I found you today because I am just starting AO Year 1 this year. so I have been watching your previous videos. So, when I saw this, I was like, "Oh man!" But your perspective is so wise and you've removed your ego for homeschooling-- which is not so easy in the homeschooling world! I'm excited to follow your SCM journey despite being on AO myself.
We are in a similar situation. I am a mom of 5. I adore AO, but it became too much, with so many children. I also felt, that elitist feel, and felt I pushed my children too much! It was hard to let go, but I felt a weight off my shoulders,once I did. You verbalized this so well.
I loved your thoughts about focusing on academic success vs connecting with our kids and focusing on fun and who God wants them to be. This so resonated with me. Thank you for this.
Woohoo! I’m so excited to see SCM content! I haven’t used AO but I’ve looked at it many times and feel the pressure to use it if you are going to be a CM homeschooler. I am going with SCM for the first time this fall for their history, geography, and Bible study. And I’m so excited!! I too want to do as much together family style as I can and I want us all in the same historical time period. I also have 4 kids, and I knew I would never be able to keep up with the AO schedule.
I’ve been a silent follower for some time and I have to say, I’m selfishly so excited that you’re using Simply Charlotte Mason! I will be using this next year as well! And I’ll be doing our enrichments with both AO and SCM. Anyways, I love your videos! I’m excited to hear more about this transition for you and your family!
It’s going well! It’s amazing how God lays something on your heart before you even fully realize why you need it. With some unforeseen family stuff that we’ve had going on, it would have been nearly impossible to try to keep up with what we were doing before. The switch ended up being exactly what we needed. Thanks for asking!
Yes! I’ve always looked at Ambleside longingly!!! I had baby number 4 when my oldest was 11 so I couldn’t imagine doing all the material. Also because we are Catholic I would have to add or change to add Catechism and the lives of the Saints. I have used Mater Amabilis which is Charlotte Mason with Catholic resources. When I had baby number 5 I had to switch to a Catholic Minimalist program and it was so life saving!!!!! You do what’s best for your family. Also I don’t subscribe to a. Specific program/curriculum. I just study several in the spring and take what I like and form my next school year. I am done with my upcoming year and it feels amazing!!!! I am sad to say I only have two schoolers and one of them is a kindergartener! I have 3 graduates! Keep on keeping on and enjoy your life with your family. You can’t get any time back. The other day my oldest ones asked me for an Art afternoon! So we watched Bob Ross and then spread out our paints, brushes etc etc. it was glorious! I had from the 22 down to the 5 year old around my kitchen table and it felt amazing! God bless you, your family and your new school year!
Reminder and encouragement - because it's obvious how much you care :) “The question is not, -- how much does the youth know? when he has finished his education -- but how much does he care? and about how many orders of things does he care? In fact, how large is the room in which he finds his feet set? and, therefore, how full is the life he has before him?” Charlotte Mason -School Education
