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Zeliemum
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| Posted: July 30 2006 at 8:09am | IP Logged
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I am interested in CH curriculum. Does anyone use it exclusivly here? Does anyone supplement it with a CM approach or would it conflict with something like CM methods? I like their concept of mother friendly curriculum is children friendly curriculum. I am looking for a change as my schooling is becoming tedious and my dc's need a lift. Obviously when Mum starts going down so does the uplifting atmosphere of the schoolroom, and that's no fun for any of us. It's been a challenging year. We still have our good days, but even after holidays first day back and we all feel burnt out.  So I'd love to know what you all think?
Thanks Kindly
Chemai
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Elizabeth
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Chemai,
Just to be sure, you're talking about Catholic Heritage Curriculum?
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Elizabeth Foss is no longer a member of this forum. Discussions now reflect the current management & are not necessarily expressions of her book, *Real Learning*, her current work, or her philosophy. (posted by E. Foss, Jan 2011)
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Zeliemum
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| Posted: July 30 2006 at 8:33am | IP Logged
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Dear Elizabeth,
Sorry got caught up in the post. I thought being American the abbreviation would be obvious.
Yes I am. I have looked it up tonight and really like what I saw. My sister-in-law also thinks it's pretty great. We are from Australia, living across the road from one another here, using similiar curriculum but in very different ways. As we are both interested in it, I wanted to find out more, because if we do invest it's a lot of money and hassle getting it here. Also if we are both keen it would save on delivery costs. It's worth us getting some advice from mum's who know about it and have used it.
Look forward to hearing comments regarding this.
Blessings
Chemai
P.S. Wish this forum had a spell check thingy. 
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Elizabeth
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I wish it had spellcheck, too. I'm a terrible typist.  I'm going to move this thread to the "Real Learning" forum. I'm off for the day, but I'm hoping that other folks can provide you with links for past discussions and that they can answer every specific question you have. We have lots of CHC users here--you came to the right place!
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Elizabeth Foss is no longer a member of this forum. Discussions now reflect the current management & are not necessarily expressions of her book, *Real Learning*, her current work, or her philosophy. (posted by E. Foss, Jan 2011)
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Zeliemum
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Just to add,
Also I'm interested in learning more about CM methods, and maybe how they (CHC) could work togeter (Have I said that before, Oh well no harm in reiterating). Yes I could read everything around but I like to hear what other's have to say and then imagine how that would work for us. As I have said in a previous post it's probably as boring as anything some newbie coming along asking what has already been discucced to the enth degree.  But I'm desperate for a change it's been a bad year and my dc and I need some variety and cheerfulness  in our schooling approach. Something that is interesting - yes, but won't burn them or me out.
Chemai
P.S Your responce came as I was still writing this. Sorry if this was started in the wrong section. I'll get it eventually.  . Love this Geeky Guy suits me to a tee!
Mum of - Maternal Majella 11, Tender Thomas 9, Boisterous Bethany 8, Agile Anthony 7,(2 in h'ven) Bright Benedict 3,(1 in h'ven) Rosy Ros-mary 2, Beatific Jonathan (5mths,in paradise) 
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ALmom
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I think CHC materials blend very well with a CM lifestyle. It allows plenty of time to follow interests, suggests nature walks and because of the sense of being light, there is plenty of time for children to read, read, read. Everything has a very sweet and solidly Catholic tone - emphasis on love of God and responding to him in love which is a real joy. It is consistent with short lessons. I have never found anything in the materials that I had to second guess whether or not the content was appropriate for the age or re-word because it sounded so harsh. Even with workbooks I don't see what I would call twaddle (imho of course).
You will want to try and look at many things first as much cannot be returned and the wonderful appendices in the lesson plans cannot be purchased seperately, nor can these be copied for other family members without the group copy priviledge fee. I would really think about exactly what you like and why and then ask specifics about what you find appealing.
I like the workbooks (but that is not CM) because they are light, provide me with some assurance that we are covering some basics and life long learning goes on without me hyperventilating about what we have or have not covered. Their workbooks also use stories, etc. so it isn't just a mindless fill in the blank - as you are correcting grammar or answering grammar questions, you are reading and learning about a saint. I love their LOG (and the spelling is fine for my children without visual memory problems) - but this may be peculiar to me as I do tend to find workbooks help me and my dc (in small doses). I also love the Stories of the Saints - these are beautifully done and full of ideas (in the upper level ones) for additional copy work, historical research, projects, etc. They do not have glossy covers, etc so they may look disappointing on the outside - but imo, they are treasures that we go back to year after year. We don't always do the exercises with them, sometimes we just read the stories - but the suggestions in the 8th grade one inspired my dd in a foray into researching Indians. I see their stuff as a great springboard for exploring.
