New to CM

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  • November 15, 2015 at 3:47 pm
    Sandy
    Participant

    Hello!  I’m praying about starting to implement the CM method in my homeschool. I’ve been homeschooling six years and have three precious children who are all dyslexic. I know that God is calling me in this direction, but am not quite sure how to start. I would greatly appreciate any advice! Thank you so very much!?

    November 16, 2015 at 5:13 am
    Melanie32
    Participant

    Hi and welcome Sandy! 🙂

    I have 2 children, 20 and 13, and have been homeschooling for 13 years.

    I found the easiest place to start was with living books for history and literature. We listened to classical music and spent a lot of time out of doors with nature guides. That was our beginning with Charlotte Mason’s methods. We slowly added in additional CM subjects and principles as time went on. If this website (SCM) had been available then, I would probably have followed all the recommendations available on the free CM curriculum guide. It would have held my hand a bit and helped me along the way.

    My favorite CM book for inspiration is A Charlotte Mason Companion by Karen Andreola. For practicality, I prefer Catherine Levinson’s books, A Charlotte Mason Education and More Charlotte Mason Education. I also really like For the Children’s Sake by Susan Schaeffer Macauley. Then, when you’re ready, I recommend Charlotte’s 6th volume, Towards a Philosophy of Education. All of her books are wonderful but this one is my favorite.

    I wish your family all the best! 🙂 Charlotte’s methods have been such a blessing to my family and I am so thankful for her teachings. They have made me a better person.

    November 16, 2015 at 6:02 am
    greenebalts
    Participant

    Please consider reading Charlotte’s actual writing. For years, I read other books about Charlotte Mason and her philosophy, putting off her work, thinking it was too challenging or I wasn’t ready. However, I now lead a CM group study and we are currently working through A Philosophy of Education, Vol. 6, by Charlotte Mason. I’ve had a huge paradigm shift. It has changed my thinking by leaps and bounds. Maybe reading it along side a book like Susan Schaeffer Macaulay’s For the Children’s Sake helps make it more understandable in the beginning, but there’s nothing like Charlotte’s actual words.

    Each month, I write a blog post to follow-up or accompany our study. These are not meant as replacement, but as supplement. It’s the way I walk/wade through Charlotte’s writings and the ideas that I pull out. Here are those posts if you’re interested as you read…

    http://reflectionsfromdrywoodcreek.blogspot.com/search/label/%22Start%20Here%22%20CM%20Book%20Club

    I also would encourage you to find a friend, either using the CM method or interested in learning more about the CM method. First, accountability in starting any new worthwhile endeavor is very encouraging. Having someone to study with holds you accountable. Second, it’s very helpful to have someone to bounce thoughts and ideas off of. I have gleaned a great deal from those in our study club. Each of our life experiences and individual kiddos bring something special to the table.

    Lastly, I recently wrote a post on how I use the CM method with our dyslexic kiddos. You can find it here…

    http://reflectionsfromdrywoodcreek.blogspot.com/2015/10/charlotte-mason-and-dyslexia.html

    I really believe Charlotte’s method of teaching is best for teaching students with dyslexia. Our kids have blossomed through her philosophy.

    Blessings in your endeavor,
    Melissa
    http://reflectionsfromdrywoodcreek.blogspot.com/

    November 16, 2015 at 7:53 am
    Sandy
    Participant

    Thank you both so very much for the information. It is invaluable to me to hear what you suggest. I really don’t know anyone here close to me that uses the CM method. Maybe I’ll begin a group someday?

    Melissa, is there any specific books you recommend for dyslexics? My oldest is 14 and he absolutely despises school. He loves how things work, making things, etc. I feel I have failed him because I feel like I can never get him to pay attention long enough to learn much? That’s why I think this method will really help him, I just want him to be prepared for life in all areas!

    Thank you again so much, many blessings on you both!

