pine cones and primers https://pineconesandprimers.com/ Inspiration for busy Charlotte Mason Homeschoolers Thu, 09 Mar 2023 21:41:00 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.2.2 https://i0.wp.com/pineconesandprimers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/cropped-pinecone-favicon.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 pine cones and primers https://pineconesandprimers.com/ 32 32 How to Homeschool Without a Homeschool Room https://pineconesandprimers.com/homeschool-room/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=homeschool-room Thu, 09 Mar 2023 21:41:00 +0000 https://pineconesandprimers.com/?p=409 I grew up doing my schoolwork at the kitchen table, on my bed, and on the floor. Pretty much anywhere but a desk. We had a dedicated homeschool room when I was little with tiny little wooden desks and a chalkboard in the background. But eventually, I outgrew the desk and my mom needed her laundry room back. Even then my younger brother didn’t even sit in his desk chair. He’d kind of hang upside down and do his schoolwork on the underside of the desk. I realized early on with teaching my own kids, that a dedicated homeschool room wasn’t in the cards. We’ve always lived in smaller homes, and while it’s forced me to simplify things, it also means that I don’t have a huge homeschool room. Even for families who do, it seems like people often end up gathered around the kitchen table anyway. The Benefits of not Having a Homeschool Room While I sometimes get jealous of all of the picture perfect homeschool rooms on Instagram, I realized there are some definite advantages to kitchen table homeschooling. It’s in the main area of the house so I have eyes on everyone at all times. I can clean/work in the kitchen while my son is working at the table. I’m able to multitask, but can easily listen to narrations or help with math problems as needed. When my youngest was a baby/toddler, he could play in the living room with supervision while I’m working on school with my oldest. It’s easy to spread out more books and materials than what can fit on a small desk. It forces us to clean up our homeschool area every afternoon… if we want to eat supper that is. It’s great for having snacks and tea time during our read-alouds. Multiple family members can gather around a shared space for group projects/readings. Because the table is close to the living room couch, it’s easy to hop on over there for cuddles and read-alouds. Over the past several years it seems as if more and more families are gathering around the table for school. While some have returned to conventional schooling options, many have found they kind of like it. Whether you’re a veteran homeschooler or new to the game, kitchen table homeschooling certainly has its advantages. Homeschool Dining Room Ideas If you’re like us the dining room is an extension of the kitchen and there’s just one table to talk about. Whatever your setup is, here’s how to make it work for you. Each family is different, and each home is different. These ideas are a starting point, but feel free to make them your own. Create Space Have a space for homeschool books and supplies. For some people, this means a few rolling carts next to the table. We have several bookshelves I inherited from my grandparents in our dining room. I have bookshelves in the living room (can you really have too many bookshelves??) with the chapter books and other ones we’re not currently using. Anything that’s in use for the current trimester goes on our special school shelf next to the table. I also keep all of the art supplies tucked away on those shelves. That way they’re easy to grab and do a project at the table. I also keep our daily art calendar there and the globe for map study. You might also find bubble wands and seeds for next year’s garden. I might need to clean things out a little. Nature Table Centerpieces We’re big on nature study at our house, but finding a place to display everything isn’t always easy.  My preschooler’s rock collection is taking over one of the living room shelves. And however many rocks are rehomed outside, there are twice as many there the next time I look. Sometimes we’ll find an interesting flower or seed pod. These are displayed in the center of our supper table and used as conversation starters. It depends on who found what that day, but it often gets a place at the table for a time. Right now I have a stack of decorative pumpkins, some pine cones, and sycamore seed pods. You don’t need a huge homeschool room to decorate! In the past, we’ve had a glass jar full of different rocks, geodes, and gemstones from a trip to an archaeology museum. Sometimes I’ll put the art desk calendar there and we’ll discuss the art piece for the day. Nature Shelf in the Homeschool Room This is the newest addition to our area and one I’ve been wanting for years. It hangs on the wall so it doesn’t take up a lot of space. And it’s interesting to look at the rotating nature items that end up there. A nature shelf is also great for nature study when the weather outside isn’t being agreeable. You can stash items during the warmer months to have on hand for the colder/rainier ones. It’s an easy way to have more nature inside, without taking up precious table and storage space. Bins Are Your Friend I have a basket for the seashells, a bin for the family games, and then separate containers for the different art supplies. Brushes go in one bin, playdough in another. While the art supplies are in desperate need of reorganizing, keeping everything in its own clear container has been really helpful. This makes things easier to find and easier to store. When we’re ready to move on to a certain subject I can pull just the containers I need from the shelf. Then they get put away and the next sets are pulled out. It also makes it easier for the kids to get what they need themselves. Create Systems I’ve found that it’s a lot easier to start with my end goals and work backward from there. If I want to have a family supper, that means the table needs to be clean enough to eat off of at the end of the day. If we want to have time for art, the materials need to be organized and easily accessible. Think through how you want your homeschool day to go. What you need to do the schoolwork. And how you want your family dynamic to work. Then construct your perfect homeschool environment from there. Utilize wall space for blackboards, whiteboards, nature shelves, and bookshelves. Keep it simple and uncluttered! Don’t want it to look too much like a schoolroom all the time? Pin things to a large corkboard that can be propped up against the wall during school. When school isn’t in session, hide it behind the curtains or a piece of furniture. Every family is different, but here are some more ideas: Chores – Everyone washes their own dishes after breakfast. This clears the table quickly and takes the load off of mom. Batch by subject – Get the materials out for one subject at a time. This gets put away before the next subject’s books/supplies are brought out. Easy reach – Keep necessary books and supplies in a convenient storage area that’s easily accessible. This could be stacked bins on a shelf or a rolling cart. Rolling carts – Have 1 rolling cart per student with all of their supplies in it. Store it elsewhere – Keep books and supplies that are sometimes or not currently in use in another area (if you don’t have the space) Use magazine holders to organize books and paper materials by subject. Then all your student has to do is pull out the file for the current subject. The couch makes a perfect place to gather for family read-alouds. Keep a basket of your current reads by the couch or stashed under the coffee table for easy access. There are so many ways to make your homeschool room work for you. Even if that means the dining room or kitchen table. Hopefully, this post has given you some more ideas for how you can make your space work for your family. Where does your family do their schoolwork? How have you made the most of your homeschool space? Drop a comment and let me know!

The post How to Homeschool Without a Homeschool Room appeared first on pine cones and primers.

]]> I grew up doing my schoolwork at the kitchen table, on my bed, and on the floor. Pretty much anywhere but a desk. We had a dedicated homeschool room when I was little with tiny little wooden desks and a chalkboard in the background.

But eventually, I outgrew the desk and my mom needed her laundry room back. Even then my younger brother didn’t even sit in his desk chair. He’d kind of hang upside down and do his schoolwork on the underside of the desk.

I realized early on with teaching my own kids, that a dedicated homeschool room wasn’t in the cards. We’ve always lived in smaller homes, and while it’s forced me to simplify things, it also means that I don’t have a huge homeschool room. Even for families who do, it seems like people often end up gathered around the kitchen table anyway.

The Benefits of not Having a Homeschool Room

While I sometimes get jealous of all of the picture perfect homeschool rooms on Instagram, I realized there are some definite advantages to kitchen table homeschooling.

  • It’s in the main area of the house so I have eyes on everyone at all times.
  • I can clean/work in the kitchen while my son is working at the table.
  • I’m able to multitask, but can easily listen to narrations or help with math problems as needed.
  • When my youngest was a baby/toddler, he could play in the living room with supervision while I’m working on school with my oldest.
  • It’s easy to spread out more books and materials than what can fit on a small desk.
  • It forces us to clean up our homeschool area every afternoon… if we want to eat supper that is.
  • It’s great for having snacks and tea time during our read-alouds.
  • Multiple family members can gather around a shared space for group projects/readings.
  • Because the table is close to the living room couch, it’s easy to hop on over there for cuddles and read-alouds.

Over the past several years it seems as if more and more families are gathering around the table for school. While some have returned to conventional schooling options, many have found they kind of like it. Whether you’re a veteran homeschooler or new to the game, kitchen table homeschooling certainly has its advantages.

Homeschool Dining Room Ideas

If you’re like us the dining room is an extension of the kitchen and there’s just one table to talk about. Whatever your setup is, here’s how to make it work for you. Each family is different, and each home is different. These ideas are a starting point, but feel free to make them your own.

Create Space

Have a space for homeschool books and supplies. For some people, this means a few rolling carts next to the table. We have several bookshelves I inherited from my grandparents in our dining room. I have bookshelves in the living room (can you really have too many bookshelves??) with the chapter books and other ones we’re not currently using. Anything that’s in use for the current trimester goes on our special school shelf next to the table.

I also keep all of the art supplies tucked away on those shelves. That way they’re easy to grab and do a project at the table. I also keep our daily art calendar there and the globe for map study. You might also find bubble wands and seeds for next year’s garden. I might need to clean things out a little.

Nature Table Centerpieces

We’re big on nature study at our house, but finding a place to display everything isn’t always easy.  My preschooler’s rock collection is taking over one of the living room shelves. And however many rocks are rehomed outside, there are twice as many there the next time I look.

Sometimes we’ll find an interesting flower or seed pod. These are displayed in the center of our supper table and used as conversation starters. It depends on who found what that day, but it often gets a place at the table for a time. Right now I have a stack of decorative pumpkins, some pine cones, and sycamore seed pods. You don’t need a huge homeschool room to decorate!

In the past, we’ve had a glass jar full of different rocks, geodes, and gemstones from a trip to an archaeology museum. Sometimes I’ll put the art desk calendar there and we’ll discuss the art piece for the day.

Nature Shelf in the Homeschool Room

This is the newest addition to our area and one I’ve been wanting for years. It hangs on the wall so it doesn’t take up a lot of space. And it’s interesting to look at the rotating nature items that end up there. A nature shelf is also great for nature study when the weather outside isn’t being agreeable.

You can stash items during the warmer months to have on hand for the colder/rainier ones. It’s an easy way to have more nature inside, without taking up precious table and storage space.

Bins Are Your Friend

I have a basket for the seashells, a bin for the family games, and then separate containers for the different art supplies. Brushes go in one bin, playdough in another. While the art supplies are in desperate need of reorganizing, keeping everything in its own clear container has been really helpful. This makes things easier to find and easier to store.

When we’re ready to move on to a certain subject I can pull just the containers I need from the shelf. Then they get put away and the next sets are pulled out. It also makes it easier for the kids to get what they need themselves.

Create Systems

I’ve found that it’s a lot easier to start with my end goals and work backward from there. If I want to have a family supper, that means the table needs to be clean enough to eat off of at the end of the day. If we want to have time for art, the materials need to be organized and easily accessible.

Think through how you want your homeschool day to go. What you need to do the schoolwork. And how you want your family dynamic to work. Then construct your perfect homeschool environment from there.

Utilize wall space for blackboards, whiteboards, nature shelves, and bookshelves. Keep it simple and uncluttered! Don’t want it to look too much like a schoolroom all the time? Pin things to a large corkboard that can be propped up against the wall during school. When school isn’t in session, hide it behind the curtains or a piece of furniture.

Every family is different, but here are some more ideas:

  • Chores – Everyone washes their own dishes after breakfast. This clears the table quickly and takes the load off of mom.
  • Batch by subject – Get the materials out for one subject at a time. This gets put away before the next subject’s books/supplies are brought out.
  • Easy reach – Keep necessary books and supplies in a convenient storage area that’s easily accessible. This could be stacked bins on a shelf or a rolling cart.
  • Rolling carts – Have 1 rolling cart per student with all of their supplies in it.
  • Store it elsewhere – Keep books and supplies that are sometimes or not currently in use in another area (if you don’t have the space)
  • Use magazine holders to organize books and paper materials by subject. Then all your student has to do is pull out the file for the current subject.
  • The couch makes a perfect place to gather for family read-alouds. Keep a basket of your current reads by the couch or stashed under the coffee table for easy access.

There are so many ways to make your homeschool room work for you. Even if that means the dining room or kitchen table. Hopefully, this post has given you some more ideas for how you can make your space work for your family.

Where does your family do their schoolwork? How have you made the most of your homeschool space? Drop a comment and let me know!

The post How to Homeschool Without a Homeschool Room appeared first on pine cones and primers.

]]> How to Homeschool: Getting Started With Charlotte Mason https://pineconesandprimers.com/how-to-homeschool/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-homeschool Wed, 03 Aug 2022 09:00:56 +0000 https://pineconesandprimers.com/?p=77 Are you new to Charlotte Mason and not sure where to start? Or maybe you’re new to homeschooling in general. Either way, welcome to the club! I started Pine Cones and Primers as a way for busy moms to get encouragement, tips, and helpful info. In this quick start guide, you’ll find practical resources to get you started on your CM homeschool journey! Getting Started with Charlotte Mason Homeschooling The homeschool laws in your area will help form what your homeschool looks like, so it’s important to be familiar with them. Some states are stricter than others, but it’s always doable. I encourage you to connect with homeschool leaders in your community through their website or social media accounts for more details. Homeschool laws by state What is Charlotte Mason? Read more about the CM method and the lady behind it here. Reading for Beginner Homeschooler Mamas There are so many good education books out there, and unfortunately just as many bad ones. Homeschooling is a mindset shift from the traditional education system. We don’t have to do all of the same exact subjects or use the same curriculum as the local public schools. Our children aren’t chained to their desks for hours on end with little to no time for challenging their teaching or outside exploration. We get to reinvent what education means for our children. Or some would say go back to its roots. Here are some resources that explain what a CM education can look like. Some of these are CM specific, while others have a broader view but fit in with the principles of CM. The Myth that Americans Were Poorly Educated Before Mass Government Schooling – Fee The New Preschool is Crushing Kids – The Atlantic The Importance of Being Little – Erika Christakis How Public Education Cripples our Kids – John Taylor Gatto Dumbing us Down: The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling – John Taylor Gatto The Call of the Wild and Free – Ainsley Armont The Original Charlotte Mason Home Education Series – print version or read free online A Charlotte Mason Companion CM Podcasts and Videos These how-to videos and podcasts are good for both newbies and seasoned CM homeschoolers alike. They stay true to the original CM method and cover a wide variety of CM subjects and topics. I recommend starting with Simply Charlotte Mason and A Delectable Education if you’re brand new to CM. Simply Charlotte Mason videos A Delectable Education podcast The New Mason Jar podcast Charlotte Mason Says podcast Ambleside Flourish Podcast Finding a Charlotte Mason Curriculum You don’t have to have a made for you curriculum, but it’s especially nice for beginning homeschoolers. Here are my favorite CM curriculums, some free, some paid. Many of these curriculums combine certain subjects, like Bible, history, and literature for all your children so you’re not juggling a different schedule for every child. “We hold that all education is divine, that every good gift of knowledge and insight comes from above.” – Charlotte Mason A Gentle Feast – Paid Wildwood – free and secular CM curriculum. Add in your own bible and religious studies. Ambleside Online – Free and Christian A Modern Charlotte Mason – Paid and Christian. This one incorporates more modern books, although the formatting isn’t my favorite. Simply Charlotte Mason – Paid and Christian. Alveary – Paid membership for the curriculum, teacher training, and resources. Charlotte Mason Preschool Miss Mason didn’t do the conventional preschool that we see today but instead encouraged more organic learning. This “quiet growing time” focused on developing foundational habits, immersive learning, and lots of time in nature. If you need a little more guidance and structure for your day, or your stay requires compulsory education before age 6, then here are some options. How to Homeschool During Preschool and Kindergarten With Charlotte Mason Idea Nest for the Early Years (preschool and Kindergarten) A Modern Charlotte Mason the Early Years Curriculum Home Atmosphere “Education is an atmosphere, a discipline, a life.” “When we say that education is an atmosphere we do not mean that a child should be isolated in what may be called a ‘child environment’ specially adapted and prepared, but that we should take into account the educational value of his natural home atmosphere both as regards persons and things and should let him live freely among his proper conditions” – Charlotte Mason The Charlotte Mason method is more than just a curriculum, it’s a lifestyle. The atmosphere in our home contributes just as much to training our children as their schoolbooks do. For us, that means cultivating respect, good habits, and a peaceful, happy, well-ordered home life. If I’m stressed, worn out, and anxious, my kids become that way too. That doesn’t mean I don’t still have messy counters and unmade beds more often than I like, but these are the goals we have as a family. Here are some resources for how to cultivate the atmosphere of your home. Charlotte Mason toys and activities for kids of all ages Laying Down the Rails –  Handbook for habit training Screen time in a CM home Are you new to homeschooling or new to Charlotte Mason? Have any questions? Leave a comment and let me know!

