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Livin'4Him
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| Posted: Feb 10 2012 at 9:30am | IP Logged
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I have been wandering through this site for a few months. I am a huge reader myself (as much as a mama can be  ) and love the concept of using living books for teaching. But that is where it stops for me! UGH I can't seem to grasp what to do with this method. I also don't think it is the best method of teaching for all of my children which sends my brain instantly into overload!  Please give me any advice possible. I went through and got from the library as many books as I could for one of the modules from SCM for history and geography. Then they sat there! I have started narrations when they read a book for reading. Those are going well. I am so flustered, I don't even know how to explain what I don't "get". Here is a bit about my kiddos, any advice is much appreciated!
Grace is 11, loves to read, hates workbooks, is an advanced reader.
Daniel is 9, likes to read books he is interested in, doesn't mind workbooks, needs lots to have time filled, needs to be challenged, very smart boy
Gabriel is 11, in US for 2.5 years, speaking English for 2.5 years, doing well reading probably at first grade level, doesn't enjoy reading, loves workbook/busy work as he was in school in Thailand, pretty sure he thinks our version of school is wacky  looks at reading as "punishment"
All 3 do enjoy read alouds. Just not as much time for them as I would like. I do daycare and have anywhere from 1 - 4 under 2 year old's here everyday. Workbooks are what makes sense for me but is isn't really working. KWIM I might not be making any sense and then feel free to tell me so!! 
God bless you all~
__________________
Blessings~ Megan
Mama to Gracie (00), Gabriel (01) and Daniel (02)
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CrunchyMom
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| Posted: Feb 10 2012 at 10:14am | IP Logged
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I think I know exactly what you mean. And honestly, it has taken me a few years to really wrap my head around what a Charlotte Mason education LOOKS like.
I've overplanned, underplanned, and I've finally found a good balance for us, I think, which is a relief since my oldest in only just needing more formal guidance.
I will disagree in that I think that Living Books IS the best method for all children. How it is implemented or organized might look different for different styled learners.
I have a checklist for my 7.5 year old for each day (a page for a week), and I have things broken down very simply. A day might say - 3 Math Mammoth pages
- 1 page, front and back, Explode the Code
- Study and review Catechism with Mom
- Read *A Life of Our Lord*--Narrate
- Read books from basket (20 min)
- Lesson with Mom
- Practice poem to recite.
- Review German words
- Review Latin prayers
- Practice German dance
- Practice Piano (10 min)
Then, in each book they are to read, I have a post-it with what I consider an assignment's worth broken down in a list. When he reads and narrates (which, he comes and finds me to narrate), he marks it off. This way, the next time he is assigned that particular book, he just picks up where he left off.
This also means that I don't have to have some master list where he was supposed to read chapter 3 but didn't get around to it so my list is all messed up and now we're "behind." Of course, if we never did school, we'd be behind, but being behind doesn't feel *complicated* anymore. We just keep on keeping on until we finish that particular book and I replace it with another.
It took me YEARS of looking at JenMack (Mackfam) and Suzanne's lesson plans to wrap my head around this. I was, of course, OVER complicating many things. Jen's and Suzanne's plans look different, but the concept is similar to what I described, where the assignment simply says Read *A Life of Our Lord*, not *Read pages 12-15 of A Life of Our Lord.*
This is really so simple, I'm sure it won't take you as long to grasp it as it has me 
Your children are older and they will likely have more assignments than my 7 year old. My 7 year old also read a TON independently, so I haven't felt the need to include so much extra reading. I have a number of science and nature books in "the basket", and he records what he has read in a journal after the timer goes off. This is a compromise that seems to be working between my Charlotte Mason and Unschooler alter egos, but I could easily substitute that for a couple more reading assignments a day if I feel the need for more structure.
