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A Charlotte Mason education: [a how-to manual]
The immensely popular ideas of Charlotte Mason have inspired educators for many decades. Her unique methodology as written about in her six-volume series established the necessary protocols for an education above and beyond that which can be found in traditional classroom settings. In A Charlotte Mason Education, Catherine Levison has collected the key points of Charlotte Mason's methods and presents them in a simple, straightforward way that will allow families to quickly maximize the opportunities of home schooling. With weekly schedules, a challenging and diverse curriculum will be inspire and educate your child. A Charlotte Mason Education is the latest tool for parents seeking the best education for their children."I found these books extremely practical and thoughtful."--Cathy Duffy, author of the Christian Home Educators' Curriculum Manuals"When I became interested in this way of learning and wanted to know how to begin, this was the only book that accomplished my goal. Highly recommended."--Lorrie Flem, editor of Teach Magazine"Surely, you will, as I did, find something to enhance the education of your children immediately. Catherine makes it so simple for us!"--Bob and Tina Farewell, Lifetime Books & Gifts"As a teacher of twenty years, I have greatly appreciated Catherine's guidance in introducing the Charlotte Mason method in my teaching."--Maggie Dail, MA, of Master Enterprises Learning Center"Catherine Levison has written the perfect introduction to the Charlotte Mason method. A must."--Penny Gardner, author of Charlotte Mason Study GuideCatherine Levison has over a decade of home schooling experience. The mother of five, and a grandmother, Catherine is a popular teacher and lecturer.
89 pages, Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 1996
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
January 13, 2009
Let me begin by saying that I really like a lot of Charlotte Mason’s educational philosophy. But my review is not about Charlotte Mason, it is about this book.
It is a miracle that I finished this book. Clearly, like most homeschoolers, Levison is uber Christian. Fine. But she also seems a bit self-righteous, feeling the need to frequently drop references that demonstrate just how devout she is (ie, censoring all Charles Dickens novels because of A Christmas Carol--she doesn’t allow ghost stories in her home. Or this comment about art appreciation: “If you’re like me, you may want to place self-stick notepad sheets over any objectionable scenes or body parts.” Or worse: “With these [art books she owns:], a sticker or black marker can reduce objectionable content.” What!!! I call that blasphemy. How about…select a different art work, or wait until your children are older…or um, open your mind.
Aside from the close-minded assumption that anyone interested in homeschooling is Christian and therefore lists the Bible as the first and most important in any list of study topics (which Levison does repeatedly), this book is really just very poorly written. As a writer and a lover of good literature, it was painful to read. It lacks style and cohesiveness. Levison seems to jump all over the place. It’s as if the book is actually just her raw notes from reading Mason’s original writings, sprinkled with a few useful but mostly useLESS, overly detailed descriptions of what her family does. Take this little gem, for example, on the subject of handwriting: “We have been using those composition books that are lined according to grade level. They have been inexpensive for us, but I am going to try those attractive blank books you can find at the book stores.” Thanks, Cath.
Unfortunately, there are only two introductory books about the Charlotte Mason method that I know of and this is one of them (the other being Karen Andreola’s, in which I find the same problems, just more because it is longer). In that regard, this is a nice book to have around so those of us who are not completely sold on the method don’t have to commit our lives to reading Mason’s original tomes unless/until we choose this style of homeschooling. But there is certainly room—and need—for a similar book that is written more deftly.
It is a miracle that I finished this book. Clearly, like most homeschoolers, Levison is uber Christian. Fine. But she also seems a bit self-righteous, feeling the need to frequently drop references that demonstrate just how devout she is (ie, censoring all Charles Dickens novels because of A Christmas Carol--she doesn’t allow ghost stories in her home. Or this comment about art appreciation: “If you’re like me, you may want to place self-stick notepad sheets over any objectionable scenes or body parts.” Or worse: “With these [art books she owns:], a sticker or black marker can reduce objectionable content.” What!!! I call that blasphemy. How about…select a different art work, or wait until your children are older…or um, open your mind.
Aside from the close-minded assumption that anyone interested in homeschooling is Christian and therefore lists the Bible as the first and most important in any list of study topics (which Levison does repeatedly), this book is really just very poorly written. As a writer and a lover of good literature, it was painful to read. It lacks style and cohesiveness. Levison seems to jump all over the place. It’s as if the book is actually just her raw notes from reading Mason’s original writings, sprinkled with a few useful but mostly useLESS, overly detailed descriptions of what her family does. Take this little gem, for example, on the subject of handwriting: “We have been using those composition books that are lined according to grade level. They have been inexpensive for us, but I am going to try those attractive blank books you can find at the book stores.” Thanks, Cath.
