Reading Journal: A Philosophy of Education by Charlotte Mason

Book Description:

Towards a Philosophy of Education is Charlotte Mason's final book in her Homeschooling Series, written after years of seeing her approach in action. This volume gives the best overview of her philosophy, and includes the final version of her 20 Principles. This book is particularly directed to parents of older children, about ages 12 and up, but is a valuable overview for parents of younger children as well. Part I develops and discusses her 20 principles; Part II discusses the practical application of her theories.

My thoughts:
I am very drawn to Charlotte Mason's educational methods and have read quite a few books that have discussed the how and why. I read the first two books in her series, Home Education and Parents and Children many years ago and only got around to picking up A Philosophy of Education.

I am going to admit right off that I felt waaay over my head while reading this book. It was a tough read. I have seen many recommendations to start this book first, but for me I think I needed to refresh what I had read in her earlier works and then read Vol. 3 - School Education to help give me a better basis for this book. That being said there were some parts I really enjoyed and learned from.

Chapter 10 deals with the curriculum which she says:

Of the three sorts of knowledge proper to a child, the knowledge of God, of man, and of the universe,––the knowledge of God ranks first in importance, is indispensable, and most happy-making. p.158

She then talks about the knowledge of man which includes history, literature, citizenship, composition, languages, and art. Thirdly she lists the knowledge of the universe which includes science, geography, mathematics, and physical development. She then talks about how the a liberal education looks in elementary and secondary education. I was drawn to this since these are reasons that really resonate with me and why I am drawn to a Charlotte Mason education.

When I was done reading I headed over to Ordo Amoris and read her thoughts that Cindy Rollins has posted on The Philosophy of Education, which are way deeper and make much more sense than my poor mind has made out of this book. This is a book that will go back on my re-read list and hopefully I can come away with a deeper understanding.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Tradition in our home is handmade Valentine's Day cards from Mom (and Dad), a book, and a bag of candy. Here is this year's cards.

Delani's card & books: 

Chantry's card & book:

 

Destini's card & book: 

Caleb's card & book:




Shade's card

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesday is hosted by Should be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
•Grab your current read
•Open to a random page
•Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
•BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
•Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!



Pride And Predator (Ben Reese Mystery series) by Sally Wright

His right hand touched the metal bar. And two hundred and twenty volts shot through him. p. 131

History with Living Books (The Subject I Enjoy Teaching Most)

I am fascinated with history and my favorite way to learn history doesn't even require the breaking out a teacher's manual, worksheets, or craft supplies, but rather with books...not any book, but living books. The best part is you aren't limited to just use of one particular book, but can also include biographies and historical fiction. Charlotte Mason says:

Education is the Science of Relations; that is, that a child has natural relations with a vast number of things and thoughts: so we must train him upon physical exercises, nature, handicrafts, science and art, and upon many living books... - (Preface to Home Education Series)

One more thing is of vital importance; children must have books, living books; the best are not too good for them; anything less than the best is not good enough; and if it is needful to exercise economy, let go everything that belongs to soft and luxurious living before letting go the duty of supplying the books, and the frequent changes of books, which are necessary for the constant stimulation of the child's intellectual life. - Charlotte Mason (School Education, p. 280)

Spine books we are currently using.

So how does history with living books look like in our house? We rely on three kinds of living books. The first is a spine book which present a certain time period. Personally, I think these can be hard to find (especially in the the high school years), but you can also just use the table of contents to plan out your history course for your school. Since we follow Ambleside Online in the younger years we use their suggestions. Out of all the books we have used the Genevieve Foster books rank the highest.

   Genevieve Foster books which are great favorites in our house.  

Biographies we have used or will use.

The second type of book that we like to include are biographies. Biographies are a great way to learn about a person and the time period in which he lived. Again, this particular type of book can be dry as dust so you have to look for the 'living' stories. Thankfully, there are a lot of great sources for finding them.

 

 Historical fiction that has been used or will be used.

The last type of book we use, and my personal favorite one, is historical fiction. These books tend to have the kids sneaking ahead in their reading to see what is going to happen, or if you're reading aloud they are begging for "one more chapter." Not only can historical fiction be exciting, but it it is exciting to me as a mom to see my kids being able to put in story in it's historical time frame or to connect-the-dots so to speak.

With our use of 'living books' for history we implement oral and written narrations to help them retain and understand the material. You could also do notebooking or lapbooking as a means of retention. Timelines are also another way to record information and helps a child see the bigger picture.

