Thank you, Sabrina! This video was a bit of a mental exercise in trying to share about our experience without saying which folk songs or which term novel-ha! I adore the CMEC and want to share my joy but not in a way that violates that policy. I'm with you. I *love* peeks into others' homeschools and gathering new tips!
(AO momma here) I really wish CMEC would offer some of their resources separate from the full curriculum...either just teaching resources or individual subjects like alveary does. I'd try CMEC if I had the $$. :)
Hello Natalie! They do offer their "truth, beauty, goodness" guides for co-ops. I'm not sure if at least one person needs to be a CMEC member but you could email and ask! We're using it for my co-op, and I'm the only CMEC member but everyone is using the same guide/resources from the CMEC!
Seriously considering going with the CMEC for next year. Thank you for sharing your personal experience so far, since you are right, there is a lack of information on this side of the membership wall.
I do love your channel. I'm an Alveary member and have friends who are CMEC members. I have heard nothing but positive reviews about them and have attended one of their mini-retreats. It was a great experience. I am also very happy with the Alveary and their lesson plans. It's been a learning curve, but it all fits together so beautifully. I always recommend either CMEC or Alveary for moms who wish to not go it alone and want to deeply embrace our vocation as mother educators. Thanks for yet another well thought out video. 😊
How fun! And same! I hear CMEC members speak of the Alveary very highly and it's the other curriculum I recommend people check out if they're interested in mother's education!
Thank you for this video! Very encouraging and exciting as this is the curriculum I'm learning towards going with. How amazing to see your child interact with the living material in the same way Charlotte Mason said they would. Even down to playing what she's learning about!
Exactly! I knew, philosophically, what Mason said should happen in education (and I clearly double downed and put my eggs in the basket!), but it's been so FUN to actually see it happening right in front of me!
Can I just say that your mention of uniforms has just lit a lightbulb for my family and figuring out clothing cost and also the insane amounts of laundry for a family of 7. Also a CMEC mama and enjoyed your thoughts.
So Autumn...I missed the CMEC enrollment cut off! As soon as I discovered your page and who they were (all this weekend btw), enrollment had closed 😢. I deeply desire for my children to have a classical CM Education this year and I was honestly ignorant to how all CM "curriculum" are not held equal. We've done AO and honestly I need more Mother-Teacher support and I also want my children to learn about American History first (they have been totally grasping for straws while listening to Our Island Story). What would you suggest or where can you point me? Thank you for your diligence in being a good steward over your page, I see how to strive to answer/address as many comments/questions as possible. God bless your work!
Oh no! Catherine, my heart actually hurt for you. I can imagine the excitement turned disappointment and know how deeply I'd feel it. For mother's education/support this year (as you wait for the CMEC to open next year, which, is usually around March-ish.), I'd look at A Delectable Education. I haven't used their consulting options but I've heard great things. It may be helpful to have them look over your AO materials (if you go that route this year) and offer guidance on specifics for your homeschool.
Thank you soooo much, I've heard of them but didn't fully understand what they did. I will reach out!! 🥰 sighs....til March -ish!@@thecommonplacehomeschool
Watching this to help me figure out how to share more about the CMEC without sharing too much about the CMEC 😂 it feels like a secret society sometimes 😂
Hahah, 100%. You'll notice I rarely make a video about CMEC-specific things; it's just so hard to honor the member agreement when speaking on the cuff! And yet, I remember watching *anything* I could find before joining, hoping to figure it out a little bit!
Please let me know why you chose CMEC vs AO. I feel like CMEC is a $300 mystery and that part is a turn off. I’ve planned on starting AO, but their fb page is so legalistic that’s a turn off. I’m a new Charlotte Mason mama and I know I won’t be a “purist” so it’s so overwhelming, but surely there’s full something for me even if I don’t want to follow every single thing it a T. I just don’t understand why pay for a group when there’s already a free group. So I am really interested in what made the decision for you!! Thank you Autumn!
Quick summary: 1. CMEC teaches and equips you to be a better mother-teacher. You will have a stronger philosophy and understand your instruments of education more each term/year. The mother's education is fantastic. 2. CMEC sticks more closely to Mason in that they stick to her principles. Last I checked, AO follows the PNEU recommendations closely, but not necessarily the principle. Ex. AO will start with English history just like Mason's schools. But Mason had them do that because they were British. So the CMEC has you start with your own country's history. 3. CMEC sticks with the old books. AO introduces new ones. For my formal schooling, I like books that have proved themselves. Cannot recommend it enough! Also, there info guide is very helpful and shows some of the program guide material! It's not that secretive. Promise!
