Two New Nature CompanionsWe mentioned last time how helpful it is to have some resources to assist you in making new acquaintances and getting to know them better in nature study. Today we’re happy to announce two new resources designed to do just…Sonya ShaferMarch 24, 2015
Making New AcquaintancesWe talked last time about the benefits of spending time outside—how it cultivates reverence for God, respect for others, and renewed focus on life. Some of you may have felt annoyed at the reminder. Some of you avoid spending time…Sonya ShaferMarch 17, 20154 Comments
The Quiet Schooling of NatureThe promise of spring is in the air. Lately we’ve had a few days that were warm enough to invite us outside for a refreshing walk. Here in Georgia I’ve even spotted the first brave daffodils in various yards, turning…Sonya ShaferMarch 11, 20155 Comments
2015 Reader Awards and Convention ScheduleTwenty years ago when I started homeschooling, one of the first resources I latched onto was Practical Homeschooling magazine. I loved reading the “A Day in the Life” diaries from other homeschool families and getting a peek into what their…Sonya ShaferMarch 5, 20152 Comments
Getting the Spine Book StraightIf you’ve been around Charlotte Mason homeschoolers for any length of time, you have most likely heard the term “spine” book. While it may seem like such a term would refer to a type of science book, it’s actually more…Sonya ShaferFebruary 25, 2015
Shakespeare in Three Steps: A New ResourceMy first exposure to Shakespeare was in a high school language arts class. We had a substitute teacher that day. He didn’t know what to do with the class, so he wheeled in one of those TV-on-a-cart jobs and popped…Sonya ShaferFebruary 13, 2015
Shakespeare: Author and World-TeacherEvery once in a while you find an author with whom you connect on a deep level. One who can use words masterfully to paint a picture on the wall of your mind, almost as vivid as a framed watercolor…Sonya ShaferFebruary 5, 20151 Comment
Small, Constant TouchesMy youngest daughter is earning money toward a trip. Ever since she learned about the Oregon Trail, she has wanted to go visit some of its destinations in person. She is saving coins in a bright purple piggy bank. She…Sonya ShaferJanuary 27, 20156 Comments
Charlotte Mason: It’s for Boys Too!When I tell people that I have four girls, they often jump to an incorrect conclusion: So the Charlotte Mason Method doesn’t work for boys? That’s when I smile and tell them that the “other half” of Simply Charlotte Mason…Sonya ShaferJanuary 13, 20155 Comments
Music Study with the MastersLike many of you, I grew up taking piano lessons. I remember playing Beethoven’s Fur Elise and exercises from Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier. But no one ever told me the stories behind those pieces or introduced the composers to me as…Sonya ShaferJanuary 6, 20153 Comments
To Equip, Educate, and Inspire You for 2015As the old year winds down, one thing I love to do is look for resources that will help me in the new year. A variety is best. I keep my eyes open for resources that will save me time,…Sonya ShaferDecember 29, 20141 Comment
Charlotte Mason and Classical Education: Consider ThisEarlier this year I had the privilege of reading Karen Glass’ new book, Consider This: Charlotte Mason and the Classical Tradition. From the very beginning I couldn’t put it down! Her work cuts deftly through the confusion swirling around this…Sonya ShaferDecember 17, 20142 Comments
5 Steps to Successful Narration: New Free E-bookA quick read. Sometimes that little touch lifts our heads from the everyday rush and points our eyes once again toward a beautiful goal. This Christmas season we want to give you the gift of a quick read. One that…Sonya ShaferDecember 10, 2014
Creative Narration, Creative Writing(Editor’s Note: I sometimes get asked, “What about creative writing?” Here is a lovely post about how to approach creative writing by guest writer, Karen Andreola.) “If we would believe it, composition is a natural as jumping and running to…Karen AndreolaNovember 26, 2014
An Added Bonus (Narration Q & A, part 18)When I started homeschooling with the Charlotte Mason Method, my focus was all on the children. I thought this endeavor was about giving my children the kind of education that I hadn’t received. Little did I suspect the added bonus…Sonya ShaferNovember 19, 2014