We have enjoyed some of the reading comprehension. In the younger grades there is usually one or two inference type questions - ie in order to answer the child has to pick up something that was hinted at in the story. This is not usually what CM does but for my dc with vision problems (and thus I needed to do a bit more checking on comprehension than otherwise might have) and with so many in this situation it was a lifesaver for me to stay on top of things. I used it sort of as a quick spot check - that then gave me clues in the areas we needed to discuss and work on in general reading without turning their pleasure reading into a chore. The stories were short enough and interesting enough and questions not overwhelming so that this was not a burden on anyone. This is very, very specific or unique to the individual family, though, so really think about what you want.
I do have a harder time with some of the science. The only science I have really used and liked from them is Behold and See and this is for about 3rd grade (we use it for 2nd and 3rd grade - 1/2 the book each year while we fill in with more experiments and more living books and nature study). I did also use the 4th grade science supplement and liked it - an introduction to the human body with plenty of time to do your own projects (we made lots of models, did some dissection, and took care of my dying grandmother the year we did this program and this all blended beautifully - my grandmother had a stroke then so we did a lot of research on the causes and treatments for stroke and this dovetailed with our study of the brain). The Science 1,2,3 - wasn't anything really wrong with it - but I just wanted more specific book recommendations and ideas/questions. I am not a science person so I needed more help. Someone with more of an interest and ability might be fine (but then they might not really need this at all as it was more like a list of topics telling you to check out books at the library). I also did not like the middle school life science book because I felt it was poorly organized, skipped or assumed a lot of background knowledte we did not have. On the positive, it had a very pro-life perspective and no obnoxious drawings that I wasn't ready for dc to be pouring over.
I liked the From Sea to Shining Sea as a spine for American History but not really used other histories from them. (Since you are in Australia this may be irrelevant to you). They have some good project ideas that certainly could be expanded upon. I tend to diverge and use more books for history and skip their plans here - but find good suggestions for Catholic sources of information.
By far the biggest plus are their religion supplements! These are really what sold me on CHC. If you are crafty yourself and don't mind creating your own masters, you can do a lot of this using the A Year With God which does have copy priviledges. I, personally, did appreciate having everything already laid out for me so we just had to cut and glue and pick out pictures. This may be because I just was overwhelmed with vision therapy, a move, college searches with the oldest and the artsy stuff in general is challenging to me so this may again be just me. The lesson plans had some beatiful stories that went along and illustrated sacraments, etc. so these are certainly worth having - and saving.
If you have specific questions about specific materials perhaps you could PM me. I have lesson plans for all the years now - and have used portions of most grades at least once.
A lot depends on how helpful workbooks and already laid out things are for you. Some people just really hate workbooks and then you might want to proceed with caution. I will say their workbooks are not like the typical busywork workbooks. I think they are very thoughtful and I have found them worthwhile.
The materials are getting more and more expensive with less opportunities for re-use so consider that as well. Wish you were close enough to just browse my shelfs as that really is about the only way to know for sure.
Janet
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Dawnie
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Hi there!
We use CHC, too. My dc are young--I have only been homeschooling for 3 years. One of the things I really like about CHC is that it boosts my confidence as a "newer" homeschooler. (btw, at what point do I become a veteren?  ) I don't feel confident enough yet to piece together my own curriculum for all my dc, but I am learning a lot about what works (and what doesn't) for me and my dc by using CHC's lesson plans and workbooks.
I remember feeling totally overwhelmed when I started shopping for kindergarten curriculum for my oldest dd. So many choices! I finally picked CHC and just followed their lesson plans and I was very happy with it. I homeschooled most of kindergarten from the couch w/ a new baby nursing and napping in my arms! We didn't do all the hands-on projects that the lesson plans suggest, but we got through the basics and dd was ready for 1st grade when we finished. I felt it was very manageable for me, especially with a new baby in arms.
