​

Our Journey Westward

  • Shop
  • Blog
    • Bible & Character
    • Living Math
    • Language Arts
    • Science & Nature
    • History & Geography
    • Fine Arts
    • Brain Training
    • Holidays
    • Healthy Homeschool
    • Preschool
    • Elementary
    • Middle School
    • High School
    • Curriculum & Schedules
  • Homeschool Speaker
  • My Account
  • 0 items$0.00

by Cindy 11 Comments

Legalism in Homeschooling Methods

Share141
Pin108
Email
Print
249Shares

You don’t normally hear the word legalism in homeschooling circles unless the discussion is about religion.  I’m not talking about religion today…or maybe I am.

Homeschooling with a particular method is great...until it isn't.

Legalism in Homeschooling Methods

Do you remember me telling you about my much-needed summer of rest?  Some of that rest involved time spent listening to homeschooling podcasts for encouragement and researching things here and there on the internet as I planned our (then) upcoming school year.

While I was certainly encouraged (!) and grabbed hold of a few new ideas to implement this year, I was frequently struck with a feeling of uneasiness.  Over and over, the thought came to mind that we must be very, very careful that we don’t turn homeschooling – or especially any homeschooling method – into an idol.

We Know Homeschooling Isn’t a Ticket to Heaven

I feel like the homeschooling community is coming to grips with the long-held misconception that homeschooling our children is the ticket for all of us to get to heaven.  If homeschooling were the answer, why would we need Jesus?

Praise God that we as a community are finally beginning to understand that we’re all sinners in need of a Savior.  And, no homeschool – not one – produces perfect children.  What a relief it is to know the pressure is off to be the perfect mom, teacher, wife and housekeeper in order to produce those perfect children!

Is a Method the Ticket to Perfect Homeschooling?

But, while we’ve knocked down the idea that homeschooling somehow saves us, my eyes have been opened to the fact that there are some mighty tight grips around homeschooling methods as a different kind of answer.

Not necessarily that a homeschool method is a surefire path straight to Jesus, but that a homeschooling method is THE way to teach.  The idea that choosing the right method and doing it perfectly is now your surefire ticket to smart, well-adjusted children who will love to read the classics – in Latin, write eloquent dissertations, have the mathematical prowess of a CPA, and be able to manage a household with perfection, all while enjoying operas, painting masterpieces, quoting poetry, and knowing the scientific name of every living organism in a 200-mile radius.  No superhero cape necessary.

Legalism isn't always about religion. Are you dealing with legalism in homeschooling methods, perhaps?

You know that homeschooling methods were created by humans, right?  No human is perfect.  No one person has all the answers.  None of those people who develop(ed) teaching methods have been in your home and walked in your family’s shoes for even one day.

While I don’t think general adherence to a certain homeschooling method is a bad thing, I want to urge some caution in believing you must follow any method to a T.

My Homeschool is Eclectically Charlotte Mason

Have you noticed that I’ve been calling myself an “eclectic Charlotte Mason” educator for years?  That’s on purpose.  It’s always been important to me that I distance myself just a tad from die-hard Charlotte Mason homeschooling.

Don’t get me wrong.  I think many of Charlotte Mason’s methods are absolutely superb and I’ve implemented much of her philosophy into our homeschool for the last 15+ years and will continue to do so until my last child leaves the nest!

However, following someone’s basic philosophy and doing exactly as she does are two different things.  I have seen great value in our homeschool over the years following Mason’s basic philosophy…short lessons that are mostly finished during the morning hours with afternoons free for pursuits like nature study, handicrafts and play.  We have been incredibly blessed filling our days with such things as living literature and fine arts.  Our lessons and lives have been rich indeed.

However, every single thing about the practical application of a Charlotte Mason style has been on terms that work for our family.  The yearly, weekly and daily schedules fit our life.  The curriculum varies from child to child based on their particular needs.  The daily lessons are implemented in whichever way I see fit as the teacher of my children.

When the Method Turns Sour

If I had followed precisely everything Charlotte Mason prescribed, our homeschool life would not have been as vibrant over the years.  I would have quickly lost my joy because God not only created me to teach, but He gives me great joy in using my creativity in teaching.  My children would have lost their joy, too.  The teaching books Mason suggested to be used with children at the turn of the 20th Century, would not have kept my highly active, utterly creative, and passionate children’s attention.

