Episode 291: Finding Balance in High School and Beyond with Helen Swaveley
A Delectable Education Charlotte Mason Podcast
Deep Dive
How did Helen Swaveley discover the Charlotte Mason method?
Helen discovered the Charlotte Mason method in 2007 or 2008 while searching for a special needs curriculum for her son, Joe, who showed signs of being on the autism spectrum. She initially doubted its rigor but was deeply moved by its philosophy, which emphasized living and learning through relationships and meaningful experiences.
What challenges did Helen face with her son Joe before adopting the Charlotte Mason method?
Helen's son Joe struggled with traditional homeschooling methods, which included workbooks, true/false questions, and fill-in-the-blank exercises. He was unhappy, frustrated, and often in tears, despite his efforts to comply. This led Helen to seek a more engaging and nurturing educational approach.
How does the Charlotte Mason method benefit high school students, according to Helen?
The Charlotte Mason method helps high school students by fostering deep relationships, providing intellectual rigor without burnout, and preparing them emotionally for life beyond graduation. Helen's daughter, for example, found reading challenging books like Sir Walter Scott's 'Waverley' to be refreshing and inspiring, rather than exhausting.
What advice does Helen offer to parents of soon-to-be high schoolers?
Helen encourages parents to embrace the Charlotte Mason method for high school, emphasizing that the time with their children passes quickly. She advises parents to prioritize relationships and meaningful education over rushing through material, as this builds lifelong connections and a love for learning.
How has the Charlotte Mason method impacted Helen's family in the long term?
Helen's children, educated with the Charlotte Mason method, have pursued diverse and successful paths, including careers in engineering, the military, animation, and sports management. They credit their love for learning and adaptability to the method, which prepared them for both college and life beyond.
What is the significance of relationships in the Charlotte Mason method, according to Helen?
Helen highlights that the Charlotte Mason method prioritizes relationships—between students, parents, and the material they study. This approach fosters emotional and intellectual growth, helping students navigate life's challenges with confidence and compassion, as seen in her daughter's interactions with peers.
Shownotes Transcript