Think of a Trip to a Theme Park, Part 2

Last time we started a light-hearted little comparison that describes similarities between Simply Charlotte Mason and a trip to a theme park (complete with a hopefully unnecessary disclaimer). We talked about how our SCM Curriculum Guide is like a map to the park: it gives you the big picture of which resources we feature, how they fit into the overall scheme of things, and which age recommendations we suggest for each. Today let’s look at the second fun similarity.

When my husband John and I went to a major theme park to celebrate a wedding anniversary some years ago, we went to a bookstore and purchased a copy of a guide book to that park. We knew that we could simply look at the map of the park and create our own plan for experiencing the rides and attractions, but for this trip we wanted the convenience of having an itinerary already laid out for us.

The guide book gave us a recommended plan for each day in order to get the most out of our trip. Its suggestions helped us visit all the rides in a timely manner, yet at an enjoyable pace, and navigate our way around with much less stress. The planning had already been done, so we were free to fully take in our surroundings and focus on each attraction as we experienced it.

The book even gave us tips for things to watch for, common mistakes to avoid, and a little insider information on specific attractions. Thanks to its expert advice, we had a relaxing, enjoyable time!

Let’s compare that to SCM.

You can look at our SCM Curriculum Guide and create your own plan for experiencing the resources. But if you would prefer the convenience of having things already planned out for you, we have books with daily lessons available.

The daily lessons take the same great resources that are on the curriculum guide and detail them in day-by-day itineraries. They tell you which resources to use on which days and how much of each resource to do each day in order to complete everything in a timely manner, yet at an enjoyable pace. The planning is done, so you and your children can be free to fully focus on the lovely books, music, art, poetry, and nature as you experience each one.

The daily lesson books give teaching tips with things to watch for, advice to help you avoid common mistakes, and helpful reminders of upcoming resources. They even contain a little insider information on specific resources. Think of them as your official guide book to the park.

Now, most theme parks are divided into different sections. During your visit you will wander through many different “lands,” probably with fun names like Kiddie Land, Fantasy Land, or Adventure Land.

Our SCM Curriculum Guide is also divided into different sections. We currently have daily lesson books for one of those “lands”: History, Geography, and Bible Land (if you will). Next week we will be announcing some new guide books that will give you daily lessons for more of those “lands” and make it even simpler to enjoy a CM education this coming year! Watch for that exciting announcement next week!