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.
The Role of the Divine Teacher in Homeschooling
In the hustle and bustle of homeschooling, it’s easy to get caught up in lesson plans, academic goals, and everyday responsibilities. Yet, at the heart of 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.
Charlotte Mason beautifully expresses this idea in The Great Recognition (Volume 7, 1896, pgs. 52-59):
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 the Divine Teacher is infinite, the world is not too vast for His instruction. He offers infinite attention to each child, guiding them individually through all of creation.
Connecting with the Divine Teacher Through Nature Study
One of the cornerstones of the Charlotte Mason approach is nature study—an essential conduit for experiencing the Divine Teacher’s handiwork. When we immerse ourselves in nature, we encounter the Creator’s artistry and design. Whether it’s observing the intricate patterns of leaves, the rhythm of the seasons, or the majesty of the stars, nature study inspires awe and gratitude. This connection with the natural world encourages our children to appreciate the divine beauty that surrounds us, fostering a sense of stewardship and reverence for the Earth.
Through nature study, we don’t just learn about the world; we engage in a deep, personal dialogue with the Divine Teacher. We acknowledge that each leaf, bird, or sunrise reflects His creativity and wisdom.
Living Books as Guides to the Divine
In Charlotte Mason’s method, living books—rich, narrative texts that come alive with ideas—are a vital part of the educational experience. Through living books, we encounter the thoughts and experiences of great minds from across time. These texts do more than inform; they invite us into a deeper understanding of truth, beauty, and goodness. As we read together, the Divine Teacher becomes a silent companion in our learning, sparking meaningful discussions and guiding our understanding.
By using living books, we’re not just teaching academic subjects—we’re opening the door to conversations with the Creator. Through these texts, we see the divine presence in the works of art, literature, and historical accounts. The stories and ideas within living books inspire our children to pursue truth, goodness, and beauty.
Narration: A Dialogue with the Divine Teacher
Narration is an essential part of the Charlotte Mason method and is more than a mere assessment tool. It’s a practice that cultivates attention, memory, and critical thinking skills. As children retell what they have learned, they are engaging in a meaningful dialogue—not only with their teacher but also with the Divine Teacher. Through narration, children are invited to process and articulate their understanding of the world, tapping into a higher wisdom that transcends textbook knowledge.
Each narration becomes an opportunity for children to engage with deeper truths, and as parents, we can help guide them in seeing the divine connections in what they learn. Narration isn’t just a test of knowledge; it’s a practice that opens the heart and mind to the Creator’s guidance.
Nurturing Curiosity and Wonder
Children are naturally curious, filled with a sense of wonder at the world around them. As homeschool parents, we have the privilege of nurturing this natural curiosity. By embracing the Divine Teacher, we honor and encourage our children’s questions, discoveries, and awe. Every question they ask, every new discovery they make, is an invitation to engage in deeper exploration of God’s creation.
In this approach, wonder becomes the driving force of learning. It’s not about memorizing facts or filling in worksheets; it’s about fostering a love of learning through a lens of awe and reverence. As children embark on this lifelong journey of learning, they do so with a heart full of curiosity, always seeking to understand the intricate tapestry of existence.
The Divine Teacher’s Presence in Our Homeschool
As homeschool parents, we are entrusted with a profound responsibility: to nurture the minds, hearts, and spirits of our children. By embracing the Divine Teacher in our Charlotte Mason education, we elevate this responsibility to a sacred calling. We are not alone in our efforts—God is with us, guiding us as we teach, nurture, and guide our children toward a deeper understanding of the world.
With the Divine Teacher as our guide, we can infuse our homeschooling with purpose, beauty, and a connection to the Creator Himself. This partnership transforms homeschooling from a daily task into a sacred journey—one filled with meaning, wonder, and truth.
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. Let us guide our children with the understanding that their education is a partnership with the Creator, and in this partnership, they will discover the beauty and wisdom of the world around them.
