What is all this about "Notebooking" with CM?

Just got my book today, too.  Can’t wait to read it!

I’ve been reading this, first quickly, then on digest slowly mode.

For me, it simplifies so much of the “stuff” beyond using living books.  You know, the papers, pencils, spirals, binders, blah, blah, blah.  I’m not patient about all the accumulation of notebook paper.  When I read Lindafay’s organizational suggestions at her CMH site, I realized that using composition books would simplify our lives tremendously. 

Enter Bestvater’s book.  I’m sold on the simplicity of just a simple composition book being used to capture and keep thoughts and observations in each area of study.  They are compact, even if they are many. 

I only have two children left to homeschool.  I don’t forsee our 14yos keeping this many notebooks going, but I do see them working so much better for him than notebook paper and binders/folders.  YIKES!  He can scatter and disorganize a minimal amount of paper.  He won’t (at least I am not sure how he could possibly) have stray papers with composition books.

He’s looking forward to making the switch in all areas.  He recognizes it as a sort of freedom from confusion.  It seems more colegiate to him, too….I think because it looks more formal and scientific to him.  He is certainly not to cut/color/paste kind of learner.  Actually, none of our children have enjoyed busy work.  The composition book idea appeals to them more because it’s like a diary in each area of study.  It’s all about their own relationship with their studies.

I hope that makes sense.  It’s very simple in my mind now.

In fact, because we’ve decided these composition books are best kept in their individual baskets on our living room cubical shelves, they will keep their schedule clipboards there, too, with the composition books directly behind in the order that they are used during study time.

Though this isn’t as detailed as Bestvater’s book, it might help you “see” what I’m trying to describe.  Sara B. gave the list from her book.  We will add graph paper math composition books and a math journal to the list.

http://www.charlottemasonhelp.com/2009/09/organizational-tools-for-grades-7-12.html

If you cannot buy Bestvater’s book right now, try seeing if it’s available through interlibrary loan. 

For the Children’s Sake is so helpful, but I think I like For the Family’s Sake even better.

My copy of The Living Page arrived today.  I’m interested to read it!  Hopefully I’ll love it and keep it.  If not, I’ll be sure to pass it on to someone else who might love it.  😉  Would anyone be interested in me writing up a review of it on my blog when I’ve finished reading it?    ALSO – Has anyone else written a review of it on a blog, I would love to read your thoughts!

Might I insert my own review of The Living Page? 🙂 I enjoyed the book very much; I found the writing style slightly tiresome at times, but the content is unparalleled (to anything else I’ve read, anyway). I saw Ambleside Online is starting a discussion of it on May 29, so I might skim it again in order to join what promises to be a great conversation.

Thanks for your review. =)

I’m so bummed. There are no libraries in Michigan with this book and I cannot afford to purchase it right now. Feeling bummed, lol.

Thanks for the review larkrise!  This is fascinating and encouraging.  I started using comp notebooks for some of my subjects this past year – so much neater!  I cannot wait to read this book.