Mother Culture: A Charlotte Mason Support Group in Bradford, Ontario *Note date change!*

** Please note the date changes below.  Thank you all for your kind words and support as our family has struggled to find health this fall.  We are pleased to report that hubby is now recovering at home after a week long hospital stay. **

I am so excited to start a new year of Charlotte Mason Support Group!  As many of you know I host this little book club for very selfish reasons as I am so energized and encouraged by the visits of like-minded mamas every 5-6 week.  You give me a boost that helps me to imagine I might survive this crazy game for a few more weeks. 

If you have never visited, please feel welcome to come and join us.  This is a meeting for home educating parents interested in or practicing the Charlotte Mason philosophy.  Babes in arms are welcome but otherwise it is a nice evening for mom’s to get out and just socialize without our little cherubs.  We meet on Thursdays from 7:30-9:30.  This year, we are going to turn over a new leaf and start promptly at 7:30 and I will give an incentive – an on-time draw – for the first meeting, so come a few minutes early if you can. :)

Our readings and discussion always revolve around the Charlotte Mason’s philosophy of education and the implementation of that philosophy.  If you are unfamiliar with her then, in short, she was a British educator of about 100 years ago who believed in the value and ability of all children despite their age or social status: a revolutionary idea at the time.  She taught that we have three main tools of education which are summed up in the phrase, “Education is an atmosphere, a discipline, and a life”.  In other words, we don’t just set before our kids a vast cornucopia of academic matter (life) but just as important is the acquisition of strong habits (discipline) like attentiveness and perseverance in order to prepare us for adult life and work.  And all of this must be presented in a way that doesn’t talk down to kids but respects them as persons and thereby doesn’t bribe them to learn for the sake of marks or the satisfaction of the teacher but for the love of learning itself.  She encouraged us to do this by not creating a specialized schoolish environment (atmosphere) but by putting our kids in touch with great ideas, amazing literature, beautiful artwork, and music and simply experiencing them. As such, she encouraged the use of narration, living books, short lessons and lots of free time, nature hikes, and being exposed to great art and music. 

If this style of educating resonates with your family and you live nearby enough to the Bradford, Ontario area, then plan to visit and jot the dates in your calendar now.  The book that we are reading this year is For the Children’s Sake by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay.  I’ve read this book before and it is among my top three homeschooling book favourites.  Rereading it right now is such a treat.  It’s very inspirational and philosophical.  If you’d like a copy of the book, I have extras in stock at $18.75 each, plus GST.

The dates and reading schedule are below.  Please do let me know if you are coming so I know how many folks to plan for.  If you haven’t been here before, email me for address information at cori@mapletreepublications.ca.

In addition to our book study we also try to bring balance to the meeting with some theory or practical application.  This year we decided to add practical pursuits for moms, or what Miss Mason would call “Mother Culture”, some of the passions and hobbies that we as mamas pursue to enrich our own education, (which, in turn, will enrich the lives and education of our children).  We would love to have 8 different people volunteer to lead discussion on these chats and so far have had many suggestions but only settled on the topic for the first meeting: Catherine Dell’Erba will be sharing about organic living and choosing foods wisely for our families so please feel free to bring any ideas or resources that could add to that discussion as well.

Dates, reading assignments, and mother culture topics are as follows:

September 24^th, 2015 - CANCELLED

Read Introduction and Chapter 1: What is Education? (pages 1-11)
Mother Culture: Organic living facilitated by Catherine Dell’Erba

October 22nd - * NOTE DATE CORRECTION *  

Read Introduction and Chapter 1: What is Education? (pages 1-11)
 & Chapter 2: “Children Are Born Persons” (pages 12-41)
Mother Culture: TBA

December 3^rd  

Read Chapter 3: Authority and Freedom (pages 42-58)
Mother Culture: TBA

January 7^th, 2016

Read Chapter 4: A New Perspective (pages 59-90)
Mother Culture: TBA

February 11^th  

Read Chapter 5: Education: A Science of Relationships; Knowledge of God (pages 91-105)
Mother Culture: TBA

March 24^th  

Read Chapter 5: Education: A Science of Relationships; Knowledge of Man (pages 106-132)
Mother Culture: TBA

(April 2^nd KWCHEA Conference in Kitchener, Ontario)

(April 16^th RVHEA Conference in Ottawa, Ontario)
(April 29^th & 30^th OCHEC Convention in Hamilton, Ontario)