I get the idea that consistent use of those books develops a child’s attention span and interest over the years.  I really do!  But, I also know that we are 100+ years down the road from those suggestions.  While there can be great value in tried and true things and I have indeed used and loved some of Charlotte Mason’s suggested materials, the hinges do not come off of a homeschool that veers off the course.

I have already successfully graduated one sweet child from our homeschool which follows Charlotte Mason principles, but veers off the course when it comes to the practicalities.  She is doing SO well and I fully expect her brothers to follow suit.

We ARE Charlotte Mason Homeschoolers

I still very much consider ourselves a Charlotte Mason homeschool because we really do follow the basic method.  For example:

  • Our lessons are short and usually finished before lunch.  (High school lessons do tend to stretch into the afternoons.)
  • Each day includes wonderful selections of living literature.
  • I try to make our lessons “living” as often as possible.  To me, that means lessons that are worthy of our time with methods that incorporate as much real-life into them as possible.
  • I spread a wide feast of ideas before my students through the “regular” lessons as well as things like nature study, picture study, composer study, Shakespeare, and poetry.
  • My children are given time and encouraged to pursue interests in handicrafts, life skills, and music.
  • We practice things like habit training and using time wisely.

Where do we veer off course?  (If there really is a specified course.)

  • We don’t read living literature for every single subject – and especially don’t read most of Charlotte Mason’s specific recommendations.
  • While Charlotte Mason advocates reading small sections of several books over the course of a year for history, for instance, you’ll likely find me doing a unit study on one historical topic.  We still read living literature, narrate some, keep a timeline and do map work just like suggested, but ours happens in segmented bursts of time when we use a unit study approach.
  • You’ll also find me working through history and science in four (or so) year cycles – as found in many Classical models of homeschooling.
  • My children narrate from their readings sometimes, but not for every lesson.  Not even every day!  I believe in the power of narration, but I find it to be overkill (and frustrating) when my children are expected to narrate everything.
  • I’m a big believer in phonics instruction.  While I do incorporate Mason’s methods of narration, copywork and dictation, I also work through a step-by-step phonics program with my children so they develop strong reading and spelling skills.

I’m quite sure I could go on with some differences.  I’m assuming you’re getting the picture of what I mean when I say our homeschool certainly follows the overall Charlotte Mason philosophy while tweaking things to meet our needs.

You might be interested in listening to this podcast – even if just the first 15 minutes.  In it, Pam Barnhill discusses with Brandy Vencel some of the same ideas I’m writing about here concerning making the Charlotte Mason method your own.

The Cost of Legalism

Unfortunately, I see more and more homeschoolers who want to follow the Charlotte Mason method hopelessly lost in trying to follow the practicalities instead.  I know this because many of my homeschool consultations are full of people trying to wrap their real lives around what they think they have to do in order to be a bonafide Charlotte Mason homeschooler.

This same story is true of those who try to follow any homeschooling style or particular curriculum to a T.  You will likely drive yourself crazy trying to stay completely on the course of someone else’s style, schedule or lesson plans.

I hear some version of the following during almost every single homeschool consult where someone has been trying to legalistically follow a homeschooling method – or even a particular curriculum.

  • They feel like they can’t possibly do it “right.”
  • They feel heavily burdened by homeschooling.
  • They are ready to throw in the towel because it seems too hard.
  • Their children are fighting against the school day.

Changing the definition of legalism above just a bit: “Excessive adherence to any homeschooling law or formula” tends to take people down the path of dissatisfaction.

You can imagine the freedom found in learning that a particular method or curriculum doesn’t have to be a ball-and-chain.  Finding the courage to use what works and tweak what doesn’t (even if it strays from the method or curriculum) gives these mommas a renewed hope and spirit in homeschooling!

What’s the Answer Then?

Do what works for your family.

Use homeschooling methods, curriculum, and daily lesson plan schedules as guides to set you on the right path.  Do what works from those suggestions and be fully willing to stray when something different would work better.

Find freedom and joy in homeschooling when you put methods and curriculum to work for you.

Practically Putting Charlotte Mason to Work for Your Homeschool

While I’ve been hinting that ANY method or curriculum needs not be followed to a T, I’ve put examples from this post in the perspective of Charlotte Mason homeschooling because that’s what I’m most familiar with.  To that end, I will reiterate that the Charlotte Mason method – when not used legalistically – really is a great option.

