Charlotte Mason Homeschooling Method

The Charlotte Mason Method is a popular approach to homeschooling that emphasizes the importance of living books, nature study, and hands-on learning.

Her ideas are based on the belief that children are born persons with their own unique personalities, interests, and abilities. The method emphasizes the importance of respecting and nurturing each child’s individuality.

Read this overview of the philosophy behind the method and learn some of the techniques used when following her ideas.

Charlotte Mason Homeschooling Method

When you first begin homeschooling you’ll no doubt hear about the Charlotte Mason Method. And with a tiny bit of research you might get the idea that it’s about reading books and doing nature study. But it’s so much more than that. At first glance the Charlotte Mason Method may seem too simple. At second glance it may seem to have lots of rules but hopefully at your third glance you’ll see the richness and depth of one of the most popular methods for homeschooling across the globe.

I began following the methods of Charlotte Mason a few years into my homeschool journey.   We never looked back. I didn’t do everything perfectly but as the years passed, I grew into her ideas. I learnt how to adapt, find and even create resources. Our homeschool was a success and I hope yours will be as well.

Michelle Morrow

Founder My Homeschool

Who Was Charlotte Mason?

Charlotte Mason (1842 – 1923) was a highly respected British educator in the late nineteenth century. She offered an alternative method of education that included a broader curriculum rich in art and literature. Because of this, her methods were often adopted by English families who wanted to teach their children at home. Many schools (mostly private) also used her methods with great success. Apparently, her popularity meant that she became somewhat of a celebrity with the English upper and Middle Class.

She eventually founded her own House of Education in the Lakes District at Ambleside. It was a teaching college for governesses. She also wrote a six volume series on educating children which is known as The Original Home Schooling Series.

Her books were well received because they offered practical teaching ideas on how to give children a generous and rich education. But her philosophy also emphasised a respect for the child, and the value of habit training. She also acknowledged that children are spiritual beings and they need an education that reveals to them the wonder and glory of God. Her method is popular for Australian Christian home schooling.

Charlotte Mason wasn’t a fan of textbooks, preferring real books, observation and experience. She used authors to teach. For example, she used scientists who wrote about science in a narrative style, she also encouraged nature study and scientific conversations. Similarly, history was not dates and events but it was taught sequentially in a narrative way through stories and museum visits. Likewise, geography involved excursions, travel stories and map study. Spelling, grammar and writing were not taught by rote and rules but were learnt while using lots of great literature. And perhaps her most controversial teaching method was requiring a child to narrate – tell back – what they had learnt, rather than making children write formal compositions, and testing them using comprehension questions or quizzes.

She said, “History must afford its pageants, science its wonders, literature its intimacies, philosophy its speculations, religion its assurances to every man, and his education must have prepared him for wondering in these realms of gold.” Volume 6 p. 43

The Christian homeschooling movement saw a renewal of Charlotte Mason’s ideas and methods. As a result, many home educators have adopted her teaching philosophies and techniques and this is what we call The Charlotte Mason Method.

Making Our Charlotte Mason Australian Curriculum

The Charlotte Mason Method and the Australian Curriculum have played a big role in the shaping the My Homeschool programs. Melding the content and outcomes of these two different philosophies has been a challenge.

Our Charlotte Mason Australian Curriculum still includes all the hallmarks of a Charlotte Mason education that you would expect. However we have also introduced a range of eclectic resources that help us comply with Australian state and territory syllabus requirements. Read more on our Australian homeschooling resources and how we schedule.

An atmosphere of learning is encouraged in the home with natural learning opportunities harnessed. Delight directed learning is supported with children having the freedom to explore desired areas of interest.

Knowledge Rich Curriculum – It’s Not About What You Know?

Knowledge Rich Curriculum – It’s Not About What You Know?

Knowledge Rich Curriculum  - It’s not about what you know? Right? During the bad flooding in northern NSW last year, I remember a conversation I had with my grandmother. My grandparents were living with us at the time and watching the news was a daily ritual. My...

Modern Miss Mason By Leah Boden | Review

Modern Miss Mason By Leah Boden | Review

Reflections on Modern Miss Mason by Leah Boden I’ve just finished reading Leah Boden’s new book, Modern Miss Mason. In it, Leah as she shares what living the Charlotte Mason way can look like. You won’t find schedules or subject guides here. You will find inspiration...

Unit Studies Charlotte Mason Style

Unit Studies Charlotte Mason Style

Unit Studies Charlotte Mason Might Like. Unit studies Charlotte Mason might like are literature based, short and they avoid weak associations. Children make their own connections without the teacher. Discovering Unit Studies Charlotte Mason Style I was introduced to...

Charlotte Mason Principles – Secular or Christian

Charlotte Mason Principles – Secular or Christian

Charlotte Mason Principles - Secular or Christian Charlotte Mason Principles include a focus on the knowledge of God but can you apply the Charlotte Mason method in a secular way? We often get enquiries from parents asking, “are Charlotte Mason principles secular or...

8 Charlotte Mason Schedule Tips

8 Charlotte Mason Schedule Tips

How To Make Your Charlotte Mason Schedule Work. For a long time preparing a workable Charlotte Mason schedule eluded me. I really wanted to keep things simple and those complicated block timetable, schedule cards and teacher planning tools stressed me out. I needed...

Best Homeschooling Maths Curriculum

Best Homeschooling Maths Curriculum

What is the Best Homeschool Maths Curriculum Are you looking for the best homeschool maths curriculum? Did you know that there isn't really such a thing as Charlotte Mason Maths? She didn't have much to say on the topic. Her main comment was: Mathematics depends upon...

High School Homeschool Reflections and Tips

High School Homeschool Reflections and Tips

Homeschooling in high school can be both rewarding and challenging. During these years, your child’s strengths and talents become more apparent. Independent learning begins to take off and before you know it, your child is an adult, and they are on to the next stage of their life. When homeschooling a homeschooler, you shift from teaching to coaching. You also become a researcher who sources a homeschool curriculum that prepares your teen for future endeavors.

My Nature Calendar Examples – For Kids

My Nature Calendar Examples – For Kids

Doing A Nature Calendar With Your Kids Our nature journals are really nature calendar examples of events we did over the years. We did nature journaling regularly as a homeschool family and I can see the benefits. All of my children have become aware of their...

Using Living Books For Homeschooling

Using Living Books For Homeschooling

Using Living Books For Home Schooling What is a living book? How can I use these books for homeschooling?“Children can be most fitly educated on Books and Things...The value of this education by Things is receiving wide recognition, but intellectual education to be...

Free Homeschool Prospectus