Our Schedule, Our Atmosphere

Mason on atmosphere:

"It is thrown off, as it were, from persons and things, stirred by events, sweetened by love, ventilated, kept in motion, by the regulated action of common sense."  Vol. 6, p. 96

I am writing this post up as I listen to the soothing soundtrack of Little Women.  It keeps my mind calm, even though the girls are running in and out, chirping about parties and rearranging the wicker on the outside porch this Sunday afternoon, one of the last of the summer.  Sigh.

So here is my post about our schedule.  One blog post just cannot fully explain the whole picture, but perhaps a brief discussion of our day might give you some ideas to try.  It is about atmosphere.  And the atmosphere here includes an anticipation and expectation of learning.  Also, each day is different because different things enter each day.  So the graphic is not rigid and flows and flexes as our lives do, according to our family rhythm.

Family Gathering - Liturgy of our Day

A liturgy of sorts.  Here we begin each day with prayer, Bible reading, gratefulness, reflection, and a hymn.  It sets the tone for the day. It is the most important part of our day. We begin at 8 with everyone present.  This time lasts  about 45 minutes, rarely more.  What is done during this time?  In addition to what I already mentioned - poetry, folksong, Shakespeare, family literature read-aloud, Plutarch, geography, architecture, German, Latin, composer study, etc.   (Each of these are not done every day.)

Individual Studies - Books and Things

After the family gathering, I sit with any littles and do reading instruction, read alouds, etc. This time takes about 40 minutes.  The older students look over their schedules and get to work with their copious readings, or begin their math lessons.

Work at Table - Pens and Pencils

Everyone meets up at the table.  Here we work separately together. (!)This may include handwriting, copywork, dictation, and perhaps their Book of Centuries entry.  This is finished around 10:30 each day.  After this time at the table, I finish up any lessons with the littles back on the couch while the olders start afresh on their work.

Masterly Inactivity - Wise Passiveness

I have come to think of this as so important, so influential.  Having graduated two using this method, this "letting alone" time where they waged their wars, built their catapults, wrote their stories, and read their books might just be the key to a successful education.  If the selection of books during the school day supplies them with fresh ideas, they have many activities to tend to.  Mason says, "every day new thoughts that burn must be supplied or the fire will go out and present the dreariest of all spectacles, a desolate hearth".  For the littles, this is after lunch and into the evening.  For the olders, usually after 1:30 or 2:00.

I hope you have found something interesting and useful here.  It really is about getting out of the way and structuring your day with a routine that allows the Holy Spirit to do the work in the hearts and minds of your children.

From joy to joy,
Nancy

P.S. - Here are a few helpful extras!

Fall Planning - an older post about our days
Scheduling - Finding Your Family Rhythm - excellent words by Amy in Peru
Consulting - information on the help I offer for those who may need guidance or encouragement