We know our children benefit from a variety of rich, nutritious food, and the same is true in education. We can spread a wide “feast” of subjects before our children- full of rich, living ideas to nourish their minds.
As Charlotte Mason said: “We spread an abundant and delicate feast in the programmes and each small guest assimilates what he can.”
Laying a variety of books and lessons before our children gives them a vast array of knowledge and relationships. Mason referred to this as “the science of relations” - a child has natural relationships with a variety of living ideas and makes organic connections among lessons.
It’s tempting to focus primarily on reading, writing, and math, with a few other subjects sprinkled in. Yet, our children are capable of so much more. They long to make connections between these subjects as well as history, handicrafts, geography, music, science, literature, and beyond.
Our children need a full and generous curriculum.
How do we do this?
We must first remember that Jesus is gentle and lowly in heart. He comes alongside us as we educate our children.
Short, varied lessons allow us to spread a generous feast in a realistic timeframe.
Lean in where it’s hard. Let us not withhold lessons due to our own inability or disinterest. Simply start small, go slow, and learn together.
Be patient and give yourself grace to grow. It takes time and won’t be perfect.
Remember the child before you.
We don’t know what lessons will form and shape our child, or what captain ideas will take root in their minds. Spreading a wide and generous feast blesses our children for their education and beyond.
