Nov. 1, 2006 - Great Article to Read

Posted in Homeschool Methods

This post is intended mostly for my friends who knew me before I started blogging and read this blog to see what we are doing but may not venture out to other blogs here on Homeschool Blogger.  If you are new here or have not read the following post, I encourage you to do so.

I want to point you toward this great article written by Lindafay:

CHILDREN FEED ON IDEAS, NOT FACTS

I am trying to homeschool is the way she describes. It is a little scary for me. It seems easier for me to go with textbooks and worksheets. But I'd rather do it this way.

If you read it, let me know what you think.

Also, read the comments on her blog about the article...there is a lot of good information in that section too.

Stacy

May. 16, 2006 - Charlotte Mason and the Classical Method

Posted in Homeschool Methods

I have been looking into both the Charlotte Mason and the Classical Education methods of homeschooling.  I am wondering about combing them.  

There are a number of articles on the web regarding the similarities and differences between these methods.  Some of the major differences are in the timing of grammar and writing.  Similarities include the use of living books.  Since I do not feel qualified to comment any further, I am including the links for those interested.

I would love to hear comments or suggestions from those who utilize either or both of these methods. 

Here are the links:

http://www.welltrainedmind.com/charlottemason.php

http://www.welltrainedmind.com/morecharlotte.php

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlotte_Mason

Just as an end note... Since my daughter will be 5 this July, I feel the need to have all this figured out before we start "officially" schooling.  On the other hand, I do realize that there is room for error and time for adjustments.

May. 11, 2006 - Reading Charlotte Mason, The Preface

Posted in Homeschool Methods

As I begin to read Charlotte Mason's Home Schooling Series, I can see that it is going to take some time to get through.  Every page is filled with thoughts to be pondered.  The Preface alone has much to soak in and consider.  

Charlotte Mason believed that children should have a "full and generous curriculum," because "the mind feeds on ideas."  We should not consider our child's mind as a receptacle "into which ideas must be dropped," but instead, as a "spiritual organism with an appetite for all knowledge."

Charlotte Mason's love for children is evident.  She sees them as real people, with great potential for good or evil.  It is up to us to help them develop into the good.

The importance of the home environment is also clearly seen. The home has great "educational value". 

It appears to me, at least from my limited knowledge and reading of her ideas, that Charlotte Mason has a well rounded approach to education.    It is not just about learning facts but also training the character and the will. 

She states that children must be trained in "physical exercises, nature, handicrafts, science and art, and upon many living books."   They should also be taught "moral and intellectual self-management."

I am excited to read further and learn more from this wise woman.  I will expand more on her ideas as I learn about them.