    Sandy

    November 16, 2015 at 1:29 pm
    greenebalts
    Participant

    Sandy, are you speaking of books regarding dyslexia? If so, I have a post here that lists many resources with links…

    http://reflectionsfromdrywoodcreek.blogspot.com/2013/02/dyslexia-101.html

    One of the best books is Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz. As I’m sure you know, there are many myths surrounding dyslexia. Here is another post with a few of those myths busted…

    http://reflectionsfromdrywoodcreek.blogspot.com/2015/10/dyslexia-awareness.html

    If you are speaking in regard to books for you son, I don’t really know of any specific titles to motivate him. There is no one size fits all. This is what I love about the Charlotte Mason method. You can take any, or almost any, subject and make it CM friendly. However, without knowing your child, it’s hard for me to say what may or may not work.

    Does he read independently? Has he received Orton-Gillingham tutoring/teaching? Does he write independently? Is he an auditory learner? You describe him as kinesthetic.

    You don’t have to answer any of this here, but answers to these types of questions make advising easier 🙂

    Some common math programs that are popular with dyslexics are:

    Math-U-See
    RightStart Mathematics
    ST Math (online math supplement written by a dyslexic)

    Common reading/spelling programs are:

    Barton Reading & Spelling
    All About Spelling
    All About Reading

    Regarding science/history, there are many great books to choose from. Our 10 1/2 year old is just learning to read so I’ve been reading aloud to him all along. He can understand a much higher level of book than he can read himself. He’s very intelligent, but really struggles with physically reading, spelling, and writing. I’m in the process of trying to transition him to audio books, but he’s so accustomed to me reading that it’s been hard to wean him ;-p

    We use oral narration after most readings. He’s just beginning to write, but hopefully can eventually transition to some form of written narration. He does regular copywork. I tried Easy Grammar last year in 4th grade unsuccessfully. This year, we’re trying Using Language Well from SCM. So far, so good, but it’s really too soon to tell.

    History is his favorite subject. We’ve never used a text, only real living books, biographies, historical fiction, etc. that I read aloud. He does some notebooking. You can snoop around on our blog to see sample notebook pages.

    http://reflectionsfromdrywoodcreek.blogspot.com/search/label/Notebook%20Pages

    I’ve tried a few different things for science including Apologia Young Explorer series (dd loves zoology, ds despises it); God’s Design series (just OK for all of us); and living books chosen from Ambleside Online that I read aloud. This year, we’re using Beautiful Feet History of Science. It’s going fairly well.

    For the record, our ds hates all things “school” related. However, he loves to be read to and playing math games. I have really had to step out of my box to get creative. I am a die hard pencil/paper, box checking, workbook lover…HA!! This ds has driven me to my knees on multiple occasions. Hours of research, blood, sweat, and tears drove me to find Charlotte Mason. We have never been happier!!

    Sorry to carry on, but I’ve become very passionate about this subject.

    Blessings,
    Melissa

    November 16, 2015 at 2:06 pm
    Melanie32
    Participant

    I completely agree with Melissa that no book can compare with Charlotte Mason’s own writings. For some reason, many of us seem to have a hard time with them when we are first starting out. Maybe it’s because they take a while to get through because they are so meaty and new CM moms need to hit the ground running, so to speak.

    Another great idea would be to watch the Simply Charlotte Mason DVD’s and then begin reading through Charlotte’s volumes on your own. The DVD’s will give you the info you need to get started so that you can take your time reading more about her methods.

    My daughter has some dyslexic tendencies and my son has a very short attention span. CM methods have worked wonderful for both of them. Charlotte, herself, wrote about her methods working well for all children, slow learners, fast learners and every child in between.

    November 16, 2015 at 10:05 pm
    Sandy
    Participant

    Thank you again, your information is so helpful to me. I’ve done a lot of research today and between Simply Charlotte Mason and your advice I think God is leading me in each subject. Do you suggest any books on personal development? Thank you for the topic LA, I love how it looks! Please don’t apologize for going on, I need it and am soaking it all in!! Many many blessings!!

    Oh, I do use The Barton System and Math-U-See already!

    November 19, 2015 at 7:57 pm
    greenebalts
    Participant

    Not sure about personal development other than the Bible and Charlotte’s writings. Maybe someone else will chime in.

    You might consider Vol. 4 Ourselves for your 14 year old. Charlotte wrote it for her students to develop citizenship. If he’s unable to read it himself, go ahead and read it together. Start with short sections and have him narrate orally to you.

    Blessings,
    Melissa
    http://reflectionsfromdrywoodcreek.blogspot.com/

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