The post How to Homeschool: Getting Started With Charlotte Mason appeared first on pine cones and primers.

]]> Are you new to Charlotte Mason and not sure where to start? Or maybe you’re new to homeschooling in general. Either way, welcome to the club! I started Pine Cones and Primers as a way for busy moms to get encouragement, tips, and helpful info. In this quick start guide, you’ll find practical resources to get you started on your CM homeschool journey!

Getting Started with Charlotte Mason Homeschooling

The homeschool laws in your area will help form what your homeschool looks like, so it’s important to be familiar with them. Some states are stricter than others, but it’s always doable. I encourage you to connect with homeschool leaders in your community through their website or social media accounts for more details.

Reading for Beginner Homeschooler Mamas

There are so many good education books out there, and unfortunately just as many bad ones. Homeschooling is a mindset shift from the traditional education system. We don’t have to do all of the same exact subjects or use the same curriculum as the local public schools. Our children aren’t chained to their desks for hours on end with little to no time for challenging their teaching or outside exploration.

We get to reinvent what education means for our children. Or some would say go back to its roots. Here are some resources that explain what a CM education can look like. Some of these are CM specific, while others have a broader view but fit in with the principles of CM.

CM Podcasts and Videos

These how-to videos and podcasts are good for both newbies and seasoned CM homeschoolers alike. They stay true to the original CM method and cover a wide variety of CM subjects and topics. I recommend starting with Simply Charlotte Mason and A Delectable Education if you’re brand new to CM.

Finding a Charlotte Mason Curriculum

You don’t have to have a made for you curriculum, but it’s especially nice for beginning homeschoolers. Here are my favorite CM curriculums, some free, some paid. Many of these curriculums combine certain subjects, like Bible, history, and literature for all your children so you’re not juggling a different schedule for every child.

“We hold that all education is divine, that every good gift of knowledge and insight comes from above.” – Charlotte Mason

Charlotte Mason Preschool

Miss Mason didn’t do the conventional preschool that we see today but instead encouraged more organic learning. This “quiet growing time” focused on developing foundational habits, immersive learning, and lots of time in nature. If you need a little more guidance and structure for your day, or your stay requires compulsory education before age 6, then here are some options.

Home Atmosphere

“Education is an atmosphere, a discipline, a life.”

“When we say that education is an atmosphere we do not mean that a child should be isolated in what may be called a ‘child environment’ specially adapted and prepared, but that we should take into account the educational value of his natural home atmosphere both as regards persons and things and should let him live freely among his proper conditions” – Charlotte Mason

The Charlotte Mason method is more than just a curriculum, it’s a lifestyle. The atmosphere in our home contributes just as much to training our children as their schoolbooks do. For us, that means cultivating respect, good habits, and a peaceful, happy, well-ordered home life. If I’m stressed, worn out, and anxious, my kids become that way too.

That doesn’t mean I don’t still have messy counters and unmade beds more often than I like, but these are the goals we have as a family. Here are some resources for how to cultivate the atmosphere of your home.

Are you new to homeschooling or new to Charlotte Mason? Have any questions? Leave a comment and let me know!

The post How to Homeschool: Getting Started With Charlotte Mason appeared first on pine cones and primers.

]]> Homeschool Planning for Your Best Year Yet https://pineconesandprimers.com/homeschool-planning/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=homeschool-planning Tue, 26 Jul 2022 06:00:55 +0000 https://pineconesandprimers.com/?p=388 You’ve decided to homeschool, you may have even picked your curriculum, so what’s next? If you’re unsure about homeschool planning or want to try something different, then read on. Here’s how to plan your homeschool, Charlotte Mason style. Homeschool Planning the Charlotte Mason Way If you’re not already familiar with the Charlotte Mason method, you can read more about it here. There are plenty of good curriculum options out there, and many are open and go. Some allow for more customization and can be intimidating for beginners. Whichever curriculum you choose though, there will still be some planning involved. Start With the Big Picture In my journalism program at college, I was taught about the upside down triangle outline. When writing an article, one way is to start with the most important information first. Then as the article progresses you include increasingly less important (though still necessary) information. Lesson planning is a little like that upside down triangle. Start with the big goals and work your way down. Here’s what I mean: Goals for your child’s overall homeschool experience Goals for their form or age (pre-K, elementary, middle school, high school) Goals for the year Goals for the semester, trimester, or month Goals for the week Goals for the day If we went to the bottom of that list and started planning out every school day from Kindergarten through high school it would be way too overwhelming. And likely impossible. By getting the important, big picture items in first, we can add on as needed. Required Standards Before you start homeschool planning too far ahead though, it’s important to first look at your state or country’s laws. Some states require certain subjects or hours, while others just have attendance requirements. If you’re in a state or country that requires assessments and testing, then note when those are on the calendar. Where I live I’m required to keep attendance records and provide an “equivalent education.” Stricter areas necessitate more planning though. What Are Your Homeschool Goals? It can sound intimidating if I ask you what your overall goals for your child’s education are. You don’t need to know exactly what they’re going to need during their entire educational experience. Analyze their talents and their strengths and where you stand as a family. Do you want them to have lots of quality literature and time in nature? Do you want them to cultivate kindness, respect, and other biblical virtues? Are they fascinated with math and science and are interested in a STEM career? Each child is different. The beauty of homeschooling is we can tailor their education to them. It’s important to spread a wide feast of subjects for our children to learn from. However, they’re going to want to eventually hone in on subjects that really interest them for their future. Right now your preschooler’s life goals may be to be a dinosaur princess, but you’ll eventually figure out what their strengths are. Homeschooling Planning by Form or Age Group Charlotte Mason used forms instead of grades. This makes it a lot easier to combine subjects when there are multiple children. Right now my son is in form 2 and going into 5th grade. The lesson templates I’m using for him will cover his 4-6th grade years. Certain curriculums, like A Modern Charlotte Mason and A Gentle Feast are really good at combining certain subjects across multiple forms for larger families. Form 1 – Grades 1-3 Form 2 – Grades 4-6 Form 3 – Grades 7-8 Form 4 – Grade 9 Form 5 – Grades 10-11 Form 6 – Grade 11 Planning High School Planning in segments is especially important in high school for students who may go to college or a trade school. I have several homeschooled friends who never went to college and were unable to get a good paying job. They didn’t have the educational background and never met the college requirements to go further, even though they wanted to. Not every child will go to college, and they don’t have to. But it’s important to give them all the tools they may need for their future. See what subjects are required for their interests so you aren’t blindsided when it’s time to apply. If they want to be an engineer and never went past Algebra 1, that’s a problem. Look at your state’s standards and requirements to see what subjects are necessary or recommended. If your child is interested in a certain program or college, ask them what they require. Do they need 3 years of a foreign language or just 2? It’s best to interview several different colleges to get a good feel here. Homeschool Planning Your Year Now that you’ve looked at the goals for your child’s season in life, let’s look at the year. This is what most people think of when they start planning curriculum. First, consider what your schedule will be for the year and when you plan to take time off. Charlotte Mason’s schools did trimesters with 12 weeks of education, then 1 week off. Many people opt for semesters or even year-round homeschooling. Are you going to take several weeks off at Christmas and 3 months off for summer vacation? Some moms plan their time around the arrival of a new baby. In the past, we’ve done trimesters with 12 weeks on and a 1-week break. This year we’re doing more of a year-round schedule. Figure out what works best for your family and be practical with yourself. And make sure you’re following any legal requirements. Plan ahead, but not too far ahead. Leave room for unexpected interruptions and sick days. Leave room for field trips and events. Be realistic with yourself. Homeschool Planning Semesters/Months This is where things start to require more detailed planning. Once you’ve decided on your curriculum and subjects for the year, you can further break those down into semesters, trimesters, or months (for unit studies). For example, your family could cover 1 Shakespeare play per year. Or you could do 3, 1 per trimester. We do hymn study every week, but I choose different hymns each trimester. If you’re using a pre-planned curriculum, then this will be laid out for you. If you’re creating your own curriculum, then there’s a little more math involved. Decide how many times per week you’re going to do each subject. We do math every day, but Shakespeare is only 1-2 times a week. To make sure you’re getting through your living book selections and textbooks spread them out over your chosen time.  For example, if we have 144 math lessons to get through and we have 144 instructional days that year then we’ll need to do 1 lesson a day. How many pages or chapters are in a book and how many weeks are you doing school? Divide the number of lessons/pages/chapters by the number of weeks, and then divide that by the number of weekly lessons. For example, if I have a book with 36 chapters in it and we’re doing school for 36 weeks, then I’ll need to schedule 1 chapter a week. If we’re only reading that book for the 1st semester (12 weeks), then we’ll need to cover 3 chapters a week. Planning Weekly and Daily Schedules From here we can move on to planning our weekly and daily schedules. I like to plan a week at a time off of a lesson template. This way if something changes and we don’t get school done on a Monday, it doesn’t throw off my entire plan for the month. If you’re using a curriculum like A Gentle Feast, it’s mostly laid out for you and is more open and go. For those of us making our own curriculum, the scheduling cards from A Delectable Education are very helpful. These lay out what subjects Mason did for each form, and how many times a week that subject was taught. A Charlotte Mason Homeschool Planner It doesn’t do much good to plan everything out and not have it organized somewhere. You can plan your homeschool on the computer, a spreadsheet, a paper homeschool planner, or a bullet journal. I have all of the books we’re using for the year and a weekly lesson template in a document on my computer. I keep a copy in a 3-ring binder with my detailed daily lesson plans that I plan out every week with pencil. If you don’t want to make your own, there are plenty of homeschool planners available. These ones work well with a Charlotte Mason style homeschool. Well Ordered Homeschool Planner from Caroline and Sean Allen My Homeschool Planner from Pam Barnhill Charlotte Mason Homeschool Planner from Artful Homemaking How do you plan your homeschool year? Any favorite resources I missed? Leave a comment and let me know!

The post Homeschool Planning for Your Best Year Yet appeared first on pine cones and primers.

]]> You’ve decided to homeschool, you may have even picked your curriculum, so what’s next? If you’re unsure about homeschool planning or want to try something different, then read on. Here’s how to plan your homeschool, Charlotte Mason style.

Homeschool Planning the Charlotte Mason Way

If you’re not already familiar with the Charlotte Mason method, you can read more about it here. There are plenty of good curriculum options out there, and many are open and go. Some allow for more customization and can be intimidating for beginners. Whichever curriculum you choose though, there will still be some planning involved.

Start With the Big Picture

In my journalism program at college, I was taught about the upside down triangle outline. When writing an article, one way is to start with the most important information first. Then as the article progresses you include increasingly less important (though still necessary) information. Lesson planning is a little like that upside down triangle.

Start with the big goals and work your way down. Here’s what I mean:

  • Goals for your child’s overall homeschool experience
  • Goals for their form or age (pre-K, elementary, middle school, high school)
  • Goals for the year
  • Goals for the semester, trimester, or month
  • Goals for the week
  • Goals for the day

If we went to the bottom of that list and started planning out every school day from Kindergarten through high school it would be way too overwhelming. And likely impossible. By getting the important, big picture items in first, we can add on as needed.

Required Standards

Before you start homeschool planning too far ahead though, it’s important to first look at your state or country’s laws. Some states require certain subjects or hours, while others just have attendance requirements. If you’re in a state or country that requires assessments and testing, then note when those are on the calendar.

Where I live I’m required to keep attendance records and provide an “equivalent education.” Stricter areas necessitate more planning though.

What Are Your Homeschool Goals?

It can sound intimidating if I ask you what your overall goals for your child’s education are. You don’t need to know exactly what they’re going to need during their entire educational experience. Analyze their talents and their strengths and where you stand as a family.

Do you want them to have lots of quality literature and time in nature? Do you want them to cultivate kindness, respect, and other biblical virtues? Are they fascinated with math and science and are interested in a STEM career?

Each child is different. The beauty of homeschooling is we can tailor their education to them. It’s important to spread a wide feast of subjects for our children to learn from. However, they’re going to want to eventually hone in on subjects that really interest them for their future.

Right now your preschooler’s life goals may be to be a dinosaur princess, but you’ll eventually figure out what their strengths are.

Homeschooling Planning by Form or Age Group

Charlotte Mason used forms instead of grades. This makes it a lot easier to combine subjects when there are multiple children. Right now my son is in form 2 and going into 5th grade. The lesson templates I’m using for him will cover his 4-6th grade years. Certain curriculums, like A Modern Charlotte Mason and A Gentle Feast are really good at combining certain subjects across multiple forms for larger families.

  • Form 1 – Grades 1-3
  • Form 2 – Grades 4-6
  • Form 3 – Grades 7-8
  • Form 4 – Grade 9
  • Form 5 – Grades 10-11
  • Form 6 – Grade 11

Planning High School

Planning in segments is especially important in high school for students who may go to college or a trade school. I have several homeschooled friends who never went to college and were unable to get a good paying job. They didn’t have the educational background and never met the college requirements to go further, even though they wanted to.

Not every child will go to college, and they don’t have to. But it’s important to give them all the tools they may need for their future. See what subjects are required for their interests so you aren’t blindsided when it’s time to apply. If they want to be an engineer and never went past Algebra 1, that’s a problem.

Look at your state’s standards and requirements to see what subjects are necessary or recommended. If your child is interested in a certain program or college, ask them what they require. Do they need 3 years of a foreign language or just 2? It’s best to interview several different colleges to get a good feel here.

Homeschool Planning Your Year

Now that you’ve looked at the goals for your child’s season in life, let’s look at the year. This is what most people think of when they start planning curriculum. First, consider what your schedule will be for the year and when you plan to take time off.

Charlotte Mason’s schools did trimesters with 12 weeks of education, then 1 week off. Many people opt for semesters or even year-round homeschooling. Are you going to take several weeks off at Christmas and 3 months off for summer vacation? Some moms plan their time around the arrival of a new baby.

In the past, we’ve done trimesters with 12 weeks on and a 1-week break. This year we’re doing more of a year-round schedule. Figure out what works best for your family and be practical with yourself. And make sure you’re following any legal requirements.

Plan ahead, but not too far ahead. Leave room for unexpected interruptions and sick days. Leave room for field trips and events. Be realistic with yourself.

