Simply Charlotte Mason Homeschooling (Sonya Shafer)

How did Charlotte herself define twaddle, and what was she warning us about?

What Is Twaddle? originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

This time of year, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus and look toward the unknown future of the coming year, we can find comfort and confidence in the truth […]

God With Us originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

What did Charlotte Mason say about learning to be content? You may be surprised!

Learning to Be Content originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

You can make adjustments to your homeschool curriculum. You have permission.

Teach the Child originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

There's a big difference between exercising the mind and feeding the mind.

Nourishment: Core Values of Charlotte Mason originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

When you understand the difference between word memory and mind memory, it can revolutionize your home school.

What Makes Learning Stick? originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Great living history books for studying Ancient Greece the Charlotte Mason way.

Favorite Living History Books on Ancient Greece originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Today we’re wrapping up our favorite history books series. We’ve covered five history time periods so far: Middle Ages and Renaissance, Early Modern, Modern Times, Ancient Egypt, and Ancient Greece. […]

Favorite Living History Books on Ancient Rome originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

One of the great things about doing Charlotte Mason nature study is that you don’t have to have a bunch of expensive equipment. Just grab your journal and go outside. […]

Binoculars in Nature Study originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

The books that we give to our children help them form relations, those important relations that Charlotte Mason talked about so much, relating with God, relating with the universe around […]

Books as Mirrors originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

In the last post, we looked at how books can help our children form relations with themselves, and we talked about those books as mirrors. Today, we want to expand […]

Books as Windows originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Sonya and Laura talk about some adjustments they've made in their home schools and share encouragement for readjusting your plans.

Making Midyear Adjustments in Your Home School originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

It seems like one of the hardest concepts to wrap your head around when you’re homeschooling with the Charlotte Mason Method is the concept of living ideas versus dry facts. […]

What a Living Book Sounds Like originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

A friend of mine made a statement recently that stopped me in my tracks. She was explaining how in the past she hadn’t felt confident deviating from a recommended book […]

Core Values of Charlotte Mason: Introduction originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Have you ever told your child, "Let's just get through this" schoolwork? Sonya and Laura discuss positive ways to approach that situation.

Your Questions Answered: Let’s Just Get Through This originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

In previous posts I have shared my favorite books for teaching history, and many of you said you appreciate those book reviews and would like more recommendations covering other subjects […]

Favorite Living Books for Teaching Bible originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

What do you see when you look at your child? Here’s what Charlotte Mason would like you to see. Charlotte Mason created a list of 20 core values, 20 key […]

Personhood: Core Values of Charlotte Mason originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Recently I shared my favorite living books for teaching Bible. Today I want to expand on that topic and share with you more great resources for teaching Bible. These are […]

More Great Resources for Teaching Bible originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

The main message for today is “Don’t lose hope.” We have embarked on a tour of the ideas and values that form the core of a Charlotte Mason education. When […]

Possibilities: Core Values of Charlotte Mason originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

When we think about homeschooling, we often limit it to what we do within our four walls, or at least within our community. But what better way is there to […]

Worldschooling originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Sonya and Laura share some ideas for what to do when your child says that school is pointless.

Your Questions Answered: When School Seems Pointless originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Sonya discusses how the current STEM emphasis aligns, or doesn't align, with a Charlotte Mason education.

STEM and a Charlotte Mason Education originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Let's look at ten ways a Charlotte Mason education can prepare a student for success in a STEM field.

10 Ways a Charlotte Mason Education Prepares a Student for a STEM Career originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Is there a place for fun activities in a Charlotte Mason education?

Your Questions Answered: The Place of Fun in a Charlotte Mason Education originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Sonya shares her favorite living books about the Middle East.

Favorite Living Books about the Middle East originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Charlotte Mason had a very balanced view of authority and obedience. Let’s talk about it. We have begun a tour, looking at the core values that Charlotte Mason educators hold […]

Authority and Obedience: Core Values of Charlotte Mason originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Sonya is joined by Amber O'Neal Johnston to talk about learning as you go while homeschooling the Charlotte Mason way.

Learning As You Homeschool with Charlotte Mason originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Sonya and Laura take a look at three key areas that need to be organized to keep your home school functioning smoothly.

3 Keys to Organizing Your Home School originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Sonya and Amber O'Neal Johnston discuss how to balance homeschooling and working from home.

Homeschooling and Working from Home originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Trying to homeschool while moving into a new house? Laura has some great encouragement for you.

Moving While Homeschooling originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

We often talk about "respect the child as a person." Here's what it looks like.

