A week or two ago, after a particularly atrocious day with children and school, and life, I stayed awake much of the night pondering the idea of atmosphere in the home. As I've written before, the responsibility of the mother for this atmosphere can occasionally feel like a real drag. Sometimes it makes me want … Continue reading The Atmosphere a Child Breathes
Yelling Shakespeare
Several years ago while reading When Children Love to Learn, I remember coming across the words of Marion Berry. It was like a gust of fresh wind blowing into our homeschool when I came across her particular slant on Charlotte's method. I felt I could trust Marion's words, because they described in real life what … Continue reading Yelling Shakespeare
Spreading the Feast
One of my favorite things about the Charlotte Mason method is the way Charlotte valued all children; rich, poor, strong, weak, bright and dull. She believed in what she called "spreading the feast" for all children: reading the same rich books, studying the same art, enjoying Shakespeare, history, studying nature and science - all the … Continue reading Spreading the Feast
The First Week of School
School started last week. As usual, it was a bumpy start. I wasn't intending to write about it due to the horrifying nature of the entire week. But when I spent a few minutes writing notes about it (to make myself feel better about worse weeks in the future? To comfort myself that it couldn't … Continue reading The First Week of School
William Blake and the Unceasing Practice
As I read a William Blake biography this week, I was struck by a tiny quote of Blake's. Because of the wider truth of it, I have spent some time pondering. Thought I'd share. "Without Unceasing Practice nothing can be done. Practice is Art. If you leave off you are Lost." -William Blake I … Continue reading William Blake and the Unceasing Practice
The Living Education Retreat
Last week I had the privilege of flying hundreds of miles away to Iowa to attend the Living Education Retreat. (Yes, my husband is amazing for staying home with crazy people.) I knew it was going to be a relaxing trip when I got to the airport early, was the first in line at security, … Continue reading The Living Education Retreat
Why I Read L’Abri to my Children
Some books change you, and you can never go back to who you were. L'Abri was one of those books for me. By the time I was finished with it, I had a fresh understanding of the power of God, His faithfulness, and His love for me. I was humbled and grateful to have been … Continue reading Why I Read L’Abri to my Children
In Defense of the Charlotte Mason Husband
The longer I use the Charlotte Mason method, the more I love it. I think many of my Charlotte Mason friends feel similarly. This is truly an amazing method that just keeps on giving. And yet. There's a little issue that creeps up now and then in my life, and by what I observe around … Continue reading In Defense of the Charlotte Mason Husband
Parents and Children
Have you read Charlotte Mason's Second Volume, Parents and Children? Each time I begin a new book by Charlotte, I feel like I'm in for a big surprise! I began reading it with some friends last year, and we made it halfway through before taking a break. I picked it up again this fall, and … Continue reading Parents and Children
For the Children’s Sake
Sometimes I want to demystify the Charlotte Mason method for people who are curious! But there is so much here. How can I summarize this way of life into a short explanation?! I can't. It wouldn't do it justice. But I kind of like things like that. It reminds me of our faith. How do … Continue reading For the Children’s Sake
Eventide 