Importance of Living Books

I have heard many moms say that any books that gets a child interested in reading is a good book. Although I understand the sentiment, I disagree with the concept. I think that what a child reads is as important as getting a child to read. Filling a child’s head with books that are devoid of imagination, use poor grammar, contain poor imaginary, are only surface and not mufti-faceted, do not educate or inspire but serve as empty calories in the world of food for thought. Reading can open a world of imagination, fantasy, inspiration, and experience. A book allows … Continue reading →

What People are Saying About: Heart of Dakota

What is Heart of Dakota Heart of Dakota strives to publish Christ-centered homeschool curricula that is easy to use, flexible, and educational and can also be used with multiple ages at the same time. Our desire is to help homeschool teachers have a successful experience from the very beginning, while keeping God’s Word at the heart of their children’s academic training. {from site} What People are Saying… We haven’t been using it very long but I love it! We use it with all 4 children right now (3-7yo) and it’s been wonderful! ~Dana Heart of Dakota is the best! … Continue reading →

Living Math

Math is used every day. Living math is an aptly put term for teaching math through the every day uses of math. Children are taught how to solve real life math problems using real life scenarios or hands on manipulatives or simply through play. Push the worksheets and textbooks aside and see the equations you solve daily. A child will learn to understand math when he sees the connection to the physical world around him. Real world math scenarios to consider: Doubling a recipe. Cutting a recipe in half. Calculating change before the cashier hands it back. How much money … Continue reading →

Overview of Charlotte Mason Education

Over the past eight years, my homeschool has enjoyed implementing Charlotte Mason methods into every area of study. Many homeschool parents have questions over how to employ the method. The method is not difficult yet it may not suit every homeschooling situation. The following overview and brief outline of the hallmark Charlotte Mason basics may help you determine if the fit is good for your family. Overview of the Charlotte Mason Method: Charlotte Mason was a British educator who lived in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Her method is centered on the idea that education is three-pronged: atmosphere, discipline, … Continue reading →

Charlotte Mason Focus: Habit Training

“Let all things be done decently and in order.” ~1 Corinthians 14:40 We all know how easily bad habits are formed. Did you realize that good habits are formed the same way? Instilling good habits in your children will make your home run much more smoothly and orderly. Imagine a day where you did not have to remind your children to brush their teeth, clean their room, do their work, or complete their chores. The simple process of repetition over time will form good habits in your children. The trick is to be purposeful in training these habits. A habit … Continue reading →

The Fussy Mom

““The mere blessed fact of the parental relationship and of that authority which belongs to it, by right and by nature, acts upon the children as do sunshine and shower on a seed in good soil. But the fussy parent, the anxious parent, the parent who explains overmuch, who commands overmuch, who excuses overmuch, who restrains overmuch, who interferes overmuch, even the parent who is with the children overmuch, does away with the dignity and simplicity of that relationship.”” ~Charlotte Mason Are you a fussy anxious parent? We have all seen this type of mom. The mom that claims she … Continue reading →

Who Was Charlotte Mason?

You can’t hang around homeschoolers for very long without hearing the name “Charlotte Mason.” She is considered one of the most influential people in homeschooling’s history, and I thought it would be interesting to learn more about her. She was born in 1842, and she herself was educated at home by her parents. She obtained her teaching certificate and taught for ten years, and began to seek after a way to provide a broader educational experience for her students. She disliked the class ranks that often dictated how well a child was educated, and she desired a way for every … Continue reading →

Narration Flip Cards

Narration is an essential activity to reinforce critical thinking and literature analysis. In my home, narration is a daily activity. As I have discovered daily activities can lack a certain luster after some time. Narration was no exception and after sometime was in need a tune up. So I found a way that requires little space, effort, money and time but adds in fun and excitement. I created narration flip cards. Narration Flip Cards Supplies: colored index cards (if you can find the ones with holes already punched in that would be great) hole puncher, if you did not find … Continue reading →

Beginning Charlotte Mason Basics

I have been asked many times how to add in Charlotte Mason basics. Often when we consider changing our method of homeschooling or adding in a new method it seems overwhelming. The following are classic Charlotte Mason activities with a practical application. Once you get the hang of it you will be able to expand and add in your own. Copywork: Either what woman having ten pieces of sliver, if she lose on piece, doth not light a candle and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? –Luke 15:8 Narration: Using the book you are currently reading … Continue reading →

Adding in Charlotte Mason Basics

Here are some ideas for incorporating some Charlotte Mason basics in your homeschool. These ideas work well with multiple ages. I have all my kids sit at one table and complete copywork, narration, basics with language, math and spelling before going off in different directions. This allows them all to spend time together and learn from each other. Copywork: Use a favorite verse, hymn, song lyrics or passage from a book for your children to copy. If you have a young child than have her focus on a letter or writing something simple like her name. Narration: Your children may … Continue reading →