The Charlotte Mason Girl

The Extras That are Not Extra

Caring for sick children is never on my list of things to do, but when I get the opportunity to care for a sick child, I am blessed.  Not that it's easy, or I enjoy cleaning up after a sick child, but I get a new closeness with that child.  When she is feeling awful, and looks to me for comfort with those pleading eyes, I hate that I can't make it all go away.  I can, however, make her feel a little better with comforting words, back scratches, cuddling, and reading some favorite stories.  After she is feeling better, she comes to sit on my lap, and tells me I am the best mommy.  Makes it worth every minute!

 

Well, since I missed posting yesterday, I thought I'd step back for a moment, and begin my next series of Monday posts with a quick note about teaching what we might often consider to be the 'extras' in education.  In fact, some of these subjects may end up far enough down our list, that we seldom get around to doing them.  Why is that?  For me, I think I used to think of these things as dessert.  If we get all the 'academics' in today, THEN we can do a picture study.  After math, we can read some poetry.  We'll listen to beautiful music after we get done with our reading lesson.  Of course, fidgety little ones, needing to care for the baby in the midst of lessons, my own moods, lack of enthusiasm in my children, and the cares of housework often intruded on our lessons, and by the time I had fought my way through the basics, I was done in for the day - and so were the children!

 

It wasn't until I had been teaching for several years, that I realized that I had been thinking about these 'extras' all wrong.  They really aren't extras at all!  Picture Study, Poetry, Composer Study, Handicrafts, Foreign Language, Shakespeare, Hymn Study, Folk Songs, Nature Study - these are NOT just some extras to throw in when you have some time and energy!  These are the studies that breathe life into our education.  These are the things that make for interesting discoveries.  These are the subjects that our children will probably enjoy the most - and us, too!  These are the studies that will cause us and our children to be well-educated, and well-rounded as persons. 

 

Have you ever been around someone who knew all kinds of interesting things about the world?  They saw how the happenings in the world around them now were similar to a Shakespeare play, or a poem by Longfellow, or some scene reminded them of a painting by Fragonard.  Didn't you just want to talk to them for a bit, and soak up some of their knowledge?  We will discover over the next few weeks that our children can become those interesting people that see the beauty in things all around them - if we just take a few minutes a day to infuse them with the beautiful things that have been created by the greatest.  Not only that, but you may just find that your days go better when you include some of these interesting items right at the beginning of your day!  

 

How about you - what is your 'extra' that you most want to include, but find it's tough to do?  

 

Thursday's Resource Review - A Charlotte Mason Companion

I am so excited to tell you today about one of my favorite Charlotte Mason resources!  A Charlotte Mason Companion by Karen Andreola has been my companion through 9 of our nearly 12 years of homeschooling.  This is the book I turn to again and again when I'm trying to figure out the how of Charlotte Mason homeschooling.  Who better to write about how to implement this wonderful method?!  Karen and her husband Dean were the ones who brought Charlotte Mason to the US when they published her original homeschooling series several years ago!  I'm SO grateful that they found this method, and have shared it with me.  It really is because of them that I'm using this method with my children.  Thank you, Andreolas!!!

 

Here is what I said about this book on our bookstore's website: 

 

"This was the first ‘how to’ book I read on educating my children the “Charlotte Mason way.” I knew a bit about the method, but this put the application in plain language that was so easy for me to follow. I had many “Aha!” moments as I read the book..."

 

To read the rest of this review, please visit Ancient Paths Christian Bookstore.

Friday's Fun - Getting Back At It!

It might not sound like much fun - but for me, this week of getting back into our routines has been another breath of fresh air!  Don't get me wrong - we all needed that Christmas break.  All of the carolling, cookie baking, eating, parties, gathering with family, eating,  special programs at church, gift making, eating, gift giving, and general fun for a few weeks was a blast!  (Did I mention I ATE a lot?!)  I love to spend December evenings sitting by the fire and looking at the Christmas tree, contemplating the birth of Christ and what it meant to me, as well as counting all my MANY blessings.  

