More CM pearls of wisdom

Page 3 of Miss Mason's book talks about the fact that the "training of children is dreadfully defective". As I usually say, the system is broken! There are many reason's that I homeschool and this is one of them. I could write a book but I'll let Miss Mason speak on this:

What is to be expected when one of the most intricate of problems is undertaken by those who have given scarcely a thought to the principle on which its solution depends? (CM vol 1 page 3)

I was an elementary education major in college and when I graduated I looked around at those with me, or those coming up behind me. Seeing what I saw scared the daylights out of me. There are some excellent, amazing teachers out there. But there are also some to be very scared of. I have said many times that I would not want my worst enemy taught by 80% of the people I graduated with...for more reasons than one.

She goes on to talk about parents and "how parents usually proceed". She mentions that in the beginning there is much "ooing and ahhing" over everything that the child does. But:

The notion of doing all for the child with which the parents began gradually recedes. So soon as he shows that he has a way of his own he is encouraged to take it. Father and mother have no greater delight than to watch the individuality of their child unfold as a flower unfolds. The more the child shapes his own course, the less do the parents find to do, beyond feeding him with food convenient, whether of love, or thought, or of bodily meat and drink. (CM page 4)

Isn't it true that the older the children get the less we have to do for them. Sometimes this is wonderful. I love watching their personalities and abilities emerge. They discover that they can do it themselves and it excites them! It's great that my 7 year old can get her own snack and clean her own room. I love watching her read now and the fact that she'll soon be learning multiplication tables. My ds5 is learning his letters and sounds. It's joy to my heart that he walks around saying "F...fffffff" Yet we must be aware that they are still young and so impressionable. They are still "unwritten tablets" that have much to be written upon. Let us be sure that we don't take the easy road all the time and let's train them and work with them even if they can do it themselves.

Reading aloud comes to mind here. Miss Mason and the CM method of education weighs heavily upon reading aloud to children, no matter the age. Yes, my daughter can read. But there is nothing better than curling up on the couch with her in my arms and reading a book aloud to her no matter if she can read it herself or not.

It is in the infinitely little we must study the infinitely great; and the vast possibilities, and the right direction of education, are indicated in the open book of the little child's thoughts. (CM page 5)

I love love this quote. "...the open book of the little child's thoughts". How wonderful is that. They will lead us in the way we should educate them. What's good for one may not be good for the other. Don't force the children to conform to some method, some program, some curriculum if it's not working out for them. We must study our children, work with them, listen to them. They will guide us in what they need.

Well, nap time is almost over for the day so I shall sign off until another day. Have a blessed afternoon and rest of the day!