@@thecommonplacehomeschool I’ve been researching like crazy today. I have my concerns for upper forms. I’ve now read reviews from quiet a few mom stating that they loved CMEC until form 3 and that science is too dated. I love the ideas of my kiddos studying the same time period, but not enough to pay the cash annually if upper forms are not tried and true and the science needs replacing. So far I’m not sold, but I’m still here for your videos and more information! ❤️
Hi Audrey, love your content! We have been looking into the Cmec and like what I saw in the info packet. I wanted to get your take on how you feel the cmec stays faithful to the pneu resources in a way that doesn't center only white voices? We love CM and as a black family sometimes worry about the book choices recommended. I hope to supplement any curriculum regardless but wanted to see if someone on the other side of the payroll could give any more information, thank you!
Hey there! They stick as true to the PNEU suggestions as possible, offering their own supplemental guides when they use a book that needs updating. They find that the old living books are superior to new ones and can't be easily swapped out without losing something. The focus is more on the material than the person who wrote it, so I haven't caught anything about updating the PNEU lists based on diversity. However, these lists are just your formal hours list, not your only reading list so, of course, you can add (or supplement/switch out)! If you haven't read it yet, The Black Intellectual Tradition by Drs. Prather and Parham does an excellent job looking at how the classical canon of literature is for all!
I will echo a number of other comments in saying thanks for explaining the mystery that surrounds the CMEC curriculum :) And thanks for sharing why you love it. May I ask under what subject a folk song is categorized? I’ve gotten the information packet and am studying the sample timetable to try to figure out what subjects are included in the curriculum. I didn’t notice anything that I would have connected with learning folk songs, but apparently they are in there somewhere! And on that note, is there any sort of drawing or brush drawing included in the program? (if you are allowed to say?) These non-standard subjects are the ones giving me trouble in planning, and I don’t want to switch to CMEC if I will still have the same struggle next year 😅
Hey Jennifer! Yes, there is brush drawing, chalk drawing, and more! They have wonderful art instruction guides and video lessons available! Folksongs are under the "common subjects" and families do them at varying times. We have a block in our morning timetable that rotates between folksong, hymn, singing games, folk dances, and Swedish drill combinations! Some families include these things in their "morning time" or as an afternoon block activity (or even in the car!).
Hi Autumn, my children have been attending a Charlotte Mason private school last year and again this coming year, but because of finances might be coming home(not sure yet, depends on the school receiving grants). I feel really drawn to the CMEC and my question is, would it be worth getting the membership if only for the mother culture and community(even if my children are still in school)? Trying to decide while there is still time to join for the year, if that makes sense😆
Makes perfect sense! You will certainly deepen your knowledge as a mother-teacher (which is great for moms with kids in school too!). If you struggle to self-educate at a consistent pace, then the resource, Mother's Education course, and monthly conversations will give you steady pegs to keep learning with others! I don't think you'd regret it at all.
I'm very interested in the CMEC. How much would you estimate you need to spend on additional books, supplies, etc? Are any books included in the yearly fee?
No books included in the yearly fee. For Form 1B, we spent about $1500 all in (eeeeeverything including our instrument rentals, lessons, books, supplies, etc etc.) but I'm not sure if that's to be expected every year and every child. (I only had one in formal lessons.)
do you see yourself using the CMEC for the whole school time of all the children. I am really wanting to pursue CMEC for im thinking long term with lots of kids for the whole duration or the that time. it will cost me alot for just the membership not including all the books?
I really value your integrity disclaimer and your willingness to share your experience. As a fellow CMEC mama , I appreciate hearing from other moms.
Thank you, Sabrina! This video was a bit of a mental exercise in trying to share about our experience without saying which folk songs or which term novel-ha! I adore the CMEC and want to share my joy but not in a way that violates that policy.
I'm with you. I *love* peeks into others' homeschools and gathering new tips!
Thank you for the disclaimer about the privacy agreement! I was so confused as to why there wasn’t more information available but that makes sense!
Yes! But do ask for that information guide. They share SO much in it!
(AO momma here) I really wish CMEC would offer some of their resources separate from the full curriculum...either just teaching resources or individual subjects like alveary does. I'd try CMEC if I had the $$. :)
Hello Natalie! They do offer their "truth, beauty, goodness" guides for co-ops. I'm not sure if at least one person needs to be a CMEC member but you could email and ask! We're using it for my co-op, and I'm the only CMEC member but everyone is using the same guide/resources from the CMEC!