Homeschool Planning Semesters/Months

This is where things start to require more detailed planning. Once you’ve decided on your curriculum and subjects for the year, you can further break those down into semesters, trimesters, or months (for unit studies).

For example, your family could cover 1 Shakespeare play per year. Or you could do 3, 1 per trimester. We do hymn study every week, but I choose different hymns each trimester. If you’re using a pre-planned curriculum, then this will be laid out for you.

If you’re creating your own curriculum, then there’s a little more math involved. Decide how many times per week you’re going to do each subject. We do math every day, but Shakespeare is only 1-2 times a week. To make sure you’re getting through your living book selections and textbooks spread them out over your chosen time.  For example, if we have 144 math lessons to get through and we have 144 instructional days that year then we’ll need to do 1 lesson a day.

How many pages or chapters are in a book and how many weeks are you doing school? Divide the number of lessons/pages/chapters by the number of weeks, and then divide that by the number of weekly lessons. For example, if I have a book with 36 chapters in it and we’re doing school for 36 weeks, then I’ll need to schedule 1 chapter a week. If we’re only reading that book for the 1st semester (12 weeks), then we’ll need to cover 3 chapters a week.

Planning Weekly and Daily Schedules

From here we can move on to planning our weekly and daily schedules. I like to plan a week at a time off of a lesson template. This way if something changes and we don’t get school done on a Monday, it doesn’t throw off my entire plan for the month.

If you’re using a curriculum like A Gentle Feast, it’s mostly laid out for you and is more open and go. For those of us making our own curriculum, the scheduling cards from A Delectable Education are very helpful. These lay out what subjects Mason did for each form, and how many times a week that subject was taught.

A Charlotte Mason Homeschool Planner

It doesn’t do much good to plan everything out and not have it organized somewhere. You can plan your homeschool on the computer, a spreadsheet, a paper homeschool planner, or a bullet journal. I have all of the books we’re using for the year and a weekly lesson template in a document on my computer. I keep a copy in a 3-ring binder with my detailed daily lesson plans that I plan out every week with pencil.

If you don’t want to make your own, there are plenty of homeschool planners available. These ones work well with a Charlotte Mason style homeschool.

How do you plan your homeschool year? Any favorite resources I missed? Leave a comment and let me know!

The post Homeschool Planning for Your Best Year Yet appeared first on pine cones and primers.

]]> A Charlotte Mason Summer Homeschool Schedule https://pineconesandprimers.com/summer-homeschool-schedule/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=summer-homeschool-schedule Sun, 03 Jul 2022 03:45:12 +0000 https://pineconesandprimers.com/?p=380 Summer has always been my favorite season. The long days capped by fireflies and starry skies, bonfires, and days at the beach. As a homeschool mom, I need a break as much as the kids, but I don’t want to lose progress. Here’s how to create a summer homeschool schedule that works for your family. Can You Homeschool During the Summer? Anything is possible, but not everything is desirable. Our family has decided to homeschool year-round with a one month (ish) break in the summer because it’s what works for us. Growing up I was always finished by May and didn’t hit the books again until after Labor Day. Whatever schedule you ultimately choose, do what works for your family, and be sure to give yourself grace. There’s no need to push through a 4 hour daily curriculum all year long just so Jr. can make it to Harvard by 13. While we do homeschool through June our summer schedule is lighter and less academic. Homeschool Summer School Schedule The idea isn’t to stuff as much as possible in, but to make the most of the season. For many of us summer is a unique opportunity to see more wildlife, go camping, and maybe even finally spot Bigfoot. Other friends are also on break so there are more playdates, family trips, and late nights. Let’s not spoil that with grammar and calculus. Instead of having a strict schedule with every minute planned out, I prefer to have some routines. This way if illness happens, if a friend invites us over last minute, or if I just don’t feel like doing something, there’s some flexibility. If you’re the type who prefers exhaustive schedules though, then you do you. Summer Routine Ideas Here’s an example of our summer homeschool routine on days we’re staying home and on days we’re going out. If you’re homeschooling with a baby, work outside the home, or have other things going on, then realize this is just a template to inspire you. Morning: Our family gets up and does morning chores while I make breakfast. If I’m feeling really motivated I’ll read our character book, the bible, or some poems while we eat. I clean up the kitchen while my son does his seatwork for a few hours, including narration. Our summer homeschool schedule right now consists of: 20 minutes Bible, character book, and memory verses 20 minutes math 30 minutes of science (including a fun experiment) 20 minutes history or Plutarch 10 minutes of artist study (looking at art, doing art, reading a bio on our artist, etc.) Afternoon: Kids go out and play and we’ll spend some time in the garden. Evening: We have family time and supper together. Then the kids clean up their toys and get ready for bed. Summer Homeschool Ideas Summer is our time to do more field trips and nature walks so on those days our routine looks different. We’ll still have breakfast and chores, but then we’ll head out somewhere for most of the day. Sometimes that’s a war reenactment, a nature walk at a state park, or a day at the beach. I’ve found local homeschool groups on Facebook to be very helpful for discovering field trips and activities going on near us. The screens go off (for the most part), and we spend a lot of time outside as a family. Check with your county or town visitors center to see what the local itinerary for the summer is. Here are some more ideas of fun and educational summer homeschool ideas. Go see a play at the local theater. During the school year, our local college will also put on productions Go to the beach or ocean, build sandcastles, look for shells and wildlife Do messy art projects outside. I’ll lay out a large sheet of butcher’s paper and have the kids each paint a section to make a mural. Draw with chalk on the sidewalk Blow bubbles and chase them around the yard Build a mud kitchen and get messy together Learn how to surf/waterski/wakeboard Go tubing behind a boat Go see a waterski show Play a game of baseball or dodgeball at the park or on a field Go foraging for edible plants and make something with what you find. Go on a nature walk and record your findings in your nature journals Go to local festivals and fairs. Our county and state fairs both have historical sections. Go out in the woods and build a fort Build a treehouse and learn about levels, measurements, how to cut wood, use a hammer and nail, etc. Go fishing and learn about the pond or lake ecosystem Catch frogs or tadpoles for a nature study Go digging for worms and make a worm bin for the garden Plant a garden and care for it over the summer Go to a local museum: children’s, art, history, science, aquarium, etc. Visit the zoo or animal sanctuary. Nature journal and read a book about your favorite wild animal. Learn how to swim Go berry picking and then bake a pie Do messy science experiments outside. Let each child take turns choosing an activity for a day and put it on the schedule For little ones set up a water table or large sensory bins outside on the grass Go cloud gazing and make up stories about what the clouds are doing Catch fireflies and learn about bioluminescence (then let them go) Stay up and go stargazing. Our local astronomical society meets every week and lets visitors use their telescopes. See where your nearest planetarium is. Visit a farm and get hands on experience to learn all about cows, goats, and chickens. For kids who won’t get nervous, go visit an apiary and talk with your local beekeeper. Plant a wildflower garden with native species. You can also make a butterfly or bee garden with plants that pollinators love. Fill up some hummingbird feeders and keep an eye out for them. Go mushroom hunting (be sure you’re certain which species are edible before eating!) Go on a walk led by a local naturalist or ecologist Go bouldering or rock climbing Make a dandelion crown or a daisy chain Gather medicinal herbs and make your own salve or tea blend with them. These can be from the yard or foraged (where allowed). Play active games outdoors, like Twister in the yard Go to an outdoor music concert Set up a blanket in the shade and read books aloud Blow homemade bubbles together Charlotte Mason Summer Homeschool Curriculum You really don’t need a curriculum to have learning fun during the summer. My favorite lessons are the hands on ones we have outside. For bookwork, I just continue with our regular lessons since we homeschool year round, but with a pared down schedule. If you’re looking for something more specific for summer though here are a few paid and free options. A Gentle Feast Summer Morning Time Well put together and includes 6 weeks of morning time lessons. Ambleside Online: This free resource notoriously has more books scheduled than most families can get through in a school year. Pick a few subjects and a few books and work through them during the summer. Your Morning Basket – Summer adventure morning time plans include a 4 week plan for nature study, poetry, and more. Ask your kids what they want to learn more about and find books and schedule field trips around that. Yes, that’s unschooling, not Charlotte Mason, but Miss Mason also wanted children to pursue their talents. And it’s summer, a time for informal learning anyway. If you didn’t have any time for Shakespeare or didn’t do as many art projects as you wanted this past school year, then schedule them for summer. We check out lots of books from the library and participate in the library reading program. Although instead of collecting the cheap junky toys that break right away I let the kids choose their own prizes. This could be some new paints, yarn for handicrafts, a beautiful journal, or even a small toy. Making Your Summer Schedule Work Remember that kids are only kids for a short while and summer can be a magical time if we let it. And mom also needs some time for a break too! Have fun, do some special learning, and don’t sweat it if your kids don’t all make it to Harvard. The important part is to help each child care for the world around them and discover the joy and wonder of God’s earth. What summer activities do you do with the kids, did I miss any? Leave a comment and let me know!

The post A Charlotte Mason Summer Homeschool Schedule appeared first on pine cones and primers.

]]> Summer has always been my favorite season. The long days capped by fireflies and starry skies, bonfires, and days at the beach. As a homeschool mom, I need a break as much as the kids, but I don’t want to lose progress. Here’s how to create a summer homeschool schedule that works for your family.

Can You Homeschool During the Summer?

Anything is possible, but not everything is desirable. Our family has decided to homeschool year-round with a one month (ish) break in the summer because it’s what works for us. Growing up I was always finished by May and didn’t hit the books again until after Labor Day.

Whatever schedule you ultimately choose, do what works for your family, and be sure to give yourself grace. There’s no need to push through a 4 hour daily curriculum all year long just so Jr. can make it to Harvard by 13. While we do homeschool through June our summer schedule is lighter and less academic.

Homeschool Summer School Schedule

The idea isn’t to stuff as much as possible in, but to make the most of the season. For many of us summer is a unique opportunity to see more wildlife, go camping, and maybe even finally spot Bigfoot. Other friends are also on break so there are more playdates, family trips, and late nights. Let’s not spoil that with grammar and calculus.

Instead of having a strict schedule with every minute planned out, I prefer to have some routines. This way if illness happens, if a friend invites us over last minute, or if I just don’t feel like doing something, there’s some flexibility. If you’re the type who prefers exhaustive schedules though, then you do you.

Summer Routine Ideas

Here’s an example of our summer homeschool routine on days we’re staying home and on days we’re going out. If you’re homeschooling with a baby, work outside the home, or have other things going on, then realize this is just a template to inspire you.

Morning: Our family gets up and does morning chores while I make breakfast. If I’m feeling really motivated I’ll read our character book, the bible, or some poems while we eat.

I clean up the kitchen while my son does his seatwork for a few hours, including narration. Our summer homeschool schedule right now consists of:

  • 20 minutes Bible, character book, and memory verses
  • 20 minutes math
  • 30 minutes of science (including a fun experiment)
  • 20 minutes history or Plutarch
  • 10 minutes of artist study (looking at art, doing art, reading a bio on our artist, etc.)

Afternoon: Kids go out and play and we’ll spend some time in the garden.

Evening: We have family time and supper together. Then the kids clean up their toys and get ready for bed.

Summer Homeschool Ideas

Summer is our time to do more field trips and nature walks so on those days our routine looks different. We’ll still have breakfast and chores, but then we’ll head out somewhere for most of the day. Sometimes that’s a war reenactment, a nature walk at a state park, or a day at the beach. I’ve found local homeschool groups on Facebook to be very helpful for discovering field trips and activities going on near us.

The screens go off (for the most part), and we spend a lot of time outside as a family. Check with your county or town visitors center to see what the local itinerary for the summer is. Here are some more ideas of fun and educational summer homeschool ideas.

  1. Go see a play at the local theater. During the school year, our local college will also put on productions
  2. Go to the beach or ocean, build sandcastles, look for shells and wildlife
  3. Do messy art projects outside. I’ll lay out a large sheet of butcher’s paper and have the kids each paint a section to make a mural.
  4. Draw with chalk on the sidewalk
  5. Blow bubbles and chase them around the yard
  6. Build a mud kitchen and get messy together
  7. Learn how to surf/waterski/wakeboard
  8. Go tubing behind a boat
  9. Go see a waterski show
  10. Play a game of baseball or dodgeball at the park or on a field
  11. Go foraging for edible plants and make something with what you find.
  12. Go on a nature walk and record your findings in your nature journals
  13. Go to local festivals and fairs. Our county and state fairs both have historical sections.
  14. Go out in the woods and build a fort
  15. Build a treehouse and learn about levels, measurements, how to cut wood, use a hammer and nail, etc.
  16. Go fishing and learn about the pond or lake ecosystem
  17. Catch frogs or tadpoles for a nature study
  18. Go digging for worms and make a worm bin for the garden
  19. Plant a garden and care for it over the summer
  20. Go to a local museum: children’s, art, history, science, aquarium, etc.
  21. Visit the zoo or animal sanctuary. Nature journal and read a book about your favorite wild animal.
  22. Learn how to swim
  23. Go berry picking and then bake a pie
  24. Do messy science experiments outside.
  25. Let each child take turns choosing an activity for a day and put it on the schedule
  26. For little ones set up a water table or large sensory bins outside on the grass
  27. Go cloud gazing and make up stories about what the clouds are doing
  28. Catch fireflies and learn about bioluminescence (then let them go)
  29. Stay up and go stargazing. Our local astronomical society meets every week and lets visitors use their telescopes. See where your nearest planetarium is.
  30. Visit a farm and get hands on experience to learn all about cows, goats, and chickens.
  31. For kids who won’t get nervous, go visit an apiary and talk with your local beekeeper.
  32. Plant a wildflower garden with native species. You can also make a butterfly or bee garden with plants that pollinators love.
  33. Fill up some hummingbird feeders and keep an eye out for them.
  34. Go mushroom hunting (be sure you’re certain which species are edible before eating!)
  35. Go on a walk led by a local naturalist or ecologist
  36. Go bouldering or rock climbing
  37. Make a dandelion crown or a daisy chain
  38. Gather medicinal herbs and make your own salve or tea blend with them. These can be from the yard or foraged (where allowed).
  39. Play active games outdoors, like Twister in the yard
  40. Go to an outdoor music concert
  41. Set up a blanket in the shade and read books aloud
  42. Blow homemade bubbles together

Charlotte Mason Summer Homeschool Curriculum

You really don’t need a curriculum to have learning fun during the summer. My favorite lessons are the hands on ones we have outside. For bookwork, I just continue with our regular lessons since we homeschool year round, but with a pared down schedule. If you’re looking for something more specific for summer though here are a few paid and free options.

  • A Gentle Feast Summer Morning Time Well put together and includes 6 weeks of morning time lessons.
  • Ambleside Online: This free resource notoriously has more books scheduled than most families can get through in a school year. Pick a few subjects and a few books and work through them during the summer.
  • Your Morning Basket – Summer adventure morning time plans include a 4 week plan for nature study, poetry, and more.

Ask your kids what they want to learn more about and find books and schedule field trips around that. Yes, that’s unschooling, not Charlotte Mason, but Miss Mason also wanted children to pursue their talents. And it’s summer, a time for informal learning anyway.

If you didn’t have any time for Shakespeare or didn’t do as many art projects as you wanted this past school year, then schedule them for summer.

We check out lots of books from the library and participate in the library reading program. Although instead of collecting the cheap junky toys that break right away I let the kids choose their own prizes. This could be some new paints, yarn for handicrafts, a beautiful journal, or even a small toy.

