Winter Gathering Sessions
Once you are registered for the 2024 Winter Gathering, you will get an email to a sign-up to join a Table Discussion for each of the three, 40-minute sessions. Each session will briefly discuss the CM method and then you'll step into the shoes of a student in the home of each Table Host.
Table Discussions are limited to 20. Sign-up early!
Session I
Keeping Beauty & Wonder in the Early Years with Bethany Davis
Charlotte Mason's simple and relational philosophy can bring you peace and harmony in these precious early years. What does it practically mean to "nourish a [young] child daily with loving, right, and noble ideas?” We'll discuss how to approach God's beautiful world through child-like wonder alongside your child, forming proper attachments and habits to prepare them for a lifetime of learning. Join me as we dive into how to make the most of this foundational time - for ourselves and our littles!
Foundations of Writing
with Alexis Putnam
How does the CM method help students develop the skills needed for writing? In this session we will be looking at all of the language arts threads involved in CM education in the elementary years (letter formation, copywork, reading lessons, dictation, oral narration) and how they work together to lay an excellent foundation for future written work.
Narration 101
with Erin Underwood
Narration is one of the most powerful and beautiful tools we have available to us in a Charlotte Mason education. We will discuss what it is, why we use it, how we implement it in our homes, and ultimately, how we shift from a utilitarian approach of education to teaching to learn as fully human.
Notebooking in Form II & Beyond:
with Amy Nyvall
Try out notebooking as narration in this session that takes a look at subjects like science, geography, chronology and common place…common what? We’ll learn about great notebooking opportunities for upper elementary through the upper years. Come learn how you can guide your students toward a self education through a discipline of “read, mark, learn and inwardly digest.”
Session II
Riches II: Cultivating Depth In Beauty
with Erin Underwood
Let us gather together and dive deeper into cultivating the riches of the arts and our Christian heritage in our home education! We will enjoy art and music appreciation and see how Ita adds richness to her day with her family.
Written Narration
with Alexis Putnam
How does a student transition from oral narration to written narration? How can one know if a student is ready for that transition? How can we support our students through the process and what should we expect to see?
Getting Started with Notebooking
with Amy Nyvall
Try out simple “notebooking as narration ideas” that will help you create an atmosphere of self-education. These simple ideas apply Charlotte Mason’s principles and set a foundation for notebooking from the very beginning and creates a path of skills as the students mature.
Notebooking/Nature Journal
with Ale Kauffman Lopez
Learn some basic ideas of getting started with Nature Journaling which can provide a foundation for a rich science education.
Session III
Narration as a Tool of Self Education:
Narration in the Upper Years
with Erin Underwood
Narration in the Upper Years (yes this is still happening): We will have a wonderful group discussion on how this is a powerful tool for all self education for the rest of our lives, how this works in the older years, not being afraid to dialogue and ask socratic questions, how this habit can be incredible for both your relationship with your child and teaches them HOW to communicate ideas on a daily basis.
Composition
with Alexis Putnam
What is the difference between narration and composition? What kinds of writing does my student need to be able to produce, and how can I help them? *This session’s immersion will involve practicing giving feedback to our students on their work. You are welcome to bring samples of your student’s work to practice on.
When to Start Formal Lessons
with Bethany Davis
While launching a child into the formal education years is new and exciting, it may also stir some cautious trepidation (for you and your child!) about when and how to start. We'll discuss how to gently bridge the early years to formal lessons, intentionally building your feast of living ideas. What is the foundation of your lessons, and how can you build a routine that fits your child and your family?
Notebooking/Nature Journal
with Ale Kauffman Lopez
Learn some basic ideas of getting started with Nature Journaling which can provide a foundation for a rich science education.