Thank you for this. I watched both of their videos. CM homeschool mom of 6 years. Cringed the whole way through. I’ve lived in this beautiful CM bubble in my local community (and online) where the experienced moms are the creators of curriculum/helps/guides (free- we use AO) or reasonably priced (I love your Nature Hack series). My favorite books come from the experienced moms- Karen Glass, Laurie Bestvater, Anne White, and Cindy Rollins. These are only a few, but I’m realizing the community thrives from a form of transparency and generosity while freely and abundantly giving. That’s not including the free help in many forums and fb groups. I naively believed other educators would give a fair assessment of CMs work and the current, thriving movement of homeschoolers using her methods. What we and others witnessed in the comment section of their first video was the very same scrutiny these CM leaders are under- but in a good way. There is a level of respect for the audience (dare I say consumer) that moms have for moms. Someone who comes in to sell the latest and greatest CM do dad will not last long. The CM moms will know. MPs lack of preparation (or care) came across as condescending, and one is left at the end of their conversation to wonder- well what next? Their answer-- buy our curriculum! We know what’s best! This for me is the big divide. A chance for profit in education- promising a particular outcome and belittling others vs. a band of mama bears who deeply care about their children’s full education (body, mind and spirit) as well as our own. It is all for the Children’s Sake. Simply put, they picked the wrong group of ladies to talk at with hollow arguments and derisive chuckles. We like to read and need receipts.
You've said this so well! I was so pleased by the response from the mothers who really understand CM and were able to speak to the flaws in their conversation. But I think they did hit on the truth that Mason can be misunderstood and it's important to read her for yourself to grasp the method.
Thank you for this! It is not that we NEED them to agree with Mason or even like her or her work. It's that they went in to critique a subject they have verrrrrry basic surface knowledge of but spoke as if they had authority. It was really disappointing to see their lack of understanding of Mason but still feel comfortable making declarations about her methods. I was glad their second video mildly addressed the comments but I'm honestly shocked they still chose to post the second part! Thanks again for sharing this, Joy. You have a great way of explaining Mason that is helpful to many, I'm sure!
Thanks for your thoughtful response. I have used MP for the last couple of years and I also did not understand Charlotte Mason until I read Home Education over the summer. I am so grateful for her advice because she not only shares how to guide your children through their education, but also how along the way the children are "storing up memories of a happy childhood." Her guidance on how to educate children really does as you say respect their dignity and I love how her description of a good teacher is that their work liberates the personality and intelligence of their pupil. I enjoy Classical Et Cetera, but It's impossible to talk about Charlotte Mason using a bullet point list. Way too deep for that. :)
Thank you! I was so confused the whole time I watched the MP talk. I didn't look at the comments but I just knew they were wrong. I'm only halfway through Home Education so I'm not a Mason expert so I really appreciate you and everyone in the comments in that MP video clearing up the confusion! I wonder if they'll respond in any way since the feedback is overwhelmingly in defense of Mason.
My pleasure! They did release part two and it had a disclaimer at the beginning that they'd read the comments and will be learning more about Mason in 2025 so they can speak with more understanding.
I love all you shared! Thank you for taking the time to do this. I wanted to note that what you described as “gentle parenting” sounds more like permissive parenting. Gentle parenting IS authoritative. The caregiver teaches, communicates, and models boundaries and expectations all while understanding child development, seeing the child as a whole person and as an image bearer of God. Discipleship, modeling, natural and, at times, logical consequences. It’s very intentional parenting and takes work that’s not looking for quick discipline, but life-long learning and connection. It actually aligns quite well with CM. Clay Clarkson (dear Sally Clarkson’s husband) has a book called Heartfelt Discipline that has great wisdoms on this topic. For those interested, Connected Families Podcast and blog is an awesome (biblical) resource.
Oh I LOVED the book Heartfelt Discipline! I agree that it was beautiful. I think I'm more talking about a movement of permissive parenting that the gals in my community were calling "gentle parenting" and they really took it too far.
