Friday Feature: Charlotte Mason

Colleen HroncichEarlier this week marked the 100th anniversary of the death of British education pioneer Charlotte Mason, whose influence continues to be felt around the world. This anniversary has prompted her fans to celebrate her legacy and share her story. While I was slightly familiar with her and her work, seeing these stories piqued my curiosity: who was Charlotte Mason and what was her philosophy?Born on New Year ’s Day in 1842,Charlotte was educated at home by her parents until she was orphaned —and impoverished—at the age of 16. Prior to that, Charlotte had dreamed of being a teacher. Unable to afford tuition, she made arrangements with a college to begin teaching while earning her teaching certificate so she could cover her costs.Over many years of teaching in multiple schools, Charlotte formulated her own ideas about how best to educate children. She recognized the importance of home, so she gave a series of lectures to better equip parents to help their own children. In 1886, her lectures were published inHome Education, a book focused on educating children up to the age of nine. Some of the ideas she covered include how to encourage your child to grow mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically; ideas for enjoying time outdoors; how to cultivate good habits in children; and ways to develop a child ’s will and conscience.Shortly afterHome Education was published, Charlotte started theParent ’s National Education Unio...
Source: Cato-at-liberty - Category: American Health Authors: Source Type: blogs