Making Your Summer Schedule Work

Remember that kids are only kids for a short while and summer can be a magical time if we let it. And mom also needs some time for a break too! Have fun, do some special learning, and don’t sweat it if your kids don’t all make it to Harvard. The important part is to help each child care for the world around them and discover the joy and wonder of God’s earth.

What summer activities do you do with the kids, did I miss any? Leave a comment and let me know!

The post A Charlotte Mason Summer Homeschool Schedule appeared first on pine cones and primers.

]]> 19 Places to Find Living Books (for Cheap or Free) https://pineconesandprimers.com/find-living-books/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=find-living-books Fri, 01 Apr 2022 22:28:16 +0000 https://pineconesandprimers.com/?p=369 You probably know by now that Living Books are quality books that come to life on the page. They’re engaging, insightful, and worth reading. But what are the best places to find Living Books without going broke? The Best Places to Find Living Books for Cheap or Free Sadly many of the books on library and bookstore shelves aren’t the same quality they used to be. While I’ve heard passionate arguments advocating for Captain Underpants, it’s not a selection you’ll find in my home. So if the clearance rack at the children’s bookstore isn’t going to cut it, how do we find living books for our homeschool? There are some gorgeous old books out there and I’m privileged to own a few. My great-grandma loved to preserve family history and I have some books that were passed down from her and even older generations. We have books of poems, original McGuffey readers, and a guide on how to survive in the wilderness (1800s style). Old books can quickly get expensive though, especially if they’re in good condition. And in a Charlotte Mason education, we want to give our children a wide variety of quality books, both for school and personal reading. Over the years I’ve learned some tricks for finding affordable, Living Books. The fact that children like lame, uninspired talk and insubstantial, insipid storybooks doesn’t prove that it’s good for them. They like lollipops too but they can’t live on them. Yet some schools are making a concerted effort to meet the intellectual, moral, and spiritual needs with mental candy. – Charlotte Mason, Philosophy of Education – #1 Your Local Library This may seem like a no-brainer, but yes, the library can be a good resource… with some caveats. I’ve heard horror stories of dumpsters full of classic books behind libraries, only to be replaced by twaddle. While I can sometimes find the book I’m looking for at my local library, it’s not often. When we first moved here I was shocked and the librarian was embarrassed when we both realized there wasn’t a single E. Nesbit book on the shelf. She promptly ordered some. I usually have to spend a good half hour browsing through my library’s online catalog and cross-reference it with a list of books I’m looking for. There are plenty of books at the local library, but not nearly as many good ones in my experience. Hopefully, yours is different. For non-fiction books, I’ll look through several books on the same subject until I find one that’s a Living Book. With fiction books, I start with a Charlotte Mason booklist and search my library’s catalog until I find something on the list. Pros and Cons of Library Books The library is great for picture books and free reads but isn’t my favorite for school books. If I know we’re going to need the book for at least one trimester (or more than 1 month), then the book will be due before we’re done with it. Even so, I’ll still sometimes get longer books to see if I want to commit to buying them. Libraries now have a wide variety of e-books, audiobooks, and interlibrary loan items. So even if your town’s building doesn’t have the book you want, chances are the librarian can still get it for you. #2 Private Libraries to Find Living Books Maybe you’ve dreamed of having a Beauty and the Beast worthy library. It might be closer than you think. Privately curated libraries are popping up all over the country, full of quality living books. You can find a directory with many of them here. They work much like a public library, but you pay a membership fee to check books out. There are at least two in my area and the Charlotte Mason library is housed in an artisan coffee/bake shop. Swoon. Free Public Domain Books Many of the older classics are available for free online. Some of the books are typed up and formatted into ebooks, while others are scanned in and the images posted online. Here are a few of my favorite places to get free ebooks online. #3 Project Gutenberg – Over 60,000 free ebooks #4 Internet Archive– Millions of free books, audiobooks, movies, music, and more. #5 Poetry Foundation – Features poems organized by poet or subject. #6 University of Pennsylvania – search engine for over 3 million free books. #7 Baldwin library of historical children’s literature – Over 120,000 books and periodicals from the mid-1600s to present day. The Library also has small holdings of manuscript collections, original artwork, and assorted ephemera such as board games, puzzles, and toys. #8 The Rosetta Project complete library of children’s books online. The largest collection of illustrated, antique children’s books online. The books are translated into different languages. So you can read them in English, or in the foreign language you’re currently studying.#9 Online literature – a searchable database of thousands of books and poems. http://www.online-literature.com/ #10 Gateway to the Classics – Classic children’s literature, poems, and illustrated read alouds. #11 Heritage history – classical student history books. You can find series, books for younger and older students, hero stories, historical fiction, biographies, living history texts, etc. #12 Librivox – Free, public domain audiobooks. These are read by volunteers so some are better than others. I prefer using Audible, but this is a decent free option. Affordable Print Books. #13 eBay can have some harder to find titles. Just be sure to check the seller ratings before purchase. #14 Facebook marketplace is a great place to find Living Books, both new and old. They have Charlotte Mason and classical book resell groups. #15 AddAll used book search looks online for the best deals on a particular title. Amazon and Abe Books usually come out on top. I like this for harder to find books I want a physical copy of. Affordable Ebooks and Audiobooks #16 Kindle books are offered by Amazon and can be read with a Kindle reader or online. My library has Hoopla which lends out free Kindle ebooks. #17 Kindle Unlimited is a subscription of select Kindle titles. There’s a lot of twaddle on here but they still have some good ebooks. #18 Audible. This one does have a monthly subscription fee, but they have a wide variety of quality books. Some of the children’s classics are read by a full cast and include sound effects. Winnie the Pooh is one of my favorite full-cast Audible productions! #19 Simply Charlotte Mason Book Finder is a compilation of living books that are available for sale or in the public domain. I like that they’ve already weeded out the Twaddle for me so I can easily find a quality book. I use this database to cross reference with my local library’s catalog before checking books out. Finding Living Books isn’t hard once you know where to look. I spend most of my time searching in preparation for the upcoming school year so I have our booklists set for the year. Then as we need free reads I’ll peruse the various booklists. While ebooks are easy and low clutter, don’t forget to invest in some physical books too! They really spruce up a living room bookshelf. Where do you look for Living Books? Did I miss a website or store? Leave me a comment and be sure to share this post with a friend!

The post 19 Places to Find Living Books (for Cheap or Free) appeared first on pine cones and primers.

]]> You probably know by now that Living Books are quality books that come to life on the page. They’re engaging, insightful, and worth reading. But what are the best places to find Living Books without going broke?

The Best Places to Find Living Books for Cheap or Free

Sadly many of the books on library and bookstore shelves aren’t the same quality they used to be. While I’ve heard passionate arguments advocating for Captain Underpants, it’s not a selection you’ll find in my home. So if the clearance rack at the children’s bookstore isn’t going to cut it, how do we find living books for our homeschool?

There are some gorgeous old books out there and I’m privileged to own a few. My great-grandma loved to preserve family history and I have some books that were passed down from her and even older generations. We have books of poems, original McGuffey readers, and a guide on how to survive in the wilderness (1800s style).

Old books can quickly get expensive though, especially if they’re in good condition. And in a Charlotte Mason education, we want to give our children a wide variety of quality books, both for school and personal reading. Over the years I’ve learned some tricks for finding affordable, Living Books.

The fact that children like lame, uninspired talk and insubstantial, insipid storybooks doesn’t prove that it’s good for them. They like lollipops too but they can’t live on them. Yet some schools are making a concerted effort to meet the intellectual, moral, and spiritual needs with mental candy. – Charlotte Mason, Philosophy of Education –

#1 Your Local Library

This may seem like a no-brainer, but yes, the library can be a good resource… with some caveats. I’ve heard horror stories of dumpsters full of classic books behind libraries, only to be replaced by twaddle.

While I can sometimes find the book I’m looking for at my local library, it’s not often. When we first moved here I was shocked and the librarian was embarrassed when we both realized there wasn’t a single E. Nesbit book on the shelf. She promptly ordered some.

I usually have to spend a good half hour browsing through my library’s online catalog and cross-reference it with a list of books I’m looking for. There are plenty of books at the local library, but not nearly as many good ones in my experience. Hopefully, yours is different.

For non-fiction books, I’ll look through several books on the same subject until I find one that’s a Living Book. With fiction books, I start with a Charlotte Mason booklist and search my library’s catalog until I find something on the list.

Pros and Cons of Library Books

The library is great for picture books and free reads but isn’t my favorite for school books. If I know we’re going to need the book for at least one trimester (or more than 1 month), then the book will be due before we’re done with it. Even so, I’ll still sometimes get longer books to see if I want to commit to buying them.

Libraries now have a wide variety of e-books, audiobooks, and interlibrary loan items. So even if your town’s building doesn’t have the book you want, chances are the librarian can still get it for you.

#2 Private Libraries to Find Living Books

Maybe you’ve dreamed of having a Beauty and the Beast worthy library. It might be closer than you think. Privately curated libraries are popping up all over the country, full of quality living books. You can find a directory with many of them here.

They work much like a public library, but you pay a membership fee to check books out. There are at least two in my area and the Charlotte Mason library is housed in an artisan coffee/bake shop. Swoon.

Free Public Domain Books

Many of the older classics are available for free online. Some of the books are typed up and formatted into ebooks, while others are scanned in and the images posted online. Here are a few of my favorite places to get free ebooks online.

#3 Project Gutenberg – Over 60,000 free ebooks

#4 Internet Archive– Millions of free books, audiobooks, movies, music, and more.

#5 Poetry Foundation – Features poems organized by poet or subject.

#6 University of Pennsylvania – search engine for over 3 million free books.

#7 Baldwin library of historical children’s literature – Over 120,000 books and periodicals from the mid-1600s to present day. The Library also has small holdings of manuscript collections, original artwork, and assorted ephemera such as board games, puzzles, and toys.

#8 The Rosetta Project complete library of children’s books online. The largest collection of illustrated, antique children’s books online. The books are translated into different languages. So you can read them in English, or in the foreign language you’re currently studying.#9 Online literature – a searchable database of thousands of books and poems. http://www.online-literature.com/

#10 Gateway to the Classics – Classic children’s literature, poems, and illustrated read alouds.

#11 Heritage history – classical student history books. You can find series, books for younger and older students, hero stories, historical fiction, biographies, living history texts, etc.

#12 Librivox – Free, public domain audiobooks. These are read by volunteers so some are better than others. I prefer using Audible, but this is a decent free option.
Affordable Print Books.

#13 eBay can have some harder to find titles. Just be sure to check the seller ratings before purchase.

#14 Facebook marketplace is a great place to find Living Books, both new and old. They have Charlotte Mason and classical book resell groups.

#15 AddAll used book search looks online for the best deals on a particular title. Amazon and Abe Books usually come out on top. I like this for harder to find books I want a physical copy of.

Affordable Ebooks and Audiobooks

#16 Kindle books are offered by Amazon and can be read with a Kindle reader or online. My library has Hoopla which lends out free Kindle ebooks.

#17 Kindle Unlimited is a subscription of select Kindle titles. There’s a lot of twaddle on here but they still have some good ebooks.

#18 Audible. This one does have a monthly subscription fee, but they have a wide variety of quality books. Some of the children’s classics are read by a full cast and include sound effects. Winnie the Pooh is one of my favorite full-cast Audible productions!

#19 Simply Charlotte Mason Book Finder is a compilation of living books that are available for sale or in the public domain. I like that they’ve already weeded out the Twaddle for me so I can easily find a quality book. I use this database to cross reference with my local library’s catalog before checking books out.

Finding Living Books isn’t hard once you know where to look. I spend most of my time searching in preparation for the upcoming school year so I have our booklists set for the year. Then as we need free reads I’ll peruse the various booklists. While ebooks are easy and low clutter, don’t forget to invest in some physical books too! They really spruce up a living room bookshelf.

Where do you look for Living Books? Did I miss a website or store? Leave me a comment and be sure to share this post with a friend!

The post 19 Places to Find Living Books (for Cheap or Free) appeared first on pine cones and primers.

