I think I’ve caught the bug. Not that icky respiratory bug that’s going around. I’m talking about the let’s-get-busy-and-tweak-what-needs-tweaking-so-we-can-enter-2012-ready-to-succeed bug. You know, that persistent urge to clean out closets or reorganize the kitchen cupboards. That itch to evaluate your life and adjust your daily routine. That unquenchable desire to read helpful articles and dig for little gems that will breathe new life into your home school.

While I can’t help with your closets or kitchen cupboards and I wouldn’t dare evaluate your life until mine is all it should be, I am happy to do what I can to supply some quick energy boosts for your Charlotte Mason home school. Here, for your reading pleasure, are our favorite posts from 2011.

On School Subjects

Learn how Charlotte combined basic phonics and sight words to teach children how to read in this Teaching Reading series. And be reminded that you can use A Variety of Tools for Teaching Reading.
Be encouraged in your quest to give your children nature study with Small Steps: Nature Study Help for Mom.
If your child constantly interrupts you while you’re reading aloud, you may find this post on Relating and Rambling helpful.
Picture study is a wonderful way to enlarge your child’s education, and it’s not difficult at all. Learn about this simple way to do art appreciation and feed your child’s soul in this series on Picture Study.

Practical How-To’s

Charlotte’s very helpful counsel will help you prepare for 2012 in Three Practical Do Not’s.
As you look ahead to your plans for next year, gather ideas from What I Learned from Charlotte’s Schedule.
Those of you dealing with special needs may find helpful suggestions in Charlotte Mason Homeschooling with Special Needs Children.
And as you collect the books you will use, keep in mind the difference between Facts vs. Ideas.

Thoughts to Ponder

Before we ask ourselves Which curriculum? or What activities?, Charlotte reminded us about the more important Three Questions for the Homeschool Mother: Why? What? How?.
We often hear people use the word “gentle” for CM, but Is Charlotte Mason a Gentle Approach? Read both sides and a special guest article from Karen Andreola.
Curriculum writers deal with material. It is up to you to use curriculum in a way that will personalize it and Teach the Child.

Encouragement for Mom

A thought to bolster your heart as you serve your family faithfully during A Day of Small Things.
A reminder that life flows much smoother if you take a little time to plan. Ah, The Wonderful Ease of Having a Plan!
One of the biggest questions that homeschool moms face, Is My Child Learning Enough?, may be the wrong question.
And here is encouragement for all those skills and habits that we don’t see in our children right now: Let Us Not Grow Weary.

May your week be filled with eager anticipation for all that the new year holds!