The CMP Review — Week of August 17
August 17, 2026
“Now it seems to me that the ultimate is contained in the words ‘Children are born persons.’ This phrase is known to all of us of the P.N.E.U. It has perhaps become so familiar that we are a little dull to its meaning. We may be holding our gold thread with one hand. Have our eyes forgotten to look at it, to catch the brightness from it?” (PR 55, “The PNEU from a Parent’s Point of View”)@tessakeath
August 18, 2026
In 1921, the 23rd Annual PNEU Conference was held in London. It was a time of reconstruction in the aftermath of the First World War. A hope was expressed that “people would renounce the principles of commercialism, aggressiveness and force, and return to the paths of beauty and spirituality.” These words formed the introduction of a speaker.
The speaker was to present his vision for returning to the paths of beauty and spirituality. His message was to present “the pathway to the dawn.”
The speaker was H. W. Household. His pathway was knowledge. His guide was Charlotte Mason. Read or hear his timeless message here.
@artmiddlekauff
August 19, 2026
Summer in review.
@rbaburina
August 20, 2026
“The terminal examinations are of great importance,” wrote Charlotte Mason in her final volume (p. 272). On p. 291 she explained that “knowledge is acquired only by what we may call ‘the act of knowing,’ which is both encouraged and tested by narration, and which further requires the later test and record afforded by examinations.”
The exam questions found in the original PNEU programmes are interesting. They are both directed and open-ended. They are not simple narration prompts. They encourage analysis and synthesis in specific directions.
For the upper forms in my homeschool (years 7–12, or roughly forms III–VI), we used a somewhat idiosyncratic list of books. I found myself writing many of my own exam questions, or using exam questions from the original PNEU programmes. Sometimes I found inspiration in other sources.
I have decided to share a major portion of the exam questions we used. These exam questions are not meant to be normative, but rather to inspire your own development of exam questions for your own homeschool. Feel free to ask questions or provide feedback in the comments. Find it here.
@artmiddlekauff
August 21, 2026
“The practice of architecture is, at once, the practice of the fine arts and of the applied arts and sciences…
“The distinguishing characteristic of an architect is, that he unites in his own person the artist and the engineer. If no taste for science and no business qualities accompany his artistic yearnings, do not make your son an architect, but give him free scope to become a painter, sculptor, or musician, as his heart may incline him. But if his artistic sense is accompanied with constructive talent, let him become an architect by all means.”
(PR22, pp. 594–595, “The Profession of Architecture,” by E. C. Robins)
@artmiddlekauff
August 22, 2026
Wild Fruits.
Sometimes there’s so much to note and paint that we can become overwhelmed. Taking a cue from Charlotte Mason’s seasonal studies can be a big help in narrowing it down. This is the season to be on the lookout for wild fruits.
Here I’ve captured the red fruit of a yew tree, called an “aril,” along with the fruit of the Kousa dogwood.
I’ve also seen rose hips, elderberries, wild grapes, blueberries, thimbleberry, witherod (wild raisin) and pawpaw so far this month. I wonder what else will turn up before autumn is through.
@rbaburina
August 23, 2026
Jesus’ first sign took place at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. In this wondrous event, Jesus transformed water into wine. Charlotte Mason’s poetic reflection begins by contemplating the historical scene. But then she explores its sacramental significance. Water becomes wine, and wine becomes blood. “Cup of communion, do we call This cup which moves Christ’s life in all.” Find it here.
@artmiddlekauff