Handicrafts & Paper Sloyd (Julia Wilson) "The child is only educated who can use his hands as truly as his head, for to neglect one part of our being injuries the whole, and the learned book-worm who is ignorant of the uses of a screwdriver, also lacks that readiness and resourcefulness, mental neatness and capability, and reverence for labour and its results, which a knowledge of practical matter gives." (P.N.E.U. Principles As Illustrated by Teaching by Miss R. A. Pennethorne, Ex-Student, House of Education Volume 10, 1899, p. 549)
Charlotte Mason encouraged the reading of living books and narration. She also recognized the importance of students using their hands and learning handicrafts. She felt this would help them develop skills to enable them as they grew into adults. Throughout this workshop we will discuss Charlotte’s outlook on handicrafts and the purpose of including them in your child’s daily routine. We will also be practicing what Charlotte Mason felt was "to be the most valuable and most educative of all the handicrafts"- Sloyd (Pennethorne, 1906, p. 3). Bible Lessons (Micah Pettes) "...(the children's) Bible lessons should help them realize in early days that the knowledge of God is the principal knowledge, and, therefore, that their Bible lessons are their chief lessons." (Vol. 1, p. 251)
Whether you are a homeschool mom wondering how to incorporate Charlotte's principles into your family's daily Bible study, or a Sunday school teacher wondering how to incorporate her method into your Bible classes at church, together we will explore how to fill our children's hearts with beautiful narratives of Bible stories, and how to combine picture study and hymn study with our lessons to truly bring the Bible to life for our students.
Nature Study & Notebook Entry (Stephanie Lee) “… one of the secrets of the educator is to present nothing as stale knowledge, but to put himself in the position of the child and wonder and admire with him; for every common miracle which the child sees with his own eyes makes of him for the moment another Newton.” (Vol. 1, p. 54)
Bring your nature journaling supplies (or borrow ours) and we will step in the child’s shoes to observe the wonder abounding in nature. If conditions permit we will be outdoors, so please dress accordingly.
Morning Lessons with Littles in Tow (Bethany Stillwell) Let’s take a step back, back before you were homeschooling...what did you foresee your homeschool days would look like in your home?When I envisioned homeschooling I saw peaceful lessons, a morning full of soft spoken children who took turns conversing and enjoyed every idea I set before them, attentive children who hung on my every word, beautiful tablecloths appearing on tables, candlelight evenings singing hymns and sharing in devotions, beautiful art hung in beautiful frames in perfect organization with glass as clear as crystal, and chores done cheerfully with an energetic enthusiastic mother at the helm.I didn’t take into account the greasy hands smeared on every possible surface in the house (not to mention clothes), potty training, blow-out diapers, arguing, complaining, spills, accidents, incessant actions of littles, constant meal prep, tidying, cleaning, and sleepless nights that would come with the care of little humans and how all this would affect our days.My expectations of home life in general were unrealistic, let alone my homeschooling visions!The past two years have been a huge learning curve as I am transitioning between just a mother of littles to a homeschooling mother with littles in tow. Come share in conversation as we discuss an appropriate perspective of these days of our lives and some practical strategies to assist in creating flexible rhythms in our daily lives amid infants & toddlers.
Plutarch (Joy Shannon) Does the idea of teaching Plutarch seem daunting? Come be the student as we enjoy a lesson from one of Plutarch’s Lives.The value of Plutarch is immense. Through Plutarch we gain instruction in conscience and character.After our lesson we will have a short time of conversation and questions discussing why we teach Plutarch and tips that will facilitate the teaching of Plutarch in your own homes.
Optional Personal Time Activities
Folk Dancing (Stephanie Lee) Join us for some down-home fun. No experience required.
Who is this CM person anyway? If you are completely new to CM or just getting your toes wet, join 1-2 of our retreat organizers for supper Friday night for a short, informal discussion about Charlotte Mason and her educational philosophy and methods.
Fireside Chat Come enjoy a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate along with some evening snacks and mingle with friends, old and new.