How & Why Moms Should Keep a COMMONPLACE BOOK | Classical Charlotte Mason Homeschool | Common Mom

The first of THREE notebooks I think all mother-teachers should keep is the commonplace book. Let's talk about it!
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[@annaknitter]

I am only 2,5 minutes in and already love this video. Finally a WOMAN who doesn’t constantly talks about discovering yourself when it comes to this topic! Now I will continue watching. 😅

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

Oh Anna, I can assure you this woman will not be talking about discovering yourself.

[@annaknitter]

„Be quiet and learn.“ I love that! 😂🎉

[@hfranklin77]

For commonplacing I stick about ten of the skinny post-it tabs inside the cover of my book. When I read something I want to record, I place one of those post-its next to the area of interest. When all of the post-its are used up, I go back and commonplace everything I’ve tagged. This method works beautifully for me, and you can even do it with borrowed books, since it leaves no marks.

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

I like that! A little freedom, a little boundary.

[@kerstenlindhardt1653]

I ADORE this idea!

[@katie7748]

Ooo, I should try that. Thanks for the idea!

[@IndiBex86]

I have a feeling I'll be common placing many of your words Autumn. I've never come across a CM channel filled with so much rich material. Thank you for what you do.

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

Oh, wow! Thank you for such a kind note. Very happy to have you here!

[@carolynrunck9118]

I've really been enjoying your videos and podcast! Thank you!! I read a NYT article recently about commonplace books. It said that a commonplace book is kind of like looking at yourself out of the corner of your eye instead of looking at yourself full on (that would be more like a journal). I thought it was an excellent metaphor because I've NEVER enjoyed reading back on my own journals from the past. Cringe! But I do enjoy reading quotes and ideas I thought were funny or powerful and seeing how they strike me differently or what they reveal about what God was doing in my life at that time. Cheers!

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

Oh that IS good. I love that. I’m going to put that in my back pocket-thank you!!

[@emilys.595]

I added that definition to my new commonplace book…thanks for sharing!❤

[@strykerdawn1]

I'm so glad I found your channel. Love your personality and your ideas!! So helpful, thank you. I've been homeschooling for 9 years, the last 2 with CM principals using ambleside online, and then the 4 before that we did classical conversations, so I have lots more to learn.

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

Hi Misty! I'm so glad you here. You'll get lots of classical Charlotte Mason in these parts; I find it's best to stick with all the wise words of the past.

[@everywherejoy9019]

I love your videos and podcasts! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

So happy to hear it!

[@jessica_wood]

I’ve found the commonplace book to be relatively easy to stick with - and I usually consider myself to be a perpetual quitter / forgetter! I don’t like to add my own thoughts either. Laurie Bestvater actually has a section about this in her book about how these sorts of journals are so different than our usual modern conception of journal - where it’s frequently a lot of whining and complaining about “finding ourselves”. Embarrassingly enough I filled plenty of journals with that sort of thing in my teens and early twenties and have no desire to continue it!

[@jessica_wood]

Also what is this Supper of the Lamb book you mentioned?

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

It's a cookbook like you've never had but desperately need. Think if C.S. Lewis, Wendell Berry, and Madeleine L'Engle had a book baby: amzn.to/3QzFYcW

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

Haha, oh yes, the teenage/college journals. I can't say the regular practice of thinking of me did me much good in those years. I just heard someone else mention Laurie Bestvater in the CP Patreon and now, I must hunt her work down!

[@jessica_wood]

@@thecommonplacehomeschool Literary cookbooks are honestly the best. Definitely adding it to my wishlist.

[@kirstenovitt1178]

This was great Autumn. I started one this summer but got some good ideas from you! Love the idea of commonplacing our kids!!!

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

They’re so funny (and sometimes, really insightful!) that I have to record such comedic brilliance!

[@dacoolfruit]

Second time listening... so helpful! Again!

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

So happy to hear it! You're quite welcome!

[@ourlongwayaround9583]

I adore learning through your videos! Another (actual) Autumn here desiring to lean into this Charlotte Mason mode of living & teaching. Thank you for explaining this practice!

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

Another Autumn!! What a treat. May your next few weeks bring a revival to your autumnal soul as the world is right for a short time again. 😉

[@deedeemonceaux]

I want to commonplace this whole video! What an interesting yet wise perspective!! Thank you ❤

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@crazychicken4063]

I am keeping a Common place book. I bought a nice looking notebook from a box store. It's a medium size, not too thick - to help keep me from being overwhelmed. I just simply started. I haven't worried about dividing it into sections etc. Thinking how to do that has always hindered me from starting. I'm just putting down whatever resonates with me. It might just be a sentence or two. It might be something that was spoken and I want to remember it. I may also include verses of a hymn that spoke to me while I was playing it on piano. I've also started a separate notebook for just Bible. It includes verses that speak to me that day or something in a devotional book I'm reading.

