So, did you manage to digest all those principles? There is alot there isn't there? Charlotte Mason had some brilliant ideas about the 'gentle art of learning' as she put it.

   I thought I'd give you some resources for actually using CM's methods and to read more about them.

• The first is actually a complete CM curriculum that is totally FREE! It is a twelve year curriculum plan that is written by Mother's who use it. Most of the books are also available at the site as they are now copy right free so you can just print them off to use. Or else you can borrow alot from the library too. It is called Ambleside online and you will find tons of useful information there as well as a support network of other mothers who use the same curriculum.
• The next site is called Simply Charlotte Mason and has a wealth of resources for those interested in putting together a CM education for their children. There are copy work materials, book lists and organizers available here to get you started along with tons of articles by and about CM and her methods. This site is a treasure trove for those wanting to know more about CM methods.
• The next is the Charlotte Mason Research and Supply company. I know that is a mouthful, huh? The website is simply Charlottemason.com This site is run by Karen Andreola and her husband Dean. This wondeful couple actually found a copy of the original works of Charlotte Mason and are responsible for getting them republished! They found the books while living for a time here in the UK several years ago. Karen has also written a wonderful book called 'The Charlotte Mason Companion' that breaks down CM's teachings into bite size peices that you can handle and impliment easily. It is really the 'how to' manual for the CM approach. I had the joy of meeting Karen a few years ago. She lives near my parents and we met for coffee and cake and had a delightful morning chatting about our home education journey's and about CM's delightful teachings. There are many great resources available at this site. You can also buy the Charlotte Mason Companion from Conquest books here in the UK to save on shipping.
• Charlotte Mason uses alot of Nature study in her teaching as it is science that makes is hands on and makes sense to children. They can see nature, touch nature and examine nature for themselves. In discovering the world around them, they discover alot about themselves as well. There is a brilliant book called 'The handbook of nature study' and is almost 900 pages long. It is available from Conquest books to buy, but it is also available to read for free online at the link for the book. It is alot of fun doing a nature journal with the kids to record their discoveries!
• Living books curriculum is another great site for CM education ideas, resources and information. There are some great things on this website including a 20 page FREE sample of the curriculum to view and try out. It includes samples of lesson plans for the different ages. You can buy a complete curriculum pack from them with all the neccesary books for the year which can be easier than scouring the library for books.
• Cindy Rushton also has alot of articles at her website regarding CM methods. She is very American and there are some radio shows she has recorded playing on the website - all of her teaching and encouragement is great though with a very American accent.  She does have alot of great practical articles about CM though, so check it out.

I think that should give you a bit to sink your teeth into, huh?  And as you can see alot of it is quite inexpensive or even FREE! This method uses far less 'busy work' less worksheets and writing. It uses more gentle reading aloud and narration to 'check' that kids have learned something.

It emphasises the use of 'Living books' or real books rather than dumbed down books and textbooks which are compilations. It stretches children to a higher level in a gentle way. Charlotte Mason said that every day a every child should have -

1. Something or someone to love
2. Something to do (something worthwhile of course)
3. Something to think about (again, something worthwhile)

That sums up a CM education quite nicely actually! Enjoy finding out more. - Deedee