Why I Value A Charlotte Mason Philosophy

Charlotte Mason predominantly believed in the over-all ' training ' of a child, educating the whole child, and how to parent children positively. However, the main goal that she desired to accomplish ... is to never stray far from spiritual matters. This is what gave her hope, life's method and purpose. Miss Mason taught us that we, as educators of our children, need to follow the Holy Spirit's leading in all the we do, say, hear and teach. Charlotte Mason once said that "such a recognition of the work of the Holy Spirit as the educator of mankind, in things intellectual as well as moral and spiritual things, gives us new thoughts of God, new hopes of Heaven, a sense of harmony in our efforts and of acceptance of all that we are."

Charlotte Mason lived in a time during the late 1800s when children were not really considered as ' whole persons. " Children were more accepted if they were seen, but not heard. They were taught to speak only when spoken to. They had no more rights than a stray dog might have. Poor children were considered an even lower class than that.

I believe that this was very saddening to her. Miss Mason believed that children were special, real people, with their own thoughts and feelings, and whom were worthy of being heard from. She herself desired to hear what those thoughts might be. To teach them that there is indeed a living God who made them. That this living God does not consider them to be worthless mistakes.

This is what motivated Charlotte Mason to be the person she desired and succeeded in being. Her passion for the Lord, life, and children. This is what prompted the philosophy that she strived for during her lifetime. What better reason to base your philosophy of education on, than this?

If you would enjoy learning more about Charlotte Mason's philosophy of education, and many other things, then grab a cup of tea, find a comfy chair, and enjoy this website to learn more. http://www.charlottemasonmadeeasy.com

Article by Kelly Benedict, the longtime homeschooler of 17 + years, wife, Mama of 9 and grandmother of 6 (so far), dog breeder and writer.

Creating Worthwhile Habits

When you think of the word "habit," what do you think of? Did you realize that if you look up the word "habit" in the dictionary, there are precisely 11 different definitions for that word alone? Well I want to talk to you about a specific kind of "habit." The kind of "habit" that Charlotte Mason refers to in her teachings.

What is the exact definition of a Charlotte Mason "habit?" If you look it up at Dictionary.com, it says this ... "an acquired behavior pattern regularly until it has followed.now PokerRoom.com become almost involuntary."

So, just how to we obtain these wonderful "habits" that Charlotte Mason talks of? Well obviously, from reading what Miss Mason says, it is going to take some hard work, but also, the earlier in our child's lives that we get started initiating good habits, the more beneficial it will be to us over all. I do not believe that Miss Mason felt, by any means, that it is ever "too late" to accomplish a new or better habit at any age or stage of life pages.though. However, it is something that has to be worked on, and not just once, but over and over, and over until it is engrained in our minds and actions. In fact, Miss Mason believes that to truly have a habit engrained in to your life, you must focus on one habit at a time, and focus on it for six to eight weeks at best. Then, go on to the next habit, and the next and the next.

Now sit back and think to yourself ... what habits have you already engrained into your children that you are pleased with? Don't concentrate on the negative ones yet, but just the an admirable ones. Start out positively and think of which ones your children already know. Here are a few that we are pleased that our children have learned.

1. They know how to clean, run and manage a home.
2. How to care for children of all ages.
3. How to pay their bills and manage their money wisely.
4. To care for animals of all kinds, and to do the best for them by supplying their needs.

Now what might be some that you desire to ingrain in your children? Traits like immediate obedience, being habitually truthful, not goofing around when you've asked them to do something, or even something as simple as brushing their teeth not only before bed every night, but also every morning after breakfast?

To learn more about Miss Mason and the habit formations that she speaks of, these sites will tremendously help learn just how to go about this.

http://www.charlottemasonmadeeasy.com. Take the time to learn for yourself, and then begin applying these new habits right away.

"Article by Kelly Benedict, the longtime homeschooler of 17 + years, wife, Mama of 9 and grandmother of 6 (so far), dog breeder and writer.