Principal 1
By Dr. Shannon Whiteside
Mason condensed her educational philosophy into twenty principles that highlight the distinctiveness of her model of education. Beginning with what she calls “the very crux of our crusade” (Cholmondeley, p. 94), she states, “Children are born persons.” In four words, she lays the foundation for the rest of her philosophy of education, which extends from this belief in the personhood of the child. Mason was well aware of the other voices describing the nature of a child and the pedagogical consequences of adhering to those voices. John Locke (1632–1704) said children’s minds were a tabula rasa (blank slate or empty vessel) that teachers had to fill up. Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712–1778) believed in the innate goodness of children until they were corrupted by society. He proposed that children should be left alone by teachers to discover truth on their own through their senses. Johann Herbart (1776–1841) believed that a child’s mind was a sac to be filled with specific information pre-selected by the teacher. When Mason states that a child is born a person, she is declaring that “children are born with intelligence, observing powers, moral sensibilities, love and faith, but they lack knowledge of the world and how to make use of the infinite possibilities with which they were born” ( Vol. 3, p. 172). Their minds are not blank slates to inscribe upon or sacs to be filled with information. She continues, “A child is born a person with a mind as complete and as beautiful as his beautiful little body…always has all the mind he requires for his occasions…his mind is the instrument of his education and his education does not produce his mind” (Vol. 6, p. 36).
While most educational theories begin with the content that needs to be mastered or the objectives that need to be reached, Mason begins with the child and the importance of understanding their nature, capabilities, and what they need to flourish. As Mason says, “Our crying need today is less for a better method of education than for an adequate conception of children” (Vol. 6, p. 90). This starting point does not lead to a child-centered curriculum based on the temporary interests or whims of students. Mason believed that parents and teachers have a deputed or delegated God-given authority over children and, likewise, children have a responsibility to their authorities to obey willingly. Mason’s impetus to protect the personhood of the child comes from the value and respect that Jesus showed for children when He chided His disciples and said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14). Likewise, Jesus asked, “‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:1–2). The dignity that Jesus gave to children should be an impetus for educators to protect the rights of children to have agency in their education.
We are starting a series on Charlotte Mason’s 20 Principles. We will cover a different principle every month. Please join us next week on Thursday, September 11, during Office Hours (3:30 pm EST) to discuss Principle 1. We will also be looking at case studies that can help us apply this principle to particular situations.
“Boys and girls must have time to invent episodes, carry on adventures, live heroic lives, lay sieges and carry forts, even if the fortress be an old armchair; and in these affairs the elders must neither meddle nor make.” -Charlotte Mason, School Education, p. 38
Lesson Plan Spotlight
Sometimes not all of our favorite books and ideas will fit in lesson plans, but they are just too good not to share. That's why we offer "extra helpings" for students with a high interest in that subject. These fun resources, activities, books, and field trips are already handpicked by our Alveary curriculum team for you to choose from. Extra helpings are available in the Quick Links of each lesson plan.
Notes
- Reflect With Us: We’d love to hear how your first week (or few weeks) of school have gone! Have you found anything you want to adjust? Come join a few friendly CMI faces on Zoom for a relaxed, supportive time together. There’s no agenda, no recording — just a chance to reflect, share, and encourage one another.
- Read with us: Our first In the Company of Ideas prompt is live! We’re diving into A Little Book for New Historians this month. Head over to the Hive and join the conversation!
- CMI Courses: Registration is now open for CMI’s Fall Courses! Explore our full lineup and find the perfect course for you.
- Conference: The Guiding with Grace Virtual Conference Ticket is still available! Gain access to all keynote sessions plus 23 professionally recorded workshops. Want a preview? Enjoy these short snippets for a taste of what’s waiting for you. The Role of an Educator with Kerri Forney and The Great Recognition with Dr. Deani Van Pelt
- Commonplace Quarterly: A magazine to encourage families in the practical application of Charlotte Mason’s principles. Get all past digital issues + new releases (digital) for just $25/year with code CMIDigital25.
