Homeschool Archives

All About the Charlotte Mason Method of Homeschooling

The Charlotte Mason method of homeschooling is a time-tested educational philosophy that has been inspiring families for over a century.

Rooted in the teachings of British educator Charlotte Mason (1842–1923), this approach emphasizes a rich, engaging, and literature-based learning experience that fosters a lifelong love of knowledge.

If you are considering homeschooling and looking for an approach that encourages curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, the Charlotte Mason method might be the perfect fit for your family.

Core Principles of the Charlotte Mason Method

Charlotte Mason believed that education is about more than just acquiring information. It should cultivate good habits, character, and a deep appreciation for the world. Her method is built on several core principles:

Living Books Over Textbooks – Instead of dry, fact-heavy textbooks, this method encourages the use of “living books”—well-written, narrative-style books that bring subjects to life and engage the reader.

Short Lessons for Maximum Focus – Lessons are kept brief (typically 10–20 minutes for younger children, 30–45 minutes for older students) to encourage full attention and retention.

Narration Instead of Worksheets – After reading, children are encouraged to narrate (retell) what they’ve learned in their own words, helping them develop comprehension and communication skills.

Habit Training – Building positive habits, such as attentiveness, kindness, and diligence, is considered just as important as academic learning.

Nature Study and Outdoor Learning – Regular time spent in nature allows children to observe, explore, and develop an appreciation for the natural world.

The Arts and Music Appreciation – Exposure to fine art, music, poetry, and classic literature is woven into daily learning to cultivate cultural literacy and aesthetic appreciation.

Copywork and Dictation – These practices improve handwriting, spelling, and grammar while exposing children to great writing.

How a Charlotte Mason Homeschool Day Might Look

A typical Charlotte Mason homeschool day is structured but flexible, with a variety of short, focused lessons that keep children engaged. A morning might include:

A scripture reading or moral lesson to start the day
Literature or history read from a living book, followed by narration
Copy work or dictation exercises to reinforce language skills
A math lesson using a hands-on or conceptual approach
Nature study with a walk outside, journaling observations
Art or music appreciation, such as listening to classical compositions or studying famous paintings

Afternoons are often left open for hands-on activities, free play, handicrafts, or additional outdoor time, reinforcing the idea that education is not confined to a desk.

Resources for Getting Started with Charlotte Mason Homeschooling

If you’re interested in implementing the Charlotte Mason method, here are a few resources to explore:

Ambleside Online – A free, Charlotte Mason-inspired curriculum with book lists and lesson plans.
Simply Charlotte Mason – A resource offering books, guides, and a structured curriculum.
The Original Homeschooling Series by Charlotte Mason – A six-volume set outlining her educational philosophy and methods.
Charlotte Mason-inspired Living Books Lists – Many homeschooling websites provide curated book lists categorized by age and subject.

Is the Charlotte Mason Method Right for Your Family?

The Charlotte Mason method is ideal for families who value literature-rich learning, time in nature, and a holistic approach to education. It works well for children who thrive with a gentle, structured, yet engaging learning environment. However, it may not be the best fit for families who prefer a highly structured or test-driven approach.

At Red Kite, we support all homeschooling families in finding the best educational path for their children. Whether you follow Charlotte Mason’s philosophy or another homeschooling method, we’re here to help connect you with valuable resources, including scholarships and financial aid opportunities for home-educated students.

Would you like to learn more about scholarships for homeschoolers? Explore our platform to find financial support tailored to your educational journey!

www.myredkite.com

Why This Texas Mom Homeschools

Ever wondered what it’s like to homeschool your kids in Texas? This week for Red Kite, I sat down with Holly, a local homeschooling mom, to find out!

Holly got real with us about the struggle to juggle the lesson plans and socialization – and the occasional existential crisis – that comes with teaching your own children. Spoiler alert: turns out public school might take longer than necessary!

And believe it or not, there are even scholarship opportunities and discounts on resources for homeschoolers, too. Let’s get into it!

How long have you been homeschooling?

a. I’ve homeschooled from the beginning, so five years. Seven, if you include the early years of preschool.

Why did you choose homeschooling over traditional schooling?

a. So many reasons! I didn’t want my children to become a product of the public school system that dumbs kids down and churns them out like identical little robots who follow “the system”. Education is not one-size-fits-all. Kids thrive in many different ways, and I wanted to be able to cater to my children’s interests and needs. I wanted them to be independent thinkers who understand that learning is lifelong and something to enjoy, not dread.