One thing you might look into for Gabriel is some books on cd. Perhaps listening to some assignments will take some of the pressure off of both of you with read-aloud time so limited and his reading level beneath the level of stories that would appeal to and eleven year old boy. You might also look into Jim Weiss's storytelling cds. I really think that he does an excellent job of whetting the appetite for reading more.
Notebooking by also be something to offer him that provides the structure of workbook/busywork but the ready made/printable pages can be used alongside living books and are more open-ended.
__________________
Lindsay
Five Boys(6/04) (6/06) (9/08)(3/11),(7/13), and 1 girl (5/16)
My Symphony
[URL=http://mysymphonygarden.blogspot.com/]Lost in the Cosmos[/UR
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CrunchyMom
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| Posted: Feb 10 2012 at 10:16am | IP Logged
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Oh, and "Lesson With Mom" above is where I insert things like Art, Music, Nature Study, etc...
__________________
Lindsay
Five Boys(6/04) (6/06) (9/08)(3/11),(7/13), and 1 girl (5/16)
My Symphony
[URL=http://mysymphonygarden.blogspot.com/]Lost in the Cosmos[/UR
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Mackfam
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| Posted: Feb 10 2012 at 10:53am | IP Logged
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I really can't do any better than Lindsay's observations. I do agree with her that this approach, using living books to convey ideas, is universal - it is the way we organize and approach it for different children with different needs that may vary. I also think her idea to offer audio books for a whild to Gabriel is a good idea (and trust me, you can find some fantastic living books on audio!! These threads should get you started!). This takes the pressure off of him in terms of the skill of reading and allows him to enjoy the story. Perhaps some audiobooks that emphasize his own Thai culture would be appealing for him?
So, you've got some living books from the library! That's a fantastic start. Do be gentle on yourself - while this education is actually very simple and intuitive once you get rolling, it takes time, patience and some effort to 1) understand the methods and 2) find ways to apply them that make sense in your home with your children. It's ok to baby step your way into this.
 Living books and beginning to narrate.
Really observing your children, understanding their different needs and preferences.
Coming here to brainstorm ideas.
Livin4Him wrote:
| UGH I can't seem to grasp what to do with this method. |
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You mention SCM, and "this method", but I don't want to assume that you are pursuing a Charlotte Mason education, though that's what I'm getting. There are many that enjoy a literary based education: living books, etc - that don't necessarily embrace a Charlotte Mason education or all of her methods, and that's fine!! My point is that you can go in a more general living book direction, or you may be trying to follow Charlotte Mason's methods - and I'm trying to find out which one? IF you are seeking to follow Charlotte Mason's methods, I want to recommend a few books because I think they're fabulous at explaining not only the why of the philosophy of education, but the practicals for where the rubber meets the road. I think it could help you wrap your mind around this a little further.
** Charlotte Mason Reviewed by Jenny King - easy enough to read in an afternoon, but the most fantastic and simple to understand summary of a Charlotte Mason education that I've ever read.
** Charlotte Mason Education: A Home Schooling How-To Manual and More Charlotte Mason Education both by Catherine Levison - my favorite books for beginning, middle, and end of applying this education in the home. I read and re-read these almost yearly and I've been doing this for over 10 years now. They are understandable, approachable and have the practical stuff we moms need to get the ball rolling!
There are more books, but those are my favorites and I think are simple enough to get you rolling with some understanding and ideas right off the bat and in a short amount of time. Check your library first (but you're not likely to find Jenny King's book there  )
I really don't like linking to my own blog posts here. I don't.  It's just a personal thing - others are able to do it so well and with such grace. I'm going to try to emulate their gracefulness and link you to a few things I wrote because I wrote them with the hope that they'd provide some tools for moms to work with so that they could begin to take ideas and work them into their own homes. Also, I don't like sending people away from the board to read because I really want to brainstorm with you personally....right here (!!!)....so I'm linking with the understanding that you'll come back so we can chat!
A Considered Booklist - ideas for building a booklist that will guide your year for each of your children.
