The Charlotte Mason philosophy of education is an approach to homeschooling, parenting, and teaching developed by Charlotte Mason, a British educator in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her philosophy emphasizes a holistic approach to education that seeks to educate the whole child—mind, body, and spirit. Miss Mason pointed to 20 Principles to uphold her philosophy, which you may read here: List of 20 Principles

Some core values of the Charlotte Mason education:

Living Books: Instead of relying on textbooks, Charlotte Mason advocated the use of “living books,” books written by authors who are passionate about their subjects and able to engage readers with lively, narrative writing. Listen to this podcast for details: How to Recognize a Living Book by A Delectable Education.
Narration: Children are encouraged to narrate, or retell in their own words, what they have read or heard. This not only helps them develop comprehension and communication skills, but also a deeper understanding of the material. It is also excellent preparation for writing academically or creatively, as they find their voice.
Short Lessons: Miss Mason believed in keeping lessons short and focused to maintain the child’s attention and interest. Think of the Latin phrase, “Multum Mon Multa”, or, “Less is More”. She recommended lessons lasting no longer than 20 minutes for younger children and gradually increasing to 45 minutes for older children.
Nature Study: Outdoor observation and exploring nature are important components of a Charlotte Mason education. Children are encouraged to spend time outdoors, observing and sketching natural objects in a nature journal, and learning about the world around them. Most importantly, it includes their local flora, fauna, and geography.
Art and Music: Expose children to great works of art and classical music. Children are encouraged to appreciate and discuss these works as a regular part of their education, not just as “sometimes” subjects.
Habit Formation: A strong emphasis on the formation of good habits, both in academics and character. Children are encouraged to develop habits of attention, obedience, and diligence.
Character Education: Along with academics, we prioritize the importance of character development. Children are taught to respect themselves and others, to be truthful and responsible, and to develop a sense of duty and service to others.

Overall, the Charlotte Mason philosophy of education seeks to cultivate a love of learning, a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world, and the development of a well-rounded individual with strong character and moral values.

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