What is a Charlotte Mason Education?
I was very privileged to be at a talk a few weeks ago by Bill and
Mary-Ellen St Cyr from the Ambleside School in Fredericksburg. They
reminded me of the many things I had forgotten about from my readings
of the Original Homeschooling Series. I realized that it is easier to
grab for the nearest book or curriculum to "teach" my children instead
of patiently waiting on the Holy Spirit to say "move here" or "train
them in this." Thus began the recommitment of our homeschool to His
purposes. I also have been encouraged to read Charlotte's books again.
Its hard going, I find I need to untrain my brain from all the things
people say about her and actually listen to her heart.
One
thing that I thought I would highlight to you, and myself, is that no
curriculum or product can give your children the education that she
sought for her students. Yes, they can give the elements of good books,
living ideas, narration and to some degree the relationship with your
child's subjects. But her way is about helping and mentoring children
to grow into the best adults they can be. To live a full life according
to His purpose - "living well". She also saw to it (and pursued it
intensely) that a child does not learn for the sake of performance, but
for the love of knowledge. Our role is to give the children an array of
relationships with knowledge and then move out of the way for them to
pursue it.
This is the Atmosphere she talks about in the schools
motto. A place where there is no competition or stars for good work,
and where it is OK to make mistakes. Remember we want them to love
learning, not performing. "The parent sets the peaceful high
expectational atmosphere" (Bill St Cyr)
Another thing a curriculum cannot give is the training in habits. The St Cyr's highlighted a few:
Intellectual Habits:
Attention
Completion
Perfect execution
Creativity
Remembering
Moral Habits
Kindness
Truth
Respect
Personal Habits
Self care
Hygiene
Chores etc.
The
thing that I keep coming back to in my thoughts is this "idea life". I
see our role as one to introduce the idea with the Holy Spirit's
leading (through books, experience and others) and for Him to help the
child assimilate it. An example from my own life: a year ago we looked
at planes in great depth. We read about the Wright Brothers and Louis
Blerriot. Made kites...This soon became our oldest son's passion. Today
at my husband’s uncle's funeral, our son Jonathan connected with my
husband’s cousin who is a pilot. It was so Holy Spirit led as they were
together in a common passion.
Therefore...let us make sure we
look in the right place for the Charlotte Mason philosophy. She is
about more that living books and all the other things mentioned. She is
pointing us all towards a deeper and more personal relationship with
our Heavenly Father and His Helper.
About the Author
Wendy Young of www.homeschool-curriculum-for-life.com is the mom to 4 blessings ranging in age from 12 - 5. They have always been homeschooled. She has been married for 17 years and seeks to serve God in her marriage, family and home.
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