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Archives for May 2020

May 9, 2020 by Dawn Rhymer Leave a Comment

Planning: Choose a Curriculum Spine Part 1

Charlotte Mason Educational Retreat
Leonardo da Vinci

Aside: I use the term spine in this blog, so I have been thinking about it as it is often used in modern Charlotte Mason speak. For example, a history spine would be the main book you would use for history, though there might be other side books you use in conjunction with it. With a simple search of Mason’s Volumes, though, I do not find the word spine used in this way. Perhaps a more thorough search of Parents’ Review articles or other vintage CM publications could reveal something else. Until then I will take the term as modern but also widely accepted in the CM community.

Last week  I wrote about planning for the new school year. This week I share more about choosing a curriculum spine.

A spine. We all have one, and, when functioning optimally, our spines are a blessing to us. When they are damaged and not working properly, though every bit as vital, our spines become a major source of pain. So whether helping or hurting, what should our spine be doing? I like this short list of functions.

Functions of the Spine1

The three main functions of the spine are to:

  1. Protect the spinal cord, nerve roots and several of the body’s internal organs.
  2. Provide structural support and balance to maintain an upright posture.
  3. Enable flexible motion.

This is what I want my choice of a Charlotte Mason curriculum to do: to serve as a healthy spine which will protect, provide support and balance, and enable flexibility. [Read more…] about Planning: Choose a Curriculum Spine Part 1

Dawn Rhymer - Charlotte Mason Educational Retreat
Dawn Rhymer

You may learn more about Dawn on the CMER speaker page.

May 2, 2020 by Dawn Rhymer Leave a Comment

Planning for the New School Year

Charlotte Mason Educational Retreat
Path in the Wheat Fields at Pourville, Claude Monet

We are about to begin Week 5 of Term 3 for the 2019-2020 School Year, and I have begun planning for 2020-2021. This is probably the earliest I have ever started this planning, and I am appreciating the extra time. Here are the essential steps I have worked out in my mind.

1. Pray for wisdom

As I have had the opportunity to attend Charlotte Mason events, to read widely both in vintage CM and modern publications, and to receive help from CM mentors and peers, I am reminded again and again of the sacredness of the education we present to our children and the amazing presence of the Holy Spirit at each step of the way. There is nowhere else to begin but in prayer.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. (James 1:5) [Read more…] about Planning for the New School Year

Dawn Rhymer - Charlotte Mason Educational Retreat
Dawn Rhymer

You may learn more about Dawn on the CMER speaker page.

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