A Charlotte Mason Homeschool

I believe I have found the perfect homeschool method for our family. It is called the Charlotte Mason method. She was an educator from England in the 18-1900s whose style based a child's learning on life more than dry text books. For my little guys she believed they should be spending as much time outside as possible learning from nature.

Mason wrote a 6 volume set describing her method so I can not possibly go into detail about all her theories but I will highlight some of the reasons I have chosen to educate my children using the Charlotte Mason method.

1. She places an emphasis on teaching habits to our children. She explains all the benefits of habits and we have already started this in our home. Taking shoes and hat off when you come inside, having a morning routine, holding doors for others, etc.

2. Lessons should be short. We already do this as well. Ted has a bit harder time in primary staying in his chair so each day we do "sitting practice" where the boys sit in their chairs and we sing a song, say a prayer, and I read them a short story. I try to keep this to 10 minutes. We also do short lessons with having preschool time.

3. Only read from good books not "twaddle". I love this too (especially since I am the one who has to read these books over and over). We have been (and by we I mean "I") have been making a greater effort to include high quality children's literature. Good Night Moon, My Father's Dragon, Blueberries for Sal.... just books that activate a child's thinking a little more...

4. Learning should be done through living books which are books written by someone who is passionate about the subject instead of learning from a textbook

5. memorizing... we already do this as well. Ted knows his 13 articles of faith

6. Spending as much time outside as possible and just letting the children be free to explore. This takes pressure off my to feel like I need to be constantly educating my kids and let them learn for themselves. Mason even tells moms to just stop talking and let the kids go. But she does add that you can have still teach your kids a small lesson. It is just not your job to entertain them when they are outdoors. Let nature do the entertaining.


There is a ton more and I am still learning about all of this but so far I love it. I have made a greater effort to get the kids outside more... which can be difficult even on a sunny day because there is so much going on.

The Charlotte Mason style of education falls in line with being a minimalist too. It is minimalist education. There is no need to buy endless toys and materials to teach your child. You just need a library and an adventure and you are good to go.

Ted picking blueberries at Grammy Bear's house 2015