The CMP Review — Week of February 26

February 26, 2024

For the past few years my family has enjoyed watching WORLD Watch as part of keeping up with current events. Each daily ten-minute episode is “sound journalism grounded in God’s Word.” I appreciate that they give advisories at the beginning of each show for segments that may have content concerns. They also provide these cautions in a daily email I can view ahead of time. My favorite part is at the end of each episode, when they close by reminding us, “No matter the news, the purpose of the Lord will stand.”

My children and I have had many wonderful conversations after watching, and it is so refreshing to be able to hear news stories through a lens that aligns with our values as a family.

This week is Freebie Week, so you can access all their episodes, past and present, all week long to check it out and see if it would be a good fit for your family. This referral link will take you directly there.

@tessakeath

February 27, 2024

What is “un-permissible” in a Charlotte Mason homeschool?

Well, according to Mason expert Elsie Kitching, “Miss Mason would not have used the word herself.” Instead of talking about what is permissible or impermissible, she would “point back to the principle at issue and made us decide whether or not a certain practice could bear the final test of the principle.”

Today we continue our series of vintage articles on topics related to narration. In today’s article Miss Kitching clarifies all things related to “repeated narrations.” Are repeated narrations a good idea? (Spoiler: no.) Does that mean “the child must never do anything a second time”? (Spoiler: no.)

But Kitching’s wonderful piece from 1928 does more than just clarify some of the finer points of narration. She also guides us on how to interpret and apply Mason’s writings on any debated topic, in a way that focuses on principle. Find her insightful article here.

@artmiddlekauff

February 28, 2024

John O’Donohue, the late Irish poet and priest, stated that one of the greatest sins in life is not living it. It reminds me of Charlotte Mason’s words that “Life should be all living, and not merely a tedious passing of time; not all doing or all feeling or all thinking.”

This image was taken a few years ago and, at the time, I was mortified that the beautiful blossoms were so short-lived due to the snow. Each year since, though, the magnolia bloom again—serving as a reminder of our educational aim and to truly live life.

@rbaburina

February 29, 2024

Many students of Charlotte Mason are deeply inspired when she proclaims that the teacher’s “part is not the weariful task of spoon-feeding, but the delightful commerce of equal minds where his is the part of guide, philosopher and friend.” We are so inspired to be guide, philosopher and friend to our children that it’s easy to assume that Miss Mason herself coined the phrase.

But the fact is that the phrase was widely used in British circles for more than a century before it was adopted by Mason. Over the years many roles, persons, and even books were referred to as “guide, philosopher and friend,” either ironically or in truth. But there was one notable exception. The label seemed always just out of reach for the ordinary, official teacher.

Charlotte Mason changed all that. She introduced a new way of teaching. She imagined a “city of books.” She contemplated a “delightful commerce of equal minds.” She gave a ray of hope to teachers — to parent-teachers — that we could be more than drill sergeants and task-masters to our children. We could be their companions, coworkers, and confidants.

At the Living Education Retreat in July, I plan to make the case that Miss Mason’s wonderful vision is no idle hope. It can be a reality. I’d like to show you how. Come and join me by beautiful Lake Koronis for a weekend of Charlotte Mason inspiration. But space is limited, so be sure to register here.

@artmiddlekauff

March 1, 2024

Serafina absolutely loves giving the perfect gifts to her friends and family. She has loved doing this right since she was a little one. It’s her thing!

She gives a lot of thought to her gift giving and tries to give something personal, something that she knows her people will love. She especially enjoys making the gifts herself. Whether it be something made out of clay, carved out of wood, knitted, needle felted, beaded, painted, sewn, drawn … you name it. If she can make it, she will gift it for Christmas or birthdays!

She just completed this pencil sketch for her Green Ember loving friend whose birthday is just around the corner. It’s framed and ready to be wrapped! Isn’t it so sweet?

What are your favourite handmade gifts, either to give or to receive?

@antonella.f.greco

March 2, 2024

Behind the scenes at Simply Charlotte Mason where we recorded some really interesting podcasts that I think you’ll enjoy.

Waiting in my room was a copy of Book 5 of the Charlotte Mason Arithmetic Series—I can’t wait to show you!

@rbaburina

In the timeless devotional The Cloud of Witness, we see the calm logic of Edward Young (1683–1765) who appeals to the reader to believe in resurrection. Matter, he reasons, is never destroyed, so why should the immaterial not share this honor?

Further, if one still struggles to accept the notion of immortality, he asks, “Is it less strange that thou shouldst live at all?” And if by a miracle we live, then why not accept that “who gave beginning, can exclude an end”?

Charlotte Mason also believed in resurrection. And she believed in the miracle of life. Christ’s victory, she explains, is not just for the future. It is our life every day. Read or hear it in Mason’s inimitable words here.

@artmiddlekauff