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A Handbook for Morning Time
This compact handbook will provide insights, tips, lists, and more to make your Morning Time as successful as possible.
INCLUDED IN THIS HANDBOOK:
• A Definition of Morning Time
• Specific Tips for Planning Your Morning Time
• Advice on Including Shakespeare and Plutarch
• Lists of Great Books, Poems, Hymns, and More
• Suggestions on How to Read & Memorize Scripture and Poetry Together
• And More!
INCLUDED IN THIS HANDBOOK:
• A Definition of Morning Time
• Specific Tips for Planning Your Morning Time
• Advice on Including Shakespeare and Plutarch
• Lists of Great Books, Poems, Hymns, and More
• Suggestions on How to Read & Memorize Scripture and Poetry Together
• And More!
112 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2016
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501 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
December 7, 2016
I read Cindy's blog for a lot of years - including her 31 Days to Morning Time as it was published - so I didn't find anything particularly new in A Handbook to Morning Time. It was an easy, comfortable read for me with Cindy's straightforward, down to earth, very simple explanations of the why and what and how she did during Morning Time at her house.
What I did find, though, were those all-important gentle re-minders, re-focusing, re-energizing words to stay in for the long haul, do what you know, stay to the worn paths that Cindy writes so beautifully. If there is such a thing as comfort food books for the Homeschool mom, this one was my warm blanket and cup of tea.
"Even though education is the training of the affections, it is often a future hope." (pg 63)
An echo from Mere Motherhood, but a sweet reminder that our children are persons and will be nourished on ideas in their - and God's - own time.
"As with most things it is better to do something than to read about doing it." (pg 72)
The opposite of my relationship with Pinterest LOL
"The first thing we must do is recognize that it is always going to be this way [a little chaotic]. For every idyllic morning there will be five okay mornings and three terrible ones. Here is where the plodding comes in. Here is where I assure you that plodding pays off. I am here to remind you to take the next step." (pg 94)
While we're on break it's easy to think of those ideal days and forget the impossible ones. Cindy grounds me, yet encourages me to keep on keeping on.
I've believed Cindy about poetry - which my public school self was exposed to very little - but my children adore. It has been, and continues to be, a staple in our Whatchamacallit - Circle Time, Morning Time, Morning Basket, Symposium. But, I loved the way she said it on page 40:
"In fact, when in doubt, err on the side of poetry."
Later, she enjoins us,
"Over the years I have come to prioritize the memorizing of Shakespeare over other poetry, just because it is rare tofind better meter or meaning. When in doubt, pick Shakespeare." (pg 67)
A Handbook to Morning Time is a short guide to Morning Time that will encourage and warm me while helping me get back on the right track in our homeschool. Because it is short, meaty, and re-energizing, it is a book I can see myself returning to year after year.
What I did find, though, were those all-important gentle re-minders, re-focusing, re-energizing words to stay in for the long haul, do what you know, stay to the worn paths that Cindy writes so beautifully. If there is such a thing as comfort food books for the Homeschool mom, this one was my warm blanket and cup of tea.
"Even though education is the training of the affections, it is often a future hope." (pg 63)
An echo from Mere Motherhood, but a sweet reminder that our children are persons and will be nourished on ideas in their - and God's - own time.
"As with most things it is better to do something than to read about doing it." (pg 72)
The opposite of my relationship with Pinterest LOL
"The first thing we must do is recognize that it is always going to be this way [a little chaotic]. For every idyllic morning there will be five okay mornings and three terrible ones. Here is where the plodding comes in. Here is where I assure you that plodding pays off. I am here to remind you to take the next step." (pg 94)
While we're on break it's easy to think of those ideal days and forget the impossible ones. Cindy grounds me, yet encourages me to keep on keeping on.
I've believed Cindy about poetry - which my public school self was exposed to very little - but my children adore. It has been, and continues to be, a staple in our Whatchamacallit - Circle Time, Morning Time, Morning Basket, Symposium. But, I loved the way she said it on page 40:
"In fact, when in doubt, err on the side of poetry."
Later, she enjoins us,
"Over the years I have come to prioritize the memorizing of Shakespeare over other poetry, just because it is rare tofind better meter or meaning. When in doubt, pick Shakespeare." (pg 67)
A Handbook to Morning Time is a short guide to Morning Time that will encourage and warm me while helping me get back on the right track in our homeschool. Because it is short, meaty, and re-energizing, it is a book I can see myself returning to year after year.
