As homeschool parents, we often find ourselves wearing many hats—teacher, mentor, guide. However, in the Charlotte Mason approach, there’s a role that transcends our earthly abilities—the role of the Divine Teacher. This beautiful concept reminds us that education is not merely a transfer of knowledge, but a partnership with the Creator Himself. Today, let’s explore how embracing the Divine Teacher enriches our Charlotte Mason homeschooling journey, infusing it with purpose, wonder, and a touch of the divine.
In the hustle and bustle of homeschooling, it’s easy to get caught up in lesson plans and academic goals. Yet, at the heart of a Charlotte Mason education lies the recognition that our purpose as parents goes beyond academics. We’re shaping hearts, souls, and character. By acknowledging the Divine Teacher, we invite a higher purpose into our homes—one that focuses on nurturing virtues, kindling a love for beauty and truth, and ultimately guiding our children toward a life that echoes the divine.
In the things of science, in the things of art, in the things of practical every-day life, his God doth instruct him and doth teach him, her God doth instruct her and doth teach her. Let this be the mother’s key to the whole of the education of each boy and each girl; not of her children; the divine Spirit does not work with nouns of multitude, but with each single child. Because He is infinite, the whole world is not too great a school for this Indefatigable Teacher, and because He is infinite, He is able to give the whole of this infinite attention for the whole time to each one of His multitudinous pupils. The Great Recognition
by Charlotte Mason.
Volume 7, 1896, pgs. 52-59
Nature study, a cornerstone of the Charlotte Mason approach, provides a direct conduit to experiencing the Divine Teacher’s handiwork. As we explore the wonders of the natural world, we witness the Creator’s artistry and design. This connection with nature becomes a source of inspiration and awe, helping us and our children appreciate the divine beauty that surrounds us and instilling a sense of stewardship for the Earth.
Living books—rich, narrative texts that come alive with ideas—are essential in a Charlotte Mason education. Through them, we encounter the thoughts and experiences of great minds and hearts from across time. As we read together, the Divine Teacher becomes a silent companion, sparking meaningful discussions, guiding our understanding, and fostering a lifelong love for learning.
Narration, the art of retelling what has been learned, is more than an assessment technique. It’s a practice that cultivates attention, memory, and thinking skills. In embracing the Divine Teacher, we acknowledge that each narration is a chance for our children to engage in a meaningful dialogue with the Creator. As they express their thoughts and insights, they tap into a higher wisdom—one that transcends textbook knowledge.
Children are naturally curious, filled with wonder at the world around them. By embracing the Divine Teacher, we honor and encourage this sense of wonder. We recognize that every question, every discovery, is an invitation to engage in a deeper exploration of God’s creation. Through wonder, our children embark on a lifelong journey of learning, always seeking to understand and marvel at the intricate tapestry of existence.
As homeschool parents, we are entrusted with a profound responsibility—to nurture the minds, hearts, and spirits of our children. Embracing the Divine Teacher in our Charlotte Mason education elevates this journey, reminding us that we are not alone in our efforts. With the Divine Teacher as our guide, we infuse our homeschooling with purpose, beauty, and a connection to the Creator Himself. So let’s walk hand in hand with the Divine Teacher, inspiring a lifelong pursuit of truth, goodness, and the transcendent wonders of the world.