May 5th

Read Chapter 5: Education: A Science of Relationships; Knowledge of the Universe (pages 133-147)
Mother Culture: TBA

(May 28^th KATCH Conference in Peterborough, Ontario)

(May 27^th & 28^th HENB Conference in Sussex, New Brunswick)

June 2^nd

Read Chapter 6: The Way of the Will, Reason, and the Unity of the Whole (pages 148-158)
Mother Culture: TBA

(June??? Tentative: Barrie New and Used Homeschool Sale)

(June 10^th TEACH New and Use Sale in Brantford, Ontario)

Looking forward to seeing many of you at these gatherings! I am so looking forward to these meetings this year.

Blessings on your 2015-2016 home school year!

Cori

www.mapletreepublications.ca

cori@mapletreepublications.ca
905-778-9412

Free Newby Workshops for the Summer of 2015

Dear Friends,

This year it seems that there are more parents than ever considering this crazy homeschooling life and so once again this year, in partnership with Henry and Corrinna Kiezebrink, I am offering free workshops to new homeschoolers (and those thinking of homeschooling) at my home in Bradford, Ontario and in the Kiezebrink home near Barrie, Ontario.

Whether you have made a firm decision or are still investigating your options, whether you are doing this based on a conviction you have or because the ability to school in a different way just seems to fit for your family, please feel free to come for a visit. These are interactive (question and answer style) small group workshops. If you, or someone you know, are interested in coming please RSVP directly to me at cori@mapletreepublications.ca as soon as possible as attendance is limited to 15 people (since we do have a very cozy space to meet) and the evenings usually do fill up.

You may come either to the home of the Kiezebrinks near Barrie, Ontario on Tuesday, July 21^st or to my home in Bradford, Ontario on Thursday, August 13^th. Both evenings will run from 7:30-9:30.

Both Mom and Dad (and Grandma and Grandpa or other adult supports) are welcome to attend though I respectfully ask that only parents and nursing babes attend as a full house and a late evening often make it hard for little ones to allow the adults the opportunity to get the most out of the workshop.

We will cover topics like:

Yikes! Can I do this!?!

Where can I go for support?

What are the legal implications?

Do I have to contact my local school board?

What about curriculum?

What is a “normal” homeschooling day like?

What about socialization!?!

Please come with questions!

And expect some yummy handouts too!

Henry and Corrinna Kiezebrink bring to these workshops 25 years of homeschooling experience while our little homeschool was established only 12 years ago.  While we aren’t experts, we do have a few years under our belts and hope to share the real deal on homeschooling, the good, the bad and the ugly.  We are obviously a bit biased towards homeschooling but will gladly share the truth about the pros and cons of adopting this crazy lifestyle.

Please feel free to share this invitation with friends and family who are new to homeschooling or who are considering it. You are also welcome to forward this information to your church group or other homeschool groups. See you in the summer!

Peace,

Cori

Maple Tree Publications

905.778.9412

www.mapletreepublications.ca  

cori@mapletreepublications.ca

Free Newby Workshops for the Summer of 2014

Dear Friends,

Once again this year, in partnership with Henry and Corrinna Kiezebrink, I am offering free workshops to new homeschoolers (and those thinking of homeschooling) at my home in Bradford, Ontario. We will also be offering one in the Kiezebrink home near Barrie, Ontario.

If you are new to the homeschooling world or are considering this crazy lifestyle, then please feel free to come for a visit. These are interactive (question and answer style) small group workshops. If you, or someone you know, are interested in coming please RSVP directly to me at mapletreepublications@sympatico.ca as soon as possible as attendance is limited to 15 people (since I do have a very cozy living room) and the evenings usually do fill up.

You may come to my home on either of two dates: Thursday, July 24^th or Tuesday, August 12^th. Both evenings will run from 7:30-9:30. The Keizebrinks are hosting their workshop on August 7^th from 7:30-9:30.

Both Mom and Dad are welcome to attend though I respectfully ask that only parents and nursing babes attend as a full house and a late evening often make it hard for little ones to allow the adults the opportunity to get the most out of the workshop.

We will cover topics like:

Yikes! Can I do this!?!

Where can I go for support?

What are the legal implications?

Do I have to contact my local school board?

What about curriculum?

What is a “normal” homeschooling day like?

What about socialization!?!

Please come with questions!

And expect some yummy handouts too!

Henry and Corrinna Kiezebrink bring to these workshops 24 years of homeschooling experience while our little homeschool was established only 11 years ago.  While we aren’t experts, we do have a few years under our belts and hope to share the real deal on homeschooling, the good, the bad and the ugly.  We are obviously a bit biased towards homeschooling but do hope to share the truth about the pros and cons of adopting this crazy lifestyle.

Please feel free to share this invitation with friends and family who are new to homeschooling or who are considering it. You are also welcome to forward this information to your church group or other homeschool groups. See you in the summer!

Peace,

Cori

Maple Tree Publications

905.778.9412

www.mapletreepublications.ca

mapletreepublications@sympatico.ca

 

Free Newby Workshops!

Dear Friends,

Once again this year I am offering free workshops to new homeschoolers (and those thinking of homeschooling) at my home in Bradford, Ontario.  I will also be partnering with Henry and Corrinna Kiezebrink to offer one in their home near Barrie, Ontario again this year.

If you are new to the homeschooling world or are considering this crazy lifestyle, then please feel free to come for a visit. These are interactive (question and answer style) small group workshops in my home. If you, or someone you know is interested in coming please RSVP directly to me at mapletreepublications@sympatico.ca as soon as possible as attendance is limited to 15 people (since I do have a very cozy living room) and the evenings usually do fill up. (Perhaps they will more so this year as City TV has done a story on us recently that we understand will air soon and will include information about these workshops!)

You may come to my home on either of two dates: Thursday, July 18^th or Tuesday, August 6^th. Both evenings will run from 7:30-9:30.  The Keizebrinks are hosting their workshop on August 20^th from 7:30-9:30. 

Both Mom and Dad are welcome to attend though I respectfully ask that only parents and nursing babes attend as a full house and a late evening often make it hard for young people to allow the adults the opportunity to get the most out of the workshop. 

We will cover topics like:

Yikes! Can I do this!?!

Where can I go for support?

What are the legal implications?

Do I have to contact my local school board?

What about curriculum?

What is a “normal” homeschooling day like?

What about socialization!?!

Please come with questions!

And expect some yummy handouts too!

Henry and Corrinna Kiezebrink hope to attend all of these workshops to share from their 24 years of homeschooling experience as well.

Please feel free to share this invitation with friends and family who are new to homeschooling or who are considering it.  You are also welcome to forward this information to your church group or other homeschool groups.  See you in the summer!

Blessings,

Cori

Maple Tree Publications

905.778.9412

www.mapletreepublications.ca

mapletreepublications@sympatico.ca 

 

Mother Culture 2011-2012

Dear Friends,

As the summer steam rolls into autumn I am finally ready to think towards some of the yummy events that are coming up around here during the next school year.  I am excited to have just received a shipment of Educating the Whole Hearted Child, the book that we will be studying in our little Charlotte Mason Support Group this school year, and I thought it was high time to let you in on the details of the meetings so that you can join us if you live nearby.

Our little meetings are a real time of refreshment and encouragement for me and I hope also for the folks that usually come.  You don’t have to have the book or to keep up with the readings in order to attend but it does help.  There is not fee, no sign up, no attendance.  You can come once or come to every gathering.  We meet every 5^th or 6^th Thursday from 7:30-9:30 at my home in Bradford (Ontario).

Our goal is to support one another in pursuing a vibrant and inspiring education for our families through some of the ideas and methods that Charlotte Mason used in her own schools and taught to the teachers that she trained.

In short, Charlotte Mason felt that children were born persons, valuable and thoughtful.  She didn’t see them as little ones with the potential to become someone significant but that they already were amazing and vibrant creations.

She felt that a real education should go beyond just the academics and should be gained through the acquisition of discipline or of habits and through the atmosphere that they children learn in.  She taught that children should be exposed to good books, to great works of art and to music, that they should enjoy nature by spending much time in the outdoors.  She believed in short lessons, no lectures, free time to play and pursue personal passions in the afternoon and no homework! 

If this style of educating interests you, the please mark the dates on your calendar now so that they don’t get double booked.  Contact me for my full address and so that I have an idea of who will be coming. 

Looking forward to our little gatherings!

Cori

Charlotte Mason Support Group Dates

September 22

October 27
December 1
January 12
February 16
March 22
May 3
June 7

***I do have extra copies of “Educating the Whole Hearted Child” in stock now.  The new edition has just come out and they are only $23.50 each!!! This edition is at least 50% bigger and the price is $10 less than I got mine for many years ago! Definitely worth investing in.***

P.S. – I know that many of you don’t live in the area but would like to participate in a Charlotte Mason group in your area.  I have a small list of other groups that are currently meeting in other areas (mostly in Ontario) and will post it here soon.  If you know of a group in your area, please send me the information and I will include it in my posting.

Newby Workshops - Last Call

Dear Friends,

I just thought I would post one last call for this month's upcoming Newby Workshops.

This Tuesday, August 9th, will be the last one at my home, in Bradford. For more information about this workshop please see my blog: http://mapletreepublications.blogspot.com/2011/06/newby-workshops.html. You can register for this workshop by contacting me at mapletreepublications@sympatico.ca.

The final Newby Workshop for this season is on Tuesday, August 23rd at the home of Henry and Corrinna Keizebrink near Barrie. Registration for this workshop is through Henry at s.c.h.i.l@hotmail.com

Both workshops are free and are for anyone who is relatively new to homeschooling or who is thinking of homeschooling.

There will be lots of Q&A time and some yummy handouts and freebies. Please feel free to pass this information on. The July workshop was packed full and a lot of fun. I wouldn't want anyone to miss out on these as I won't be holding these for free again until next summer.

Looking forward to Tuesday!

Blessings,

Core

Mother Culture, June 9th at 7:30pm

This coming Thursday, June 9th, marks the last of the Charlotte Mason Support Group meetings of the school year in my home.  Usually by this point in the year most of us in our house are not thinking towards lessons with vigour and enthusiasm.  Instead our enthusiasm is more focussed on things like how many days until we go camping and so on. 

This time, however, I am very excited about one last gathering of precious ladies here in my living room for some "Mother Culture", a time to encourage and build up and learn from one another.  I can't wait to pick your brains on what "Summer's Cool" means to you.  The agenda for the evening includes time to share what kind of experiences we are all looking forward to this summer and how those camps and crafts and sports and so many other things are an extension of the learning time that is more formal in the other seasons.

If you live in the area (of Bradford, Ontario), please feel free to join us even if you haven't had opportunity to do the assigned readings.  The gathering place is my living room. (Email me for my address or directions.)  We meet from 7:30 to 9:30.

The readings for this week are: from A Charlotte Mason Companion: chapters 38 (Picnics Any Time), 39 (Summery Senses), 45 (A New Grading Method), and 46 (Mother Culture), as well as from A Philosophy of Education chapter 9 (The Way of Reason) and pages 224-230, 233-234 (Geography, Physical Development and Handicrafts).

I look forward to meeting with some of you soon.

Cori

P.S. Don't forget to share the information about the "Newby Workshops" with your friends and family.  They are already starting to fill up as my living room isn't that large so email me soon so that you won't be disappointed.

Come, have a visit "Under the Maple Tree"

Dear Friends,

Over the past few years, as I have had the privilege to meet so many people at conferences, home school meetings and online through my involvement with Maple Tree Publications, the one thing that I have enjoyed most is hearing your stories, getting to know you.  Of course, I love the products that I sell – I know that I am not much of a sales woman and so I could never represent a product that I didn’t believe in.  I also love to teach so the chance to engage the minds not only of my young students at home but of the willing adults that sit through my seminars is so much fun for me.  By far though it has been the community that I have had the honour of being a part of and the people that I have gotten to know that have been the greatest delights in this work.

As such, I thought I would take the opportunity to expand the newsletter that I have been able to send to so many of you and to invest in this new world of blogging.  Over the past couple of years I have really enjoyed being able to connect with people through their blogs and so hope that this sight might be an encouragement to you and yours and might be a way to get to know more of my unique, interesting and vibrant readers.

This blog will be a mishmash of many things….  Hopefully the commonality is the usefulness of information and the encouragement that you will receive.  Please look forward to receiving here thoughts and ideas on home education, book reviews, encouraging notes, answers to some of the questions that friends and readers write to me with, excerpts from Maple Tree books, information about upcoming book launches, conferences, specials, and other events, and more….

Please subscribe now.  Then, when you have a chance, pour yourself a cup of tea and come back often.  I very much look forward to your company and to the chance to get to know you better.

Peace and Blessings,

Cori