Charlotte’s Original Writings

Sounds good to me.  Anybody have a preference on which volume to do?  I’ve read some of Volume 5 since that’s the one we started with a few months ago as a discussion group– (it just never took flight) and I’ve read most of Volume 1 (but it’s worth reading again to get a fuller understanding)…

Julie ~ I got mine from Amazon, which is where I get everything pretty much.  You can get them used there for a great price.  I actually get about 70 % of my books used from Amazon and they have always arrived in as good or even better condition than described.  If you want to read the one off Ambleside Online until you buy your own, it might be nice to compare notes since it’s a modern English version.

How about we give everyone a chance to see this post so those that want to hop in can?  There’s a lot of introduction to the first volume, so maybe we can read Part I and check back in on the 14th?  That will give people some time to get started.  Does that sound okay?

Yep.  I figure it’s the easiest place to start….anyone else up for it?

Hello everyone, 

Thanks for following up.  I am recovering from a two-week melt down.  However, I am more determined not to throw in the towel. I have been home schooling my 7 year old for two years now.  Since I discovered Charlotte Mason’s method I am reconsidering whether to stay with the charter school we have been involved with (because of financial benefits) or trust that we can do with out. I have been tempted to send my children to public school while I get more familiar with the method.  I am humbled by all I must learn.  But I must…for the sake of God, my family and those who surround us keep striving…Warm hugs and kisses to all of you for persevering. Sooooo, yes I would like to begin with you guys on Volume one part 1.

I wanted to share some thoughts I wrote down about Part I.  Her quoting from the Gospels has given me peace and conviction at the same time regarding a child’s wealth.  Here is one of my favorites:  Take heed that ye OFFEND not, DESPISE not, HINDER not, one of these little ones.  Wow!  The importance of my job as “mom” and educator just stepped up to a whole different level.  Also, “they should have the BEST of their mother, her freshest, brightest hours.”

Another thing I have never considered is the importance of being outside.  “Air is important as Food” and “Children Walk Every Day at least and Hour,” free perspiration; breakfast, then lessons.

I was an inside child, growing up in air-conditioned Houston, Texas.  I was never really outside much.  I moved to a farm and had a change in me immediately, but after reading this, the lightbulb went off!  My kids not only want to be outside they *need* it.

I would love to hear what you all think!

~Cindie

Take heed that ye OFFEND not, DESPISE not, HINDER not, one of these little ones-  was one of my favorites too.  Many times however I feel like I do just that; definitely not intentionally–but the result is the same whether I mean to or not. 

Another paragraph that caught my attention was: 

“But the educator has to deal with a self-acting, self-developing being, and his business is to guide, and assist in, the production of the latent good in that being, the dissipation of the latent evil, the preparation of the child to take his place in the world at his best, with every capacity for good that is in him developed into a power.”

I don’t know about you guys, but somehow I feel VERY inadequate to fulfill that job description.  And if I’m honest, on most days I fail at this.  It’s so difficult to retrain your brain from an upbringing that was the complete opposite of the Charlotte Mason methods.  Also, when I try to incorporate things like more outside time, the older ones aren’t shy about making me aware that they aren’t interested.  I guess that’s where perseverance comes in and hopefully over time they’ll come to appreciate it.

I love all of your comments. I too feel like I am inadequate, but somehow I know God’s hand is in all of this. In a very graceful and loving way God has shown me over and over how inadequate I am, which led me to understand the need to surrender and depend on Him for this task. Just when I fell into despair feeling I lacked the knowledge or vision for my children he sent these volumes my way..I am excited to “familiarize [myself] with the principles of the divine natural laws that will result in divine blessings and success (part 1 pg 41).”  I will be praying for all of you for grace and wisdom from above.  Part II Monday the 21st sounds good.