The Charlotte Mason Method

When I made the decision to homeschool I had NO CLUE how many different methods were out there. Our boys attended a private school that followed the classical education method, but aside from that, I was clueless. There's eclectic, classical, unschooling, Waldorf, and unit studies just to name a few.  After doing some digging on a handful of websites and blogs that were incredibly helpful {HEDUA.com is one of my faves}I decided that the Charlotte Mason method was the best fit for me and the boys.  So, who exactly was Charlotte Mason and what was her method?

The Charlotte Mason Method:  A method of education where children are taught as whole persons through a wide range of interesting living books, firsthand experiences and good habits.

Charlotte Mason was an educator in the 1800's who dedicated her life to improving children's education. She was also a profoundly Christian woman.  You could sum up her method in three parts: that education is an atmosphere {the surroundings in which a child grows up, a child absorbs a lot from his home environment}, a discipline {the cultivation of good habits, specifically habits of character}, a life {the idea that we should give children living thoughts and ideas, not just dry facts}.

For example, Miss Mason used living books with her students instead of dry textbooks.  Living books are typically written in story form by an author who has a passion for the subject.  A living book makes the subject "come alive."

Charlotte Mason also encourages a lot of time outdoors, interacting and observing God's creation firsthand.

Like me, many homeschooling families have adopted Charlotte Mason's philosophy and methods as they seek to educate the whole child, not just their minds.

Simply Charlotte Mason was a HUGE help to me as I started my adventure!  Here's the website below:

www.simplycharlottemason.com

Another outstanding resource for understanding a Charlotte Mason education is:

www.charlottemasoneducation.com

Some great resources:
{I'm currently reading "When Children Love to Learn" and I can't put it down!}

Charlotte Mason's Student Motto:

Deuteronomy 6: 5-7

You shall love the LORD your God will all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.  And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.  You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.