You can’t hang around homeschoolers for very long without hearing the name “Charlotte Mason.” She is considered one of the most influential people in homeschooling’s history, and I thought it would be interesting to learn more about her. She was born in 1842, and she herself was educated at home by her parents. She obtained her teaching certificate and taught for ten years, and began to seek after a way to provide a broader educational experience for her students. She disliked the class ranks that often dictated how well a child was educated, and she desired a way for every … Continue reading →

“Perhaps it is not too much to say, that ninety-nine out of a hundred lost lives lie at the door of parents who took no pains to deliver them from sloth, from sensual appetites, from willfulness, no pains to fortify them with the habits of a good life.” Charlotte Mason Charlotte Mason spoke quite a bit about forming habits in your children. From physical to moral to character, Charlotte Mason felt instilling habits was vitally important to the raising of a child. In fact, at the heart of the Charlotte Mason method is habit training. The lack of habit training … Continue reading →

While the historical fiction area of my local library, I notice a woman talking. She was in a little sitting area behind me slouched on a couch. Across from her was this boy about 12 years old deeply involved in a book. I wondered for a moment if I should go save this kid from this crazy lady talking to herself. She then directed her attention on the boy. I stepped in a bit closer just in case I had my opportunity to be a superhero. Turns out the boy just learned the art of ignoring his mother. Finally he … Continue reading →

Nature study is an essential component to a Charlotte Mason education. However, any method one chooses will be enhanced by the student keeping a Nature Study Journal. Children innately have a curiosity about nature which should be encouraged to promote a long love for the outdoors. Charlotte Mason believed that children should spend at least fifteen minutes outside daily regardless of weather. I tend to agree as rainy or snowy days offer beauty and wonder in its own way. Nature Study simply consists of the nature walk and the documentation of the wonders that were explored that day. Children delight … Continue reading →

Copywork is a necessary component to the Charlotte Mason method of homeschooling. It may not always be a hit with the students, but it teaches more than penmanship. Although penmanship is sometimes improved by copywork, a student will develop skills to enhance narration, composition and writing. So, can we squeeze any more learning out of copywork? I have managed to use copywork time for bible memorization, math rules, language rules, and language lessons. I find the beautiful thing about using a Charlotte Mason approach is that you can tailor it to fit your family. Charlotte Mason is an applied method … Continue reading →