Charlotte Mason’s approach to education can be summarized in three words: “Education is an atmosphere, a discipline, a life.” The phrase “Education is a life” particularly resonates with me.
In saying that “education is a life,” she implies the need for intellectual, moral, and physical sustenance. The mind thrives on ideas, so children should experience a generous curriculum filled with living ideas. A great way to achieve this is through the great outdoors.
Why Outdoors - The Charlotte Mason Way
A Living Education
In her first volume of the Home School Series, republished in 2017 (Mason, 2017), Charlotte Mason states, “An observant child should be put in the way of things worth observing.” She emphasizes that children should observe flowers, boulders, birds, and trees to gather foundational knowledge for science.
Being outdoors engages children’s senses and strengthens their observation skills, which are crucial for all learning, especially in the sciences. Nature captivates their focus and attention, offering an ideal environment for exploration. This setting helps children develop problem-solving skills and promotes curiosity.
At Gentle Seeds, we recognize the importance of nature walks. These excursions naturally stimulate curiosity and wonder. Each walk is not just a chance for physical activity; it’s an opportunity for meaningful learning.
As educators, we strive to equip ourselves with knowledge of Nature & Literature. We prioritize nurturing their curiosity through observation and exploration, rather than merely providing answers. As children's interest in nature grows, they learn to observe and notice details in their surroundings. This curiosity leads them to ask questions and learn through experience, transforming them into active participants in their education. We aspire to provide an education that feels alive—A Living Education.
Susan Schaeffer Macaulay captures this sentiment in her book, For the Children’s Sake, stating, “TV often gives children a false illusion of seeing because they’ve seen it on the screen. A child who watches a program on tides won’t have the same understanding as one who explores a beach for weeks” (p. 135).
The great outdoors offers our children a living education, training their minds for “exact observation, impartial record, great and humble expectation, patience, reverence, and humility...” (Vol. II, p. 101). This experience provides “unequalled mental training...what will it not prepare them for?” (Vol. I, p. 61).
Science of Relations
What does it mean when Charlotte Mason states that education is the science of relations? Picture a child spending ample time outdoors, observing plants and living creatures while forming questions about them. This child might notice the spiral arrangement of flower petals, prompting curiosity about the Fibonacci sequence. Equipped with new insights, the child may create an architectural model demonstrating their understanding of this mathematical pattern on future nature visits.
Charlotte Mason’s principle reminds us that learning revolves around forming meaningful connections. It’s not just about memorizing facts; it’s about understanding how various elements relate to one another and to our lives. Children who spend time outdoors amass firsthand knowledge that informs their future studies. They learn about patterns, cycles, mathematics, and the interconnectedness of life. We place them in touch with good ideas and trust they will discover relationships over time, thereby receiving a true education.
This approach results in sustainable learning driven by an intrinsic desire to gather knowledge, ultimately shaping lifelong learners. Wouldn’t we all want that for our children? Immersing them in their environment fosters a deep appreciation for our world and nurtures meaningful connections, heightening their commitment to environmental stewardship.
Nourishment of Our Well-Being
Charlotte Mason articulated, “A love of Nature, implanted early, will enrich lives with pure interests, absorbing pursuits, health, and good humor” (Vol. I, p. 71).
She recognized the numerous benefits outdoor education provides. Children not only observe and explore nature but also cultivate relationships with teachers and peers. Being outdoors fosters companionship and connection, drawing our attention away from screens and busy lives.
A September 2024 study found that nature journaling positively impacted students’ moods, stress levels, and connections to themselves and others. In contrast to traditional learning, outdoor activities like nature journaling enhance cognitive skills while improving students' socio-emotional health. Participants aged 10 to 12 reported less stress and greater self-esteem.
Appreciation of God’s Creation
Charlotte Mason noted, “From the flower in the crannied wall to the glorious firmament on high, all things of Nature proclaim, ‘Great and marvellous are Thy works, Lord God Almighty’” (Vol. IV, Book II, p. 100).
There is immense joy for children in exploring and noticing details—like an ant’s trail or a glistening dewdrop. We wish for our children to recognize the wonders of creation and enjoy a relationship with its Maker (Ambleside, n.d.). What better way to understand God than through His artistry?
“For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived...in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.” (Romans 1:20 ESV)
At Gentle Seeds, we firmly believe in the significance of nature walks. Our goal is to expose children to what is good, true, and beautiful. Charlotte Mason asserted that “the knowledge most valuable to the child is that which he gets with his own eyes and ears and fingers (under direction) in the open air.” She emphasized that this early, experiential knowledge is irreplaceable.
In conclusion, let us strive to offer a life-giving education to our children. May our future generations relish in the joy of learning and the beauty of life!