The Classical Scholar

The profound influence of Charlotte Mason, a dedicated educator of young women in Victorian England, continues to shape the classical home education philosophy of many contemporary parents. During the mid to late 1800s, Miss Charlotte Mason served as headmistress to an “infant “ school, founded a teacher’s college for young women, and wrote numerous books and letters on her philosophy of education. Many parents find the reading of the six volume set entitled The Original Home Schooling Series to be a slow but extremely valuable endeavor. If you have less available reading time, you might prefer to read A Charlotte Mason Companion, written by Karen Andreola, pioneer in the modern Charlotte Mason movement.  Mrs. Andreola has called her interpretation of the Charlotte Mason method “the gentle art of learning” which involves narration, copywork, nature notebooks, music and art appreciation, and the use of “living books.” In defining living books, Mason explains that entire works of good, classic literature and original source documents are preferable to textbooks which excise portions of whole books in order to shape agendas. Like the home education philosophy of John Holt, Mason’s philosophy of education centered around a love of learning: “nourish a child daily with loving, right, and noble ideas…which may bear fruit in his life.” Practical advice on cultivating such love is extensive in her six volume series as well as in Mrs. Andreola’s companion book.

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If you are interested in sharing ideas with other home education parents who embrace Charlotte Mason’s “living books” philosophy, consider joining one of the following free Yahoo Discussion Groups. The descriptions of each group come directly from Yahoo.

Cmason (1877 members)

“This list is for persons who are using or are interested in using the Charlotte Mason Philosophy for education (including homeschooling), or to enrich their own lives. We will research and discuss the original Home Education Series by Charlotte Mason but also other materials. While we use a lesson format for topical parent discussions, any CM question is welcome at any time and ‘newbies’ are encouraged to ask questions. For the Summer we will be using quotations directly from the Original Home Schooling Series (found online in our File section) for our weekly topical discussions.”

CM4earlyyears (972 members)

“To discuss the Charlotte Mason method of homeschooling for children, ages birth through 6 years. Please realize that Charlotte Mason was NOT an advocate of “formal” schooling for these years, instead, she stressed the formation of habits, exploring, and playing.”

CMSeries (851 members)

“This is a focused list for those wishing to learn more about the Charlotte Mason method of education by reading her books and Parents Review articles, and engaging in discussions of a philosophical nature. We welcome anyone who would like to dig deeper with us into the writings of CM, and who enjoys lively discussions.”

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What variations of classical home education do other parents embrace?  Those who prefer unschooling like the home education philosophy of John Holt.   Some parents prefer to develop a well-trained mind with the systematic instructions for a reinterpretation of classical home education proposed by Bauer and Wise.  Other homeschool parents yearn to raise leaders, so DeMille’s home education philosophy satisfies.   Regardless of how these home education methods differ, each author agrees that love of learning is a priority. Are you still wrestling with describing your own family’s home education philosophy? Read 10 Questions: What Is Your Home Education Philosophy?

The home education philosophy called unschooling was revealed in the landmark book, How Children Learn,  written by John Holt, a former 5th grade math teacher in an elite private school, during the early 1960’s before the modern homeschooling movement gained momentum. Since then, it has been embraced by one segment of the home education community as the quintessential reference on unschooling.

Primarily a journal based on Holt’s observations of children from birth to around age 10, the book proposes that children are born with an innate ability and desire to learn about the world around them, and given the freedom to explore the things that interest them, children will develop thinking skills.

Contrary to establishment educators, Holt argues that the traditional school model forces children to “learn” which results in a changed personality. Persistent testing and compulsory learning (often of subjects of no interest to the child) creates mistrust, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Instead of developing a love of learning, the traditionally schooled child loses his natural curiosity.

Unlike other books on home education philosophies, How Children Learn does not outline detailed methods for a successful home education; rather, he asks the parent to thoughtfully observe and respect the child —trusting that real learning will occur over time if the child is given space and freedom to explore.