Seriously considering going with the CMEC for next year. Thank you for sharing your personal experience so far, since you are right, there is a lack of information on this side of the membership wall.
We LOVE it!
I do love your channel. I'm an Alveary member and have friends who are CMEC members. I have heard nothing but positive reviews about them and have attended one of their mini-retreats. It was a great experience. I am also very happy with the Alveary and their lesson plans. It's been a learning curve, but it all fits together so beautifully. I always recommend either CMEC or Alveary for moms who wish to not go it alone and want to deeply embrace our vocation as mother educators. Thanks for yet another well thought out video. 😊
How fun! And same! I hear CMEC members speak of the Alveary very highly and it's the other curriculum I recommend people check out if they're interested in mother's education!
Thank you for this video! Very encouraging and exciting as this is the curriculum I'm learning towards going with. How amazing to see your child interact with the living material in the same way Charlotte Mason said they would. Even down to playing what she's learning about!
Exactly! I knew, philosophically, what Mason said should happen in education (and I clearly double downed and put my eggs in the basket!), but it's been so FUN to actually see it happening right in front of me!
Can I just say that your mention of uniforms has just lit a lightbulb for my family and figuring out clothing cost and also the insane amounts of laundry for a family of 7.
Also a CMEC mama and enjoyed your thoughts.
That's great! Ha! I'm so glad that little aside was helpful and maybe will help you with what I imagine is a lot of laundry. ;)
Funny about your school slogan. We used "audio, video, disco" = I hear, I see, I learn :)
Can you make another CMEC video of your end-of-year thoughts?
Ooh, perhaps! I'll tell you we had a fantastic year, re-enrolled for another year as soon as possible, and look forward to Form 1A Lower!
I love your videos. I’m looking into switching to CMEC this next year. ❤
Ooh yay! I think they're tops!
So Autumn...I missed the CMEC enrollment cut off! As soon as I discovered your page and who they were (all this weekend btw), enrollment had closed 😢. I deeply desire for my children to have a classical CM Education this year and I was honestly ignorant to how all CM "curriculum" are not held equal. We've done AO and honestly I need more Mother-Teacher support and I also want my children to learn about American History first (they have been totally grasping for straws while listening to Our Island Story). What would you suggest or where can you point me? Thank you for your diligence in being a good steward over your page, I see how to strive to answer/address as many comments/questions as possible. God bless your work!
Oh no! Catherine, my heart actually hurt for you. I can imagine the excitement turned disappointment and know how deeply I'd feel it. For mother's education/support this year (as you wait for the CMEC to open next year, which, is usually around March-ish.), I'd look at A Delectable Education. I haven't used their consulting options but I've heard great things. It may be helpful to have them look over your AO materials (if you go that route this year) and offer guidance on specifics for your homeschool.
Thank you soooo much, I've heard of them but didn't fully understand what they did. I will reach out!! 🥰 sighs....til March -ish!@@thecommonplacehomeschool
Watching this to help me figure out how to share more about the CMEC without sharing too much about the CMEC 😂 it feels like a secret society sometimes 😂
Hahah, 100%. You'll notice I rarely make a video about CMEC-specific things; it's just so hard to honor the member agreement when speaking on the cuff! And yet, I remember watching *anything* I could find before joining, hoping to figure it out a little bit!
Where is your dress from? Is that a dress? I am considering of upping my homeschooling wardrobe from workout wear 😬 but comfort is a must!
It is indeed a dress! It's an old one from Madewell and is very comfortable too!
Please let me know why you chose CMEC vs AO. I feel like CMEC is a $300 mystery and that part is a turn off.
I’ve planned on starting AO, but their fb page is so legalistic that’s a turn off.
I’m a new Charlotte Mason mama and I know I won’t be a “purist” so it’s so overwhelming, but surely there’s full something for me even if I don’t want to follow every single thing it a T.
I just don’t understand why pay for a group when there’s already a free group. So I am really interested in what made the decision for you!! Thank you Autumn!
Quick summary:
1. CMEC teaches and equips you to be a better mother-teacher. You will have a stronger philosophy and understand your instruments of education more each term/year. The mother's education is fantastic.
