Why do I use the Charlotte Mason method of education in our home? Lots of reasons. I first started using Miss Mason's ideas because I had a fifth-grade child who was not writing. Her attempts went something like this: “The cat is cute. Its fur is soft. I like cats.”

Compare that “essay” with this story:

When Squanto was a boy, he saw a white man's ship. He told everyone. His mom said the white man had magic--even a fire stick. All of the Indians made a big feast but the white men did not come.

When Squanto woke up, his mom and dad were not up. He got some cornmeal for breakfast and started walking. Then he saw them. He remembered his mom's warning about fire sticks. A white man had one and shot it. That made Squanto duck. He felt a hand on his shoulder. He stood up and the white men laughed. Then one said something Squanto could not understand.

But then a man said something Squanto could understand. It was “friend” in his own language!

This is just the beginning of a beautifully composed, 11-handwritten page narration the same child wrote within a week of the pathetic piece about the cat. Is it any wonder that I'm a CM enthusiast? This method also met the needs of my next child who is dyslexic. He listened to me read and orally narrated years before he was capable of reading and writing on his own.

But the Charlotte Mason approach is more than narration. It is a broad and liberal education. It is a living education instead of a dull, boring textbook approach. It is limiting academics to a few hours of concentrated effort a day and having time to pursue other interests and hobbies. It is family oriented.

It is reading classic literature together as a family. It is studying fine art in a fun and meaningful way. It is listening to great music and poetry. It is visiting museums and attending concerts, ballets, and plays. It is exercising and playing outside in the fresh air and sunshine. It is frequently enjoying nature and keeping a nature notebook. It is establishing relations with natural materials, interesting people, and God. It is having a well-rounded, balanced, happy, rich, and productive family life. This approach strengthens the family and enriches it with traditions. It is a life -- a family-friendly life.

Introduction to CM; Generous Education; What Books Would CM Choose?; or CM in the Classroom. Return to philosophy . All articles in this web site are copyrighted. Please ask permission to reprint by e-mailing penelopegardner@msn.com.