Rebekah P
Member
I was just curious why so few CM companies recommend these two books. Since they were written by Charlotte herself I would think they would be included. Is it because they are too outdated or is it just a personal preference? Does she mention these books in her writings? If so, could someone tell me where.
I would just like some clarification as to why more people don't recommend them. Even feedback from others who have used them would be helpful.
Thanks
Rebekah
Rachel
Member
I really can't answer your question as yet. However, I have decided to use Simply Grammar next year.
I own both of these and have often wondered the same thing. We are using the Charlotte Mason's Elementary Geography book this year. It actually IS recommended at Charlottemasonhelp.com (HUFI Curriculum). I have not used Simply Grammar yet, but have been hanging onto it until next year when I will have a 4th grader / 10 year old. I'd like to know why they aren't recommended more myself. Sonya? Any thoughts?
Great question. I know some CMers who have used and loved those resources and others who have not enjoyed them as much. I'm happy to give my personal experience here, but please remember that you should feel free to use what will work best for your family. 
When my girls and I started Simply Grammar (which is a revised and expanded version of Charlotte's lessons), we found some of the terms different from those I had been taught and used. We also found parts of it a bit confusing without an answer key to help us discover what we were misunderstanding. Add to that the fact that I wanted my children to learn how to diagram, which isn't included in Simply Grammar, and you can see why it wasn't a good fit for us.
Elementary Geography is a wonderful book, but since I try to combine all my grades for geography I thought it a bit young for that purpose. Also, I try to focus on one continent each year, so the ideas in Elementary Geography don't quite fit with my overall selected plan.
That being said, please use them if you think they will work well for you and your students. I just don't recommend them because I didn't use/finish them personally.
Rebekah P
Member
Wonderful response. I love the freedom of using what works for each of us. That is always clear in your advice, Sonya.
I remember you saying you liked diagraming. That makes sense that it wouldn't work for you.
Thanks again for the response.
Rachel
Member
I want my children to do diagramming, too. I'm using SG as an in-between to keep things fresh before using Our Mother Tongue, which will teach them diagramming.
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