So here I am, researching Charlotte Mason’s homeschooling philosophy, and particularly how it applies to my own children’s tender ages, when I come across this paraphrase of one of her tenets:
Outdoor life is necessary to teach nature first-hand, which means plenty of time spent out of doors each day in all weather and in different environments for students of all ages. “School” for children younger than six consisted almost entirely of time spent outdoors.
I look out the window to see a storm encroaching on a previously steamy day. The wind is picking up, the sky is darkening, the thunder sets off several squeals of surprise, and three small children run to clutch my legs. But it’s still ninety degrees out. If there was ever a day when one could comfortably play in the rain without freezing, it’s today:
Splashing down the street
Floating flowers down the current in the gutter
Warm water flowing over bare feet
Spotting a bird
And warming up in a hot bath afterwards
Posted on August 2nd, 2007 by Dove
Filed under: Kids, Learning
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