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

YES. JUST. START. This is one of the most helpful pushes for people! I'm so glad you mentioned this!

[@liamjintay]

Whatever this is just speaks so much to my soul. ❤ thank you Autumn

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

I hope you start a commonplace book! You'll love it!

[@ArtwithSabrina]

You shared some golden words that are going in my common place book 📖, with your name next to it. I am newer to the common place book in a structural sense. This was very helpful. Thank you for sharing!

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

Wow, honored to make your pages!

[@intentionallymade]

I have been keeping one in my notes section of my phone for years and not knowing it was commonplacing! I have been journaling since I was a little girl and writing things down is how I hold info best. I’ll be transferring all my notes to a book! Thank you!

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

You're very welcome! Isn't it the best realizing you are already doing something life-giving and long-lasting? It's always a little high-five that I'm on the right track!

[@jacquelinejimenez2208]

I'm in agreement with all the accolades in the comments. I feel very well fed by your content on yt and podcasts.. looking forward to listening throughout my journey with learning the CM method; also a Thank you to Mr. Kern for the encouragement for you to do so ;)

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

He will love his much due recognition here. 😉 Thank you for your kind words and encouragement! So happy to have you here, Jacqueline!

[@daviddianna]

I have used 4X6 index cards since I was in high school 40 years ago. I like them because I can move them around. connect them to similar thoughts in other books. I also write things down in notebooks. I guess I also treat it like "blab" learning like Abraham Lincoln did to retain what he wanted to remember also. Anyway, I love writing things down. Thanks so much for sharing about the commonplace book.

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

I see the good behind the notecards. I'm fully on paper now (no more Evernote) and while I love everything being bound together, I know I'm not going to be able to find anything eventually. Ha! A treasure hunt!

[@sgtigereye]

So I have been watching Charlotte Mason videos here and there on KZbin and I have realized you are my favorite one to watch. I am going to have to check out your podcast because your voice and the way you speak is very much made for radio. You get to the point and make it interesting to listen to, I am sure your kids love you as a teacher! So glad to have found your channel, it encourages me to want to give it a try even though it seems very intimidating.

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

Thank you! That's so kind. Most of my KZbin content is intended to be supplementary to the podcast, so I'd love if you tuned in!

[@WomenLivingTorah]

I always called it a ‘dialectical journal,’ but it’s essentially the same thing as a commonplace book or a book of mottoes. 😊 The way I view it is that I am having a conversation with the book, the author, the characters. I record the various quotes as I go, as well as any response or reflections that caused me to write the quote down in the first place. I believe the learning from these wise sayings and insightful quotes happens in the reflection… not because they are merely said. (Even if that reflection is essentially a written narration.) Most of the time, I use notecards or sticky notes and keep them in the book itself. But, when I use my dedicated commonplace notebook (usually with fictional pieces), I fold my paper in half and write quotes on the left and responses on the right. So, maybe we’re disagreed on the reflection aspect, 😉, but I love that you brought up commonplace notebooks and are encouraging others to keep them! I’m enjoying your podcast and channel. Many blessings!!

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

Well, you win because I've never heard of anyone calling it a dialectical journal! I really do love the description of having a conversation with the book, author, or characters. I wholeheartedly agree with a written narration helping make the wisdom your own! I was just talking to a Patreon member about this and mentioned that because I commonplace, it's almost certain that I'll think more deeply on the ideas and I'll verbally explain and connect them (ha! oral narration!) in conversation in the following weeks.

[@WomenLivingTorah]

@@thecommonplacehomeschool Yes! I agree! Like you mentioned, having a commonplace notebook is exposing yourself repetitively to beautiful ideas and insightful quotes. Reading it- thinking about it- writing it down- reading it again later- talking to someone else about it, etc. The term ‘dialectical journal’ is the term my AP English high school teacher used for our summer literature projects, and it’s all I ever knew until I ‘met’ classical home education! I’ve been doing this form of a commonplace notebook since I was in 8th grade, with Hamlet, All Quiet on the Western Front, and other classics. 😍 I love it and can’t read a book without my index cards, sticky notes, or dialectical journal/commonplace notebook! 😂 (Which begs the question- is a book worth reading if it doesn’t demand space in one’s commonplace book? Haha 😛)

[@PlasmaSpeedos]

Another great video! I like the idea of having a dedicated place for all the snippets of inspiration I come across while reading. I do this but usually it is meshed in a journal. I created a designated commonplace notebook last night after watching your video. Such a simple concept that I have overlooked. I just joined your Patreon - I’m not too savvy at navigating it yet. Im hunting for some clarification about something that im sure I could email the common subjects leader about 🤪 I was wondering if you had anything about solfège and how that looks for kids. I am a new CMEC member (that’s how I found your videos! [I couldn’t seem to find anything about CMEC]) but i am still confused when I read about solfège notebooks for the kiddos. How in the world do you journal/TBG notebook about solfège? Any insight is appreciated. Thank you!

