May 2013 – Capturing the Charmed Life

introducing Madelyn

By: twainausten May 30, 2013December 31, 2019

She assumes she can do anything: If I asked her to build a rocket ship, she’d head to Google, willing to please. After an hour, she’d have a wrinkle above her nose and a tear in her eye, realizing that no matter how much she wants to please and how talented she is, she can’t…

second r: writing

By: twainausten May 20, 2013June 11, 2020

homeschoolcharlotte mason, child-led writing, first language lessons, for kids, history writing for kids, science notebook, science writing for kids, simply grammar, the 3 r's, the well-trained mind, writing, writing for kidsLeave a Comment

Having read Susan Wise Bauer’s hefty volume, The Well Trained Mind (more than once), I have reaped many ideas for writing possibilities. I love her classically educated focus, everything from latin to sequential historical learning to logic. I defy someone to suggest she’s not got everything covered, except maybe home economics. Having said that, her…

the 3 r’s: first, arithmetic

By: twainausten May 18, 2013June 11, 2020

homeschoolarithmetic, math curriculum, math-u-see, th-u-see, urriculum1 Comment

When I attempted true unschooling for a time, I discovered the unbelievable…there is no way to get away from arithmetic. You need to understand math…add, subtract, multiply and divide, estimate, and understand decimals and percentages. Consumerism requires it. You want to decide how much produce you can afford? Then you need to understand weights and measurements. You…

stuff they actually do

By: twainausten May 16, 2013June 11, 2020

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And then comes the curriculum choosing… What is it you’re hoping the formal studies are going to accomplish in their grown-up lives? Teach them to communicate? Enable them to have math literacy? Be exposed to different places, historical figures, understand the worlds’ events? So many ways to answer those questions, if they’re important to you. You get…

curriculum we use

By: twainausten May 14, 2013June 11, 2020

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I’ve always been resistant to answering the question, what curriculum do you use? because though I do use it, I don’t think there is one right book, one right way of tackling any subject. I don’t think in grades, so I am not familiar with the provincial expectations. What would it matter anyway? If I…

when does the homeschool really begin?

By: twainausten May 9, 2013March 22, 2021

family life, homeschool, personal storyhomeschool preschoolers, homeschooling, parenting1 Comment

Did you begin homeschooling this year? Here are four things you need to consider when beginning homeschooling: Your goal is to consider what an education is anyway and read about unschooling, deschooling, and learning. They’ll all give you peace and perspective in how you homeschool no matter your approach. I compiled a Homeschool Mama Reading List just for you! These books are ones…