A Charlotte Mason Education

Contrary to some opinions, Levison's second book, More Charlotte Mason Education, definitely isn't a rewrite of this first book. More Charlotte Mason Education does go into greater depth on things like the life of Charlotte Mason, but none of the practical how-to's are repeated from one book to the next. Please don't start with Book Two unless you're already using CM methods almost exclusively in your home school, or I think you'll probably find yourself wondering why the author didn't talk about most educational topics that need to be covered in your homeschool (the first book gives the most information about what to do and how). I think it's probably best if someone buys both books. They're definitely a set that compliments and completes one another.


Catherine's book I found so helpful   December 28, 2001
50 out of 51 found this review helpful

As a homeschooling parent I want to give my two children a great education. They are young, both in first grade. I was feeling so frustrated with my young daughter. She was not listening to me (tuning me out)and I was not sure how to deal with her. She would play around, not finish her lessons. A friend suggested the Charlotte Mason approach. I purchased Catherine Levison's book and read it through. Wow, it was wonderful. Right away I told the children there would be some changes at school. I reset our school classes. We read our Bible lessons 3 mornings a week, and classic literature 2 mornings a week. I started timing our classroom work, allowing only 20 minutes for each subject or paperwork. I told them that they each had 20 minutes for each subject, such as math, history, ect.. If they did not finish the paper that they would then stay behind and do their schoolwork "during their recess/play time". When Sarah had to stay in her seat and finish up during her recess/playtime she was not too happy. It only took two times for her to realize that mom was serious. I did not nag her. I just quietly reminded her once of the new rules. She is now listening better, finishing her work ahead of the time allowed on many days. Mom has been happier and our school days are so much more pleasant.
We went shopping for some whole,living books. We chose Charlotte's Web and Stuart Little,also Aesop's Fables to read during school time. We all three read together out loud. Then I have each child tell me what they read. I was amazed (embarassed too) when I read the list of great literature for suggested reading, in Catherine's book. Here I was a mom, and I as a child had never read any of the books listed. I soon purchased "Little Women, also Anne of Green Gables" for myself to start with. My husband gave me "Jane Eyre" for Christmas. I keep wondering why, when I was a child, that my teachers did not have us read whole books. It seemed so much of what we learned in public school was boring or I have forgotten it. My prayer is as a home school mom to give my children a better education than I received. To keep them excited about what we are learning. together.


A great introduction to a Charlotte Mason Education.   December 30, 1998
13 out of 13 found this review helpful

A Charlotte Mason Education is a great introduction to this approach to teaching children. The majority of the book gives "how to" instructions on the different areas to be taught. A person can begin using one or more of these techniques before or while reading Charlotte Mason's, The Original Homeschooling Series, a six volume set. Catherine explains how she "eased into the Charlotte Mason approach" without implying that everyone's experience will be the same. As a teacher of 20 years, I have greatly appreciated Catherine's guidance in introducing the Charlotte Mason method in my teaching.