I

Simplicity

Plenary Presented by Nancy Kelly

The parent who would educate his children, in any large sense of the word must lay himself out for high thinking and lowly living; the highest thinking indeed possible to the human mind and the simplest, directest living.

Charlotte Mason

Simplicity is a topic near and dear to Charlotte Mason’s heart and completely relevant in today’s complicated and consumeristic culture. She said that the quality of simplicity is “the first condition of all successful work with children.” What did she mean by that? Through Scripture, poetry, art, and lanterns, we will examine the nature of simplicity and uncover what hinders us from living simple lives and doing the deep work required of us as parents.

II

Getting Rid of Weeds and Fostering Flowers

The Vital Role of Habits

Plenary Presented by Nancy Kelly

This talk will examine the important and balanced emphasis of habits in a relational education.  Charlotte Mason elaborates on the role of the parent when helping our children develop the type of habits that form fine character while weeding out the habits that will do them harm. As always, her advice is based on the whole child, not just outward expressions. We will look at the types of habits in a child’s life and Mason’s wise, commonsense approach to fostering the good.

III

Parentcraft:

Courage

Plenary Presented by Nancy Kelly

Charlotte Mason exhorts parents to have confidence and courage in their parenting, yet courage is not the first thing we usually pray for or think we need when it comes to raising our families. Learn how a fuller understanding of this virtue can make all the difference in your parenting through story, picture, and etymology! Be of good courage!

IV

The Importance of Peace

Plenary Presented by Nancy Kelly

He is happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds peace in his home.

Goethe

The Charlotte Mason philosophy and method of education has a unique source that encourages shalom in the home. This talk will explore the meaning of peace, how a CM education helps develop peace, and why parents are called to be peacemakers.  Nancy will share insights from her own experience as well as some extremely helpful direction from Mason and other solid PNEU teachers on peace in our homes, schools, and lives.