Recently, I discussed how Charlotte Mason’s ideas about living books and “education as a science of relations” influenced my homeschooling philosophies and methods. Today I want to take a look at another key phrase of Miss Mason’s that also shaped my approach to homeschooling.
Charlotte Mason said, “Education is an atmosphere, a discipline, a life.” What, exactly, did she mean? Let’s break it down, bit by bit.
Education is an atmosphere
What is an educational atmosphere? For Charlotte Mason, it’s more than a room full of textbooks. An atmosphere that encourages rich learning is one full of living books written by people passionate about their subject. It’s an atmosphere steeped in fine art and music, with an appreciation for history and science, mathematics and nature. A worthwhile educational atmosphere is one that encourages curiosity, excitement and exploration. There is a place for memorization and the learning and filing away of vital facts, but these things are not the end goals of learning.
In a homeschool, all of this can translate very easily into everyday life: stacks and stacks of library books, with free access to them, exposure to great art (via informal picture study, prints on the walls of our favorite artists’ paintings, museum visits and fun books such as Mike Venezia’s biographies), and exposure to classical music (in the background at breakfast, through concert attendance when possible, and, yes, with more books). Literature and timelines, integrating history, math and science with other studies, nature walks and other time spent outdoors: all of these things would gladden Miss Mason’s heart.
Education is a discipline
Though a lot of learning can and does happen informally in home education, learning is also a discipline, according to Charlotte Mason, and the formation of good habits is paramount. Learning to tackle a day’s workload, to devote one’s attention fully to the task at hand, and to put forth one’s best effort all aid in the formation of excellent work habits and overall discipline.
In a homeschool, this translates into discipline outside of “school work” as well. Learning to take care of household chores and tasks, personal routines, and time management are elements of healthy and helpful discipline for children.
Education is a life
Education is not something that happens only between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. within the walls of a school building. Genuine learning is a way of life. It’s an appetite nourished by curiosity, wonder, exploration and rich intellectual sustenance. Miss Mason would have us always ready to embrace a new challenge, learn a new skill, and expand our knowledge of creation.
Charlotte Mason gave voice to things I had intuited about education, but may not have been able to articulate. Now I, too, advocate education as “an atmosphere, a discipline and a life.” If I can create a homeschool environment that is both comfortable and informal, yet framed by disciplines and routines, a place rich in art, music and literature, touched by a love of nature and God’s creation, then I’ll have succeeded in my goal: that of creating and nurturing excited, lifelong learners.