20 Charlotte Mason Books for Homeschooling Moms -

If you’ve homeschooled for any length of time, I’m sure you’ve heard of the Charlotte Mason style of homeschool. Today, I’m sharing a handful of Charlotte Mason Books you can check out to learn more about her educational philosophy. And how people are incorporating it into their homeschool today.

No matter what homeschool style you use, there is so much great information and insight to benefit from these books.

For example, I’m not what you would call a ‘Charlotte Mason Purist’ (I don’t follow her method to a T.) However, I love a lot of her underlying philosophies about how to view our children. As well as the idea of presenting our kids with a feast of ideas while building and nurturing their character.

We also do a lot of literacy based learning, copywork, and nature study. (Which are big in the Charlotte Mason style of learning.)

What is the Charlotte Mason Method?

The Charlotte Mason method is one of the six homeschool styles. This educational philosophy was introduced by Charlotte Mason who was an educator in England in the early 1900’s. This method is literacy based learning (living-books with rich vocabulary) and employs the use narration, habit training, copywork, and nature study.

20 Charlotte Mason Books

For the Children’s Sake by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay – This book is considered a catalyst for reintroducing the Charlotte Mason philosophy of education to modern homeschool. Its a great read and will be very helpful for getting a good overview of what this method is all about.

Charlotte mason companion found on Amazon

Charlotte Mason Companion by Karen Andreola – An easy read with very practice application of the Charlotte Mason Method. I liked the book suggestions, and simple easy-to-understand writing style.

Charlotte Mason Education by Catherine Levison – In this book, Mrs. Levison pulls out some of the key components found in Charlotte Mason’s six-volume series. This is a very helpful resource for those new to this method of education or for those who want a nice refresher course.

When Children Love to Learn by Elaine Cooper – This is a wonderful book about nurturing the wonder of childhood while creating an atmosphere for life-long learning.

Consider This: Charlotte Mason and the Classical Tradition by Karen Glass – This book takes a deeper look into the traditions of the Charlotte Mason Philosophies and does some great comparisons with the Classical method as well. A worthwhile read.

The Living Page by Laurie Bestvater – This book teaches you what it means to keep a notebook Charlotte Mason style. Learn about nature notebooks, copybooks, poetry books, and more. Full of practical ideas on getting started with note booking.

“An observant child should be put in the way of things worth observing.” -Charlotte Mason

The Outdoor Life of Children: The Importance of Nature Study and Outdoor Activities by Charlotte Mason compiled by Deborah Taylor-Hough – This is a compilation of Charlotte Mason’s ideas on Nature study compiled by Deborah Taylor-Hough. Instead of sifting through the huge Charlotte Mason six volume series, you can find everything on this topic in one handy place.

Charlotte Mason Study Guide by Penny Gardner – This book is a great introductory book to the Charlotte Mason method. Penny includes lots of excerpts from Charlotte Mason’s writings in which she organizes into themed sections.

Know and Tell: The Art of Narration by Karen Glass – This is a comprehensive dive into the art of narration. The author gives a concise argument for why narration is beneficial. Furthermore, she gives practical instruction on how to really incorporate it into your homeschool.

Pocketful of Pinecones: A Nature Study with the Gentle Art of Learning by Karen Andreola – This is a unique guide to nature study that is taught through a heart-warming fictional tale. It is an easy read that is not only engaging but gives poetry, books, nature finds, latin words, and study questions.

“Never be indoors when you can rightfully be without.” – Charlotte Mason

Habits: the Mother’s Secret to Success by Charlotte Mason compiled by Deborah Taylor-Hough – This is a collection of Charlotte Mason’s writings based on the topic of habit training (compiled by Deborah Taylor-Hough).

The Original Homeschooling Series by Charlotte Mason – This is the complete, unabridged set of Charlotte Mason’s writings. While it is currently out of print, you can find this set used in various places (like Amazon, Ebay, Thriftbooks, or Abebooks).

Charlotte Mason: The Teacher Who Revealed Worlds of Wonder by Lanaya Gore – A beautifully illustrated book about the life and educational influence of Charlotte Mason from the same author of Laying Down the Rails.

The Story of Charlotte Mason by Essex Cholmondeley – If you are looking for a little more background information on the person of Charlotte Mason. This is great book that tells all about Charlotte Mason’s childhood, her family history, and her influence in the PNEU.

“Education is an atmosphere, a discipline, a life.” -Charlotte Mason

A Philosophy of Education by Charlotte Mason – This is one of the books in Charlotte Mason’s ‘Home Education’ six-book series that encompasses her the ideals and philosophy behind her unique educational approach.

In Vital Harmony: Charlotte Mason and the Natural Laws of Education by Karen Glass – This book explores the idea of universal laws of education based off of what and how kids learn at every stage.

Mother Culture by Karen Andreola – This book teaches homeschool mothers how to foster ‘mother culture’ (the care and growth of oneself). The idea is that you cannot teach from an empty cup. You need to find ways to cultivate your mind and creativity to be the best teacher you can be to your kids.

Before Curriculum by Amy Fischer – Another practical summary of the Charlotte Mason method. An overview that will give you a general idea of where to start.

Ideas and Books: the Means of Education by Charlotte Mason – This is a collection of Charlotte Mason’s writings based on the topic of books and ideas (compiled by Deborah Taylor-Hough). This resources makes it easy to find exactly what you need on this topic without sifting through the entire Charlotte Mason six-book series on home education.

The Charlotte Mason Book of Quotes: Copywork to Inspire by Lanaya Gore – For those who enjoy learning by reading and writing, you should try this book of quotes for you to copy and write. There is also room for journal your own thoughts about the quotes and what you are learning.

What Charlotte Mason book should I read first?

There’s no right or wrong answer to this. A lot of people like to go directly to the source and read through the whole six-book ‘home education’ series. Personally, I think that would be a little overwhelming for someone who is getting started homeschooling and is completely new to her ideas on education.

With that being said, the first one I read was the Charlotte Mason Companion by Karen Andreola. I found it to be very inspiring yet very easy to understand. It also includes places to take notes, discussion questions, book ideas, as well as, references for very valuable resources to help you get started.