Inspired and Ready for School
August is almost here, which means that for my family school will resume. In the search for inspiration I read Karen Andreola’s The Charlotte Mason Companion and A Pocketful of Pinecones. I cannot wait to read the sequel to the latter called Lessons at Blackberry Inn. These books were “just what the doctor ordered” for me. I struggle with the question, “Are we doing enough?” And on the other hand, “Why don’t we have time to do what we want to do?” To home educate your family is such an awesome responsibility.
I have been a fan of Charlotte Mason for the five years I have known her through her book, Home Education. For those of you who might not be familiar with Ms. Mason, she was a 19th century educator in Great Britain. Through years of experience and observation, she developed her own educational theory. She promoted the importance of narration, copywork, reading and being read to from great works of literature, and nature study among many other things. Learning was really living, observing, and being inquisitive while surrounding yourself with great literature, music, and art.
This year I am going to make it a priority to find things that each of my children are interested and fan the flame of interest. My goal is to be more delight-directed. One common interest with my children is art. Ms. Mason recommends studying the art of the world’s famous artists through picture study. I belong to a yahoo group that supplies homeschooling families with the artwork. All you have to do is sign-up, pick an artist, print 8″ x 10″ at home. Click here if you are interested in joining.
I think picture study is a great addition to any one’s art program, but what about art itself. Inspired by the two books by Karen Andreola, my children and I have started nature journals. Not only is it being filled with information about our world around us, but it includes drawings, artwork, copywork of verses or poetry, etc. I have shown some of my children’s drawings to visitors and they have been completely impressed with their ability. We have come a long way from stick figures.
In addition to nature journals and picture study, I also want to have plenty of general art supplies on hand. However when I went to write out a list, I was completely stumped. Where is a supply list when you need it? I found one at My Creativity Blog. It was exactly what I needed. While you are on this site, you might find “Twenty Ways to Encourage Creativity in Children” interesting.
Jake, my blogging cowboy.
My eight year son, Jake, is really interested in horses. He loves to write about them and share what he has learned about horsemanship with other people. So this school year, I am teaching him how to run his own blog. He came up with the name Cross Creek Horsemanship, bought the domain name, and has launched it. I am very proud of him as his mother. As his teacher, I am thrilled to have some avenue that excites him so much that writing is enjoyable. He also loves photography and making videos. All of these artistic genres can be showcased on Cross Creek Horsemanship.
I am really looking forward to this up-coming school year. If you are feeling that you need a lift, I recommend reading any of Karen Andreola’s books. You can go straight to the source with Charlotte Mason’s own writing, but I personally enjoyed how Mrs. Andreola captured her essence and meaning while adding present day examples and suggestions. I have even recommended these books to friends that do not homeschool because there is so much information and examples for parents in general. Who would not want to enrich their children’s lives with great literature, art, and music?
What inspires you? If you have any recommendations or books that I need to read, then please let me know. There is always room to tweak my plans.
Thank you so much for this blog post. It is exactly what I needed. I was just now trying to put together a picture study program and your link helps so much. We are just starting out with the CM method for the first time this year. My kids are young still, the oldest being 7.