A Delectable Education podcast on the Charlotte Mason method answers frequently asked listener questions in this episode: what if my child hates to narrate? where and how do I begin habit training? how do I challenge my gifted child?
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“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.” (Principle #7)
“It is possible to sow a great idea lightly and casually and perhaps this sort of sowing should be rare and casual because if a child detect a definite purpose in his mentor he is apt to stiffen himself against it.” (Vol. 6, p. 102)
“Let me add that the appeal of these principles and this method is not to the clever child only but to the average and even to the ‘backward’ child; indeed we have had several marked successes with backward children. Just as we all partake of that banquet which is ‘Shakespeare’ according to our needs and desires, so do the children behave at the ample board set before them; there is enough to satisfy the keenest intelligence while the dullest child is sustained through his own willing effort.” (Vol. 6, p. 245)
“Lack of proportion should be our bête noire in drawing up a curriculum, remembering that the mathematician who knows little of the history of his own country or that of any other, is sparsely educated at the best.” (Vol. 6, p. 232)
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So glad you posted Chesterton!
On the first question you mentioned asking yourself if this child is resistant to everything right now. I have one of those. The discussion focused more on the child resisting narration. Do you have anything to add about the child that is resisting everything. I have listened to all of the preceding episodes and loved the podcast on the will but still am just not seeing much progress with this child.
Thanks!
Catherine,
If you have listened to all previous episodes, perhaps you could jump forward to our episodes on “authority and docility”–a three part series addressing this vital relationship between parent, child, and God. I have had a couple particularly “resistant” children and often find that I have to examine my own heart to see where I am resisting God’s authority in my own life, or His plan for this very child. Prayer helps us to get our own heart right and get a view of God’s perspective of this child. We are to provide an atmosphere of abundant love, joyfulness, peace, and encouragement to surround our children. Would your child characterize your attitude as demonstrating these characteristics? Children are the sandpaper God uses to rub our own characters.
Liz