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.