What homeschooling philosophy or approach do you follow (e.g., classical, unschooling, Charlotte Mason, etc.)?

a. For the early years, I leaned towards Waldorf. Once formal schooling started, we did Classical Conversations. It didn’t take long for me to realize that was not how [my son] would learn best. So after a year of Classical, we switched. I am eclectic who leans towards Charlotte Mason and unschooling. I’ve done both. I quickly realized I don’t do well with being told to do x,y,z on Monday and a,b,c on Tuesday.

Were you a teacher before you decided to pursue this path? If so, what did you teach? If not, did you have to take any credential courses?

a. No, I was not a teacher, and no formal courses are needed. There are so many programs and curriculums that it’s fairly easy to help your kids learn without being formally trained. To be fair, I do have a natural teaching ability, though.

Do you follow a set curriculum, or do you design your own lesson plans?

a. For reading and math, I do follow a set curriculum, but everything else I piece together from lots of different resources and make it my own.

What subjects do you find easiest – and most challenging – to teach?

a. This is hard… both kids are dyslexic. I’ve essentially had to teach myself how to be a reading specialist. It’s literally been 5 years of research on my part trying to stay up-to-date with research and the science of reading. So that is by far the hardest.

I also find history hard, because I’m committed to teaching real history and not the watered-down “Americanized” history. Finding the balance of accuracy and then sensitivity to my children’s ages and appropriateness for said ages has been challenging.

Art is easiest for me because I love it. Nature study has also been pretty easy, because it’s fun and hands-on.

What resources (books, websites, programs) do you rely on the most?

a. I rely most on the Science of Reading body of knowledge – and teachers with Instagram accounts who utilize the Science – my Rooted in Language curriculum, the Charlotte Mason philosophy, and the other moms in our co-op.

How do you handle assessments and measure progress without traditional grading systems?

a. Essentially, I don’t move on until my kids are proficient in something. Since it is just the two kids, it’s pretty obvious what they know and don’t know.

For high school, I will start keeping records of everything for college purposes. Their reading and math curriculums have assessments, but everything else is just a matter of common sense on my part.

What strategies do you use to balance homeschooling with other responsibilities (work, household, personal time)?

a. Most of the public school day is managing 30 kids. It only takes 2-3 hours to do school at home. There is so much free time for field trips, time with friends, and housework/cooking/errands. You would have to be on your phone all day – or just wasting time – to not fit those things in.

How do you ensure your students have socialization opportunities?

a. Austin has a huge homeschool community, so socialization is easy. There are meetups, co-ops, etc. all over the Austin area. We joined a co-op to have consistency in activities and friends. So, the same families/friends are together every week. On Thursday, we have a school day with our co-op, and then every week there is either a field trip or hike/play date.

What extracurricular activities or community programs do you participate in?

a. I guess I kind of answered this already. But the kids have also done some sports through the Y.

Are you aware of financial aid or scholarships available to homeschooling families?

a. I have reached out to [coursework] companies directly and been met with very generous responses. I was unable to afford part of their reading program a year ago, and the company gladly gave me the resource for free. A lot of times you have to ask directly, but if you do, it usually pays off with some discount.

Where do you go to find resources that normally a school district would provide?

a. You can go through your school district to get dyslexia testing and other special needs assistance/programs. Because I pay taxes, I am entitled to those resources, even though my child doesn’t attend public school. You do have to enroll your child, but it’s specified that they do not actually attend.

If you could improve one thing about financial aid or scholarship access for homeschoolers, what would it be?

a. I wish it were common knowledge and thereby eassier to access. You can join the Texas Homeschool Association to get all that information, but you have to pay a yearly fee. I would love it if it were easier to access without having to join the HSLDA.

So there you have it – homeschooling in Texas, straight from the source! Holly has proven that you don’t need a teaching degree or a bottomless supply of patience (though the latter probably helps) to give your kids an incredible education at home.

And if you’re a homeschooling parent looking for scholarships, Red Kite is here to help. Because let’s face it, if you can teach your own kids math, you definitely deserve a financial break.

By Jane Cooper

All About Classical Homeschooling

Classical homeschooling is a time-tested educational method that follows the traditional approach of the Trivium: Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric.

Rooted in ancient educational principles, this method emphasizes critical thinking, deep learning, and a strong foundation in language and the liberal arts. It is a structured yet flexible approach that enables parents to provide their children with a rigorous and well-rounded education at home.

The Trivium: Three Stages of Learning

The Trivium is the foundation of classical homeschooling and consists of three distinct stages that correspond to a child’s cognitive development. This approach ensures that learning is sequential, building upon previous knowledge and fostering intellectual growth.

