Possibly coming here (probably long)

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  • December 23, 2011 at 8:19 pm
    ChristyH
    Participant

    I realize it is a bit soon but DH and I had a talk about finances for next year. We won’t be able to continue with what we were using and have to use something much more frugal for our homeschooling. We were using Sonlight which I liked and they liked, but even used it is too much money. That said I should mention that I do know lots about CM as we used to use Ambleside but all of the reading aloud, 2 levels and the old language just killed my love for CM. Not mention I just didn’t trust the CM method, especially for teaching writing. Strangley enough I almost felt betrayed by her because my kids didn’t like it. With Sonlight I have really dug into Ruth Beechicks and have enjoyed them immensely. They are very close to CM’s stuff.

    I have looked around for my most frugal options and what I really like and it is this Simply Charlotte Mason or my own unit studies. My heart has softened toward CM again. I have been lurking here for awhile. I think the slower paced reading will help my dd who is 14, “catch” more from her books. I figure if I add in a few projects my boys, who are 10, will enjoy it. Besides I choose the Middles ages one, if we go this route.

    I must confess that even though I think my kids would love the unit studies approach I have always fallen flat on my face when I try to plan my stuff.Embarassed  I am so nervous to leave the tried and true path. Bookworm’s post on how CM worked for their family really encouraged me.

     

    Any suggestions or thoughts?

     

    December 23, 2011 at 8:59 pm
    Tristan
    Participant

    ((HUGS))

    I have to admit when we first set out to school in a more CM way the one thing that really worried me was the slower pace when reading books. Now I can say that it has been the best possible thing for my children to savor and really live in a time period. I love that SCM keeps the whole family together. I’m about to have baby #7 (my oldest is 10) and there is no way I could keep up separate years for all my children without going crazy.

    We’ve also done unit studies (several years worth before switching to more CM style). We love unit studies too and what I’ve found is we use them for a ‘break’ that still keeps us learning. When the routine gets old and everyone gets stir crazy a unit is a fun way to relax a bit.

    We’re not 100% CM, but everything we’ve done to move that direction has been a good change for our family. We’ll keep heading this direction.

    And I agree, reading posts like Bookworm’s from further down the road is so encouraging!

    December 23, 2011 at 9:41 pm
    momto2blessings
    Participant

    Welcome!  SCM is great. I’m a former SL’er and AO’er so I can understand where you’re coming from:)  SCM is wonderful as is, if that’s what you’re looking for.  What’s worked great for our family is using their “Planning Your CM Education” guide.  It’s a handy resource to make sure all your CM bases are covered, with downloadable schedules.  I like picking the resources from here and AO that I like best and plugging into our own schedule. This way, it’s up to me to decide how many composers, artists, shakespeare plays, etc. to study each year, which lit. to read, etc. to make it doable with adding in some other things we do.  Whenever I try to follow any one plan completely I always end up tweaking anyway:) Best wishes. If you decide to stick around, this forum is a wonderful wealth of info. with very supportive moms and site owners:)  Gin

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