Charlotte Mason Enrichment Podcast

What if handicrafts are about more than arts and crafts? In this episode, Genevieve Gilstrap shares how hand skills cultivate patience, creativity, and lifelong learning. You'll leave encouraged with practical ideas for making handicrafts a joyful and attainable part of your homeschool.

What if nature study was simpler than you thought?

In this episode, Elise sits down with Lara Sheppard to discuss how nature study doesn't require expertise, expensive supplies, or elaborate plans. Learn how small, consistent moments of observation can cultivate wonder, deepen your appreciation for God's creation, and become one of the most life-giving parts of your homeschool.

The middle school and high school years can feel a little intimidating. Questions start creeping in. Am I doing enough? Are we on the right track? What do these next few years need to look like?

In this episode, Elise Thompson sits down with Rachel Byrd to talk through this important season. They discuss why so many homeschool moms feel the pressure as high school approaches, how Charlotte Mason's principles continue to guide us, and practical ways to prepare without losing sight of what really matters.

If your oldest is entering middle school, or you're already homeschooling a teen, this conversation will encourage you to take a deep breath and keep faithfully doing the work that's in front of you.

Rachel will also be teaching this topic live at the Charlotte Mason Enrichment Conference. While in-person registration has closed, you can still join us virtually at charlottemasonenrichment.com/virtual.

Are you new to homeschooling or curious about Charlotte Mason's philosophy?

In this episode, Elise Thompson sits down with veteran homeschool mom Sarah Logsdon to discuss what a Charlotte Mason education is, common misconceptions, practical ways to get started, and why giving yourself grace is essential on the homeschool journey. Sarah also shares a preview of her conference session, Charlotte Mason for Beginners, designed to help families build a strong foundation and confidently take their next steps.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to deepen your understanding, this conversation will leave you encouraged and equipped for the journey ahead

Choosing a Charlotte Mason curriculum can feel overwhelming.

With so many wonderful options available, how do you know which one is the best fit for your family?

In this episode, Elise Thompson is joined by a panel of experienced Charlotte Mason educators and homeschooling mothers to discuss five popular curriculum options:

• Ambleside Online
• A Gentle Feast
• The Alveary
• Simply Charlotte Mason
• Charlotte Mason Educational Center (CMEC)

Together, we discuss the strengths of each curriculum, the mindset mothers should have when choosing a curriculum, and how to align your educational choices with your family's goals and season of life.

Whether you're new to Charlotte Mason or considering a curriculum change, this conversation will help you move forward with greater clarity and confidence.

Want to continue the conversation in person? This curriculum panel will also be featured at the 2026 Charlotte Mason Enrichment Conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma and virtually

Learn more: www.charlottemasonenrichment.com/conference

On today's episode, I have the privilege of chatting with Karen Glass.

Karen is the author of several beloved Charlotte Mason books, including her bestselling Know and Tell: The Art of Narration. She is also one of the founding members of AmblesideOnline and has recently completed a four-part composition curriculum after years of study, writing, and research.

As we talked, one thing became abundantly clear: Karen's heart is for the homeschool mother.

The mother faithfully showing up day after day.

The mother reading aloud, listening to narrations, planning lessons, and striving to provide a rich education for her children.

The mother who wants to understand not only what Charlotte Mason taught, but why it matters.

This conversation is filled with wisdom, encouragement, and practical insights that will strengthen and inspire you in your homeschool journey.

• Why narration is such an important practice in a Charlotte Mason education

• The two principles Karen believes every Charlotte Mason mother should understand

• Why gathering with other mothers around living ideas can transform your homeschool and your life

• Why community matters in the homeschooling journey

• A preview of Karen's keynote sessions at the Charlotte Mason Enrichment Conference

Karen Glass will join us as keynote speaker for the 2026 Charlotte Mason Enrichment Conference, July 17–18 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

This year's theme, For the Love of Learning: Nourishing the Mother, Strengthening the Home, is an invitation for mothers to continue growing as learners themselves. The conference features keynote sessions, practical workshops, interactive experiences, meaningful fellowship, a vendor market, and lifetime replay access for all Saturday sessions.

