• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Blog
    • Charlotte Mason Homeschooling
    • Junior Rangers
    • Food
  • Shop
    • Charlotte Mason-Inspired Kindergarten Curriculum
    • Picture Study Aids and Art Prints
    • Seasonal Art Devotions and Art Prints
    • Custom Homeschool Planner Covers
    • Quote and Verse Prints
    • Patreon Printables
    • Clothing
    • Mugs
    • Tote Bags
    • Stickers
    • Discounted Items
  • About
    • About Me
    • My Patreon Page
    • Disclosure
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Shop Policies
  • Contact
    • Data Access Request
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • YouTube
  • Start Here
  • Homeschooling
    • Charlotte Mason-Inspired Kindergarten Curriculum (Free Booklist!)
    • Charlotte Mason Picture Study
    • Living Art Book Archive
    • Tour Our Homeschool Space
    • Kindergarten
    • First Grade
    • Second Grade
    • Third Grade
    • Fourth Grade
    • Fifth Grade
    • Homeschool Co-op
  • Food
    • Recipes
    • Monthly Meal Plans
    • My Favorite Products at Azure Standard
  • Resources
    • Free Downloads
    • Living Art Book Archive
    • 2022 Art Book Reading Challenge
    • My Favorite Products and Services
  •  
a humble place

a humble place

Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places where other people see nothing. Camille Pissarro

Home > Charlotte Mason-Inspired Christmas Gifts (for all ages!)

Charlotte Mason-Inspired Christmas Gifts (for all ages!)

6 December 2016

This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Also, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases through them as well.
Charlotte Mason Inspired Christmas Gifts

Before we had kids, I actually loved Christmas shopping. I had detailed spreadsheets of all the people we needed to buy things for and budgets and deadlines and all the things that fill a Type A’s heart with joy. As they say, though, having kids changes everything and now Christmas shopping is something I kind of dread each holiday season. Living less than two minutes from a mall and countless strip malls for the last ten years has magnified this hatred tenfold and I’m so thankful for the new neighborhood which is out in the middle of ranches and not much else.

The one small saving grace I have that makes it not so awful and actually maybe a teensy, weensy bit enjoyable is online shopping. I honestly have no idea how anyone survived Christmas shopping before the advent of the internet. Maybe there were fewer people? Fewer malls? I don’t know. I’m just thankful for it now.

In looking for gifts for my own kids this year, I’ve found about a million items that I thought would be excellent in our Charlotte Mason home as the kids get older and I thought I’d share them. I can’t afford to put all of them under the tree this year, but I thought maybe others will find the ideas helpful and we can all live vicariously through each other. πŸ™‚

As I’ve said before, I’m definitely not a Charlotte Mason expert. However, Charlotte Mason or not, though, I think these gifts would be wonderful in any home with inquisitive, creative kids!

I’m mainly linking to three online stores that focus on natural children’s toys because I like supporting small businesses when I can. I’ve shopped from each one of them in the past, find them to be extremely homeschool-friendly, and absolutely love all three of them. Also, this is not a sponsored post by any of these stores and some of the links are not affiliate links. I just really love their products and wanted to share. πŸ™‚

Nova Natural is the one I’ve been shopping at the longest. They’re based in Vermont and all of the things we’ve purchased from them over the years have been extremely well-made and withstood lots of abuse. I can definitely see us holding on to these toys for years to come.

Bella Luna Toys is based in Maine and offers a similar product line of extremely well-made, heirloom-quality products. They focus primarily on Waldorf toys which I loved for B before he was school-age and still get for C. While I don’t follow a Waldorf approach to education, I think the toys made in the Waldorf style are not only beautiful but also extremely friendly to acquainting younger children with the natural world.

Imagine Childhood, based not far away from us in Castle Rock, Colorado, is my favorite of the three. Before we moved this year, they actually took the time to drive up to Denver to hand-deliver (at no charge) a gift to our house that wasn’t going to get there before Christmas Eve. They had put a lovely bow on it and I had even gotten a discount because it was a floor model (which had only been assembled for them to take photos for their website as they don’t actually have a brick-and-mortar store). That’s probably the best example of customer service I have ever witnessed!

