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Hymns for a Time of Need

Charlotte Mason Educational Retreat
Sinking of the Lusitania
Engraving by Norman Wilkinson, The Illustrated London News, May 15, 1915. P. 631
Public Domain

Karen’s post, Folksongs are like Teapots, brought hymns to my heart and mind. Here is a piece I wrote in 2015 on the AmblesideOnline Forum. At the time, I had just finished reading Erik Larson’s Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania.

“Mommy, why are you crying?”

The tears were streaming down my face. I could barely choke out the words to Abide With Me (AO Sept. 2014). We were in the middle of singing the hymn; it was not the time to answer the question. I brushed it aside with a whisper. “My eyes are burning.” [Read more…] about Hymns for a Time of Need

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Folksongs are like Teapots

Charlotte Mason Educational Retreat
By Frederic Remington Public Domain

On a shelf in my kitchen is a collection of teapots. I have been a modest collector for twenty years. There is no purpose to the collection; I choose what pleases me. Many are gifts and each of these special ones has a note tucked inside that tells who gave them to me and on what occasion.

One of these dear teapots belonged to my Great-Great-Great-Great Grandmother. My mother was given it the year that I was born. When I hold it in my hands, I imagine their hands as they held it and poured a cup of tea for their families in places far, far from me. As I do the same, they draw near to me.

Folksongs are like heirlooms or keepsakes…or teapots. They are treasures that are passed down, sometimes a little worse for the wear. When you sing them, you draw near to those who walked before you and through life experiences that you can only wonder at. [Read more…] about Folksongs are like Teapots

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The ULAT: Modern Foreign Language

This post is part of our series on our favorite homeschool resources.

Charlotte Mason Educational Retreat

Modern foreign language has been a holdout in our war of homeschooling. Many have fallen in this ugly battle with term after term of defeat. I have counted six brave knights (programs) who have led a valiant, heroic charge against the foe, only to be left slaughtered on the field.

But now one has risen who is steadfastly pushing back the enemy’s front line: the Universal Language Acquisition Tool, also know as the ULAT. [Read more…] about The ULAT: Modern Foreign Language

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Sharpie Art Pens

This post is part of our series on our favorite homeschool resources.

Charlotte Mason Educational Retreat

When my children begin 5th grade, they get a set of Sharpie Art Pens. I searched for these pens for several reasons. Some of my children were wanting more options for use in their Book of Centuries; others were wanting a better way to add color in fine detail to their science journals. Somewhere, I came across the idea for no bleed Sharpies, and after research and trips to several local stores, I finally decided on this set. I get a 12-pack which comes in its own plastic case. The pens are kept on the school shelf, and they are only used for school, though I’m sure I’ve granted exceptions. [Read more…] about Sharpie Art Pens

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Lesson Records

This post is part of our series on our favorite homeschool resources.

I have shared in the past about the lesson record sheets I use, but I have made some minor changes and want to give you the updated version.

You will find the lesson records in this Google Sheet. There are 5 sheets. Feel free to copy them, edit them, and share them. If you have an idea on how to make them better, please share it with us.

Charlotte Mason Educational Retreat

 How I Use Them

For those who are not familiar with the sheets, they are a place for me to record what we accomplish in each subject each day. [Read more…] about Lesson Records