Modern Miss Mason: Discover How Charlotte Mason’s Revolutionary Ideas on Home Education Can Change How You and Your Children Learn and Grow Together

by Leah Boden, Ainsley Arment (Foreword)

For every mother who desires to cultivate a lasting foundation of curiosity and wonder for her children from home, whilst continuing a rich life of learning for herself.

Modern Miss Mason is your invitation into an adventure, a call to turn a corner on your already incredible journey of parenting and let Leah Boden show you the fresh face of an age-old perspective on motherhood, childhood, and education.

As a young mother and new home educator, Leah was overwhelmed by the breadth of available resources. How to know which to choose? What would best guide and inspire her children? Whose voices should she trust?

That's when she discovered the timeless work and words of Charlotte Mason. A ground-breaking and revolutionary voice in education, Charlotte breathed life and beauty back into childhood in a stiff, archaic age, opening the eyes of parent-teachers and the hearts of students--and changing the future of home education.

Let Leah Boden show you how Charlotte Mason's ideas can transform your homeschooling experience. She will help you:

find methods that you and your children can explore by learning through books, being outdoors, and through living experiences;
recognize that each child is unique and discover how to plan their learning journey accordingly; and
learn how to practically incorporate Charlotte's timeless philosophy into your home every day.

In an overwhelming digital age that can distract and divert our attention from the past, turn back to Charlotte Mason's educational ideas that started it all--and discover what they can do for you and your family.

Genres: Parenting, Education, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Family, Teaching, Childrens

218 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 10, 2023

About the author

Leah Boden is a long-time home educator with over two decades of experience in church leadership. Currently, her life and education focuses on the practice and pedagogy of early 20th century educator Charlotte Mason. She leads the Charlotte Mason Conversations UK online community and founded Modern Miss Mason, an international initiative to help parents and children find their freedom within Mason’s philosophy. She lives with her husband and four children in the West Midlands, England.

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

One of the ways in which Charlotte Mason's Philosophy of Education is used today is by mixing her ideas with contemporary ideas. Leah Boden is in this camp, and this book represents that. If that is what you are looking for, then this book is for you.

If like me, you wish to see an accurate portrayal of Charlotte Mason's principles, then this book is not for you. It interpets the principles through a contemporary lens, and the most egregious example of this is the mixing of Charlotte's first principle, "Children are born persons", with contemporary ideas about child-led or child-centered learning.

It neglects to take into account the deep roots Charlotte's philosophy had in the past. Charlotte Mason was incredibly well read. Her reads spanned from her own time all the way back into the ancient past, and her ideas reflect that. That is part of what makes her ideas timeless.

There is a comment in the last chapter about Charlotte not expecting her principles to stay static. By definition, principles are fundamental truths that apply to every time and age. The application of the principle may change, but the underlying principle should not alter.

Lest you think I'm a curmudgeon who only lets her children use the exact same materials that were used in Charlotte's schools, I assure you, I am not. But I do believe that foundational principles are timeless. While we may apply them differently in our age, we can't change fundamental truth.

What Leah Boden excels at is encouraging mothers. I can't praise her enough in this regard. Chapters nine and ten are the best parts of the book. I'd love to have every mother in my Charlotte Mason co-op read them. Her gift for encouraging mothers in their educational journey is a large part of her popularity, and it's well deserved.

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, if you were a new homeschooler or someone thinking about this lifestyle, I can see how this book would be helpful. As a veteran homeschooler, though, I feel like this information has been shared over and over again in books recently published (basically by a lot of those in the Wild + Free homeschool movement). It seems like the same information just presented a different way. However, I can see how this would be encouraging to those who are new on their homeschool journey or just haven’t figured out what rhythm works best for their families and want inspiration that less can be more. With all that said, I thought the flow and word choice was superb and to make this even more enjoyable, I recommend the audio version (British accent)!

