February 2012

The Order of Bringing Up Children

Maryellen St. Cyr's picture

Submitted by Maryellen St. Cyr on

The Order of Bringing Up Children

We often distinguish the order of things by considering the importance of their ends.

I’m reminded of a story that a colleague shared. One of her first-grade students had already identified the end of education. He announced, all in one breath: “We-go-to-school-to-get-good-education-to-go-to-a-good-university-to-get-a-good-job-to-make-good-money!” 

Ideas to Ponder

Maryellen St. Cyr's picture

Submitted by Maryellen St. Cyr on

Ideas to Ponder was written by an Ambleside Teacher

At Ambleside we often discuss our “paradigm shift’: from textbooks, grades, and stickers to “living books,” “narrations,” and “habits.” It’s difficult, for many of us. We’re not just learning about a method of education; we’re learning again how to learn. Often I hear a parent say, “I’m glad my kids are getting this kind of education.” You ought to be glad. I would know. I was one of them.

The Holy Spirit is Our Teacher

Submitted by McBeth on

One of the most encouraging facts that Charlotte Mason draws out about education is that the Holy Spirit is our teacher.  All knowledge is revealed by God to human minds.  I believe this, but instinctively I find myself thinking that I need to "dress up" the well-chosen text with some creative sparks of my own.  I check this instinct and remind myself that a well-chosen text will carry with it ideas that will nourish my students' minds without any extra table decorations by me.  In fact, my "clever" decorations really would only get in the way between the text and the Teacher.