Seasons

Charlotte Mason

Charlotte Mason’s students were expected to deliver the best that they could each day as they worked. The goal for her students, particularly in the area of disciplined studies like copywork, was perfect execution. In our homes we are able to encourage our children to do their best in each lesson that we present to them. As we work closely with our children we can see their strengths and their weaknesses. We can take a season to focus on the areas where they struggle, to bring that skill to an acceptable level. We can take a season to train a child’s heart and let the academics be in the background if need be.

As homeschoolers we are privileged not to have to tick blocks each day but to look over our goals and vision for our children and work towards that end. Each season in the home prepares for the next season so just as we would never build a house on faulty foundations, we need to ensure that we are creating solid foundations of character on which to build our children’s future academic career. Excellence in spiritual, personal and academic areas comes as mom herself reaches for this goal and shares her learning with her children as she encourages them towards excellence in its season.

Family and Sibling Play

For those in the Southern Hemisphere as the weather turns cold you can use your indoor hours to enjoy poetry and tea afternoons . You can also play board and card games, read the books that are just pure enjoyment and have cozy times with your children – don’t forget the hot chocolate and marshmallows.

As the weather warms in the Northern Hemisphere make the most of long days in God’s bountiful creation. Do the nature walks and studies that put your children in touch with creation. Perhaps you have a big yard job you would like to tackle? What a wonderful way to build a team as you and your family work at this job.

Organizational Tips

A precious mom spent some time with me yesterday as she shared her heart about her family’s future. She said that sometimes she looks at all the things she needs to do in her home and feels like her time is running away from her. I encouraged her with sharing about how life works in seasons. There are seasons where we have to sow, seasons to weed and seasons to harvest. This is true in our organization and planning as well.

I do not have much time during our schooling times to sort through cupboards and clothes, these jobs I leave for holiday times. My Ultimate Homeschooling Mom’s Planner is filled with more than 130 templates for you to use to customize your family’s schooling, day to day activities, homemaking, futures and much more. Filled with inspirational quotes and helpful tips the Planner can become the next best thing to a mentor. Perhaps you feel like my friend and need to hold onto the picture of seasons in your home and family. The Ultimate Homeschooling Mom’s Planner is not only about day-to-day disciplines and school – its about your life, your future and your goals.

Romantic Ideas

Last week on our ride, my husband and I rode up above the vineyards near our home. As I looked down on the vines I marveled at the gorgeous autumn colors of the leaves. I was reminded of the season that our marriage is moving into. When your family is very young - your children still babies - you are limited in the romantic pursuits that you can follow. Time in limited, mom is tired, babysitters need to be trusted. Then come the separation anxiety years. Two of my children could not separate from us which made leaving them with a sitter almost impossible. But seasons change and children grow.

One choice I made very early on in my parenting journey, was never to regret the season that I found myself in. This choice has paid its dues and now as our children are through the toddler years, we are able to leave them for the first time in 12 years. In September we travel to the UK for 6 days…we are thrilled to have the opportunity to go to The Globe to see “Merchant of Venice”, to have lunch at Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen and to see an Andrew Lloyd Webber production in London. Seasons come and go…do not regret where you are at this time in your family’s life.

Quote

“Boredom shouldn't be a problem for God's children--our Heavenly Father is so creative and delights in blessing us with ideas and opportunities to learn and grow in Him every single day of our lives--in sunshine and in rain, and warm weather and in cold!” Tamara Eaton.

Living books

Poetry is often overlooked in homes where there are so many other things to do. Cooking, cleaning, schooling, sports can all take up so much time that the last thing a busy mom thinks about is reading poetry with her children. I have some of our favorite poetry books listed on my website for you to consider. But why poetry? Poetry allows you to think in pictures - it feeds the mind with ideas. I was so saddened at school and university when people thought to study poetry was to work our rhyme patterns and pull apart the beautiful analogies. Let your children live in the poem by just hearing it read aloud.

Other updates to Homeschool Curriculum for Life

To help moms with the planning of their schooling there are a few new articles:

Homeschooling Timetable
Homeschooling Schedule

Take care until next time,
God’s richest blessings to you as you homeschool,
Wendy

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