just isn't my style.  I like it here at the SCM boards...so can I stay even though I'm only a quarter CM at times? 

   Posted 1 year ago # Report Post
2. 

   Rebekahy
   Member

   Oh, I think you'll fit right in here!  I bet there's not more than a handful of TRULY CM purists.  Most of us add in a thing or two here and there because it works for our family.  I think that you'll find lots of support here.  Welcome!

   Posted 1 year ago # Report Post
3. 

   momto2blessings
   Member

   Welcome, Jennifer!  I agree with Rebekahy.  I sometimes frequent the WTM boards, but this is my virtual homeschool 'home.'  :)  And if it makes you feel better, I use a classical writing program and Spelling Workout, and as much as I see the value I'm terrible about getting nature study and handicrafts in (feel like a CM dropout in those areas).  :(    That's the beauty of homeschooling....we can adjust our curriculum/philosophy to fit our children...not the other way around:)  Blessings, Gina

   Posted 1 year ago # Report Post
4. 

   Tia
   Member

   I've said it a million times and I'll say it again...lol

   Charlotte Mason put forth a philosophy of education.  Not a checklist for us to check off.  There are key tenants that make up her philosophy...respect for the child, enriching ideas, literature, no twaddle, short lessons, etc.  I think Miss Mason would look at some of the resources that are less "CM" and say, "Huh.  Wish they would have had that when I was teaching."  lol

   So I would encourage you to give yourself a break and worry about tailoring your education to your children, instilling a love for learning, and doing what works within the framework of an enriching education. 

   I don't think Miss Mason would want her philosophies put into a box.  I feel like that is exactly what she was fighting against at the time. 

   Posted 1 year ago # Report Post
5. 

   poodlemama
   Member

   We too are probably less then 1/2 CM now-a-days.  I figure she did, after all, live nearly a century ago,  before the days of internet, TV, and so much more that is our every day.  I think it would be nearly impossible (and maybe even a little foolish) to expect that we could really be 100% CM.  Some parts of education may be universal but I really do think that there are elements of education that need to be different then they were in CMs day.

   Lindsey

   Posted 1 year ago # Report Post
6. 

   TracyM
   Member

   If that's the case, than I should've have joined either.   I LOVE the CM ideas, but we also do some other things that aren't.  Due to some learning issues, some of mine need more specific instruction with some things so we add those in as needed along with the narrations, copywork, good literature, etc.  We also don't do much of the art and music stuff.  It's working for us right now and I'm happy with the results so far, which I think is the most important thing.

   Posted 1 year ago # Report Post
7. 

   ColoradoMama
   Member

   Great discussion. I am part of book group that is currently reading "School Education," Vol 3 of CM's works. I was particularly struck by a section where CM says that educational needs change, and what suits today will not suit tomorrow. It made me think of the "purists" whose goal is to recreate CM's classrooms as accurately as possible. I don't want to bash, but I personally appreciated that section in the book. I feel much more free to sort and choose what will work best for myself and a teacher and my girls as students. (Of course, that also demands more time, insight and responsibility than just following a plan. It also means - for me - a lot of self-doubt about choosing the "right" curricula!)

   Posted 1 year ago # Report Post
8. 

   Sue
   Member

   Well, this is why I like the SCM site as a starting point for building my CM-methods curriculum: they call theirs a "Curriculum GUIDE" and not just a "Curriculum."  My take-away is that there are a lot of suggestions here from CM-methods veterans, and you can decide what works best for your family.  Just because someone pins the tag "CM-friendly" on something doesn't mean you have to assume it is best for your children.  That reminds me of a local radio station's slogan that calls them "Family-Friendly Radio."  Sometimes, I'll hear an advertisement or comment by a disc jockey on that station and think, "Uh...not friendly for MY family!"

   Okay, can I see a show of hands? Should Jennifer stay?? I vote "yes!"

   Posted 1 year ago # Report Post
9. 

   Sue
   Member

   And besides, if she leaves, she'll take that adorable baby-picture gravatar with her.....just sayin'

   Posted 1 year ago # Report Post
10. 

    Jennifer
    Member

    You guys have made a few substantial points.  I'll think about it over night and let you know if the baby-picture gravatar and I are staying or not.  Hehehe j/k.  Seriously, thanks all.    I love this board. 

    Posted 1 year ago # Report Post

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