[Leora · Rating 5 out of 5]

While there was some review here for me after the maaaany Charlotte Mason-related books I’ve read (and acquired to be read!), I still found this a lovely and worthy read. If I could sum it up in one phrase it would be, “freedom within the Charlotte Mason method,” an idea I appreciated. I have read all of Charlotte’s original volumes and many wonderful books about her method, I will continue to come back to them again and again, and I want to do this well and do it right for the children’s sake (no blowing off narration, for example!). But Leah also gave me needed reminders not to compare my home school or family culture to anyone else’s (the Victorians included), and to remember that every family will be implementing her method in slightly different ways because of that uniqueness. For example, concerning nature study—instead of beating myself up about nature notebooking and feeling guilty when we don’t get to it, we just get outside and observe and ask questions, then sketch in the notebooks when we can. Getting outside is the first and more important thing. It’s ok if my oldest (only 7) needs to grow into the notebooking part. The chapters on motherhood were very encouraging and helpful as well. I’m acting on some of her ideas (several listed at the end of each chapter) today! I hope to continue acting on them as we continue our homeschooling journey.

[Amanda Emerson · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are new to homeschooling then you might really enjoy this book. I am a big fan of Charlotte Mason but I found this book incredibly repetitive. It also rubbed me the wrong way how the author tried to take credit for various common homeschool things which were not the authors original idea. If you are looking for great books about Charlotte Mason I would recommend For the Children’s Sake and the Charlotte Mason Companion by Karen Andreola.

[Jeannette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite CM resource. Although there is some helpful guidance and some practical how to’s, this book is missing the essential spark and life of CM ideas and tries too hard to be modern- which might have been anticipated given the title.

[Haley Baumeister · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good primer on Charlotte Mason's (increasingly popular & widely appreciated) philosophies behind childhood, education, and motherhood.

Still worthwhile if you've gleaned a general idea of this philosophy from the innumerable other Charlotte Mason resources. The accessible & generous way each section was explained will surely be helpful to many. (And I loved the English accent of the author as she read her own book!)

But as with everything else in this vein, I am eager to read Charlotte Mason's own writings.

[Catherine Boucher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leah, consider this your open invitation to come to Nebraska for a cuppa! I’m a longtime fan and follower of Leah Boden (aka Modern Miss Mason). If you don’t already subscribe to her Modern Miss Mason podcast or follow her content online (she just launched a fantastic online subscription site called The Collective), do yourself a favor, and check it all out! 3 years in, I’m still a relative newbie to homeschooling. I have done a lot of reading and research into Charlotte Mason’s methods, so I was hoping this book would give me more meat and practical ways to “find the freedom within the philosophy” of Charlotte Mason. This book is a *fantastic* entry for those new to homeschooling or wanting to learn a beautiful, approachable overview to Charlotte Mason. Leah, I would love to see a second book with more specifics of how your family and others you’ve met over the years have found the freedom in making the method work in the 21st century. I’m dreaming of a book that’s less of a “how to,” and more of a book that shows glimpses of specific ways real families make it work. I benefit most when I hear the nitty gritty of how families do nature study, Shakespeare, etc. I may not always decide to imitate their ways, but it’s often a beautiful springboard to help me figure out how to adapt it for our crew. Your podcast already does that so beautifully! Can this be your nudge to gift the world with a Part II? 😉 Thank you for giving all of us permission to embrace this beautiful philosophy in a way that works for each of our individual families. You have been such a tremendous blessing to me and our family. Thank you for your “yes!” good and faithful servant! 👏🏻

[Jordan Houghton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rounded up from 2.5 stars. Last year I read the “Charlotte Mason Companion”, and recently read “Consider This: Charlotte Mason and the Classical Tradition.” The first I found looooong and rambling, but also extremely helpful and, as it was my first real knowledge of Mason’s principles, I learned so much. The second was concise and intellectual, but didn’t practically show you how to implement Mason’s principles as the “Charlotte Mason Companion” did so well. I was really hoping that “Modern Miss Mason” would strike the perfect balance. As it was 200 pages and written so recently, I was hoping it would be concise, yet capture the beauty and practically teach Mason’s principles and how to implement them. However, this book felt like a long blog post about why she likes Charlotte Mason. A cozy, dreamy story about the most perfect, idealistic day of “schooling” filled with read alouds and nature walks. It almost felt like a proponent of “unschooling” at times. I think I would recommend this to someone overwhelmed and clueless about the concept of homeschooling and still waffling about whether to even pursue it. But I couldn’t in good faith recommend this as THE Charlotte Mason book to read.

[Esta Doutrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t usually rate these type of books—but this one seemed clear, yet gentle to me. If I was going to give someone a book about the Charlotte Mason philosophy as a starter this would be the one I would choose.

[Elizabeth Santelmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great introduction to the ideas of Charlotte Mason! I love that Leah reminds us not to get too stuck on maki g sure things are technically correct, but rather using what works for your own family!

[Shannon McGarvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, encouraging read on applying Charlotte Masons philosophy in our modern age.

[Michal Crum · Rating 4 out of 5]

For whatever reason, I really did not like this book at first. It struck me as just one more book to homeschool moms about how unique our children are blah blah blah… but I persevered and ended up loving the book! I need to return to the basic principles of Mason’s philosophy since I haven’t given them much intentional thought or practice in recent years. But the principles are so good, and Leah Boden opens up one for us in each chapter, motivating parents to apply the principles in a modern context, tailored to our own family. Truly, the principles can be applied no matter what school your children are in. You don’t have to be a homeschooler to learn about motherhood or education from Charlotte Mason. I am particularly inspired to talk to other moms about mother culture—and to cultivate a community of moms who are interested in the world around them and set an example of intellectual curiosity for their watching children.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this because a friend said “I think you would like the Charlotte Mason philosophy” after we discussed our hopes and dreams for our kids with respect to education. We are a massive outdoor family (thanks to the beauty of God’s creation in CO). I am a big fan of the forest school concept and have enjoyed researching how all these different education styles work.

I have no idea if we will homeschool, or if I’ll just CM away in the non-school hours, but I was so pleased to read a book about a way to educate/connect with your child that was actually well-written, not repetitive, and not making me want to grab a red pen and edit (I’ve read a couple of doozies lately and this was such a nice reprieve!). Leah explains, encourages, inspires, and equips well and I’m thankful this was my intro to Charlotte Mason.

[Sara Hollar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't actually think Charlotte would have loved this book. :) Charlotte challenged mothers and children and teachers. This book feels like a long permission slip to step down from the challenge if you'd rather, and find what feels good. Now, I do think there is a way to find what works in your family and still step up to the challenge of sticking with Charlotte Mason's philosophy, but the "Charlotte Mason Inspired" movement isn’t it. But this book was more encouraging than challenging, so depending on what you need, it may work for you.

Read anything by Karen Glass instead!

[Diana Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

If "For the Children's sake" is a Charlotte Mason's educational philosophy made simple and a good point to start on your homeschooling journey , I'd humbly say that this book is an even more accesibile and easy enough to understand breaking down of Susan Schaeffer Macaulay's book.
It was even better as it was read by the author herself in her idiosyncratic Yorkshire accent. Great thoughts and ideas. Highly recommended for all mamas out there! You are wonderful and doing a great job already.

[Sophie Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this. So much to apply even now with our three year old (and, to some extent, 10 month old).

[Amy Meyers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this, but it’s probably worth no more than three stars; since the author is living, and I appreciate anyone’s attempt to make CM known and accessible, I rounded it up to encourage. There was a lot of good here to take away. I have two disclaimers to recommending the book. First, it doesn’t offer anything to the discussion. I’ve been trying to think what this book offers to move the philosophy and practice of CM Ed along, and the most convincing point I can settle on is that the author is British, and so maybe she will be able to have influence in the UK where possibly people wouldn’t hear from the Americans otherwise. The parts of the UK Ed system will be more intuitive to her as well, and she will be familiar with the nature of England. The American audience is enthralled with her accent, which is fun; but honestly I think (as an American living in South Africa for 20 years and a bit more familiar with the British) that Americans often feel inferior to the British, sort of like a country cousin. However we can be quite proud of our American lady friends who have done such good work studying and hashing out CM philosophy and practice. As far as introducing and explaining CM, I think other bloggers like Brandy Vencel, podcasts, and Karen Glass’s and Anne White’s works as well as Cindy Rollins’s podcasts and book Beyond Mere Motherhood cover literally everything this book covers, better and more in-depth.

Second, I’m not very sympathetic to the “modern” parts of this book where they touch understanding of culture, theology, and psychology. I think she would have done better simply sticking to the principles, and explaining as she did that we have freedom within the framework of the principles. For example, when talking about “cultural” education, she quotes other moderns rather than emphasizing the Great Works of literature and the importance of culture’s basis in religion. She says we need to read more books authored by people of color (obviously, not white), not admitting that if we do that, we won’t have much time to read other older things…you can tell she wrote this right after COVID and the riots following it. But when she gave a bullet list of what makes a living book, it was helpful! (Just didn’t say anything about standing the test of time.) Another example is that I don’t think “Children are born persons” means quite what she interpreted it as. She makes it sound like unschooling. But how can we or the child himself know who he is meant to be if he doesn’t know anything yet? How can the child have interests before we’ve spread a feast for him?

She talks a LOT about the beautiful things—art, literature, poetry, music, nature, having tea and read-alouds (all of these beautiful things include moderns which I wouldn’t consider beautiful)—but not so much about the good (theology and faith, though she’s clearly a Christian) or the true (skill subjects). But if you want to dive into what makes things objectively beautiful and what is beauty and what is culture and what’s important about culture, you’ll do better to read something by Scruton or Sowell or Postman. In fact I guess I’ve rambled my way to the heart of my issue with this book—in being modern (multicultural), Boden chipped away at some of the foundation of CM, and that is Christ. No education, no matter how wonderfully CM, can ultimately change the culture; the heart, religion, must be changed first. Then education can build. I was interested that Boden says Amy Carmichael adapted CM’s philosophy to use for her children in India. I’m reading Things As They Are now. Any missionary can tell you that trying to solve pagan problems with education is impossible without the changed heart.

Overall it’s a fine book, and if it gets some moderns to try out CM, that’s wonderful. Personally I’d like to see someone from a conservative Reformed persuasion tackle CM’s works and offer us something like a Reformed Miss Mason. That would be an addition to the great conversation, I think.

[Taylor Livengood · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars.
Such a great modern take on Charlotte Mason, from a true CM scholar. A great book to read alongside In Vital Harmony, as Boden fleshes out the application side of the philosophy.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent summary of Charlotte Mason’s principles written in an encouraging, humble way! So often, books like these can feel condescending, braggy, or impractical, but I loved the tone of this book! I listened on audio and have already re-listened to parts multiple times. It was the perfect read during our homeschool “summer break” to connect with my vision and purpose as a mother.

[Farda Hus · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an amazing book! I listened to the audiobook version, which was read by the author herself. I love her voice and pronunciation, and it wasn't hard for me to follow along (English is not my first language). I took notes here and there. Thank you so much for summarizing the six volumes of Miss Charlotte Mason. The book is straight to the point, with no wishy-washy ideas, and there are suggestions on how to implement the ideas at home at the end of each chapter.

I am a mother of a 9-month-old daughter, and I can't wait to practice these methods with her later. Even though homeschooling is not an option for me since I have to work from 8 to 4, this method and this book are for everyone, not just homeschooling moms. This book and teaching method are for anybody who wants their children to learn by seeing, hearing, and feeling nature

[Corinne Holloway · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciated a lot of what she had to say. It was less helpful to me than “For The Children’s Sake” and other more theoretical works. But I was very encouraged and given some good practical things to do which was great! This book was similar to the helpful advice you get from talking to a homeschool mom a few years ahead of you, telling you it’s possible, reorienting you to the goals you actually have in educating your kids, and generally reminding you that can do this and to keep at it.

It was a good out of school pep talk.

Hard copy would have been better for her practical tips, but audio was enjoyable as a first-read wash-over-you experience.

[Alison (readinginazaleawoods) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve gleaned something from every homeschooling book I’ve read, but none have encouraged my heart or ignited such deep joy and excitement for what our homeschooling days can look like quite like this one. Leah Boden’s writing is a beautiful blend of philosophy and practicality—a guide that doesn’t just tell you how to homeschool, but invites you to think deeply about why and what truly matters.

I own two of Charlotte Mason’s own works—Home Education and Parents & Children—and while they’re full of wisdom, they can sometimes feel daunting to navigate. Leah has a gift for distilling Mason’s ideas in a way that feels approachable, inspiring, and genuinely doable. I’m so grateful for her heart behind this book because it’s helped me approach Home Education with confidence and renewed understanding.

“As parents we know we have something to teach our children, but it is also true that they have something to teach us.”

This truth resonated deeply with me. Leah reminds us that homeschooling isn’t only about our children’s growth—it’s also about ours. It’s about cultivating our own “mother culture,” nurturing our minds and hearts so we can, in turn, pour into theirs.

“What if the loving expression of your motherhood is the greatest lesson your child can ever learn from you?”

There’s a rich balance in this book between education and relationship. Leah encourages readers to take “Mason Moments” at the end of each chapter—small reflections and practical ideas to weave learning and life together in meaningful ways. She invites mothers to remain lifelong learners themselves:

“The one who learns for her own pleasure can ultimately be the one who helps others find pleasure in learning.”

Every page holds wisdom and encouragement, and my only regret is not reading this sooner. It’s rich in knowledge, grounded in grace, and an absolute must-read for every homeschool mama—or any mama considering homeschooling. Even if you don’t follow the Charlotte Mason philosophy, there is so much to glean and ponder here.

✨ Highly recommend!

[Cory Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introduction to this style of homeschooling. Also if you listen to it on audible the author reads it and she is British so that kind of adds to this Charolette Mason style book.

[Catherine Miller]

“Good things grow slow, go down deep, and reproduce.”

[Brit Chhangur · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it ok! I never love language like “find your own freedom” but in this context I get what she is trying to communicate! Would PNEU schools (and homeschools) look different in a different era…sure! But the principles would remain and I think she does well interpreting and holding on to the principles, which is what I think Charlotte did in her own time. Inspired by her mom to hang Renoir in our bathroom! 😆

[Hannah Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. I plan to purchase it to keep on my shelf and return to when I need encouragement and perspective on our homeschooling journey.

[Paige · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5! Leah has an encouraging voice for homeschool moms (and dads) I took lots of notes!

[Lindsay Broome · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always enjoyed listening to Leah speak at w and free conventions and podcasts! She is super encouraging and I enjoy how she seems to desire to make CM more approachable. I think sometimes people who hold strongly to a certain curriculum forget that CM is a methodology, the curriculum can look different for each home. And , while there are old books that absolutely do need to be included in a classical education, modern books should not be dismissed just for being modern.

I do not always agree with her interpretation of CM, she seems to lean heavy on the aisle of child led/do what you love kind of education, which can feel almost unschooly at times to me. I am more on the thought that children need appropriate challenges and some times they learn to enjoy things once they get through the initial struggle (Shakespeare, playing instruments, etc). We have many things in our lessons that we "ought" to do , whether we "want" to or not. But it's quick, then we have open afternoons to pursue all the things we "want" to do. While each child is a born person, I do believe their affections can be heavily influenced by parents and we are not just spectators in their growth.

This is a very light , gentle intro to CM.ideas. Not much guidance on the "how" of it. But a nice and encouraging read!

[Dayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice overview of CM ideas with practical advice for today, but if you're already fairly well-read in CM principles, you're not likely to find anything new.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Modern Miss Mason is conversational, pleasant, and covers a lot of ground. It also, quite honestly, feels unnecessary. For anyone who has lived in Charlotte Mason circles this is a retreading of old ground. Good ground, certainly, but it's nothing new or especially insightful. 

This would likely be a good book to welcome newcomers to the ideas of Charlotte Mason, though I would probably direct them to other books after this one to get more specific and concrete information. 

It's a nice book. Very pleasant. (Though, admittedly, I was turned off by a reference on page 2 to Brene Brown.) But it's not a necessary addition to a homeschool library.