I read Elizabeth's book, Real Learning last summer and it really inspired me to integrate more of Charlotte Mason's ideas into my homeschool. So what did we integrate and how? One of the first things I did, which was very easy and manageable, was to start going on nature walks with my children. At first, my goal was just to get out to a nature trail a few times a week and enjoy and observe what we saw. Then, I purchased a few field guides, so we could identify some of the trees, flowers, and insects we saw on our walks. I made a little nature walk backpack with our field guides, magnifying glasses, and and empty glass jars to take with us on our walks. When we found something we couldn't identify, we took it to a local nature center staffed with naturalists who were happy to help us. My next goal is to start nature notebooks.
Another thing I did was to start asking the dc for narrations after I read something out loud to them. This has been a very gradual process, but I have seen definite improvement over the past year.
I also added more "living books" to our homeschool. We had already been enjoying good literature, but reading Elizabeth's book encouraged me to make this a bigger part of our homeschooling. Over the past year, I have read 10 chapter books to my dc out loud! Some of them were read twice! In fact, reading out loud comprised most of our homeschooling for over half of our school year. We put our house on the market, moved, and I became pregnant, so formal schooling was put on hold for several months. However, I did continue reading out loud to my dc, and I believe they have learned a lot just by hearing good literature read to them.
I have also made a greater effort to simply include my children more in our daily life activities, like cooking, cleaning, and crafts. My oldest dd learned to knit (one of my favorite hobbies), sort clothes for washing, and wash dishes. I also try to let the dc help more when I am cooking--with the measuring and mixing steps.
I am really excited about the upcoming year. We are using CHC's 2nd grade curriculum for my 7yod, and I am piecing together my own preschool curriculum for my 4yod. I am adding lots of living books to CHC's Tour the Continents study. We are going to make a geography notebook as part of the project. I am also adding read-alouds for First Communion preparation. I haven't yet decided if I'm going to try a First Communion notebook. It looks really neat--I'm just not sure how many hands-on projects I'll be up for next year!
For my 4yod, we are going to make a preschool notebook, with an alphabet section, a numbers section, and (by special request) a mysteries of the Rosary section. I just ordered the book Do Touch after being inspired by Genevieve's blog. This thread has given me some great ideas for preschool. Read through the whole thread--Kristine (saintannehs) generously posted her preschool alphabet notebook plans! I also plan to include my 4yod in as many read-alouds as she will listen to!
I hope that helps--I am learning to use the CHC plans as more of a guide, and the longer I homeschool, the more confident I feel about substituting my own ideas. I was drawn to CM's ideas b/c they seemed very mother-friendly, too. However, trying to implement everything all at once can be overwhelming. I have implemented a little at a time over the course of the past year. I can relate to your feeling burned out--I didn't feel up to planning all I've planned for this year last year. It did help to have a plan that was all laid out for me.
I second Janet's advice about trying to look at what you are interested in before you buy, if that's possible. I know I would have bought a lot I didn't need this past spring if I hadn't had the opportunity to see it and look through it at a homeschooling conference. I have been generally happy with CHC's materials--others have not. We are all so different, our dc are different, and we each try to do what will work best for our families. CHC coupled with CM's ideas works very well for my family. Other approaches work better for different families. Sometimes it's a matter of experimentation and trial-and-error. Homeschooling is a learning experience for me, too! Reading this board has been VERY helpful for me--I've been so inspired and encouraged this summer and feel re-charged and ready for this next school year.
I hope you will find the information you need to help you make a decision here. If you have any more specific questions about CHC, please feel free to ask! I'll be glad to share more about what we've used.
Here are a few more links to threads where CHC materials have been discussed:
here is one on CHC's return policy
here is one discussing CHC's "gentle" approach
here is one on their Kindergarten religion materials
hereis a thread discussing CHC's primary science materials
here is a long thread discussing CHC in general
I hope that helps!
Dawn
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Erin
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Chemai
Great that your interested in CHC, I was too. Before you get too thrilled about it, it is next to impossible to get here to Australia 
Unless they have changed their policy they don't post to Australia. They will direct you to go to their Canadian site and buy through the Sacred Heart Bookshop and frankly the price that way is impossible.
