How many times during a homeschool day have you found yourself still trying to complete all the assignments that you feel you “have” to finish before you can finish your school day? Before you know it, it’s 3:30 … 4:00 … 5:00 … and suddenly you realize that it’s not just your spouse on his way home and dinner isn’t ready. , but didn’t even remember to take it out of the freezer, let alone turn it on?

Also, on top of this, her house has become a mess in the meantime, clothes that started before school this morning are still waiting to be thrown in the dryer or hung on the clothesline. Your kids are in a bad mood and just want to go out and play. You have a headache and you can’t wait to sit up and do absolutely nothing but watch TV. But, he prompts his spouse, cheerfully honking his horn when he sees his children playing outside. You’ve had a long, hard, busy day at the office, and you’re looking forward to some good home-cooked food. He walks in, looks around, sees the confusion of things, and then has the nerve to ask, “So what’s for dinner?” At this point, all you can do is sit back and cry. Your husband does not know what is wrong, much less what he can or should do to help your situation. To top it all, you are afraid of saying or doing the wrong thing, no matter how carefully you try to express things. Did you finish “school” today? If he did. Thank God for that! But was it done with joy, with anticipation, waiting for what tomorrow will bring? Unfortunately, your answer would have to be a resounding “NO!”

Well, there are specific reasons why Charlotte Mason felt strongly that it was imperative that children receive “short lessons” on a variety of subjects throughout each day. Not only is it a HUGE help in keeping parents from feeling overwhelmed, but it also helps you, the parent, to be able to maintain a calm and peaceful learning environment, giving you plenty of time to meet your daily needs in the classroom. home. Ultimately, however, it is for the good of your children.

Miss Mason has three simple and basic reasons for short lessons when it comes to children. First, the idea that there is a time limit to finish the math lesson, or to finish its reading, keeps the child’s comprehension levels fixed and alert. Second, your child has a limited attention span for whatever subject he can absorb, without overloading himself. And third, your child gets through his morning routine without getting bored, tired, or exasperated.

Now, what better reasons than these to continue learning and following more of Charlotte Mason’s wonderful yet simple lessons that can be used in our personal and everyday lives? Visit the Charlotte Mason Made Easy website for more information on short, simple lessons.