How has this forum changed you?

[amyalk]

I thought this thread might be an encouragement to those of you who faithfully take the time to post ideas and encouragement.   I started looking at the #of replies given by certain regulars posters on here and saw many that were near or over 1000!  Thank you for taking the time to do that.  Not only have I received many good ideas about homeschooling, but lasting and meaningful change has taken place in my family as a direct result of this forum.

So my question to you all is:  “How has reading and/or participating in this forum changed you or your family?”  I’ll go first.

1)  I learned how to better train our children to do their chores.  They have amazed me at what they can do and how good they feel about being able to be a real help.

2)  We simplified, de-cluttered and started a weekly toy check-out system instead of giving the kids access to everything they own at all times.  They now play better and care for their things better.  Less really is more!

3)  I read “The Chestry Oak” and really understood in a new and lasting way what a “living book” is.  My children and I have also read many other great books recommended on this site.  My nine year old now asks when we are at the library trying to find a book, if I’ve got any good suggestions from the other moms at SCM.

 

[Tristan]

I’ve been on here a long time and have always found encouragement here!  In my local area there are not many homeschoolers who follow any of Charlotte Mason’s methods.  As years have passed more and more locals have gone to Classical Conversations or online public schools.  We’re the oddballs.  So I’m grateful for this forum to find ‘like-minded’ families who aren’t in a hurry to stuff children full of facts, who encourage their children to form relationships with books and things.

 

[Karen]

I come from a traditional public school mindset.  Reading this forum has encouraged me to stop the cramming of facts and focus on the forming of relationships – by way of interacting with people and authors, composers, and artists.

This forum has also encouraged me to be a better mother – focusing on forming a relationship with my children and teaching them by way of standing next to them, rather than in front of them.  The whole thing about chores – spending time (over days and weeks) showing them how to do a particular chore has been life-changing in this house.

I also love that while all of us here want to “be more CM” in our homeschooling, there’s such diversity.  I’ve followed with such interest (and sometimes contributed) to some of the topics where people disagreed.  It’s so tempting to think that my way is the right way and the only way — reading this forum and helped me step away from “my way” and see the other point of view.

There are so many people here that I appreciate! I hate to name them, for fear I forget someone.

 

 

[Sue]

@Tristan:  meet you in Akron for the Oddball Homeschooler’s Convention Meeting (a.k.a., OH…CM!)  LOL!

I would say this forum has made me feel like less of an odd woman out when it comes to homeschooling and our methods.  There is a sense of security in knowing you can come with questions to a place where you’ll find encouragement and many practical suggestions.  This has been especially important while raising my special needs son.

I also feel as though planning and implementing school, and many household endeavors as well, have become easier for knowing and receiving advice from all of you.

Blessings,

Sue

[TX-Melissa]

What a wonderful topic! I can say some of what has been said already. I’m sure there are many ways I’m not even aware of how this forum has helped and encouraged me along the way. I know there are books I’ve enjoyed myself, as well as with my son that I may not have ever even heard of had someone not suggested them here. Being able to ask questions and receive such helpful feedback has been a tremendous blessing. Probably the biggest thing for us this past year has been learning about dyslexia, which led to discovering that ds is dyslexic. From there we’ve been able to change how we do some things and have seen amazing improvement in his reading as well as his attitude toward reading. So much of the curriculum/books we’ve used over the years I’ve learned about here. This is a special place. There are many forums, but none quite like this group. 🙂

[Claire]

This forum is a little gem!  Nurturing and nourishment of all that is CM … that would be my most favorite aspect.  I lean in to the knowledge that others are doing it the way I am and I treasure finding new and better or possibly just different ways of practicing what CM preaches.  I also love the challenge this forum provides.  I like speaking up and out when I have an alternative voice or experience or opinion to share.  I like reading and participating in promoting the ideas behind free homeschooling and designing your own curriculum too.  I appreciate the differing opinions too.  It’s good to stretch and have to really defend your ideas and choices (even if just silently to yourself when you find a post that you don’t agree with) because it either makes you stronger in your belief or it changes you for the better.   And I like to see that growth by going way, way back and reading posts from someone to get a glimpse of their evolution/steadfastness in thinking.  Even mine!  This is a lovely dynamic forum.  I’m a big, big fan!

[greenebalts]

I too love this forum! It’s one that I frequent daily, though I don’t always respond. I have gleaned a great deal of information from the SCM team as well as all the generous ladies here. My sister in law originally told me about the SCM website, though I don’t think she’s ever posted.

There was not a lot of CMer’s in my area either. However, as I learned and gained confidence, I’ve been sharing the CM Method with anyone who will listen 🙂 Since, I’ve been invited to speak at a couple of area homeschool meetings. I’ve hosted a couple different CM Study Groups using SCM DVD’s and I’m super excited about an upcoming CM Book Club I’m launching locally in January. You might say, thanks to SCM, I’m building my own CM community.

Several times a month, I refer homeschoolers to the SCM website. I think it’s a great jumping point to anyone interested in learning more about Charlotte’s methods in a non-threatening way. The information is laid out very well and it’s easy to understand. Also as mentioned above, the people on this forum are wonderful!!

Many Thanks,
Melissa

[Leslie]

Confidence is the biggest benefit I receive from this forum, encouraging me in my endeavor to educate my children in a way that is often counter-cultural. Being new to homeschooling, and therefore new to the CM methods as well, I have been bolstered by visiting here and reading the experiences and advice of other veteran moms. I don’t think I would have had the confidence to try something different and I would have ended up using a boxed curriculum.

So thank you to the many regular posters who share their ideas, struggles, and wisdom with all of us! It really does makes a difference to many of us. And thanks to the original poster for starting this thread!