How to Find Charlotte Mason Resources
The Charlotte Mason approach to homeschooling allows for a very individualized experience compared to other homeschooling styles. You may wonder where to purchase or find Charlotte Mason resources and how to put them together to use in your homeschool. The beauty of this method of homeschooling is that you can utilize resources from many different sources.
In this installment of our series on the Charlotte Mason approach, we'll explore how you can easily source a variety of Charlotte Mason homeschool resources from different places and use them to craft a tailored educational journey for your child.
One of the extraordinary aspects of the Charlotte Mason method of homeschooling is its flexibility. You aren't restricted to a single curriculum or set of materials. Instead, you can curate resources that align with your child's interests, age, and learning style. Mason often referred to her type of education as “a feast” – the mind needs abundant knowledge of all kinds.
Finding Living Books for Your Homeschool
When searching for living books for your Charlotte Mason homeschool, your local library is one of the best (and most budget-friendly) places to start.
Having a library card is like a free round-trip ticket to anywhere in the world. You have access to almost any title in print. Plus, you have the knowledge of the librarians on staff to help guide you in your choices.
You can always request an interlibrary loan for those titles that your local library doesn't have on hand. This opens up access to local and not-so-local libraries within your library's network. Although you may have to wait a period of time to receive your requested book, this is a great way to get your hands on the living books on your list.
This post is part of The 2023 Charlotte Mason Blog Series!
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A best practice for utilizing the library for your homeschool is always to have a reading list of books. As you research books that your child might enjoy, add them to your list. Check out the next batch of available books on every trip you make to the library. If you know you will need a specific title in the future, be sure to place a hold on that book in plenty of time.
Digital and Printable Charlotte Mason Resources
Using digital and printable resources is another great way to build your library of Charlotte Mason resources and create amazing lessons. Using digital resources puts a modern twist on this educational style and has many benefits:
- cost-effective
- great for large families
- ability to pivot easily
- endless options
- updated and current information
- easy on storage
While many Charlotte Mason lessons include living books, hands-on materials, and interactions, there are many uses for digital and printable resources when using this homeschool style.
Nature journals, animal, composer, and art studies, copywork templates, and online mini-courses are examples of digital Charlotte Mason resources.
Charlotte Mason's emphasis on studying nature, getting outdoors, art and music appreciation, handicrafts, and living books should still be at the heart of your homeschooling journey. Digital resources can complement these principles and provide flexibility in your curriculum and room in your wallet!
Charlotte Mason Co-Op and Homeschool Groups
Joining a local group or co-op is another great way to have access to Charlotte Mason resources and lessons. Websites like Charlotte Mason Community have directories of groups, events and even living book libraries.
There are many places to get resources for your homeschool that follow Charlotte Mason's principles. Be sure to check out the Charlotte Mason Mini-Collection for some of our favorites!