Children as Persons

The Charlotte Mason education philosophy.

Children as Persons

The Charlotte Mason education philosophy.

The public good is our aim; and the methods proposed are applicable to any school.

— CHARLOTTE M. MASON —

The public good is our aim; and the methods proposed are applicable to any school.

CHARLOTTE M. MASON

At Ambleside, children are not defined by strengths or weaknesses. They are not — like unmolded clay — “incomplete and undeveloped” beings. Children are persons, created in the image of God, with vast potential for varied interests and skills, fostered through a broad curriculum and proficient instructors.

 

Children as Persons
Who hasn’t been defined by character or ability? “You are very musical”…or athletic, bright, or mathematically inclined, says a teacher. “You are tone deaf, clumsy, average, and have no aptitude for math,” says another. Defining children is common, bringing about identity from behaviors which are natural, or which are weak and undeveloped. These become defining because it is easier to instruct students who have natural bents towards a particular skill or knowledge as well as leave students to their nature if they are weak or lack the skills or knowledge.

 

At Ambleside we believe in possibility therefore, all children:

● Experience a broad, rigorous curriculum.
● Calculate, solve, attend, explore, ponder, recite, paint, and sing.
● Are held to a high standard in relationship to self, others, ideas, and work.
● Learn without the external motivation of grades, rewards, punishment, or manipulation.
● Participate actively in the learning process each day.
● Learn to complete punctual, accurate, neat, work.
● Demonstrate complex thought, mastery of material, and academic skill.
● Receive support as they master the habits of a life well-lived.
● Encounter a wealth of ideas and knowledge in well-written books.
● Complete tasks worthy of their attention, time, effort, and thought.