Having a paradigm shift in philosophies and need assistance :)

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  • October 20, 2009 at 1:43 pm
    Blueridge
    Participant

    Greetings! I am a long-time homeschool mom who has used primarily unit studies and classical-type homeschool methods and programs. I do own many CM books, though. After much soul searching and prayer, I have come to the conclusion that the CM methods are wonderful, liberating, and would add a joyful spark to our school. I still have 3 daughters at home, ages 10, 11, and 16. My older is working fine with the books I got her for her 11th grade. I am struggling with my youngers. I purchased some books that were used in the AO curriculum, and upon receiving them…well…feel they are a bit dry for our tastes. Then I discovered this beautiful websight! The curriculum plans are amazing, and the living books for literature and history are ‘right down my alley’. So why am I struggling to begin? I purchased and thorougly enjoyed the SCM All Day Seminar. I just feel overwhelmed with everything changing. I have never done artists, or music, or poetry, or scripture memorization. I feel as though my dear girls have had their young lives on hold while I figure out things and plan and organize and rearrange…again. How does one who has taught for 19 years one way make the big step into a CM way of teaching? Thank you for any insights you could share. Blessings~

    Ginger

    October 20, 2009 at 2:40 pm
    Rebekahy
    Participant

    I have several friends who start their school year in increments.  Start with the essentials and then add as you grow comfortable with your schedule.  For us (mine are little) the essentials are scripture memory, reading, and math.  Maybe your essentials would include one or two more subjectsd, but get started with whatever you deem your essentials to be and then as you and your girls grow comfortable with your schedule, add things – nature walks, poetry, artists.  Just one at a time, so you have time to plan for a week or two before adding something new.  YOU CAN DO IT!!!

    October 22, 2009 at 12:24 am
    live2inspire
    Participant

    Have you seen Sonya’s blog posts? –> http://simplycharlottemason.com/series/making-the-transition-to-cm/ 

    This series has been a TREMENDOUS help to me. 

    Best wishes!  🙂

     

    PS:  Also – take the time to peruse the SCM site thoroughly; there’s alot of help here at your fingertips!

    October 22, 2009 at 1:24 am
    Blueridge
    Participant

    Thank you ladies! You have both been encouraging and helpful. I am sure that I was seeing *everything* changing at once…adding lovely (but unfamiliar) things like nature walks and composer and artist studies and dictation, etc.,  and worried that my already long days would lengthen even more and wrap around me like a dark cloud. I now see that the short lessons concept is going to take some practice to feel comfortable. I have been wrestling for 2 days with *which* history and literature books to purchase! How do you choose? They are all so lovely. Well, as time goes by, I’m sure I will have less rambling and lots more specific questions for you experts! Just know how much I appreciate your insights. Blessings~

    Ginger

    October 22, 2009 at 2:11 pm
    amandajhilburn
    Participant

    Ginger,

    I just recently began changing over to a CM curriculum also. One thing that I have learned is that you should not surf the web TOO much looking at TOO MANY different CM sites. You will just end up frustrated and confused (or at least I was 🙂

    This site has the best information out there, and it is all presented in such an easy, understandable way! The book suggestions for every subject that I have used have been the BEST of all the books out there. And believe me, I have checked them ALL out! LOL!!  I have to say that SCM has been a blessing to me and my family. It has simplified my life and made me redefine education as a whole.

    You’re in the right place 😉

    Amanda

    October 22, 2009 at 4:42 pm
    Blueridge
    Participant

    Thank you, Amanda. I know what you mean about looking at too many websights! Surprised I really feel at ease with the information here. I just wish I had been confident enough to try it years ago! We’ve always been bookish, and living books are our friends. But when it came down to a new school year, I would search and search for the latest and greatest curriculum. Yuck, all the money I have spent having to put aside those ready-made programs to start again. Thankfully I already have some of the books listed in the history and literature modules, so I have a place to build upon. I just need to put my plan down on paper. I should probably purchase the ‘Planning’ set next. I am so glad all of you ladies here have found CM methods to have simplified your homeschool! That is exactly what I am seeking. Blessings~

    Ginger

Viewing 6 posts - 1 through 6 (of 6 total)
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