Our Favorite Read-Aloud Books from this School Year.
As a Charlotte Mason-inspired, book-based homeschool, we try our hardest to read lots of high quality, living books in our home. I thought I’d share what we’ve read and enjoyed this year… Novels we all loved… Alright, I can’t possibly comment on every single book photographed (well, I could but it would take way too long…). I always try to pick a good selection of classics, award winners, historical fiction, comical, mystery, etc.Many of these we listened to on audio. Audio books are a life saver for me! Books we found on audio included: Anne of Green Gables and Anne of Avonlea, Frindle, Island of the Blue Dolphins, Elijah of…
{Homeschool Planning} The Importance of Starting with your OWN Bookshelves
Are you familiar with Scotia Bank’s slogan? You know, the whole, ‘You’re Richer Than You Think’ thing? They say it is one of the most successful branding strategies any bank has ever launched. Maybe its because we all want to be richer than we think. I never understood it personally, because I’m almost always poorer than I thought. *chuckle* Anyways, I digress. The point I’m getting at is this – think of your personal bookshelves with this slogan in mind. You may not think you have what you need for next year – or that you have to research and order a whole pile of new curriculum, books, etc… but…
Why we really need to trust God’s Hand in our Home(school)… and more Used Book and Curriculum Sale Finds!
I recently shared some thoughts and tips for buying at Homeschool Used Book and Curriculum Sales. The post struck a chord with many homeschoolers (just like me) who struggle with knowing what to look for and what is worth buying at these curriculum fairs. It’s a zoo out there with SO MANY CHOICES and so many Mamas looking for the same things at the same time. And with thousands of options, how do we knows what’s best for our families? It’s stressful. I know. Take a deep breath. (Have you read my other recent post about the importance of prayer and rest in homeschool planning?) That’s kind of…
A Review of SQUILT {Composer and Classical Music Study}
We have really enjoyed SQUILT -which stands for Super Quiet Uninterrupted Listening Time. I was pretty excited to review this Composer and Music Study from Homegrown Learners. Music and Composer study is something we try to do weekly and have attempted to establish as a regular part of our Morning Time routine. Many Charlotte Mason-inspired homeschoolers embrace Composer and Music study for many different reasons.In its simplest function, it introduces children to the beauty and depth of classical music as well as nurtures an appreciation and understanding of composers and musical eras. But Composer and Classical Music Study does so much more than this for our kids.…
Living Book Pinterest Boards by Subject – as requested! {Charlotte Mason Monday}
So many of you requested that I put specific Living Book Pinterest boards. You requested boards loaded with Living Book suggestions classified by the various subjects covered in most Classical/Charlotte Mason Homeschools. So… *drumroll* Here they are! I’ve done my best to work hard at making these boards full of wonderful Living Book suggestions for your family. These boards are a testimony that we do not need ‘curriculum’ to share in a rich, wonderful education with our children! Just to let you know, I have not screened all the titles in every single pin. This would be literally impossible. I have done my best to post books I am…
What is a Living Book? Encouragement for embracing a Living Books-based Home Education, Part 1
This will be part 1 of a 5 part series in which I hope to answer the question, “What is a Living Book and how do I use it in my homeschool?” “I understand the right books can make learning come alive in our homeschool – but how do I choose the right books? I hear a lot about Living Books but… I’m confused. What exactly IS a Living Book?” This is one of the most common questions about Charlotte Mason’s philosophy. So, if you are wondering this same thing, you aren’t alone. I was just talking to my…
Our Morning Basket
Interested in more about the Morning Basket? Read my full review of Your Morning Basket from Pam Barnhill right here. Morning Basket. Morning Time. Circle Time. Family Time. Morning Meeting. There are quite a few terms in the homeschool world that all (pretty much) mean the same thing. Or, at least, are referring to the same concept. We call our special time together in the morning Morning Time and we refer to what we use in Morning Time as our Morning Basket. Make sense? I don’t know… “Circle Time” just reminds me of public school Kindergarten, so it isn’t my favorite term, but to each, her own. We…
A Charlotte Mason Inspired Education – Simplified
Over the weekend I posted our “Plan” for homeschooling in 2016. Since many homeschool Moms often ask how I put together our stuff, I thought I would chat a bit about some of the things I’ve learned and how I piece together our Charlotte Mason-inspired plans. In other words, grab a tea, this is going to be a long one… *wink* I am by no means a Charlotte Mason expert. I think it is sort of impossible to be a purist in the sense of the word because we are all individuals and need to do the things that make homeschooling work for our individual families. Having said that, there…
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Suggestions for some Wonderful Winter Nature Studies
I absolutely LOVE the Nature Study units from Our Journey Westward. And I am more than happy to share these wonderful resources with friends (like you!). There is SO much in these amazing studies, I felt like I won the lottery when I found them! I honestly feel like if I didn’t share them, I’d be keeping a too-good-to-keep secret! These are lovely Charlotte Mason-style Nature Studies. Cindy has packed the pages full of incredible ideas and inspirations to jump start all kinds of nature study as well as notebooking and nature journaling. The guides are easy to use and very well laid…
Great Big List of Living Books Links
Hello and Happy Monday! I actually really, really like Mondays – they feel so fresh and new and well, my planner isn’t all crossed out yet! Hooray! *wink*Over the past while, I’ve been putting together a list of Living Book Links for you. I’ve shared my heart concerning how I feel about curriculum and getting ‘stuck’ on certain timelines and book lists in a previous post, so I won’t repeat myself here. What I long to do is whisper some encouragement – living and whole book lists are only suggestions. Think of them as springboards, idea starters, possibilities, and potential inspirations. They are a great way to, in…
