Charlotte Mason

Charlotte Mason (1 January 1842 – 16 January 1923) was an English educator and author. She is best known for her educational philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of living books, nature study, and learning through experience.

Who was she?

Mason was born in London, England, to a wealthy family. She was educated at home by governesses and tutors. She was a voracious reader and had a lifelong love of learning.

What was her principles?

Mason believed that the goal of education is to help children develop their minds, hearts, and bodies. She believed that this can be best achieved through a well-rounded education that includes a balance of academic subjects, practical skills, and moral training.

She also believed that children learn best by doing and experiencing things for themselves. She advocated for a child-centered approach to education, where the teacher is a facilitator who guides the child's learning.

What was he famous for?

Mason is famous for her educational philosophy, which is known as the Charlotte Mason Method. The Charlotte Mason Method emphasizes the importance of living books, nature study, and learning through experience.

She is also famous for her books, which include Home Education, The Parents' Handbook, and A Philosophy of Education. These books have been translated into many languages and are still read and used by homeschoolers and other educators today.

Notable works:

• Home Education (1903): A comprehensive overview of Mason's educational philosophy and methods.
• The Parents' Handbook (1909): A guide for parents on how to implement the Charlotte Mason Method.
• A Philosophy of Education (1926): A more theoretical work that explores the underlying principles of Mason's educational philosophy.

His philosophy?

Mason's educational philosophy is based on the belief that children are naturally curious and eager to learn. She believed that the best way to educate children is to provide them with a rich and stimulating environment that encourages them to explore and discover.

She also believed that children learn best by doing and experiencing things for themselves. She advocated for a child-centered approach to education, where the teacher is a facilitator who guides the child's learning.

When did he die & how is he remembered?

Mason died in 1923 at the age of 80. She is remembered as one of the most influential educators of the 20th century. Her educational philosophy has been influential in the development of homeschooling and other alternative educational movements.

Mason's emphasis on living books, nature study, and learning through experience has been adopted by many homeschooling families. Her books are still in print and are read and used by educators around the world.

Mason is a role model for any educator who wants to create a learning environment that is child-centered and encourages children to explore and learn. She showed that it is possible to create a joyful and meaningful learning experience for all children.