Abstracts for the 2013 Living Education Retreat

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SESSION ABSTRACTS

LIVING EDUCATION RETREAT © July 26-27, 2013

PLENARY SESSIONS – held in the Shed

More Than Manipulatives Richele Baburina

Discover Charlotte's thoughts on the importance and educative value of mathematics as well as how math was taught from beginning numbers through algebra and geometry in her own schools. In this plenary session, we will move beyond the mystery and misunderstanding of Charlotte's ideas surrounding mathematics to see how math can be an instrument for living education in your own classroom. Inspiring Heroism and Claiming Magnanimity: The Subject of Citizenship in a Mason Education Nancy Kelly

"In unlikely ways and from unlikely sources do children gather that little code of principles which shall guide their lives." -Mason on citizenship

What exactly is citizenship? Why bother with it? Charlotte Mason felt it was an important subject that students should study throughout their school days. This session will examine the rationale, methods, and materials for citizenship that Mason used in her schools and help you understand its important place in any relational education.

Teaching a Second Language When You Lack One Yourself Tammy Glaser

This plenary will offer ideas about how to teach a second language following a Mason philosophy for parents who have no second language yet. It will focus on the early years of acquiring language: audio and online resources, oral language, technology tips, the written word, play, etc.

Mathematics and a Great Recognition Richele Baburina

Do Charlotte’s oft-quoted words on the importance of the teacher over the textbook regarding math and that there are “few subjects worse taught” strike fear in you? See how you can enter confidently into the realm of mathematics with what Charlotte calls the “key to the whole of the education of each boy and each girl.”

Living Education Retreat© – July 26-27, 2013

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IMMERSION SESSIONS

These sessions will engage the attendee in the actual class mentioned, each taught by an experienced Mason teacher. You will be a student and participate in these living classes, experiencing what the student in your home or school experiences. The second half will be a time for questions & answers and resource sharing.

A. Math/Mult. Tables (The Shed) Richele BaburinaB. Poetry (Valley View) Karla TaberC. Geography (Dining Hall) Kristin SpittleD. Nature Study (Fire Ring) Sally AlmodovarE. Plutarch (Valley View) Nancy KellyF. Special Needs-Science (Library) Tammy GlaserG. Special Needs - Math (Library) Tammy Glaser

BREAKOUT SESSIONS

H. Sloyd: Manual Training for Mind and Soul Bobby Jo NickelDining Hall

Charlotte Mason used paper sloyd, a systematic manual training, as an educational tool for her students. Find out how enhance your math and handwork lessons as well as how to build such habits as attention, accuracy, honesty and more.


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I. The "Open Sesame" of Education Sally Almodovar Library

"Habits, for better or worse, basically define who we are.” -Dr. JoeZ. Tsien. Do you agree? Charlotte Mason wrote extensively about thepart habit plays in the life of a child and its role in education.We will delve into this topic and find out if current brain researchsupports Mason's ideas from over 100 years ago. Time for personalthought and application will be given.

J. Living Books For Lively Youth Dr. Donna JohnsonShed

Dr. Johnson will talk with participants about classic and current literature for older children and young adults. Following a few foundational remarks about the history and current state of young adult fiction, participants will be invited to make comments, ask questions and make suggestions. Bring your favorite recently-discovered living books to share. Go away with ideas for new books to try.

K. Climbing Out for Science Jennifer Gagnon Valley View

We have embraced a Mason education for all of our children’s schooling except for the subject of science. Here we are tempted to crawl back into the box of textbooks thinking it is the only way to cover a science curriculum. Let’s bravely climb out together and look at how to build our own high school science courses. We will discuss living books, narrations, experiments, and how to produce a scientific lab book that would enhance your student’s portfolio.


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M. Foundations for Character Formation Anthony AlmodovarObservation Deck

We are contending with a world that is more concerned with liberal pursuits and the appearance of self, rather than noble quests and quality of the heart. Essentially, we are being philosophically influenced and challenged with the idea that being persons of shallowness in character is a far better way to live. Last year, we discussed the significant role men have in the home as husbands and fathers. This year, we will discuss how to encourage and advance virtues such as bravery, obedience, loyalty, and reverence to help our children develop into the person that God created them to be in relation to family, community, and the world.

N. “I Can, I Ought, and I Will” Meet the Needs of My Struggling Learner The Shed Dr. Donna Johnson

Charlotte Mason was aware of the needs of children with special needs. Now, as then, a CM philosophy and pedagogy applies to all students and may be especially effective with children who struggle more because of additional challenges. This session is designed to help you adjust goals, tasks and outcomes to meet the needs of your struggling learner.

Enriching Options


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O. Nature Walk on the Prairie Jen GagnonFire Ring

Nature study holds an important place in a Charlotte Mason education and lifestyle. It is part of our yearly rhythms. Walk on the Minnesota prairie as an amateur naturalist and see how doable and pleasurable it is. Let us all make nature study a regular habit. Please bring your nature journal and pencils or watercolors.

P. Book Discussion -For the Children’s Sake Karla Taber and Bethany Stillwell Library

Q. – Campfire - relax, visit, sing Fire Ring


Documents

Abstracts for the 2013 Living Education Retreat