The Ambleside Method

The Ambleside method is based on an educational philosophy developed by Charlotte Mason, an English author, philosopher and educator who founded a teacher training college in Ambleside, England. She helped to establish the Parents' National Education Union and shaped the method of education in hundreds of schools worldwide. According to Charlotte Mason, education is properly understood as not merely the assimilation of data and technique: it is the mind feeding on ideas given expression in God's creation, great art, beautiful music, and "living books". Real learning occurs when learners engage "mind to mind" with novelists, poets, philosophers, scientists, mathematicians, artists, musicians, historians, and explorers; when they wonder, asking 'why?' and 'how?'

Charlotte Mason's Philosophy of Education:

1. Children are born Persons

Children are born persons, they are not blank slates or embryonic beings with potential to become persons - they already are persons. Children are neither all good nor all bad: children from all backgrounds are capable of making choices for good or for evil. The concepts of authority and obedience are true for all people, whether they accept it or not. Submission to appropriate authority is necessary for the proper functioning of any society, group or family. A position of authority does not entitle an adult to abuse children or play on their emotions or natural desires. Adults are not free to limit a child's education, or to use fear, love, the power of suggestion or their own influence to make a child learn. The only means available for the education of a child are the child's natural environment, training in good habits and exposure to living ideas and concepts.

2. Education is: an Atmosphere, a Discipline, a Life

Education is an atmosphere: do not create an artificial environment, but use opportunities that already exist in the child's natural environment. The child learns best from real things in the real world. Education is a discipline: the child needs to be trained in the exercise of good habits and self-control. Education is a life: children need intellectual, moral and physical sustenance. A properly educated mind needs ideas of all kinds, and so the curriculum is rich and varied. Knowledge is not assimilated until it is reproduced. Children are required to 'narrate' (tell back) what they read or hear (through oral or written narration, or through drawing or dramatic presentation).