What Charlotte Mason Taught Me About Traditional Foods and Homeschooling - Our Homeschooling Journey

Today, I am sharing what Charlotte Mason taught me about Traditional Foods and Homeschooling. ➡️SUBSCRIBE: kzbin.info?sub... ⬇︎Click Video Title or "Show More" for Addit'l Info⬇︎
🍎BLOG POST: marysnest.com/traditional-foo...
➡️TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Introduction
9:03 Why We Homeschooled
20:17 Traditional Foods
45:54 Homeschool Co-Ops
51:25 Living Books
1:01:45 Homeschool Programs
1:04:03 More Living Books
➡️FREE 36-PAGE ESSENTIAL TRADITIONAL FOODS PANTRY LIST: marysnest.com/free-traditiona...
➡️JOIN THE TRADITIONAL FOODS KITCHEN ACADEMY (Optional Membership Community): kzbin.infojoin
➡️SUBSCRIBE TO THE TRADITIONAL FOODS NEWSLETTER - IT'S FREE: marysnest.com/signup-traditio...
➡️RELATED VIDEOS:
• ULTIMATE NOURISHING TRADITIONS TRADITIONAL FOODS SERIES: • What is Nourishing Tra...
• MASTERING THE BASICS OF TRADITIONAL “NUTRIENT DENSE” FOODS COOKING: • Master the Basics of T...
• ULTIMATE PREPPER PANTRY SERIES: • FOOD STORAGE - How to ...
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Some of my links below are affiliate links, which means if you click through and make a purchase, I'll receive a small commission. It does not affect the price you pay.
✳️FAVORITE HOMESCHOOLING BOOKS:
Charlotte Mason Home Education: amzn.to/2WniZrS
Charlotte Mason Companion: amzn.to/3aohwKl
A Charlotte Mason Education: amzn.to/3r52YoM
More Charlotte Mason Education: amzn.to/3aliSFs
Mother Culture: amzn.to/37puK7J
A Mother’s Rule of Life: amzn.to/3oWtUVM
Real Learning in the Heart of the Home: amzn.to/37qMrDL
Honey for a Child’s Heart: amzn.to/34jR9Bi
A Pocketful of Pinecones: amzn.to/3gRMV90
Aesop’s Fables Copywork: amzn.to/3ajbdrq
Simply Grammar: amzn.to/37oZbKW
Pagoo: amzn.to/3qXhGho
James Herriot’s Treasury: amzn.to/37pyohV
Snowflake Bentley: amzn.to/3npyCuY
Measuring Penny: amzn.to/2KrXzHs
Mapping Penny’s World: amzn.to/3r2RmCG
A Child’s Garden of Verses: amzn.to/38esP4K
Shakespeare Tales: amzn.to/3npNhX3
Song of Sixpence: amzn.to/3mjV2wg
Boxcar Children: amzn.to/2KAOdcg
The Boy Who Drew Birds: amzn.to/34jbMxj
The Friar Who Grew Peas: amzn.to/3ai82Af
Beatrix Potter Tales: amzn.to/2KaqpMJ
Secret Garden: amzn.to/388ttRq
Secret Garden Cookbook: amzn.to/3gRB5Mf
Little House on the Prairie: amzn.to/34B2EVh
Little House on the Prairie Cookbook: amzn.to/34lnhEx
✳️MORE BOOKS:
Nourishing Traditions: amzn.to/2PLIXTG
✳️5% OFF MOCKMILL GRAIN GRINDER: mockmill.us/?coupon=marysnest and Promo Code MARYSNEST
✳️LEHMAN'S DISCOUNTS: www.pntra.com/t/SkNIT01OSklDR... (Use code TAKE5 for $5 off orders of $75+; SAVE104U for $10 off $115+; or TAKE20 for $20 off $150+.)
✳️MARY'S NEST AMAZON SHOP:
Visit www.amazon.com/shop/marysnest to equip your Traditional Foods Kitchen.
✳️15% OFF US WELLNESS MEATS: grasslandbeef.com?affId=212406 and Code MARYNEST
✳️ONE-TIME 15% OFF MASONTOPS AND BREADSMART: www.amazon.com/stores/Masonto... and Code MARYSNST
✳️60 DAY FREE TRIAL MEAL PLANNER: www.plantoeat.com/hi/MarysNest
✳️MORE DISCOUNTS: marysnest.com/shopping-guide/
✳️VIDEO GEAR/SERVICES: marysnest.com/video-gear-and-...
❤️SOCIALIZE WITH ME:
Facebook: / marysnest
Facebook Private Group: / 171869080205145
Instagram: / marysnest
Pinterest: / marysnest
Twitter: / marysnest
📬CONTACT: marysnest.com/contact/
#MarysNest #CharlotteMason #Homeschooling
▶Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor, a medical professional, a dietician, or a nutritionist. All content found on the MarysNest.com website, KZbin Channel, and related social media, including: text, images, videos, or other formats were created solely for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or proper nutritional advice. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have watched on this video or read on the corresponding website. Use caution when following the recipe in this video. The creator and publisher of this video will not be held responsible for any adverse effects that may arise from the use of this recipe and method or any other recipe and method on this channel and the corresponding website.

[@MarysNest]

Hi Sweet Friends, Are you thinking about Homeschooling? Or are you already Homeschooling? Today I am sharing all about our homeschooling experience…and what Charlotte Mason thought me about Traditional Foods and Homeschooling. ➡️SUBSCRIBE: kzbin.info ➡️TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Introduction 9:00 Why We Homeschooled 20:17 Traditional Foods 45:54 Homeschool Co-Ops 51:25 Homeschool Living Books 1:01:45 Homeschool Programs 1:04:03 More Homeschool Living Books ➡️FREE 36-PAGE ESSENTIAL TRADITIONAL FOODS PANTRY LIST: marysnest.com/free-traditional-foods-pantry-list/ ➡️JOIN THE TRADITIONAL FOODS KITCHEN ACADEMY (Optional Membership Community): kzbin.infojoin ➡️SUBSCRIBE TO THE TRADITIONAL FOODS NEWSLETTER - IT'S FREE: marysnest.com/signup-traditional-foods-newsletter/ ➡️WATCH THE ULTIMATE NOURISHING TRADITIONS TRADITIONAL FOODS SERIES: kzbin.info/aero/PLkRuW3pBo2U08QTxHX-n8ozvP_UfeWuL8 ➡️WATCH THE MASTERING THE BASICS OF TRADITIONAL “NUTRIENT DENSE” FOODS COOKING: kzbin.info/aero/PLkRuW3pBo2U3b4eu0QraZReKlGzA11h3y ➡️WATCH THE ULTIMATE PREPPER PANTRY SERIES: kzbin.info/aero/PLkRuW3pBo2U0WCxRNWm60Yt0ihEQbfpUl And for more in-depth info...➡️JOIN THE TRADITIONAL FOODS KITCHEN ACADEMY (Optional Membership Community): kzbin.infojoin This is where I share in-depth “Vodcasts” (like a podcast but you can watch and listen or just listen) all about Traditional “nutrient dense” foods, plus 1 monthly LIVE STREAM. This is for those who are interested in delving into all these Traditional “Nutrient Dense” Foods topics in greater detail. BUT DON”T WORRY…this is completely optional, and I will continue to produce all of my free public videos too. I’ve got lots of great public videos coming up here on my channel, so stay tuned. 😉 Thanks for watching! Love, Mary