So here is the list in all of its wordiness. πŸ™‚

Nature Study

Nature Study Gifts - ahumbleplace.com

Imagine Childhood actually has an entire category on their website dedicated just to Nature Study, many items of which are perfect for Charlotte Mason methods. I particularly like the Botanist Case, Wooden Birdhouse Kit, and the Garden Insect Hotel Kit. Quite a few of the items listed could even double for handicraft projects that you can later use in your yard.

If you want to attract bees to your yard, especially if you have any kind of flowers, vegetables, or fruits growing, this Mason Bee Kit would be perfect. B likes to capture non-bee/hornet/wasp bugs and I can see him loving this Large Window Bug House so he can watch them do their bug things. On that note, for the last two years, during the late summer, we’ve grown butterflies using the Insect Lore Butterfly Garden and it’s been a huge hit with both kids (though better for warmer times of the year as you release the butterflies after they’ve emerged from their chrysalids)!

Earlier in the year, I posted about the Smokey the Bear Nature Posters we were able to pick up for free from a local National Forest Service Office and they’re fantastic. If you’re not able to get your hands on any of those or prefer a different style, there are also these beautiful posters for birds of prey, butterflies, backyard birds, tree leaves, wildflowers, backyard bugs, wildlife, and mushrooms that would be the perfect decor for a homeschool area.

Another popular mode of brightening up the homeschool walls has been gift wrap from Cavallini Papers & Co. I particularly like the birds, nests, and eggs; the celestial chart (we have this one hanging up in our homeschool area); the British isles map (there’s also this set of 4 vintage maps from the same company); and the phases of the moon prints. You can use these fantastic magnetic wall hanging kits, but I think these would also look great framed or just hung as posters.

Ms. Mason also discussed painting for nature journals and this portable Watercolor Paint Set and these Watercolor Painting Boards would be perfect for that practice!

Handicrafts

Handicraft Gifts - ahumbleplace.com

Handicrafts are definitely an area where I struggle to actually get them together for B to do. I’ve discovered that pre-made kits and sets are my friends!

The kids and I made a trip across town last fall to pick up this Lap Loom for his preschool curriculum and it has gotten quite a bit of use in the last year (though we’re still working on actually finishing something πŸ™‚ I’m wondering if this Potholder Loom Kit would actually be better for younger ages). I’d love to eventually get this Kid’s Weaving Loom once they’re both older.

For kids just starting out in the world of sewing and knitting, this lovely Little Tailor’s Kit comes in an adorable little suitcase. There are also a few other kits to make a little Flower Fairies and Sprites (perfect to make a gift for a younger sibling!), as well as all kinds of Crafting Kits to make other little friends to give to others. Just before C was born, I made this Silk Fairy Mobile Kit to hang above her bassinet and it’s still hanging over her bed in her room.

For slightly more challenging projects, these needlepoint calendar kits for Flowers, Stars, and Fruit are also perfect to have a handicraft to do each month. I also love these Owl and Fox cross stitch kits, as well as this Turtle Needlepoint Kit that could be later sewn on to a larger project (like a pillow or quilt). Younger children will like this Needlepoint Kit which includes three projects to make coasters or decorations and a bookmark. And for some homemade house decor, your kids can contribute to the household with this Sheep rug hooking kit.

I think B would absolutely love to make this Metal Tractor with E that he could later use to play with. Someday, we’d like to get him this Large Tool Kit, though we may start with this Kid’s 5-Piece Toolset.

B loves to help me in the kitchen (C is getting there…but her attention span isn’t quite where it needs to be to follow a recipe) and this Le Petit Chef and Finger Guard would be an excellent way to teach him knife skills. We currently have little plastic knives for them that have done well over the years and are perfect for younger children, but don’t cut quite as well as B would like (not surprisingly).