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

Welcome to the patreon! So happy to have you in there! Since I can't see your name on your YT handle, shoot me a message in there just to say hello and I can send some things about solfa/solfege!

[@hollydegroot6510]

May I ask who the author is of “The Supper of the Lamb”? By Robert F Capon? There is a book with a similar title “The Lamb’s Supper” by Hahn. Just wanting to make sure. Thank you @thecommonplace

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

Ah! So sorry! I need to be better about saying author's names too. Yes, Capon is the one you're looking for!

[@Dreblueskies]

Great content, just got to listen at a slower speed. 😊 Use an index like a bullet journal easy peasy to find information.

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

Many have told me to index and I’m going to look into it now!!

[@Dreblueskies]

@@thecommonplacehomeschool I adore the bullet journal method for my everyday carry and feel confident that I will never misplace anything important.

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

@@Dreblueskies that’s a pretty strong commendation! I’ve only ever heard great things from bullet journalers; I just worry it takes so long to set it up?

[@Dreblueskies]

@@thecommonplacehomeschool Not at all, just stay away from IG and Pinterest. I stay true to the original method from the created Ryder except I draw a monthly calendar because I like it visually but that takes about 10 minutes a month. I highly recommend his book if you can squeeze one more in 😂

[@jacobjohannes7123]

I just finished Mere Christianity, halfway through The God Who is There, and I definitely see how easy it is to consume a book without taking time to digest the ideas slowly. I may start with Mere Christianity and skim it chapter by chapter and highlight my fav thoughts. Would that be a good start?

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

Sure! I think that would work well!!

[@Bowandarrow17]

Around 9:00 Autumn talks about reading widely all at once. Does anyone know if she’s done a video talking about that?

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

I have my Home Librarian series which is full of book recommendations and I speak about the literary life a lot in Common House! But the basic gist is to read widely across disciplines. Don't only read practical theology (guilty of that for years!) or only educational philosophy or only novels. Read a mix! Read things you don't agree with! Read harder and older books than you think you can, and don't refuse a book because of a modern publishing date!

[@lanaleighwilkens206]

I have two high school students. Do you encourage moms to have their older students do this practice? Or do you keep a family one for family read aloud? Or something else?

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

YES! 100% yes, they should keep them! Once my oldest is writing well on her own, she'll be gifted a commonplace! I do love the idea of a family commonplace, which has NEVER occurred to me before. I may make one of those around here!

[@jjhulce722]

Hi! Please tell me more about Supper of The Lamb…who is the author?

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

Oh, it's so good: amzn.to/3QzFYcW It's by Robert Farrar Capon and I highly recommend it!

[@brittany6606]

Those shelves, where did you get them or did you build

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

They're from CB2. We put three of them together to fill the space.

[@alikettmer9714]

Oh my goodness I feel like you’re my soul sister 😂♥️

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

Haha, hello! It's always such a treat to find kindred thinkers and doers, isn't it?

[@jjhulce722]

Also, where is your beautiful commonplace book from?

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

From Barnes and Noble a number of years ago! I usually go hunting for old notebooks around here before buying something new!

[@CarolynnMarkey]

I tried the commonplace book last year. I hated it. I"ll keep journaling and doing nature journal too but I don't get the thing behind a commonplace book. It bored me and didn't spark joy XD

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

Ah, perhaps in another season of life maybe? Thank you for sharing!

[@christysdeals4u]

Note-booking or journaling is what we call it.

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

So many names! Such a good practice!

[@williammbaker]

look up Obsidian. Evernote is going the way of the dodo.

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

Good to know! I'm actually only commonplacing by hand now so my paper and pen have solved any tech changes!

[@nanday100]

Why is it called commonplacing?

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

The Latin was locus communis which translates to "general or common place".

[@chellycat14]

Great but commonplacing doesn't have to be all about god.

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

Ah, but indeed it does!

[@chellycat14]

@@thecommonplacehomeschool What do you mean? I have a commonplace book and I’m not a Christian, but a Pagan. Where yours might have entries related to your specific religion, mine has entries related to my own spiritual path. Your commonplace book may be in the context of your religion, which is great, but the overall practice of keeping a commonplace book is not tied to a specific religion. It’s just about collecting information that’s important to you.

[@thecommonplacehomeschool]

@@chellycat14 As a Christian, I do think anything true, good, or beautiful ultimately finds its home in God, so no matter where you find it, it's still God's. In that sense, all noble and lovely ideas are his. But as a classicist, I look for them everywhere and happily read and learn from pagan works (and commonplace them too) regardless of their mention of God or even awareness of him!