The "Mother Bunch" Philosophy

Okay...you'll have to just go with me on this, but I've come up with something that I am calling the "Mother Bunch" Philosophy. I would call it the pedagogy by which I ascribe.

In the 18th century (my favorite time period!!), there were stories told by a Mother Bunch. When we first hear of Mother Bunch (late 16th and then the 17th centuries), she was a lewd brothel keeper who poured a good mug of ale and knew coarse jokes. Many different kinds of limericks and anecdotes are attributed to her. Think of a naughty Mother Goose.

As the years went by, however, she luckily evolved into a wise old country woman. There were many little chapbooks in which she teaches charms and magical recipes. In 1777, we find Mother Bunch's Fairy Tales in which Mother Bunch is a morally upstanding storyteller, suited for children even. Just guess who she became in later years? That's right...Mother Goose.

I prefer the less safe, more real old country woman sharing her stories and magical wisdom. I prefer the chubby, comfy lap of Mother Bunch. I prefer the crooked smile and the knowing eyes. I imagine coming upon her little cottage in a bright wood full of ravens and hares. I imagine her homespun linen apron pockets are full of pretty bits of ribbon, old letters, a tiny leather ledger with margins full of stories, a bit of fresh mint for chewing on and a rusty old key to unlock who-knows-what.

Mother Bunch is a woman who makes no apologies for who she is. She is confident in her power and doesn't listen to naysayers. She is authentic, and this makes her happy beyond all reason. She is easy to laugh and quick to warm up your tea. I love this woman, don't you?

So, the "Mother Bunch" philosophy of teaching: invite children in by being excited, confident, friendly, comforting and honest; teach children through story; teach children through experiences; help children keep their magic.

I think it should be required curriculum for aspiring educators. It'd be called "Mother Bunch 432 - teaching strategies to last a lifetime"

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fondly, Katie