@@joycherrickyes :) that happens on both ends, from permissive-punitive. True gentle parenting is work and discipleship and being permissive is far from discipleship. GP is truly habit formation 😂
@@joycherrickI only commented because so many do believe those who practice gentle parenting are permissive parents and it turns people off from learning what it truly mean ❤
To be frank, I do think the panel is intelligent enough to understand Charlotte Mason. Sometimes to help their argument people will feign ignorance to dismantle another's. Charlotte Mason has grown amongst the homeschool community as a viable philosophy that is customizable to your home. You can be a purist or pick and choose what fits for you. We must keep in mind this panel is connected to a curriculum they sell.
Thank for this video! Your points are very well presented and thought out! As a family who is in our 1st year truly following a CM philosophy in our homeschool, this gave me some great clarity! 🥰 thank you again!
I really need to read the volumes! I am so grateful for you and other Mason readers to help me understand her philosophy. I strive to be a CM enthusiast. ❤ Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
@ I listened to their podcast last night and even in my limited knowledge they completely misrepresented Charlotte and her philosophy. It was sad really that they thought they knew enough about her to speak on this topic. Hopefully their Part 3 later will include someone that knows Charlotte Mason.
I am on my 4th year educating my children using Charlotte Mason philosophy. One area that I struggled with early on was explicit instruction. I think explicit instruction is very important in education but Mason has several quotes that seem to denigrate explicit instruction. She warns not to give the children pre-digested ideas. I think this is where the idea that Mason is child-led stems from. If you aren’t explicitly teaching, then the child must be in charge of the lessons. That’s not what happens. After spending more time doing CM education and reading, I don’t think she’s against explicit instruction. However there is a fine line between explicit instruction and offering pre-digested ideas.
Their video was really difficult to watch. I don't consider myself an expert on Charlotte Mason, but it seemed like they just printed off a list of her principles without actually reading her volumes or even listening to a podcast for understanding. I really think they embarrassed themselves. And I don't say that to be rude, because normally I rather enjoy their videos.
I really think that modern classical educators, like those at Memoria, can add a lot to the conversation about education for us Mason educators. I hope they continue learning about Mason bc she adds so much beauty and dignity to our teaching methods!!
To be fair, I've also heard some recent "Charlotte Mason" podcasts that made me cringe because they are treating CM as a cross between Unschooling and Montessori. I think that MP's ignorant statements were based on these Charlotte Mason Lite/Charlotte Mason inspired homeschoolers who have never read anything by Charlotte Mason. I look forward to MP's podcast actually reading something by Charlotte Mason and releasing the 2025 part 3 episode. I think they will find that their curriculum actually is actually very similar.
I did listen to the episode and yes, I don’t think they understand the Charlotte Mason method. The good news is in the 2nd episode they plan on doing more episodes on this because they did get quite a lot of push back. I’m curious to see what they say in the next episodes. I do think memoria press does have some great resources. We have used some of their curriculum. I am in the earlier years so I can only say so much.
I saw that! In part two they added a disclaimer at the beginning that they'd read the comments and will be learning more about Mason in 2025 so they can speak with more understanding. I think these discussions are good because they help us dig deeper!
The attitude of the second video is incredibly condescending. Let MP "come to the rescue" for your super inadequate CM education... sure buddy, sure. The CM community rightly feels personally attacked because this was an assault against our way of life!
That’s too bad. I will respond to the second video shortly. I was surprised they released it honestly. But their channel is getting so much attention they might figure it’s good publicity
Thank you for this. I watched both of their videos. CM homeschool mom of 6 years. Cringed the whole way through.
I’ve lived in this beautiful CM bubble in my local community (and online) where the experienced moms are the creators of curriculum/helps/guides (free- we use AO) or reasonably priced (I love your Nature Hack series). My favorite books come from the experienced moms- Karen Glass, Laurie Bestvater, Anne White, and Cindy Rollins. These are only a few, but I’m realizing the community thrives from a form of transparency and generosity while freely and abundantly giving. That’s not including the free help in many forums and fb groups. I naively believed other educators would give a fair assessment of CMs work and the current, thriving movement of homeschoolers using her methods.