 

After a few weeks of all this merryment, though, I confess I was itching to get back to a 'normal' life.  (Whatever that is!)  Back to regular bedtimes, wake times, chores, school, quiet time in the afternoon - just KNOWING what is coming next makes a big difference to my state of mind.  The children needed to get back into our routines, too - even though they didn't realize it.  All of a sudden squabbles are down, rooms are staying relatively tidy, they are even enjoying their lessons!  After all, they hadn't seen their books for awhile.  Whether they realize it or not, those lesson books are companions, and are missed when they are away.  

 

So, I'm grateful for the break we have had.  Christmas decorations are going to come down this weekend, the snowmen will go up, and we will continue on the path for this year.  It feels good to be settled in again.

 

How about you - do you enjoy getting back into routines, or do you resist giving up the freedom of break time?

 

Thursday's Resource Review - Story Starters

Since we talked earlier this week about composition, I thought I'd share one of the items I use to help spur on creative writing in my home.  Sometimes, the children have a great idea for a story, and I let them run with it!  Other times, I know they need to be writing, but we are all out of new ideas for stories.  Well, that's when I turn to Story Starters.  

 

This is a collection of dozens of pictures and story beginnings that will jump-start your stumped writer.  The pictures are wonderful black and white drawings from the 19th century - and lend a feeling of wonder and playfulness that will inspire your young writer to write great stories!

 

Each story starter also has a few extras - like a brief description of a real-life person who lived out what is described in the story, or writing helps - like questions that could be answered with the portion of the story your child writes.  I don't use the writing helps unless my child is truly stumped about where to take the story.  All the stories have been fascinating for us, so far!  One more thing - some of the stories have one of two marks - (B) to indicate that it's a good choice for a beginning writer, and (I) to indicate that this story is intense.  Otherwise, the stories are presented for you to pick and choose which ones to use.

 

This resource is helpful for composition at all ages!  For my younger children who do not read or write well, I read the starter to them.  Then, I get a telling of the end of the story.  These are often quite fun and can get long and involved!  Once they start writing, the stories tend to get shorter...

 

I have found this resource to be a great help - it takes a load off my brain when it comes to creative writing time.  My children have really enjoyed the variety of stories and the hints and tips often give them even more ideas.  

 

I hope this review has been helpful for you.  What about you - do you enjoy the creative writing process?

Tuesday's CM Quote - Composition

These quotes challenge me!  What do you think?

 

In few things do certain teachers labour in vain more than in the careful and methodical way in which they teach composition to young children. The drill that these undergo in forming sentences is unnecessary and stultifying, as much so perhaps as such drill would be in the acts of mastication and deglutination. Teachers err out of their exceeding goodwill and generous zeal. They feel that they cannot do too much for children and attempt to do for them those things which they are richly endowed to do for themselves.  Vol 6, pg 190.

 

They write their little essays themselves, and as for the accuracy of their knowledge and justice of their expression, why, 'still the wonder grows.' They will describe their favourite scene from The Tempest or Woodstock. They write or 'tell' stories from work set in Plutarch or Shakespeare or tell of the events of the day. They narrate from English, French and General History, from the Old and the New Testament, from Stories from the History of Rome, from Bulfinch's Age of Fable, from, for example, Goldsmith's or Wordsworth's poems, from The Heroes Of Asgard: in fact, Composition is not an adjunct but an integral part of their education in every subject. The exercise affords very great pleasure to children, perhaps we all like to tell what we know, and in proportion as their composition is entirely artless, it is in the same degree artistic and any child is apt to produce a style to be envied for its vigour and grace. But let me again say there must be no attempt to teach composition. Our failure as teachers is that we place too little dependence on the intellectual power of our scholars, and as they are modest little souls what the teacher kindly volunteers to do for them, they feel that they cannot do for themselves. But give them a fair field and no favour and they will describe their favourite scene from the play they have read, and much besides. Vol 6, pg 192.