]]> What a Charlotte Mason Preschool and Kindergarten Looks Like https://pineconesandprimers.com/charlotte-mason-preschool/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=charlotte-mason-preschool Wed, 02 Mar 2022 01:00:41 +0000 https://pineconesandprimers.com/?p=46 What does a Charlotte Mason preschool look like? Is it just nature walks and picture books? Here’s how your children can get the most out of their early years and be ready to tackle their elementary years. Charlotte Mason Preschool Mason called these early years a “quiet growing time.” If we look around at a lot of modern day preschools and kindergartens though, quiet is the last thing that comes to mind! Mason’s world of the 1800s is different in many ways from our own, but little minds and hearts still develop and learn with the same principles they did hundreds of years ago. Why Children Don’t Need Preschool Yes, really. I’m going to start off by making the case that a 3-5-year-old does not need a formal preschool. They don’t need to learn all of their letters, be able to count to 20, and know the difference between a square and a triangle. They don’t need to glue cotton balls onto construction paper. The experts decided preschool and kindergarten are all about getting kids ready for school and the 8-hour school grind. But is that what’s really best for these tender little souls? Do they need to be stuffed with facts or fall behind before they even start? The research is saying no. The Case Against Preschool By 3rd grade, children who attend rigorous preschool programs have worse test results, have more behavioral issues, and were more likely to have a learning disorder than students not in an academic preschool. Young children have high levels of chronic stress hormones just 2 months after starting kindergarten. The United States Department of Health and Human Services conducted a massive survey to find out once and for all if government preschool programs worked. While graduation rates were higher and incarcerations were lower, it wasn’t really thanks to academics. By functioning as a glorified child-care service, programs like Head Start helped give parents the time they needed to improve their family’s lives. The children however didn’t necessarily have better academic gains than their peers. This is not to knock early education programs and the families that rely on them, but rather to highlight they may not be working the way we think they’re working. A Better Approach to Preschool So if little Susie doesn’t need rigorous academics, what does she need? Mason, like Maria Montessori and Rudolf Steiner, knew that young children learn best through play. They need experiences and toys that encourage open ended play and creativity. By giving them access to organic interactions with their world they naturally thrive. We want to encourage and cultivate creativity and free thought, not stifle it. Mason delayed any formal academics until age 6 and instead focused on good habits, character building, and sparking the joy of learning. What a Charlotte Mason preschool does NOT look like: No long periods of seatwork at a desk No worksheets No junky paper crafts that clutter the home No forcing learning or formal academics No memorizing lists of facts the children don’t understand No long days inside A Golden Opportunity We as parents have the unique privilege of helping cultivate our children’s minds and hearts. These early years are crucial to building the foundation of good habits and character that will last our children a lifetime. Academics are the first floor of the building, but it will ultimately sink and fail if they don’t have the foundation under them first. The Ultimate Guide to a Charlotte Mason Preschool and Kindergarten There are some very good resources out there to help parents implement Mason’s early years approach in their homes. My intention is not to give an exhaustive, step-by-step curriculum here, but to point you in the right direction. Consider this your roadmap to help you know where you’re going and why. I’ll also add that I’ve spent a ridiculous amount of time researching Charlotte Mason preschools so you don’t have to. You don’t have to read a dozen full size books on early education, and even more scholarly articles or dig through everything Mason said about little students like I have. This is my attempt at condensing all of that information for you. I’ve included a list of references at the bottom though in case you’re a total research nerd like me and want to dig further. Let’s get started! “Education is an atmosphere, a discipline, a life.” Charlotte Mason The Prime Directive Star Trek fans will know that the prime directive of Star Fleet is to never interfere with the natural development of a foreign people. Homeschool parents have a similar goal. We want to cultivate natural development, not step in and take it over. Our true prime directive however is much more important. If our children never know and come to love their creator, then all of this means nothing. By helping them see who God is, that He loves them and has a plan for them, we’ll have done the most important thing. Habit Training in a Charlotte Mason Preschool I’ve already touched on this, but developing good habits in our children is one of the first priorities as a parent. When they’ve learned the habits of paying attention and listening to their parents, everything that follows will come so much easier. Teach by example and don’t overwhelm them. Focus on one good habit at a time, be consistent, and model it for them. Laying Down the Rails is an excellent resource for all the nitty gritty details of how to do habit training. Don’t Insult Them Some educational programs focus on creating a child like environment for the student to live in. Everything is cute, little, and merely an adaptation of the real world. Mason disagreed with this approach. “When we say that ‘education is an atmosphere,’ we do not mean that a child should be isolated in what may be called a ‘child-environment’ especially adapted and prepared, but that we should take into account the educational value of his natural home atmosphere, both as regards persons and things, and should let him live freely among his proper conditions. It stultifies a child to bring down his world to the ‘child’s’ level” (Mason Vol. 6). This doesn’t mean we need to expose our preschoolers to the hard facts of life from day one. Rather it means that we let them live and learn beside us and with us, not sheltered in their own world. Preschool and Kindergarten Nature Time Time in nature is one of the cornerstones of a Charlotte Mason education. Mason had lofty ideals and recommended children spend at least 4-6 hours a day outside. Is it practical? No. Is it what’s best for them? Probably. Most of us aren’t going to get anywhere near 6 hours of outside time a day, but the idea is to have as much as possible. Play outside, eat outside, learn outside. And once they’re worn out, Mason said they can nap outside! Not only will little ones learn exploration and feed their curiosity, but they can learn about the weather, animals, which way is north, where does the sunset, which way is grandma’s house? Have sensory experiences. Encourage them to touch, hear, smell, and listen to everything they can. Knowing when to use what sense is just as important as using them. Feeling a leaf or holding a frog from nature is a good thing, but trying to chase down a skunk is another experience entirely. Spend lots of time outside exploring nature, but don’t push a bunch of facts on young minds. Don’t freak out if they find a toad or a slimy worm, get excited with them. Teacher and student can both record their findings in a nature notebook and a calendar of firsts. Learn a Foreign Language Think about how babies learn to speak. First, they hear the words from you and see how they connect to real life objects and experiences. It isn’t until they have a good grasp on speaking the language that they start to learn to read it. Learning a foreign language is the same. Listen to and sing foreign language songs together Listen to audiobooks or videos (without subtitles!) in the language If you’re fluent enough in the language, read books to your children, but don’t point out the words. Read Living Books Quality over quantity is what’s important here. Choose beautiful stories and picture books that teach character traits, stimulate curiosity and an appreciation for the world. You can read more about how to find the best books here. These books are some of my favorites for little ones: Winnie the Pooh – A.A. Milne Peter Rabbit – Beatrix Potter Old Mother West Wind – Thornton Burgess Hans Christian Andersen’s Complete fairy tales Mother Goose nursery rhymes Teaching Letters and Numbers It’s not that we ignore the alphabet and counting, we’re just making in a fuller sensory experience. Instead of abstract concepts on worksheets, count the plates on the dinner table together. Count up your graham crackers at snack time. Use magnetic letters they can touch and manipulate. Draw letters in a tray of sand or in the dirt outside. Make a game of it. “When should he begin? Whenever his box of letters begins to interest him. The baby of two will often be able to name half a dozen letters; and there is nothing against it so long as the finding and naming of letters is a game to him” (Mason, Vol. 1). Art Appreciation Let your little ones see good artwork. They may not appreciate a museum just yet, but point out beautiful pieces in large art books. I love these board picture books featuring famous artists. Help them create with fingerpaints, crayons, and sculpt with playdough. This is also a good time to develop an appreciation of music. Play Bach and Beethoven in the background or turn it up and dance together. Sing them songs, hymns, and folk songs and help them learn to sing along. More Charlotte Mason Preschool Ideas Play singing games like London Bridge, and the Farmer in the Dell. Play memory games, like this matching animals one Jump rope, play ball, make snowballs. Make and move together! Tell them stories and fairy tales from memory. Use your voice and movements to make the story come to life. Start learning easy handicrafts, like sewing cards and finger knitting Charlotte Mason Preschool Curriculum While a curriculum isn’t necessary, some moms want one to help guide their preschool journey. Some states and countries require Kindergarten. Keep in mind that there are many “Charlotte Mason inspired” curriculums, but they deviate (sometimes a lot), from the intended method. If you prefer to have a true CM curriculum, here are some of my favorite options. Most are either free or low cost. Our Preschool Life – Simply Charlotte Mason Early Years Curriculum – A Modern Charlotte Mason The Idea Nest – My Little Robins Ambleside Year 0 (suitable for Kindergarten but needs adjusted for preschool) A Quiet Growing Time – Wildwood What activities does your little one love to do? Leave a comment and be sure to share with a friend! Sources: Christakis, E. (2017). The Importance of Being Little: What Young Children Really Need from Grownups. Penguin Books. Gray, P. (2021, May 24). The Case Against Universal Preschool. Psychology Today. Piper, K. (2018). Early childhood education yields big benefits — just not the ones you think Any academic boost from preschool fades out after a few years. Surprisingly, it still has lifelong effects. Vox. Shafer, S., Smith, K. (2009). The Early Years: A Charlotte Mason Preschool Handbook.

The post What a Charlotte Mason Preschool and Kindergarten Looks Like appeared first on pine cones and primers.

]]> What does a Charlotte Mason preschool look like? Is it just nature walks and picture books? Here’s how your children can get the most out of their early years and be ready to tackle their elementary years.

Charlotte Mason Preschool

Mason called these early years a “quiet growing time.” If we look around at a lot of modern day preschools and kindergartens though, quiet is the last thing that comes to mind! Mason’s world of the 1800s is different in many ways from our own, but little minds and hearts still develop and learn with the same principles they did hundreds of years ago.

Why Children Don’t Need Preschool

Yes, really. I’m going to start off by making the case that a 3-5-year-old does not need a formal preschool. They don’t need to learn all of their letters, be able to count to 20, and know the difference between a square and a triangle. They don’t need to glue cotton balls onto construction paper.

The experts decided preschool and kindergarten are all about getting kids ready for school and the 8-hour school grind. But is that what’s really best for these tender little souls? Do they need to be stuffed with facts or fall behind before they even start?

The research is saying no.

The Case Against Preschool

By 3rd grade, children who attend rigorous preschool programs have worse test results, have more behavioral issues, and were more likely to have a learning disorder than students not in an academic preschool. Young children have high levels of chronic stress hormones just 2 months after starting kindergarten.

The United States Department of Health and Human Services conducted a massive survey to find out once and for all if government preschool programs worked. While graduation rates were higher and incarcerations were lower, it wasn’t really thanks to academics.

By functioning as a glorified child-care service, programs like Head Start helped give parents the time they needed to improve their family’s lives. The children however didn’t necessarily have better academic gains than their peers.

This is not to knock early education programs and the families that rely on them, but rather to highlight they may not be working the way we think they’re working.

A Better Approach to Preschool

So if little Susie doesn’t need rigorous academics, what does she need? Mason, like Maria Montessori and Rudolf Steiner, knew that young children learn best through play. They need experiences and toys that encourage open ended play and creativity.

By giving them access to organic interactions with their world they naturally thrive. We want to encourage and cultivate creativity and free thought, not stifle it. Mason delayed any formal academics until age 6 and instead focused on good habits, character building, and sparking the joy of learning.

What a Charlotte Mason preschool does NOT look like:

  • No long periods of seatwork at a desk
  • No worksheets
  • No junky paper crafts that clutter the home
  • No forcing learning or formal academics
  • No memorizing lists of facts the children don’t understand
  • No long days inside

A Golden Opportunity

We as parents have the unique privilege of helping cultivate our children’s minds and hearts. These early years are crucial to building the foundation of good habits and character that will last our children a lifetime. Academics are the first floor of the building, but it will ultimately sink and fail if they don’t have the foundation under them first.

The Ultimate Guide to a Charlotte Mason Preschool and Kindergarten

There are some very good resources out there to help parents implement Mason’s early years approach in their homes. My intention is not to give an exhaustive, step-by-step curriculum here, but to point you in the right direction. Consider this your roadmap to help you know where you’re going and why.

I’ll also add that I’ve spent a ridiculous amount of time researching Charlotte Mason preschools so you don’t have to. You don’t have to read a dozen full size books on early education, and even more scholarly articles or dig through everything Mason said about little students like I have.

This is my attempt at condensing all of that information for you. I’ve included a list of references at the bottom though in case you’re a total research nerd like me and want to dig further. Let’s get started!

“Education is an atmosphere, a discipline, a life.” Charlotte Mason

The Prime Directive

Star Trek fans will know that the prime directive of Star Fleet is to never interfere with the natural development of a foreign people. Homeschool parents have a similar goal. We want to cultivate natural development, not step in and take it over.

Our true prime directive however is much more important. If our children never know and come to love their creator, then all of this means nothing. By helping them see who God is, that He loves them and has a plan for them, we’ll have done the most important thing.

Habit Training in a Charlotte Mason Preschool

I’ve already touched on this, but developing good habits in our children is one of the first priorities as a parent. When they’ve learned the habits of paying attention and listening to their parents, everything that follows will come so much easier.

Teach by example and don’t overwhelm them. Focus on one good habit at a time, be consistent, and model it for them. Laying Down the Rails is an excellent resource for all the nitty gritty details of how to do habit training.

Don’t Insult Them

Some educational programs focus on creating a child like environment for the student to live in. Everything is cute, little, and merely an adaptation of the real world. Mason disagreed with this approach.

“When we say that ‘education is an atmosphere,’ we do not mean that a child should be isolated in what may be called a ‘child-environment’ especially adapted and prepared, but that we should take into account the educational value of his natural home atmosphere, both as regards persons and things, and should let him live freely among his proper conditions. It stultifies a child to bring down his world to the ‘child’s’ level” (Mason Vol. 6).

This doesn’t mean we need to expose our preschoolers to the hard facts of life from day one. Rather it means that we let them live and learn beside us and with us, not sheltered in their own world.

Preschool and Kindergarten Nature Time

Time in nature is one of the cornerstones of a Charlotte Mason education. Mason had lofty ideals and recommended children spend at least 4-6 hours a day outside. Is it practical? No. Is it what’s best for them? Probably.

Most of us aren’t going to get anywhere near 6 hours of outside time a day, but the idea is to have as much as possible. Play outside, eat outside, learn outside. And once they’re worn out, Mason said they can nap outside!

Not only will little ones learn exploration and feed their curiosity, but they can learn about the weather, animals, which way is north, where does the sunset, which way is grandma’s house?

Have sensory experiences. Encourage them to touch, hear, smell, and listen to everything they can. Knowing when to use what sense is just as important as using them. Feeling a leaf or holding a frog from nature is a good thing, but trying to chase down a skunk is another experience entirely.

  • Spend lots of time outside exploring nature, but don’t push a bunch of facts on young minds.
  • Don’t freak out if they find a toad or a slimy worm, get excited with them.
  • Teacher and student can both record their findings in a nature notebook and a calendar of firsts.

Learn a Foreign Language

Think about how babies learn to speak. First, they hear the words from you and see how they connect to real life objects and experiences. It isn’t until they have a good grasp on speaking the language that they start to learn to read it. Learning a foreign language is the same.

  • Listen to and sing foreign language songs together
  • Listen to audiobooks or videos (without subtitles!) in the language
  • If you’re fluent enough in the language, read books to your children, but don’t point out the words.

Read Living Books

Quality over quantity is what’s important here. Choose beautiful stories and picture books that teach character traits, stimulate curiosity and an appreciation for the world. You can read more about how to find the best books here. These books are some of my favorites for little ones:

Teaching Letters and Numbers

It’s not that we ignore the alphabet and counting, we’re just making in a fuller sensory experience. Instead of abstract concepts on worksheets, count the plates on the dinner table together. Count up your graham crackers at snack time.

Use magnetic letters they can touch and manipulate. Draw letters in a tray of sand or in the dirt outside. Make a game of it.

“When should he begin? Whenever his box of letters begins to interest him. The baby of two will often be able to name half a dozen letters; and there is nothing against it so long as the finding and naming of letters is a game to him” (Mason, Vol. 1).

Art Appreciation

Let your little ones see good artwork. They may not appreciate a museum just yet, but point out beautiful pieces in large art books. I love these board picture books featuring famous artists. Help them create with fingerpaints, crayons, and sculpt with playdough.

This is also a good time to develop an appreciation of music. Play Bach and Beethoven in the background or turn it up and dance together. Sing them songs, hymns, and folk songs and help them learn to sing along.

More Charlotte Mason Preschool Ideas

  • Play singing games like London Bridge, and the Farmer in the Dell.
  • Play memory games, like this matching animals one
  • Jump rope, play ball, make snowballs. Make and move together!
  • Tell them stories and fairy tales from memory. Use your voice and movements to make the story come to life.
  • Start learning easy handicrafts, like sewing cards and finger knitting

Charlotte Mason Preschool Curriculum

While a curriculum isn’t necessary, some moms want one to help guide their preschool journey. Some states and countries require Kindergarten. Keep in mind that there are many “Charlotte Mason inspired” curriculums, but they deviate (sometimes a lot), from the intended method. If you prefer to have a true CM curriculum, here are some of my favorite options. Most are either free or low cost.

What activities does your little one love to do? Leave a comment and be sure to share with a friend!

Charlotte Mason preschool and kindergarten guide

Sources:

  • Christakis, E. (2017). The Importance of Being Little: What Young Children Really Need from Grownups. Penguin Books.
  • Gray, P. (2021, May 24). The Case Against Universal Preschool. Psychology Today.
  • Piper, K. (2018). Early childhood education yields big benefits — just not the ones you think
    Any academic boost from preschool fades out after a few years. Surprisingly, it still has lifelong effects. Vox.
  • Shafer, S., Smith, K. (2009). The Early Years: A Charlotte Mason Preschool Handbook.

The post What a Charlotte Mason Preschool and Kindergarten Looks Like appeared first on pine cones and primers.

