Kansas Dad and I don't often buy each other gifts, even for Christmas and birthdays, but on a date night he noticed me eyeing this book and deciding not to buy it. He snuck back to the bookstore and bought it for me. I hadn't wanted to spend so much money on a book about Charlotte Mason's philosophy of education because we are nearing the end of our homeschooling days.
I cannot tell you how glad I am Kansas Dad went back for it. This book is not only my favorite Charlotte Mason book ever, but honestly a book I think might be the best parenting book I've ever read. I now recommend this book repeatedly in my Charlotte Mason groups and think any new Charlotte Mason family should read it and Know and Tell as early in their homeschooling journey as possible.
The authors of this book are Orthodox, but their understanding of Charlotte Mason's philosophy and how it intersects with a life of faith is a Catholic one. Catholic readers will probably understand most of the religious references, more than Protestant ones, but I think the book is valuable for all Christians.
The authors believe there haven't been many books that clearly explain Charlotte Mason's ideas for modern readers. You can now easily find her original writings. One of my favorites to recommend is Karen Glass's Mind to Mind, in which she abridges Charlotte Mason's most important book, Towards a Philosophy of Education. There have actually been quite a few books written on Charlotte Mason's methods, most of which I've read, but I agree that Rose and Wolfe have done it more thoroughly and more beautifully than any of the others.
Modern society's methods and goals for education flow from and lead to a consumerist mentality that is completely at odds with the Christian ideas of the human person and the goals of a Godly life. The authors see Charlotte Mason's philosophy of education as an ideal alternative. In the first half of the book, they explain Charlotte Mason's philosophy of the human person and education. In the second half of the book, they show how that philosophy leads to methods we can employ as parents and educators. They also address some timely difficulties like the use of technology by our children and in our homes.
They spend a significant amount of time explaining the difference between the system of modern education, which the authors reject, and the "patterns for life" they have found in Charlotte Mason's philosophy shaped by their faith.
We want the instruction manual that tells us the exact steps to take, the exact books to read, the exact curriculum to use to produce the products that we want. That is precisely what Charlotte Mason refuses to give us. Instead, she models a slow, deliberate, and compelling way to think about our children, and this is why she differentiates between a 'system' of education and a 'method' of education. (pp. 17-18)
Charlotte Mason recognizes that children are "born persons." They have been created as unique individuals with the capacity to learn and grow. Honoring their dignity means the way of education is one of relationships and love.
As we focus on relationship, we also begin to understand that education happens from the inside out. The discovery and cultivation of relationships draws out of a person his or her own contribution to the connections formed; it brings out the music that always exists in the child as a unique person. A child's mind is the instrument of his education and as such is already functional. Our job, as parents and educators, is to help the child learn how to use this instrument to the best of his ability, how to keep it in tune, conforming to the pattern set forth for its use, all the while remembering the purpose of letting his particular melody sound forth. (p. 19)
One of the aspects I appreciate most about this book is the nuanced explanations and examples. They explain and model the ideal, but also encourage us to be compassionate with ourselves when we think we have failed.
There is a treasure in our hearts: the picture of a perfect homeschool day, the perfect homeschool week, the perfect homeschool year. It is precious and longed for. But it rarely, if ever, actually materializes. You must keep this in mind when you read these pages, or any parenting or education book for that matter. We are clay in the Potter's hands, not a finished project. And even when we are broken, He continues to work with us to His glory. (p. 156)
They also hold firm against the influencers and curriculum providers who lead us to believe their way is the best way for everyone. God has called us as individuals and families, and his will for our lives and those of our children may not be the same as his will for others.
Rose and Wolfe have an intimate and thorough understanding of Charlotte Mason's philosophy and methods. They admire her and show how we can follow Mason's precepts today, but they do not idolize her or take all of her statements as Truth. They have carefully considered every aspect and clearly articulate areas where Mason's understanding was incomplete or where we have simply learned more about how the world works and how to be in relationship with one another.
I whole-heartedly recommend this book. It's everything I ever wanted to say about Charlotte Mason and home education today.
I have received nothing in exchange for this post. Kansas Dad bought this book for me. Links to Amazon and Bookshop are affiliate links.
