I have had several questions about Charlotte Mason and where to learn more.  So why not write a post about it, right?

Well, Charlotte Mason was a teacher of teachers.  A British Educator at the turn of the 20th Century, Mason was instrumental in shifting British Eduction to a focus upon living ideas.  She established a training school for governesses and taught mothers to teach their own children.

Susan Schaeffer Macaulay’s book For the Children’s Sake introduced Mason’s methods to the just growing Homeschooling World in the USA.  What perfect timing.

I first learned of Charlotte Mason early in my Homeschooling Adventures.  Probably some 15 years ago.  I read many books and liked what I learned.   I love the idea of living books and ideas.  Resources that reach the intellect through the heart.

Although she spoke to me in many ways and I did incorporate many of her ideas, I had never really read her writings.  I read a lot about her, but I never read “her.”

Then, about three years ago, I finally decided it was time.  It has been a glorious adventure and I have loved it.

So if you too feel it is time to learn more about this wonderful lady and her educational insights, allow me to present my list of Beginning (or revisiting, such as in my case) Charlotte Mason resources.

As an introduction and overview, I recommend two Blog series from Blogger Brandy Vencel’s Afterthoughts Blog.  

• The first is 31 Days of Charlotte Mason  This is fabulous. It provides a brief, yet thorough overview of the educational principles.
• The second series is called Busted: 31 Days of CM Myths  This one was especially good for me.  Even though I knew a lot about her, over the years, I had gathered some misunderstandings.

Simply Charlotte Mason is another good source.  They have youtube videos and publications; offer curriculum plans and have a discussion forum.  Look for the free booklets to get you going.

Ambleside Online also has a discussion forum, Charlotte Mason’s complete works online, and many of her other publications.  Their big offering is free K-12 curriculum guides (some of the books are in the public domain, some are not).  Most CM families I know are using the AmblesideOnline guides.

Spend some time with the above and you will get a good overview without having to spend any money.

There are some classic books about her writings  (affiliate links 😉 )

For the Children’s Sake by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay

Charlotte Mason Companion by Karen Andreola

A Charlotte Mason Education: A How to Manual by Catherine Levison

Charlotte Mason Study Guide by Penny Gardner. I like her website too.
But do not forget Charlotte herself.  I believe she was blessed with wisdom and insight into what children really needed in order to thrive.  She truly understood the makeup of a child.

Now as far as implementing Charlotte Mason ideas, please remember that she provided principles.   How those principles are applied in various homes vary widely.  I’m not sure there is a “right way” to do CM and I take issue with the idea of a Charlotte Mason purist.  But that will be a soapbox for another day.

I am finding more and more great Charlotte Mason curriculum options.  I feel so blessed to have the talent of so many passionate curriculum creators available.  Perhaps that will end up as a post too.

I hope this gets you going.

p.s. There are so many Charlotte Mason resources and experts out there.  I am certainly not one of them, I have so much to learn.  But I might add a shameless plug.  I co-moderate two Charlotte Mason facebook groups that might be helpful for you.

LDS Charlotte Mason Homeschoolers  and Charlotte Mason Mid & High School

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