Unfortunately, there are only two introductory books about the Charlotte Mason method that I know of and this is one of them (the other being Karen Andreola’s, in which I find the same problems, just more because it is longer). In that regard, this is a nice book to have around so those of us who are not completely sold on the method don’t have to commit our lives to reading Mason’s original tomes unless/until we choose this style of homeschooling. But there is certainly room—and need—for a similar book that is written more deftly.
April 8, 2014
LOVE the Charlotte Mason method of homeschooling, and we will be adopting a secular interpretation of the method.
However, this author is a TWIT.
She censors quality literature and art from her children because in the case of Charles Dickens, there was a "ghost story", and Renaissance paintings often contained nudity. She advises avoiding certain areas of great literature all together, and covering up art with post it notes or "better yet", buying art books yourself so you can SCRIBBLE OUT THE NUDITY with a Sharpie marker.
I just... I can't even...
Mind: boggled.
I love homeschooling, but I fear for the propagation of some of these senseless individuals. Break free of your chains, little lasses!
However, this author is a TWIT.
She censors quality literature and art from her children because in the case of Charles Dickens, there was a "ghost story", and Renaissance paintings often contained nudity. She advises avoiding certain areas of great literature all together, and covering up art with post it notes or "better yet", buying art books yourself so you can SCRIBBLE OUT THE NUDITY with a Sharpie marker.
I just... I can't even...
Mind: boggled.
I love homeschooling, but I fear for the propagation of some of these senseless individuals. Break free of your chains, little lasses!
February 22, 2017
Helpful overview summary of Charlotte Mason's philosophy of education. The chapters are only a couple of pages each!
Read
December 21, 2013This is a very casual "how-to" guide for homeschooling in style of Charlotte Mason. The author gives short tips or recommendations for each of the following areas: Narration, Literature, Poetry, Composition, Handwriting, Spelling, Foreign Language, Grammar, Science, Math, Art, Music, Handicrafts, Bible, History, Geography, Citizenship and Morals, and The Formation of Habit.
Some of the chapters are more useful than others, as are some of the tips. I'm sure most will roll their eyes at the author's prudishness (she mentions how doesn't let her children read Dickens because she doesn't allow ghost stories in her home, plus she places sticky notes over works of art that show any nudity). She certainly strives to be devout :).
All in all, there are definitely better books out there if you are looking for an introduction to Charlotte Mason and you don't want to read a giant volume of Mason's own work. I would definitely recommend For the Children's Sake over this one. On the other hand, you may find a few good tips in here. Plus, it is only about 80 small pages, so you can read it through in an hour. (I really liked the spelling tip: Write a word on the board and let the children look at it. When they think they are ready, erase the word and then let them try writing it out. Much quicker way to learn than having them spell aloud.)
And, it did contain this gem from Charlotte Mason: "The mother who takes pains to endow her children with good habits secures for herself smooth and easy days; while she who lets their habits take care of themselves has a weary life of endless friction with the children. All day she is crying out, 'Do this!' and they do it not; 'Do that!' and they do the other." Now if only I had the perfect formula for teaching good habits...
Some of the chapters are more useful than others, as are some of the tips. I'm sure most will roll their eyes at the author's prudishness (she mentions how doesn't let her children read Dickens because she doesn't allow ghost stories in her home, plus she places sticky notes over works of art that show any nudity). She certainly strives to be devout :).
All in all, there are definitely better books out there if you are looking for an introduction to Charlotte Mason and you don't want to read a giant volume of Mason's own work. I would definitely recommend For the Children's Sake over this one. On the other hand, you may find a few good tips in here. Plus, it is only about 80 small pages, so you can read it through in an hour. (I really liked the spelling tip: Write a word on the board and let the children look at it. When they think they are ready, erase the word and then let them try writing it out. Much quicker way to learn than having them spell aloud.)
And, it did contain this gem from Charlotte Mason: "The mother who takes pains to endow her children with good habits secures for herself smooth and easy days; while she who lets their habits take care of themselves has a weary life of endless friction with the children. All day she is crying out, 'Do this!' and they do it not; 'Do that!' and they do the other." Now if only I had the perfect formula for teaching good habits...
