Are you new to Charlotte Mason and not sure where to start? Or maybe you’re new to homeschooling in general. Either way, welcome to the club! I started Pine Cones and Primers as a way for busy moms to get encouragement, tips, and helpful info. In this quick start guide, you’ll find practical resources to get you started on your CM homeschool journey! Getting Started with Charlotte Mason Homeschooling The homeschool laws in your area will help form what your homeschool looks like, so it’s important to be familiar with them. Some states are stricter than others, but it’s always doable. I encourage you to connect with homeschool leaders in…

You’ve decided to homeschool, you may have even picked your curriculum, so what’s next? If you’re unsure about homeschool planning or want to try something different, then read on. Here’s how to plan your homeschool, Charlotte Mason style. Homeschool Planning the Charlotte Mason Way If you’re not already familiar with the Charlotte Mason method, you can read more about it here. There are plenty of good curriculum options out there, and many are open and go. Some allow for more customization and can be intimidating for beginners. Whichever curriculum you choose though, there will still be some planning involved. Start With the Big Picture In my journalism program at college,…

Summer has always been my favorite season. The long days capped by fireflies and starry skies, bonfires, and days at the beach. As a homeschool mom, I need a break as much as the kids, but I don’t want to lose progress. Here’s how to create a summer homeschool schedule that works for your family. Can You Homeschool During the Summer? Anything is possible, but not everything is desirable. Our family has decided to homeschool year-round with a one month (ish) break in the summer because it’s what works for us. Growing up I was always finished by May and didn’t hit the books again until after Labor Day. Whatever…

You probably know by now that Living Books are quality books that come to life on the page. They’re engaging, insightful, and worth reading. But what are the best places to find Living Books without going broke? The Best Places to Find Living Books for Cheap or Free Sadly many of the books on library and bookstore shelves aren’t the same quality they used to be. While I’ve heard passionate arguments advocating for Captain Underpants, it’s not a selection you’ll find in my home. So if the clearance rack at the children’s bookstore isn’t going to cut it, how do we find living books for our homeschool? There are some…

Children need six hours of lessons, three hours in nature, and extra-curriculars every day. Ok, I lied. Homeschooling doesn’t have to be high maintenance! Children can still get a quality education even without a full-time stay at home parent. Homeschooling is Different At 12, I carried a kitchen timer with me to school. Every time we changed classrooms, a student was disruptive, or time was otherwise not spent on school work, it went on the timer. I’d come home and show my mom that we’d wasted 2 hours and 10 minutes that day. I was highly efficient as a kid. What’s the point? A lot of time at public and…