Charlotte Mason Study Guide

by Penny Gardner

The Charlotte Mason Study Guide is an introduction to Miss Mason's philosophy of education. It contains hundreds of excerpts from Charlotte Mason's six-volume set along with current writings on how to apply this philosophy in home schools and classrooms. This book stands on its own or may be used as a study guide to Charlotte Mason's series.

Genres: Education, Nonfiction

167 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1997

Reviews

[Charly Troff (JustaReadingMama) · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was honestly not that great of a read for me, I'm surprised I even finished it. It was too wordy and I couldn't follow the organization of it very well, which drove me crazy. The best part were the quotes by Charlotte Mason.

[Meredith]

A helpful condensation of Charlotte Mason’s philosophy of education emphasizing the formation of habits and a diet of great ideas.

[Kate Frantz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlotte Mason's philosophies for education are incredible. This study guide has been a perfect introduction to her methods! It left me inspired and ready for the school year.

[Sarah Bringhurst Familia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A few years ago I was fortunate enough to attend a seminar given by Penny Gardner on the Charlotte Mason method of homeschooling. I had already read every book on the subject that I could get my hands on (including Mason's original books), but Penny's presentation made it all concrete. After listening to her explanations and personal experiences and watching her demonstrate some of the concepts, I could actually picture myself doing narration, picture study, nature journals, etc.

This Study Guide is like a little summary of the seminar. Penny pulls together many helpful excerpts from Mason's books, and organizes them topically to provide a clear synopsis of each academic subject and element of a Charlotte Mason education. I consider it the best quick introduction to this homeschooling method, and also a useful guide for implementing Charlotte Mason's ideas.

[Ashley Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I went through this book, I enjoyed it more and more. It is ironic to me that the book talks so much of the importance of using original "living" books and yet is a simplified version of Charlotte Mason's texts. Because it is written quoting her works, I found that the book had many repetitions in both the quotes and personal stories of the author. My favorite chapters were on narration and the arts, though I found most of the book very helpful in understanding the philosophy of the Charlotte Mason approach.

[Leighnae]

i am enjoying this study guide, though there are so many "proverbs" that it's hard to digest every wise nugget. Charlotee Mason has some very good ideas how how to teach children in a "learner led" way. I'm only on page 38 and I have to finish this before the weekend (it belongs to someone else). But i think it's important enough to try and finish before I got to teach in Taiwan!!!

[Lekeshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great study guide. I didn't learn anything new but if I need to find something quickly, I can reference this guide for a quick overview and go to Charlotte Mason's actual works to get more information. The more I read Charlotte Mason's works and guides about her work, I wish I would have been taught in this manner and my kids were started out this way in life.

[Paula Avanto]

I am not done with this book either. I usually pick it up for inspiration the mornings before I begin schooling (since its summer, I have put it on hold until the fall). When I am done with it I will probably continue to pick it up and read every day before beginning our school days.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A study guide based off of Charlotte Mason's teachings on education.

[Ladypoet33 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. It helped me have an overview understanding of Charlotte Mason Education. I recommend it to anyone who has children living at home.

[Molly Christensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good basic overview of what the Charlotte Mason method is all about. Lots of great practical ideas for the "gentle art of learning."

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am still reading all things Charlotte Mason. This was a good collection of quotes from some of her works- not really anything new from what I had already read.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved her opinions of "twaddle" books and the importance of "naration" with the children. It totally works!

[Renée · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great summary, a good place to start digging into Charlotte Mason's material.

[Heathermommy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great info on Charlotte Mason method!