January 16, 2014
I decided to read more about Charlotte Mason as I am considering homeschooling and I seem to be connecting more with her style than any other although, I can say that if I move forward, I will be taking bits from several styles. Anywhooski, this book is WAY too outdated. Read it in about an hour and gathered two or three good ideas but I will be returning it to the library never to be seen again. The ban on a Christmas Carol is laughable and covering the masters arts is even more funny. There is plenty of art available that is "G Rated" if that is such a concern for the author.
I will say that HS is making a new comeback with the implementing of the CORE curriculum across the country. Kids are coming out of the school system from all religions and all walks of life. We need current, modern day approaches to homeschooling that utilizes technology, current events and modern resources along with the classics etc. Although Roman/Greek history is important and should be taught, I can't imagine reading from the unabridged Plutarch's Lives to my boys or teaching them to be fluent in Latin, French and German. Nice but not my reality.
I will say that HS is making a new comeback with the implementing of the CORE curriculum across the country. Kids are coming out of the school system from all religions and all walks of life. We need current, modern day approaches to homeschooling that utilizes technology, current events and modern resources along with the classics etc. Although Roman/Greek history is important and should be taught, I can't imagine reading from the unabridged Plutarch's Lives to my boys or teaching them to be fluent in Latin, French and German. Nice but not my reality.
September 18, 2010
I got this book expecting it to be more specific and exact about how to implement Charlotte Mason's methods at home. I was disappointed. It was a very poor, in my opinion, summary of Charlotte Mason's theories. The chapters were rarely more than a page or two in length, and half of that would be the author talking about herself. I gleaned far more information about Charlotte Mason from the internet with much more detailed curriculum ideas, etc. Even if I decided to follow this method of teaching, this is not a book I would refer to at all.
March 14, 2011
It was a nice summary of C.M.'s theories, which is what I wanted since I don't have a desire to read her whole 5 volumes. But like the second book, which I read first, I could have done without some of the author's commentaries. (Things like how she didn't read Dickens because of the ghost content in A Christmas Carol, how she doesn't do halloween, and to take black marker to "objectionable content" in fine art books.) It just came off as a little self-righteous.
July 22, 2025
I read this tiny little book back in 2023 but decided to pick it up again and still just as lovely. I think it’s a perfect introduction to what a Charlotte Mason education practically looks like, implemented in a home. For anyone who’s intrigued but intimidated by Miss Mason’s volumes, this is a great starting place (personally, I’d recommend reading this after also reading For the Children’s Sake).
January 28, 2020
Quick read for an overview of CM education. I didn't care for the author's "extras" (opinions on censoring art, literature, certain holidays, etc.), but I will take her advice and read CM's originals for myself.
November 16, 2014
It was an O.k. introduction to a Charlotte Mason Education. It gave me a strong desire to read Charlotte Mason's original works.
July 29, 2023
Nice quick refresher to begin the new school year.
July 31, 2019
I love Charlotte Mason's philosophies, and I had heard glowing recommendations about this specific book- but it was just ok. If you know nothing about Charlotte Mason, this might be a good place to start; I like that each chapter is brief and it gives you a general idea of how to implement Charlotte Mason's teachings. However, if you are really looking for details on how to implement this method in your home, this book really wasn't as helpful as I would have thought, based on how highly it was recommended. I preferred Karen Andreola's book, though it's quite a bit longer.
The author breaks down the book into different subjects and briefly touches on how to teach that within your homeschool, based on Charlotte Mason's beliefs. There are a couple good ideas and some specifics, but I would have thought there was much more, considering this is the book so many people recommended to start with. But I do see the value in reading this if you are completely unfamiliar with Charlotte Mason and her methods- you can very quickly get a brief overview, as well as a couple ideas to start implementing immediately.
If you want a brief run-down of Charlotte Mason and her philosophy, this is a good start, but nowhere near comprehensive, and quite a bit outdated.
The author breaks down the book into different subjects and briefly touches on how to teach that within your homeschool, based on Charlotte Mason's beliefs. There are a couple good ideas and some specifics, but I would have thought there was much more, considering this is the book so many people recommended to start with. But I do see the value in reading this if you are completely unfamiliar with Charlotte Mason and her methods- you can very quickly get a brief overview, as well as a couple ideas to start implementing immediately.
If you want a brief run-down of Charlotte Mason and her philosophy, this is a good start, but nowhere near comprehensive, and quite a bit outdated.
