"How To" Charlotte Mason book reccomendations?

[BabyCrazy]

Hi, We started HS this fall, it's been a bit of a mess-not that i'm that surprised, lol. I have finally decided that what we have been doing is not working (school at home). After a lot of reading, I have decided that the "Charlotte Mason" style is really what I want to do, I think it will work with my kids -and me. I have seen quite a few books out there but wondered if anyone could recommend a good "how to" book. what worked well and why? I really need some help getting from the theory to the practical everyday living. I have a 10yr old (brilliant) son, 8 yr old daughter and a 3 yr old son.
thanks , elizabeth

[AngelBee]

Start reading over at www.amblesideonline.org Can be overwhelming but has TONS of info!

I started reading a couple pages at a time of CM own writings (also available above for free) Take time to soak it in and digest it.

My favorite book for application or helping me "see" CM in action is "A Charlotte Mason Companion" by Karen Andreola. It has really been helpful. I also enjoyed these books: http://www.charlottemasoneducation.com/

Let me know what specific questions you have. I have soon to be 7 children: DS18, DS10, DD8, DS6, DD3, DD18mths, and baby due Jan 29, 2011. So I have some experience with a range of ages.

[Holiztic]

Simply Charlotte Mason has a lot of resources, including a curriculum guide that gives all the practical details.

http://simplycharlottemason.com/

I find the site and it's resources to be very Christian (which we are not) but I expect that of CM resources, and if that works for you you'll love this site. Otherwise there is still tons of good info!

I am reading CM's original works right now and am LOVING them! My only child so far is 3.5 so I'm in early prep mode-lots of nature time, little to no twaddle, and tons of opportunities for masterly inactivity! And working on habits, too!!!

[Dillpicklechip]

I liked Karen Andreola's book as well. Ambleside Online and other sites can be overwhelming sometimes, with all the book lists and schedules--but Karen's book seems to portray a more gentle and laid-back version of this educational method. She also goes into a lot of detail in describing the activities she did with her own children, which is helpful.

[Casha'sMommy]

[Gem0406]

I second the recommendation for the simply charlotte mason site - I am a secular homeschooler but I find a way to fit in there because the info is so good - they have a few free ebooks and there is also "planning your cm education" when you are ready for it. I use their cm online organizer and it is a lifesaver. They have some blog series about cm methods that are very good and free to read, of course.

I also like "The Charlotte Mason Study Guide" by Penny Gardner

[Holiztic]

Originally Posted by Gem0406

I second the recommendation for the simply charlotte mason site - I am a secular homeschooler but I find a way to fit in there because the info is so good.

And here I was thinking I was the only one over there that wasn't Christian!

But yes, you are so right, the amount and quality of info and experience there is so valuable!!

[Gem0406]

LOL Holiztic - don't "out" me, ok - I am trying to fly under the radar over there LOL. Do you post on the forum? What is your screen name?

[BabyCrazy]

thanks

thanks everyone. i just needed a place to start. has anyone read "when children love to learn"? I saw it recommended somewhere. I have checked several libraries around, actually all of los angeles county, and no one has any of these. ugh
thanks again though.

[Holiztic]

Originally Posted by Gem0406

LOL Holiztic - don't "out" me, ok - I am trying to fly under the radar over there LOL. Do you post on the forum? What is your screen name?

Just started posting, I won't out you! Same name as here.

[BabyCrazy]

huh?