Can you deny that the child is a person? A whole person, body and soul? Of course not! This basic tenet forms the base of the educational method developed by Charlotte Mason. As homeschooling has become more popular over the last several years, many parents are choosing to teach and learn alongside their children influenced by the philosophy of Charlotte Mason. 

There is much to love about this educational method. It is literature based (but no twaddle, please!), it gets you out in nature, is child-centered, is detached from rigid testing and benchmarks, and is simply beautiful in all its aspects. 

Mason realized that children need to be cultivated, not force-fed. She recognized children as whole persons, with a mind, body, and soul. Children are drawn to what is true, beautiful, and good, and Mason nurtured that in her students. 

The method involves what are termed “living books,” beautiful works of literature, along with nature study, narration, habit training, art, music, and poetry. All learning flows through these core pathways. Thus, the child is formed in both mind and soul, as good habits, character and virtue training, and creativity are fostered and encouraged.

Catholic homeschoolers who love this method have a built-in pathway to enhancing this method, using Catholic literature, art, and music to enrich learning. You can include narration of scripture reading, learning about the Mass and include liturgical celebrations in your home domestic church. Although Charlotte was not Catholic and her program did not include any formal catechesis, it is easy to infuse your Charlotte Mason homeschooling with all things Catholic. Simply choose the literature you love, use Catholic copywork activities, read the Bible and study the Catechism, read Catholic poetry, study the sacraments, celebrate Church feast days, and pray each day together. Your Charlotte Mason homeschool will soon be a Charlotte Mason Catholic homeschool.