May 5, 2025
I found this to be an excellent little manual. It’s perfect for getting your feet wet with the Charlotte Mason method.
I think it’s unfortunate that the one star reviews are what pop up first when looking up this book. I almost chose not to read it because of that, but I’m glad I went for it anyway. The low reviews claim the author is self-righteous and close-minded. However, she proves herself to be quite the opposite.
In the introduction she says, “I hope we home schoolers will allow one another the freedom to apply this method in various ways.” Some of the low reviewers are not granting her that courtesy. They mock her and make fun of her for the way she chose to homeschool. While I don’t hold those same convictions either, I admire her brave vulnerability. She’s simply making the point that you can do it however it works best for you. She’s not telling you what to do, she’s guiding you down your own path.
I think it’s unfortunate that the one star reviews are what pop up first when looking up this book. I almost chose not to read it because of that, but I’m glad I went for it anyway. The low reviews claim the author is self-righteous and close-minded. However, she proves herself to be quite the opposite.
In the introduction she says, “I hope we home schoolers will allow one another the freedom to apply this method in various ways.” Some of the low reviewers are not granting her that courtesy. They mock her and make fun of her for the way she chose to homeschool. While I don’t hold those same convictions either, I admire her brave vulnerability. She’s simply making the point that you can do it however it works best for you. She’s not telling you what to do, she’s guiding you down your own path.
November 29, 2025
Started and finished in one day. I'm so glad I read this. This was given to me by my mother-in-law who applied Charlotte Mason's principles in their early homeschooling years. Little did she know, when she gave it to me a few years ago, that I was already dipping my toes in everything CM.
This is a great and very concise synopsis of Charlotte Mason's philosophy and it really puts some handles on the basic principles. I believe this book paired with For the Children's Sake will be my new coupled suggestion to any woman who is new to CM's philosophy and wants to know more. FTCS covers more of the why, and I think this book pulls in, very succinctly, the how.
A great primer before diving into Charlotte Mason's six volumes.
Will be referencing this in the future for sure!
This is a great and very concise synopsis of Charlotte Mason's philosophy and it really puts some handles on the basic principles. I believe this book paired with For the Children's Sake will be my new coupled suggestion to any woman who is new to CM's philosophy and wants to know more. FTCS covers more of the why, and I think this book pulls in, very succinctly, the how.
A great primer before diving into Charlotte Mason's six volumes.
Will be referencing this in the future for sure!
May 14, 2018
Very quick read, with short chapters. A nice light overview, but you obviously can’t be as full or thorough in 100 pages as 300. I wouldn’t purchase, but did copy down a book list from one of the chapters.
August 11, 2025
Excellent short read on the main points and heart of a Charlotte Mason education. This is great for anyone who is curious about CM and wants to understand the basics. I've borrowed this book in the past, but I am grateful to have my own copy to refer back to and lend to mothers.
March 30, 2022
Quick overview of "how to" for a CM education. Great for getting started and to be used for that, with plans to read CM's full volumes.
July 18, 2022
This is great, concise overview of the Charlotte Mason philosophy of education, that steers one toward wanting to dive into CM's 6 volume set.
August 22, 2020
Excellent overview of Charlotte Mason's philosophy on education and how it was applied in her schools. I enjoyed seeing the schedule she followed. It was a nice review to help me start off our upcoming homeschool year right.
November 12, 2024
Very short, quick 1-3 pages chapters. Practical application advice, limiting suggestions to only 1-3 ideas per a topic. Lots of references for further insight.
A great quick start to a Charolette Mason homeschool.
Not five stars because it needs to be updated editing out the lengthy addresses or "how to find" resources. These areas are not needed in the age of the internet, just the title and author. It was distracting to read in the middle of each chapter.
A great quick start to a Charolette Mason homeschool.
Not five stars because it needs to be updated editing out the lengthy addresses or "how to find" resources. These areas are not needed in the age of the internet, just the title and author. It was distracting to read in the middle of each chapter.
January 15, 2018
I'd give this between 3.5 and a 4. Catherine Levison summarizes the Charlotte Mason method quite nicely. I'm only beginning my journey into (brief) homeschooling and this thin resource is one that I will be returning to. Had this been my own copy (and not the library's) I would have marked many passages. I will be reading on other methods as well and combining a few (I'm sure) but this gave this busy mom a close to 4 star dip into this foreign body of water. I look forward to reading more on Charlotte Mason's views and methods.
