CMP Review 2025-05-01

May 1, 2025

“We do what is possible to introduce children to Architecture,” writes Charlotte Mason in her final volume. Then a footnote says, “For details see the Parents’ Union School programmes.”

These programmes, edited by Mason herself, show that children in Form III were introduced to architecture by Gladys Wynne’s inimitable Architecture Shown to the Children. But it didn’t stop there. Even in Form VI older students were reading The Story of Architecture by P. L. Waterhouse.

After Form VI comes the Form of Life where lifelong learners continue to delight in knowledge. Home educator Amy Harbach describes her own experience:

“When we came to the Romanesque chapter and we started to learn about Basilicas I remembered the Basilica of St Josaphat in Milwaukee. I’ve always wanted to tour it, and so when we were in the area after watching a play we decided to add it to the day’s itinerary.

“It was absolutely breathtaking. It was incredible to see it in person — a feast for the eyes. Near the end of our visit a very kind gentlemen from the Basilica approached us and passionately shared about the history and construction of his beloved place of worship. It added another rich level of appreciation for us.”

Amy understands Mason’s principle that knowledge is not assimilated until it is reproduced. Also, she explains that “If we really want our children to value their Charlotte Mason education, we need to show them how much we value it by living it ourselves. So I read and narrate the architecture lessons too.”

Amy has kindly shared this page from her notebook which is also a page from the Form of Life. It is an open invitation for all of us to join her at the banquet of living ideas, a feast that never disappoints learners of any season of life.

@artmiddlekauff