1. Grammar Stage (K-6th Grade)

Focuses on building a strong foundation in language, reading, and memorization.
Children absorb facts and rules through repetition and structured learning.
Emphasizes phonics, Latin or other classical languages, and historical literature.
Subjects are taught through storytelling, chants, songs, and hands-on activities to make learning engaging.
Mathematics is introduced through pattern recognition and rote memorization of foundational concepts.

2. Logic Stage (7th-9th Grade)

Encourages analytical thinking and reasoning skills.
Students begin to question, analyze, and understand cause and effect relationships.
Subjects such as formal logic, debate, and essay writing become central.
Science is explored through experimentation and logical analysis rather than rote memorization.
The study of history transitions from learning facts to analyzing the motives and consequences of historical events.

3. Rhetoric Stage (10th-12th Grade)

Focuses on articulate expression, persuasive communication, and original thought.
Students synthesize knowledge and develop their own perspectives.
Classical literature, philosophy, and advanced composition are emphasized.
Students engage in Socratic discussions, debates, and public speaking exercises to refine their rhetorical skills.
At this stage, students often specialize in subjects they are passionate about, preparing them for higher education or careers.

Why Choose Classical Homeschooling?

Classical homeschooling has remained a preferred educational model for many families due to its structured yet adaptable nature. Here are some key reasons why parents choose this approach:

Time-Tested Approach: Used for centuries, this method has produced some of history’s greatest thinkers, including Thomas Jefferson, Isaac Newton, and C.S. Lewis.
Strong Language Skills: Emphasizing Latin and structured grammar instruction enhances vocabulary, comprehension, and logical reasoning.
Critical Thinking Development: Encourages deep learning and logical analysis, preparing students to engage in meaningful discussions and problem-solving.
Rich Literature and History: Uses classical texts to provide a broad understanding of human thought and civilization, making education more meaningful and interconnected.
Flexibility: Parents can adapt the curriculum to suit their child’s pace and interests while maintaining a rigorous structure.
Holistic Education: Incorporates history, science, art, music, and philosophy, offering a well-rounded education that prepares students for lifelong learning.
Moral and Ethical Development: Many classical curricula integrate discussions on virtue, ethics, and character formation, helping students develop strong moral reasoning.

Key Resources for Classical Homeschooling

There are a variety of resources available to help parents implement a classical homeschooling curriculum effectively. Below are some highly recommended options:

Curriculum Choices

The Well-Trained Mind: A comprehensive guide by Susan Wise Bauer, outlining a classical education at home.
Memoria Press: A structured curriculum with a strong emphasis on classical languages and literature.
Classical Conversations: A community-based program that provides structured lessons, group discussions, and hands-on learning.
Veritas Press: A Christian-based classical curriculum with online and offline learning options.
Tapestry of Grace: A literature-based curriculum that integrates multiple subjects.

Books & Literature

Classic works from authors such as Homer, Shakespeare, Plato, and Jane Austen.
Modern classical education guides, including “Teaching the Trivium” and “The Liberal Arts Tradition.”
Living books and historical biographies that bring subjects to life.

Language Study

Latin primers such as “Wheelock’s Latin” or “Prima Latina.”
Logic workbooks that help students develop reasoning skills.
Socratic discussion guides to enhance comprehension and debate skills.

Online Communities & Support

Classical homeschooling forums: A place for parents to share resources and ask questions.
Online courses and co-ops: Many organizations offer online classes taught from a classical perspective.
Local homeschool groups: Many areas have classical homeschool meetups and learning communities.

Getting Started with Classical Homeschooling

If you’re new to classical homeschooling, here are some steps to help you get started:

Research and Plan: Read books such as “The Well-Trained Mind” to understand the classical method.
Choose a Curriculum: Select resources that align with your family’s goals and educational philosophy.
Create a Schedule: Design a daily and weekly routine that incorporates all stages of learning.
Join a Community: Find online or local support groups to stay motivated and receive guidance.
Be Flexible: While classical education follows a structured approach, it’s important to adapt it to your child’s needs and interests.
Emphasize Character Development: Incorporate discussions on virtue, ethics, and philosophy to develop well-rounded individuals.

Classical homeschooling provides a structured yet adaptable approach to education, fostering a lifelong love of learning and intellectual curiosity. By embracing the Trivium, parents can cultivate independent thinkers and articulate communicators, equipping them with the tools to succeed in both academia and life.

Whether you are just starting your homeschooling journey or looking to refine your approach, classical homeschooling offers a rich and rewarding path to education.

Are you a parent thinking ahead to your child’s college career, or a student wondering how you’re going to pay your tuition? Sign up for Red Kite for access to over $27 BILLION in scholarships, grants, and loans!