Charlotte Mason homeschooling encompasses everything that is wonderful about homeschooling. Gentle lessons in a literature-rich environment, short lessons that focus on real-life with plenty of opportunity to explore the world indoors and out. And, these are just a few of the reasons I love this style of homeschooling! In these articles, my goal is to share the wonder, joy and creativity of the Charlotte Mason style, while giving you plenty of ideas and practical advice for implementing it in your own home. Enjoy!
If there’s one subject that seems to befuddle homeschoolers more than any other, it’s writing. I hear it during homeschool consultations and casually talking among homeschool friends. Plus, I see questions about it all over the internet. People are often surprised when I tell them I don’t formally teach writing until middle school. Really, I don’t. And here’s…
It’s a big world out there, filled with amazing creatures big and small. But did you know that some of these incredible animals are in danger of disappearing forever? In this endangered animals nature study podcast episode, children will learn about the Javan rhinoceros from Southeast Asia. Javan rhinos are one example of a critically…
How does a Charlotte Mason education mesh with busy kids – or inquisitive gifted kids – or minds that jump from one thing to another in seconds? Actually, pretty well. Charlotte Mason and active kids can be a match made in heaven! Quite naturally, many of the methods of Charlotte Mason’s style work alongside children…
How is it possible to enjoy an Amazon Rainforest nature study when most of us will never travel to South America for a nature walk? It’s easy. Not every nature study topic has to be experienced outdoors. When a nature walk isn’t possible, the next best thing is to study from afar. This episode of…
Do you prefer pancakes or waffles? It’s a tie for me! Of course, the best part of either one is the sweet maple syrup drizzled over top. Where does that delicious maple syrup come from? Believe it or not, maple syrup comes from maple trees. In this episode of the No Sweat Nature Study podcast,…
Living math is wonderful, especially the kind that involves living literature. So many people think math and literature connections only make sense for the elementary years, but middle school students still benefit very much from the connection! This list of living books for middle school math is perfect for making those connections and bringing some excitement…
Math is so much fun and means so much more to little ones when it concretely builds understanding. So many times, we skip over “the tough stuff” because we think our little people can’t handle it. Below are a few activities I have done with my five-year-old to begin building two of the “tough” concepts – division…
It may seem odd to consider delving into a nature study about simple machines. That topic seems to fit better into the study of physics than biology or earth & space science. Surprisingly, though, it’s not as far-fetched as it sounds to connect physics to nature study. Enjoy this simple machine nature study! In the…
No matter what has changed in our homeschool over the years or how old my children have grown, one thing has remained constant… read-aloud time. My children still remember so many of the books we’ve enjoyed as a family – and so do I! Sometimes snuggled under blankets on the couch, sometimes lounging on a…
Many people love penguins. It might have something to do with their adorable appearance and cute, little waddle. Don’t be fooled, though, these cuddly-looking creatures are masters of resilience as many of them face some of the harshest weather conditions on earth. Enjoy this penguin nature study! Penguin Nature Study Venture into the Southern Hemisphere…
Enjoy cold weather science with this free winter nature study printable packet! The six activities are perfect for children of all ages and will help with observational skills. When homeschool families think of nature study, winter might not be the first season that comes to mind. But like any other season, winter is a great…
Now that I’m a “boy-only mom” (because my daughter is in college) choosing read-aloud books requires a new consideration. Will the potential book appeal to my boys? I can’t get away any longer with reading books that have any sort of girly-girl flavor. Lucky for me, there are TONS of wonderful living books to fill…