In July 2019 I had the privilege of attending the CiRCE National Conference. The topic that year was “A Contemplation of Form,” and the event was nothing less than a celebration of absolutes in a world of relativism. The conference opened with a panel discussion designed to “set the tone for the conference,”[1] and set …
Editor’s Note, by Art Middlekauff Merriam-Webster defines an idyll as “a simple descriptive work in poetry or prose that deals with rustic life or pastoral scenes or suggests a mood of peace and contentment.”[1] In November 1912, Charlotte Mason observed that three educational idylls had emerged on the world scene. The first idyll was described …
When do children outgrow the Charlotte Mason method? The firm belief of Charlotte Mason and the PNEU was that they never do. That’s what we believe too. We’ve shared several Parents’ Review articles that address the upper forms from many perspectives, and now we’re discussing the lessons we’ve learned. In this very special episode, Antonella, …
Editor’s Note, by Jennifer Talsma On December 6, 1935, over 50 people from around Ireland gathered to attend a meeting of the PNEU’s Dublin Branch, held in Milford, County Armagh. They were addressed by Mrs. Claudia Shelley and Mr. Monk Gibbon. Mrs. Shelley, who gave the address that follows, was a graduate of the House …
Editor’s Note, by Art Middlekauff Elsie Kitching served as Charlotte Mason’s personal assistant for many years before succeeding her as editor of The Parents’ Review and Director of the Parents’ Union School. Kitching’s understanding of and devotion to Miss Mason’s ideas were unparalleled, making her an especially valuable interpreter of Charlotte Mason’s thought. On several …
Editor’s Note, by Art Middlekauff In January 1931 “the largest P.N.E.U. School in England” was at Burgess Hill. At that time, the school had been operating for more than two decades and had “a most excellent record of success.”[1] It was one of five registered PNEU schools that covered all six forms, educating young people …
Editor’s Note, by Art Middlekauff The Craig Preparatory School of Windermere was founded in 1899 and led by William Snow, its first headmaster, until 1936.[1] When the Great War came to England, the headmaster’s son, Thomas William Snow, went to serve in France. He fought in “the 57th West Lancs Divisional Artillery and was awarded …
Editor’s Note, by Art Middlekauff In 1931, a letter appeared in The Times Educational Supplement. “Dear Editor,” it began, “I have been asked to answer the criticism that the Parents’ National Educational Union (a) offers help to parents for young children only, and (b) disapproves of public examinations.” The author of the letter was Rev. …
“The great recognition, that God the Holy Spirit is Himself, personally, the Imparter of knowledge, the Instructor of youth, the Inspirer of genius.” It’s an idea that infuses education with meaning and life. What could more powerfully transform the daily routine of a home educator than the thought of “the divine teaching as co-operating with …