Methods: Charlotte Mason

Who was Charlotte Mason?

Charlotte Mason (18?? - 1923) was a Protestant educator who is often considered a pioneer of the homeschool movement. While I would recommend using some care in reading books by and about her philosophies, her common sense and understanding of how children learn have made her ideas very helpful to many homeschoolers - whether Protestant or Catholic. Her ideas on the use of narration and dictation for reading comprehension and the use of the very best in music, art and literature are particularly insightful.

Real Learning

Book cover: 'Real Learning: Education in the Heart of the Home'
Author(s): 
Elizabeth Foss
Elizabeth Foss, mother of seven homeschooled children (ranging in age from 16 down to toddler), has done a great job synthesizing her approach to "educating a child in the heart of the family given to that child by his Creator" in her book, Real Learning: Education in the Heart of the Home.

Charlotte Mason's Original Home Schooling Series

Book cover: 'The Original Home Schooling Series'
Author(s): 
Charlotte M. Mason
6 volume set, reference work for adults.

Living books instead of textbooks for teaching. "Narration" or retelling what one has read, rather than fill-in-the-blanks workbooks. Short lessons of 10 to 30 minutes, leaving time for handicrafts and exploration in the afternoon. Plenty of time outside in God's creation, learning to draw and identify plants and animals. If you are using any of these ideas in your homeschool, you may owe a debt of gratitude to Charlotte Mason.

For the Children's Sake

Book cover: 'For the Children's Sake: Foundations of Education for Home and School'
Author(s): 
Susan Schaeffer McCauley
The information in this book is mostly gleaned from the writings of Charlotte Mason, a 19th century educator who has had a great deal of influence on the homeschooling movement of the late 20th century. This book will help you look at your child's educational needs and potentials outside the realm of the "school system." The ideas and suggestions are fresh and creative (and especially helpful for the early years). I especially like her focus on introducing children to great art, great music and great literature.

A Charlotte Mason Companion

Book cover: A Charlotte Mason Companion
Author(s): 
Karen Andreola
I have talked to a number of people who read For the Children's Sake, loved it, and wanted more. Karen Andreola has really provided for that need with this book. It was delightful to read Mrs. Andreola's personal experiences and ideas for applying the philosophies of Charlotte Mason to her own family's homeschooling years.