I read an interesting blog entry by Melissa Wiley wrote of a system of pegging. She would attach a simple learning item to an everyday task that is accomplished anyway. For instance, during breakfast, which everyone eats, she would play a piece of music. When I read this, I felt I was actually doing something. There are so many times when I feel we're not getting enough done in our day, but when I read Melissa's post, I realized that we are.
I'm still in the newbie stages of the learning method of Charlotte Mason. Her basic philosophy is learning through living literature. Of course, this is a very simplistic explanation. I have not read her books (yet), but have read books written by other people who have put her methods into practice. Most notably, I read and thoroughly enjoyed Real Learning written by Elizabeth Foss. She has been living this lifestyle and explains it all so well. The best part is that it's from a Catholic perspective. Oh, how I wish I had discovered this from the very beginning. The point I'm trying to make here is that we don't follow a set curriculum. We grab a bit from here and there. However, we try very hard to be flexible and follow the flow of children where they interests may lead. Right now, Brother is very interested in dinosaurs (he comes back to this often). We have been discussing carnivores, omnivores, and herbivores. Elizabeth calls these runs through an interest a rabbit trail and it is a very apt name. We chase the rabbit and we have no idea where it may lead us.
I have met through her message boards some wonderful, talented women (and man--I must mention the NetSmith) whose ideas are such an inspiration. Alice has been doing many Marian activities such as May baskets that have inspired other to do the same. The best part of this group is their strength through prayer. If someone needs a prayer so many of these ladies are there to pray and pray. I have been strengthened considerably through these generous, sweet, wonderful ladies. Thank you to all.