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[carmelitemom]

Hi...

My name is Theresa. I just received the LCC and devoured it in two days. I joined this forum to learn more about implementing it. At first glance, I am a bit intimidated but also drawn to classical studies for myself and my daughter who is 7 yrs. She is the only one I am homeschooing. My three oldest are college and high school level.

I haven't taken the full leap, so to speak. I lean toward a Charlotte Mason approach right now but am using Connecting With History which is based on classical education (and we love it!). We are also using Prima Latina.

It just seems overwhelming to look at the whole picture. And yet, the things I feel are important for my daughter to acquire...avid reader, speaks well, writes well and a love of learning...seem to pull me towards the direction of LCC.

I have the time to dedicate one on one teaching with her since she is my only one being homeschooled...I am just nervous if I can do it...and I don't want to overwhelm her at the same time. I want her to enjoy learning.

Thanks for letting me voice some concerns and I look forward to learning more.

[marctoons]

I have been using MP for a year now and I think it provides simplicity more than other curriculum. We were using Sonlight prior to this which is heavily literature based. There was just so much material being covered that my son wasn't retaining anything. It was just too much information at one time for him.

I think MP provides an approach that allows for more in-depth study of a subject rather than trying to fit it all in, in a short period of time. It's not how much you know, it's retaining the most important parts of a subject and working towards mastery of those parts. Your child memorizes the bare bones of something and then builds on it.

You might want to take a look at a teacher guide to see how a typical week is laid out. Core subjects like Math, Latin, and English are done daily. But Classical studies, Geography, Science and Christian studies are only done once per week. This allows for a more in depth study on each subject rather than fitting in bits and pieces daily.

I know that personally, I feel less overwhelmed with this curriculum. Rather than having 10 things to do in a day and feeling like I have to hurry and get to the next thing on the list, I have maybe 6 things to cover and I can take my time.

And my 3rd grader has been able to retain all the information.....amazing!
Hope this helps!

[SaintJude7]

Hello Theresa,
You have found the right place. I have been following LCC for a few years now. Prior to that I was using a mix of classical and Charlotte Mason method. The materials from Memoria Press don't always match up exactly with LCC, but they have been the best fit so far. I add in Andrew Campbell's suggestions for literature as read-alouds.
Forge on ahead, and best wishes.
Blessings,
Jude

[carmelitemom]

Thanks for your kind welcome and sharing some information.

I was also doing the Classical/Charlotte Mason mix. It can get a bit confusing LOL! I don't want to go the direction of a *curriculum in a box* but want to pull from different sources to find the best fit for my daughter.

So, you would suggest maybe looking at a Teacher Guide for 3rd grade? (doing 2nd now)

The only difference would be I would like to incorporate History at least four days a week rather than the recommended one day.

More to follow, I am sure