Charlotte Mason Method, Education Is3 Key Questions for Homeschooling ApproachesHave you been trying to decide what homeschooling method or curriculum to use or just how to homeschool? Obviously, we like the Charlotte Mason method around here, but how does that compare to the others? And what is the difference…Sonya ShaferMay 21, 20091 Comment
Books & Resources, BibleRomans Bible Study for Grades 7-12One of my goals for my older students is to teach them how to perform various types of Bible studies, like character studies or topical studies. So I try to incorporate that goal in our history and Bible study each…Sonya ShaferMay 12, 20091 Comment
Books & Resources, Charlotte Mason MethodSCM Spring UpdateWell, I almost have my voice back. Those of you who were at the Georgia homeschool convention (GHEA) this past weekend know what I’m talking about. We had a great time chatting with the hundreds of people who stopped by…Sonya ShaferMay 7, 2009
Books & Resources, History, Geography, BibleNew Matthew through Acts & Ancient Rome HandbookWhen I was growing up in Sunday School and church, I heard the stories of the Bible many times. I could tell you all the details of Who, What, Why, and How. But I never thought about the When. I…Sonya ShaferApril 29, 2009
Books & Resources, Charlotte Mason Method, EventsPreparing for a Homeschool ConventionI well remember the first homeschool convention I attended. I was very excited to gain the insights and tips from the workshops I had selected from the brochure’s schedule. I was eager to listen to veteran homeschoolers, get some encouragement,…Sonya ShaferApril 23, 2009
Charlotte Mason Method, High School, Education IsWhen Grades Are NecessaryLast week we highlighted the four schooling methods that Charlotte Mason said to avoid. One of those methods is the practice of giving grades. We’ve received several inquiries from our readers with great questions about how avoiding grades would look…Sonya ShaferApril 18, 2009
Education Is, Charlotte Mason MethodFour Methods to Avoid in Charlotte Mason HomeschoolingThe past few weeks we’ve been talking about feeding our children’s natural curiosity and desire for knowledge by using living books and natural things. Those Charlotte Mason methods help our children form relations that result in true education. But did…Sonya ShaferApril 8, 2009
Art, Handicrafts, Charlotte Mason Method, Science, Nature Study, Physical EducationHands-on Learning in the Charlotte Mason MethodMany people equate living books with the Charlotte Mason method. And that’s well and good. Living books are a big part of her approach, as we’ve discussed during recent posts. But a Charlotte Mason education is not based just on…Sonya ShaferApril 1, 2009
Narration, Living Books, Books & Resources, Charlotte Mason MethodUsing Living Books EffectivelyToday is grocery day at our house. And you can be sure that after last time’s post, I’m going to be picky in the produce section. But you know, bringing home that delightful food is just the first step. It’s…Sonya ShaferMarch 26, 20095 Comments
Books & Resources, Charlotte Mason Method, Living BooksChoosing Books Like a ConnoisseurIt’s rather entertaining to watch shoppers in the produce section. Some approach a fruit stand with fear and trepidation. They know they’re supposed to be picky about which mangos they buy, but they haven’t the foggiest idea how to tell…Sonya ShaferMarch 18, 20093 Comments
Living Books, Charlotte Mason Method, Education IsI Can RelateFleece. Dyeing. Carding. Spinning. A year ago I recognized those words and could define them accurately. But in the past several months my oldest daughter has taken up dyeing and spinning as a hobby. Now when I hear someone mention…Sonya ShaferMarch 12, 20096 Comments
Science, Books & Resources, Charlotte Mason Method, Nature StudyOutdoor Secrets Nature Stories“Once upon a time, not so very long ago, there stood in a large orchard a beautiful Apple-Tree. All through the long winter it had held out bare branches. The March sun whispered to it that spring had come. But…Sonya ShaferMarch 3, 2009
Books & Resources, Charlotte Mason Method, Physical EducationThe Swedish Drill TeacherAfter our previous post, many of you contacted us to find out where you might be able to get a copy of the book we mentioned: The Swedish Drill Teacher by M. H. Spalding. Originally published in 1910, this book…Sonya ShaferFebruary 23, 2009
Charlotte Mason Method, Physical EducationHomeschool Physical Education: Swedish DrillThis idea of Swedish drill that Charlotte Mason used in her schools intrigued me, so I went on a hunt for more information. Well, the wonderful inter-library loan lady at my local library found me a gem: The Swedish Drill…Sonya ShaferFebruary 12, 20091 Comment
Physical Education, Charlotte Mason MethodHomeschool Physical Education: Folk DancingIt’s the middle of winter and many of us are looking for more ways to give the children exercise indoors during inclement weather. A couple of physical recreation activities that Charlotte Mason used in her schools can come to the…Sonya ShaferFebruary 4, 2009
Writing, Language Arts, High School, Charlotte Mason MethodA Book of MottoesLike many of you, I enjoy reading the Mitford books by Jan Karon. But you may be surprised to hear which one is my favorite: Patches of Godlight, a journal of quotes and mottoes that the fictional Father Tim has…Sonya ShaferJanuary 28, 2009
Books & Resources, Charlotte Mason Method, Masterly Inactivity, ParentingMasterly Inactivity Free Charlotte Mason E-BookDo you ever feel like you’re on the Mommy See-saw? “I must teach my child to obey, yet I don’t want to be a dictator.” “I want my child to enjoy his childhood, but I can’t just allow him to…Sonya ShaferJanuary 21, 2009
Charlotte Mason MethodTop Ten SCM Blog Posts from 2008It’s January — a great time for looking back and looking ahead. We thought a fun way to look back would be to review our most popular posts for 2008. Perhaps you missed one of these topics or will find…Sonya ShaferJanuary 14, 2009
Charlotte Mason Method, Events2008 SCM Event PhotosWe enjoyed getting to travel and meet many of you during 2008! And thanks to my husband John, you can take a look back over the year with us. John hauled his trusty digital camera to several of our All-Day…Sonya ShaferJanuary 7, 2009
Books & Resources, Charlotte Mason MethodAll-Day CM Seminar Now on DVDThat’s right! We are pleased to announce that the All-Day Charlotte Mason Seminar is now available on DVD. We’ve had so many requests to record this seminar and have been working on it for many months. It’s exciting to have…Sonya ShaferDecember 29, 2008