]]> Old Fashioned Snow Cream Recipe https://pineconesandprimers.com/snow-cream-recipe/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=snow-cream-recipe Fri, 11 Feb 2022 22:29:12 +0000 https://pineconesandprimers.com/?p=339 What do Alexander the Great and my Kids have in common? They both love desserts made with snow. This old-fashioned snow cream recipe uses simple, real food ingredients for a delicious snowy day treat! An Ice Cream History Cultures have eaten snowy treats since Ancient times. Supposedly Nero frequently sent runners into the mountains to gather snow and mixed it with fruit. Alexander the Great liked his snow mixed with honey. And a little bit later in history, Oyster ice cream debuted in the 1800s. I think I prefer the fruit and honey versions. Old Fashioned Snow Cream Recipe There are multiple versions of snow cream, but essentially it’s snow with sweetener, milk, and a bit of vanilla. Some recipes call for sweetened condensed milk or evaporated milk, but we don’t regularly use either of those in our home. You can also make a creamier version with eggs. We try to stick to whole, natural foods as God intended (though I do love me some cheddar cheese chips!). So my version of snow cream uses maple syrup, grass-fed cream, organic vanilla, and fresh snow. The kids like putting some sprinkles or chocolate chips on top too. If you don’t have maple syrup, then honey is also an option. I’m not using processed sugar since it’s not as smooth and we don’t keep it in the house. Sweetened condensed milk is smooth and has sugar in it already, but again, it’s not something we ever use. And I’m skipping the eggs because that requires cooking and more work. The result is a simple recipe that takes minutes to stir up and even my preschooler can make it! Snowy Day Activity When snow finally hits my kids are ready to go outside and play. We take advantage of the weather to look for animal tracks and look for signs of birds during nature study time. Hot cocoa, snowmen, and old fashioned snow cream are all on the agenda too. We recently got a pocket microscope and my kids have fun looking at the snow crystals with that. Sometimes its nice to slow down and take a break from checking off boxes to enjoy the season. Is Snow Cream Safe? Safe is a relative term. Driving in a car isn’t safe, but we do it every day. Even breathing air in many areas isn’t that safe due to high levels of air pollution. In the broader scope of things, yes, I feel safe eating freshly fallen snow from my yard. Here are a few kinds of snow to avoid though: Don’t eat from snow that’s been plowed, especially by the roadside. This can contain de-icing chemicals and road pollution. Obviously don’t eat any snow that looks dirty. Don’t eat yellow snow either. We take a bowl and scoop a thin layer off of the top, then use what’s underneath that. Don’t dig too far down though or you’ll get dirt, grass, and old leaves in your snow cream. Can You Freeze Old Fashioned Snow Cream? The sad answer here is no. Old fashioned snow cream must be served fresh or the texture becomes hard like ice. My son did an experiment where he left a container of snow cream out in the snow. It still turned hard and unusable. The good news is that gives you an excuse to finish off all of the snow cream in one sitting. Milk Options for Old Fashioned Snow Cream We use heavy cream that’s skimmed from the top of raw, grass-fed milk. There are so many nutritional benefits to local raw milk and we’re blessed to have access to it! If you want to use sweetened condensed milk that’s an option, but I’d at least go for organic. If you’re stuck inside in a blizzard and only have milk at home, then that will work too. Just make sure it’s full fat milk or it won’t be as creamy. Dairy Free Snow Cream Recipe Without Milk If you or your little ones can’t have dairy (like my husband), then you can still enjoy some old fashioned snow cream. Canned, full-fat coconut milk is my favorite replacement here. It does add a bit of a coconut taste, but if you add a pinch of salt and extra vanilla it tastes just fine. Or maybe you’re weird and like coconut flavored things. We’ve made several batches of old fashioned snow cream every time it’s snowed this winter. Now that you no longer have to be a Roman Emperor to enjoy snow ice cream. A sweet and creamy way to spend a snow day! Includes a dairy free option. Have you ever made snow ice cream before? Leave a comment and be sure to share with a friend!

The post Old Fashioned Snow Cream Recipe appeared first on pine cones and primers.

]]> What do Alexander the Great and my Kids have in common? They both love desserts made with snow. This old-fashioned snow cream recipe uses simple, real food ingredients for a delicious snowy day treat!

An Ice Cream History

Cultures have eaten snowy treats since Ancient times. Supposedly Nero frequently sent runners into the mountains to gather snow and mixed it with fruit. Alexander the Great liked his snow mixed with honey. And a little bit later in history, Oyster ice cream debuted in the 1800s. I think I prefer the fruit and honey versions.

Old Fashioned Snow Cream Recipe

There are multiple versions of snow cream, but essentially it’s snow with sweetener, milk, and a bit of vanilla. Some recipes call for sweetened condensed milk or evaporated milk, but we don’t regularly use either of those in our home. You can also make a creamier version with eggs.

We try to stick to whole, natural foods as God intended (though I do love me some cheddar cheese chips!). So my version of snow cream uses maple syrup, grass-fed cream, organic vanilla, and fresh snow. The kids like putting some sprinkles or chocolate chips on top too. If you don’t have maple syrup, then honey is also an option.

I’m not using processed sugar since it’s not as smooth and we don’t keep it in the house. Sweetened condensed milk is smooth and has sugar in it already, but again, it’s not something we ever use. And I’m skipping the eggs because that requires cooking and more work.

The result is a simple recipe that takes minutes to stir up and even my preschooler can make it!

Snowy Day Activity

When snow finally hits my kids are ready to go outside and play. We take advantage of the weather to look for animal tracks and look for signs of birds during nature study time. Hot cocoa, snowmen, and old fashioned snow cream are all on the agenda too. We recently got a pocket microscope and my kids have fun looking at the snow crystals with that. Sometimes its nice to slow down and take a break from checking off boxes to enjoy the season.

Is Snow Cream Safe?

Safe is a relative term. Driving in a car isn’t safe, but we do it every day. Even breathing air in many areas isn’t that safe due to high levels of air pollution. In the broader scope of things, yes, I feel safe eating freshly fallen snow from my yard.

Here are a few kinds of snow to avoid though:

  • Don’t eat from snow that’s been plowed, especially by the roadside. This can contain de-icing chemicals and road pollution.
  • Obviously don’t eat any snow that looks dirty.
  • Don’t eat yellow snow either.

We take a bowl and scoop a thin layer off of the top, then use what’s underneath that. Don’t dig too far down though or you’ll get dirt, grass, and old leaves in your snow cream.

Can You Freeze Old Fashioned Snow Cream?

The sad answer here is no. Old fashioned snow cream must be served fresh or the texture becomes hard like ice. My son did an experiment where he left a container of snow cream out in the snow. It still turned hard and unusable. The good news is that gives you an excuse to finish off all of the snow cream in one sitting.

Milk Options for Old Fashioned Snow Cream

We use heavy cream that’s skimmed from the top of raw, grass-fed milk. There are so many nutritional benefits to local raw milk and we’re blessed to have access to it! If you want to use sweetened condensed milk that’s an option, but I’d at least go for organic.

If you’re stuck inside in a blizzard and only have milk at home, then that will work too. Just make sure it’s full fat milk or it won’t be as creamy.

Dairy Free Snow Cream Recipe Without Milk

If you or your little ones can’t have dairy (like my husband), then you can still enjoy some old fashioned snow cream. Canned, full-fat coconut milk is my favorite replacement here. It does add a bit of a coconut taste, but if you add a pinch of salt and extra vanilla it tastes just fine.

Or maybe you’re weird and like coconut flavored things.

We’ve made several batches of old fashioned snow cream every time it’s snowed this winter. Now that you no longer have to be a Roman Emperor to enjoy snow ice cream.

Old Fashioned Snow Cream Recipe - Pine Cones and Primers
Print

Old Fashioned Snow Cream

A sweet and creamy way to spend a snow day! Includes a dairy free option.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 4 cups
Author Jamie

Equipment

  • large bowl
  • wooden spoon

Ingredients

  • 4 cups fresh snow
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup cream or full fat coconut milk for dairy free
  • 3 TBSP maple syrup
  • sprinkles optional

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients (except toppings) into a bowl and stir well to combine.
  • Top with sprinkles, chocolate chips, or other toppings as desired and eat immediately.

Have you ever made snow ice cream before? Leave a comment and be sure to share with a friend!

Old Fashioned Snow Cream - Pine Cones and Primers

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]]> Handicraft Gift Ideas Kids Can Make https://pineconesandprimers.com/handicraft-gift-ideas-kids/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=handicraft-gift-ideas-kids Mon, 13 Dec 2021 06:18:25 +0000 https://pineconesandprimers.com/?p=316 When I first heard the word handicraft I felt like I was eavesdropping on a Little House on the Prairie episode. I’ve since fallen in love with how beautiful, fun, and practical they really are. Here are some handicraft Christmas gift ideas that are easy enough for kids to make. What Are Handicrafts? It’s not the same as the typical craft tutorials you’ll find online. There aren’t any pom poms, glitter everywhere, or unknown objects made out of old popsicle sticks. Handicrafts are practical and useful items that take skill to make. Crochet blankets, knit socks, or a wood burned box are all examples of handicrafts. Mason listed four qualifications for a good handicraft (The children) should not be employed in making futilities such as pea and stick work, paper mats, and the like They should be taught slowly and carefully what they are to do Slipshod work should not be allowed The children’s work should be kept well within their compass (aka at their level). We’re encouraging our children to do their best work and teaching them step by step how to do it. In Mason’s day, handicrafts taught important life skills that would help students earn a living or provide necessary items for their future selves and families. I’ve crocheted since I was six and now I’m able to make hats and scarves for my little ones every year. DIY Christmas Gift Ideas Handicrafts are fun to make and useful, but you really only need so many of them. These projects make great gifts though for birthdays or Christmas time. Here are some handicraft gift ideas for your students to gift to friends and family this year. Preschool and Kindergarten Handicraft Gift Ideas These simple ideas are easy enough for the littlest hands. They will require some help and supervision though. Homemade crayons – melt old crayon scraps into a silicone mold like this Christmas themed one. Homemade candy cane playdough Cinnamon dough ornaments Salt dough ornaments Make a small bowl from air dry clay DIY Bookmarks Finger knitting Pressed flowers and leaves DIY beeswax candles Pine cone bird feeder Painted peg dolls or wooden crafts No-sew felt pillow  Cross stitch Make Christmas cards Simmering potpourri (put it in a nice gift bag or jar) Handicraft Gift Ideas for Older Kids There are a lot of options so you can easily choose what your child is interested in or what fits their skill level. Handicrafts not only make good presents for others, but gifting a child handicraft supplies is another good idea. I’ve included handicraft supply kits and ideas for kids (like felting, needlework, and leatherworking) in this Charlotte Mason gift guide. Leather Handicraft Gift Ideas Feather earrings from leather  Leather holiday ornaments Fabric and leather clutch purse  Leather journal cover Leather herb and plant labels Cross Stitch and Needlework Handicrafts These can be framed, turned into pillows and pincushions, or used as decorations on clothing or aprons. Free beginner cross stitch patterns from Love Craft Assisi rose pattern  Free embroidery patterns from DMC  Sewing Project Handicrafts Felt flower pincushion  DIY makeup remover or face cleansing wipes Drawstring bag from a tea-towel  Drawstring backpack Felt pencil art case  Reusable snack bags Hooded baby towel  Scrunchies T-shirt pillow  Reusable rice heat packs  Pottery You can use air dry clay (the easiest especially for younger kids), or regular kiln fired clay. If you don’t have a pottery wheel then pinch pottery or slab pottery are the easiest options. Ceramic coil bowl  Pinch pots with air dry clay  Pinch pot mugs (4 different ways)  How to make clay vases  Tile coasters Crochet and Knitting All of these projects are suitable for beginners or even more experienced crafters who are short on time. Love Craft is one of my favorite places to find free patterns for all experience levels. Most of the patterns below are from here. Crocheted snowflake ornament  Crochet granny square tote bag  Crocheted slouchy beanie  Crochet square tote  Beginner knit hats  Knit criss-cross baby blanket  Knitted dishcloth Paper Handicrafts 25 easy Origami ornaments DIY watercolor stationary  Handmade Christmas cards  Homemade envelopes  Hand letter cards and wall hangings with a calligraphy set  Beading and Jewelry Making Easy DIY jewelry projects  Holiday themed beaded jewelry Leather knot necklace tutorial Make your own ceramic beads  Macrame Handicrafts 5 plant hangar patterns  Reversible macrame market bag  Laptop mat  Table runner  Carving Handicrafts Beginners and little ones can do soap carving while older children can tackle wood carving. You can get carving materials and carving tools from my favorite art store here. Complete guide to soap carving book with kid friendly projects 10 woodcarving projects for beginners  Easy woodcarving tutorials Have your kids made handicrafts before? What are some of their favorites? Leave us a comment and be sure to share this post with a friend!

The post Handicraft Gift Ideas Kids Can Make appeared first on pine cones and primers.

]]> When I first heard the word handicraft I felt like I was eavesdropping on a Little House on the Prairie episode. I’ve since fallen in love with how beautiful, fun, and practical they really are. Here are some handicraft Christmas gift ideas that are easy enough for kids to make.

What Are Handicrafts?

It’s not the same as the typical craft tutorials you’ll find online. There aren’t any pom poms, glitter everywhere, or unknown objects made out of old popsicle sticks. Handicrafts are practical and useful items that take skill to make. Crochet blankets, knit socks, or a wood burned box are all examples of handicrafts.

Mason listed four qualifications for a good handicraft

  • (The children) should not be employed in making futilities such as pea and stick work, paper mats, and the like
  • They should be taught slowly and carefully what they are to do
  • Slipshod work should not be allowed
  • The children’s work should be kept well within their compass (aka at their level).

We’re encouraging our children to do their best work and teaching them step by step how to do it. In Mason’s day, handicrafts taught important life skills that would help students earn a living or provide necessary items for their future selves and families. I’ve crocheted since I was six and now I’m able to make hats and scarves for my little ones every year.

DIY Christmas Gift Ideas

Handicrafts are fun to make and useful, but you really only need so many of them. These projects make great gifts though for birthdays or Christmas time. Here are some handicraft gift ideas for your students to gift to friends and family this year.

Preschool and Kindergarten Handicraft Gift Ideas

These simple ideas are easy enough for the littlest hands. They will require some help and supervision though.

Handicraft Gift Ideas for Older Kids

There are a lot of options so you can easily choose what your child is interested in or what fits their skill level. Handicrafts not only make good presents for others, but gifting a child handicraft supplies is another good idea. I’ve included handicraft supply kits and ideas for kids (like felting, needlework, and leatherworking) in this Charlotte Mason gift guide.

Leather Handicraft Gift Ideas

Cross Stitch and Needlework Handicrafts

These can be framed, turned into pillows and pincushions, or used as decorations on clothing or aprons.

Sewing Project Handicrafts

Pottery

You can use air dry clay (the easiest especially for younger kids), or regular kiln fired clay. If you don’t have a pottery wheel then pinch pottery or slab pottery are the easiest options.

Knitting and crochet handicrafts

Crochet and Knitting

All of these projects are suitable for beginners or even more experienced crafters who are short on time. Love Craft is one of my favorite places to find free patterns for all experience levels. Most of the patterns below are from here.

Paper Handicrafts

Beading and Jewelry Making

Macrame Handicrafts

Carving Handicrafts

Beginners and little ones can do soap carving while older children can tackle wood carving. You can get carving materials and carving tools from my favorite art store here.

Have your kids made handicrafts before? What are some of their favorites? Leave us a comment and be sure to share this post with a friend!

DIY handicraft gift kids can make - Pine Cones and Primers

The post Handicraft Gift Ideas Kids Can Make appeared first on pine cones and primers.

