The Hope of Academic Vision
In our last post, we reflected on the importance of prayer as the foundation of homeschooling. Parents are called to shepherd their homes, and the only way to shepherd faithfully is on our knees. Prayer sustains, protects, and gives wisdom when the daily messes and missed lessons threaten to overwhelm.
We turn our attention to another essential companion for the homeschool parent: hope.
Proverbs 29:18 reminds us, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” While our ultimate hope rests in Christ alone, it is also vital to have a vision that shapes the daily atmosphere of the home. A vision provides direction, encouragement, and life to the homeschooling journey. We must have an academic vision.
For many, discovering the Charlotte Mason method has given that vision. Her principles are timeless and full of depth. They challenge us to remove the broken pieces of our own education and to embrace something fresh, true, and life-giving. But to do that, parents must be willing to take on the role of student again.
Sometimes this feels daunting. This past summer, a few of RCA staff members participated in an eight-week course on Mason’s principles through the Charlotte Mason Institute. For many, it was not what they thought they had time or energy for but they left changed. Charlotte Mason’s ideas breathe life into weary parents and give clarity to those who feel burdened.
And these ideas are meant to be shared, not just read in isolation. That’s why opportunities like parent trainings or book clubs are so important. Discussing, learning, and growing together helps hope take root and flourish. Hope grows when we remember that we are not walking this journey alone.
At Redwood, we want every parent to know: you are called to be both shepherd and student. Shepherd your children with love, guidance, and prayer AND also remain a student yourself, willing to learn, grow, and be shaped. But don’t settle for learning about Charlotte Mason’s pedagogy from social media posts or a handful of inspiring quotes. Her principles are too rich for that. Instead, pick up the phone, call a friend, and ask, “Do you want to read this together?” Discuss, wrestle, and grow in community. In doing so, hope will not only steady your own heart but also shape the atmosphere of your home and the life of your children.
We turn our attention to another essential companion for the homeschool parent: hope.
Proverbs 29:18 reminds us, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” While our ultimate hope rests in Christ alone, it is also vital to have a vision that shapes the daily atmosphere of the home. A vision provides direction, encouragement, and life to the homeschooling journey. We must have an academic vision.
For many, discovering the Charlotte Mason method has given that vision. Her principles are timeless and full of depth. They challenge us to remove the broken pieces of our own education and to embrace something fresh, true, and life-giving. But to do that, parents must be willing to take on the role of student again.
Sometimes this feels daunting. This past summer, a few of RCA staff members participated in an eight-week course on Mason’s principles through the Charlotte Mason Institute. For many, it was not what they thought they had time or energy for but they left changed. Charlotte Mason’s ideas breathe life into weary parents and give clarity to those who feel burdened.
And these ideas are meant to be shared, not just read in isolation. That’s why opportunities like parent trainings or book clubs are so important. Discussing, learning, and growing together helps hope take root and flourish. Hope grows when we remember that we are not walking this journey alone.
At Redwood, we want every parent to know: you are called to be both shepherd and student. Shepherd your children with love, guidance, and prayer AND also remain a student yourself, willing to learn, grow, and be shaped. But don’t settle for learning about Charlotte Mason’s pedagogy from social media posts or a handful of inspiring quotes. Her principles are too rich for that. Instead, pick up the phone, call a friend, and ask, “Do you want to read this together?” Discuss, wrestle, and grow in community. In doing so, hope will not only steady your own heart but also shape the atmosphere of your home and the life of your children.
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