Charlotte Mason was a woman before her time. A British educator during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, she dedicated her life to the education of children, and to the training and education of parents and teachers. She developed a Philosophy of Education over a 30-year period which was radically different from the educational model of her time.
Charlotte Mason valued Children as Persons, fully formed individuals, who All had the capability to learn, regardless of their class status. She stated that, “A Child is a person in whom all possibilities are present.” (Volume 2, Parents and Children). She believed that every child has genius inside of them; it simply needs to be nourished by ideas. This belief formed the basis for her Educational Philosophy.
Regarding the individuality and class distinctions of the child, Miss Mason emphasized that, “It is necessary to individualize and say, this part of education is the most important for this child.” (v2). Thus a Charlotte Mason education is for any person in any setting, and should be individualized to fit the child. Our current educational system of IEP’s and 504’s and ‘social emotional’ distinctions is simplified with the humane approach of a living education presented by Charlotte Mason.
Charlotte Mason has said that it is not about how much a child knows but about how much he cares. Sadly, parents are waking up to the fact that most children in today’s educational system, do not care. You cannot make a child learn, or facilitate learning in any way, if a child first does not care.
It is not how much a child knows,
but how much he cares.
~ Charlotte Mason
Miss Mason’s ideas experienced a revival in America during the 1980’s. Her educational methods are again being studied, with authentic and modernized curriculum being developed, which can now provide a solid framework to parents and educators from which to educate children.
Charlotte Mason’s educational philosophy is effectively being used in the home, in co-ops, co-schools, public and private schools. Her educational model can and is being used to chart a path beyond the current outdated and institutionalized system of education in schools today, and to provide both parents and students hope and a way to care again.
A Charlotte Mason education– radical idea in her time, and right on time in our 21st century world crying out for equity and diversity.
– Stacy Raymond
Charlotte Mason, a voice from the past, is today alive and renewed, providing the path forward in a maze of educational uncertainty. Living ideas remain and flourish.
Join us in the coming weeks as we discover the peaceful path of a Charlotte Mason education!