If you’re interested in learning how to practically implement the methods with MUCH freedom to do so on your terms, I think you’ll love Charlotte Mason Homeschooling in 18 EASY Lessons!  It offers you “just the basics” with simple ideas for implementation.  By adding only one thing at a time to your routine, you won’t be overwhelmed at all in creating a Charlotte Mason style homeschool!

Take what you want, leave what you don’t.  You have lots of homeschooling grace from me.

Learn how to homeschool the Charlotte Mason way in 18 easy lessons!

 

Listen!

I recently had the chance to discuss this topic with Andy and Kendra Fletcher on the HomeschoolingIRL podcast. If you have an extra half hour, I think you’ll love to hear our conversation.

This post has been linked to:

homeschool-choices-38733

 

Share141
Pin108
Email
Print
249Shares

Last Updated: March 27, 2017 Filed Under: Charlotte Mason, Christian Homeschooling Tagged With: encouraging homeschoolers, homeschool methods, homeschool warning

Previous Post: « Character Building Chapter Books for Boys
Next Post: Using Picture Books to Teach Text Structure »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

subscribe without commenting

Comments

  1. Pam says

    October 17, 2016 at 9:31 am

    Your heart for homeschooling and homeschoolers never disapoint. I find so much encouragement in this place. I recently changed our science curriculum as a result of your post, “When Your Plan for High School Science Isn’t Working”. It was eye opening as well as the post about, “Chronological History in High School”. Thank you.

  2. Cindy says

    October 17, 2016 at 4:07 pm

    I’m so glad you find encouragement here, Pam! YOU just encouraged ME with your comment. 🙂

  3. Amanda says

    October 18, 2016 at 6:01 pm

    Hi! Thank you so much for this. I have always known that I do not HAVE to follow a curriculum exactly, but I have a hard time allowing myself to not get stressed out when we get off track. I’m not sure why this is. However, we are “Charlotte Mason” homeschoolers as well and I do the Ambleside Online curriculum for school. I find that my children are not loving school. They actually grown and whine about it. Then when I ask them what books they dislike SO much and what they really hate about school. They’ll say, “oh, nothing.” I’ll say well do you like this book and this other book and they’ll say yes I do. But then next time I call one of them over for school they are like whiny about it. It drives me crazy. How would you “fix” this or is there a fix.

  4. Cindy says

    October 18, 2016 at 7:25 pm

    Amanda, I’d have a family meeting and tell them exactly what you’ve just said…”Kids, I hear you whine about school work every day, yet you tell me you like the books we’re using. Let’s talk about why you’re frustrated when I start school work with you. If you tell me exactly what it is you don’t like, maybe we can find ways to fix it.”

    You might find the answer to be in the curriculum, or possibly the way the day runs. Or, maybe even a little of both. I hope you all get it figured out soon! I’m happy to do a phone consult with you if you need further help. 🙂

  5. Michelle Morrow says

    October 18, 2016 at 8:22 pm

    Cindy this is such a great post. I agree with what you are saying the purist CM ideology can really suck the life out of homeschooling. Thanks for writing this.

  6. Cindy says

    October 18, 2016 at 8:38 pm

    Thanks for saying so, Michelle. Your opinion means a lot!

  7. Michelle says

    October 21, 2016 at 2:00 pm

    Wonderful post!! I too, gather ideas from different types of homeschooling methods. I am extremely eclectic, even changing ideas from year to year. I used to try to change some things during the school year but that proved to be too difficult for me and the kids. Now, I only change things if I see that they are really not working or if things are too frustrating. We also do history in a cycle, but I focus on a 5 year cycle instead of four. As a historian, I find that this is the best method for us to really delve deep into different topics. Have a wonderful weekend!

  8. Cindy says

    October 21, 2016 at 2:30 pm

    Michelle, with this third kiddo of mine, we are taking history at a slower pace, too! It just seems so like we have so much more time to meander through more than the high points. You have a wonderful weekend, too!

