where to begin? (w/out feeling like they are missing out on something)

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  • October 15, 2011 at 11:03 pm
    kerby
    Participant

    I can finally put my thoughts/feelings into words…

    Starting w/ the CM approach at later levels is frustrating.  It’s hard to know where or even just how to “jump in” w/ the teaching or materials.  Transitioning older dc who have been part of the typical style is tough!  Mentally!! 

    Where or w/ what do I start?

    How do I do it w/ a ds who has LD’s in language areas – who’s also in HS?  (This particular ds needs things to be VERY predictable.) 

    What about the ds in 8th who absolutely does NOT like to read?  And, is not a good reader?  

    And, once I start, I will feel like I’m missing something.  There is soooo much out there that they will be missing out on or not getting to experience.  It’s just hard on me as a mom.  I feel like I’m failing them, like I’ve let them down.  

     

    Has anyone else who has transitioned at a later time felt this way?  How has it worked for you if you did?  (Particularly for the older dc.)  

    Encouragement is greatly needed at this time.  TIA.

    K 

    October 16, 2011 at 11:56 pm
    AngieG
    Participant

    Hi.  I’m fairly new to CM, but I wanted to comment on the thought of leaving “holes”.  I think that is a common one for HS’ing moms.  The fact is that there is no way anyone can learn “everything”.  So, we plan to be as diligent as we can to provide a comprehensive education.  I love how SCM covers history from the beginning/Ancients to modern times in a 6 year course.  And, that each year is so in depth, like we really get a good idea of what we are learning rather than just skimming over the surface.  You have 5 years if your starting in 8th, so you can really cover a lot.  Most curriculums that are in-a-box (from my experience) tend to reveiw SO much, so I don’t believe that they do a better job of teaching as much variety and content as we can using a wide range of really good books.  I personally don’t feel up to the task of outlining my own course of study for our entire HS career.  That is why appreciate SCM so much.  They’ve really plotted out a great path for us to follow.

    October 17, 2011 at 12:10 am
    Tristan
    Participant

    We’ve been homeschooling since day 1, so our situation is different, but I wanted to say that I agree with the previous answer – we are often guilty of feeling like our kids will “miss something”.  What I have learned is that everyone has holes in their learning but we can teach our children how to learn what they want to know and protect their love and thirst for knowledge.  They can then take on any new learning themselves when it becomes relevant.

    For the child who doesn’t like to read – what about alternating him reading with him listening to an audio book for his history? 

    Prayer is the best way to know what to do!

    October 17, 2011 at 1:36 am
    kerby
    Participant

    Thanks, ladies. 

     

    LOL  Oh, I am not so unrealistic that I’m trying to fill in the holes.  I already know they WILL have them and that there’s nothing I can do about that.  It’s more a feeling that I don’t want them to miss out on all this GREAT stuff!  LOL  Goodness, *I* don’t want to miss out on it. Tongue out

     

    I’m not concerned so much about the 8th grader, mostly it’s about the HSer (10th gr).  just how do I start doing this when I don’t have the time that CM usually uses.  Does this make more sense?

     

    Oh, goodness.  I wish I were better at getting my thoughts down.  I appreciate your encouragement.

    K

    October 17, 2011 at 4:19 pm
    Tristan
    Participant

    Hmm, for the 10th grader, where did you leave off last year for history?  Pick up with the next time period and go for it, or choose what 3 you feel ‘should not be missed’ and do those the next 3 years. 

    You might want to read the series of blog posts done here are simply charlotte mason for getting started with CM: http://simplycharlottemason.com/series/getting-started/  Part 5 in the series lays it out in short format, starting with basics and then what to add in for stage 2, and 3 and if you find the time and energy there are some things you can add in for a 4th stage, but that are less of a priority to start with. 

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