Become a Keeper of Notebooks
How to Create an Atmosphere, a Discipline, and Life of Notebooking
Charlotte Mason said, “Education is of the spirit and reading and writing are somehow part of the magic.” Philosophy of Education.
Dear Mother-Teacher,
Since the beginning of time, people have enjoyed “notebooking”. It’s a place to keep one’s thoughts, ideas, and record nature and events.
As part of our children’s education, they are to keep notebooks for various subjects. However, based on some of the comments I receive, not all children enjoy keeping a notebook. Today, I’m going to share how to make notebooking an enjoyable part of the day.
1. The Atmosphere of Notebooking
To create an atmosphere for notebooking, begin by reading the lesson with excitement. Perhaps, add an accent. You can even add some ambient music or sounds to complement the lesson. Then bring out the supplies. The supplies may include coloring sheets, markers, colored pencils, watercolor, and construction paper. Allow your student to decide how they will portray the lesson.
2. The Discipline of Notebooking
I do believe notebooking should be done at least once daily for the big lessons. If you have a Form I student, you can write their narration and have them illustrate the content. It’s good practice for when they get older.
3. A Life of Notebooking
Keeping a notebook is an ancient practice. It is said that Thomas Edison had more than 3,000 notebooks. Notebooking shows growth and understanding in a subject.
Imagine your child looking back at his notebooks and the progress he has made. It will give him a sense of accomplishment.
In the end, I love notebooking. I personally keep a commonplace notebook and am working on creating the habit of keeping a nature notebook. I also have a notebook for jotting down my thoughts and ideas for future blog posts and notebook creations.
Do your children delight in notebooking?
Yours faithfully,
Mirley
P.S. Check out the resources to help you simplify, organize, and beautify your homeschool.
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Thank you for reading, and may your homeschool bring you joy.
Yesterday I ordered a few of your notebooks for two of my children. One will notebook for history and science. She has used other styles of notebooks before. I will help the younger child notebook for science for the first time. We also plan to have some friends join us for these subjects, but we aren't sure yet if they will be using open-ended notebooks like these or something more workbook-like. I am excited about the possibilities!