One last thing I want to mention is that sometimes a book that is highly recommended may not be the best choice for your student. Don't be afraid to look for the right book for your child. There are so many great resources for books available that there should be something to will fit your needs. (I am still looking for a better American History spine book. Any recommendations?) Also, though don't be hesitant to look in newer books that have been written. Every once in a while I do come across a book written in the last few years that fits the 'living book' category and jot it down to use when the time comes.

History is a favorite subject both for mom and kids, which I think is a testimony to the power of 'living books'!

Recommended resources:

Ambleside Online

Simply Charlotte Mason Bookfinder

All Through the Ages by Christine Miller
TruthQuest History Guides
Foster Quintet Package

I am participating in The TOS Blog Cruise. Click the box to see what other's enjoy teaching.

Happy Birthday, Shade!!

Delani's gift - A Hershey's Nugget

I am a little late in posting this birthday greeting due to church and everything else that goes with it. Today is my wonderful husband's birthday. I am grateful for all of his hard work he puts in at his job and the church he pastors. He also is a great father and a loving husband!

We love you, Shade (& Daddy)!

Working on his birthday!

The Homeschool Mother's Journal: Our Week in Review

1. Destini finished one math book and started a new one.
2. Delani with all the things that came for TouchMath that we'll be reviewing.
3. Dad reading history to Chantry and Destini.

In my life this week…
Another pretty normal week, though it just felt tough and a little overwhelming. I'm not sure why, but I seemed to fight these feeling all week.

On Tuesday I attended my homeschool mom's meeting and they had a panel discussing homeschooling in the high school. Even though I have a slight inkling of what I'm doing with Caleb, I did learn some things that I think are going help his work load. Have I ever mentioned I love my homeschool mom's group? Well, I do! Amazing woman, amazing advice, amazing fellowship, and I could go on and on.

In our homeschool this week…
The big news this week is that Destini finished Math U See Epsilon and started Zeta (1). Yeah!!!

Last week Destini and Chantry had a week off of science so this week we picked back up in Apologia Zoology 3 with the chapter on Order Artiodactyla (even-toed hoofed animals). We are also reading through The Burgess Animal Book for Children which has blends nicely with the Apologia book. We even got dad involved a little bit this week in history when he arrived home a little early (3).

We also finished reading Peter Duck by Arthur Ransome as a read aloud. Read what we thought about it here.

Caleb finished All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Marie Remarque and is now heading into Great American Short Stories.

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…
If your new to homeschooling or have a child entering high-school get to know others who have been there and done that. I know there is a lot of good material out that is available to buy or read online, but I think the most useful information I've learned have been from those I know personally can show me how it looked especially for our state.

I am inspired by…
Another scripture--this one from Psalms 73:25-26

Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.
My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

• Caleb went to art class and to the dermatologist all in the same day.
• Destini had piano lessons.
• Today we headed down for gym time and I somehow missed the memo, so we ended up heading to Portland earlier than planned to meet with Shade to have an early birthday celebration for Shade at Famous Dave's. (5)

1. Red Velvet Cookies 2. Shade's early birthday dinner.
6. Refilling the bird feeders for our little pigs (oh, I mean birds) that visit.
7. Chantry showing me his unique way to fold a shirt.

My favorite thing this week was…
We received a package this week for review from TouchMath. I laid the box in the chair and you can see for yourself what it read:

 

Destini said, "Mom, umm, what is OuchMath? That is a terrible name for a math program."

I had to turn the box around to show it said 'TouchMath' not 'OuchMath'.

What’s working/not working for us…
Umm, dare I say phonics using the Logic of English. Not that it isn't working, but it just seem like a heavy cloud hanging over Chantry and me. I think next week I'm going to pull out the Rod and Staff Spelling with Sound and Structure and take a break for awhile. If that doesn't work I may just have him start dictation.

Things I’m working on…
I did some work on some upcoming blog posts, but I didn't get as much done around the house as I would have liked. I think my sewing is a lost cause right now. Easter will be here before I know it and I do want to make the girls something for that. Oh well, there is always next week.

I’m reading…


I’m cooking…

• Pizza night again
• Quesdilla's
• Banana bread & muffins
• Red Velvet Cookies which I made for our homeschool mom's meeting.

While I was making these Delani told me she was hoping "they don't like my cooking." When I asked her why she said, "So you can bring it home." And due to a low attendance, I did have quite a few that came home. My kid's were thrilled!!

I’m grateful for…
God's healing touch.

I’m praying for…
A close friend who is in a lot of pain.

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…
My little girl and her daddy showing off their beautiful brown eyes.

I am linking up at: