The Line That Strikes UsSometimes a phrase jumps off the page and sticks with me. I’m sure you have experienced similar moments. The choice of words resonates with my heart or touches something deep inside my mind, and I notice them replaying in my…Sonya ShaferBooks & Resources, Charlotte Mason Method, Language Arts7 Comments
On the Side (Narration Q & A, part 16)As we have worked our way through the Narration Q & A series over the past few weeks, I’ve been trying to group the questions by topic. We have a couple more big topics left to cover, but today I…Sonya ShaferCharlotte Mason Method, Narration1 Comment
Raising the Bar (Narration Q & A, part 15)Can you touch your ceiling? I can’t touch the ceiling in my kitchen even if I jump. It’s a standard height, but I can barely reach it with a 2-foot-long fly swatter. Now can you imagine jumping over your ceiling?…Sonya ShaferCharlotte Mason Method, Narration4 Comments
When More Is LessThere 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.…Sonya ShaferHomeschool Planning, Encouragement1 Comment
Written Narration: The Next Step in Composition (Narration Q & A, part 14)We’ve been discussing oral narration for several weeks now. It’s time to move on to the next step in composition. Wait a minute! you say to yourself. The next step? I thought written narration was composition. So often when we…Sonya ShaferNarration, Charlotte Mason Method2 Comments
Beginning with Older Children (Narration Q & A, part 13)Last time we talked about some ideas for getting started using narration with younger children. Today let’s address some questions about starting the method with older children. Narration Question #41: In the Fall I will have a 4th and 1st…Sonya ShaferCharlotte Mason Method, Narration1 Comment
Beginning with Younger Children (Narration Q & A, part 12)In our Narration Q & A series so far, we have covered the foundation. The tips and techniques that we have discussed apply to most age ranges and give the broad view of narration. During the rest of this series,…Sonya ShaferCharlotte Mason Method, Narration1 Comment
Narration with Multiple Children (Narration Q & A, part 11)When we think of narration, we often envision a parent and a child sitting comfortably on the couch. The mother is smiling and nodding—the book closed and resting in her lap—as the child earnestly tells the story in his own…Sonya ShaferCharlotte Mason Method, Narration2 Comments
Magic Numbers (Narration Q & A, part 10)Eat three square meals a day. Brush your teeth twice a day. Change the oil every 3,000 miles. Take the trash to the curb once a week. Many of us love guidelines with numbers, because it’s easier to wrap our…Sonya ShaferCharlotte Mason Method, Narration3 Comments
In Which We Talk More about When and How (Narration Q & A, part 9)I love this comment that Megan shared on our blog! I did my first oral narration with my 9 year old son today after watching (and being SO encouraged) by the living and learning DVD set. He did pretty well,…Sonya ShaferCharlotte Mason Method, Narration1 Comment
The Next Step (Narration Q & A, part 8)It’s easy to look at narration as the be-all and end-all Charlotte Mason method of learning. What we don’t realize is that we are focusing on just a portion of the picture. We are mistaken if we think that a…Sonya ShaferCharlotte Mason Method, Narration
Correct Me If I’m Wrong (Narration Q & A, part 7)So far in our Narration Q & A series, we’ve talked about the reason we use Charlotte Mason’s method of narration and how it cements the material in the student’s mind; we’ve discussed what narration is and how to get…Sonya ShaferCharlotte Mason Method, Narration
Singing the Great Hymns: A Special DelightIsn’t it great when a song gets stuck in your head? I suppose it depends on the song. These past couple of days I’ve had a wonderful stream of words lilting through my mind, thanks to a hymn we sang…Sonya ShaferCharlotte Mason Method, Books & Resources, Music2 Comments
The Long and Short of It (Narration Q & A, part 6)I was listening to a music teacher talk about Chopin yesterday. He mentioned that some people might think Chopin was a lesser composer than Beethoven because Chopin’s compositions are so much shorter. But the music teacher set everyone’s doubts at…Sonya ShaferCharlotte Mason Method, Narration4 Comments
Narration: A New Suit of ClothesFor those of you who are just starting out with narration—or for anyone who would welcome a good dose of courage and confidence—we are happy to present this guest blog post from Karen Andreola. Read and be encouraged! When a…Karen AndreolaCharlotte Mason Method, Narration2 Comments
Charlotte Mason Blog Carnival: Summer Party EditionA change of scene. Sometimes a change of scene is the key to refreshing our wits and renewing our energy. A biography on Charlotte Mason tells us that her daily life of teaching and supervising and corresponding and running a…Sonya ShaferCharlotte Mason Method2 Comments
