CMP Review 2023-01-03

CMP Review 2023-01-03

January 3, 2023

In 1908, an optimistic and enthusiastic teacher journeyed from the country to the city to begin teaching at a secondary school. He was a newcomer, so the school decided to give him a particularly difficult class to handle — presumably because no one else would take it.

His optimism and enthusiasm were sorely tested. “The disorder, indifference, even insolence of the boys was terrible, and every day he found himself becoming less of a teacher and more of a policeman.” He found himself relying more and more on tough discipline. But “the more severe he became the more he felt the growing alienation and resentment of the class.”

Finally in desperation he tried a different approach. To everyone’s amazement, he saw a change in his students that could only be described as “radical.” His story was captured in living and lively detail in the 1915 Parents’ Review. But almost as surprising as the secret he put into practice is Charlotte Mason’s candid assessment of his method. Find it all at this link.

@artmiddlekauff