[@asifmuniruniverse7732]

Hi

[@asifmuniruniverse7732]

It's means you inspired by her ?

[@asifmuniruniverse7732]

Hi, I really great full to your that you shared you're own home school experience with details and i listened to you Inqriged you humble , kind human and as mother you played very good character for your son I'm pretty sure I must gain through your home school system now see you tomorrow may God give you life good health and life I have to go now bye

[@nanajane9612]

Last year, my then 30 year old son called me, rather spontaneously, to thank me for reading to him as a child. I was floored! I asked him what had brought this on? He replied that he had been trying to explain something at work to his coworkers, using a children's story as a metaphor. When they continued to be without a clue, he said, "You know, like "The Emperor's New Clothes!" None of them knew what he was talking about, LOL! "SO," he said, "I just had to call you Mom and say thank you for reading to me." I'll never forget it.

[@MarysNest]

Oh Jane!! Wha a sweet story!! Thank you for sharing that!! Love, Mary❤️🤗❤️

[@melissasoriano1745]

Oh, my heart! How beautiful!

[@babadeedee214]

Jane, that’s so inspiring to us who homeschooled our children and put in the hard blessed work, to see the fruit pop up later. I remember when my son went into the Navy, and he was so shocked as he got to know the other young men and he called me one day and he said mom I can’t believe none of these guys ever ate dinner at the dinner table. That made me so sad. I love the fact that the homeschool children also love to play games and read and serve it’s part of the whole “curriculum”. Of course back when I did it was almost against the law. I’m so thankful nowadays that people are free to homeschool and get their children out of that evil system of our treasures lambs led to slaughter. Thanks for sharing your story🙏🏻✨💕🍁🍂

[@kalkal6125]

I read that book to my 31 and 36 year old too. Fabulous art in that book

[@latutwala2668]

You know my first great grand son hes doing grade 10 , he's always saying I don't like school yes I wll go to school because it's a must but my children I will teach them at home, so thank you I will tell him about the mason books. Thanx

[@kdonor]

Aww,I homeschool using CM. I am also a homeschool graduate and have a master's degree.

[@MarysNest]

WOW!! How inspiring!! Love, Mary

[@sherryk30]

Good for you!! I just won a battle yesterday against the state board of education to allow me to homeschool my grandson! What an inspiration you are.😊👍👍

[@babadeedee214]

@@sherryk30 Sherry that’s amazing! Gods favor! I pray supernatural energy and creativity as you bless your grandson with an inspiring and solid education! So so happy for your victory! 🙏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻🇺🇸📖

[@fallenangelwi25]

I have homeschooled for 3 years now and am schooling 2 young kids and I love every moment of it.

[@MarysNest]

Wonderful!!

[@guidedmisselsn1not]

You Mary have been homeschooling me!

[@MarysNest]

Hi Rebecca, Too cute!! Love, Mary

[@LeeAnnAnderson]

Same!

[@KristynLorraine]

What Mary does in her videos *is* the best of what homeschooling can be. She sits or stands in the kitchen and teaches you something new, and shares all the ways you can learn more about it. That is home education. ❣

[@charlottekearn5185]

Mary, I didn't home school, my daughter is almost 50, but it's too bad they didn't have it back then. She had a difficult time and she didn't have the same challenges, but my husband had exactly that, he is 71and suffered all the way through school. I saw the video you made with your son when doing a walk-through of your garden. He seemed like such a kind and thoughtful person even though the video wasn't that long. You did a wonderful job in raising him, I could tell that immediately. He benefited for sure through home schooling, but I could tell it was more than that, you taught him to be the kind of person everyone would want to know. Again, the video was short but long long enough to see that. With what we see now days it's quite refreshing. Too bad not all can be like this, imagine the world like that. Love all you do for us also. Charlotte

[@MarysNest]

Oh Charlotte, Thank you so much for the kind words!! Yes, it is SO hard for kids who have learning differences - whatever they may be. I'm sorry that your daughter and husband struggled but they are blessed to have you in their lives. Often a loving and kind mother or wife can make all the difference in the world! Glad you're here!! Love, Mary

[@unpoedichannah]

Until now I never realized you homeschooled! I like you all the more for it. ;) I am a second generation homeschooler, currently homeschooling my girls with Miss Mason's methods. ♡

[@MarysNest]

That is awesome! So glad you're here!! Love, Mary

[@mommommommommommommom6829]

Your knowledge is priceless and greatly appreciated. I didn’t have a mother growing up to teach me all these skills. I’m also a mother and have taken my son out of school because he was regressing so much. He is in 3rd grade. I’ve been binge watching all your KZbin videos this past week before I go to bed. Just want you to know how much I appreciate you. ❤️

[@MarysNest]

Oh Lynn!! I am so glad you're here!! And thank you for the kind words!! I am here to be a support to you in any way that I can!! Love, Mary

[@amishgirl1000]

I homeschooled my 6 children and used many of Charlotte Mason principles. Loved her idea on living books. Best thing we ever did as a family.

[@MarysNest]

Oh Julie! I am so happy to hear this!! Love, Mary❤️🤗❤️

[@floralcouture3763]

Well done!! I don’t know you but heck, I admire you ..wOw.. 💯🙏 you’re a REAL role model for your children, lucky ducks!!

[@amishgirl1000]

@@MarysNest Thankyou

[@amishgirl1000]

@@floralcouture3763 Thankyou 💖

[@paisleyhendrix43]

My youngest son went to a very close knit community school called Annalise run by a very astute woman ( Annalise ) who imparted a whole child approach and it was so wonderful . The children set a table with linens and glassware for their lunch , the older children served the younger ones and helped them eat and they all cleaned up together - it was so loving . My son would come home taking about politics and art and wanted to listen to violin music . It was such a rich environment and all of the children thrived in their unique , gifted ways . I loved that time in our lives .

