A Charlotte Mason education is counter-cultural at nearly every point. Amy turns our attention to what it means to be rooted in Miss Mason’s 20 life-giving principles and the restoration offered to us in all seasons of life. We will examine our personal “why” in this reflective session, preparing our hearts and minds for the retreat weekend ahead.

This interactive and reflective session will explore how to renew your mind and stay useful to your spouse, your older children, and your dear sisters in Christ by looking at Charlotte Mason’s Principles No. 5 thru 12. Abby – a mother of teens and several boys – will help us focus our attention on the three educational instruments: the child’s mind; the teacher as guide, philosopher, and friend; and how all things work together (Science of Relations). 

Our world, however full of beauty and goodness, has weathered many storms and ill usage.  It does not take much imagination to realize that something has been lost and things are not the way they were meant to be.  How do we educate our children in such a way that helps them face the monumental task of living a good life and following the ways of Truth? Sarah will share how being deeply rooted in true ideas can help us teach our students the work and hope of restoration in the Kingdom of God.

As we raise our children and journey through life we begin to experience the truth of scripture and one of Miss Mason’s core principles: That life is the Science of Relations (and relationships). Jackie explores how Christ's grace and Mason’s works provide essential teachings on creating and maintaining healthy, life-giving relationships. As a CM educator of graduates and a trained therapist, Jackie leans on her life experience and professional expertise to encourage you to overcome past hurts and build life-giving relationships in your atmosphere.

Home educators long for joy in our homeschool days, and more importantly, in our own hearts. Charlotte Mason writes, “we all have need to be trained to see, and to have our eyes opened before we can take the joy that is meant for us in this beautiful life.” As we internalize and practice the humane methods of education Mason proposed, we find ourselves increasingly rooted in love and restored to our original purpose: “to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.” Come be inspired by glimpses into how a living education helps us do just that.

Have you ever read a fairy tale and encountered magical, weird, or scary aspects, and wondered why Miss Mason, as a Christian, assigned them? Erin is excited to share the power behind what has become as integral part of her homeschool at a pivotal season of family life. She will discuss the what, why and how to read them.  She will walk us through their historical influence; tackle some common objections to these stories that get a wrap for being “escapist,” concerns about magic, and how to allow the story to unveil its deeper truths, and ultimately how they can point us to the gospel truth in a powerful way.

At the core of this session is a rich and imaginative view of beauty and how it is an instrument of healing and wholeness for us and our children. But what does art instruction look like in the Charlotte Mason method? Why is it important? In this practical session, Emily will address these questions and common myths about art and give you resources and next steps for confidently practicing art with your students.

What, exactly, is a living book? Does “nature study” mean school work is done outside? Does “spreading the feast” imply a lot of cooking? And “poetry tea time” keeps popping up on Instagram - is a love of tea a prerequisite?! 

If you’re new to the idea of Charlotte Mason education, these terms might be more than a little confusing - and finding answers isn’t always straightforward. Leyla will help you learn the lingo and answer questions about CM basics at this pre-retreat session so you’ll be ready to dive deep into the principles and practices of a living education. 

This Plutarch Immersion will encourage and equip your homeschool to include the first century biographer who influenced countless people throughout history. Abby Wahl and Sarah May Little will share why Charlotte Mason included Plutarch in her feast of ideas and then you get to be the student. This practical immersion will give you the confidence to dive into Plutarch at home - however imperfectly!