Are You a Charlotte Mason Newbie? My Start Here Talk to Make it Make Sense

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Embracing the Charlotte Mason Method: A Journey Towards Living Education

Welcome to the feast of the Charlotte Mason method! I’m Julie Ross, the creator of A Gentle Feast, a complete Charlotte Mason curriculum for the entire family. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you this amazing and beautiful educational philosophy. Whether you’re new to homeschooling, curious about the Charlotte Mason approach, or a seasoned user, there’s something here for everyone.

 Discovering Charlotte Mason

Charlotte Mason was an educator in Victorian England who believed deeply in the potential of every child. Her philosophy grew from lectures she gave to raise money for her church, eventually leading to the formation of schools and a widespread educational movement. Her approach is unique in its emphasis on home-based education and has transformed the lives of many families, including my own.

The Charlotte Mason Approach vs. Traditional Education

The cornerstone of the Charlotte Mason method is the use of "living books" – books that are engaging and written in a narrative style. To illustrate the difference between traditional education and the Charlotte Mason approach, consider a typical history lesson on Andrew Jackson. Traditional education might involve reading dry, fact-based textbook entries followed by a test. In contrast, the Charlotte Mason method would use a richly detailed narrative that brings historical figures to life, encouraging students to connect with the material on a deeper level.

Core Principles of Charlotte Mason’s Philosophy

1. **A Full and Generous Curriculum**: Charlotte Mason advocated for a broad curriculum that includes not just core subjects, but also art, music, nature study, and more. This variety ensures that children receive a well-rounded education that stimulates all aspects of their development.

2. **Education is a Life**: According to Mason, education is sustained by ideas. Just as our bodies need nutritious food, our minds need rich, engaging ideas to grow. Children should be exposed to a wide range of subjects and ideas, allowing them to take what they need and leave the rest.

3. **A Child is Born a Person**: This principle underscores the belief that children are not empty vessels to be filled with information, but persons with their own minds, capable of thinking and understanding. Our role as educators is to nourish their minds, providing the right conditions for growth.

4. **Self-Education**: Children learn best when they take responsibility for their own education. This doesn’t mean leaving them to their own devices, but rather providing them with the resources and guidance they need to explore and learn independently.

5. **The Role of the Teacher**: As educators, our job is to prepare the educational “feast” – selecting the best books and materials and creating an environment conducive to learning. We guide, stimulate, and direct, but we do not need to be the source of all knowledge.

Practical Tips for Implementing the Charlotte Mason Method

If you’re interested in exploring the Charlotte Mason approach, here are a few simple steps to get started:

- **Nature Study**: Spend time outside observing and learning about nature. This can be as simple as a walk in the park or exploring your own backyard.

- **Short Lessons**: Keep lessons brief and focused to maintain your child's attention and interest.

- **Morning Time**: Use this time to gather as a family and enjoy poetry, art, music, and other enriching activities.

- **Read Living Books**: Choose books that are engaging and well-written, and encourage your children to narrate what they’ve learned.

Free Resources to Get You Started

To help you dive into the Charlotte Mason method, I’ve created a free morning time packet called “Times of Togetherness.” It includes four weeks of morning time lessons with art, music, poetry, and scripture. You can download it [here]

Join the Journey

I’d love to connect with you as you explore this beautiful approach to homeschooling. Visit our website, join our free Facebook group, follow us on Instagram, or listen to our podcast, The Feast Life. Together, we can bring the joy and richness of a Charlotte Mason education to our homes.

Thank you for joining me on this journey toward a living education!