We so often talk about how to homeschool, things to add, to try, to buy. But what about the things we choose not to do? Do those say something about the inner workings of the homeschool and family life? As they say, when you say no to something, it leaves space to say yes to something else.

Our authority as parents and their obedience as children are a natural part of the parent and child relationship. That is a natural and necessary dynamic. The most important part of this principle is that she says the word: BUT. We have authority, they are expected to be obedient...but, there's more to that story!

Charlotte Mason says our children are born with the possibility for good and evil. I like to think that means that the whole world of possibility lies within them, whether strong-willed or mild-mannered, anything is possible. Let us encourage and nurture the best within them!

The very first principle that Charlotte Mason lays down is the overarching philosophical thought of all of her ideas. To really grasp this one idea will put the rest of her approach into perspective. She says that children are born persons. The phrase isn’t so familiar the way she wrote it, but to put it in the most simple terms I can, I read it as:

Children are whole people, just as they are.

This is our first year of formal lessons now that we have a first grader! We are following the Charlotte Mason method for the most part, but there are some times where I just do what feels right for us. During our week you will see short lessons, narration, living books, a wide variety of subjects, and lots of time outdoors.

When I discovered Charlotte Mason, one of the first quotes I came upon was her well-known motto, "I am, I can, I ought, I will". It struck me as one of the most empowering phrases I think I've ever heard. What I love about it is that we can each interpret her words in the way that means the most to us.

The process of discovery and documenting is where the magic happens. When you document, you observe closely, and you make it your own. You've put your discovery into your journal, made that personal connection, and now you've learned.