  9. Michelle Cannon says

    October 22, 2016 at 1:43 am

    Our views sound similar. I call our family Charlotte Mason unschoolers. I do believe the basic principles of short lessons, narration, much outdoor time, including the arts, and so on. But we are quite unschoolish in our homeschool ways. I believe some basics need to be taught, but as a general rule my kids follow their own interests and our schedule is practically non-existent. We do what we want as we feel like it, pretty much.

    I’ve graduated 3 kids on a 100% unschooling lifestyle and one on a CM unschooling lifestyle. They’ve gotten into college, so it worked for us! 🙂

  10. Cindy says

    October 22, 2016 at 10:25 am

    It’s SO important to take into account family dynamics when developing a style, isn’t it? I always think how cool it is that completely different styles still produce completely competent young adults.

Trackbacks

  1. You Might Not Be A Charlotte Mason Purist if... - My Little Robins says:
    March 19, 2017 at 10:36 pm

    […] Legalism in Homeschooling Methods by Cindy at Our Journey […]

Primary Sidebar

NaturExplorers Science Curriculum

NaturExplorers guides are perfect for the 1st-8th grade homeschool, co-op or classroom. This highly adaptable curriculum series uses nature study as the starting point for science lessons that reach into every other subject and meet all learning styles.

Popular Posts and Series


 photo widget300_zps64ea557d.jpg
 photo CMWidget_zpsd7fc8669.jpg
 photo livinglitwidget_zps657f0460.jpg

 photo 3b118073-e528-40c6-b009-8be2ccfc0a74_zps79607282.jpg
 photo NatureStudySneezePageWidget_zps3dc3947e.jpg


 photo ArtistStudyWidget_zps6df6beae.jpg
 photo Untitled_zps78916d12.jpg
 photo Unitstudywidget_zps852cf098.jpg
 photo PBLwidget_zps5a4c210f.jpg

