Letters from Egypt Now AvailableWe hope you have been enjoying our current series on how the Charlotte Mason Method is different from other homeschool approaches. We’ll get back to our series next week. This week we wanted to let you know about a great…Sonya ShaferGeography, Books & Resources
Charlotte Mason Method vs. Unit StudiesWhen I started homeschooling more than thirteen years ago, I used a unit study approach because I thought it was my only alternative to a traditional curriculum. At the end of that year I heard about Charlotte Mason and knew…Sonya ShaferCharlotte Mason Method, Education Is
Charlotte Mason Method vs. Traditional Curriculum“What’s the difference between the Charlotte Mason Method and the traditional curriculum that I’ve been using?” Last weekend at the North Carolina homeschoolers convention we heard that question several times. It’s a great question. In this series we are discussing…Sonya ShaferCharlotte Mason Method, Education Is
3 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 ShaferCharlotte Mason Method, Education Is1 Comment
Romans 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 ShaferBible, Books & Resources1 Comment
SCM 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 ShaferBooks & Resources, Charlotte Mason Method
New 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 ShaferBooks & Resources, History, Geography, Bible
Preparing 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 ShaferBooks & Resources, Charlotte Mason Method, Events
When 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 ShaferCharlotte Mason Method, High School, Education Is
Four 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 ShaferCharlotte Mason Method, Education Is
Hands-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 ShaferHandicrafts, Charlotte Mason Method, Science, Nature Study, Physical Education, Art
Using 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 ShaferLiving Books, Books & Resources, Charlotte Mason Method, Narration5 Comments
Choosing 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 ShaferLiving Books, Books & Resources, Charlotte Mason Method3 Comments
I 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 ShaferLiving Books, Charlotte Mason Method, Education Is6 Comments
Outdoor 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 ShaferBooks & Resources, Charlotte Mason Method, Nature Study, Science
The 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 ShaferBooks & Resources, Charlotte Mason Method, Physical Education
Homeschool 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 ShaferPhysical Education, Charlotte Mason Method1 Comment
Homeschool 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 ShaferPhysical Education, Charlotte Mason Method
A 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 ShaferCharlotte Mason Method, Writing, Language Arts, High School
Masterly 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 ShaferParenting, Books & Resources, Charlotte Mason Method, Masterly Inactivity
Top 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 ShaferCharlotte Mason Method
2008 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 ShaferCharlotte Mason Method, Events
All-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 ShaferBooks & Resources, Charlotte Mason Method
Another Kind of OrnamentI enjoy the annual Christmas tree trimming at our house. (Well, aside from climbing up into the attic and hauling down all the boxes.) We put on some Christmas music, light a cinnamon-scented candle, assemble the faithful old artificial tree,…Sonya ShaferCharlotte Mason Method, Education Is, Seasonal Inspiration
Christmas IdeasWell, we’ve taken down the Thanksgiving decorations and put up the Christmas ones. And along with the Christmas decorations come the Christmas resources that we’ve used in previous years. Want a quick peek?Sonya ShaferCharlotte Mason Method, Seasonal Inspiration1 Comment
Surveying God’s Mercies“When all Thy mercies, O my God,My rising soul surveys,Transported with the view I’m lost,In wonder, love and praise”—Joseph Addison Charlotte Mason took time for her soul to survey God’s mercies, and here is what she found to be thankful…Sonya ShaferCharlotte Mason Method, Seasonal Inspiration
SCM Forum Celebrates One-Year AnniversaryLast November we launched the Simply Charlotte Mason community forum with the prayer that it would be a place of encouragement, grace, and help for all those using the Charlotte Mason method. We’re thrilled with the community that has grown…Sonya ShaferCharlotte Mason Method
2009 Calendar Now AvailableWe hope you’ve enjoyed the habit-training articles from the past few weeks. They are just a sampling of the thirteen articles and more than fifty Charlotte Mason quotes included in our new 2009 calendar journal, A Year of Smooth and…Sonya ShaferBooks & Resources, Charlotte Mason Method, Habits, Smooth and Easy Days
Natural Consequences“Trust me, you’re not going to like it.” My little girl’s big brown eyes peered solemnly across the table. “But I want to try it.” “If you try it, you will have to sit there until you drink it all.…Sonya ShaferCharlotte Mason Method, Habits, Smooth and Easy Days8 Comments
Why Nagging Doesn’t Work“I nag them and I nag them, but it does no good.” Most of us can testify to the truth of that statement. But I never understood why nagging doesn’t work until I started to study Charlotte’s habit-training principles. Now…Sonya ShaferCharlotte Mason Method, Habits, Smooth and Easy Days3 Comments
Habits Workshop Now on DVD!I recently got a new printer for my computer, and as I was unpacking it I came upon a huge stack of user documents. My heart sank. The amount of information was a bit overwhelming. It was all helpful, to…Sonya ShaferSmooth and Easy Days, Books & Resources, Charlotte Mason Method, Habits