Attend in person or virtually from anywhere in the world.

Learn more and reserve your ticket at charlottemasonenrichment.com/conference.

Podcast listeners can use code PODCAST for a special discount on conference tickets.

What should a mother's education booklist include?

In this special Conference Chats episode, Elise Thompson sits down with Beth Howard, Sarah Logsdon, and Rachel Byrd to discuss one of the most important parts of a Charlotte Mason education: the mother's own reading life. Together, they explore how books continue to shape us as women, wives, mothers, and home educators, and why our learning matters just as much as our children's.

During this conversation, you'll hear:

• Why mothers need their own educational journey
• How reading influences the atmosphere of the home
• The role community plays in discovering meaningful books
• Categories every mother may want to consider when building a personal booklist
• Favorite fiction, nonfiction, and "armchair reads" the panelists are currently enjoying
• Encouragement for mothers in every season, including those who feel like they don't have time to read

This episode also serves as a preview of the "Crafting a Mother's Education Booklist" session at the 2026 Charlotte Mason Enrichment Conference. During the conference, Beth, Sarah, and Rachel will guide attendees through a highly interactive discussion designed to help mothers discover new books, connect with fellow readers, and create a personalized reading plan for their current season of life.

Whether you're an avid reader or simply hoping to rekindle your love of books, this conversation will encourage you to continue learning, growing, and delighting in living ideas.

Learn more about the Charlotte Mason Enrichment Conference:
charlottemasonenrichment.com/conference

Remember, as Charlotte Mason said, "The only true education is self-education."

In this episode of the Charlotte Mason Enrichment Podcast, I sit down with Beth Howard to talk about the mother's own education.

Beth shares her personal journey into home education, including the challenges she faced and how those struggles became a passion for encouraging and equipping mothers.

We dig into why a nourished mother is the foundation of a strong home, and what it actually looks like to pursue your own education in the middle of a full, busy life.

This conversation is warm, practical, and full of ideas you can take with you.

In This Episode:

• What a mother's education is and why it matters for your homeschool
• How Beth's own struggles shaped her passion for educating mothers
• Why modeling learning is one of the most powerful things you can do for your children
• Practical strategies for fitting personal education into daily life
• Why quality of engagement matters more than how many books you read

Ready to go deeper? The 2026 Charlotte Mason Enrichment Conference is just 71 days away! Join us in person or virtually for practical teaching, meaningful conversations, and sessions designed to refresh and encourage you in your homeschool journey. All attendees receive access to the session replays. Tickets are available now- https://charlottemasonenrichment.com/conference

Missed my first podcast episode with Beth? Listen here: https://youtu.be/71jF_Xl96w0?si=yQUekg-1LFs5m4AU

Shakespeare… friend or foe?

In this episode of Conference Chats, I sit down with Cher Miller, a seasoned home educator, to talk about how to approach Shakespeare in a Charlotte Mason education with simplicity and confidence.

If you’ve ever felt intimidated or unsure where to begin, this conversation will encourage you to take the first step, and maybe even enjoy it.

We also share more about the upcoming Charlotte Mason Enrichment Conference: “For the Love of Learning: Nourishing the Mother, Strengthening the Home.” Join us for a weekend of growth and encouragement.

🎟️ Learn more and reserve your spot at https://charlottemasonenrichment.com/conference

Join me as I chat with Lara Sheppard, a presenter for the 2026 Charlotte Mason Enrichment Conference.

In this episode, we discuss Schooling Multiple Children: One Mom, Many Students. As a mother of four (including twins), Lara shares practical wisdom on balancing the needs of multiple children while honoring their personhood—and your own capacity.

You’ll walk away encouraged to build realistic, sustainable rhythms for your home and school.

Join us at the 2026 Charlotte Mason Enrichment Conference
✨ In person or virtual
📅 July 17–18 | Tulsa, OK

Learn more:
www.charlottemasonenrichment.com/conference