The question often comes to mind: What next? My children or students and I have been reading great books and narrating them orally—now what? We have been doing written narrations—now what? We have been reading poetry out loud—now what? We have been going outside and observing nature—now what?
When we as parents and teachers weren’t educated in this relational and living way, how do we know what the progression of growth in a student’s life in the upper years of school should or could be? A helpful start is to look at what Charlotte Mason was doing with students in the upper years. What books was she using? What questions was she asking on exams? What did the week’s work look like? How could all this translate into the life of a 21st century student in North America? What about SAT tests and transcripts?
Come ponder these questions further with Kerri and Kathryn Forney as they walk and talk through them and more with you. Looking specifically at the roles of: the teacher, narration, nature study, literature, art, and more in the high school years, Kerri and Kathryn hope to encourage and equip you to spread the feast for your older children or students. As a 2015 CM high school graduate currently in college and with a year of experience as an international student in China, Kathryn will comment on the impact and continuing influence of Mason’s methods and philosophy in her life.
Past attendees’ comments include:
Kerri is very articulate and patient in her teaching. She makes the concepts of Charlotte Mason’s living ideas easily understandable and applicable for the high school student. She encouraged me to not get so caught up in what “should” be on my daughter’s transcript that I take the fun out of learning. Kerri pointed out that high school passes all to quickly, and reminds us not to waste these years. She has challenged me to focus on Mason’s principles and a lot less on a grade at the end of the year. I have been helped by her reminding us to always provide a feast of good books for our students to read.
This was an excellent Immersion! It was the perfect combination of practical information, encouragement to trust the method and wisdom from someone who has been there. The added addition of her daughter, Kathryn was very encouraging as well. I always appreciate how real Kerri is with everyone as she shares lessons learned. I left the immersion feeling very hopeful, encouraged and equipped. I love how she always goes back to what Mason says, as she teaches the class and answers questions.