[@SimpleDesertRose]

I started my homeschool journey last year with my daughter who is dyslexic. She was really struggling in school and had horrible anxiety over being called to read in class, tests, writing assignments and struggling with her letter and number reversals. She did amazing last year we worked on her cursive through copy work and whenever she couldn't remember which direction her letters or numbers went she would ask and I would help her. I read her books to her so that she didn't feel pressured to understand while she was trying to keep her place. We had many lengthy discussions about different things. She thrived beautifully. Then the pandemic hit and the whole world lost its mind and shut down. I found myself thrust into homeschooling my 4 boys at the same time. I was totally unprepared for it. My oldest is autistic and works at the same level roughly as his sister, is that was easy. My 9 yr old is very ADHD and hard of hearing i wasn't sure what to do with him since he was the most difficult. My 7 yr old was in kinder at the time he was fairly easy to get through. Over the summer I went back and forth on whether or not to continue homeschool them. When I read the school's plan to reopen and how they wouldn't have access to the playground or to drinking fountains among many other things the choice was clear. I did some amount of research for my Special ed kids and doing my best with them. I have a table that we all gather around and do school together. Pencils and markers are usually everywhere when we are done. One thing I recently discovered is everyone loves to do mad libs. It gets them warmed up and their brains working. Unfortunately for us our library has not opened back up so I have been stuck buying books through amazon. I'm in my second year now in this crazy adventure, but I wouldn't trade it for sending them to public school.

[@MarysNest]

Thank you so much for sharing your journey with me. You are doing an amazing job!! You are a true homeschool hero!! There are ups and downs and every year can be different. Through your research - and maybe talking with other parents - you will find the best way to help educate your 9 year old. The Weston A Price Foundation's website has a lot of great articles on feeding children with ADHD. Many parents have commented that they have seen improvement. That might be something to look into. You have definitely made the right decision and your children are blessed to have you!! Please keep me posted on how things go. Love, Mary

[@SimpleDesertRose]

@@MarysNest thank you so much for the encouragement. Yes my 9 yr old is my biggest challenge. He also my wild child, which I find endearing. Since we found out our oldest was autistic we have been very health and diet conscious. Also we are always trying to find new ways make improvements in our diet. We can be good but we can always strive to be better. Random chance lead me to your channel when I wanted to learn to make my own extracts. Your channel has taught me a new level of cooking and preparing food. I am going to check out the website for sure on feeding ADHD. I wonder if you could also do some gluten free options on some of your videos for those of us with wheat sensitivities and other food allergies. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us and I look forward to future videos. May the good Lord bless you greatly ❤

[@braeutchen41]

@@SimpleDesertRose dont forget when u have a book title u need for ur children, DO check amazon.....and check to see if THEY have ur book available as a used book... Then check ebay, etsy, Abe books and other used book venues .....also work together w the homeschoolers in your area You may find a family that u can trade books w. My daughter homeschooled 2 And her homeschool group traded their books back and forth. It worked very well for them..

[@Tracylynne1977]

19 years of using Charlotte Mason and 8 more to go. Love it. My 2 grandkids will also be doing Charlotte Mason

[@MarysNest]

Oh Tracy!! This is wonderful!! Love, Mary

[@renestewart1663]

You are a most amazing person. I am from Johannesburg, South Africa and my eldest son (now 43) was dyslexic. We were referred to a professor who taught me how to teach Patrick, reading, spelling, arithmetic. The professor told me we had to work with the whole person not just the learning disabilty and he stressed the importance of core muscle strength and proper nutrition. I was a working mother and had to resign my job to spend more time with my son. Once he had caught up with the other children, I resumed my working career. I am glad I spent time with him doing remedial work as he went on to college for 3 years and is a graphic artist. What you are saying in your video resonates in me as I was in the same situation.

[@MarysNest]

Oh Rene!! Thank you SO much for sharing your journey. You are an amazing parent!! Love, Mary

[@deegibson6156]

Ah Mary, I found you at age 70. Never to late to learn!!

[@MarysNest]

Oh Dee!! I am so happy you're here!! Love, Mary

[@jocarson5310]

I think I will look for these books at my local library and use them to revisit, and then reinvent parts of my childhood education. I will take my grandchildren along and we can discover (rediscover) those things in the natural world that seem so foreign in our technology driven world. Thank you for creating this video. It sparked something in me, something I must have longed for but neglected; a connection to self.

[@loram3823]

My daughter was homeschooled. She has 3 degrees, including a Masters and now helps children with learning differences. It wasn’t always easy, but it was worth it.

[@MarysNest]

Hi Lora! WOW!! Thank you for sharing that!! Love, Mary

[@RachelTeeKae]

Oh, my gosh. I’ve been obsessed with your videos over the last couple of days. Whenever I’m really drawn to someone it turns out that they homeschool. We homeschool and I love it.

[@Katya-zj7ni]

This is what parenting is all about, recognising a child’s needs and supplying it. I homeschooled two of mine at different stages and it paid off . There is so much more flexibility and healthy back and forth learning . I’m so glad you shared this Mary, I’m even more in awe of you now ❤️

[@christywilliams5636]

I struggled with dyslexia and dysgraphia too. I was homeschool from 2nd grade up. I completed my 4 years bachelors of science from a university. Some things are harder for me but I work three times as hard as most other people to do it. My success is largely because my mom brought me home and schooled me herself.

[@kathiwolynes3420]

I am a homeschooling pioneer and I too used Charlotte Mason. My grown children have fond memories of making nature notebooks. So many memories. I was the one who was homeschooled. ❤️❤️

[@melissa-ur7kl]

Oh I’m so excited for this video! Grabbing some tea and settling in ❤️❤️❤️ Home School is the best school 🥳🥳

[@SweeetAdeline]

Same here! 😀

[@MarysNest]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@MarysNest]

Yay!!

[@SweeetAdeline]

@@MarysNest I enjoyed it, thank you so much for such lovely and educational videos! I homeschooled my daughter, now my grandchildren. Many Blessings to you and yours Mary 🌻

[@desireewhittington9035]

Oh my goodness! I stumbled across your channel searching for how to make my own sour dough starter and now discover you homeschooled using Charlotte Mason’s methods! This is a friendship that was just meant to be!

[@coun_rylady9098]

We are using Charlotte Mason for our Grandchildren.

[@MarysNest]

Wonderful!!