I know another popular thing in some of my Charlotte Mason groups has been soap carving for younger children who aren’t quite ready for wood carving and this Soap Carving Kit would be a perfect way to get started. There is also a Carve-A-Stamp Kit that would be a great way to make homemade gifts for others.

My step-mother makes beautiful baskets that she hangs all over her house and I think that would be a wonderful activity for a child, especially since the finished product is so utilitarian but also beautiful. These Basket Making Kits come with either pine needles or raffia to make adorable little baskets.

I also think this Leathercraft Tool Kit would be a great project for B when he gets older and another possibility for making gifts.

Art

Art Gifts - ahumbleplace.com

I admit that I’ve fallen behind in the art department since we moved into the new house, but I’d like to get back into the habit of encouraging both kids in their creativity. Putting this list together has definitely been inspirational. πŸ™‚ In the past, we’ve used this Watercolor Paper and these Watercolor Paints which B has enjoyed a lot. Eventually, I’d like to get these Watercolor Brushes for finer details, but up until this point, these Kindergarten/Preschool Paint Brushes have served us extremely well. It’s also been fun to send some of their watercolor creations to family members (my mother, who is an artist, is particularly fond of them), and this little Watercolor Postcard Kit would make that so easy.

From a purely aesthetic aspect, I LOVE these Giant Colored Twig Pencils. I got a few twig pencils through Olive Box a few years ago and the kids love using them now. There are also these Watercolor Pencils which are good for using when you’re out in nature and then can later add water to. On that note, this Gold Birds Sketchbook would be lovely to bring on a nature hike.

When I was in school, I had to take a lot of art classes (though I’m FAR from actually being an artist). One of the techniques I loved getting to know was drawing with charcoal and these Natural Charcoal Pencils would be a great way to introduce your kids to this method of sketching. I also enjoyed working with clay, but it’s not exactly the easiest thing for little hands to manipulate. This Modeling Clay is made with natural plasticene and beeswax which makes it easier to work with. My printmaking class was also definitely a favorite and this Lino Cutting Set for older kids is absolutely perfect for this way of making art, especially if you want to make more than one version of a piece!

If you’re looking for some art to hang on your walls that offers inspiration all year long, I offer Charlotte Mason quotes in my shop!

Science

We obviously haven’t delved very much into the world of science other than nature study yet, but there were a few things that I found particularly interesting when they get older. I love the idea of this Crystal Radio Kit which has all the supplies you need to build your own radio that plays directly into your ear. And I can definitely see B being excited about this Ornithopter Kit when he’s older.

Charlotte Mason Quote Items

[one-third-first]ahumbleplace.com[/one-third-first]

[one-third]Charlotte Mason "Education is an atmosphere..." Short-Sleeve Unisex T-Shirt - ahumbleplace.com[/one-third]

[one-third]Charlotte Mason β€œI am. I can. I ought. I will.” Line Art Youth Short Sleeve T-Shirt - ahumbleplace.com[/one-third]

T-shirts and sweatshirts are a homeschooling mom’s uniform. The looser and softer, the better! These hoodies and tees are perfect for staying in and reading books, or going out on nature hikes for both mom and the kids!

[one-third-first]Charlotte Mason "Education is an atmosphere..." Quote with Watercolor Flowers Mug - ahumbleplace.com[/one-third-first]

[one-third]ahumbleplace.com[/one-third]

[one-third]Charlotte Mason "Humility does not think much or little of itself" Quote with Watercolor Flowers Mug - ahumbleplace.com[/one-third]

I start every day with a mug of tea and I know that coffee is the lifeblood of many homeschooling moms. With these Charlotte Mason quote mugs, you can add a little inspiration to your daily cuppa and a little beauty to your school table.

[one-third-first]ahumbleplace.com[/one-third-first]

[one-third]Charlotte Mason Printable Quotes - ahumbleplace.com[/one-third]

[one-third]John Muir "The mountains are calling..." Quote with Watercolor Mountains Print - ahumbleplace.com[/one-third]

A sturdy tote bag is always a handy thing to have to lug around all of those books and this one is particularly well-made. Or, add some beauty to the walls of the homeschool room with printable or shipped-to-you Charlotte Mason and nature quote designs!

Books

Book Gifts - ahumbleplace.com

Finally, what would a Charlotte Mason-themed Christmas post be without at least a few books? πŸ™‚ There are many excellent Charlotte Mason-themed books out there to help you with your homeschool endeavors (For the Children’s Sake [an absolute must if you’re wanting an introduction to this philosophy], A Charlotte Mason Companion, A Charlotte Mason Education, and Consider This are a few that I’ve either read or want to read), but this list is primarily “fun” books either for kids, or for mothers to enjoy a little mother culture. πŸ™‚

At the very tippy top of this list is definitely the Puffin in Bloom Books from Rifle Paper Co. (one of my very favorite companies) and Puffin Books. This absolutely gorgeous set includes Anne of Green Gables, Heidi, Little Women, and A Little Princess (which I’m reading right now πŸ™‚ ) and at $34 for 4 books (as of this writing), it’s extremely affordable. Anna Bond at Rifle Paper Co. also illustrated an edition of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland that isn’t included in this set. It’s larger and slightly more expensive, but completely worth the added cost. If you end up having extra money in your book budget, you can also splurge on the beautiful Folio Society (a website where I often sit and drool) versions of the Anne of Green Gables books. They also have Little Women, but I’m still partial to the Rifle Paper versions.

Puffin Books is putting out some other amazingly beautiful books and some of my favorites are the Puffin Hardcover Classics Set, which includes A Little Princess, Anne of Green Gables, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Secret Garden, The Wind in the Willows, and Peter Pan. I also love their Clothbound Classics, a few of which I’ve been able to add to my own collection. They offer a few sets that have a reasonable price point considering how many books they contain, including collections by Jane Austen (Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Emma, Northanger Abbey, Persuasion, and Love and Friendship) and Charles Dickens (Great Expectations, Hard Times, Oliver Twist, A Christmas Carol, Bleak House, and A Tale of Two Cities).

Ever since I found out how much John Muir had to do with the founding of the National Parks, I’ve been fascinated by his writings. This collection of his Wilderness Essays is simple, but also beautiful and would be a great addition to any nature lover’s collection.

I think The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling or Keeping a Nature Journal would be particularly helpful once we dive more into the world of nature journaling. For now, Nature Anatomy has been extremely useful for B to copy art from in his nature journal.

I can see myself referring to this list in years to come as the kids get older, but for now, I can dream. πŸ™‚ If you’re more visual like me, you can see all the items listed here in my Pinterest board.

Let me know what I’m missing!

Related Posts

  • Printable Charlotte Mason Bookmarks
  • Charlotte Mason-Inspired Kindergarten Curriculum - ahumbleplace.com
    Charlotte Mason-Inspired Kindergarten Curriculum (Term 3)
  • Kindergarten year re-cap - ahumbleplace.com
    Charlotte Mason-Inspired Kindergarten Recap

Charlotte Mason Homeschooling, Christmas, Christmas, Christmas Series, Gift Guide, Holidays, Homeschooling, Parenting, Popular, Products
2 Comments

Sign up below for updates, exclusive downloads, and to get your free Charlotte Mason printable bookmarks!

Previous Post: « December 2016 Monthly Meal Plan
Next Post: January 2017 Monthly Meal Plan »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Comments

  1. Bethany says

    9 February 2017 at 5:20 pm

    Thanks for the idea of the Smokey the Bear posters! I love Imagine Childhood too and their posters and cards are one of my favorites. Have you seen the Barnes and Noble Collectible Edition Classics? They are leather bound with gold pages and quite affordable especially with a sale or coupon. We have Anderson’s and Grimm’s fairytales, The Blue Fairy Book, the EB White 3 in 1 and a few others. πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • reb says

      24 February 2017 at 7:48 am

      Yes! In fact, I’ve been trying to get my hands on their edition of To Kill a Mockingbird. πŸ™‚ But I’d also like to add The Blue Fairy Book for our collection for AO Y1!