Setting Them Up for Success (Narration Q & A, part 5)When I began using Charlotte Mason’s method of narration, I thought it should look like this: We sit on the couch. I open the book and read the next chapter. I close the book and ask a student to retell…Sonya ShaferCharlotte Mason Method, Narration4 Comments
The Simplest Way (Narration Q & A, part 4)I like simple. Well, let me amend that statement. I like simple as long as it’s effective. As we continue our series on narration questions and answers, let’s look at a simple description Charlotte gave for using narration effectively. This…Sonya ShaferCharlotte Mason Method, Narration
In My Own Words (Narration Q&A, part 3)How well do you know The Pledge of Allegiance? I’m pretty sure most of us can recite it. Want to try? (Those of you residing in a country other than the United States, bear with me while I make a…Sonya ShaferCharlotte Mason Method, Narration3 Comments
The Why Behind the How (Narration Q&A, part 2)We just returned from a homeschool convention in Texas that required four days on the road and three days at the convention hall. You do the math. During those days away from home, we ate in many different restaurants, and…Sonya ShaferCharlotte Mason Method, Narration5 Comments
Let’s Talk about Narration (Narration Q&A, Part 1)In my pantry are some foods I think of as staples. They can be included in a variety of dishes and used in a variety of ways. Take potatoes, for instance. I can add them to a stew or pop…Sonya ShaferCharlotte Mason Method, Narration12 Comments
Staying EncouragedI 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…Sonya ShaferEncouragement, Events
Postponing Formal Grammar InstructionThe ladies over at Analytical Grammar recently sent out an excellent post in support of delaying formal grammar instruction until the student is at least 10 years old—just as Charlotte Mason advocated. Read Erin and Robin’s timely advice and be…Sonya ShaferCharlotte Mason Method, Language Arts3 Comments
Pocketful of Pinecones, An Interview with Karen AndreolaPocketful of Pinecones is one of my favorite books to read in the springtime. It is such a gentle and uplifting story, with so many Nature Study nuggets woven throughout, that you can’t help but be inspired to get outdoors…Sonya ShaferBooks & Resources, Charlotte Mason Method, Nature Study6 Comments
Reason 6: It Fosters a Lifelong Love of Learning (6 Reasons I Love the Charlotte Mason Method)Some friends of ours are getting married this summer. As I’ve watched their relationships with their spouses-to-be grow, it struck me how silly it would be if one of them would say, “Okay, I now know my fiancé’s telephone number,…Sonya ShaferCharlotte Mason Method, Education Is
Reason 5: Good Habits Smooth the Way (6 Reasons I Love the Charlotte Mason Method)It’s amazing how much our daily lives are shaped by our habits: getting up, getting ourselves ready, what clothes we put on, getting our children ready, taking care of pets, where we sit at the table, how we talk to…Sonya ShaferCharlotte Mason Method, Habits, Education Is
Reason 4: The Student Makes Connections (6 Reasons I Love the Charlotte Mason Method)When I first heard about the Charlotte Mason Method, we had already been homeschooling for a year. That was my oldest’s kindergarten year, and we had been doing a unit study approach. During that year I had discovered that unit…Sonya ShaferCharlotte Mason Method, Education Is
Learning and Living: New 12-DVD SetAbout a year ago, my husband John and I were driving home from a convention and discussing how we might be able to help more people understand the Charlotte Mason Method. (We’ve found that drive times are perfect times for…Sonya ShaferCharlotte Mason Method, Books & Resources
Reason 3: The Approach Is Balanced and Broad (6 Reasons I Love the Charlotte Mason Method)Not far from my house is a beautiful park called Vine’s Gardens. We went there today to meander around the path and enjoy springtime in the garden: the bright pink azaleas and the dainty white ones vying for our attention;…Sonya ShaferCharlotte Mason Method, Education Is4 Comments
Reason 2: The Child Is Respected as a Person (6 Reasons I Love the Charlotte Mason Method)Think back to the most recent time you were in one (or all) of these scenarios and let them replay in your mind: You walked into a store and encountered a salesperson. You got a telephone call from a survey…Sonya ShaferCharlotte Mason Method, Education Is2 Comments
6 Reasons I Love the Charlotte Mason MethodThis year marks my husband’s and my 30th wedding anniversary. If you had asked me 30 years ago why I loved John, I would have given many of the same answers that I would still give today: he is one…Sonya ShaferCharlotte Mason Method, Education Is6 Comments
What They Don’t KnowI remember pulling some all-nighters during my high school and college years. A test was scheduled for the next day, and there were so many random facts and pieces of information to be recalled for it that every moment counted.…Sonya ShaferEducation Is, Books & Resources, Charlotte Mason Method4 Comments