[@katiekennedy1832]

We do Charlotte Mason and my daughter loves animals. Thank you for the encouragement and the reminder of the gentle pace of learning!

[@perfectinsanity101]

I’ve been a Charlotte Mason homeschool mom for 26 years (still have 2 years to go.). It has been such a blessing. I began collecting living books when my oldest son was very small. In 2008 I opened a lending library with over 7000 living books, mostly out of print. Today I have over 18,000 (and growing) with many families driving as much as an hour and a half each way so that their children’s minds and hearts can be filled with these amazing books. Just a testimony to the impact of these books...my two youngest boys are 16 and 17. In addition to using these wonderful books for “school”, we have a nightly family read-aloud going all the time and we do not miss a night reading...ever. We haven’t missed a day in many, many years. On January 2 of this awful year, when my boys were 15 and 16, my husband died suddenly and completely unexpectedly of a heart attack. That evening as my boys and I were weeping together, my 6’4” 16yo son reached down and picked up our current read aloud and placed it in my hands. And in our sorrow...we read.

[@klevesque]

I’m so sorry for your loss

[@lola8590]

I have such a similar story. We started our homeschool journey in College Station, Texas in the the late 80’s. My daughter went to a Christian preK and at the end of the year the teacher told me that my daughter had ADHD and should be treated. Well, I wasn’t going to drug my child, so I started homeschooling. When she was in 4th grade I had her reading tested by A&M future teachers and she was reading college level. My favorite job ever was teaching my kids!!

[@askmslynnllc5363]

One thing to many people do not know how to do is increasing or decreasing recipes. When I was taking some culinary classes I had to teach other classmates the principles of converting recipes. I would like to see the culinary youtubers teach recipe conversion. I have actually created a spreadsheet for conversion. I take my basic recipe and convert from teaspoon, tablespoon, cups, quarts, or what ever measurement and convert to liquid ounce do the conversion and return back to teaspoon, tablespoon or what ever. You also would have to teach conversion between unit measures. I think math in school would be more fun for students if they would be taught math using practical application like cooking, sewing, wood working, ect.

[@MarysNest]

Hi Lynn, Great idea!! Love, Mary

[@serenityn9152]

I completely forgot about the boxcar children books! Now I can't wait to read them with my kids. This is my first year homeschooling. My oldest daughter is in 2nd grade and she loves it! I plan on homeschooling all of our kids.

[@susanangelo7737]

The combination of wisdom and positive energy you possess is unbeatable.

[@reneekelly6149]

Thank you for all the love time and effort you put into this video! I am a new homeschool mom and have a basic understanding of all the things you mentioned, however you layed it all out so clearly and simply. You have inspired me so much to go back to the basics and make a priority of sitting and reading living stories with my kids. I grew up with many of these, so I know I will love finding them and sharing them with my kids! Thank you!

[@MarysNest]

Oh Renee!! I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed this. Yes, getting back to basics can be such a blessing when it comes to homeschooling!! Love, Mary

[@trishfitzpatrick2066]

I am quite a bit older than you, Miss Mary, but I homeschooled our two sons. They are now grown men who've always believed in learning as much as possible every single day. They loved being read to as children so I recognize how wonderfully articulate kids can get in this manner. These were the best years of my life so I have countless great memories. I hope every parent will consider teaching their own especially in the early years.

[@shamrock3354]

I was homeschooled 1-12 grade. Now I’m a graduate of a high level law school and working for a Fortune 500 company. I owe it all to my mother. Charlotte Mason wasn’t the only source she used, but it was one of the sources she used. 😊

[@MarysNest]

What wonderful news!! Thank you so much for sharing this!! Love, Mary

[@shamrock3354]

@@MarysNest My mother would have loved your channel if it had been around when she was teaching us!

[@thecooldinoman]

you should be very proud of yourself for homeschooling your son. When I was in first grade, in the 70s, there was a big argument as to whether I should learn braille or large print. My mother was only given the choice of sending me four hours away to a blind school to learn braille or having me stay home to learn large print. So I stayed at home and learn to read large print. It was exhausting and time-consuming and I never could learn very well because I spent most of my time squinting to try to make out the characters. I did graduate college with a bachelors degree, but I have never gotten above A fourth grade reading level. Now the technology is so good, that I can use an iPad and do just about anything I need to do. Right now, I am sending this comment through dictation. My mom did her best but there was not much she could do with the choices she was given.

[@MarysNest]

Oh Angel, Thank you so much for sharing your story. You are a wonderful inspiration to others! Yes, the technology has improved tremendously!! Love, Mary

[@SaraH-te9vb]

You are my hero! As a home school mom, who's children are grown, I love the encouragement you are giving in this time and season!

[@jademichaels5553]

I could listen to you all day☺️

[@MarysNest]

Oh Jade!! Thank you so much for the kind words! Love, Mary❤️🤗❤️

[@jackiecarter7815]

You know Mary I'm 61 and since covid 19 I've been learning how to cook traditional food's with you and I feel homeschooled. I can see how both go together. My kid's are all parents now and I don't need homeschooling anymore but some of my grandchildren are being homeschooled and I pass on your advice to them. Thank you so much for sharing yourself with us! Your son is Handsom and such a sweet person like you!

[@MarysNest]

Oh Jackie! Thank you so much for the kind words. So happy to hear that my videos are helpful!! And I am glad that you are here on this traditional foods journey with me!! Love, Mary ❤️🤗❤️

[@LynnMTHA]

I own "The Child's Garden of Verses". My favorite, as a child, when grandmother read to me, was "My Shadow".

[@oldmarriedcouple1]

Great video full of so much great information about homeschooling. I home schooled my son from 5th grade to sophomore yr in high school when he went to the local community college in a program for high school students. I didn't come across Charlotte Mason till my son was in 7th grade and wished I had known of her sooner. So thank you for sharing with everyone. I know it will be a great help to someone. :)

[@patriciabash534]

The Boxcar Chikdren!!!! Checked out those books time after time from the bookmobile back in the early 60s!!!

[@katbaal4540]

Thank you so much for telling your story, Mary! Very encouraging for those of us who are now homeschooling (who never thought they would be!) I’ve also been surprised how much I’ve enjoyed it!

[@MarysNest]

You are so welcome! And I am so happy to hear that you are enjoying homeschooling!! Love, Mary

[@kathygedamke2167]

I was able to home school my seven children until the oldest reached seventh grade. I used a little of everything available at the time (early 90's), but I always appreciated the Charlotte Mason philosophy. Now I have three grandchildren, the oldest is three, and the parents want to home-school. I just came across your video, and I am so excited to help my family on their journey!