What we and others witnessed in the comment section of their first video was the very same scrutiny these CM leaders are under- but in a good way. There is a level of respect for the audience (dare I say consumer) that moms have for moms. Someone who comes in to sell the latest and greatest CM do dad will not last long. The CM moms will know.
MPs lack of preparation (or care) came across as condescending, and one is left at the end of their conversation to wonder- well what next? Their answer-- buy our curriculum! We know what’s best!
This for me is the big divide. A chance for profit in education- promising a particular outcome and belittling others vs. a band of mama bears who deeply care about their children’s full education (body, mind and spirit) as well as our own. It is all for the Children’s Sake.
Simply put, they picked the wrong group of ladies to talk at with hollow arguments and derisive chuckles. We like to read and need receipts.
You've said this so well! I was so pleased by the response from the mothers who really understand CM and were able to speak to the flaws in their conversation. But I think they did hit on the truth that Mason can be misunderstood and it's important to read her for yourself to grasp the method.
Thank you for this! It is not that we NEED them to agree with Mason or even like her or her work. It's that they went in to critique a subject they have verrrrrry basic surface knowledge of but spoke as if they had authority. It was really disappointing to see their lack of understanding of Mason but still feel comfortable making declarations about her methods. I was glad their second video mildly addressed the comments but I'm honestly shocked they still chose to post the second part!
Thanks again for sharing this, Joy. You have a great way of explaining Mason that is helpful to many, I'm sure!
Thank you!!
Thanks for your thoughtful response. I have used MP for the last couple of years and I also did not understand Charlotte Mason until I read Home Education over the summer. I am so grateful for her advice because she not only shares how to guide your children through their education, but also how along the way the children are "storing up memories of a happy childhood." Her guidance on how to educate children really does as you say respect their dignity and I love how her description of a good teacher is that their work liberates the personality and intelligence of their pupil. I enjoy Classical Et Cetera, but It's impossible to talk about Charlotte Mason using a bullet point list. Way too deep for that. :)
I agree - it’s a way of life and not just curriculum!
@ actually that would be the perfect answer for their CSR‘s when they are asked that question.
Thank you! I was so confused the whole time I watched the MP talk. I didn't look at the comments but I just knew they were wrong. I'm only halfway through Home Education so I'm not a Mason expert so I really appreciate you and everyone in the comments in that MP video clearing up the confusion! I wonder if they'll respond in any way since the feedback is overwhelmingly in defense of Mason.
My pleasure! They did release part two and it had a disclaimer at the beginning that they'd read the comments and will be learning more about Mason in 2025 so they can speak with more understanding.
I love all you shared! Thank you for taking the time to do this. I wanted to note that what you described as “gentle parenting” sounds more like permissive parenting. Gentle parenting IS authoritative. The caregiver teaches, communicates, and models boundaries and expectations all while understanding child development, seeing the child as a whole person and as an image bearer of God. Discipleship, modeling, natural and, at times, logical consequences. It’s very intentional parenting and takes work that’s not looking for quick discipline, but life-long learning and connection. It actually aligns quite well with CM. Clay Clarkson (dear Sally Clarkson’s husband) has a book called Heartfelt Discipline that has great wisdoms on this topic. For those interested, Connected Families Podcast and blog is an awesome (biblical) resource.
Oh I LOVED the book Heartfelt Discipline! I agree that it was beautiful. I think I'm more talking about a movement of permissive parenting that the gals in my community were calling "gentle parenting" and they really took it too far.
@@joycherrickyes :) that happens on both ends, from permissive-punitive. True gentle parenting is work and discipleship and being permissive is far from discipleship. GP is truly habit formation 😂
@@joycherrickI only commented because so many do believe those who practice gentle parenting are permissive parents and it turns people off from learning what it truly mean ❤
@@Micasa22 I appreciated your response!