January 4, 2017
I find all of Cindy's writing and speaking practical, but this book was particularly so in a way that ensures I'll have it by my side as I'm planning my morning times for each term. I'm grateful for her specific book recommendations, candid admissions of imperfection, and frequent encouragement to carry on for "the long haul." My copy of this book is much underlined and dog-eared. I won't be loaning it out, get your own ;)
August 18, 2017
Well-organized in content, short and easy to implement, this little book makes me sad my youngest will be graduating in three years. If, like me, one hasn't had a lot of time reading Cindy's blog, then this book plots out Morning Time in structure and content, with plenty of suggested reading selections and hymns to get one started. This is a book I will keep and refer to often for the next three years!
December 15, 2016
This book seems short, but it is not lacking in content. Rollins lays out a concise, organized plan for successful morning times in your home, but reassures the readers that things will happen, and you won't always get it done (and that's okay!).
She shares specific examples, and writes in such a conversational tone that it almost feels like she is chatting with you over coffee, mentoring you as a seasoned homeschooler.
I couldn't put this book down. I closed the book and immediately starting thinking about how to implement many of her suggestions and ideas. I will return to this book again and again.
She shares specific examples, and writes in such a conversational tone that it almost feels like she is chatting with you over coffee, mentoring you as a seasoned homeschooler.
I couldn't put this book down. I closed the book and immediately starting thinking about how to implement many of her suggestions and ideas. I will return to this book again and again.
December 27, 2019
This book is excellent as a practical guide to Morning Time. Cindy Rollins inspired me to do Morning Time years before we officially started homeschooling, through a talk she gave via the Circe Institute. Now we are 5 years into our homeschool journey, and I’m so grateful that we have done this! Even my very ADHD student can sit for almost 45 minutes for our Morning Time (we started with 15 minutes and have worked up).
This book gave me more inspiration and practical tips. Thanks, Cindy!
This book gave me more inspiration and practical tips. Thanks, Cindy!
January 4, 2017
This is a great handbook for giving you ideas on what to do for your own morning time in homeschool. I wouldn't say it's a comprehensive, "all you'll ever need" guide, but it's certainly helpful to have specific examples of how an expert handled it. I'll take some/leave some of her ideas with my homeschooling, but overall I recommend it and feel it was well worth the $10 I paid for it.
February 9, 2018
So practical. Invaluable for thinking through, planning, and executing Morning Time in your homeschool.
February 13, 2017
Great companion to Mere Motherhood!
August 27, 2017
I recommend this small book as a companion to Mere Motherhood (read that one first). Then, if you want some practical advice on how to implement "Morning Time" in your home, this book will give you tips and lists and examples from Cindy's own morning time. This is not a comprehensive guide, but rather a description of what the author did in her own home over the years. As such, it provides inspiration and wise advice from an experienced veteran homeschooler.
I have one small piece of advice for mothers of young children reading this book. Pay attention to the fact that Cindy's practice of morning time was a process of years. It did not spring forth fully formed, but grew organically from small beginnings. She does mention this, but it is easy to lose sight of in the overwhelming volume of what is included in her examples. There is nothing wrong with starting with Scripture reading, a hymn, and a prayer at breakfast with your preschoolers, then adding some memory work half a year later, and poetry half a year after that. It will give you a base of habit that you can build on for years to come.
I have one small piece of advice for mothers of young children reading this book. Pay attention to the fact that Cindy's practice of morning time was a process of years. It did not spring forth fully formed, but grew organically from small beginnings. She does mention this, but it is easy to lose sight of in the overwhelming volume of what is included in her examples. There is nothing wrong with starting with Scripture reading, a hymn, and a prayer at breakfast with your preschoolers, then adding some memory work half a year later, and poetry half a year after that. It will give you a base of habit that you can build on for years to come.
January 3, 2017
Cindy Rollins is an amazing, thoughtful woman with years of homeschooling experience who is kind and generous to share her journey and wisdom with those of us still taking the journey. This small book is filled with all of the treasures on how to get started and keeping going with Morning Time in your home education with your children {and you too!}. If you are like me and have read many of her blog posts, listened to most of her podcasts and devoured Mere Motherhood, then you will just love this book! Thank you, Cindy, for helping me to make fill my boys with little bits of goodness each day!
August 11, 2018
A very practical and easy to follow handbook for establishing morning time/liturgy as a part of the homeschool day. The recommended lists of what to use and why is particularly helpful. Cindy Rollins is such a gem to the homeschooling community, and I greatly appreciate the wisdom and experience she shares in both this book and Mere Motherhood.
2nd reading - August 2018
Still a great resource, but I do think the book rather dry without an accompanying read of Mere Motherhood beforehand. MM sets the stage and gives the substance to AHFMT.