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If you are interested in a free online support network with daily discussion,

you might want to consider joining the following Yahoo Groups:

Always Learning (1578 members)

“Discussion for homeschooling fans of John Holt, whose books Learning All the Time, Never Too Late, and Teach your Own have made unschooling a sweet and viable option for thousands of families. This is a moderated group, with trapdoors for the uncooperative. (Not moderated in the advance-approval way, but in the be-nice-to-play way.) It’s an idea group and is intended to lean more toward pure unschooling than neutral, general homeschooling discussion.”

Unschooling Basics (1866 members)

“A list designed for those new to the philosophy of unschooling. Ask experienced unschoolers all those niggling questions, and find out how unschooling works in real families. If you’re familiar with John Holt’s work, but unsure of how to begin or what an unschooling day really looks like, this is a place for you to discuss,question, ponder and become deeply familiar with natural learning and how it affects our entire lives. From parenting issues to learning from the whole wide world and beyond, come explore the issues that unschooling families have dealt with in the past and how to get beyond “school-think” to a joyful unschooling lifestyle!”

Christ Centered Unschooling (338 members)

“CCU stands for Christ Centered Unschooling. Unschooling is a style of home schooling based on the ideals of natural learning. John Holt, who is credited with coining the term “unschooling” espoused the idea that children, like all people, are born with an innate desire to learn. Learning is unavoidable and if given the encouragement and environment in which to flourish will happen without coercion or structure. Rigid structure, forced learning and contrived curriculum can be destructive to the desire to learn. Unschooling, practiced for several decades and by many families, has resulted in confident, productive and independent thinking adults. This list was formed as a place for Christians who are either unschooling, attempting to implement more unschooling into their lives or just interested in learning more about the ideas.”

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Are you interested in learning about other home education philosophies? Charlotte Mason believed in living books. Jessie Wise and Susan Wise Bauer systematize classical home education more like a public school model.  Oliver van DeMille preaches the leadership home education model.  One thing that they all have in common with John Holt and his home education philosophy called unschooling:  love of learning is a priority even though their methods for getting to that point differ.

Has your family developed a home education philosophy?  A common sensation grips both novice and veteran home educators when they encounter the vendor hall at the annual convention: panic! Row after row of eager vendors touting the essential benefits of their products often unintentionally confuse, overwhelm, and frustrate. The sheer magnitude of home education choices can be stupefying. Textbooks, DVDs, maps, CDs, cassette tapes, workbooks, flashcards, VHS tapes, art supplies, lab equipment, and even bread-making supplies are all for sale! Even the most prepared parents sometimes find themselves purchasing materials that do not meet the needs of their children nor do these materials accomplish the objectives of their home education philosophy. Knowing your family’s philosophy of home education can give you clear vision while you confidently peruse the multiple resources in wonder and excitement.

Although the number of home education methods is considerably less than the number of resources available to implement these methods, there are several approaches from which to choose. Your family’s home education philosophy is simply how you think about education — that is, your system of motivating beliefs, concepts, and principles. In determining your philosophy, consider the following 10 questions:

1. What do we believe about education?
2. What do we believe about our children?
3. What do we believe about our role as parents?
4. How do each of our children learn?
5. What parental experience is necessary?
6. What knowledge will we seek?
7. What character traits are most desirable?
8. How much control over content and time will we exercise during each phase of the journey?
9. What overall goals do we hope to accomplish?
10. How will we execute our dreams?

Such weighty questions are not easily answered. Significant reflection, research, and discussion over time will eventually reveal your family’s unique vision for educating your children. A universally correct answer does not exist; each family must personalize the final goals and execute accordingly.  Can you verbalize  your home education philosophy?

To get you thinking, here are some selected authors who propose five differing philosophies of education:

John Holt advocates unschooling as a home education philosophy

Charlotte Mason believed living books were important to education

Jessie Wise and Susan Wise Bauer systematize classical education

Oliver Van DeMille endorses leadership home education

Diane Lockman explains the simplicity of authentic classical homeschooling

Each author is highly respected within the home education community. Proven observations and solutions that effectively challenge and shape students (and parents!) serve as testimony to the validity of these authors’ approaches. Some might avoid certain books labeled as liberal or conservative; however, exclusive reliance on labels can rob us of the gems revealed in each book. One common theme of each author is love of learning, so take a look at the home education philosophy of each and then compare it to your family model to see where you fall on the spectrum.