For the Children's Sake
For the Children's Sake: Foundations of Education for Home and School by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay is a book that may change the way you think about education. Susan Schaeffer Macaulay, daughter of Francis and Edith Schaeffer, draws from the works of Charlotte Mason to describe education from the foundations up - a truly Christian education - emphasizing a "joyous adventure and celebration of life, as well as a solid preparation for living."
This warm and enthusiastic book encourages respecting each child's individuality, providing a rich learning environment for our children, serving our children, providing for their growth, expecting excellence, developing good habits, and creating an atmosphere of acceptance; in short, "nurturing the minds and spirits" of our children.
Charlotte Mason taught that the Christian world view, properly applied, produces an atmosphere in which the child is accepted just as he is. He does not have to prove himself, pass a test, or show particular talent. He is valuable and unique. He is loved by God, valued and respected by Him. His mind is not looked down upon; he flourishes in the invigorating atmosphere of sharing truly worthwhile interests with people who like him as a person. His own ideas and choices count. There is an atmosphere of hope and sure expectations... The atmosphere is stimulating because there is a common bond, too, in the area of enjoying knowledge... I would rather my child had a limited curriculum and access to limited educational resources, and yet learned by basking in the atmosphere of someone who had true pleasure in the books that were pursued, than that he should go to some well-equipped and soulless situation where, theoretically, he could 'learn' at optimum speed.
Susan Schaeffer Macaulay, For the Children's Sake