One of Charlotte Mason’s least discussed but most critical teachings is that of the Divine Life. It’s this foundational tenet that most powerfully permeates the words and works of Ms. Mason. She insists that the Lord is our children’s best and ultimate teacher, and her philosophy of education rests firmly on this truth. INSEPARABLE The concept of the Divine Life cannot be extracted from a true Charlotte Mason education; the two are inseparable. Therefore, Ms. Mason’s educational philosophy cannot be authentically employed in the homeschool apart from the Divine Life teachings. Ms. Mason believes it is our job as home educators to […]

One of Charlotte Mason’s key tenets was that of “letting alone, letting the children be.” Of giving them autonomy and allowing them to do what needs doing on their own initiative and in their own way—without our interference and prodding.  This, she insists, is what grows self-initiative—children who are self-motivated and find new interests to pursue on their own.  PRODDING Ms. Mason tells us,  “One of the features, the disastrous features, of modern society, is that in our laziness, we depend upon prodders and encourage a vast system of prodding…..What we must guard against in the training of children is […]

Character training may seem elusive and difficult to accomplish. Yet, Charlotte Mason gives us great insight into this most important aspect of a child’s education.  It’s quite simple, really.  Character training is a matter of conveying worthy ideas then allowing the Divine Life to work in the soul of the child.  It is this Divine Life that will build habits of right thinking that become habits of right doing.   Character is truly a matter of habits. Habits of thought and habits of deed.  You see, a child’s thinking shapes his temperament, which ultimately translates to behavior. LIVING IDEAS So what […]

A milestone birthday party, an anticipated performance, a treasured relative’s arrival.  That long awaited, saved up for vacation.  We enjoy the hustle and bustle of it all—the planning, the shopping, the excitement of getting everything ready!  But have you noticed our children tend to become high maintenance during these times?   Charlotte Mason tells us this is because,  “Nerve storms in the nursery are the probable result of the mother’s little ebullition of nervous energy.”  You see, our children catch our mood.  But instead of the excitement and motivation all the festivities give us, our children often feel overwhelmed and unhappy. […]