Prioritizing Our Children's Happiness // Autumn Kern | Ep.271

The speaker discusses their journey into classical education, highlighting its roots in ancient Greece and the ongoing debates within the community. They emphasize the importance of understanding the philosophy behind classical education, which focuses on forming the personhood of students with the ultimate aim of communion with God. The conversation also introduces Autumn Kern, a proponent of classical education, particularly the Charlotte Mason method, whose podcast and YouTube channel are mentioned as valuable resources. The speaker expresses excitement about a new webinar on creating family culture at home, which aims to be practical and encouraging without promoting a product.

This paragraph delves into the personal experiences of the speaker and their spouse, Katie, with homeschooling and its profound effect on their family culture. The speaker's mother-in-law is credited for her early adoption of homeschooling, despite the lack of online resources and societal support. The speaker's journey into homeschooling was influenced by their spouse's family culture and the transformative impact it had on their life. The paragraph also introduces a project called 'the commonplace,' which is aimed at educating women about educational philosophy to strengthen their roles as mother teachers at home.

The speaker, Autumn Kern, shares her personal background and how she was initially unfamiliar with the Christian and homeschooling worlds. She discusses her love for literature and history, which she attributes to her public school experiences and her eventual conversion to Christianity during her transition to college. Autumn's rediscovery of the importance of literature in her life came through reading 'The Chronicles of Narnia' to her children, leading her to embrace the Charlotte Mason educational philosophy. This approach values the whole person, emphasizing the importance of feeding different parts of one's being through reading.

In this paragraph, the conversation turns to the perceived practicality of reading, particularly the notion that fiction may not offer tangible benefits. The speaker challenges this belief, sharing their realization that fiction feeds the imagination and spirit, which are essential aspects of human nature. The discussion underscores the importance of reading for personal growth and the enrichment of life, encouraging a balanced approach to reading that includes both practical and imaginative literature.

The speaker provides a detailed explanation of classical education, emphasizing its focus on cultivating virtue and wisdom through exposure to truth, goodness, and beauty. They discuss the three central questions that define classical education: the nature of a person, the process of formation, and the ultimate aim of education. Autumn Kern shares her reasons for choosing the Charlotte Mason philosophy, explaining how it aligns with these classical education principles and her Christian beliefs about personhood and the purpose of life.

Autumn Kern introduces 'Common House,' a community she established to support mother teachers in their homeschooling journey. The platform offers long-form courses and resources to help mothers develop a deep understanding of educational philosophy and apply it practically in their homes. The speaker emphasizes the importance of teaching in a way that respects the personhood of mothers and empowers them to bring classical education into their homes effectively.

The speaker shares her personal experience of transitioning from a smartphone to a dumb phone, a decision influenced by a desire to live a more human-centered life. She discusses the potential pitfalls of smartphones, such as the preference for convenience over human interaction and the illusion of omnipotence they create. The speaker also explores the idea of living within God-given limitations and the benefits of embracing a life of constraints, which can lead to a deeper appreciation for life's simple pleasures.

In this paragraph, the speaker offers advice on how to involve husbands in the homeschooling journey, particularly when they may not initially share the same enthusiasm for classical education. She emphasizes the importance of respect, sharing ideas, and allowing the positive outcomes of homeschooling to speak for themselves. The speaker suggests practical steps for engaging spouses in the process, such as inviting them to participate in activities or discussions related to classical education.

The speaker announces an upcoming season of her podcast, titled 'Stored Souls,' which will delve into the power and importance of storytelling in classical education. She plans to address common questions and concerns that mothers have about incorporating stories into their children's education. The season will feature interviews with educators, philosophers, writers, and artists to explore various aspects of storytelling and its impact on children's understanding of the world.

The final paragraph wraps up the conversation by revisiting the theme of happiness and virtue in classical education. The speaker reflects on the classical definition of happiness as the habitual action of pursuing virtue and encourages a return to this understanding. She emphasizes the importance of teaching children their rightful place in the cosmos through stories and the role of mothers in building a world that reflects God's ordered creation.