Language Arts - the Goal

Did you celebrate Charlotte Mason's Birthday yesterday?  I am always so grateful that the Lord created this woman who has so inspired and equipped me to give my children a fantastic education!  Happy Birthday, Miss Mason!

 

We have finally come to the happy result of teaching Language Arts!  NOW your child is really becoming an artist of the language!  You know Why Language Arts is Important to your child's education.  He knows the basics - because you have worked through the First Steps of Language Arts.  He has worked his way through learning to read, he is narrating passages comfortably.  He has a good grasp on using good grammar in his writing.  You are about to see the fruit of all your labors in teaching Language Arts!

 

Your child is going to be writing his own stories!  Of course, some of you may have little writers who have already begun the art of great story telling.  I mean, some children get so inspired by the great stories you are reading to them, or ones they read on their own free time (isn't it glorious when that happens?!), that they just start spilling out their own wonderful stories!  Well, now it's time to make sure you capture those wonderful stories!  It's time to ask them to record those stories.  It's fine to have them record them first on video or audio.  But, be sure to have them WRITE the story down, too!  This will give them practice on all those great things they have been learning about communicating through writing.  

 

Ask for at least one writing assignment per week.  Make sure you always praise the story!  Even though you want to make sure that correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation are used, you want to encourage all efforts at creativity.  You may not see a writer blossom right away, but you never know what will trigger the floodgates of creativity, so keep cheering them on in their creative endeavors!  Also, I think it's permissible - especially for students that might struggle more with grammar, spelling, or punctuation - to sometimes forego the scrutiny of those areas and focus solely on the story itself.  Let your little writer free!  You will be surprised to see that, as time goes by, she will automatically use correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.  What a happy time that is!  

 

As for subject matter for writing assignments - it's entirely possible to come up with ideas from the books you read, articles you come across, or your child's own imagination.  Some people just have all kinds of ideas flowing all the time.  If that's not you, it's perfectly acceptable to use writing prompts.  You may find some great ideas online by doing a google search.  Because I am always looking for ways to reduce the number of decisions I have to make every week, I love using Story Starters.  There are dozens of narratives in this book - designed to drop your child in the midst of a predicament, and have him pick up pen and paper, and decide where the story goes from there.  It's a great resource to have on hand, and can inspire story ideas in your children for years to come!  

 

Once you embark on this part of your homeschooling adventure, you will be amazed at what comes out of your child's mind!  I tend to think that, because I am with my children all day every day, that I know them so well they won't surprise me.  Well, I should know by now - there's a lot going on in their brains that they don't always share!  Reading their stories opens up a whole new window into their minds for me.  Of course, they are continuing their education, and as a result of this, I get to know my children better!  It's a win-win! 

Merry Christmas!

Well, this Christmas season has been a real blessing so far!  We have baked cookies, made ornaments (more than once!), read good Christmas books, been working our way through the Christmas story in many places in scripture, and generally been enjoying each other's company.  Several people have also been spending a lot of time behind locked doors!  hehehe....  The little ones (who aren't so little any more!) don't quite understand why all the secrecy, but they will be catching on, soon, I'm sure.  

 

Our 7-year-old came to a place in her life that she got it - why Jesus came, what He did for her, and her need for a Savior.  On December 4th, her heart was sealed to Jesus, and she became not only my daughter, but my sister in Christ.  What a day!  She has exclaimed more than once that she just can't stop thinking that "Now I'm a Christian!"  She also sings a beautiful song to God - often, loud, and unashamed.  It is such a sweet fragrance to this mother's heart to watch her child experiencing the Joy of her salvation so fully!  The Lord has even used this time to refresh me in my own Joy over my salvation.  What He did for me is not something I can speak eloquently about, but it is something that I treasure above everything else.  

 

My prayer for you this season is that you will know Him - the One who came to pay the penalty for sin, so you could be set free.  I also pray that you will experience that peace and goodwill that the angels proclaimed the night of the Savior's birth.  Enjoy this time with your children - it goes fast.  Proclaim the good news to your family this season - and to those whom you come in contact with. Let your heart be renewed with the knowledge of the greatest story ever told!  

