Welcome to our guide on Charlotte Mason's philosophy! By starting with philosophy, you are showing that you know the ideas behind the methods are important. You're not just checking off boxes; you are trying to learn about and embrace a new identity as a Charlotte Mason educator. Go ahead and practice. Replace the phrase "I use Charlotte Mason" or "I use the Alveary" to:
"I am a Charlotte Mason educator."
Preliminary Inventory
Before we try to get into the right head-space for learning and implementing the Mason philosophy, think for a moment about these questions. You can comment answers here or reflect in a notebook:
First thoughts: What do you think it means to be a Charlotte Mason educator?
Do you have perfectionistic tendencies and/or an "All or nothing" mentality? How does this help you? How does it hold you back?
Respond to the following statement: "The Charlotte Mason method of education is not about getting lessons done; it is a way of moving through life."
Assess your habits. Sort them into two categories: Habits That Serve Me Well and Habits That Hold Me Back.
Introduction to This Series (3 min.)
Dr. Jen Spencer and Dr. Shannon Whiteside introduce themselves and the ideas that will be discussed in this 11-part series. While the primary audience is Christian educators, this series promises to offer rich ideas and challenges to anyone who has or works with children. (Transcript below video)
Reflection
Respond to the following in the comments or in your journal:
1) What do you hope to get from this course?
2) On a scale of 1-5 with 5 being the highest, how would you rate your current understanding of Mason's philosophy?
3) What are you wondering after watching the first video?
Video Transcript:
JEN: Well, hello to you! And welcome to this video series on Charlotte Mason’s philosophy and methods! My name is Dr. Jen Spencer. To give a little background, I began my career as a public school teacher before moving to a private Christian school and eventually founding a Charlotte Mason school. In 2016, I began working for the Charlotte Mason Institute as the program director for the Charlotte Mason’s Alveary curriculum. I am also a visiting research fellow in Charlotte Mason studies at the University of Cumbria in Ambleside, originally Mason’s House of Education.
SHANNON: And my name is Dr. Shannon Whiteside. I began my career in classical education before finding Mason’s compelling ideas and deciding to homeschool my three children using her methods. I currently serve as the assistant program director for Charlotte Mason’s Alveary. We are so happy you are joining us for this important discussion on Charlotte Mason and how education can lead to human flourishing. Whether you are hearing about Charlotte Mason for the first time or are a seasoned Mason educator, we think you will find fresh ideas and be nourished by this video series.
JEN: You may be coming into this series as a perpetual curriculum-hopper, never quite certain whether or not the books and programs you are using are the best and always peeking over your friends’ shoulders to see if what they are using looks better.
SHANNON: Or maybe you are teaching as you were taught--with heavy teacher direction and lots of workbooks, textbooks, and tests, but you are feeling like there must be something more life-giving out there. Maybe you even teach in a Mason school but are feeling like something is missing.
JEN: Perhaps you have been implementing Mason’s philosophy for years and are looking for a fresh perspective and ways to incorporate current research. Or, maybe you are just learning about Mason and are feeling too constricted by the narrow interpretations you have encountered so far, or feeling inadequate because the “one right way” to implement Mason’s ideas does not seem to be working for your child.
SHANNON: Whatever reasons brought you here, we are thankful to have you, and we invite you to consider these ideas with open minds and open hearts. They truly have the potential to revolutionize education.
JEN: We strongly encourage you to go get a pen and a notebook before going any further. As you watch or listen, jot down any ideas that strike you and questions that come to mind. Share your thoughts with others who are viewing the series and listen as they share insights you may not have thought of.
SHANNON: Do you have your pen and notebook ready? Great! Then let’s get started.
