FAQ and Reading List
(NB: Includes Affiliate Links)
FAQ
Who was Charlotte Mason?
What are her "20 Principles?"
Where can I read Charlotte Mason's own words?
I've heard a lot about Charlotte Mason, but what's true and what's not?
Do I need a separate spelling curriculum, and other language-arts questions.
What about math?
What about unit studies? (more about unit studies and "activities")
What is "Masterly Inactivity?" Is that unschooling?
I'm a Catholic and really want a Catholic curriculum. I'm worried that a Charlotte Mason education won't be Catholic enough.
I am interested in classical curriculum. Can I mash up Charlotte Mason with classical? What's the difference? (NB: in this conversation thread, REALLY pay attention to Jennifer Mackintosh's contributions, which lay out these two educational ideas side by side to compare them).
What books can I read to find out more?
For the Children's Sake, Susan Schaeffer Macaulay
Mind to Mind, Karen Glass
Know and Tell: The Art of Narration, Karen Glass
and others in this list.
Does this have to be a DIY curriculum?
No, it does not. This excellent educational method has gained much traction in homeschooling over the last several decades, and there are a number of ready-made, but flexible, Charlotte Mason curricula available for your use. Here are a few:
Mater Amabilis
Catholic, K-12, created by two mothers nearly two decades ago, sustained by volunteer effort. The curriculum itself – syllabi and lesson plans – is free. Books are purchased separately, though many are available as free public-domain e-texts. Active Facebook group with excellent support.
Ambleside Online
Christian, created and sustained by a voluntary advisory board. The curriculum – syllabi, lesson plans, many public-domain books – is available for free. Active Facebook group and forums with excellent support.
Simply Charlotte Mason
Christian, some free elements, but mostly for-purchase materials and resources.
A Modern Charlotte Mason Curriculum
A "living and evolving" curriculum using contemporary books as well as classics. For-purchase materials and resources.
Living Books Curriculum
For-purchase materials and resources.
Charlotte Mason Institute: The Alveary
For-purchase materials and resources.
CMEC Curriculum
For-purchase materials and resources