Where to begin, so much to choose from

Andrea,

SCM has generously provided us with a Free Curriculum Guide. You should be able to use this to plan right down to the specific books you want to use for each child in each subject and for your family books. The one I just linked to is an updated version. Many of us prefer the older version, which you can find here. 

After looking at the Curriculum Guide, I would encourage you to choose one of the six history modules to begin with your family. They do an excellent job of combining history, geography, and Bible, with concise lesson plans for the family as well as your individual students. This will help you in a practical way and show you that you can combine many subjects in your family which simplifies so much. You may be able to do this less than a lot of us because of the large age difference between your children, but you will be able to do it some.

SCM also has this Sample Schedules page. After clicking, scroll down about halfway, and you will find many examples of Charlotte’s schedules. 

As for which DVD might be most helpful to you, may I recommend Planning Your CM Education and Books and Things? Both are excellent and will help you get started with planning your own schedule and subjects. I actually own all three DVDs and would not be without them.

I hope that was helpful!

Lindsey

Hello Andrea! You could break up your book time by working on something else in between. For instance, you read and discuss history, then listen to some music and work on math. Afterwards, read and discuss another book followed by writing. Read a poem or two then go outside for some fresh air and a little nature study. These are very simplified ideas, but the point is to change the activity to promote attentiveness and prevent weariness.