Take the Same RouteHave you ever driven to the grocery store and, after you pulled into a parking place and shut off the car, you realized that you didn’t remember the drive there? It was almost as if you drove on auto-pilot. Whenever…Sonya ShaferCharlotte Mason Method, Habits, Smooth and Easy Days
Her Own IdeaI can still picture the textured wall, the shiny smooth top of the spinet piano, and the white kitchen timer with its seemingly unmoving dial. I was supposed to be practicing my piano lesson, but I probably spent half of…Sonya ShaferCharlotte Mason Method, Habits, Smooth and Easy Days
Smooth and Easy DaysLast month we did a little deep cleaning around our house. Well, okay, not a little — a lot. At least it seemed like a lot. Cleaning can be hard work! By the time we had the furniture moved, the…Sonya ShaferSmooth and Easy Days, Charlotte Mason Method, Habits1 Comment
SCM Book NewsThe past few months have brought about some changes for our SCM books. We think they’re good changes! Here are the details for you.Sonya ShaferBooks & Resources, Charlotte Mason Method
The Art of NarratingWelcome to this Narration edition of the Charlotte Mason Blog Carnival. We’re happy to be hosting the carnival this week. As you know, narration is a fundamental part of the Charlotte Mason method. We’re sure you will find a lot…Sonya ShaferLanguage Arts, Charlotte Mason Method, Special Needs, Narration8 Comments
Next CM Blog Carnival on NarrationWe’re excited about hosting the next CM Blog Carnival on September 16. (A blog carnival is an event where bloggers all write posts about a topic, which are collected and linked to on the hosting blog.) The theme for this…Sonya ShaferNarration, Language Arts, Charlotte Mason Method1 Comment
Habits Book Discussion TipsWe know of several groups that are using Laying Down the Rails for their weekly or monthly book discussions this coming year. How exciting! I wish I could be a part of each group and hear all the comments. It…Sonya ShaferBooks & Resources, Charlotte Mason Method, Habits
CM Blog Carnival on HabitsThis week’s Charlotte Mason Blog Carnival contains a lot of encouragement and ideas on habit training. Be sure to check it out over at Barb-Harmony Art Mom’s Handbook of Nature Study blog.Sonya ShaferCharlotte Mason Method, Habits
This Year’s FeastPicture a banquet, a feast, lavishly spread on a long table. Now, keep that picture in your mind, for that is how Charlotte Mason described the abundance of ideas that we should make available to our children in their school…Sonya ShaferCharlotte Mason Method, Education Is, Homeschool Planning1 Comment
Enthusiastic Response to Jack’s InsectsWow. We never dreamed we would sell out our first print run of Jack’s Insects within four days of its release. But that’s what happened. Quite the enthusiastic response!Sonya ShaferScience, Books & Resources
Jack’s InsectsSeveral years ago I heard about an intriguing living science book that Charlotte Mason had used in her schools. The book was called Jack’s Insects, and I looked everywhere for it. I couldn’t find it anywhere — online or off.…Sonya ShaferScience, Books & Resources, Charlotte Mason Method4 Comments
Planning Bash at the CM Blog CarnivalBe sure to check out the biggest CM Blog Carnival yet! Cindy is hosting the Back to School Planning Bash over at On Our Journey Westward. She has posted more than forty entries from CMers, sharing ideas for Daily Schedules…Sonya ShaferCharlotte Mason Method
CM Seminars in Nashville & CharlestonI love doing the All-Day Charlotte Mason Seminars! It’s so much fun to meet other CMers and spend the day discussing how practical and do-able the Charlotte Mason method really is. So what is an All-Day CM Seminar like? Glad…Sonya ShaferBooks & Resources, Charlotte Mason Method, Events
End of Term Exams in the Charlotte Mason MethodFinal exams. What memories does that phrase bring to your mind? Too often final exams are approached like evil dragons that students must occasionally slay. And too often a student prepares for the fight much like a foolish knight who…Sonya ShaferCharlotte Mason Method, CM-Style Assessment, Narration7 Comments
Pre-reading ReviewsThe past few weeks we’ve been discussing Charlotte Mason methods for assessing what our children remember. Last time we looked briefly at narration. Now, those of you who have already read it, no peeking. What do you recall about narration?…Sonya ShaferCM-Style Assessment, Narration, Charlotte Mason Method
The Charlotte Mason Method of NarrationLast week we started a new series discussing the Charlotte Mason methods we can use to evaluate, or assess, what our children are learning. If you missed that introduction, you can read it on our SCM Blog. Today let’s talk…Sonya ShaferCM-Style Assessment, Narration, Charlotte Mason Method1 Comment
How Much Does My Child Remember?As we wrap up a school year and plan for the next one, the question lurks in the back of our minds: How much does my child remember? Some assessments are built right in to the subject, like math and…Sonya ShaferCM-Style Assessment, Narration, Charlotte Mason Method
A CM Planning GetawayDo you feel like a cloud is hanging over your head this summer? I don’t mean a typical rain cloud; I mean a cloud called “Planning.” Sometimes that planning cloud casts a little shadow over all our activities. We know…Sonya ShaferCharlotte Mason Method, Events, Books & Resources
New Joshua through Malachi & Ancient Greece BookWe had a great time in Iowa the past two weeks. It was so good to meet all of you Iowa CMers! And while we were there, I was able to finish the next book of daily lesson plans: Joshua…Sonya ShaferCharlotte Mason Method, History, Geography, Bible, Books & Resources
