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Extensive research, a heart for Charlotte Mason and her work, and much experience living the method combine in this meaty volume. Karen Andreola, owner of the Charlotte Mason Research & Supply Company, shares her years of putting the principles and “practicals” of Charlotte Mason into practice in her own home school. Complete with quaint turn of the century illustrations, her book reminds us that children are yet children - Ms. Mason’s insights and techniques are equally applicable in our “modern” times. An excellent writer, Karen imparts not only her love for Ms. Mason and her methods, but a real understanding of how to implement them. I felt like I was peeking in the door of her home as I read, watching her tenderly instruct her own children. After reading through the book, I felt that Charlotte Mason, with all her wisdom and gentleness, was still among us - embodied by enthusiastic and dedicated people like Karen who are indeed her “kindred spirits”.I suspect that many who travel through it’s pages will also become Charlotte Mason devotees, or at least adopt some of the learning approaches advocated.

Customer Reviews

 
Nancy L. from Oregon wrote the following on 08/06/2007:
Warm and encouraging, this is my favorite homeschool guidebook. It explains how to teach your children in a non-academic way. Rather than teaching to pass the test, you teach your child to love the subject. They learn far more than testing requires, and enjoy learning it. Teaching this way is fun. Living books are used rather than textbooks. Living books are written by a single author who loves her subject, and puts the facts in story form. Textbooks are written by several authors with an editor, and tend to be boring. Narration is used to check for understanding and retention of the facts, instead of workbooks. Nature notebooks where you draw your observations of insects, animals, plants, motors, or anything are used instead of fill in the blank science workbooks. The knowledge one gains by using these methods is broader than what is gained teaching to pass the test. There is little time spent sitting at a desk in the early years. I've been using Charlotte Mason's approach for two years with my children, and been pleased with their progress and enthusiasm to learn in all areas. Also this book is helpful in training a child in other ways, such as willpower, getting along with siblings, organization, and self discipline. It says, "we can draw a child forward with an inspiring idea, instead of using an endless string of nagging or threatening do's and don'ts. Idea is the motivating power of life." (p.75) I go through this book again and again for what I need help on with lesson plans and parenting ideas. I've found Ruth Beechick's three short books A Home Start in Reading, An Easy Start in Arithmetic, and A Strong Start in Language helpful for specifics of what to teach and how for K-3. They go along with Charlotte Mason's philosophy.

 
Cindy R. from Hickory, NC wrote the following on 01/11/2009:
This manual is the best tool to begin homeschooling with in my opinion. Not only does it give you an overview of how formal education for children started, it leads you to formulate a method that works for the youngest of children to the oldest. It is wonderful to give ideas, thoughts, and plans without being daunting, overwhelming, or oppressive. This is the book I pick up when I need to recharge my ideas, methods, and approach again.

 
Melanie R. from Florida wrote the following on 04/25/2009:
This book absolutely changed the way I homeschool. We went from drudgery to loving our learning lifestyle! Karen Andreola makes you feel like a life long friend and this book is a homeschool classic. I have read it over and over always gleaning some new treasure from it. This book emphasizes learning from "living books" rather than textbooks as much as possible. Living books are written by an author who is passionate about his/her subject thereby passing that passion on to you through their writings. The book also covers Charlotte Mason's advice on all other subjects and is chock full of good advice. If homeschool still feels like work to you-give this book a try and watch you kids eyes light up when you apply her methods.