Towards *our* Philosophy of Education
Posted by stef on 22 Aug 2007
Towards a Philosophy of Education is the title of a book written by Charlotte Mason — one out of her 6-book series. Highly recommended reading, especially for people who have decided that homeschooling *is* the way they would go, but have not figured out yet what direction they’re taking.
This list here includes the books I’ve/we’ve read to develop our own philosophy of education — the one that works for our family. I’m clearing out our shelves to make room for other books, so as I get rid of the ones we have, I’ll list them here as reference for me and my kids, as well as suggestions for any of you just getting started on the journey, or pausing to re-evaluate and reflect or recharge.
For The Children’s Sake by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay - a Charlotte Mason perspective. I love the way she ends the book with this poem:
Come, child.
I respect you, you are a person.
Come with me.
You belong on this planet
You are to inherit,
You are to understand.
Look. Look, and you will see.
Enjoy this day: the sun, the grass, your friends.
Listen — we will read God’s word.
We are His sheep, He is our Shepherd.
Grow! Flourish! Be master!
Let us do what we ought.
Let us choose the right!
Let us be brothers and sisters, together.
The bored wake up,
The failures find a new spring,
The sinful start again.
Come, little child,
I will listen, I will learn, too —
Let us enjoy abundant LIFE!
A Landscape with Dragons: The Battle for Your Child’s Mind by Michael D. O’Brien - strong words and strong ideas. This is the type of book that may make you feel uncomfortable. Much of it is true and that’s why it hurts. There are some things I personally don’t agree with, but overall Michael O’Brien makes a good case for protecting and shielding our children from the evils of our time. Just don’t make snap judgments about the book until you’ve read it. Oh, and the list of recommended literature at the end of the book — priceless. I really shouldn’t say “the end of the book” since it’s roughly one-third of the entire.
Real Learning
Punished by Rewards
Charlotte Mason Series
Educating the Wholehearted Child
The Well-Trained Mind
Climbing Parnassus
A Thomas Jefferson Education
Discover Your Child’s Learning Style