]]> The Ultimate Charlotte Mason Gift Guide: 150+ Ideas https://pineconesandprimers.com/charlotte-mason-gift-guide/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=charlotte-mason-gift-guide https://pineconesandprimers.com/charlotte-mason-gift-guide/#comments Mon, 29 Nov 2021 05:16:25 +0000 https://pineconesandprimers.com/?p=276 There’s something unique about that Christmas morning feeling as a child. The excitement, the presents, the bleary eyed parents. This Charlotte Mason gift guide can help take the guesswork out of how to find quality toys and more for your little ones. Charlotte Mason Gift Guide I only really remember having one thing on my Christmas list as a little girl. I desperately wanted an American Girl doll. Year after year I held out hope and year after year it wasn’t in the budget. Instead, my parents bought me an off-brand doll and my mom handmade a whole wardrobe of clothes. Even though it might not have been what I envisioned, it was still special because of the thought that was put into the gift. This Charlotte Mason gift guide focuses on gifts that are thoughtful, beautiful, and help children develop mentally, emotionally, and physically. Gifts don’t have to be expensive to be good. What Makes a Good Charlotte Mason Gift? Montessori and Waldorf have their own specific toys, but Charlotte Mason is different. The philosophy behind the CM method instead gives us a few guiding principles when choosing gifts. Miss Mason said children’s belongings should be “pleasing and suitable.” Her idea was that toys and books should cultivate and grow, not spoil a child’s taste. As an educator and former nanny, I’ve sadly worked with too many children whose imagination and creativity are dulled by the endless overstimulating toys and media. They’re no longer perceptive to the beauties of nature and life and have a hard time entertaining themselves without an iPad. An article in the Parent’s Review, a CM publication from the 19th century, talks about the best kinds of toys for children. “In choosing toys for the children, how important it is to bear certain points in mind; one special thing to consider is, to give when possible something out of which the child can make other things, or can do something more with.” –  Parent’s Review Vol. 17 The article goes on to explain that “finite” toys do the work for the child, while “suggestive” toys employ creativity. If we give our little ones an electric race track it’s fun for a while to see the cars zooming around on the track, but it eventually gets old. A toy car without a battery-operated engine requires the child to physically pick it up, move it, and play with it to engage. They make revving noises with their mouth and run the car up and down homemade or imaginary roads. The car can fly, jump off the sofa, and be whatever they can imagine. These toys encourage open-ended play. Choosing a Charlotte Mason Inspired Gift I’ve divided the guide into categories so you can easily sort out what works best for your family. Many of the groups are meant for a wide variety of ages and you can scale the gift up or down depending on your child’s age and skill level. For example, if you’re gifting your six-year-old a sewing set I prefer to use embroidery floss and large embroidery needles at that age. Older children can have patterns or even their own sewing machine. Do what makes sense for your kids. And just because the focus is on quality and imagination doesn’t mean we have to ignore technology. My oldest has the brain of an engineer and we’re doing our best to cultivate that. In today’s world that involves STEM toys, like build your own robots, snap circuits, and legos. Boys Become Men I mentioned Montessori toys earlier (and you’ll find some in this Charlotte Mason gift guide). The educational philosophy behind the Montessori method is very different from CM though. Maria Montessori was an educator at the same time as Miss Mason, and Mason had some things to say about Montessori’s approach. Montessori focused on taking an adult environment and refashioning it for the child. She created their own little world for them, and in a lot of ways, we see that in today’s toys. Instead of giving children a toy kitchen set with pretend pots and pans, Mason would have given the child an apron and had them help in the kitchen. “When we say that “education is an atmosphere,” we do not mean that a child should be isolated in what may be called a ‘child environment especially adapted and prepared, but that we should take into account the educational value of his natural home atmosphere, both as regards persons and things, and should let him live freely among his proper conditions. It stultifies a child to bring down his world to the child’s level.” – Charlotte Mason Vol. 6 pg. 94 Charlotte Mason inspired toys instead make it easier for the child to participate in an adult environment, treating them as an equal person. Personally, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with dressing up as a fireman, having a play kitchen set, or playing mommy to a doll. However, children should also be welcomed to participate with children of all ages and adults as we do life. Finding the Perfect Charlotte Mason Gift Browse through the options below and see what floats your boat. I’m not dividing by gender because maybe your son wants some kitchen pans and your daughter wants a bow and arrow. Some of these are affiliate links which means the cost is the same to you but I make a little from your purchase to keep the coffee pot around here full. Lord knows I need coffee. In case you’re wondering, I did eventually get an American Girl doll for Christmas, but I’ll always remember the love that was put into my doll’s homemade wardrobe. Hopefully, this list will help you find something just as special for your own little ones. Charlotte Mason Gift Guide for Little Ones These toys are geared more towards preschool, kindergarten, and early elementary age. I prefer toys that are made out of quality, non-toxic materials like wood and fabric. Plus they look really nice sitting on the shelf and contribute to the beautiful atmosphere of the home I’m trying to cultivate. It helps offset the look of the dirty dishes in my sink at least. Sewing cards Rainbow wooden kaleidoscope Play silks Fabric play scarves Dollhouse Wooden train set Wooden puzzles Safari wood puzzle Busy board Rocking horse Hobby horse Radio flyer wagon Hand puppets and puppet stage Make your own felt puppets Alphabet tiles or magnets Playdough (with animal cookie cutters, small rolling pins, and other accessories) Kinetic sand fossil set Lincoln logs  Egg Sidewalk chalk Solar system chalk Magna tiles  Learning tower Calico Critters DIY Kaleidoscope kit Porcelain tea set Handicrafts Handicrafts are a fundamental part of a Charlotte Mason education. Instead of flimsy crafts that you don’t know what to do with and eventually end up in the trash, handicrafts serve a purpose. These are a great way for children to learn fine motor skills and create gifts for friends and family members! Yarn, crochet hook set, how to crochet book Yarn, knitting needles, and beginning knitting book Soap carving kit Wood carving book, tools and basswood. Modeling Clay, child-safe sculpting tools and how to make clay figures book. Pottery – Clay and pottery wheel set Sewing kit – embroidery floss, needles, scissors, etc., for beginners. Regular needles, thread, pins, etc. for older children. Sewing kit organizer. Cross stitch – Hoop, embroidery floss and needles, beginner cross stitch and embroidery book.  Fox cross stitch kit Embroidery kit Needlepoint kit Origami paper and book Paper sloyd for primary grades book Wood burning kit Leathercraft kit and beginner leatherworking tools. Wooden building kits Wood airplane kit Jewelry making kit– or make your own with wire cutters, chain, leather thread, beads, etc. Weaving loom – Here’s a small loom for younger children, and a bigger weaving loom for older ones. Foraging basket making kit Felting – Making Natural Felt Animals book, felting kits. Rug hooking Calligraphy set Candle making kit Nature Themed Charlotte Mason Gifts It wouldn’t be Charlotte Mason without nature study! Here are loads of ideas to pique your child’s interest and get them outside and into nature more. Some of these are better suited for older children or should be used with supervision (like the knives and fire starter kit). There are options for both outdoor and indoor play, when the weather isn’t cooperating. Pocket microscope Gem and stone polishing set Geodes to break open Fossil excavation kit Binoculars (this pair is especially good for birdwatching) Bolga basket for toys, gathering and foraging, etc. Flower press Pocket knife Outdoor adventure kit – flashlight, compass, whistle, magnifying glass, bug box Bird call whistle Gardening set – gloves, watering can, and trowel set. Herb garden seeds. Terrarium starter kit  or bottle terrarium kit Grow your own crystal Bug kit – Bug box, butterfly net, magnifying glass Nature journal that will hold up to watercolor Butterfly growing kit Ant farm Ladybug growing kit Bird feeder (we have this one on our back door) Meteorology weather center Charlotte Mason Gift Guide to Adventuring Boys and girls alike need a little adventure in their lives. These toys and supplies are suitable for both indoor and outdoor play and are a great way to develop bravery, chivalry, self-sufficiency, and a sense of adventure. We’ve set some common sense ground rules in our home for these toys, like don’t shoot your brother with an arrow in the face. Beginner play archery set Slingshot kit Rubber band gun Wooden sword and shield Teepee Tent and enamelware mess kit Firestarter kit (magnesium and flint), or bow drill firestarter for older kids or with supervision Knot tying kit Art Supplies Miss Mason believed in giving children quality materials and supplies when it came to learning. “Boxes of cheap colours are to be avoided. Children are worthy of the best.” (Vol. 1, p. 313). As an art teacher, here are some of my favorites that are good for students, but still high quality. “Art, when rightly directed, is educational, for it trains not only one faculty, but all the faculties together; it trains the hand and the eye, and it trains the head and the heart; it teaches us to see and to see truly; it teaches us to think–that science can do; but it teaches us also to admire and to love; it disciplines the emotions.” (Mr. Collingwood, The Fesole Club Papers) Watercolor pan paints and watercolor pad Twig pencils Mixed media paper Paintbrushes Sketching pencils Watercolor pencils Prismacolor colored pencils Charcoal and charcoal paper Oil pastels Chalk pastels Acrylic paint Canvas Paper doll kit  Drawing table and chalkboard Active and Outdoor Fun The more we can encourage movement, the healthier and happier our kids will be. I have a sensory swing and gymnastics rings hanging from my living room ceiling, next to the mini trampoline and the treadmill. You may not want to turn your living room into a gym, but there are plenty of fun ways to incorporate active toys in and outside the home. A friend of mine has gymnastics equipment (tumbling mat and balance beam), lining her hallway. Instead of walking down the hallway her kids tumble and flip! Sensory swing – we have this one in our living room and the kids use it all the time! Doorway gym Zipline with seat Balance beam Pogo stick Slackline Mini trampoline for indoors Tumbling mat Kite Mud kitchen Sandbox Jump rope Fishing pole and supplies Walkie talkies Classic wooden sled Bike Scooter Charlotte Mason Gift Guide to Games Family game night is always a hit at our house. Many of these games are classics we know and love, but you’ll find some newer ones too. I love these because they really encourage creativity, thoughtfulness, and positive collaboration. You won’t find crude jokes, plastic parts, or a game that gives you a pie to the face (sorry if that’s your thing). Ravensburger Puzzles (my kids love these!) Mineral or wildflower puzzles Ecologies card game (ages 8+) The...

The post The Ultimate Charlotte Mason Gift Guide: 150+ Ideas appeared first on pine cones and primers.

]]> There’s something unique about that Christmas morning feeling as a child. The excitement, the presents, the bleary eyed parents. This Charlotte Mason gift guide can help take the guesswork out of how to find quality toys and more for your little ones.

Charlotte Mason Gift Guide

I only really remember having one thing on my Christmas list as a little girl. I desperately wanted an American Girl doll. Year after year I held out hope and year after year it wasn’t in the budget. Instead, my parents bought me an off-brand doll and my mom handmade a whole wardrobe of clothes.

Even though it might not have been what I envisioned, it was still special because of the thought that was put into the gift. This Charlotte Mason gift guide focuses on gifts that are thoughtful, beautiful, and help children develop mentally, emotionally, and physically. Gifts don’t have to be expensive to be good.

What Makes a Good Charlotte Mason Gift?

Montessori and Waldorf have their own specific toys, but Charlotte Mason is different. The philosophy behind the CM method instead gives us a few guiding principles when choosing gifts.

Miss Mason said children’s belongings should be “pleasing and suitable.” Her idea was that toys and books should cultivate and grow, not spoil a child’s taste. As an educator and former nanny, I’ve sadly worked with too many children whose imagination and creativity are dulled by the endless overstimulating toys and media. They’re no longer perceptive to the beauties of nature and life and have a hard time entertaining themselves without an iPad.

An article in the Parent’s Review, a CM publication from the 19th century, talks about the best kinds of toys for children.

“In choosing toys for the children, how important it is to bear certain points in mind; one special thing to consider is, to give when possible something out of which the child can make other things, or can do something more with.” –  Parent’s Review Vol. 17

The article goes on to explain that “finite” toys do the work for the child, while “suggestive” toys employ creativity. If we give our little ones an electric race track it’s fun for a while to see the cars zooming around on the track, but it eventually gets old.

A toy car without a battery-operated engine requires the child to physically pick it up, move it, and play with it to engage. They make revving noises with their mouth and run the car up and down homemade or imaginary roads. The car can fly, jump off the sofa, and be whatever they can imagine. These toys encourage open-ended play.

Choosing a Charlotte Mason Inspired Gift

I’ve divided the guide into categories so you can easily sort out what works best for your family. Many of the groups are meant for a wide variety of ages and you can scale the gift up or down depending on your child’s age and skill level.

For example, if you’re gifting your six-year-old a sewing set I prefer to use embroidery floss and large embroidery needles at that age. Older children can have patterns or even their own sewing machine. Do what makes sense for your kids.

And just because the focus is on quality and imagination doesn’t mean we have to ignore technology. My oldest has the brain of an engineer and we’re doing our best to cultivate that. In today’s world that involves STEM toys, like build your own robots, snap circuits, and legos.

Boys Become Men

I mentioned Montessori toys earlier (and you’ll find some in this Charlotte Mason gift guide). The educational philosophy behind the Montessori method is very different from CM though. Maria Montessori was an educator at the same time as Miss Mason, and Mason had some things to say about Montessori’s approach.

Montessori focused on taking an adult environment and refashioning it for the child. She created their own little world for them, and in a lot of ways, we see that in today’s toys. Instead of giving children a toy kitchen set with pretend pots and pans, Mason would have given the child an apron and had them help in the kitchen.

“When we say that “education is an atmosphere,” we do not mean that a child should be isolated in what may be called a ‘child environment especially adapted and prepared, but that we should take into account the educational value of his natural home atmosphere, both as regards persons and things, and should let him live freely among his proper conditions. It stultifies a child to bring down his world to the child’s level.” – Charlotte Mason Vol. 6 pg. 94

Charlotte Mason inspired toys instead make it easier for the child to participate in an adult environment, treating them as an equal person. Personally, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with dressing up as a fireman, having a play kitchen set, or playing mommy to a doll. However, children should also be welcomed to participate with children of all ages and adults as we do life.

Finding the Perfect Charlotte Mason Gift

Browse through the options below and see what floats your boat. I’m not dividing by gender because maybe your son wants some kitchen pans and your daughter wants a bow and arrow. Some of these are affiliate links which means the cost is the same to you but I make a little from your purchase to keep the coffee pot around here full. Lord knows I need coffee.

In case you’re wondering, I did eventually get an American Girl doll for Christmas, but I’ll always remember the love that was put into my doll’s homemade wardrobe. Hopefully, this list will help you find something just as special for your own little ones.

Charlotte Mason gift guide - Pine Cones and Primers

Charlotte Mason Gift Guide for Little Ones

These toys are geared more towards preschool, kindergarten, and early elementary age. I prefer toys that are made out of quality, non-toxic materials like wood and fabric. Plus they look really nice sitting on the shelf and contribute to the beautiful atmosphere of the home I’m trying to cultivate. It helps offset the look of the dirty dishes in my sink at least.

Handicrafts

Handicrafts are a fundamental part of a Charlotte Mason education. Instead of flimsy crafts that you don’t know what to do with and eventually end up in the trash, handicrafts serve a purpose. These are a great way for children to learn fine motor skills and create gifts for friends and family members!

Charlotte Mason gift guide - Pine Cones and Primers

Nature Themed Charlotte Mason Gifts

It wouldn’t be Charlotte Mason without nature study! Here are loads of ideas to pique your child’s interest and get them outside and into nature more. Some of these are better suited for older children or should be used with supervision (like the knives and fire starter kit). There are options for both outdoor and indoor play, when the weather isn’t cooperating.

Charlotte Mason Gift Guide to Adventuring

Boys and girls alike need a little adventure in their lives. These toys and supplies are suitable for both indoor and outdoor play and are a great way to develop bravery, chivalry, self-sufficiency, and a sense of adventure. We’ve set some common sense ground rules in our home for these toys, like don’t shoot your brother with an arrow in the face.

