Sade Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 What CM curriculum do you use or do you develop your own curriculum? I'm still in the researching stage for this Fall, but it seems a bit overwhelming, so I am glad I have time to prepare. My ds will be 8 and in the 3rd grade in September. Currently we are using WWE I and SOTW and would probably stick with those. I definitely need guidance in other areas, though. Thanks so much! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
table4five Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 I am not good at building my own curriculum, so I went with Living Books Curriculum. I just switched from HOD Preparing. The daily boxes were not working for me and I wasn't feeling the love with the science. I used my own Math and LA. So all that was left was history and Bible and it felt like I was changing too much of it around. Anyhow, I am on the 1st week of LBC. I can tell you so far what I do like and that is the mixture of American and World History. I like the book choices for the 4th grade year (the year we are using) I combined the 2 kids ages 9 and 10 in LBC's 4th grade year, but they have their own individual math and LA programs. I just combine them in everything else ie. history, music composers, science, poetry, picture study and Bible. The lessons are short. The guide is a guide and not very detailed like HOD, but so far I think that suits me better as the teacher. I can add things on and go at a faster pace or slower and for me not feel bad for not checking off wach box, because there are no boxes. But that is me :001_smile: That is what is going on in this house right now :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kandty Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 Heart of Dakota and Simply Charlotte Mason is at the top of my list. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperDad Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 We use Ambleside and HIFU as our "main" programs. You can very likely "mesh" those with SOTW, though you will sort of have to "reconstruct" since most CM curricula are built around the history component. SOTW is used in some CM curricula, so it's definitely CMish. Feel free to send any CM curricula ?s my way. HTH, SuperDad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aurelia Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 I've been looking into Ambleside Online a lot recently. There's also Living Books Curriculum, Simply Charlotte Mason, and I think Old Fashioned Education. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kristinannie Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 I do a mix and match and try to find the best books on the topic we are studying. I use Mater Amabilis, Simply Charlotte Mason, HUFI, Ambelside Online and Living Books Curriculum. I also ask for advice on the 4real forums. They are awesome if you are doing CM! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kfamily Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 I like Charlotte Mason Help (Linda Fay's site), Childlight USA and especially Ambleside Online, but we follow my own curriculum ideas. I'm reworking my blog with my curriculum ideas (A Mind in the Light). I'm going to set everything up under individual studies by time period, civilization and for science I will have it divided up by topic. I hope to create at least 4 levels within every study. I have a lot of work to do with it, but this is where I'm going. I'm also hoping to create Book Notes for the majority of the books used. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommy5 Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 We do a mix of things, as well. I don't know if I could keep up with the amount of reading in AO ... we used some of SCM this year ... like their history module 1 and Apologia Science. We will use some living books for History next year and Apologia again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommyfaithe Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 We use a mish-mash of curricula/books....but remember: CM is a philosophy-method, not a book list. The book lists are nice as jump off points, but it is how you USE those books. I use lots of WTM suggestions, Ambleside, Veritas Press, and this year we are using Sonlight Core W. I am a CM teacher, but not necessarily using CM advertised products. Faithe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommyfaithe Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 What is HUFI? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SunD Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 What is HUFI? Higher Up & Further In It used to be at higherupandfurtherin.blogspot.com, but is now updated with new recommendations and links at Charlotte Mason Help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