 

May God Bless you, and may you bless God! 

Time to Take a Break!

We have been very busy around here, lately!  We are full into the swing of Christmas celebration and preparation, and we are loving it!  I am really savoring every minute of fun with the children.  It has struck me that our oldest is nearing the time to leave the nest (much sooner than I care to admit!), and our youngest is really able to participate in everything this year!  Crafts and decorating and cookie baking and partying and Christmas programs and on and on and on!!!  We are having so much fun.

 

So, it's time for me to admit that I just can't keep up with the celebrating and family fun like I want to, and keep up with posting four days a week.  I am declaring The Charlotte Mason Girl officially on Christmas break!  I plan to enjoy this season with my family.  I pray you will do the same with your family!

 

After the Christmas season, I'll be back with some great posts that are on my heart.  I will also be working hard on creating some new products to let you know about.  Have a great finish to 2011!  Enjoy every moment you have with your family - these moments will never be repeated.  

 

May God bless you and your family - and may you enjoy not only the season - but the One we celebrate.  Love you all!  

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

CM Quote - Grammar

Vol 3, pg 235  "Language.––In Language, by twelve, they should have a fair knowledge of English grammar, and should have read some literature."

 

Vol 3, pg 181:  "Disciplinary Devices must not come between Children and the Soul of the Book.––These few hints by no means cover the disciplinary uses of a good school-book; but let us be careful that our disciplinary devices, and our mechanical devices to secure and tabulate the substance of knowledge, do not come between the children and that which is the soul of the book, the living thought it contains."

 

Question:  What most surprises you about CM's approach to Grammar instruction?

Language Arts - Grammar

Teaching grammar is something that I have feared in the past.  Before I really got started 'officially' teaching, I was so unsure of myself in this area!  I had been able to get through my high school English classes, but I didn't really understand the way English worked.  First off, it didn't make sense to me that I even had to take English - I already knew how to speak, read, and write in English - it is my native tongue!  It wasn't like Spanish - something I had to learn from scratch.  Why did I need to take English?!

 

Well, I never really figured it out while I was in High School - or after - so I was really stumped at what to do for my own children.  Perhaps this is another part of the reason that CM appealed to me so much - everything is taught in such a natural way, that it is easy to teach, and easier to learn!  I also saw that I didn't need to worry about teaching grammar right away, so I relaxed about it at the beginning.  

 

Once my oldest child hit fourth grade, I knew it was time to start teaching her the basics of grammar.  I read that grammar is not a complicated study that takes years to master - like science or math - but it's vitally important to teach grammar to our children when they are ready.  Strike while the iron is hot!  After a few years of reading great literature, and narrating wonderful stories, your child is ready to organize his knowledge through the study of grammar.  Just like he learned to talk long before he learned to read, he has already used great grammar in his narrations, and now is ready to study grammar.  

 

Karen Andreola has written a wonderful book titled Simply Grammar that walks you through the grammar lessons needed for a student of 10 or older.  I confess that when I used the book for the first day, I thought to myself, "This is WAY to simple, and TOO short!  She'll never remember these lessons!"  But, I didn't know what else to do, so I kept at it, all the while thinking I was wasting our time.  Months later, my daughter still remembered that first lesson - and the lessons following!  I had forgotten a basic part of Charlotte Mason's philosophy.  When you harness the child's natural apptitude for literature, you can more easily teach your child some great lessons!  

 

Now, that daughter is in high school, her writing is as gifted as her father's, and she uses the English language so well!  Not only does she use the good grammar she learned in grade school, but the influence of the great literature she has read throughout her life is evident in her writing.  I am seeing the fruit every day in my older children of lessons learned many short years ago.  (Doesn't time fly while your children are growing?!)  I am so glad that I trusted Miss Mason knew what she was talking about!  

 

I hope you have gained encouragement as you embark on teaching your children grammar.  Question - what was your biggest fear in teaching your child?  How did you overcome it?