[@heatherlavender8236]

My daughter is falling way behind in school and probably won't pass the Star test in Texas and I am planning on homeschooling this next year and redo her third grade year since she is struggling the whole year. She may be a special needs child because she has Epileptic seizures and possibly something else that keeps her brain behind. I just found the Sonlight Curriculum and they do it similar to Charlotte Mason ideas you were talking about. My parents liked the Moore's and Konos which is similar as well with the Mason way with live books and dictation for writing. I was homeschooled the whole time and my brothers and I remember my mom told us some sentences and we copied what she said, and that is how I learned how to write. It was the best thing for us and we loved to learn and every afternoon we could just be outside, and our mornings were our school time, and Fridays was our coop day with other families. Those were our main friends we played with pretty much most of the time and our church friends too so it was a great way to grow up. Thanks for sharing this it is very encouraging to me!

[@samanthaquant7411]

I feel so fortunate that my girls get to attend a local farm school based in CM principles. It’s only one day a week but so rich!

[@Beepbopboop19]

Ooh you're a Charlotte Mason mama! Love you even more now! ❤️💚

[@whitepinehomestead]

Thank you so much for this video. We already homeschool, but I found this to be so very encouraging!

[@helenmartin6895]

Thanks so much Mary ,this is so needed, it's so exciting to be able to teach your children in this way.God bless you in taking the time to share this.Your son is the sweetest and very wonderful young man .

[@ivettesantana4319]

I am glad i watched this video. My son is 5 and is really intelligent. By 2 1/2 he could speak clearly and in complete sentences. He understand all i speak in Spanish too. Yet, he just cannot read! Thankfully he will go to summer school in a month and regular kinder in the fall and be evaluated, so we will see how they can help. I never thought about this. I am so thankful for this video.

[@rawhaanhenry8326]

Thank you so much for sharing. I'm so pleased to hear one of my favourite natural foods enthusiast speak about my newest interest, homeschooling for character building. Thanks so much Mary! So helpful and encouraging.

[@MarysNest]

So happy to hear that you enjoyed this!! Love, Mary

[@woods-haven-half-acre]

I was a neuro-divergent child who was failed by the public school system. When my daughter started to struggle in 2009 I withdrew her and began my homeschooling journey. She is working on a degree at Liberty University now. She reminds me a lot of a slightly more introverted version of your son. Charlotte Mason worked very well for us. 🥰🥰🥰🥰😍😍😍😍

[@kayleyhiggins4205]

Thank you so much for doing this! It has renewed my interest in the CM method ❤️ I also look forward to the videos you mentioned you have in the works about starting down the path of a traditional foods diet. ☺️

[@teagranola]

Thank you so much Mary! I am reading Parents and Children right now. You have taught me so much about cooking and now homeschooling too! I have a 2 year old and I am cooking with him and trying to expose him to living books and it seems to be working. It's great to hear your perspective of having a grown child and experienced it.

[@MarysNest]

Thank YOU!! So glad you're here - and I'm here to help as you venture forth with homeschooling! Love, Mary

[@SharonReads]

Thank you so much for this video! It's great to hear your thoughts about homeschooling.

[@violetcarson5532]

Happy Thursday Miss Mary🤗 yes, I homeschool my son. Have been since 2015. I enjoy it because I get to be in control of what he learning. Getting the proper curriculum. Thank you for sharing this 🌞

[@MarysNest]

Love that!

[@katherinetyrrell8810]

I homeschooled my son (for 2 years) and my daughter (for 4 years). It was the most enjoyable, rewarding time of my life. My daughter is now a Junior at a private school and continues to delight her teachers with the expanse of her knowledge and her love of learning. She and my son continue to explore new interests with a passion and have been highly successful in every aspect of "real school" (LOL)

[@vickiescholl9453]

Mary, you are such a lovely person. I loved this video. I do family childcare and teach preschool to my 3-5-year-olds. What a wonderful way to teach these precious little souls. Thank you for sharing you knowledge and passion.

[@KylaMattonOsborne]

What a delight hearing about your experience homeschooling your son! It really took me back to our homeschooling days, as well as to the comments teachers and other adults would make about our girls when they met them. Like your son, they were diagnosed with learning differences. Being able to teach them at home made a huge difference - and we avoided a good bit of twaddle along the way!

[@MarysNest]

Oh Kyla, Thank you so much for sharing your journey with me!! Love, Mary ❤️🤗❤️

[@childofTheMostHigh4217]

Thank you, Mary! I was looking forward to this homeschool video. Bless your heart❤

[@MarysNest]

So happy to hear that!! I look forward to filming something with my son too so you can hear his perspective. I'm sure he'll have funny story or two!! Love, Mary

[@rough-hewnhomestead5737]

I don't know where to begin to say how much I enjoyed and appreciated this video! For starters, I'd just returned home from a fairly grueling dentist appointment and I drew a hot bath and turned on YT whilst I soaked. I listened to your video and it was just the thing! I am a homeschooling mom, too and I relate to all of what you said. I love 'living books' and I cannot abide 'twaddle'! God bless and I look forward to hearing more about homeschool!

[@MarysNest]

Thank you so much for the kind words!! So happy to hear you enjoyed this!! Love, Mary❤️🤗❤️

[@Jo-xf4nt]

Hey Mary, my girls are grown now with children of their own. After watching this video I ordered C Mason's book to send to them. I've saved this video that I'll send to them after I get the book to them. You are an inspiration. Thank You!

[@MarysNest]

Hi Jo, Thank you SO much for the kind words!! Hope your daughters like the book!! Love, Mary

[@karencattoor9917]

How I love your channel! My family is from the Austin/Fredricksburg area and I am born Texan living in Colorado!! I am 63 years old and relate so much to all you teach and the basics you’re reviving! Now I am helping raise grandkids due to the loss of their Mom to cancer. I am so glad “old school” traditional ideas are still alive and well! Keep going! Many of us relate and appreciate your gift!❤️

[@MarysNest]

Oh Karen! Thank you SO much for the kind words!! And God bless you for caring for your grandchildren!! I am so sorry that their mother passed away - but you all have an angel in Heaven watching over you! So glad you're here!! Love, Mary

[@AmyLouiseDens]

Hello Mary - I have been enjoying your videos for several months now. I homeschooled my children too - also using Charlotte Mason! LOVED it! I learned as much as my children did. Thanks for sharing!! I highly recommend this method of homeschooling. It's gentle, interesting, and wonderful!!!

