Create a Mother Culture Basket
Another school year has begun, and I am so thankful that we are getting into the rhythm of a new year. This includes having a good morning time for myself. I want to be reading the Bible in the morning, and I want to be reading other books that I have on my list to read, so I put together a mother culture basket and schedule for myself so I can complete these. It is all ready to go when I get up in the morning, or when I have a quiet moment to myself throughout the day.
“Mothers work wonders once they are convinced that wonders are demanded of them.”
– Charlotte Mason
I decided to put together this mother culture basket after I saw how helpful having boxes and baskets put together for my children has been. I thoughtfully curated books and handiwork and supplies for them, so why not for myself? This method works best for my personality because I really despise looking for things all the time! Everything in one neat, tidy spot to grab when needed is helpful.
Another reason I decided to put together a mother culture basket for myself is that I want to be a life-long learner. I want my children see me read my Bible and other books, and sometimes it’s hard to make that things happen without a plan of action. This basket is my plan of action!
How Do You Choose What to Include in Your Mother Culture Basket?
Sometimes it is hard to get started when you don’t know where to start. I really wanted to diversify my readings, and I wanted to finally read some of the books I had been collecting and hadn’t had time to read. I am sure no one else does that, right?! So start there! Start with that pile of books that you really want to get read but haven’t had the time yet. You don’t even have to start with 5 books. Maybe just start with one book and your Bible. Read those every day for 5 minutes each. It really adds up over time!
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How to use a Mother Culture Basket?
This question will have to be answered by each individual, but I will tell how I use mine. Ideally, I would look at my schedule the night before and grab the things I need from it and go put those things by my chair where I usually have my morning coffee. That way I do not have to think in the morning, and everything is waiting on me.
I will read my Bible and then I usually shoot for reading about 2-3 pages of whatever book I have planned for that day. I want to be clear that I am not reading for an hour each morning. That isn’t realistic for me. One thing that I have discovered is that I really can get through books by taking small bites every week.
Another thing I have noticed is that once I get into the book in the morning, I am more likely to want to pick it back up in the afternoon. So instead of scrolling on social media as long as I usually do, I leave my book out and grab it instead.
I also have my knitting to grab when the kids and I listen to an audiobook. Or maybe I know we will be sitting in the car for a bit that day, I can grab something from my basket quickly. These tips help me get the most use out of my mother culture basket.
What is in my Mother Culture Basket?
- My Bible
- Reading Schedule : This helps my decision fatigue, especially in the morning.
- Selected passage for memorizing
- All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot
- Home Education by Charlotte Mason
- Mama Bear Apologetics by Hillary Morgan Ferrer
- For the Family’s Sake by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay
- Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin
- My Commonplace Book
- A prayer journal
- Extra notebooks, just in case
- A handicraft, such as a little bag with knitting supplies. This is a little washcloth I am knitting.
- A pouch for pens, bookmarks, and other supplies.
- And, of course, a basket. This basket is a Longaberger basket that I thrifted. It is sturdy and aesthetically pleasing as I move it around the house, searching for cozy spots.
- I also chose Persuasion by Jane Austen to listen to on audiobook. This is a longer read and I knew it would be better for me on audio.
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And that’s it! That’s how I plan out my reading life! I am not perfect at this at all, but I find that I read more this way than if I didn’t have a plan in place!
I hope this resource blesses you and your family this year!
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