Where to start?

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  • February 24, 2017 at 2:49 am
    Trailmix
    Participant

    Hi,

    I am still learning about CM myself – reading, listening to lectures, etc. but am so inspired and so much would love to dive in. I have a 15 yo son (in an alternative school “floating”) and a 13 yo daughter. Since they don’t have a “basis” (not having been started in a logical order)…I wonder where and how to start. At their grade levels or abilities? Or create a basis knowledge by starting at the beginning (like you would with a 6, 7, 8 yo)? Or are there living books that give great overviews in the different life topics? So, they can get the basic knowledge quickly but in a faszinating way? They also definetely need the work “ethics” (discipline, concentration, reason – why do I have to learn all that which is not interesting to me?, etc.) …how can I best work on that or help them understand without creating fear/worry (as that is why especially my son doesn’t move forward…blocking himself)? Any ideas would be highly appreciated.

    February 24, 2017 at 3:03 pm
    Melanie32
    Participant

    Hi there!

    If I were in your shoes, I would start by gently introducing CM principles. You might begin by reading a great book together or going to a local nature park and doing some informal nature study. You could play classical music in the background during the day and/or print out a photo of a classic piece of art and hang it on your fridge.

    Charlotte Mason would have you pick a habit and work on that, diligently until you have mastered it, before moving on to a new habit.

    Start slowly. Take your time. Enjoy the process and your kids will be more likely to enjoy the process.

    🙂

    Ambleside Online has some great tips for those just starting out with CM methods. I’ll see if I can find a link for you.

    February 24, 2017 at 3:07 pm
    Melanie32
    Participant

    There is info at Ambleside Online but much of it is specifically geared to their curriculum.

    Here’s a page I found here on SCM:

    https://simplycharlottemason.com/how-to-get-started/

    February 24, 2017 at 4:10 pm
    Trailmix
    Participant

    Thanks a lot, Melanie32! At school he feels a lot of pressure/worry he won’t be able to make the exam… That put me in a spot of trying to jump in quickly. But you are right I should take it slow and build a sturdy basis first…hopefully him being open enough for it. Like..he has to be willing to work on his habits…I will work on mine though. I just hope I can make it…and do it right. I will keep learning so I can be a good teacher/guide. If I start classical music he runs away… but the pic is a great idea.

    February 24, 2017 at 7:44 pm
    sheraz
    Participant

    There is a fun book that the Metropolitan Museum of Art put out called “Can You Hear It?” by William Lach that features a fun classical music song that they paired with a picture. It gives a brief explanation of the song and what to listen for and has the picture on the rest of the 2 page spread. The first picture were bees on flowers and the music was Flight of the Bumblebees. The text told you how to pick out/what to listen for so you could distinguish the bees’ movements. It might be a fun and nonthreatening way to introduce them to classical music. 😉

    February 25, 2017 at 3:01 am
    Trailmix
    Participant

    Thanks for the idea, Sheraz! I will definetely try this. I was always looking for a way to get in contact with classical music. 🙂

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