[@MarysNest]

Oh my goodness!! You said exactly what I was thinking!! I learned just as much as my son did!! This is not just an education for the children - it's and education for us adults too!! So glad you're here!! Love, Mary

[@Katy_living_simply]

Thank you so much Mary for sharing your love and wisdom with us!!!❤

[@loriannryder6274]

First I want to say thank you, thank you for the videos you put out. Some how I always come across one of your videos that seem to speak to my heart when I really need it. I started homeschooling my kids (now 9&13) this past yr and I must say I was floored at what they didn't know. I know that homeschooling is the right decision for our family now as I've seen such improvement in my kids. This video spoke to my heart and you touched on everything I needed. Thank you so much for all that you share. I hope you have a blessed day. ❤️

[@MarysNest]

Oh Loriann, Thank you so much for the kind words. It's comments like yours that really speak to MY HEART!! So glad you're here!! Love, Mary

[@crystalmanteuffel8858]

We are homeschooling too using Charlotte Mason's principles mixed with some adaptations due to children's learning quirks.

[@MarysNest]

Hi Crystal, Sounds like a great plan. Love, Mary

[@mssixty3426]

Thanks for this. I just now find myself trying to help my toddler grandsons with preschool classes on-line (early 2021).

[@Blackwindzero]

Mary, you're a god send. I hope I remember most of this for a time if I ever were to have kids. Especially living books.

[@mbkelimo]

This is so awesome! I homeschooled two of my six for a time bc they had learning differences. They are both excelling now and are definitely better for it. I wish I had been able to homeschool all of my children. Thanks for sharing!!

[@MarysNest]

That is awesome! I'm so happy to hear that are excelling!! Yes, homeschooling can often make all the difference in the world. Our son went to high school outside the home and he was able to graduate as an A student. Homeschooling 1-8 gave him the springboard he needed to be successful. Love, Mary

[@judyhanson7483]

This was a beautiful video! You made me want to homeschool all over again! Thank you. I especially love the book recommendations. Truly giving a child a love of reading is the best gift you can give!

[@angelinar.612]

Thank you. Enjoyed your testimony. Definitelygetting books suggested for my nieces.

[@amywest7041]

Our 2nd child has dyslexia and we were not told about it by the school, but they would punish her for not finishing her work, as if she was lazy or defiant. We started homeschooling our 4 kids purely so they would get enough time with their father (Malachi 4:6 is a favorite verse I discovered years later). There was too much homework from government school. Now we know there are a hundred more reasons to homeschool. I had started working with our daughter the last part of 1st grade before we started homeschooling, teaching her myself to read, by reading a children's Bible story book to her, one sentence at a time, having her repeat the sentence to me, then I'd cover up word parts with my fingers to teach her the sounds (and teach sight-memory words as needed) when she got stuck and couldn't remember a word from the sentence I read. When she always would "read" the whole sentence, I figured she was ready for 2 sentences, then later the whole page. I would have my finger under the word she was on as she went along, and when she got stuck, I'd cover letters and teach the word parts. I always read first so she was familiar with the words before she tried to read them. I'd just read more sentences when it seemed to be easier for her to repeat. I would have her do just a little more than she could remember the sentences, forcing her to try to read, but I kept it easy, not overwhelming. Every day we would do 1 short story. It only took like 5 minutes. I read to the kids every day and Daddy did too. We had so much fun! I also got a few simple stories from Sonlight Curriculum to teach very early reading, and the little black & white low-budget booklets got more advanced add they needed. We had chickens and she was so excited to read the chicken & egg story to our chickens in their coop before the bus came in the morning. That was her first time she eagerly read a story of her own initiative. Through the summer we read the Bible story book every day and by the fall, we were half way through it and she announced, "Mom, you don't need to read it to me first. I can do it." And she was cured of dyslexia as far as reading went. She's 21 now and still can't spell to save her life, but she has memorized many words by now that she used to misspell for many years. She has an amazing memory and creative mind, very social, a super sister, we're so proud of her. She's like a master gourmet chef, no recipe intimidates her, and she picked up the skills & routine at her new Panera Bread job as a baker faster than the manager has ever seen anyone do. Her first year doing model railroading with 4-H she won against 25 other module designs, and the old judge couldn't believe it was her first time working with plaster!! It was! Dyslexia isn't a disability really, but an indication of a creative mind. Many famous world-changers can't spell to save their life. They just need a different style of learning to read & spell, but there's nothing wrong with their brain. It's just different, so they can excel at the creative & problem-solving & big leadership needs of our world. Many great inventors, statesmen, authors, doctors and scientists have dyslexia. It's only a problem when their personality isn't recognized and trained properly. A lot of dogs end up given up by their first owners bcz those breeds require specific training methods to help them be productive & happy instead of bored and destructive. ADD/ADHD isn't a disorder for most of the children diagnosed as broken with it. No medications needed. Different educational style and productive work to do that they enjoy, is what is needed. They have no problem concentrating on productive things they enjoy. They are not the follower type personality and that is just fine with me. We raised 1 follower personality, 1 creative, 1 super active academic, and our son is high energy mechanical minded & musical, a very late reader but around 9 he used his basic reading skills to finish reading all the Calvin & Hobbes comic books I got him started on. At first I had him do the sound effects words, but then I wouldn't read the whole book but he wanted more so I told him go ahead & ask me or his sisters about words he got stuck on. He also loved Daddy's hunting books by Peter Capstick. Ben was a voracious reader after 9 years old, and our 3rd daughter only got into reading like a maniac at 16, didn't much like it before that but was an excellent reader/speller relatively early, big vocabulary being her thing. She's going to college soon for an English degree. She's the family wordsmith. She was VERY slow to speak fluently when little, went through several major speech impediments, that I helped her fix, we think she might be slightly autistic. Eye contact is very difficult for her, but she has an endless appetite for book learning & The Great Courses, very crafty too. They're all good cooks, unlike me. But I'm learning great things on Mary's Nest!! My first sour cream is so delicious!! Very exciting!! Thank you Mary!!! I made it from baby whipping cream and my own yogurt from Mary's yogurt lesson!!! I made cream cheese from my yogurt too!! I'll be trying many more of your traditional foods lessons soon!! Do look up Dr. Sten Ekberg videos as a compliment to healthy home cooking. I lost 60 lbs with a low-carb-high-fat diet! Gained back 5 after vacation & Thanksgiving though, but never going back & I'll be able to get back down to my goal soon. I'm looking for how to make low-carb wheat bread, maybe by sprouting first? I'll look for low-carb traditional bread/pasta videos. Jesus sure thought Bread was a good thing, and honey too, but what kind of bread, and how little honey is ok? Low-carb-high-fat cured my 15 year foot pain Plantar Fasciitis in only 3 weeks!! Now I'm mad at my podiatrist for not mentioning a diet change to reduce inflammation. My arthritis that started in my 30s also is 90% better, and my skin used to be painful to be bumped or pinched and is now fine, and smooth now too. Kidney pain gone too, unless I indulge in a bunch of carbs. I had no idea how many medical problems are related to what we eat. The USDA Food Pyramid is toxic I'm convinced. It made me pre-diabetic & LCHF eating reversed it!