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

Hello! I'm Rebecca. Wife to E, homeschooling mother to B and C, and currently living in Colorado. I have a degree in art history and find joy in being able to offer art-related resources to homeschooling families as well as a gentle, Charlotte Mason-Inspired Kindergarten Curriculum. I also share our own homeschooling journey in the hope that it can be a help to others! Read More…

This Month on patreon

Recent Posts

  • John Singer Sargent Picture Study for Charlotte Mason Homeschoolers
  • Western Region NPS Junior Ranger Programs (AZ, CA, NV)
  • My Favorite Resources for Charlotte Mason Homeschooling: Music
  • Leonardo da Vinci Picture Study for Homeschoolers
  • My Favorite Resources for Charlotte Mason Homeschooling: Art and Handicrafts

Free things!

Teaching Cooking as a Handicraft - ahumbleplace.com

Footer

Get the Latest and Exclusive Freebies!

Β 

Love146
Summer is almost over, but there's still some time Summer is almost over, but there's still some time for more adventures! It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of our National Park Service. In particular, I love the Junior Ranger Program they offer, and any family vacations we take usually revolve around going to new parks and collecting more Junior Ranger badges for B and C. The parks are one of my happy places, and I love visiting them.​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
The Park Service does have a page with a list of Junior Ranger programs at different parks, but in the past, it has not been complete, and I like to see them broken down by state and region. So this week on the blog, I thought I'd offer a list of all the Junior Ranger programs at parks in the Western region, which includes Arizona, California, and Nevada. I'm also including an interactive map so you can figure out which ones are closest to you. If you happen to be taking a vacation this summer in any of these states, I highly recommend stopping at a park to earn a badge!​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
You can find the list at the link in my profile!
"It is well that we should choose our authors with "It is well that we should choose our authors with judgment, as we choose our friends, and then wait upon them respectfully to hear what they have to say to us" (Charlotte Mason, Philosophy of Education). One of my favorite CM quotes. πŸ˜Šβ€‹β€‹β€‹β€‹β€‹β€‹β€‹β€‹
​​​​​​​​
Patreon friends, your monthly printables are ready!​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
#charlottemason #charlottemasonquotes
"For we are an overwrought generation, running to "For we are an overwrought generation, running to nerves as a cabbage runs to seed; and every hour spent in the open is a clear gain, tending to the increase of brain power and bodily vigour, and to the lengthening of life itself. They who know what it is to have fevered skin and throbbing brain deliciously soothed by the cool touch of the air are inclined to make a new rule of life, Never be within doors when you can rightly be without." Charlotte Mason (Home Education)​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
I like to revisit this entire quote in Home Education every so often because what she said was true in 1886 is also acutely accurate today: we are an overwrought generation. And it feels that each successive generation is becoming more so. I know that when I feel overwhelmed and think there is no time for a hike or a walk or even some time out in the backyard with my feet in the grass, that is precisely when I need those things the most. I have experienced firsthand the calming effects of being out in nature, away from screens and radios and all the distractions this world shoves in our faces. I think her suggestion for a new rule of life is an excellent one.​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
This has become my favorite hiking shirt, and it's available in my shop! You can find it at the link in my profile!​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
#charlottemason #charlottemasonquotes #homeschoollife #homeschoolingfamily #homeschoolgear #charlottemasonhomeschool #charlottemasoneducation"
"Musical Appreciation, of course, has nothing to d "Musical Appreciation, of course, has nothing to do with playing the piano. It used to be thought that 'learning music' must mean this, and it was supposed that children who had no talent for playing were unmusical and would not like concerts. But Musical Appreciation had no more to do with playing an instrument than acting had to do with an appreciation of Shakespeare, or painting with enjoyment of pictures. I think that all children should take Musical Appreciation and not only the musical ones, for it has been proved that only three per cent of children are what is called 'tone-deaf'; and if they are taken at an early age it is astonishing how children who appear to be without ear, develop it and are able to enjoy listening to music with understanding." Charlotte Mason (Philosophy of Education)​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
