Charlotte Mason-Inspired Online Literature Course for Teens

The last time we studied the Medieval Times, my kids were in the very beginning of Elementary. Those days were so precious. I look back on them and shake my head at how fast these ‘students’ of mine have grown up into mature young people. We had such fun doing hands-on things like crafts and dramatizations. We threw a huge Medieval Feast that year, invited grandparents and friends, and I dubbed them in to the next grade with a fake sword. We handed out medals and hung pictures of their accomplishments during our Kings and Queens unit study. We ate edible flowers and danced to ‘Greensleeves’ (which legend says was created by King Henry the 8th). They made their own butter… and even attempted to make chain maille out of pop tabs and wire. {That was ambitious. And really scratchy – even with an undershirt.}

Too bad all those fun learning experiments and activities don’t hold the interest of my BIG TEENAGERS any more. They still enjoy art and an activity or a field trip now and then, but they are much more social and deep-thinking now. Reading and discussion has replaced the finger paints and dress up clothes. Well… for the most part… until we get them in to Drama class and Mixed Media Art this year!

As for HISTORY (which becomes ever so important in the upper grades): We are finishing up our last bit of the ancient times before moving along to the Middle Ages next year. It seems like we’ve been stuck in Ancient History since it actually happened. I’m not sure we’ll be quite out of Rome by September, but we’re hoping – and doubling up on the rest of our assignments until then (we school year round).

A friend of mine online (Kat), who I have known since those early elementary days, and a friend of mine who I have met in real life (Dana) – one that has been part of a local co-op that we attended together in the past – contacted me and asked if we were interested in joining her Charlotte Mason-Inspired Online Literature Course for Teens (with a focus on British Literature of the Middle Ages).

I bet you can imagine that I jumped on that! Online, I can do! I wasn’t keen on adding another place to go outside the home since we’ll be doing an all-day academic co-op on Thursday this year, and participating in a couple of extra curricular evening activities as well.

I’m looking forward to having an online literature course to help keep us accountable with our historical reading – and to keep us moving through time at a faster rate than we’ve been going on our own.

My kids are just looking forward to the COOLNESS FACTOR: an online LIVE course with other kids and a different teacher. I’m trying not to take it personal. I think it will be great practice for online dual credit classes for college — which are in our near future since my kids are doing 9th and 10th Grade work this year.

Because of how thankful I was that a class like this existed – it’s almost too good to be true – I offered to post about the class online for my friends, Dana and Kat. I’m sure there are others out there who have tweens and teens (kids reading on a middle or high school level) who are interested in taking a once-a-week Medieval Literature class this year with us online (it qualifies as a high school level British Lit credit).

Here are more details about the class:

What? Middle Ages Literature

Who? The Instructor is Kat Patrick: PhD in literature, with teaching experience at the university and secondary levels, homeschooling mom of 4, residing in England, currently an examiner in English for the prestigious Cambridge International Examinations Board. Oh, and by the way, she’s a native Texan – even if she’s lived in England for 20 years. {This class will look swanky on your child’s portfolio or transcript, trust me.}

Where? Online {No gas money necessary}

When? Tues’s, 2-3pm CST

Texts? Beowulf, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Chaucer, York Mystery Plays, Ivanhoe, The Once and Future King, and Idylls of the King (other period books will be listed as optional additions, see the website linked below for more info)

Details? Non-graded, no writing assigned (but you can assign your own), discussion based, requires headset with microphone and laptop or desktop computer and general computer, social and typing skills

Cost? $120 for a year-long course (30 sessions)

Deadline? enrollment deadline is Aug 15, with a $25 late fee charged after that, space permitting

Payment Plan? In full or via 2 payments of $45 (due by Sept. 1 and Oct. 1) plus non-refundable registration fee of $30 (to hold spot in class before Aug. 15)

Withdrawal Policy? Tuition less fees will be refunded prior to Oct. 1 drop out

Sibling Discount? 50% discount on additional sibling tuition fees

If that isn’t enough information for you, check out the neat website they have put together — CM Live!

It looks like they will eventually offer other classes someday (they are even open to people joining up to help teach – if you are interested and skilled in something you want to share), so hop over to their CM Live! Facebook Page and show them some support as they (and their students) “take flight“!

Leave me a note on my comments section if you want to join the class and would rather talk directly to Dana. I can hook you both up on email.

I hope you will join us!

Hurry and get your spot before the class fills up to max capacity!

I’m so excited about this school year. It’s coming together beautifully. God has placed so many interesting things in our path!

{ I’m not skeered of no high school. }

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Disclaimer: This post might be sponsored by CM Live! (if I can get enough people to sign up, they might comp me some tuition) — so please, by all means, tell them I sent you!