2nd reading - August 2018
Still a great resource, but I do think the book rather dry without an accompanying read of Mere Motherhood beforehand. MM sets the stage and gives the substance to AHFMT.
January 30, 2017
My favorite part of this book next to all the practical applications, are the authors thoughts on the liturgy of Morning Time. I practically copied the entire section in my commonplace journal.
I only wish I had found this book 10 years ago when I first begun my homeschool journey. Going forward I can see myself referencing her resource lists, as well as recommending this book to friends beginning the morning time journey.
I only wish I had found this book 10 years ago when I first begun my homeschool journey. Going forward I can see myself referencing her resource lists, as well as recommending this book to friends beginning the morning time journey.
May 25, 2019
If you homeschool and are at all interested in classical or Charlotte Mason education, this book is so helpful. It’s a very practical way to fit in those things that you never seem to get to... plus she included lists of great books, composers, poems, and even supplies. Such a great resource. I’ve already implemented a lot of her ideas. It’s incredibly practical and accessible and she was even kind enough to include schedules she used when homeschooling. I highly recommend this book.
July 23, 2019
Lots of good details of how Cindy did her Morning Time and lots of helpful resources to use. I just found her schedule somewhat confusing and not as clear as she made it seem. Maybe I am just missing something but it just wasn't clicking. I plan on taking a lot of elements from this and will likely use a lot of the resources she references (like anything for Shakespeare or Plutarch), but likely not the full schedule.
May 6, 2020
A wonderful resource for our family's morning time - Bible, hymns, memory work, poetry... I really appreciate Cindy Rollins and the other homeschool moms who have gone before us and can share their wisdom.
July 10, 2019
Love all the suggestions. Love the author.
December 14, 2019
Written for mothers, I read this because it’s quite similar to my own morning time. I got ideas for how I can incorporate a few new ideas along with my daily morning time.
March 27, 2022
Intended to just reread the parts on Shakespeare and Plutarch (since we’re adding those in next year) but ended up rereading the whole book! What a sweet encouragement!
September 24, 2019
Written in Cindy’s engaging style, this short book explains the how’s and whys of morning time. Most of the information I’ve already seen online but it was helpful to see it all in one concise book. The sample schedule wasn’t clear to me- what is new and what is review- and that was disappointing since it was something I was curious about. Especially liked the personal journal entries by Cindy about a real “day-in-the-life-of-morning-time”.
December 1, 2019
Very well organized. Full of high quality recommendations.
July 16, 2021
Super helpful morning time guide! It gave me lots of ideas to implement for this year and years to come! I borrowed, but will definitely purchase to reference.
March 10, 2017
It was a great refresher and reminder of the importance of morning times. I always appreciate what the author has to share, because she is insightful, as well as humble, in sharing her experiences. She has reinvigorated our poetry time in particular this time around.
July 9, 2017
This book was excellent, quick and exceedingly practical. It shows how morning time can be an amazing core to not only your children's education but your family life. Cindy is also incredibly honest and real which is so refreshing! I will continue to use this book as a resource for years to come!
January 7, 2017
Good description of what Morning Time is with helpful suggestions and lots of resources listed.
January 21, 2020
Such a handy resource! Thanks Cindy! We call our Morning Time “Together Time” instead cause it never manages to happen in the morning, but either way this book is a helpful resource to get your time together organized quickly and off to a great start. I have a 13 yr old and 10 yr old and we’ve only been doing Charlotte Mason education formally for the last 2 years. This book would have helped me out so much in the beginning but I’m optimistic we can still fit in all the lists before high school is done. We have a scripture box memory system as outlined in the Simply Charlotte Mason website, but I realize I really need to get the rest of these lists organized in a similar spaced repetition system in a binder. That would make things flow so much better. My kids do enjoy Together Time and I don’t see them wanting to quit it any time soon. Some of my favourite tips were to have kids do nature drawings from field guides during read aloud time (my kids already love this! I think my daughter would also enjoy this time to crochet) and also to have a Plan A and a Plan B list. We’ve been doing that for years and it works. Nice to hear realistic stats on how often the Plan B list is used. :) I constantly remind myself, even on the worst days when Plan B is used more often then not, my kids are still getting far and above a better education I ever had... (to the nth degree!!) and most importantly they are getting quality family time, and time to pursue creative and virtuous endevours that they wouldn’t have time for if they were in a brick and mortar school. I also loved the tips for grammar and Plutarch. I’ve been feeling very intimidated and have put off adding those to our Together Time, but with Cindy’s helpful tips it’s made those two seem a lot more accessible and doable.
