The Purpose of Catechism (Is it just for Catholic families?)

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The Purpose of Catechism (Is it just for Catholic families?)

This is a guest post contributed by Lara Chomout. You can learn more about Lara in her bio at the bottom of her post.

It was Tuesday evening, and I was exhausted and ready to curl up in my own bed with a good book. Naturally, I didn’t want to let our 3-year-old’s bedtime routine linger. I read her a couple of books, not giving into her requests for “just one more,” and started to move on to our prayer.

For some reason, despite my longing to keep it quick, I decided to ask her one of our catechism questions from our preschool curriculum.

I looked at her sweet little face and asked, “Who made you?” I wasn’t fully expecting an answer. I was simply going to answer it for her—as we have done during our school time during the day.

“God made me!” she said with absolute delight.

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Memorization: When to move on?

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Memorization: When to move on?

My child is learning this memory work really quickly... Should I move faster, add to it, or go to a different level? This question lands in my lap quite often, so I want to explore things a little bit further with you. Always remember, this is my personal perspective, so trust your gut and your prayers, Mama!

My child is learning this memory work really quickly... Should I move faster, add to it, or go to a different level? This question lands in my lap quite often, so I want to explore things a little bit further with you. Always remember, this is my personal perspective, so trust your gut and your prayers, Mama!

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Saint Patrick’s Day Free Printables

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Saint Patrick’s Day Free Printables

St. Patrick left an amazing legacy on the isle of Ireland that hasn’t been quickly forgotten by the Irish in over one thousand years! Each year, we celebrate his gift of Christian mercy, love, and compassion on March 17th.

After researching and learning about Ireland over the past 2 months for this issue of On Mission, I can see why St. Patrick loved it so. Even after escaping from captivity as a slave there, his heart could not be separated from the land or the people. God called him back- to HIS CAPTIVES- to preach the Good News.

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How to Create a Memory Statement Board (The Gentle + Classical Preschool)

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How to Create a Memory Statement Board (The Gentle + Classical Preschool)

During my years as a homeschool mom, I’ve found I’m not alone in always looking for a more efficient way to walk through our days, plan ahead, and keep moving without getting bogged down and distracted. One of the most effective tools I’ve found to stay on track—especially with younger learners—is the addition of a homeschool memory work board or memory statement display in our home.
Over the past year, I’ve received email after email from families using The Gentle + Classical Preschool or Gentle + Classical Nature echoing the same message: they felt lost and unfocused in their school days—until they created a memory work board.

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Incorporating Geography & Culture into Your Homeschool

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Incorporating Geography & Culture into Your Homeschool

We all have basic subjects that we know are foundational for a full feast for our children: math, science, history, Bible, foreign language, and even the riches like art and music study. But, I think that it's not necessarily unique to me that we can often overlook subjects that DO deserve a presence in our homeschooling portfolio. 

Traditionally, history is the "core" for a classical education- one of the four "cycles" as we have come to know them. I want to reference a post I wrote a while back in developing The Gentle + Classical Preschool Level 2: 

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20+ Books for the Jesus-Loving Homeschooling Mama (+ How to find time to read...)

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20+ Books for the Jesus-Loving Homeschooling Mama (+ How to find time to read...)

“Do not let the endless succession of small things crowd great ideals out of sight and out of mind.” -Charlotte Mason

I have no idea how many books I’ve read in my life, but I can promise you that they have shaped who I am and the way I live—drastically. The way I speak to my husband, the way I teach or discipline my children, the way I pray and seek the Lord—have all been shaped by books.

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Thriving in Your Home (Instead of simply surviving...)

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Thriving in Your Home (Instead of simply surviving...)

This is a guest post from my friend Jana! I love to read her practical encouragement and actionable wisdom. I hope it will bless you too!

The monotony of life at home can lull us into simply existing. We’ve all been there. But it doesn’t have to be so. Mama, you can thrive at home!

Here are three strategies: make it beautiful, provide gracious order, and be a consistent presence.

MAKE IT BEAUTIFUL

Do you feel an internal tug for beauty? Perhaps you love an orange sunset or pink peonies. God created this world beautiful as a reflection of Himself, so I believe an innate pull to beauty is why we desire to create beautiful spaces in our homes. Beautiful spaces bring a deep sense of thriving.

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Maintaining a "One Room Schoolhouse" with Teens in the Mix

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Maintaining a "One Room Schoolhouse" with Teens in the Mix

This is a guest post from Kelly Hellmuth! I’m absolutely delighted to have a “peak behind the curtain” into Kelly’s home. Find more from Kelly at the bottom of this post.

“Maybe it’s the influence of the Little House on the Prairie, but I find the history of the one-room schoolhouse a little romantic.” - Denise M. Colby

Don’t we all? Most of us here are pursuing an educational path either with Charlotte Mason or Classical influences (or both!), and we know the value of educating our children together. There is an ease and even a necessity to discuss subjects such as history and science and fine arts as a family.

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