Simply Charlotte Mason or Ambleside Online?

Discussion in 'Homeschooling' started by mijalu3, Nov 27, 2009.

  1. mijalu3

    mijalu3 New Member

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    I have read quite a bit about Charlotte Mason and her style of education, and I definitely think this is where we are headed with our homeschooling. I have been looking at the Simply Charlotte Mason site and the Ambleside Online site, and I am wondering which site would be the best place for us to start. If you have used either of these sites do you have a preference between the two?

    Thanks for your help!
     
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  3. crazymama

    crazymama Active Member

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    I dont' follow either one, but like them both ;) I think the best fit may acutally be a mix of the two with an added touch of your own. I know there are some on here who use them both.
     
  4. NYCitymomx3

    NYCitymomx3 Member

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    I've researched both and prefer AmblesideOnline. It's the original "Charlotte Mason in a box" and has well stood the test of time (10 years). I like the schedules, the booklists, and all the extras. The Yahoo group is invaluable to me and most of all, my kids LOVE IT. All of the "offshoots" (Simply CM, An Oldfashioned Education, and Mater Amabilis) don't impress me and tend to be a bit more aimless and not as cohesive.

    JMHO. :)
     
  5. MonkeyMamma

    MonkeyMamma New Member

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    You can pick and choose some out of both sites if you want too. I mostly use and have used Ambleside however I just found this awesome and amazing site and for Year 2 which we will begin in April I am going to use this site here.

    http://www.charlottemasonhelp.com/
     
  6. Ava Rose

    Ava Rose New Member

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    I have used both and adapted it to my own homeschool. I say to look over both carefully and see which suits you better...if it's a toss up try combining the best of each. That's no answer right? lol. Seriously, it's like a toss a coin game...both are great... you cannot go wrong. Ambleside though may be best for the beginners...seems to be more "in a box" as someone else mentioned.
     
  7. mijalu3

    mijalu3 New Member

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    Thank you for all of your advice and suggestions. I think I will go with a combination of sources. However I think I'll go with the framework of "Simply Charlotte Mason" because I can keep all four of my children studying the same thing in history. I've decided to start with the 1850's to present and then next year go back to the beginnning next year.

    Thanks again!
     
  8. Ava Rose

    Ava Rose New Member

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    Sounds like you have a good plan in mind, good luck! I think you will do great combining history with your children's ages. If you don't already...you may want to consider combining science as well.
     
  9. Doug

    Doug New Member

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    This has been a very interesting discussion to hear about some of the options out there and what everyone thinks of them. I know we (Simply Charlotte Mason) are always eager to hear feedback and ideas for improvement so this has been great.

    We're sometimes asked why we bothered to create another CM curriculum when there are other good ones out there. Basically, we just started sharing what has worked for us as we've helped other families in their homeschool journey. The idea was to have more of a guide or starting point rather than an everything-in-a-box to follow exactly.

    We did have a few goals in mind, though. We wanted to combine subjects as much as possible so you can teach all your children together, which hopefully reduces the load a bit. Since we're in the USA, we deemphasized some of the British aspects that were natural for Charlotte where she lived. And we also update resources regularly when we find better choices or need to replace some that are very hard to find.

    Well, I hope that was helpful. There are many wonderful resources out there and we're so thankful for everyone who provides them. We're certainly standing on the shoulders of giants in our efforts to contribute to the CM community.

    Anyway, I know our family likes to customize things and I hope you will borrow a variety of great ideas to make something that fits your family well too. It sounds like many of you are doing just that.

    Doug
     
  10. MonkeyMamma

    MonkeyMamma New Member

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    Hey Doug I lurk over there on the forums but have never joined or posted. I also use the printable blank handwriting sheets and plan on downloading the BOC for next year. Very great site!
     
  11. crazymama

    crazymama Active Member

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    Hi Doug, welcome to the spot!

    I have found a great love for much of your site, and though we aren't really CM in our house (yet), I do love your book lists and I love how I can search for books to fit what I'm looking for on your site!! I love that your books are more suited to todays world and not that of our ancestors. I know some things are are timeless, but we also live in a modern world and it's much different from what our great grandparents knew.
     
  12. mijalu3

    mijalu3 New Member

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    Hi Doug,

    This has been my first official week using CM principles. I have a long way to go, but I think when I put it all together it will be great. I am currently using your CM planner e-book to put my year together. I've also downloaded Spelling Wisdom and the 106 Days of Creation. What really drew me to your site was the ability to combine subjects for my four children. I really liked the AO site, however I couldn't imagine doing it with four kids. I'm still using their booklists as a resource. It is really nice to see that the different sites that specialize in CM have a great respect for eachother.

    Thanks again to everyone for their advice and opinions!
     

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