[@MarysNest]

Oh Amy!! Thank you so much for sharing all of this with me. And also congratulations on your weight loss. Yes, I definitely need to work on some lo carb breads, etc! Love, Mary

[@AmeeraG242]

Oh I love this !! I will be homeschooling my children always wanted to I was homeschooled for a short time and loved it but a little nervous. Your such a blessing sister Mary !!

[@MarysNest]

You can do it! ❤️🤗❤️

[@hahern242]

My oldest went to pre-k due to needing speech services. I'm grateful that he was caught up at the end of the 2 years of pre-k and we have been homeschooling ever since! Now I have to get my picky eaters to eat these wonderful traditional foods that you make here on the channel!

[@klevesque]

I’m a homeschool mom too! I’ll still be homeschooling in my 60’s because I have a young child. We love using living books to teach!! We like Bookshark.

[@samanthaquant7411]

I was gobsmacked when I saw the title to this video! I’m a CM homeschool mom myself and I love hearing your story! I like to hear how CM kiddos turn out. :) I’ve been following you for the cooking and was floored to see we have this in common too! Love learning from you. I lost my mom 7 years ago.

[@MarysNest]

❤️🤗❤️

[@Bigfoottehchipmunk]

Haha! You mentioned your son crocheting bandoliers. One of my son's first sewing projects was a bandolier for holding colored pencils, totally his own invention. I am currently homeschooling the 8th of 8 children. My how things have changed in that time. I miss simpler times when our days didn't get so easily drawn to video screens. Your channel is definitely an upside to that. 💗

[@MarysNest]

Thank you so much for sharing your son’s creation!! Too funny!! Thank y for h kind words. So glad you’re here!! Love, Mary ❤️🤗❤️

[@tammysoto3019]

Mary, this video is very well done, sharing your experience with us . Thank You for sharing...

[@MarysNest]

You are so welcome!...and thanks for the kind words!! Love, Mary

[@mariannatodd7010]

This was so helpful and inspiring. I was educated in brick and mortor schools from start to finish, and now my husband and I home educate our young children. I am constantly fighting against my inner paradigm of what schooling should be like, based upon my upbringing. You gave me courage and new ideas to make home education more about guiding "the whole person", not just passing tests, which is one of our main reasons for teaching at home in the first place! Also, thank you so much for this book list!

[@MarysNest]

Hi Marianna, thank you for the kind words. I’m glad you found this video helpful. Home education can be a challenge when you start to worry are you doing what they’re doing in the brick and mortar schools. By today’s standards, I would say you’re doing a much better job at home. Keep up the great work! Love, Mary❤️🤗❤️

[@kefirkefir8522]

Amazing Mary!!! I cannot believe ...it is like listening almost to my SAME story! Homeschooling my child. What a GODincidence!💕

[@Lulu-ue2lj]

Mary, thank you so much for speaking about Charlotte Mason. My journey has similarities to your own. I have an only son. And homeschooled him for 2nd grade. They said he had ADHD. We had him tested to the time of $1500 dollars to find out he was on the “dreamy” side of the spectrum. I am a public school teacher ( recently retired-this year) but was aware of A. S. Neil’s Summerhill in England, so I was aware of alternative education and children that needed different programs than were on offer at public schools. One of the most impressive things I learned from Charlotte Mason was that writing develops from speaking and telling of a story or event. I used this in my classroom even though I was bound by district and state standards. Charlotte Mason made me a better teacher. I like how you incorporated traditional foods and education. Btw, my son tested in the 99 % for Gifted and Talented Education-(our state). So all the so called educators that found him lacking to their standards at second grade were so wrong. I think education is forced on children at too young an age. Some countries don’t start until age 7. You did such a great job on the video-emphasizing all the important parts for families. I also liked how you shared about the “living books” thank you. I will check out your website for more info. I’ve only known about your cooking these last few months. You’ve done a great public service I think during this time. And I also appreciate your sincerity and authenticity during these times. God bless you and your family and good luck to your son. Btw can you recommend good books for 20 year old males? I was thinking biographies of good leaders? Any suggestions?

[@MarysNest]

Hi Lulu, Thank you so much for sharing all of this!! As to books for young men - that's a great question. Yes, my son really enjoyed reading books about good male leaders both modern and throughout history - biographies about political leaders both in government and in military service. He also enjoyed fiction works based on stories about knights as well as all the books in the Star Wars series (the ones that go beyond the movies). He really liked what an honorable hero Luke Skywalker went on to become. Now - keep in mind, when I say "read" my son actually listened to all of these books in the audio form. Ben is severely dyslexic and although he had 9 years of reading therapy and accommodations in school, it would be difficult for him to read a long book in its entirety. So he will be the first one to tell you that he loves audio books - and pretty much everything is available from the library or through library loan. Love, Mary

[@lcostantino7931]

Terrific info thanks for taking the time..... BEST wishes

[@Melshed]

A link to this video was shared on one of my Charlotte Mason Facebook groups, and I’m so glad I clicked it! I’m an AO homeschooler and an aspiring traditional cook also and now I’m subscribed and have about 40 of your videos saved on my ‘watch later’ playlist! 😁

[@MarysNest]

Hi Melissa, Welcome!! So glad you’re here!! Love, Mary❤️🤗❤️

[@floralcouture3763]