August 31, 2019
Cindy Rollins is officially my new favorite.
Handbook for Morning Time showed up in my mailbox today, and I sat down and read the whole thing while the baby napped. I closed the book feeling inspired and excited to start the school year.
Oddly enough, I had cobbled together my own Morning Time with my girls last year that looked a great deal like Rollins' (minus the detailed record-keeping). I'm going to go ahead and assume that means that great minds think alike and confidently forge ahead. :)
But I have been inspired to add composers and artists and Plutarch (probably not all of them this year, since we're still in the pre-k to 1st grade range), to do more memorization, and to allow Morning Time to take up more of our school day. And possibly to create a more formal schedule and record what we've read, listened to, and memorized.
Handbook for Morning Time showed up in my mailbox today, and I sat down and read the whole thing while the baby napped. I closed the book feeling inspired and excited to start the school year.
Oddly enough, I had cobbled together my own Morning Time with my girls last year that looked a great deal like Rollins' (minus the detailed record-keeping). I'm going to go ahead and assume that means that great minds think alike and confidently forge ahead. :)
But I have been inspired to add composers and artists and Plutarch (probably not all of them this year, since we're still in the pre-k to 1st grade range), to do more memorization, and to allow Morning Time to take up more of our school day. And possibly to create a more formal schedule and record what we've read, listened to, and memorized.
December 18, 2018
I've had a morning time in our homeschool for even longer than I've actually been homeschooling since we started when Lucy was preschool/Kindergarten age. But as owe add new students and new challenge (babies and toddlers and complainers, oh my!), I needed some encouragement and inspiration and found it here. Much of it was familiar as I've listened to Cindy and even met her at a retreat where I was blessed to be able to talk morning time over a meal with her but it was still a good read and I'm sure I'll be referring to her lists (especially the recitation and poetry ones) as a resource for a long time. I've been working on refreshing our morning time binders and will be back at it after the holiday break!
October 1, 2024
Thoughtful and practical, Cindy welcomes you into the fold of putting your home education ideals into practice. I enjoyed it, and will probably refer to it as my kids progress in their education. I especially loved the suggestions for poetry, an area where I want to expand on my kids’ unexpected enthusiasm.
“I have heard it said that a genius is someone who makes connections that other people miss. The more connections a person can make between seemingly unlike things, the more the world opens up to them. Poetry is almost our only tool for teaching this kind of thinking. As your children hear and hear and hear poetry, they will gradually begin to make connections and think in metaphors. Thus, it is far more valuable to memorize poetry than to memorize lists of information. In fact, when in doubt, err on the side of poetry.”
“I have heard it said that a genius is someone who makes connections that other people miss. The more connections a person can make between seemingly unlike things, the more the world opens up to them. Poetry is almost our only tool for teaching this kind of thinking. As your children hear and hear and hear poetry, they will gradually begin to make connections and think in metaphors. Thus, it is far more valuable to memorize poetry than to memorize lists of information. In fact, when in doubt, err on the side of poetry.”
May 26, 2017
Trying reading this in conjunction with 'Teaching from Rest' by Sarah Mackenzie and you will be on the best footing to start Morning Time with your children.
Packed with titles of great literature, poetry and Scripture to inspire your Morning Time content, Cindy Rollins has decades of homeschool experience which she attempts to distill into this slim book for those of us who are still in thick of it.
An excellent resource full of wisdom and inspiration; one which will have you reaching for your pencil to highlight and send you off to the library or bookshop!
Packed with titles of great literature, poetry and Scripture to inspire your Morning Time content, Cindy Rollins has decades of homeschool experience which she attempts to distill into this slim book for those of us who are still in thick of it.
An excellent resource full of wisdom and inspiration; one which will have you reaching for your pencil to highlight and send you off to the library or bookshop!
January 25, 2019
Nice ideas and good book lists. I think I would like to get my own copy to highlight in. Her organization doesn't mesh with what I would like to do, but I appreciate the examples. A lot of the content was familiar to me from having listened to The Mason Jar podcast.
Edit: I think the following article is a great companion read to think about. My children are not yet old enough to start formal education, so I have time to explore how the lots of little bites that Cindy uses fit with the concept of multum non multa.
http://insideclassicaled.com/1461-2/
Edit: I think the following article is a great companion read to think about. My children are not yet old enough to start formal education, so I have time to explore how the lots of little bites that Cindy uses fit with the concept of multum non multa.
http://insideclassicaled.com/1461-2/
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