Nicole Williams - A Short Synopsis of CM's Philosophy (a.k.a The 20 Principles)

A Short Synopsis of CM’s Philosophy (a.k.a The 20 Principles)

In the preface of Charlotte Mason’s books on education, you will find a Short Synopsis” of her philosophy. When speaking of the first point therein, Charlotte Mason said, “‘Children are born persons,’ is the first article of the educational credo in question.” (6/29) A credo or creed is a statement of the beliefs or aims which guide someone’s actions. Many religious traditions have creeds — a statement of their religious beliefs. Knowing the goal or the big picture helps us understand how to live rightly and make the small decisions that carry us through life. Charlotte Mason’s short synopsis is our educational creed, one that clarifies our beliefs and aims and guides our actions.  

From toddlerhood to the day of graduation, it provides principles for understanding who the child is, what our role is in raising and teaching him, and what responsibilities we each have. In some cases, it provides direction for where to begin, such as that we must secure the child’s attention, cultivate obedience, and offer a broad feast. In other cases, it presents a boundary, reminding us where we must not tread, such as not overstepping our authority, or allowing a second reading, or wearying the child through questioning, summarising, and the like. But always, it gives room for personality and individualism. 

In her article, “A Few Roots,” Helen Wix noted, “It is a wonderful summary worth reading, again and again, to get one’s work-worn vision cleared.” Homeschooling is hard work, and we must keep our head down and press forward most of the time. But sometimes, we look up and find that we have inadvertently veered off the path a little. Reading the synopsis helps keep our vision for educating our children clear and helps us stay on the course. 

Join Nicole to take a closer look at Charlotte Mason’s short synopsis. At the very least, you will learn whether a CM education is right for you and if so, you will understand what it means to adopt her educational credo for your own family.

About Nicole:

Nicole Williams has been home educating her three children using Charlotte Mason’s principles and methods for 15 years. She also taught four of her adopted siblings from middle school through graduation.

Watching the feast of life-giving ideas restore her sibling’s innate love of learning inspired her to dig deeper into Mason’s philosophy of education and then to share her experiences with others. She does that now by co-hosting the podcast A Delectable Education, writing at Sabbath Mood Homeschool, and teaching workshops.

She is the author of Living Science Study Guides, where she helps families and schools implement Charlotte Mason’s particular way of teaching science. When she is not studying Charlotte Mason’s writings, sharing what she has learned, and homeschooling her own children, Nicole enjoys hiking, watercolor painting, collecting living books, and, of course, reading a good book.

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