Brilliant Mary‼️ I came across a video of the Late John Taylor Gatto from Pennsylvania; he taught in govt schools for over twenty years BEFORE he realised the govt schooling system was NOT a place for education but simply indoctrination. He believed early govt schooling robbed very young children of their curiosity; their individuality; their belief in personal freedom and above all their ability to critically think!! H believed that naturally curious children SHOULD be able to stay at home during those years, 3-6 to observe their natural world around them; watching & following ants; observing weather patterns; playing with earth & water for hours in a day, building cubby houses for hours..this is how children learn about life, not in a classroom where they’re told to “ sit down, face the front; be quiet & listen”..🚫🚫🚫 Plenty of time to learn to read at age six onwards, This man’s thoughts & lectures opened my eyes; I immediately understood EXACTLY what it was he was hitting on; all through listening to him. He encouraged early teens who were especially artistically minded to leave school & pursue their own goals. His students got back to him with great news of their own artistic careers blossoming. He mentions in his talks how early innovative Americans left school at very young ages to either invent things or take up on an idea they’d had; young men at ages 12 & 13 fulfilling ideas they’d had .. becoming wealthy as a result. Not everyone is cut out for academia. But his point was, that the west’s schooling system is based on the Prussian Model, which was designed to simply ‘ turn out’ foot soldiers. The American Dream isn’t a house with a white picket fence; it’s striving to make a living being a free individual with your natural capabilities in tact along with your critical thought processes. As mothers or fathers teach their children to cook so too should they teach them HOW to survive; building a shelter; raising your own food & fulfilling your natural born independence; WITHOUT relying on government ❗️

[@janpowell7633]

I homeschooled almost 20 years and used the Charlotte Mason/ living books method. Now helping homeschooling my granddaughter this way.

[@homedogtwo8820]

Thank you, gives me ideas with my grandson...God bless

[@die5plaas]

Oh my little 8 year old girl also needs to constantly move!! I've found that when it's on her terms she LEARNS, when not it's a struggle....

[@hollykimball]

Great Narration of CM-- love this!!

[@kirstmlarson1]

Thanks for sharing! I also use CM’s principles to homeschool my 3 kids 😊

[@MarysNest]

Love that!

[@AmeeraG242]

WOW so much of this I can relate to as a child learning and how it was so awful in public school. Similar to your son I struggled with math all the way through college! I was great at so many other things even advanced but when it came to math I felt so stupid. Only in college I learned that I could over come but the pressure I grew up with created such perfectionism as well as to just survive and move on it does carry onto the rest of your life

[@ssg3664]

LOVE this videos, I feel we are "kindred spirits" lol, also thanks for all the great info and book suggestions 😊

[@MarysNest]

Wonderful!! ❤️🤗❤️

[@fertilehomestead8879]

I didn't know you homeschooled, especially by way of Charlotte Mason, although I should've guessed. I homeschool by way of the Charlotte Mason method six of my nine children (3 are still toddlers or preschool age which is a time for learning by fun. I am a homeschool graduate as well as having my associate's in business. I just posted a video of our good literature Christmas books. I love that you talk. It is like I am sitting right there with you with tea or hot chocolate now and having a conversation. I have loved all your videos and I have learned so much for you! I made bone broth in the crockpot the other night and it jelled! I was taught the wrong way in the instant pot.

[@MarysNest]

Wow!! You are my hero!! What a fantastic mom you are!! Love, Mary

[@fertilehomestead8879]

@@MarysNest oh thank-you, but it is all by God's wonderful grace and mercy!

[@AlanaL3]

I discovered your channel about 3 months ago as I have embarked on my journey of herbal tinctures, etc. I started surfing your playlist and saw that you homeschooled AND Charlotte mason method! We are a homeschool family and also do CM. I have two boys 13 and 11. Trying to enjoy these last few years because they’re just going to keep flying by. :) I’m excited to see more of your content. God bless!

[@anar.5475]

Hi Mary! God bless you. I loved your video, such an inspiration. Best regards!

[@sowenchantedirishkitchenga8282]

Mary you are so wonderful, so inspirational, a beautiful soul and no doubt a fantastic mother and human being 💚 bless you girl xx Geri

[@MarysNest]

Oh Geri, Thank you SO much for such kind words!! Glad you're here!! Love, Mary

[@foreststream818]

What a great resource video! Thank you for the wealth of strategies that you present here! Have a blessed Christmas, Mary!

[@MarysNest]

Thank you so much for the kind words!! A very Merry and Blessed Christmas too!! Love, Mary

[@masonhamlin3921]

Love you, Mary! So much wisdom from you. Thank you. ⚘❤⚘

[@mariebrock8841]

I’m so excited! I’d no idea you were a homeschool mom too! We do the CM method in our home🧡

[@BookBarrista]

We just finished Pagoo this year. So wonderful! Hello from another CM and Traditional Foods mama! 💗

[@MarysNest]

❤️🤗❤️

[@CleanEatingKitchen]

Very interesting, thanks Mary! I had a horrible public school experience, I really wish I had been lucky enough to have had a better early education. Your son is so lucky!

[@MarysNest]

I am so sorry to hear this! But the good news is, you turned out beautifully as an adult! Love, Mary❤️🤗❤️

[@CleanEatingKitchen]

@@MarysNest thank you, you are so sweet! I am kind of homeschooling myself now in a way, and learning everything I wished I had been taught as a child. You are a wonderful teacher and I am learning a ton from you! XOXO.

[@joyfulnoise6556]

When we started our homeschool journey I just could not wrap my mind around the Charlotte Mason Method. I knew several mom's who had been homeschooling for a few to several years, but they all used the Classical Method. Over time we have become quite Eclectic, with a tendency toward the classical. My oldest (8th grade now) is also dyslexic, though not as severely as Ben, and I'm sure that had a lot to do with us not being strictly classical. We have a wonderful time learning things together, as my public education was sorely lacking. During the public school year our boys attend Awana and we use their verses for their copywork/handwriting. My oldest always complained about it, but finally realized how much it helped him memorize his verses when I allowed him to stop for a few weeks, as he struggled with those verses. Even now he usually asks me to write his verses on notebook paper as it is much easier for him to copy from my writing that his book. When Awana is on break we use poetry or things important to US history for our copywork. Things such as the Preamble to the Constitution, the Gettysburg Address, excerpts from MLK, Jr's "I have a Dream" speech, etc. Also, because I have all boys, aside from writing, I don't make them sit. The oldest also has ADHD and he rarely sat until around 5th grade. I really think I would have been on the school's speed dial if we had tried to send him to public school. The only other thing I would recommend to anyone who chooses to homeschool is to greatly consider becoming a member of HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association.) Although homeschooling is on the rise, it is still greatly under attack too. Many in power want people to only homeschool in the manor that they deem appropriate, which mostly equates to online public schooling. HSLDA fights the battle for all homeschoolers, but has been very helpful for those specifically targeted by others.

[@TheBlueridge5]

Mary, that was lovely and made me reminisce about my own homeschooling days. Be blessed and have a very Merry Christmas! ❤️

[@MarysNest]

And a very Merry Christmas to you too! Love and God Bless, Mary

[@shaungraham09]

@@MarysNest you were