Category Encouragement

Thoughts, quotes, and ideas to refresh and encourage you as a parent and homeschool teacher.

Charlottes Heart for Teachers calendar journal

2016 Calendar Journal Now Available

I’ve been copying a lot of meaningful entries in my Commonplace Book lately. Many of them have come from the little but rich volume that Charlotte Mason gave all her teaching-school graduates, The Cloud of Witness compiled by Mrs. Lyttelton…

home construction

Taking Shape

It’s exciting to see a new community take shape! First you see the plots marked off. Then the utilities and infrastructure are put in place. Little by little you see a few homes built. Roads are paved; sidewalks go in.…

Purple piggy bank

Small, Constant Touches

My 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…

Happy homeschool boy

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…

When More is Less

When More Is Less

There was once a man named Bill, who decided to go for a hike from Georgia to Maine on the Appalachian Trail. A distance of about 2,000 miles. Six months of hiking, sleeping on the ground, and cooking meals outside.…

Encouraging messages

Staying Encouraged

I have to smile when I recall three texts I received last week. The first message was from a dear friend who is providing CM-inspired Little House camps this summer. She sent me some sweet photos of the children copying…

make it happen

A Good Resolution

Perhaps this isn’t the prime time of the year to talk about resolutions. Usually resolutions are discussed around New Year’s Day. However, it is homeschool convention season, and many good resolutions are made at conventions too. You hear a workshop…

Charlotte Mason Student Motto

The Story of a Stamp

Every once in a while you meet a kindred spirit who just knows how to nourish your heart. I had that privilege last fall when my travels took me to McDonough, Georgia, and the Hildreth family. I had actually met…

Girl on dock

Flowing Stream or Stagnant Pool?

Near our neighborhood are two houses that provide a study in contrast. Each has a pond on its property, and each of the owners has built a little dock at the edge of his pool. When you drive by in…

2014 calendar

Planning to Learn and Grow in 2014

There’s something about a blank calendar that excites me! All those days are spread out in enticing array as opportunities. When I look at 2014, I see so many opportunities to learn and grow as a person! But if there…

Snow flowers

A Winter Season

It’s hard to believe that winter is nearly here. The leaves are off the trees and it seems like there is nothing green growing in sight. Yet this time of year is important to the growth process. Something is happening…