Now this was about a year ago I looked into this, check with Anna at Fountain Resourcesto see if the situation has changed.
chem39 wrote:
| I am looking for a change as my schooling is becoming tedious and my dc's need a lift. Obviously when Mum starts going down so does the uplifting atmosphere of the schoolroom, and that's no fun for any of us. It's been a challenging year. We still have our good days, but even after holidays first day back and we all feel burnt out. |
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I pray you find a style that suits you and your dc, maybe your search on CM, unit studies and literature based approaches will led to you finding an answer. And one that you can use in Australia
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Zeliemum
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Thanks everyone for your interest and help. You have given me quite a bit of food for thought. My dc really like workbooks, so that for me is a bonus it saves time and they love to decorate them and make them as beautiful as possible. We have always used Seton materials for Science, Religion, Art, Reading for Comp, and LALS. I've been happy with Seton and will probably continue using what I have. Maths we use Rod & Staff for up to Grade 3 and Saxon after that. I have to say my eldest dc love Saxon and are thriving in their Maths because of it. English - we started with a version that I put together with my dh of Spalding, then last year changed to the new LEM, with frustrating results. So I'll give LEM until Christmas and if we are all still struggling I'll be selling it and going back to original Spalding/ writing road to reading.
Yes it is unfortunate that that they don't distribute to Australia. I have been in contact with them via e-mail, only to discover that to get it here would be very hard and expensive, but I was not detered by this if it is the curriculum for us I don't consider obsticles and expense I just go for it. However, I'm now after all of your comprehensive info, considering remaining with the Seton stuff. It is very good and so very Catholic, and I love it's acedemic standards. I have never had any of their lessons plans, I've always devised my own ways of teaching and using their text books. I think now after the year my family has had I will go for their lesson plans and maybe use some of them in a narration style/dictation style. I like the sound of CHC but I think considering I've been such a Seton lover, I'll stick to it for now until I read a little bit more and decide where I want to change.
I would love to read Real Learning and will hopefully buy a copy very soon. I'm curently reading Laura Berquist Designing Your Own Classic Curriculum. I'm fishing as you can see, maybe jumping a bit but I'm sure it will all come together eventually. If I could have some time without major trails I might have some time to contemplate which direction I think would work best for us. Both styles certainly have merits and things that I could implement. You can't avoid trails they are part of who we are as humans but specifically Catholic, this is part of our sactification I know, and I grateful to Our Lord for them because it has helped me love him more. It's just that it's hard to think about changing schooling approaches when your going through something personally traumatic.
Anyway thank you all once again. I hope I have made sense here. For a homeschooling Mother writing is not my strongest point(neither is spelling).
God Bless to you all
Chemai
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aussieannie
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Erin wrote:
| Now this was about a year ago I looked into this, check with Anna at Fountain Resourcesto see if the situation has changed. |
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Chemai,I've just been on Anna's site and on the home page it states she is now selling some things from 'Hillside' one listed from Hillside is Lingua Mater which I think is a CHC product? (Can someone confirm that?) I have emailed Anna, and waiting a reply to see if she can/will/does stock CHC.
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Elizabeth
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CHC carries HIllside products but they are not CHC exclusives. YOu can look at the whole Hillside Line here. I can't say enough good tings abou this line.
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Elizabeth Foss is no longer a member of this forum. Discussions now reflect the current management & are not necessarily expressions of her book, *Real Learning*, her current work, or her philosophy. (posted by E. Foss, Jan 2011)
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aussieannie
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elizabeth wrote:
| CHC carries HIllside products but they are not CHC exclusives. YOu can look at the whole Hillside Line here. |
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Thank you for clarifying that, Elizabeth - this is all such a learning curve (but a good one! )
elizabeth wrote:
| I can't say enough good tings abou this line. |
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I got a touch of the giggles here!
"With thim words, me tinks ye might be feelin a bit o'the Irish tis mornin'!"
(Don't worry, I am sure it is less to do with the early time of the day over there and more to do with the late time over here!  (10pm) Time for bed I think!  )
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Elizabeth
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Well, it's four things: the early hour, a sticky/stubborn keyboard,a failure to proofread, and really painful fingertips from all the blood glucose testing. And now you've quoted it so I can't go back and fix it  .
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Elizabeth Foss is no longer a member of this forum. Discussions now reflect the current management & are not necessarily expressions of her book, *Real Learning*, her current work, or her philosophy. (posted by E. Foss, Jan 2011)
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aussieannie
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Four good reasons and none that look remotely green! - now here I am in the cold light of morning, looking at my evening silliness
The funny thing about all that, is I have had so many (wonderful) Irish priests in my lifetime that I can never look at the missing 'h' in any other way again!
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4Real Forums : Living Learning
Topic: CHC info.