 photo valueswidget_zpscf5135ed.jpg
 photo USA300widget_zpsb2606835.jpg



 photo SeasonsandHolidaysWidget_zpscc545744.jpg

Categories

Charlotte Mason How-To

 photo 2235a4d3-bec7-488d-89f5-e2dcd32a42db_zpsb2ec2b26.jpg

Most Recent Pins

 photo WhatsPinteresting_zps8b7f9748.jpg

Trusted Curriculum

All About Spelling



  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy and Blog Terms of Service
  • Affiliations & Disclosure Policy
  • Reviews and Advertisements
  • eShop Terms & Conditions
  • Affiliates
When my boys were little, I loved reading these “letters from God” to them as blessings to start the day.
As I was sorting bookshelves earlier this month, I stumbled across this sweet book again. I decided the blessings are still as pertinent today for my bigger boy as they were years ago. So, we’re starting our day yet again with a quick, but powerful “letter from God” before jumping into our daily Bible studies.
Do you do anything special to start your day off on the right foot? I’d love to hear about it!
Click the link in my bio for a link to the book.
#homeschoolblessings #homeschoolfamily #homeschoolmom #homeschool #homeschooling #yourmorningbasket #startthedayoffright #charlottemasonmama #loveyourkids #wildandfreemama #childrensbook #devotionalforkids #homeschool365 #homeschoolmorning #ourjourneywestward #ihsnet
Winter homeschooling can be tough in normal years. Winter homeschooling can be tough in normal years. It’s cold, the days are dark, and everyone’s cooped up together 24/7. That’s a recipe for the winter blahs to march right into your house and wreak havoc on attitudes and motivation.⠀
⠀
This year’s winter is unlike any other and those blahs may have actually settled in long before now. If you or your children are feeling down, anxious, or bored with school, are “at” each other constantly, bouncing off the walls, or tears and fighting are the norm…the blahs are there.⠀
⠀
Let’s get you, your children, and your homeschool back on track. I’ll be teaching a Homeschool Masterclass on Thursday afternoon to help you kick the blahs to the curb. If you can attend live, come! If you can’t attend live, catch the replay!⠀
⠀
We’ll tackle all sorts of problems the blahs bring with them with very practical  ideas that are easy to implement! ⠀
⠀
Click the link in my bio to join me. There is no shame in admitting that the blahs have arrived and you need a little boost from a friend. ❤️ ⠀
⠀
#homeschool #homeschooling #homeschoolmom #homeschoolfamily #wildandfreemom #charlottemasonmama #winterhomeschool #homeschoolhelp #homeschoollookslikethis #thisishomeschool #homeschoolmasterclass #homeschool365 #ihsnet #homeschoolmama #helpmehomeschool #winterblahs
Oh, what peace this quote brings to my soul. It’ Oh, what peace this quote brings to my soul. It’s true, you know. I’ve told my children for years that it only takes a nature walk to see God through His handiwork and to know that His promises are true.⠀
⠀
When the world seems to be falling apart around you, the sun never stops shining. The seasons never stop moving. Without a single, solitary effort of human hands, the woodlands still buzz with life.⠀
⠀
A student of nature can see the consistency in cycles and notice the incredible and creative intricacy of even the smallest specimen and be in awe that we truly serve a God who isn’t unaware of even one tiny detail in our world right now. ⠀
⠀
Life kind of seems overwhelming, though, I know. Remember when I said my motto lately has been to just put one foot in front of the other to do the next right thing? Nature walks (even when it’s cold) never fail me as a right thing. ⠀
⠀
Breathe, friend. Take a nature walk today and let God speak to your soul.⠀
⠀
#homeschool #homeschooling #homeschoolmom #homeschoolfamily #wildandfreemom #charlottemasonirl #winterhomeschool #homeschoollookslikethis #thisishomeschool #winternaturestudy #nosweatnaturestudy #homeschool365 #ihsnet #naturestudy #naturexplorers #nature #hewins
It might seem trite to post a winter picture book It might seem trite to post a winter picture book list right now, but I’m a big believer in keeping things as normal as possible in my home when things aren’t so normal otherwise.⠀
⠀
It’s the principle of putting one foot in front of the other as you simply do the next right thing. Good books almost always can be a “next right thing” choice.⠀
⠀
Even though I’m not homeschooling younger children anymore, I’ll probably never stop sharing wonderful picture book ideas with you. 🤓 I’ve spent way too many hours reading and collecting to ever stop loving them!⠀
⠀
Eli and I may not be using these books right now, but they are still some of my favorites for winter reading. Whatever may be going on around you, the winter months are always a good time of year to get in lots of extra reading. Snuggling and hot chocolate are optional, but encouraged.⠀
⠀
Click the link in my bio to find a blog post about these books + some of our favorite winter chapter books, too!⠀
⠀
#homeschool #readmorebooks #livingbooks #livingliterature #picturebooks #winterpicturebooks #homeschoolmom #wildandfreefamily #charlottemasonirl #winterhomeschool #homeschoollookslikethis #thisishomeschool #winternaturestudy #nosweatnaturestudy #homeschool365 #ihsnet
We celebrated a 14th birthday over Christmas break We celebrated a 14th birthday over Christmas break! 🎉🎁🎂🏀🥰
I love being auntie to a sweet baby again! 😍 I love being auntie to a sweet baby again! 😍
Merry Christmas from the Wests! 🎄 Merry Christmas from the Wests! 🎄
Christmas picture books are some of my very favori Christmas picture books are some of my very favorite books of all time. I’ve spent years collecting new ones here and there (and will probably continue collecting for years to come because there are at least a few favorites I still don’t own).🤗🤫⠀
⠀
When the kiddos were younger, I would sometimes wrap each of the books and place them in a basket near the Christmas tree. 🎁 Each morning during December, one of my children would choose a book to unwrap and that was the one we would read for the day. Oh, such precious memories!⠀
⠀
This year, even though my youngest is in 8th grade, the books are not hidden away! I’ve found a creative way to read them with Eli. We’re using them as mentor texts for his own stories during language arts. #sneakysmart (He’s writing some pretty great stories, too!)⠀
⠀
Click the link in my bio if you’d like to see my entire list of picture book favorites for the Christmas season!🎄If you’d like to know more about using picture books to teach writing to older kids, search “writing with picture books masterclass”on my website.⠀
⠀
#homeschoolbooks #christmasbooks #christmasbooklist #christmaspicturebooks #christmasschool #creativehomeschooling #livingbooks #livingliterature #readmorebooks #Decemberhomeschool #homeschoolfamily #homeschoollookslikethis #homeschoolmiddleschool #ilovebooks #charlottemasonirl #yourmorningbasket #ourjourneywestward #homeschoolrocks

Copyright 2006 -© 2021 · Our Journey Westward · All Rights Reserved

249Shares