A Good ResolutionPerhaps 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…Sonya ShaferCharlotte Mason Method, Seasonal Inspiration, Encouragement1 Comment
Having a Grand Time in 1800The past few weeks I’ve been having a grand time “living” in 1800 thanks to two friends of mine. Christie you may already know. She designed My Book of Centuries with its helpful guides that give gentle direction for the…Sonya ShaferBooks & Resources, Charlotte Mason Method, History
2014 Practical Homeschooling Reader AwardsSince 1994 Practical Homeschooling magazine has hosted annual Reader Awards for homeschool curriculum. This event is a little different in that the Reader Awards are not a “popularity” prize, but a “satisfaction” prize. First, homeschoolers nominate their favorite products in a wide…Sonya ShaferBooks & Resources, Charlotte Mason Method
Thoughts on Early EducationWith society’s push for starting formal education earlier and earlier, it feels like a breath of fresh air when an article or a study takes a stand against that trend. Charlotte Mason was a strong advocate of safeguarding a child’s…Sonya ShaferPreschool, Charlotte Mason Method8 Comments
Another Example of Facts vs. IdeasEvery weekday evening that I am home, I watch an episode of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood with my youngest daughter. (Thank goodness for Amazon Prime!) From the time my girls were little, Mister Rogers has been a staple around our house.…Sonya ShaferCharlotte Mason Method, Education Is, Living Books5 Comments
The New SCM Learning LibraryThere is such a feeling of anticipation and wonder that sweeps over a person when she walks into a library full of resources! I remember standing in the main entrance of one such library and thinking, This place must be…Sonya ShaferBooks & Resources, Charlotte Mason Method
Sprucing Things Up a BitAs February winds down and March peeks around the corner, the promise of spring somehow starts to grow even before the daffodils. And with the promise of spring comes the urge to spruce things up a bit. Seed catalogs, paint…Sonya ShaferBooks & Resources6 Comments
Enjoying the Early Years DVD setPressure. Most of us homeschoolers feel like we have a firsthand knowledge of that word. We feel pressured to succeed as we educate our children: pressure from standardized testing, from well-meaning (or not so well-meaning) relatives, from friends and neighbors,…Sonya ShaferBooks & Resources, Charlotte Mason Method, Preschool3 Comments
SCM on the RoadWe’re looking forward to traveling the country and meeting up with many of you at homeschool events throughout 2014! In just a couple of weeks we will begin traveling from Minnesota to Florida and from Maryland to Colorado, with stops…Sonya ShaferBooks & Resources, Charlotte Mason Method, Events4 Comments
A Slow-Language MovementIt seems there is a movement afoot that encourages people to slow down in order to prepare and eat real food in delicious ways, to enjoy the process as well as the health benefits. It’s called the slow-food movement because…Sonya ShaferCharlotte Mason Method, Education Is
Nature Study Ideas for WinterIn the midst of yet another cold front and winter weather advisory, I wondered what nature lovers during Charlotte Mason’s day did for winter nature study. So I turned to The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady to see what…Sonya ShaferCharlotte Mason Method, Nature Study, Seasonal Inspiration7 Comments
Visits to North America and More StampsWe’re excited to announce that Visits to North America, the latest in our Visits to . . . geography notebooks, is now available! Each notebook combines step-by-step map work with delightful living book suggestions for older and younger students, plus…Sonya ShaferBooks & Resources, Geography
The Story of a StampEvery 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…Sonya ShaferEncouragement, Books & Resources, Charlotte Mason Method, Education Is4 Comments
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…Sonya ShaferCharlotte Mason Method, Education Is, Encouragement1 Comment
Planning to Learn and Grow in 2014There’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…Sonya ShaferBooks & Resources, Encouragement1 Comment
The Shepherds at BethlehemSometimes a turn of phrase can bring a fresh perspective on the familiar. That is what Charlotte Mason’s poetry has done for me this season. Ponder, for a moment, these descriptions of the shepherds’ experience on the night of Christ’s…Sonya ShaferCharlotte Mason Method, Seasonal Inspiration
Favorite Posts from 2013As we near the end of the year, it’s fun and interesting to look at summaries in different areas of life. We run financial reports to summarize how we spent our money during the year and are sometimes astonished to…Sonya ShaferCharlotte Mason Method
Encouragement ConferenceEncouragement. We all need it. Sometimes more than we know. When you’re first starting to learn about Charlotte Mason methods and everything is new, encouragement can assure your heart and give you confidence to keep moving in the right direction.…Sonya ShaferEvents1 Comment
