How to Start Homeschool?

 

When I was in Carbondale a few weeks ago, I was asked a number of questions, and I requested the ladies write down other questions they had.  I thought I would answer those questions here, and also recruit help from you to answer them, too!  There is no one size fits all to a CM education.

 

I thought I’d start at the beginning.  I have had times that I’ve been stopped in the store with my children by a mother who inquires whether we homeschool.  When I answer that yes, we do, the next question is often from her heart – she wants to know how to start homeschool with her own children.  She sees someone up close and personal who is doing it, and she wants to know how she can do it, too.  It’s a scary thought, but often times, mothers know there must be something better for their children than what they are currently doing, they just don’t know how to do it.  When they meet someone who has all (or most) of her marbles, even though she is doing something as monumental as educating her own children, they believe it might just be possible for them to do it, too!

 

Other times, another homeschooling mom is looking for something to make her life a little easier, and she will ask how she can start homeschool with the methods of Charlotte Mason. 

 

I always have to give a little disclaimer here.  I LOVE the CM method of education!  I can’t imagine doing our home schooling any other way!  I am passionate about helping homeschoolers find easier, better ways to educate their children!  The disclaimer is this – I do realize that other people do a fantastic job of educating their own children with some other method.  I know that Miss Mason’s methods aren’t the only methods that successfully educate children.  So, although I can’t imagine educating my children any other way – I know it’s not the only good way to educate children.  I don’t want anyone thinking that I feel that I’m superior in my homeschool because of our method. 

 

OK, back to the question from moms who want to know how to start homeschool in their own homes.  I feel that the best place to start is where your child is!  Do you have a child that loves to be read to?  Then living books is the place to start!  Get a great story book and start reading.  If your child is old enough (Over 6, at least!) start narration with this story.  Read a little and ask her to tell the story back to you in her own words.  You’ll know right away if the story connected with her imagination. 

 

Do you have a child who loves to be outdoors and enjoying the fresh air and open space?  Start with nature study!  Point out an interesting bug, plant, flower, squirrel, bird, snake, frog, caterpillar – whatever! – and encourage your child to stop and really look at it.  Ask your child to narrate your special find – to tell you what they see, in as much detail as they can.  (No pressure this time!)  Your child may even want to imitate what they are seeing – let him!  It’s his way of narrating.  Eventually, you will want to put a pencil and a piece of paper in their hand and ask them to draw the thing they see – or at least a portion of it.  (A whole tree may be too much to ask – start with a leaf from the tree.)

 

Do you have a child who loves to write?  Start with copywork!  If you start small enough, you can even use copywork to encourage your reluctant writer to love writing!  Some Charlotte Mason copywork suggestions are – scripture, poetry, songs, hymns, great quotes from great men and women, passages from great books, etc.  Just have your child copy something in about 10 minutes – and have them do it perfectly.  If they make mistakes, repeat the same lesson tomorrow.  Spend just 10 minutes a day to start – that’s all it takes.

 

Does your child love to create works of art?  OK, so maybe they won’t have a showing in the trendy art studios in New York any time soon, but everyone has to start somewhere!  Show your child great works of art.  If you live near an art museum, take them to see the art live and in person.  (You will need to exercise wisdom here – not all ‘art’ is good, you know!)  You can purchase an art book, or you can look at art online.  It’s not the same as seeing it in person, but it’s still exposure to great art.  Have your child try their hand at imitating what they see.  This will inspire your child to create more and better works of their own.

 

So, go ahead and try one of these things.  This is how to start homeschool in your home with the methods of Charlotte Mason.  You can start today!  (Or tomorrow, if you are reading this while your children are in bed!)

 

Please, share with me your stories of how you started out in your homeschooling.  I think those who haven’t yet taken the plunge would be encouraged to see that others have done it and lived to tell about it!  They want to know how to start homeschool in their homes, and they will benefit from your stories!

Comments

[Dina]

Hello! My name is Dina and you posted a note about my questions this spring/summer. We are now homeschooling our children and LOVING IT! The idea was overwhelming as I originally thought I was bringing "the school" home. Not even close!

If you remember, I was a mom who could not grasp the scheduling/workload. I was so confused and could not imagine taking on one more obligation. I know that God does not want us to live in confusion so I kept asking that He would order my steps. Our school year began, and just as many other homeschooling moms told me, the first year is about winning our childrens hearts back. We are doing precisely that! Our days include prayers, studying the word of God and how it relates to us, reading literature, some math and history. But mostly, we are learning to love each other. We play outside and study nature and all of Gods beauty. We have much to learn, but I see that our children are becoming best friends. Our children feel like a part of something special, OUR FAMILY!!! Our lives are about learning and growing together and every moment is a learning opportunity. We do lots of narration, and the kids are retaining more than I ever dreamed. In the beginning the kids would tell our friends that we were not really doing anything! Because this does not feel like work.

Please know, we have a 4th grade daughter, a 1st/2nd grade son that we removed from the public school. We have had our struggles, but every day is a blessing. No longer am I frazzled from running here and there with two toddlers in tow. We all learn together.

The Lord is blessing and drawing our family together in ways we never dreamed. I do not fully grasp one method or another as I am simply winning hearts for the Kingdom. After reading this article I realize we are doing things the CM way!

I hope this will help someone that is on the fence. It is a decision you will never regret. I am enjoying my children again. No longer are they a burden. Our life is much calmer and enjoyable.

Thank you for the encouragement and blessing you are in my life. You have made a difference.

[Sue]

Dina,

WOW! I am so excited that you are having such a great time with your homeschooling! You have your priorities in the right order. Gain your children's hearts, and you will be able to teach them anything you want to.

Your words are so encouraging to me. We all have to keep our eye on the prize to keep up our motivation, but a little encouragement from others goes a long way, too, doesn't it?

Keep us posted on how things are going, as it is exciting to hear how things are going for others, even when they aren't having the time of their life! It's good to know that others - who are moms just like us - are making it!

Thanks again!
-Sue