Art Supplies

Miss Mason believed in giving children quality materials and supplies when it came to learning. “Boxes of cheap colours are to be avoided. Children are worthy of the best.” (Vol. 1, p. 313). As an art teacher, here are some of my favorites that are good for students, but still high quality.

“Art, when rightly directed, is educational, for it trains not only one faculty, but all the faculties together; it trains the hand and the eye, and it trains the head and the heart; it teaches us to see and to see truly; it teaches us to think–that science can do; but it teaches us also to admire and to love; it disciplines the emotions.” (Mr. Collingwood, The Fesole Club Papers)

Charlotte Mason gift guide - Pine Cones and Primers

Active and Outdoor Fun

The more we can encourage movement, the healthier and happier our kids will be. I have a sensory swing and gymnastics rings hanging from my living room ceiling, next to the mini trampoline and the treadmill. You may not want to turn your living room into a gym, but there are plenty of fun ways to incorporate active toys in and outside the home. A friend of mine has gymnastics equipment (tumbling mat and balance beam), lining her hallway. Instead of walking down the hallway her kids tumble and flip!

Charlotte Mason Gift Guide to Games

Family game night is always a hit at our house. Many of these games are classics we know and love, but you’ll find some newer ones too. I love these because they really encourage creativity, thoughtfulness, and positive collaboration. You won’t find crude jokes, plastic parts, or a game that gives you a pie to the face (sorry if that’s your thing).

Experiences

Instead of just giving our children stuff, let’s open the door to life for them. This will depend on what’s in your area, but here are some ideas for fun experiences to have as a family within a range of budgets. Here’s a tip: If relatives are asking what to get your children for Christmas (and they’re already swimming in stuff!), give them a few options from this list. Snap a picture of your kids enjoying their trip, frame it, and gift it to their relative. Grandparents and others prefer to give items where they can see the joy on the child’s face in opening the gift, so a framed photo solves that problem.

  • Get a musical instrument and take lessons
  • Zoo membership
  • Tickets to the aquarium
  • Art or science museum
  • Trip to local history museums and reenactments
  • Go roller or ice skating
  • Go hiking
  • Go geocaching
  • Travel to the ocean
  • go camping
  • go to a waterpark

Charlotte Mason gift guide - Pine Cones and Primers

Music

I grew up in a family of musicians with a strong history of making music and singing. As a child, I learned how to play the piano, flute, guitar, clarinet, violin, and a few other instruments, all with varying success. Music opens up a whole other world for us to explore and you never know which instrument your child will fall in love with. I haven’t included anything too loud and obnoxious here so you shouldn’t get terribly annoyed as they’re learning.

STEM

The Charlotte Mason gift ideas in the nature and outdoor sections are also part of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). This section includes items that involve more of the technology and engineering side. There are a lot of flashy STEM toys on the market that really don’t require much mental or physical effort on the child’s part. Remember that Charlotte Mason inspired toys foster creative thinking, not do all the work and entertain!

What items on this Charlotte Mason gift guide are your favorites? Leave us a comment and be sure to share this post with a friend!

The ultimate Charlotte Mason Gift Guide 150+ ideas - Pine Cones and Primers

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]]> https://pineconesandprimers.com/charlotte-mason-gift-guide/feed/ 2 How Hot Mess Mom Culture is Stealing your Joy https://pineconesandprimers.com/hot-mess-mom/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=hot-mess-mom https://pineconesandprimers.com/hot-mess-mom/#comments Sat, 06 Nov 2021 02:49:19 +0000 https://pineconesandprimers.com/?p=252 I’m not an Instagram mom. There are no airbrushed, #blurfilter images of me and my children in our perfect homeschool room. We’re not baking sourdough from scratch while we listen to Mozart. And I’m not up at 5 am working on school plans for the day. But the opposite mom stereotype can be just as harmful. A lot of us instead fall into the “hot mess mom” culture trap. If we can’t be perfect let’s embrace the mess and chaos, Right?! Just throw the towel in, forget about schedules, expectations, or putting pants on in the morning. The Harm of Hot Mess Mom There’s a big difference between realizing our faults and shortcomings as moms and wallowing in chaos. I’ve seen moms actively strive for the “hot mess mom” title in order to feel more relatable and get some laughs out of a frustrating situation. Mamas, we’ve got to STOP self-sabotaging ourselves. It may be a relief and make us feel better at first to embrace the chaos, but in the long term, it will only bring about grief. And I’m not talking about just our grief. It affects our children too when they see moms that are frustrated, overwhelmed, and snap easily. Supporting Each Other Yes, life is busy and messy and tough sometimes. Somedays I struggle to find balance between working and homeschooling. It feels better to laugh over a tough day than cry. Finding joy through trials is a good thing, but let’s hold a hand out to each other and help a mama out of her mess. We’re not promised all sunshine and roses and we’re told to expect trials. The difference is we’re not alone in the tough times and we’re promised the tools we need to get through them, both mentally and physically. Christians are promised a life of abundance. We’ve been gifted the peace that surpasses all understanding. We have the joy of the Lord. We have power, we have love, and we have a sound mind. Not a crazy mind, not a fearful mind, but a SOUND one. So let’s live like it. Raising up the Next Generation Many children thrive on consistency. They find peace and security in knowing what to expect next. When there’s a lack of discipline in the home they feel like they’re floundering. Acting out, temper tantrums, and anxiety are just some of the ways they deal with chaos in the home. When I say discipline I’m not referring to punishment. I’m talking about guiding them through their childhood into their adult years with grace and wisdom. It becomes this vicious cycle of children acting up, mom gets frustrated, then children get crazier. Rinse and repeat. Mamas, we don’t have to live in that cycle! We can strive for beauty and order in the home, without pushing for artificial perfection. We need time for rest, reflection, and intellectual inspiration. There has to be a middle ground between worn out mess and airbrushed Instagram. Jesus is the prince of peace, not the bringer of chaos, so there’s no reason for us to live in it. Maybe we’re there now, but He can bring us out. If we ask for wisdom He’s promised to give it. There are so many spiritual resources that are just a prayer away, if only we know to ask for them and live in them. Ok, stepping off my soapbox now. Choosing Peace over Hot Mess Mom How do we translate that into our everyday lives as homeschool moms? What do we do when the kids are crazy, the house is a mess, and nothing seems to go right? My first step is to seek Jesus through prayer, but here are other helpful next steps to tame the chaos at home before it turns into chaos. Where are You Going? Brainstorm some goals and how you’re going to get there. Routines and habit training are a big part of that. I have my own personal goals, we have goals as a family, and then our children have their goals. Imagine setting out on a long road trip but you have no destination in mind. It might be fun at times, but you may not like where you end up. Maybe you run out of gas and don’t know where the next fuel station is. Your kids are hungry but you didn’t pack food for the trip and there’s no drive-through in sight. When we know where we’re going (and why) in life, it makes things much easier and less confusing. This can translate into our day-to-day life with tangible things like chore charts, family schedules, and daily devotionals. Leave Space for Mistakes Life can easily become overwhelming when it’s packed so full of things to do and places to be. One toddler potty break could throw off the whole schedule and make the family late for an event. Been there done that. There are so many opportunities now for homeschool families that I really have to be intentional with what I say yes to. I’m learning to say no more than I say yes. This goes back to the point about having goals. If an activity, purchase, or time spent on something is NOT getting me further along the path I want to be on, it needs to be an automatic no. Leave enough breathing room in the schedule and give yourself enough time to get ready for the activities you choose to do. Habit Training > Hot Mess Mom Miss Mason talks about habit training our little ones and how it makes for “smooth and easy days” for everyone. I spent the first 5 years of motherhood with frustration because I had a little one that often did not listen. Two years into homeschool co-op and plenty of teacher complaints later I was embarrassed and disheartened. It should have been common sense, but for some reason, it didn’t occur to me to teach good behavior just like you would math or reading. I thought simply telling him to listen and getting upset and angry when he didn’t was training enough. Until one seasoned mom shared that she practices habits like sitting still and listening while at home so they come easy when out in public. Lightbulb moment. Simplify Life The more stuff we have in our lives (physical and emotional), the more time it takes to deal with it. Researchers have found a direct link between the amount of clutter in our home and women’s anxiety and cortisol levels. According to scientists at Stanford University: “When your environment is cluttered, the chaos restricts your ability to focus. The clutter also limits your brain’s ability to process information. Clutter makes you distracted and unable to process information as well as you do in an uncluttered, organized, and serene environment.” In case you were wondering, cortisol is a stress hormone that can cause weight gain, fatigue, muscle aches, and headaches, among other issues. By uncluttering our homes we can improve our physical and mental health as well! Now Organize it After we’ve gotten rid of the clutter from our homes and our schedules, we can organize what’s left. I’ve seen homes with mad organizing skills… and stuff piled in stacks to the ceiling. The key here is to organize after we’ve decluttered. I’ve found routines really helpful to keep things running smoothly through the day and organize my time. I also try (not always so successfully), to keep things cleaned up and put in their place. This way when I go to find something, like a ruler for math, I don’t waste time searching for it. But I also don’t need 20 different rulers stashed around the house cluttering up things. I may not always put pants on in the morning, but at least I’m trying to tame the chaos. What are your thoughts on the “hot mess mom” culture? Do you feel like it serves us as moms? Drop a comment and let me know!

The post How Hot Mess Mom Culture is Stealing your Joy appeared first on pine cones and primers.

]]> I’m not an Instagram mom. There are no airbrushed, #blurfilter images of me and my children in our perfect homeschool room. We’re not baking sourdough from scratch while we listen to Mozart. And I’m not up at 5 am working on school plans for the day.

But the opposite mom stereotype can be just as harmful.

A lot of us instead fall into the “hot mess mom” culture trap. If we can’t be perfect let’s embrace the mess and chaos, Right?! Just throw the towel in, forget about schedules, expectations, or putting pants on in the morning.

The Harm of Hot Mess Mom

There’s a big difference between realizing our faults and shortcomings as moms and wallowing in chaos. I’ve seen moms actively strive for the “hot mess mom” title in order to feel more relatable and get some laughs out of a frustrating situation. Mamas, we’ve got to STOP self-sabotaging ourselves.

It may be a relief and make us feel better at first to embrace the chaos, but in the long term, it will only bring about grief. And I’m not talking about just our grief. It affects our children too when they see moms that are frustrated, overwhelmed, and snap easily.

Supporting Each Other

Yes, life is busy and messy and tough sometimes. Somedays I struggle to find balance between working and homeschooling. It feels better to laugh over a tough day than cry. Finding joy through trials is a good thing, but let’s hold a hand out to each other and help a mama out of her mess.

We’re not promised all sunshine and roses and we’re told to expect trials. The difference is we’re not alone in the tough times and we’re promised the tools we need to get through them, both mentally and physically.

Christians are promised a life of abundance. We’ve been gifted the peace that surpasses all understanding. We have the joy of the Lord. We have power, we have love, and we have a sound mind. Not a crazy mind, not a fearful mind, but a SOUND one.

So let’s live like it.

Raising up the Next Generation

Many children thrive on consistency. They find peace and security in knowing what to expect next. When there’s a lack of discipline in the home they feel like they’re floundering. Acting out, temper tantrums, and anxiety are just some of the ways they deal with chaos in the home.

When I say discipline I’m not referring to punishment. I’m talking about guiding them through their childhood into their adult years with grace and wisdom.

It becomes this vicious cycle of children acting up, mom gets frustrated, then children get crazier. Rinse and repeat.

Mamas, we don’t have to live in that cycle! We can strive for beauty and order in the home, without pushing for artificial perfection. We need time for rest, reflection, and intellectual inspiration. There has to be a middle ground between worn out mess and airbrushed Instagram.

Jesus is the prince of peace, not the bringer of chaos, so there’s no reason for us to live in it. Maybe we’re there now, but He can bring us out. If we ask for wisdom He’s promised to give it. There are so many spiritual resources that are just a prayer away, if only we know to ask for them and live in them.

Ok, stepping off my soapbox now.

Choosing Peace over Hot Mess Mom

How do we translate that into our everyday lives as homeschool moms? What do we do when the kids are crazy, the house is a mess, and nothing seems to go right? My first step is to seek Jesus through prayer, but here are other helpful next steps to tame the chaos at home before it turns into chaos.

Where are You Going?

Brainstorm some goals and how you’re going to get there. Routines and habit training are a big part of that. I have my own personal goals, we have goals as a family, and then our children have their goals.

Imagine setting out on a long road trip but you have no destination in mind. It might be fun at times, but you may not like where you end up. Maybe you run out of gas and don’t know where the next fuel station is. Your kids are hungry but you didn’t pack food for the trip and there’s no drive-through in sight.

When we know where we’re going (and why) in life, it makes things much easier and less confusing. This can translate into our day-to-day life with tangible things like chore charts, family schedules, and daily devotionals.

Leave Space for Mistakes

Life can easily become overwhelming when it’s packed so full of things to do and places to be. One toddler potty break could throw off the whole schedule and make the family late for an event. Been there done that.

There are so many opportunities now for homeschool families that I really have to be intentional with what I say yes to. I’m learning to say no more than I say yes. This goes back to the point about having goals. If an activity, purchase, or time spent on something is NOT getting me further along the path I want to be on, it needs to be an automatic no.

Leave enough breathing room in the schedule and give yourself enough time to get ready for the activities you choose to do.

Habit Training > Hot Mess Mom

Miss Mason talks about habit training our little ones and how it makes for “smooth and easy days” for everyone. I spent the first 5 years of motherhood with frustration because I had a little one that often did not listen. Two years into homeschool co-op and plenty of teacher complaints later I was embarrassed and disheartened.

It should have been common sense, but for some reason, it didn’t occur to me to teach good behavior just like you would math or reading. I thought simply telling him to listen and getting upset and angry when he didn’t was training enough.

Until one seasoned mom shared that she practices habits like sitting still and listening while at home so they come easy when out in public. Lightbulb moment.

Simplify Life

The more stuff we have in our lives (physical and emotional), the more time it takes to deal with it. Researchers have found a direct link between the amount of clutter in our home and women’s anxiety and cortisol levels. According to scientists at Stanford University:

“When your environment is cluttered, the chaos restricts your ability to focus. The clutter also limits your brain’s ability to process information. Clutter makes you distracted and unable to process information as well as you do in an uncluttered, organized, and serene environment.”

In case you were wondering, cortisol is a stress hormone that can cause weight gain, fatigue, muscle aches, and headaches, among other issues. By uncluttering our homes we can improve our physical and mental health as well!

Now Organize it

After we’ve gotten rid of the clutter from our homes and our schedules, we can organize what’s left. I’ve seen homes with mad organizing skills… and stuff piled in stacks to the ceiling. The key here is to organize after we’ve decluttered.

I’ve found routines really helpful to keep things running smoothly through the day and organize my time. I also try (not always so successfully), to keep things cleaned up and put in their place. This way when I go to find something, like a ruler for math, I don’t waste time searching for it. But I also don’t need 20 different rulers stashed around the house cluttering up things.

I may not always put pants on in the morning, but at least I’m trying to tame the chaos.

What are your thoughts on the “hot mess mom” culture? Do you feel like it serves us as moms? Drop a comment and let me know!

The post How Hot Mess Mom Culture is Stealing your Joy appeared first on pine cones and primers.

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