Planning: A Beginning - A literary based education, and more specifically, a Charlotte Mason education, will propel itself quite naturally. This is a relief for the mom that needs to juggle ages, personalities, needs, in addition to home life. BUT....how to get it all working together is such a big question! I try to address how I go about doing that. It IS NOT the only answer to that question, just my answer. And my prayer is that it inspires ideas to work with so that you can come up with YOUR OWN answer, just as Lindsay has done. This post also links a number of follow up posts with ideas and reflections for planning an education like this.
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I know others will share more wonderful observations and ideas with you, and I know you'll benefit from the blessing of their sharing. Take a deep breath and sit down with a cup of tea, Megan, you've come to the right place! 
__________________
Jen Mackintosh
Wife to Rob, mom to dd 19 , ds 16, ds 11, dd 8, and dd 3
Wildflowers and Marbles
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AmandaV
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CrunchyMom wrote:
| I think I know exactly what you mean. And honestly, it has taken me a few years to really wrap my head around what a Charlotte Mason education LOOKS like.\. |
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Me too. But what you just said really helped me. I haven't been planning for as long as you but our children are similar ages.
And what you said about the balance between CM and unschooly sides, really resonated. So glad I follow this board! I like the list idea for each day, which I've seen before but seeing yours in example form really helped. My son is a super advanced reader too so I'm trying to balance what I require vs what I allow, as he is unschooling himself in a lot of ways on the side- i.e. reading Exploratopia in one week while attempting many of the ideas on his own and coming to tell us about and discuss the things he learned as he goes. Anyway, sorry to highjack, but, though not totally new at this your explanation really resonated with me!
__________________
Amanda
wife since 6/03, Mom to son 7/04, daughter 2/06, twin sons 6/08 and son 7/11, son 1/2014
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Erica Sanchez
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| Posted: Feb 14 2012 at 5:25pm | IP Logged
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Reading this book/workbook, Planning Your Charlotte Mason Education, really helped me have a better overview of a Charlotte Mason education. It doesn't go into great detail about the philosophy behind the method like her original works or the books Jen mentioned above or even the videos that are being discussed this week, but I think it gives a very good overview as well as walk you through step by step the process of setting up a schedule for your days and weeks and months and years.
Having a bit better grasp of just the overview makes me want to dig deeper in a ways I've yet to do - I think Lent might be a great time to do this.
__________________
Have a beautiful and fun day!
Erica in San Diego
(dh)Cash, Emily, Grace, Nicholas, Isabella, Annie, Luke, Max, Peter, 2 little souls ++, and sweet Rose who is legally ours!
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Livin'4Him
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| Posted: Feb 16 2012 at 9:43pm | IP Logged
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Thank you so much for the responses! Sorry I wasn't completely clear in my post. Yes, I want to use CM as my main schooling "method"! And fitting it together with unschooling is exactly who we are!
I have poured over the links and posts, with my cup of tea, Jen, that you all recommended. Your blog is an incredible wealth of information, Jen! Thank you for being willing to send me there.
Here are the first questions I have as I am moving forward.
1) Story of the World 1 looks awesome. Would this be a good one to get in audio CD's so Gabe can make use of them also? Would it be necessary to also have the actual books or could we skip to save $. I am looking at this for "extras".
2)History book resources--what are top recommendations for my $'s right now? I purchased Reading the Saints by Janet McKenzie so far.
3)What goes in the baskets you read from, particularly for each child? Separate from books you are reading aloud and books they are reading for school. ie:Lindsay mentioned reading from the book basket for 20 minutes.
I am sure I will have more as I continue to move along. Thank you for being here!
