SCM Conference in Athens, Tennessee

Simply Charlotte Mason 2-Day Conference
November 4 and 5, 2011

Comfort Inn Athens (map)
2811 Decatur Pike
Athens, Tennessee 37303

Friday, November 4, All-Day Charlotte Mason Seminar

Learn how to teach each school subject the Charlotte Mason way!

• 12:30 pm Doors Open

  Check in at the Comfort Inn Conference Room when you arrive to receive your free 60-page book of notes. Then get to know the other moms who are attending, and form new friendships with other CMers in your area. You can also visit the SCM book tables to browse our resources.

• 1:00 – 2:00 Introduction to Charlotte Mason

  We start off the sessions learning a little about Charlotte Mason herself, her mottoes for parents and children, and how she fits into world history.

• 2:30 – 4:00 CM Methods

  Then we launch into the main focus of the seminar: how to teach each school subject using Charlotte Mason methods. Lots of moms have told us that one of the highlights of this part of the seminar is learning several of the main methods by actually doing them. It’s great practice, and they learn first-hand what they are asking their children to do.

• 4:30 – 6:00 CM Methods (continued)

  The evening is filled with lots of Q & A, fun, and fellowship as we continue to look at each school subject the Charlotte Mason way.

• 6:00 – 7:00 Supper Break

  Spend time with new friends and old over supper at a nearby restaurant of your choice, or bring your own sack meal if you prefer. You’ll also have time to take advantage of the discounts at our SCM book tables (with no shipping).

• 7:00 – 8:30 Laying Down the Rails

  At the end of the seminar, we add in the Laying Down the Rails workshop on habits. This quick, practical overview really helps moms get a jump-start on how to cultivate good habits in their homes.

Saturday, November 5, Books & Things Seminar

Learn how to simplify your home school while saving time and money.

• 8:30 am Doors Open

  Check in at the Comfort Inn Conference Room when you arrive to receive your free book of notes. Then get to know the other moms who are attending and visit the SCM book tables to browse our resources.

• 9:00 – 10:00 Choosing Books

  Gain confidence in selecting good living books that will work for your family. Learn how to find the best books that will be a great investment in your child’s Charlotte Mason education.

• 10:30 – 12:00 Using Books

  Discover how Charlotte said to use living books. What should the teacher do, and what should the student do? Get an idea of how many books to use by looking at Charlotte’s schedule. We’ll even talk about how many pages her students averaged per day.

• 12:00 – 12:30 Get Connected

  Have some fun and meet CMers who share some of the same challenges that you do. Make a new friend or two and extend that friendship during the lunch hour.

• 12:30 – 1:30 Lunch

  Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant of your choice and, when you get back, take advantage of the discounts at our SCM book tables (with no shipping).

• 1:30 – 2:30 Using Things

  See the things around you in a different light as you learn how they can be part of your child’s Charlotte Mason education. Charlotte specifically mentioned five types of things we should incorporate.

• 3:00 – 4:00 Four Ways to Destroy Your Child’s Love for Knowledge

  Know for certain what can destroy your child’s natural love for learning and find out how to steer clear of those pitfalls with an education based on books and things.

Lodging Details

The Comfort Inn Athens comes highly recommended by local homeschoolers and looks delightful! It is located directly off I-75 and is offering conference attendees a special rate of $80 per night, plus tax. Ask for the “Charlotte Mason Workshop” rate to take advantage of this special deal. Their phone number is 423-252-8030. Breakfast is included, and you certainly won’t have a long walk to the SCM Conference in the conference room at the hotel! Make the conference a girls’ getaway with a friend and split the room cost, if you would like to.

Registration Details

You may register for Friday’s seminar, Saturday’s seminar, or the entire 2-Day conference. Nursing babies are welcome as long as they do not cause a distraction to the others attending.

Online registration is now closed. You may register at the door at the walk-in rate of $69 for the entire 2-day conference or $39 for one day.

What Others Have Said About Sonya’s Workshops

Today’s seminar was both informative and empowering! The “how-to” was invaluable, the materials were excellent, and the practice—letting us narrate—was eye opening! . . . I came in a “believer” in CM methods but left knowing I could be a confident “doer”—THANK YOU!—Sarah H.

Fabulous event . . . very helpful and encouraging!—Anne M.

I only wish I had the opportunity to attend this seminar when I first began homeschooling using CM method. Thank you for your work and time making Charlotte’s method understandable and simple.—Labronda C.

Loved the seminar! Lots of inspiration and burden lifting!—Ruby S.

So encouraging, inspiring, and helpful!—Mardi B.

Great conference! I learned so much and Sonya makes it so personal. I’m so encouraged!