Continuing with the series I began in April listing my favorite resources for Charlotte Mason homeschooling, this week I'm sharing my favorite resources for music! This includes composer study, folksongs, and hymns. You can find it at the link in my profile!​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
#charlottemason #charlottemasonhomeschool #charlottemasoneducation #charlottemasonmusic #charlottemasoncomposerstudy #composerstudy
If Vincent van Gogh had what he considered a "happ If Vincent van Gogh had what he considered a "happy place," this bedroom in the yellow house at Arles was one of them. About it he wrote in 1888: β€œThis time it’s simply my bedroom, but the colour has to do the job here, and through its being simplified by giving a grander style to things, to be suggestive here of rest or of sleep in general. In short, looking at the painting should rest the mind, or rather, the imagination.​​​​​​​​
The walls are of a pale violet. The floor β€” is of red tiles.​​​​​​​​
The bedstead and the chairs are fresh butter yellow.​​​​​​​​
The sheet and the pillows very bright lemon green. The blanket scarlet red.​​​​​​​​
The window green.​​​​​​​​
The dressing table orange, the basin blue.​​​​​​​​
The doors lilac.​​​​​​​​
And that’s all β€” nothing in this bedroom, with its shutters closed.​​​​​​​​
The solidity of the furniture should also now express unshakeable repose. Portraits on the wall, and a mirror and a hand-towel and some clothes.​​​​​​​​
The frame β€” as there’s no white in the painting β€” will be white.”​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
After he left Arles and admitted himself to an asylum in 1889, he revisited this room in his imagination and repainted it two more times.​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
I made a picture study video walking through this piece a few years ago that you can find at the link in my profile. I also have a Vincent van Gogh Picture Study Aid and art prints available there as well!​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
#charlottemason #charlottemasoneducation #charlottemasonhomeschool #charlottemasonpicturestudy #picturestudy #arthistoryforhomeschoolers #homeschoolarthistory #homeschool #homeschooling
Sealed into an album somewhere in my house is a ph Sealed into an album somewhere in my house is a photograph of an art gallery wall. In the middle of this gold-toned wall is a tiny rectangle with the barely-discernible image of a woman enclosed in it. She is behind thick glass, and her green-hued features are difficult to see in detail at such a distance. However, the lack of proximity is explained by the sea of people in the bottom part of the photograph. Even at that distance, however, her unmistakable form is easily recognized.
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
This was as close as I got when I visited the Louvre 23 years ago to a Leonardo da Vinci original. The oft-professed "most famous painting in the world." La Giaconda. The Mona Lisa.
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
I would honestly love to see more of his pieces. The only one in all of the Americas is Ginevra de' Benci's pale face at the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC. I have read in various places, and believe entirely based on what I've seen with paintings by other artists, that reproductions can not even remotely give his originals justice. There is something about experiencing a piece in person, not only the true colors with my own eyes but seeing the brushstrokes. The fingerprints. The work itself.
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Leonardo himself was the ultimate tortured genius, and this is part of what I truly appreciate about him: the frenetic pace of his mind. He moved from one project to another project, from one medium to another medium, from one study to another study, from one city to another city. He was so consumed by the myriad paths his mind traveled that many of his pieces were unfinished. Aside from the creations we have in his journals, had he been gifted with more regular patrons or even a little more self-discipline, it's incredible to think about the things he may have accomplished.
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Today I'm excited to announce that I am now offering a Leonardo da Vinci Picture Study Aid and art prints! You can find it at the link in my profile!
A month or two ago, I posted about how I've been a A month or two ago, I posted about how I've been adding more recipes from Nourishing Traditions to my meal plan lately. It's a book I've had for over a decade now, but there are still so many recipes I haven't tried.​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
In that same post, a few of you asked what some of my favorite recipes from that book are and I tried to list them in the comments, but I don't think IG liked how long it was. πŸ₯΄ So, I'm replying with pictures of the tried-and-true recipes we've been using from Nourishing Traditions for several years!​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
Today's is breakfast. Clockwise from the left we have homemade yog(h)urt (p. 85) which is what my kids get with their breakfast. We top it with honey from a local beekeeper for the added seasonal allergy benefits. On the top is milk kefir (p. 86) which is what I have with my breakfast or first thing in the morning if it'll be a while before we have breakfast. For both of these, I use vat-pasteurized milk (Kalona Supernatural Whole Milk) because our raw milk is pretty expensive and the yogurt is being heated anyway. (I do have a recipe for raw milk yogurt on my website if you're interested in that too!)​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
On the bottom is oatmeal (p. 455). I soak this in water and a little kefir overnight in our microwave which is above our stove and stays nice and warm from the stove surface light. In the morning, I dump it all in a pan, cook it until it's thick, add a pat of butter and 1 tb of ground flax seeds and mix it together until the butter melts. I then scoop it into bowls and add more butter, then everyone can add however much cinnamon or maple syrup they want.​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
This isn't all we have with breakfast, but these are the specific recipes from Nourishing Traditions that we have nearly every day!​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
#nourishingtraditions #westonaprice #wapf
I am a firm believer that the kindergarten year sh I am a firm believer that the kindergarten year should not be complicated. In fact, there is a lot of evidence that suggests taking a "better late than early" approach to beginning more formal lessons with your kids is more beneficial to them than starting too early. (I linked to a post on my website about this last month with the studies I found, but it's back up at the link in my profile if you're interested in reading it!)​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
You’ve probably heard the saying that childhood is not a race, and this is especially true for kindergarten. Children at this age don’t need worksheets, flashcards, and standardized tests, they need unstructured time (especially outside!), open-ended toys, art supplies, and good books read to them. They need to be allowed to take in the world in their own ways. They need to be allowed to be little kids for a little while longer.​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
With all this in mind, I feel like we kind of need a kindergarten revolution to break away from the idea that we have to do "all the things" during the kindergarten year. If you're interested in how simple it can be, I have a printable book list available on my website to help you build your own kindergarten year! You can find it at the link in my profile!​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
(Also, the 2022-2023 Charlotte Mason-Inspired Kindergarten Curriculum is back in stock! Those on the waitlist should've received an email notification. You can also find it at the link in my profile!)​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
#charlottemason #charlottemasonhomeschool #charlottemasoneducation #charlottemasonkindergarten #cminspiredkindergarten #homeschool #homeschooling #homeschoolingkindergarten #kindergartenhomeschool
"...we know that the human hand is a wonderful and "...we know that the human hand is a wonderful and exquisite instrument to be used in a hundred movements exacting delicacy, direction and force; every such movement is a cause of joy as it leads to the pleasure of execution and the triumph of success. We begin to understand this and make some efforts to train the young in the deft handling of tools and the practice of handicrafts. Some day, perhaps, we shall see apprenticeship to trades revived, and good and beautiful work enforced. In so far, we are laying ourselves out to secure that each shall 'live his life'; and that, not at his neighbour's expense; because, so wonderful is the economy of the world that when a man really lives his life he benefits his neighbour as well as himself; we all thrive in the well-being of each." Charlotte Mason (Philosophy of Education)​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
I love, love, love this quote, especially the last part...."not at his neighbor's expense." ❀️​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
Continuing with the series I started in April going over our favorite resources for Charlotte Mason homeschooling, this week I wrote about art (a subject dear to my heart!) and handicrafts! You can find read all about it at the link in my profile!​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
#charlottemason #charlottemasoneducation #charlottemasonhomeschool #picturestudy #handicrafts #homeschool #homeschooling #homeschoolhandicrafts

Β© copyright 2012-2022 ahumbleplace.com Β· Terms of Service Β· Privacy Policy Β· Contact