Emily Kiser of Living Books Library describes the purpose for this podcast series. Each of the three members of this discussion group introduces herself and explains how she became a homeschooling mother. Since the goal of this series is to explore the ideas of Charlotte Mason, each mother also shares how she became interested in Mason’s educational method. Finally, a discussion of why schooling with a philosophical outlook is crucial ensues.
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“But knowledge is delectable.” (Towards a Philosophy of Education, pg. 89)
“We spread an abundant and delicate feast…all sit down to the same feast and each one gets according to his needs and powers.” (Towards a Philosophy of Education, pg. 183)
“There are four means of destroying the desire for knowledge:––
(a) Too many oral lessons, which offer knowledge in a diluted form, and do not leave the child free to deal with it.
(b) Lectures, for which the teacher collects, arranges, and illustrates matter from various sources; these often offer knowledge in too condensed and ready prepared a form.
(c) Text-books compressed and recompressed from the big book of the big man.
(d) The use of emulation and ambition as incentives to learning in place of the adequate desire for,and delight in, knowledge.” (School Education, pg. 214)
“The reader will say with truth,–‘I knew all this before and have always acted more or less on these principles’ and I can only point to the unusual results we obtain through adhering not ‘more or less’ but strictly to the principles and practices I have indicated.” (Towards a Philosophy of Education, pg. 19)
If you would like to study along with us, here are some passages from The Home Education Series and other Parent’s Review articles that would be helpful for this episode’s topic. You may also read the series online here, or get the free Kindle version from Fisher Academy.
The Preface to the Home Education Series, found at the beginning of each volume
An Educational Manifesto, (PR Article)
Home Education Series, Charlotte Mason’s 6-Volume Series of her educational philosophy–two editions are currently in print that we can recommend:
Audio versions of some of the volumes are available through Living Books Library
(Contains affiliate links)
www.sabbathmoodhomeschool.com Nicole Williams’ blog where you can find ideas for teaching living science as well as information on how to schedule your Charlotte Mason lessons
www.livingbookslibrary.com The blog and website for Living Books Library–lots of living book recommendations, hints on developing a reading culture in your home as well as audio versions of Charlotte Mason’s Home Education Series and living books for sale
Picture Study Portfolios A complete resource for Picture Study written by Emily Kiser–instructions on how to teach picture study, an artist biography, eight full-page laminated art prints, and notes on each painting
It was such a delight to listen to this conversation and learn a bit more about the history of how you each came to embrace CM's philosophy. I immediately felt at home when the podcast began as I listened to what just had to be Grace playing piano for the intro (and conclusion). Right? I very much look forward to future episodes. I believe this will be a wonderful gift to the CM community. Thank you!
Thank you for taking the time to share with us. I look forward to joining in more conversations.
-Blossom
Yes, Dawn, it is Grace who plays our music for the podcast! Thank you for your encouragement.
I can tell this is going to be so refreshing! Hearing from those that are paving the path before us a bit! 🙂 Liz – I did not know that you had 6 children! That is so neat! I feel that a bigger family does add some unique challenges (and blessings!) to ones CM journey and I look forward to hearing all that you three have to share!
Pleased to know that you are bringing this to those who want to pursue a CM education at home! Always blessed,
Becca<><
"Without a philosophy, you flounder." "It's hard to even get up in the morning if you don't know why." Thank you, Liz Cotrill! So very true.
~Kay Pelham
I was also that mom who wanted to home school but was overwhelmed by it. I literally thought if you wanted to home school everyone did it the same way. I had NO idea what was in store when my oldest was getting ready for Kindergarten. He stayed in the brick and mortar public school until we moved to a district that has an awful Special Education department. I pulled him halfway through 2nd grade. Home schooled him as best I knew at the time for 2 years and then he started online public school. He is doing that again this year for sure while I research more on CM and start implementing her methods with my younger two. THANK YOU so much for this podcast! Between this and FB, I don’t feel alone learning all this stuff! 🙂
We are happy the podcast is helping you to see new possibilities. You don’t have to wait to “understand it all” to begin. Keep listening and learning.
We’ve been home educating for a while with a different approach that worked well for the earlier period, but not so much now. It left me floundering and not wanting to get up in a morning as you stated as I had no idea why we were doing what we were doing, where we were headed or what the point even was any more. We’ve been more attracted to a CM approach and have been implementing her principles and life is starting to calm down and our home is becoming more peaceful once more. I really enjoyed this; thank you.
Sarah,
We are glad to hear you enjoyed this episode and are learning the importance of having a philosophy behind the teaching.
Liz