2. CMEC sticks more closely to Mason in that they stick to her principles. Last I checked, AO follows the PNEU recommendations closely, but not necessarily the principle. Ex. AO will start with English history just like Mason's schools. But Mason had them do that because they were British. So the CMEC has you start with your own country's history.
3. CMEC sticks with the old books. AO introduces new ones. For my formal schooling, I like books that have proved themselves.
Cannot recommend it enough! Also, there info guide is very helpful and shows some of the program guide material! It's not that secretive. Promise!
@@thecommonplacehomeschool I’ve been researching like crazy today. I have my concerns for upper forms. I’ve now read reviews from quiet a few mom stating that they loved CMEC until form 3 and that science is too dated. I love the ideas of my kiddos studying the same time period, but not enough to pay the cash annually if upper forms are not tried and true and the science needs replacing. So far I’m not sold, but I’m still here for your videos and more information! ❤️
Its classical conversation but charlotte mason
The CMEC?
Hi Audrey, love your content! We have been looking into the Cmec and like what I saw in the info packet. I wanted to get your take on how you feel the cmec stays faithful to the pneu resources in a way that doesn't center only white voices? We love CM and as a black family sometimes worry about the book choices recommended. I hope to supplement any curriculum regardless but wanted to see if someone on the other side of the payroll could give any more information, thank you!
Hey there! They stick as true to the PNEU suggestions as possible, offering their own supplemental guides when they use a book that needs updating. They find that the old living books are superior to new ones and can't be easily swapped out without losing something. The focus is more on the material than the person who wrote it, so I haven't caught anything about updating the PNEU lists based on diversity. However, these lists are just your formal hours list, not your only reading list so, of course, you can add (or supplement/switch out)!
If you haven't read it yet, The Black Intellectual Tradition by Drs. Prather and Parham does an excellent job looking at how the classical canon of literature is for all!
Thanks for this reply! I really admire Dr. Prather's work.
@@Enn979 Me too!
I will echo a number of other comments in saying thanks for explaining the mystery that surrounds the CMEC curriculum :) And thanks for sharing why you love it. May I ask under what subject a folk song is categorized? I’ve gotten the information packet and am studying the sample timetable to try to figure out what subjects are included in the curriculum. I didn’t notice anything that I would have connected with learning folk songs, but apparently they are in there somewhere! And on that note, is there any sort of drawing or brush drawing included in the program? (if you are allowed to say?) These non-standard subjects are the ones giving me trouble in planning, and I don’t want to switch to CMEC if I will still have the same struggle next year 😅
Hey Jennifer!
Yes, there is brush drawing, chalk drawing, and more! They have wonderful art instruction guides and video lessons available!
Folksongs are under the "common subjects" and families do them at varying times. We have a block in our morning timetable that rotates between folksong, hymn, singing games, folk dances, and Swedish drill combinations! Some families include these things in their "morning time" or as an afternoon block activity (or even in the car!).
Hi Autumn, my children have been attending a Charlotte Mason private school last year and again this coming year, but because of finances might be coming home(not sure yet, depends on the school receiving grants). I feel really drawn to the CMEC and my question is, would it be worth getting the membership if only for the mother culture and community(even if my children are still in school)? Trying to decide while there is still time to join for the year, if that makes sense😆
Makes perfect sense! You will certainly deepen your knowledge as a mother-teacher (which is great for moms with kids in school too!). If you struggle to self-educate at a consistent pace, then the resource, Mother's Education course, and monthly conversations will give you steady pegs to keep learning with others! I don't think you'd regret it at all.
I'm very interested in the CMEC. How much would you estimate you need to spend on additional books, supplies, etc?
Are any books included in the yearly fee?
No books included in the yearly fee. For Form 1B, we spent about $1500 all in (eeeeeverything including our instrument rentals, lessons, books, supplies, etc etc.) but I'm not sure if that's to be expected every year and every child. (I only had one in formal lessons.)
Is the mother course included with the annual registration fee?
Yes! You just sign up at the beginning of the year when they open the "registration" for it.
Did you know Latin before you started homeschooling this year?
I took Latin in high school but remember very little! Typically, classical schools start Latin in second grade, but Mason-ers start in 5th-ish.
do you see yourself using the CMEC for the whole school time of all the children. I am really wanting to pursue CMEC for im thinking long term with lots of kids for the whole duration or the that time. it will cost me alot for just the membership not including all the books?
The fee is $300 per year per family so it doesn't matter how many kids you have!
I expect to be with them for a long time, yes.