Homeschool Evolution: Part I
Dear Mama,
“Education is an atmosphere, a discipline, a life.”
- Charlotte Mason
Over the past year, our homeschool has evolved a lot. Through trial and error, we have had to make several changes. Today, I’m going to share how our homeschool has evolved using Charlotte Mason’s pillars of education.
1. Atmosphere
When we say that “education is an atmosphere,” we do not mean that a child should be isolated in what may be called a ‘child-environment’ especially adapted and prepared, but that we should take into account the educational value of his natural home atmosphere, both as regards persons and things, and should let him live freely among his proper conditions. It stultifies a child to bring down his world to the child’s level.
-Charlotte Mason
The atmosphere I want for our home and homeschool is one that is filled with God’s love. Every day we begin with the Bible, prayer, and a hymn. It’s a way to set our minds on what is true, good, and beautiful.
As a result, I have seen us grow closer together and become more patient with each other. I have become a more gentle parent. I’m not perfect, but I love seeing the transformation.
2. Discipline
By “education is a discipline,” we mean the discipline of habits, formed definitely and thoughtfully, whether habits of mind or body. Physiologists tell us of the adaptation of brain structures to habitual lines of thought, i.e., to our habits.
-Charlotte Mason
Our routine has changed a lot since the first day of school. My goal was to develop a gentle rhythm. I had to scale back because I was doing too much, and it was overwhelming for all of us. In addition to that, I learned that learning from living books wasn’t my daughter’s favorite way of learning, so I had to change that part, too.
3. Life
In saying that “education is a life,” the need of intellectual and moral as well as of physical sustenance is implied. The mind feeds on ideas, and therefore children should have a generous curriculum.
-Charlotte Mason
One of Charlotte Mason’s goals, and my goal, is to help our children become lifelong learners. Because this was my first official homeschool year, there was a lot of learning. Not all methods are as captivating for our children. So we had to test a couple of methods before we found the one that worked for us. In doing so, my hope is that my children will develop a love for learning.
All in all, I do believe that regardless of what pedagogy you decide to go with, Charlotte’s Mason framework of education works well for everyone who wants to point their child towards what is True, Good, and Beautiful.
What educational framework do you use?
Warmly,
Mirley
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