To be frank, I do think the panel is intelligent enough to understand Charlotte Mason. Sometimes to help their argument people will feign ignorance to dismantle another's. Charlotte Mason has grown amongst the homeschool community as a viable philosophy that is customizable to your home. You can be a purist or pick and choose what fits for you.
We must keep in mind this panel is connected to a curriculum they sell.
Excellent points.
Thank you. They have not met any Charlotte Mason students have they?
Right?!
Thank for this video! Your points are very well presented and thought out! As a family who is in our 1st year truly following a CM philosophy in our homeschool, this gave me some great clarity! 🥰 thank you again!
You’re welcome! I’m so glad it was helpful!
I really need to read the volumes! I am so grateful for you and other Mason readers to help me understand her philosophy. I strive to be a CM enthusiast. ❤ Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
You're welcome! Glad this was helpful. She is worth the work to read!
@ I listened to their podcast last night and even in my limited knowledge they completely misrepresented Charlotte and her philosophy. It was sad really that they thought they knew enough about her to speak on this topic. Hopefully their Part 3 later will include someone that knows Charlotte Mason.
This is the best break down i have found. So helpful, thank you!
I'm glad you found it helpful!
I am on my 4th year educating my children using Charlotte Mason philosophy. One area that I struggled with early on was explicit instruction. I think explicit instruction is very important in education but Mason has several quotes that seem to denigrate explicit instruction. She warns not to give the children pre-digested ideas.
I think this is where the idea that Mason is child-led stems from. If you aren’t explicitly teaching, then the child must be in charge of the lessons. That’s not what happens. After spending more time doing CM education and reading, I don’t think she’s against explicit instruction. However there is a fine line between explicit instruction and offering pre-digested ideas.
Yes, it's challenging to sort through WHAT the role of the teacher is!
Looking forward to listening to this!
Their video was really difficult to watch. I don't consider myself an expert on Charlotte Mason, but it seemed like they just printed off a list of her principles without actually reading her volumes or even listening to a podcast for understanding. I really think they embarrassed themselves. And I don't say that to be rude, because normally I rather enjoy their videos.
I really think that modern classical educators, like those at Memoria, can add a lot to the conversation about education for us Mason educators. I hope they continue learning about Mason bc she adds so much beauty and dignity to our teaching methods!!
To be fair, I've also heard some recent "Charlotte Mason" podcasts that made me cringe because they are treating CM as a cross between Unschooling and Montessori. I think that MP's ignorant statements were based on these Charlotte Mason Lite/Charlotte Mason inspired homeschoolers who have never read anything by Charlotte Mason. I look forward to MP's podcast actually reading something by Charlotte Mason and releasing the 2025 part 3 episode. I think they will find that their curriculum actually is actually very similar.
I definitely think you are right that there are many different interpretations of Charlotte Mason out there!
Well said, Joy! Thank you!
I am so glad you enjoyed it!
I haven't watched it yet, but I noticed they released part 2 today🥴
I saw that! They had a disclaimer at the beginning! I didn't watch the whole thing yet!
I did listen to the episode and yes, I don’t think they understand the Charlotte Mason method. The good news is in the 2nd episode they plan on doing more episodes on this because they did get quite a lot of push back. I’m curious to see what they say in the next episodes. I do think memoria press does have some great resources. We have used some of their curriculum. I am in the earlier years so I can only say so much.
I saw that! In part two they added a disclaimer at the beginning that they'd read the comments and will be learning more about Mason in 2025 so they can speak with more understanding. I think these discussions are good because they help us dig deeper!
@ yes I agree! It’s good to be open to different ways of educating our children.
Glad I just went ahead and watched yours 😂
🥰
Thanks for this
The attitude of the second video is incredibly condescending. Let MP "come to the rescue" for your super inadequate CM education... sure buddy, sure.
The CM community rightly feels personally attacked because this was an assault against our way of life!
That’s too bad. I will respond to the second video shortly. I was surprised they released it honestly. But their channel is getting so much attention they might figure it’s good publicity