Respect: Core Values of Charlotte Mason originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Here are some of my favorite books for learning about the cultures of South and Central America.

Favorite Living Books about South and Central America originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Sonya chats with Amber O'Neal Johnston about how homeschool communities can enhance and support what you're doing at home.

Homeschool Communities originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Think of education like a three-legged stool. You need all three legs to stay balanced.

Balance: Core Values of Charlotte Mason originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Sonya chats with Karen Smith about some things to look for when you do nature study in the summer.

Nature Study in the Summer originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Sonya chats with Laura about how to stay organized at the end of the school year.

End-of-School-Year Organizing Ideas originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Karen Smith shares some of her favorite living science books for grades 1–3 that will give your child a gentle introduction to the wonders of God's Creation.

Favorite Living Science Books for Grades 1–3 originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Your child will learn a lot from having natural, first-hand experiences with the people and things in your home.

Atmosphere: Core Values of Charlotte Mason originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Sonya chats with Laura about why so many homeschoolers love Charlotte Mason co-ops.

The Excitement of a Charlotte Mason Co-op originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Karen Smith shares some of her favorite living science books for grades 4–6.

Favorite Living Science Books for Grades 4–6 originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Don't have a Charlotte Mason co-op near you? Here are some ideas for starting one.

Starting a Charlotte Mason Co-op originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

You don't have to be perfect to work on good habits with your children, you just need to be intentional.

Discipline: Core Values of Charlotte Mason originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Sonya chats with Laura Pitney about how teaching in a co-op setting differs from teaching in your home school, and how you can make the most of your co-op teaching time.

Teaching in a Charlotte Mason Co-op originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Sonya shares some of her favorite living books to help your children learn about the people who live on the continent of Africa.

Favorite Living Books about Africa originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Here’s the secret to getting through your lessons without needing big breaks. Planning and scheduling your homeschool studies involve several steps. Five steps, really. First, you start with the big […]

The Secret to Planning Your Homeschool Day originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

How do you deal with a nature fear? Karen Smith and Laura Pitney join Sonya to discuss this question.

Nature Study — But I’m Afraid of Nature! originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Let's talk about what it means when we say that education is a life.

Life: Core Values of Charlotte Mason originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Sonya shares some great living books about the continent of Asia.

Favorite Living Books About Asia originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Sonya chats with author Ginger Hubbard and podcast host Katy Morgan about parenting and how we can help our children (and ourselves) grow.

I Can’t Believe You Just Said That originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Sonya chats with Karen Smith about how we can expand our nature study by using all our senses.

Using All Your Senses in Nature Study originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Sonya shares her favorite living books about North America.

Favorite Living Books about North America originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Who’s doing the most work in your home school: the teacher or the student?

Self-Education: Core Values of Charlotte Mason originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Are we killing the love of learning in our children by requiring them to put forth their best effort?

Your Questions Answered: Does Best Effort Kill Love of Learning? originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Here is an idea that our children need to hear often, perhaps especially around the holidays.

You Are Much More Than a Number originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Here's how to take a trip to Europe through some great living books.

Favorite Living Books about Europe originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Amber O'Neal Johnston joins Sonya to discuss what you should think about before you change curriculum.

Before You Switch Curriculum originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

There’s a big difference between recognizing someone and having a relationship with the person.

Relations: Core Values of Charlotte Mason originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Homeschooling the Charlotte Mason way is a skill that can be learned.

Like Riding a Bike originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Ideas are like seeds that grow and bear fruit in your child’s life.

Ideas: Core Values of Charlotte Mason originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Sonya is joined by Karen Smith to talk about overcoming some common nature study obstacles.

Nature Study Obstacles originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Sonya is joined by Ginger Hubbard and Katy Morgan to talk about six mistakes parents can make when they're trying to cultivate a habit of obedience.

6 Discipline Mistakes Parents Make originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Sonya and Laura discuss how they organize their home libraries.

Organizing Your Home Library originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Sonya discusses three hallmarks of a good curriculum.

Generous, Variety, Literary: Core Values of Charlotte Mason originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Here are four steps to help you come up with effective consequences.

Habits Q & A: Consequences originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Sonya begins a new series answering questions about habit training.

Habits Q & A: Introduction to Habit Training originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

How do you cultivate good habits but also a flexible mind-set in an autistic child? How do you focus on only one habit with several children?

Habits Q & A: Special Needs; One at a Time originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Sonya chats with Amber O'Neal Johnston about why it's important to pre-read and strategies for staying ahead.

