I am in a local book club, studying Charlotte Mason’s 20 Principles using the study guide by Brandy Vencel. I’ve done this study in an online group before, but there’s something different and more personal in a local group that includes people who know your kids and family. Last month’s meeting was on Principle 1:…
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galations 6:9) It’s easy for a homeschool day to go off the rails. As must as we would like to blame the toddler or the teen, usually that derailing starts in our own…
Moms are all about growth. It starts with growing a new little life right inside of our own selves. The growth is in our bellies, and then it’s in our arms. We go through boxes of clothes, changing them out seemingly overnight because growth is so rapid. Our family size grows, gradually, over the years,…
Ordo amoris is a concept that touches every homeschool day, whether or not we realize it. Imagine the typical scene: The math page looms. “But I don’t want to,” the child moans. The book awaits. “But I don’t like it,” the child whines. Maybe you start off homeschooling with grand visions and high hopes. Maybe…
By now you know I like to geek out about personality. I’ve written about the personalities of homeschool moms. I’ve theorized about kids’ personalities and learning styles. And I’ve applied all my researching and musing to specific examples like how our personalities should affect our personal refreshment, our planning styles, and our morning routines. Over…
If you’re reading Afterthoughts (and I’m assuming you are, of course), then you might start getting the feeling that you really should read The Liberal Arts Tradition, and you’d be right. Where Karen Glass’ Consider This nudged Charlotte Mason devotees toward the classical tradition, The Liberal Arts Tradition nudges classical educators toward the Charlotte Mason…
It’s not only 12-year-old boys who ask that question, now, is it? In “How We Homeschool Latin“, I said that there are generally three reasons given for the study of Latin: I’ve been reading in classical education circles for over ten years now, and while there were always a few voices crying in the wilderness…
A book review of Consider This: Charlotte Mason and the Classical Tradition by Karen Glass. I loved Karen Glass’ book, Consider This: Charlotte Mason and the Classical Tradition. It truly is the bridge into classical principles for those not ready to undertake Norms and Nobility or Poetic Knowledge. Those are daunting, heady books that will…
I like to talk about education philosophy and principles much more than methods, though I do have a soft spot for practical tips. However, unless we are grounded in our principles, we will be tossed to and fro by all the practical tips out there. Every practical tip is born from underlying principles, and if…
As of 2014 Our full month of homeschooling lists is nearing an end. I can hardly believe it. I’m joining up with The Nester’s 31 Days series and sharing 31 homeschool lists with you! Everything from sanity strategies to book lists to managing life details: I’ve got a list and I’m sharing it. Homeschooling Lists…