Spreading the feast of the Charlotte Mason method of education through weekly podcasts. Join us for short discussions that provide information, examples, and encouragement to the homeschool parents putting CM's ideas into practice in their homes.
Charlotte Mason valued time and recognized its limitations. This Q&A episode considers three questions regarding time: use of scheduling cards to develop a timetable for multiple ages, how to handle a child who cannot tolerate book work for much time, and, last but not least, how a mother can possibly manage all her responsibilities in the time she has.
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“In home schoolrooms where there are children in A as well as in B, both forms may work together, doing the work of A or B as they are able, but more work must be expected from I [or II] A.” (N.B. 2 from the P.U.S. Programmes)
Charlotte Mason believed children are born persons and this podcast honors a very special person and her family. Liz Cottrill interviews Amy Fields, mother of a “full care child,” whose handicaps seem insurmountable but whose spirit is indomitable. Enjoy this interview to hear how Charlotte Mason’s method applies to a child the world would consider uneducable.
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[Amy and Cary Lynn]
“[T]he Bible, shows the deepest insight into what is peculiar to the children in their nature and estate. “Of such is the kingdom of heaven.” “Except ye become as little children ye shall in no case enter the kingdom of heaven.” “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” “And He called a little child, and set him in the midst.” Here is the Divine estimate of the child’s estate.” (1/11-12)
The subject of composition perplexes because Charlotte Mason required it and yet discouraged its instruction. How does a teacher abide by her principles and fulfill these requirements? This episode analyzes her principles of writing skill and instruction and traces its development through the forms.
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“In fact, lessons on ‘composition‘ should follow the model of that famous essay on “Snakes in Ireland”–“There are none.”…Our business is to provide children with material in their lessons, and, leave the handling of such material to themselves.” (1/247)
“[L]et us perceive that our relations with each other are the relations of spirit with spirit, and that spoken and written words are no more than the outward and visible signs of ideas spiritually conveyed…” (2/135)
“Before they are ten, children who have been in the habit of using books will write good, vigorous English with ease and freedom; that is, if they have not been hampered by instructions.” (1/247)
“The first buttercup in a child’s nature note book is shockingly crude, the sort of thing to scandalise a teacher of brush-drawing, but by and by another buttercup will appear with the delicate poise, uplift and radiance of the growing flower.” (6/217)
“‘Composition’ is never taught as a subject; well-taught children compose as well-bred children behave–by the light of nature.” (3/286)
Charlotte Mason left us her wisdom in her extensive writings, but this podcast episode specifically addresses the further wealth of information available through the CMDC–The Charlotte Mason Digital Collection. The ADE ladies explain how the preserved and archived documents and pictures from Miss Mason’s House of Education can aid, inspire, and clarify the practice of the principles. Listen for a detailed description of how you, too, can become a treasure hunter and bring past knowledge to enlighten your own understanding.
Charlotte Mason’s method is no exception: wherever truth is sown, misconceptions and myths are sure to proliferate alongside it. This month’s Q&A episode addresses some common questions arising from some of the myths that surround her.
