Catherine Levison Workshop Revisited

Early Saturday morning, a few friends and I traveled to Auburn and attended a workshop given by Catherine Levison! What a treat! She was humorous and articulate. We all left rejuvenated and excited about possibility's....not just our families, but our home school community as well.


It was a little difficult for me at first as she went into detail about a Charlotte Mason education Catherine Levison style. I read her books along with a few others on CM philosophy about 10 years ago... and realized I have only focused on living books, observation and habits....and not always well! *Ü* I realize that is not all bad... but as I listened... I lamented that I had not heard her speak 10 years before! Enter sad face here..... after I snapped out of the self pity party... I realized 2 things.... 1... its not to late to implement more... and 2 I have great kids regardless of the style and resources that have educated them thus far.... as far as it is with me.... its all good.... I'm not going to take the negative road... but look to the positive...

In her opening... she made some great points that I want to share. I'm sure you know them or realize these things, but its good to hear them again every once in a while.

First point: Educating our children takes consistency and patience. Home education is long, a little like a race... we need to constantly remind ourselves... its quality... not quantity... right?? Good reminder...

Second: Realize if you need a break, take it. If you need a week off, take it. Homeschooling is constant and we all know that we cant do everything all the time. Its better to step back, re group and then move forward. The mom will be happier and in turn the little people will be happier.... or in my case... medium sized people will be happier. We need to do this... we are not in a class room for 6 or 7 hours a day and then go home with out those kids... we are home with those children 24/7! You know what I mean here... so I wont go on... but we know its true...

3rd: Researching is not always a good thing... and can be a trap. Trusting yourself more was her suggestion. Its not bad to research, but doing it all the time can lead to stress, burn out and indecisiveness. I have to agree..


Last opening point: Realize ( and this is important!) Homeschooling is individualized!! The grass is not greener on the other side of the fence and just because Susie homemaker uses this or that... or because Jo shmos family studies Latin, Greek and German... we should too.... NO... we are as unique as snow flakes... we are all different... so we need to keep those blinders on while visiting forums and or discussions we are in.....you know... those blinders you put on a horse.... Remember not to compare either... I know.. I know... that's something we as woman suffer from... but we need to get over it don't you think? I do... Love ourselves... love our people... and have confidence in yourself!

I really did learn a lot... it was a power packed 8 hours I tell you what! So this is my teaser post! *Ü* I learned a lot, I have a lot to learn.... and I have a lot to share.... I will post more later this week.... I wanted to update and let you know how it was.... it was wonderful. Catherine even signed my book for me. *Ü* She did for a lot of people... I wasn't special.... heheh but it was a delight for me that she did.... I look forward to sharing more and learning more.

Ya'll come back now! Ya hear!

PS: Here is a link with some great articles by Catherine. I hope you enjoy reading them. I sure have.

Realistic Charlotte Mason by Catherine Levison