10:30-11:30 THE WELL-BALANCED MIND; THE IMAGINATION FACTOR
Do you value your imagination? Your child's? This talk is an exploration of the importance of imagination in education, faith and life. Mason said that "imagination is, like faith, the evidence of things not seen" and is an integral part of everyone's personhood. How can we nurture this in our materialistic society where testing reigns supreme?
11:30-12:30 LUNCH
12:30-1:30 OUR SCHEDULE, OUR ATMOSPHERE
Learn how Charlotte Mason structured her school days and how atmosphere is key.Nancy will share how you can make your homeschool an enriching place with any size family by describing her tried and true schedule from her own homeschool, Sage Parnassus. Hear what Nancy (and Mason!) thinks is the most important attribute in any environment in order for learning to occur.
1:30-3:00 NATURE WALK
3:00-4:30 PARENTING THE YOUNG CHILD: BEST PRACTICES FROM CHARLOTTE MASON FOR A LIFE OF WONDER
Charlotte Mason said, "One of the secrets of the educator is to present nothing as stale knowledge, but to put himself in the position of the child, and wonder and admire with him; for every common miracle which the child sees with his own eyes makes of him for the moment another Newton.” This talk focuses on how to begin a Charlotte Mason education with the youngest of children, from birth to 6, and considers the irreplaceable role of the parent in fostering the child’s wonder and imagination. Fresh book recommendations and thoughtful discussions will be highlighted throughout the talk.
4:30-6:00 HANDICRAFTS {HAND EMBROIDERY}
6:00-7:00 DINNER
7:00-8:30 GETTING RID OF WEEDS AND FOSTERING FLOWERS: THE VITAL ROLE OF HABITS
This talk will examine the important and balanced emphasis of habits in a relational education. Charlotte Mason elaborates on the role of the parent when helping our children develop the type of habits that form fine character while weeding out the habits that will do them harm. As always, her advice is based on the whole child, not just outward expressions. We will look at the types of habits in a child’s life and Mason’s wise, commonsense approach to fostering the good.
8:30-9:30 SNACKS AND VISITING
Saturday
8:00-9:00 BREAKFAST
9:00-10:00CITIZENSHIP
Nancy will present an in-depth look at how Charlotte Mason and the PNEU schools approached the subject of citizenship and character development, an area she has been researching and practicing for years. Through Mason's own works, a picture talk, poetry, and personal stories she will explore Mason's claim that our function as teachers is "to supply children with the rations of knowledge which they require; and the rest, character and conduct, efficiency and ability, and that finest quality of the citizen, magnanimity, take care of themselves."
10:00-10:30 BREAK
10:30-11:30 QUALIFIED FOR LIFE, HIGHSCHOOLERS AS PERSONS
Interested in a rich, vigorous, character-building education for your high schooler? Charlotte Mason had a successful plan for the high school years. Her offering was in response to the utilitarian system that was in place 100 years ago and unfortunately still reigns. This session will discuss Mason's blueprint and offer principles and practices to begin planning what could be your student's best years! (Even if you don't have a high school aged student you'll learn from this insightful class, that helps you see where you are headed.)
11:30-12:15 TRUTH, BEAUTY, GOODNESS: THE HIVE
How does a high school, CM collaborative look? Nancy will explain one option that has been in place for many successful years! Learn how this small group of CM moms have lightened their load in guiding their students through high school without forfeiting CM's principles and earnestly preparing students for a life of caring. (Even if you don't have a high school aged child, you will benefit from his class. It's always great to know where the method is headed.)
12:15-1:00 LUNCH
1:00-2:00SHAKESPEARE: THE HOW AND WHY
In this workshop, Nancy will examine how and why Charlotte Mason's PNEU students were immersed in Shakespeare. The results may surprise you! She will be sharing her 20 years' experience in teaching Shakespeare to children, high schoolers, and adults - often all at the same time. Personal anecdotes, recommended resources, and audience participation will be part of this session.
2:00-2:30SNACK/BREAK
2:30-3:30THE WAY OF THE TEACHER: HUMILITY
What postures do we take in our homes, schools, and communities? There are many lessons to be learned from L'Umile Pianta (The Humble Plant), the publication by the alumni from Charlotte Mason's House of Education and the badge chosen by the Old Students' Association. In this session, Nancy will explore how the lessons shared back then can help us today as we examine Mason's thoughts on humility.