Pre-Reading Your Students’ Books originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Sonya talks with Karen Smith about how she organizes her large home library.

Organizing a Large Home Library originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Here are some ideas for how you can incorporate Charlotte Mason’s philosophy and methods into your home even if you are not homeschooling.

Charlotte Mason When You Don’t Homeschool originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Sonya is joined by Karen Smith for an overview of how to teach science the Charlotte Mason way all through the grades.

Science through the Grades originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

What three words would you use to describe the Charlotte Mason approach? Here's how Charlotte described it.

Charlotte Mason in Three Words originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

There's a difference between knowledge and information.

Knowledge: Core Values of Charlotte Mason originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Here's a simple way you can encourage the habit of attention in every lesson.

Attention: Core Values of Charlotte Mason originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

What’s the best way to approach habit training with multiple children in the family?

Habits Q & A: Habits with Multiple Children originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

How can you start habit training with an older child? How do you help a child who tends to think negatively?

Habits Q & A: Starting with Older Children; Dealing with Negativity originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

If you want to give your child an education that views him as a whole person, you need to focus on both academics and character, self-education and self-direction.

Self-Direction: Core Values of Charlotte Mason originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Sometimes homeschooling just doesn't seem to work. Sonya is joined by Amber O'Neal Johnston to discuss what to do when you or your children are struggling with a Charlotte Mason method.

What to Do When Charlotte Mason Methods Don’t Work originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Karen Smith joins Sonya to talk about ways you can do a long-term nature study.

Long-Term Nature Study originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

We need to teach our children the difference between “I want” and “I will.”

Will: Core Values of Charlotte Mason originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Sonya explains the key to helping children learn to make good choices.

Habits Q & A: Training the Will originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

What changes do you need to make as your child reaches the high school years?

Charlotte Mason High School Students: What to Expect originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

How do you teach logic and reasoning in a Charlotte Mason home school?

Reason: Core Values of Charlotte Mason originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Ever wonder if you are doing enough in your home school? Sonya has some encouragement for you.

How to Know You Are Doing Enough in Your Home School originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

How the parent’s character affects habit training and how Mom can keep a sweet, even temper.

Habits Q & A: Parent’s Character; Maintaining a Sweet, Even Temper originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Laura Pitney joins Sonya to talk about how to approach summer break without losing all your momentum.

Don’t Break Your Home School During Summer Break originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Sonya is joined by Karen Smith to talk about how we can introduce science concepts to our preschoolers the Charlotte Mason way.

Charlotte Mason Science for Preschoolers originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

As a person, your child has one chief responsibility.

Responsibility: Core Values of Charlotte Mason originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Sonya shares some practical tips for breaking a bad habit the Charlotte Mason way.

Habits Q & A: How to Break a Bad Habit originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Charlotte Mason believed that worship was a part of our whole life, not just formal Bible studies.

Worship: Core Values of Charlotte Mason originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Karen Smith joins Sonya to share four steps to great nature study.

4 Steps to Great Nature Study originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Your child has turned six and you're ready to start homeschooling first grade the Charlotte Mason way. How do you start formal lessons?

How to Ease into Formal Lessons in First Grade originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Sonya answers questions about how to help a timid child gain confidence and how to keep up with good habits while you're moving.

Habits Q & A: Helping a Timid Child and Habits While Moving originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Here are three tips to help you have a successful year homeschooling the Charlotte Mason way.

3 Tips for a Successful Charlotte Mason Homeschool Year originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Sonya and Laura talk about how to balance pushing through with willpower and giving yourself grace.

Balancing Willpower with Grace originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

What do you do when an outside influence or a busy schedule threatens to sabotage your habit-training efforts?

Habits Q & A: Bad Influences and Busy Schedules originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

A look at the types of bird feeders you can use to attract birds to your backyard for nature study.

Nature Study with Bird Feeders originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Here are 10 things Charlotte Mason would model for you and inspire you to do if she were your life coach.

If Charlotte Mason Were Your Life Coach originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

What can you do to establish good habits in the toddler and preschool years?

Habits Q & A: Habit Training with Young Children originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Does the Charlotte Mason method provide enough challenge or rigor as children get older? Amber O'Neal Johnston joins Sonya for an encouraging conversation.

Is Charlotte Mason Enough for Older Students? originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.

Sonya is joined by Laura Pitney for an encouraging conversation about having patience as our children grow step by step.

Patience for the Homeschool Journey originally appeared on Simply Charlotte Mason.