The Charlotte Mason Approach
This article was contributed by MomLifeUplifted, offering an insightful take on Charlotte Mason’s approach – enjoy!
There are so many ways to homeschool, and the best part? You don’t have to do it like anyone else. Homeschooling allows you to choose what works best for your family, creating a learning style that fits your children’s unique needs. But exploring different approaches can be helpful as you find your own rhythm. Today, let’s dive into the Charlotte Mason method, a beautiful approach that has inspired many homeschool families, including mine.
You may have heard of Charlotte Mason before but are not sure why she is so popular in homeschooling circles, so let’s take a closer look at who Charlotte Mason was, her educational philosophy, and how you can incorporate her ideas into your own homeschool journey—whether you go all in or just sprinkle in elements that resonate with you.
Who Was Charlotte Mason?
Charlotte Mason was a British educator in the late 19th and early 20th centuries who believed that children are not empty vessels to be filled, but persons with thoughts, ideas, and a thirst for knowledge. Her methods were built around this concept, emphasizing gentle learning through rich literature, nature exploration, and the cultivation of good habits.
Key Elements of the Charlotte Mason Approach
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Living Books Instead of textbooks, Mason recommended what she called living books—rich, well-written stories that make subjects like history, science, and literature come alive. These are books that spark imagination and interest, making learning feel less like a chore and more like an adventure. This has truly become the cornerstone of our homeschool! I’ve found that reading quality books with my girls has been the single most important aspect of fostering a love of learning—and it’s so enjoyable! There’s nothing quite like cozying up with a good story and watching your children’s eyes light up as they connect with the material.
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Narration After reading, Mason advocated for narration, where a child retells what they’ve just learned in their own words. This isn’t just about memorization but comprehension and expression. It’s one of the simplest ways to get your child to interact with what they’ve learned, and it works beautifully across different subjects.
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Nature Study The Charlotte Mason method places a high value on being outside and observing the world. Nature walks aren’t just for fun—they’re learning experiences! Your children will develop a love for God’s creation while sharpening observation skills. You don’t need fancy materials either. Just step outside with a journal or a simple nature study guide, and let your kids explore. Nature study is a cornerstone in our homeschool, and it’s such a peaceful way to spend time learning together.
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Short Lessons One of the best things about Charlotte Mason’s philosophy is the idea of keeping lessons short and to the point. This helps children stay engaged and allows time for a wide variety of subjects, from reading and narration to nature study and music appreciation. Short lessons keep things moving and avoid burnout for both you and your kids.
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Habit Training Mason also placed an emphasis on character and habit formation, viewing these as just as important as academics. Instilling habits like attentiveness, obedience, and orderliness early on can help create an atmosphere of peace and productivity in your homeschool.
How to Start Incorporating Charlotte Mason’s Approach
Remember, homeschool is about doing what works for your family. Maybe you fall in love with Charlotte Mason’s ideas and fully embrace them, or maybe you pick and choose the elements that fit your lifestyle. Either way, the beauty of homeschooling is that you can tailor it to meet your family’s needs.
Grab a cup of coffee, take a deep breath, and remember—there is no right or wrong way to homeschool. The goal is to create an environment where your children can thrive, learn, and grow. Charlotte Mason’s philosophy might just be the breath of fresh air your homeschool needs.
Let me know if you have any questions or want to learn more about how we’ve used the Charlotte Mason method in our own homeschool!
And if you are looking to try some Charlotte Mason Inspired Activities, check out my Nutcracker Family Style Music Study and my Carnival of the Animals Music and Art Study.
If you enjoyed this article, reach out to me!
Lisa Thornton – Hi there! I’m Lisa, a homeschool mom to four wonderful girls. Welcome to my little corner of the internet! Here, we celebrate the beautiful, chaotic, and incredibly rewarding journey of motherhood, all while finding ways to create a life filled with purpose and joy.
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