Hi, new here…I have been researching and reading to educate myself on CM methods/philosophy; so far have purchased Habits, The Mothers Secret to Success, the CM companion book, Mere Motherhood, Consider This, More CM Education (Levinson), and I am starting to build our living library. I also downloaded the free e-books in the bookstore. My kiddos are almost 4 and my other will be born in a few months! We do not plan to start anything formal until age 6 or so but I am using the time prior to that to educate myself and start on habits etc. I am not sure what Laying Down the rails I should get just the book, the dvd, both?, and what about book 1&2? Also, any rec’s on CM Volumes…I was going to start with Vol one and move through the rest one by one and I think I prefer the series in modern english…any thoughts are greatly appreciated! Thanks.
I forgot I do have that book too…I assume, even with all these other great options, it’s still highly recommended to read all six volumes? Anyone have any input on the Laying down the rails books? Want to be sure it’s necessary/worth spending the $.
I haven’t read all the volumes. I’ve read portions of each and all of Vol 1. Volume 4 can be read with your children for jr. high/ high school. We just started it this year.
The LDTR book has information on habits organized by each individual habit. It is nice, but you could get by with the original volumes. The 2 book set has lessons you can do with your children when they are school aged. I have the dvd, but haven’t watched it. ☺️ I’m sure it’s very well done. Sonia is a wonderful speaker and I’ve enjoyed many other dvds from SCM.
Re: LDTRs – start with the original book and read it. Try to implement the suggestions and then you will know whether to buy more. You might not end up needing the kid version.
Re: Original Series – Since you have time, I would highly recommend that you read them in the order written. I didn’t have that time, so read them out of order and wish I could have done it differently. They sort of build on each other although they are independent of each other, if that makes sense. At the ages of your kids, I would start with Vol. 1 and 2. These do not need to be sped-read. Take your time and think about what CM says and how it might apply to your situation.
Re: Your self education – start with the free ebooks and handbooks from SCM. Those give you such a solid foundation to build on. Then read the books that you bought…just grab the one that is calling you the most and start. Keep a notebook and jot down the quotes and ideas that mean something to you! Keep a list of your questions, too. You’ll find your answers as you read.
It’s hard while reading and studying CM to resist starting NOW ;), so with the ages of your kids, I would strongly suggest that you read/watch the Early Years handbook/dvd. I also really like their Early Years Book Lists. =) A Picture Perfect Childhood is another excellent book list that is FULL of lovely picture books that are divided into categories. I really like this book! Also, read Hours in the Out of Doors to get a great foundation for your future science experiences. All the information in these books can be used immediately with your children!