Formation of Character

A thoughtful look at how we all grow and develop throughout life

This September and October, we’re diving into Formation of Character, the fifth book in our Voyage through the Volumes reading challenge. Whether you've been with us from the start or you're just joining in now, this book is a great place to jump in. You don’t need to have read the previous volumes to get something valuable out of this one—Charlotte’s insights into character formation and education are timeless and stand on their own. So make sure you’re a fully signed-up member of The Collective, grab your copy, and let’s explore together how we can nurture and develop character in ourselves and our children.

"Formation of Character," the fifth book in her "Home Education Series," offers deep insight into how children's characters are shaped by their environments and experiences, rather than just formal education. Written in the early 1900s, it’s a mix of philosophical musings, practical advice, and fictional stories designed to illustrate her ideas.

The book is split into four main sections:

1. Studies in Treatment: This section uses fictional case studies to show how different factors like family life, personal choices, and external influences shape a child's character. Stories like "The Philosopher at Home" and "Inconstant Kitty" aren’t just tales—they’re meant to get you thinking about how everyday interactions and decisions play a huge role in character development. As you read, consider how these stories reflect Mason's belief that character isn’t just taught; it's formed through life’s daily experiences.

2. Parents in Council: Here, Mason presents dialogues where parents discuss real-life issues like choosing schools, planning holidays, and how different educational approaches impact their children. This section encourages you to think critically about your own parenting or teaching methods. It’s a reminder that every decision we make, even the small ones, contributes to a child’s overall development.

3. Concerning Youths and Maidens: This part focuses on teenagers and the unique challenges they face both at school and at home. Mason talks about the importance of a balanced education that nurtures the intellectual, moral, and spiritual sides of young people. As you read, think about how these ideas could apply to today’s adolescents, especially given the pressures they face in our fast-paced world.

4. Examples of Heroism: The final section offers stories of historical figures who displayed great moral character, like courage and integrity. These stories are meant to inspire young people to develop similar virtues. As you go through this part, consider how these examples can be used in teaching or parenting, helping kids aspire to be their best selves.

Overall, "Formation of Character" isn’t just about raising children—it’s a thoughtful look at how we all grow and develop throughout life. Charlotte pushes us to think of education as something that forms the whole person, not just what happens in school.

As we’re reading, let’s think about how Charlotte’s ideas from over a century ago might still be relevant today. How can we apply her emphasis on "forming habits" and her idea of "education as the science of relations" to the way we parent, teach, or even just live our lives? Let’s consider how these concepts might help us navigate the challenges of modern-day parenting and education. This book is a great springboard for discussions about how character is developed and how education plays a role in drawing out who we truly are.

Here’s our reading and meeting schedule for "Formation of Character":

• September Reading: Pages 1–173

• October Reading: Pages 177 to the end

• Meeting Dates:

  • September 18th at 8 PM (UK time)

  • October 16th at 8 PM (UK time)

We look forward to exploring Charlotte Mason’s insights on character development with you!

Leah x