There are several areas in this book that were not my opinions (covering body parts on pieces of art and not reading certain books, as well as others...but even as a Christian, we still have our own convictions. These are not mine.)
There are several areas in this book that were not my opinions (covering body parts on pieces of art and not reading certain books, as well as others...but even as a Christian, we still have our own convictions. These are not mine.)
June 5, 2019
This is actually a reread. It’s a great book for an introduction or overview to the Charlotte Mason method of homeschooling. It’s what first got me excited about homeschooling my own kids. I kept thinking as I was reading “if I had been taught with this method I would’ve loved school more”. And I was homeschooled myself. I’m so grateful I was homeschooled but I think I would’ve enjoyed Miss Mason’s ways far more than just recreating school at home.
July 25, 2014
This was terrible and amazing. Terrible in the sense that this woman cheerfully admits in print that she hasn't even vetted some of the curricula and suggestions she makes, and amazing in the sense that I am amazed that she seems to think you can give your children a good education at home while censoring the art and literature you give them. She scribbles over nudity in reproductions of Renaissance art so her children can study it without seeing breasts (pornographic in every circumstance; what a small person she is) and won't expose her children to the evils of A Christmas Carol because there are ghosts, which are obviously anti-Jesus. I don't even know. The whole thing was ridiculous, poorly written, and quite shoddily researched, which is disappointing from a person given sole responsibility for educating children who will one day be voting adults. She wants you to know that Halloween is evil too, in case you were wondering. Whatever.
The most detailed chapter is how to teach your children the Bible, though there's no thoughtful scholarly advice on exegetical education, so I don't even know whether that's a priority for her. She leaves readers with the impression that it's not even on her radar, compared to ensuring the children's lifelong rote regurgitation of their parents' beliefs. So if that's what you're into...?
In other words, this book is not a great educational resource, but might be a pretty good brainwashing one, if that's what you're going for.
The most detailed chapter is how to teach your children the Bible, though there's no thoughtful scholarly advice on exegetical education, so I don't even know whether that's a priority for her. She leaves readers with the impression that it's not even on her radar, compared to ensuring the children's lifelong rote regurgitation of their parents' beliefs. So if that's what you're into...?
In other words, this book is not a great educational resource, but might be a pretty good brainwashing one, if that's what you're going for.
September 17, 2009
I feel sorry to give such a low rating because I truly respect the Charlotte Mason method and have even managed to glean some helpful tips from this condensed look at it. However, this particular "how-to" manual was poorly written. There was very little flow of thought, of person, or of tense. I appreciated the heart of Ms. Levison, and agreed with many of her preferences, but her presentation did not seem to be quite capable of setting someone off on a successful path of home education. What it does do is convince the reader that A Charlotte Mason Education is not going to be possible unless you read the works of Charlotte Mason. I understand that this book (as "a distant mirror" of the original) still stands for something different and better and fuller than the government education to which many of us are accustomed. That said, look Charlotte full in the face or select another similarly-minded guide (I'm a big fan of The Well-Trained Mind).
March 9, 2019
This one may have deserved 3 stars for the book lists, but I chose 2 because of its limited scope. It is a brief introduction to Charlotte Mason's ideas, but for me, there were some crucial quotes or concepts missing. Also, I knew going into the book that not everything would apply to us because we are secular homeschoolers, but I found the continued encouragement for (or maybe self-acknowledgement of) censorship unsettling. I would not discourage a parent (especially a Christian homeschooler) from reading it, but I think I'll explore other similar titles.
May 31, 2012
Poorly written, very brief, extremely Christian - author suggests using a black sharpie on inappropriate art work and skipping over A Christmas Carol due to it being a ghost story. I got a couple of good take aways but my time would have been better spent reading CM websites.
January 4, 2014
There is helpful information in this book, however you won't find me censoring great works of art due to nudity (really?! Come on...) or striking all Dickens from our schooling due to the presence of ghosts in A Christmas Carol. ;)
January 11, 2017
This is not a replacement for the 6 volume set of Charlotte Mason's by a long shot, but I do think it would help someone know if the CM philosophy is right for them, and if they would want to spend the time reading CM's original works.
July 22, 2010
Every Charlotte Mason home educator should have this on their shelf, very straight forward and enjoyable to read for quick ideas and encouragement!
February 15, 2016
So brief! Only a basic starting point.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews