Not only did Charlotte Mason include abundant novel reading in her curriculum feast and reference novels and characters from them continuously throughout her own writing, but she believed they were valuable for everyone--not just students. This week's episode is a book discussion of Middlemarch by George Eliot, a novel she references and an author she admired. Whether you have read this novel or not, join in to hear not just what we thought of it, but how it reveals much about our Charlotte Mason education.

Today's episode is a talk given by Liz at several conferences and events. She discusses the role parents play in the lives of their children--a topic much discussed by Charlotte Mason. We hope you enjoy this talk and are challenged and encouraged by the wisdom Miss Mason has to offer us parents.

Charlotte Mason included the study of great works of art in her regular school curriculum. This episode explores the many options for making picture study and picture talk more robust, richer, and engaging  for your children with examples and ideas straight from the P.N.E.U.--ideas beyond just "look and tell."

Charlotte Mason insisted the teacher not take a "front and center" role, warned against the "talky-talky" teacher, etc. This episode addresses when it is appropriate for the teacher to explain, question, and even present the "oral lesson."

This Charlotte Mason episode is a brief look into some important, but less talked of subjects. Nicole briefly discusses the natural history lists, what kind, why, and how they are kept; Emily shares about the scope of this curriculum--is it broad or deep; and Liz discusses the importance of the preschool years and what we must guard for the younger children.

This episode is an interview with Jessica in southeast Asia as part of our Charlotte Mason in Our Homes series. Living and teaching with this method in another culture presents special challenges, but also provides exceptional benefits and blessings. The setting is different, but this mother's joys and hardships are common to us all.

This Charlotte Mason podcast is an immensely realistic and practical guide for the teacher. Liz, Emily, and Nicole share what Charlotte Mason's principles for lesson preparation and planning are, then discuss how to make it happen. What should we as teachers be spending our time on behind the scenes, before the lessons? What is actually required of us to make lessons successful and what is not? These and other daily tasks for smoothing the school days are unpacked in this conversation.

The range of subjects related to a Charlotte Mason education is immense. Nicole, Emily, and Liz each focus on one topic or aspect of her education in this episode:  museums, examination rubrics, and what is meant by a "thinking curriculum." Enjoy three summaries of these widely varied topics.

This episode discusses what Charlotte Mason advised for the early  years, before formal school lessons, in the areas of reading and writing. Emily, Liz, and Nicole share from her writings, the Parents' Review, and their own life experience about when the appropriate time is to begin these skills, how not to push, but how to encourage a young child to prepare them and make the most of their natural interest.

This installment of "Charlotte Mason in Our Home" is an interview with Ryan Morgan, mother of five, wife of a frequently deployed husband, who has educated with Charlotte Mason's method through thick and thin and has not found her method wanting. Ryan's story is inspirational and praiseworthy. Whether you are just beginning, or a veteran, listen and be encouraged that this education is truly life-giving.