1. I originally created the Core Journal so I could take a break from customizing each child’s curriculum around their interest while making sure we included copywork, nature study, logic, film study, math time… I wanted a way to document internet-based learning, library based learning, and include the Charlotte Mason goodies into each day without searching for the individual notebooks.
2. I was about to have our tenth baby and wanted to take time off, but keep learning going, according to the daily structure that works for my kids.
3. They need to have a balanced plan that covers the basics, while allowing them to dig deep into the topics they love.
4. We were also about to move from Florida to Ukraine and I wanted a way for each child to have all their work in one portfolio.
5. My kids were already studying their interests, doing copywork, nature study, logic games, drawing, reading and watching documentaries… But nothing was being documented. Sometimes I would be busy or sick and they would watch YouTube and read all day and not remember to do the simple things like nature study.
6. I only planned to use the Core Journal for 6 weeks, but found it to be wonderful long-term for some of the kids.
7. My Detective and Explorer kids really thrive with them.
8. My Friend learners enjoy them when doing it with others, but like the smaller themed journals best.
9. Followers who are motivated to study a topic like the routine, but they find the journals to be too open-ended and they may try to just get by with whatever is the minimum to move on. With Followers, a strong example is needed, thus we have Mom-School.
10. Creators like a lot of variety, and in some stages of life really need to learn to have more structure, for them the journals are not open-ended enough and they may feel limited… So they skip pages or re-purpose them. Not all children have the drive, skills or personality to really embrace to potential of the Core Journals. They don’t work for everyone. (click Page 2 below to continue reading)