The Charlotte Mason Method

We have chosen the Charlotte Mason method for our homeschool. Charlotte Mason was an educator in England in the late 1800's to early 1900's.  She taught that "Education is an atmosphere, a discipline and a life". The Charlotte Mason method is a liberal arts approach with an emphasis on "living books" instead of the use of text books.

I thought the best way to give you a flare for her method was to list the subjects the boys will be taught over the years.  Most subjects begin with year 1 (age 6-7) but some subjects are not started until year 3 or 4 (age 9-10).


Studied at their own level:

• Math
• Reading/Literature
• Science
• Copywork
• Grammar
• Spelling
• Foreign Language
• Latin - Taught at around age 10.
• Handicrafts/Life Skills
• Citizenship (Personal Development)

Studied as a family:

• Nature Study - Outdoor time each week to enjoy God's creation and observe/learn about plants and animals.
• Bible/History/Geography - taught chronologically from creation to present time in two 6 year rotations. 
• Book of Centuries - A history timeline in a notebook.  Each child begins one at about age 10.
• Narration - The telling in their own words of a read aloud in science, history, bible, geography, etc.  Written narration begins at around age 10.
• Poetry
• Shakespeare
• Physical Education
• Picture/Art Study
• Hymn Study
• Music/Composer Study

If you are interested in learning more about the Charlotte Mason Method this link is wonderful.  Thanks for sharing our journey!

"I Can't Do That"

We made the decision to homeschool about a year ago.  Since then I have spoken to friends and family about our desire to homeschool.  I am asked frequently "Why do you want to homeschool?".  There are many reasons why we chose to homeschool but it is best stated that I felt led by God to do this for our family.


When my oldest was a toddler I had many moments (you know those moments you are driving home and just thinking) that the idea would pop in my mind "maybe I should homeschool".  I would immediately tell those thought "I can't do that!".  As he reached the age of 4 I signed him up for a local 2 hours/2 times a week preschool class.  That was the beginning of my torment!  Nothing about the time spent taking him and waiting for him to be done felt right.  I tried really hard to just push aside those feelings as just normal for a mom seeing her oldest start schooling.  Soon after we finished his classes, I  had a couple of wonderful Christian women ask me if I was going to homeschool the boys.  Of course my answer was "no".  Then one day I just felt like God was putting this torment in my life to at least see what homeschooling was about.  I have friends that homeschool their children but knew nothing about it.


After much reading and prayer we decided homeschooling was best for our family.  I have been at peace with the decision ever since.  My "I can't do that" now makes me think of the verse in Philippians:

I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13