What kind of homeschool mom am I?

I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately. I know some people park in camps of classical educator, Montessori, Waldorf, Charlotte Mason and beyond. If you’d ask me what kind of homeschool mom I am I would probably say Charlotte Mason since it’s what I’ve read the most into. However, after reading Consider This by Karen Glass it revealed to me the beauty of Charlotte Mason in a way I didn’t know existed. I feel like every day I get more and more classical, I never thought I’d be here!

I grew up attending a Montessori school from the time I was tiny. I thought with having my littles that’s what would appeal to me most, but once I started reading what it means to be a person… Charlotte Mason captured my heart. I’ll save the seeds planted story for another time (I’ve shared a bit before) but that’s what felt most right and for the most part where I’ve stayed camped.

Now, fast forward books and books later to where I am now. I fell in love with the idea of The Children’s Tradition curriculum and with that came a growth into the study of educational philosophy and really trying to get a grasp on my why. I can fully appreciate the books that have stood the test of time, see why and how that’s the case, and rest in the peace it gives me to give my children the gift of rich literature from the start. Most of these stories I haven’t personally read and getting to redo my education with all of its holes. I am learning what it means to be a person, truly pausing in this and when we understand our opinions on what that is? Seeing how it shapes how we educate and create a home atmosphere full of grace and beauty that points to our Creator.

I am at the very start of the journey when it comes to classically educating, but I’m so happy and thankful to be here. The fear of the Lord is wisdom and being in awe of who He is and what he has blessed us with? Whew, it’s humbling. And isn’t that what we want from our kids? It isn’t to be the best, it isn’t to be top of the class, it’s to help them richly and rightly order their souls to love Christ and lean into who He has created them to be. One of our favorite Sally Clarkson stories is Only You Can Be You, and I often find ourselves saying “everyone’s different and that’s okay, the maker of everything made us that way!” And isn’t that the truth? We want to help cultivate our children who are embodied souls into who they are meant to be.

I love that I’m beginning my classical education right alongside my children as we read inspiring literature, learn Latin? I mean who’d of thought it was something we’d love so much! And maybe most favorite of all? Our appreciation of the natural world around us. We camp all of the time but our appreciation with stargazing and nature study has only drawn us in to appreciate our Creator even more.

So, if you’re early in your classical journey, too, the books that have been most impactful for me thus far have been:

1. Home Education by Charlotte Mason

2. A Philosopgy of Education by Charlotte Mason

3. Consider This by Karen Glass (most pivotal moment for me!!)

4. Poetic Knowledge by James Taylor (currently reading)

5. The Children’s Tradition (philosophy section) because it’s truly a gift on bridging what you want for these little years pulled together.

Again, I am starting from where I am and new on this journey but my, oh my, has it already been a gift!