Editor’s Note, by Art Middlekauff After only two years of teaching experience, Edward G. Bolton (1899–1964) became the headmaster of Barrowden School in 1925.[1] Apparently his first year as headmaster was difficult, described in his own words as “a period of dissatisfaction.”[2] He then heard about the Charlotte Mason method in a lecture, which prompted …

Editor’s Note, by Art Middlekauff The 1880s featured a public debate between two leading thinkers, both of whom were cited favorably by Charlotte Mason. These two thinkers were Thomas Huxley (1825–95) and Matthew Arnold (1822–88). Paul White summarizes this debate: In the public statements that are taken to epitomize the Victorian debate, Huxley’s 1880 lecture …

The Influence of Learning from Lives Well-Lived The lives of others—both past and present—offer wisdom, courage, and faith for our own journeys. Charlotte Mason knew that biography is more than a history lesson; it is an invitation to walk alongside those who have gone before us, learning from their choices, struggles, and convictions. Through living …

A well-worn path of knowing “… for we are on the other side of all doubt once we know Him in whom we have believed.” — Charlotte Mason, Parents and Children, p. 135  If you’ve traveled the way of an educator for long, you know that it often leads us through periods of doubt. In …

The Hidden Force of a Charlotte Mason Education A Charlotte Mason education is different and stands alone among the educational philosophies of the world. This may be due in large part to its not-so-apparent foundation of vitality, the peculiarity distinguishing the living from the non-living and the capacity to live and develop. Careful reading of …

Let’s face it: homeschooling is hard. As parent-educators, we want to prepare our children spiritually, mentally, and physically for the fullness of life. On this journey we face pressures and doubts. We wonder about our pace and progress. We wonder about results. We feel inadequate and can’t help but compare ourselves to others around us. …

Editor’s Note, by Art Middlekauff On October 10, 1934, Cerise Parker gave a presentation to the Dublin branch of the PNEU.[1] Mrs. Parker was a member of the branch and hosted at least one of its meetings.[2] Her husband Cyril was the Headmaster of Avoca School[3] and contributed at least one article to The Parents’ …

Charlotte Mason said that “joy reigns in all our schoolrooms.” Do our schools reflect this joy or do we sabotage its presence, making our homes joyless? Joy was such an important principle for a living education that a PNEU conference in 1908 had joy as its theme! Let’s explore what Mason said about joy and …

Editor’s Note. Today we present the fourth and final article from the 1926 “Democracy and Taste” series, “Art” by Juliet Williams. By Juliet Williams The Parents’ Review, 1926, pp. 236-244 The “drawing” that is taught to the average child at school scarcely comes under the heading of “Art”—but it is essentially an important educational subject, …

Editor’s Note, by Art Middlekauff In 1926 a PNEU meeting was held in connection with the Conference of Educational Associations to consider the subject “Democracy and Taste.” The purpose of the one-day conference was explained as follows: The Chairman in his opening remarks said that he felt more imagination was needed in the educational scheme. …