__________________
Blessings~ Megan
Mama to Gracie (00), Gabriel (01) and Daniel (02)
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jawgee
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| Posted: Feb 17 2012 at 6:41am | IP Logged
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Livin'4Him wrote:
| Story of the World 1 looks awesome. Would this be a good one to get in audio CD's so Gabe can make use of them also? Would it be necessary to also have the actual books or could we skip to save $. I am looking at this for "extras". |
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For Story of the World, we are using the CDs with the Activity Book. I had started the year reading the actual book, but I've found that ears tend to be more focused when we are on a car ride somewhere. In book 3, each chapter seems to last about 10 minutes, which is perfect for our needs. That allows us more time when we are at home to read supplemental living books.
__________________
Monica
C (12/2001), N (11/2005), M (5/2008), J (8/2009) and three angels
The Catholic Cup on Facebook
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Mackfam
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| Posted: Feb 17 2012 at 9:02am | IP Logged
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Livin'4Him wrote:
| 1) Story of the World 1 looks awesome. Would this be a good one to get in audio CD's so Gabe can make use of them also? Would it be necessary to also have the actual books or could we skip to save $. I am looking at this for "extras". |
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Yes, I think this would be something ideal to incorporate an audio version of something for Gabe. My kids preferred having the book in hand to follow along while they listened - we tried both (with and without book). We didn't use the Activity Book; just read and I had the kids narrate to me afterward.
Livin'4Him wrote:
| 2)History book resources--what are top recommendations for my $'s right now? I purchased Reading the Saints by Janet McKenzie so far. |
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I love Janet McKenzie's book!!! By history book resources do you mean books that have lists of books? If you're watching what you spend, I wouldn't get anything more in this area just yet. I mean, if you find a great used bargain - go for it! But, you CAN build booklists with free resources.
1) Search here, in the Across Time and Place forum. That's where you'll find all kinds of FABULOUS living history literature reviewed - some by period of history, some by age. Just search under periods of history, or particular names and I guarantee you'll find some great book ideas!
2) I ALWAYS read through Reading Your Way Through History - it's really fantastic because it's no fluff! Just books listed by chronological period.
3) I always check out the books offered by Bethlehem Books which you can search by historical period) and RC History.
With those resources, I could come up with a pretty good booklist!
Livin'4Him wrote:
| 3)What goes in the baskets you read from, particularly for each child? Separate from books you are reading aloud and books they are reading for school. ie:Lindsay mentioned reading from the book basket for 20 minutes. |
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I think that's a question for Lindsay! Lindsay - what's in your book basket?
Our book baskets are generally arranged by theme -
1) a liturgical book basket which has mostly picture books, but some chapter books, that reflect the saints and the calendar for the current month liturgically.
2) a basket for our current national history theme (right now, it's election history).
3) there is always a science/natural history basket or theme - right now it's gardening/seeds and chickens.
__________________
Jen Mackintosh
Wife to Rob, mom to dd 19, ds 16, ds 11, dd 8, and dd 3
Wildflowers and Marbles
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ekbell
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| Posted: Feb 17 2012 at 11:43am | IP Logged
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Livin'4Him wrote:
3)What goes in the baskets you read from, particularly for each child? Separate from books you are reading aloud and books they are reading for school. ie:Lindsay mentioned reading from the book basket for 20 minutes.
I am sure I will have more as I continue to move along. Thank you for being here!
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I have bookpiles on bookshelves instead of baskets but that's where I put books for my more loosely planned subjects. For example I don't have a set number of artists or artworks to cover in a term or care how fast ( or classic story books for the younger crew) so such books are simply added to the appropriate book pile to be read and replaced with similar books when finished. For my younger crew pretty much everything except learning-to-read and math materials plus the family history spine to be part of their bookshelf/pile/selection-of-books-to-choose. &nbs p;It's my responsibility to provide material and theirs to let me know what they've read and what they don't want to read.
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MommyMahung
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| Posted: Feb 20 2012 at 1:06pm | IP Logged
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Wow! This has been great for me to read ladies! Thank you Megan for posting your struggle. After reading all of these posts, I have a better understanding of how to do things too! You ladies are all so helpful!
Thank you!!!
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Topic: Help: I WANT to do this!
