SCM Discussion Forum

1. 

   fivestones
   Member

   I understand why the short lessons, but I am wondering? First, I tried to set the timer for 15 or 20 min., my children cry and say its not fun, that I am rushing them. With math, no problem but my children could spend an hour on science and enjoy themselves. Or they really are getting into a book, to be told to shut it and lets move on. I feel like I am saying that constantly, 'let's move on'. I personally am a schedule person and if it says we are to be on page - by - date, then I will be there :) Yes God is working on me. But one of my goals in educating my children at home is that they LOVE learning. If we spent the hour on each subject that I have planned in a day we would not be done with school until 4, but if we work in the 15-20 min blocks we can easily be done by 12-12:30. Now, I am re-thinking. Should I just be having a 'science' day and let them enjoy it and forget about history for that day, and then switch off and on? When my daughter is free writing, she gets into her story, should I just let her go until she is done and then finish what we can and move the rest to the next day? But then am I really adhering to the CM philosophy of short lessons. I want that CM education..Ugh... Any other ideas, thoughts or suggestions?
   Blessings,
   Vanessa

   Posted 4 years ago # Report Post
2. 

   hvfth99
   Member

   Vanessa,
   I have found that the short lesson rule works really well when the children are struggling or when they don't really enjoy a certain topic. If we're stuck on a math problem or a grammar lesson that is frustrating both of us, I say, "Okay, we've spent enough time on this, so we'll come back to it tomorrow or later." But, if we've already read our designated amount of chapters in a book, and the girls beg me to read more, I'm going to jump on that and spend as much time on it as they want.

   I like you're idea of a science or history day. That way, you won't feel like you're skipping anything--you're just getting it all in at one time. I don't know if that made any sense to you--remember, Charlotte wasn't making "rules," rather suggestions as to what she felt was a successful way of learning. We, as homeschoolers, are free to adapt her ideas as they best fit our learning atmosphere.

   It sounds like you're getting a lot accomplished, and I would suggest fostering their creativity, not stifling it.

   HTH, Faith :)

   Posted 4 years ago # Report Post
3. 

   gr8tfulCMmom
   Member

   I'm not a CM expert by any means, but I'll speak from my own experience. The first year, I was faithful to our short lessons. My DD's would often beg for more time or just one more chapter, but I'd close the subject and move on (I, too, like my little check off list).

   The second year, I gave in to their requests and lingered in subjects longer or read that "one more chapter". And for us, it backfired. By the end of that year, the joy and excitement was gone. They no longer ran to grab a book and say "Hurry mommy, we want to see what happens when..."! I can't explain it, but the whole atmosphere changed. Our days became longer and I found myself saying, "Come on ladies, let's get this done so we can move on".

   This year, we're back to those short lessons without fail. They are working quicker, they know they don't have much time. Thankfully, they are begging for "one more chapter" again. At lunch, they'll discuss what they think might happen in such and such book tomorrow (or whatever day we study that subject again). We finish by lunch and we have our afternoons to be outside or working on handicrafts. It's all kind of fallen back in to place again.

   I know all kids are different, but for my little ones, leaving them anticipating was actually more stimulating. And knowing that mommy would close the copywork book in 15 minutes produced more discipline...they GOT IT DONE!

   I read 4 of the 6 volume's a year or so ago, but shamefully, haven't been in them much lately. I seem to remember Charlotte saying something along those lines, but I don't remember exactly what. All I know is our experience and maybe it might help someone.

   Blessings...Tonni

   Posted 4 years ago # Report Post

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