athomemom Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 Queen's Homeschool, Simply Charlotte Mason, and MFW are my favorites. Currently we are using SL with a CM flair. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5 Hikers Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 What is HUFI? Higher up and Further In Its a blog and free curriculum list. I like it better than AO because it is more American based. She is listed now under Charlotte Mason Help Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momto2Cs Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 We use a mish-mash of curricula/books....but remember: CM is a philosophy-method, not a book list. The book lists are nice as jump off points, but it is how you USE those books. I use lots of WTM suggestions, Ambleside, Veritas Press, and this year we are using Sonlight Core W. I am a CM teacher, but not necessarily using CM advertised products.Faithe Same here. I use suggestions from all over the place, but use them as CM materials, so yes, I build my own curriculum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mama2cntrykids Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 We've been doing My Father's World for the past 4 years. It's a mix of CM and Classical. They have suggestions for what to use for LA and Math, but don't use the suggestions ;). I have more to say, I will have to come back as we're heading out the door. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SorrelZG Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 Ambleside Online. I love to look at Living Books Curriculum, though. Perhaps as I grow in experience or perhaps for a future child who may need something more personally tailored I may start putting something together myself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommyagain Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 I'm planning next year to do SCM Module 2 for ancient history and Bible, and Truthquest for American. (But we all know how quickly plans can change!:D) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twoxcell Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 We use HOD and I add in my own Artist/Composer/and nature study. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jayne J Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 Just want to add that several members are going to be reading through CM's "School Education" (vol. 3) starting with Preface and Ch1 on Saturday on the Middle School/Logic age board. It might prove interesting for those who want to learn more about CM or to remember what they read long ago. Part of the goal is to examine the middle school level curricula ideals with the idea of practical planning for the logic stage years in mind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellie Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 We use a mish-mash of curricula/books....but remember: CM is a philosophy-method, not a book list. The book lists are nice as jump off points, but it is how you USE those books. I use lots of WTM suggestions, Ambleside, Veritas Press, and this year we are using Sonlight Core W. I am a CM teacher, but not necessarily using CM advertised products.Faithe Oh, thank you! I was trying to think of how to say that!:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sagira Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 (edited) I also make up our own curriculum based on the following booklists and resources (ds is 8, dd is 4, going to be homeschooled at 5): Tanglewoodeducation.com (mix of CM and classical) Books Children Love Penny Gardner's List of Living Books When Children Love to Learn CM's Home Education A Charlotte Mason Education The Well Trained Mind What I actually pick and choose is in my siggy. At first, I used to do Poetry every day, and do Picture Study and Composer Study during the week. Now I find that putting all these subjects on Fridays works better for us. We have activities starting at 3:30 (dance, taekwondo), so we don't have all that time. I want to have school time from 8:30 to 12:30, then free time until 3 (the time where we start leaving). If I had all the poetry, art, etc. too, we wouldn't get to the activities in time. I feel these are also an important part of dc's education. I feel that with dance, taekwondo, and tennis with Daddy, ds is getting his physical fitness needs met, and he's much happier as a result.*Dd loves her ballet as well. I've just started teaching them piano on alternating days. I'm reconsidering WWE now and just using the Complete Writer as a guide, but doing narration and dictation CM style. In the beginning, I started out with mostly CM ideals. Along the way, I found myself gravitating towards classical and eventually mixing the two. However, I find myself moving away from classical and embracing Charlotte Mason more again. More and more, I find out she was right in many, many, many (yes, truly) ways. Her methods are truly inspiring, and IMHO just aspiring and striving towards her lofty and wonderful ideals is giving your children a quality and inspirational education. An integral part of a CM education is quality over quantity - having the child truly interact with the material in a personal way, not throwing lots and lots of things at him and hoping some will stick. I'm also learning (with experience) to be a better teacher and learning what works for each child. I think we parents are in a unique position to offer this, and we should trust our love for our child and instincts when it comes to their learning. I'm ready to jump in deep again. Is that CM social group still active? Edited February 9, 2012 by sagira Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raceNzanesmom Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 Heart of Dakota and Simply Charlotte Mason is at the top of my list. :iagree:We use HOD. If we didn't we'd very likely use SCM. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karensk Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 Lindafay's site is great!! Others I've used in varying capacities over the years: Ambleside Online, Teaching Children (K-6th curriculum guide by D. Lopez). I don't know that these are marketed as CM, but they are definitely whole books, living books approach: Sonlight, Beautiful Feet. And then there are some resources for specific subjects like grammar: PLL (I used it for a little while), FLL. Another option that I haven't used: Karen Andreola's Simply Grammar HTH! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rbsmrter Posted February 10, 2012 Share Posted February 10, 2012 If you are interested in Living Books Curriculum, I just got an email that their teaching guides are going to be 55% in a few days. Starting Feb. 14, I think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FO4UR Posted February 10, 2012 Share Posted February 10, 2012 I am highly influenced by Charlotte Mason, and use quite a bit of amblesideonline. I use it as a framework, substituting books as I wish. Also, I have 3 dc very close in age (but far apart in skill and maturity) so I have to tweak a bit here and there b/c they all 3 listen to pretty much everything I read aloud. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SorrelZG Posted February 10, 2012 Share Posted February 10, 2012 If you are interested in Living Books Curriculum, I just got an email that their teaching guides are going to be 55% in a few days. Starting Feb. 14, I think. I wish they would stop tempting me. :glare: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sagira Posted February 10, 2012 Share Posted February 10, 2012 Teaching Children (K-6th curriculum guide by D. Lopez). I knew I was forgetting one. This book is from the same people as Books Children Love and When Children Love to Learn. I borrow it from the library. I may just get my own copy. It's a great guide if you're into CM. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keyjoh62080 Posted February 10, 2012 Share Posted February 10, 2012 :iagree:We use HOD. If we didn't we'd very likely use SCM. :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stripe Posted February 10, 2012 Share Posted February 10, 2012 Lindafay's site is great!! Others I've used in varying capacities over the years: Ambleside Online, Teaching Children (K-6th curriculum guide by D. Lopez). Thanks for the reminder of this one! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stripe Posted February 19, 2012 Share Posted February 19, 2012 Just wanted to update. I've received my copy of Teaching Children, which I'd considered buying years ago. I wish I had. It's pretty interesting. There appear to be tons of cheap used copies. I paid $3.99 total (inc s&h) from Alibris. Plus it solves a big part of the mystery of the Childlight curriculum I've been wondering about forever. Although, the biggest surprise was at the back when the authors heartily endorse Calvert and say it's very similar to CM, just add in religious studies. Who knew? Not I. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovemykids Posted February 19, 2012 Share Posted February 19, 2012 (edited) Over the years I have used a variety of materials in a CM manner, I try to loosely blend CM, WTM, and a few other methods. Once you get the feel for a CM education, you can use almost anything, as mommyfaithe and others pointed out. Even Calvert, I suppose, although I haven’t tried that one. I have made up my own studies and we have used WTM recommended materials, AO, SL, Winter Promise, Oak Meadow, Beautiful Feet and more. You can get many ideas for literature and livings books from all of these different resources, as well as the many that were pointed out. Then you just need to read about the method. Just immerse yourself by reading about the CM way and you can use a variety of things as well. Have fun reading and browsing booklists. Edited February 20, 2012 by lovemykids Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raceNzanesmom Posted February 19, 2012 Share Posted February 19, 2012 We're currently using HOD. However, I've used others including making my own. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrissySC Posted February 19, 2012 Share Posted February 19, 2012 I did not read all the way through, but in response to your literature questions ... I found Gilgamesh at Beautiful Feet. Memoria Press - I like these very well. They are not compounded with busy work. While classic-styled, they are decidely the a great alternative to not having a guide at all. Queen Homeschool Supply has some interesting resources that are very CM, but also very Christian. Visit HERE for more CM links. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stripe Posted March 9, 2012 Share Posted March 9, 2012 I like Charlotte Mason Help (Linda Fay's site), Childlight USA and especially Ambleside Online, but we follow my own curriculum ideas. I'm reworking my blog with my curriculum ideas (A Mind in the Light). I'm going to set everything up under individual studies by time period, civilization and for science I will have it divided up by topic. I hope to create at least 4 levels within every study. I have a lot of work to do with it, but this is where I'm going. I'm also hoping to create Book Notes for the majority of the books used. Wow, thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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