Podcasts about Charlotte Mason

This episode of The New Mason Jar features a conversation Cindy and Dawn had with Erin Daly, homeschool mom of two daughters, director of a local CM school program, and owner of Riverbend Press Erin outlines the importance of Mason's principles and the consideration of how we spend our time The value of different types of planning for time management How to implement a block schedule in the Charlotte Mason paradigm What is a logbook, and how is it used? How this planning method works in Erin's own homeschool When should parents begin introducing some of these planning tools to their children? To get the full show notes for this episode, complete with quote and links to resources mentioned, please visit https://thenewmasonjar.com/148. 

Are you doing everything “right” in your homeschool… and still wondering if you're doing it right enough?In this episode, I'm talking with Jeanette Pascua, a longtime homeschool mom of five, former high school theology teacher, and the editor behind much of what we create at Homeschool Better Together.Jeanette has been homeschooling for about a decade, and her oldest is now in high school. That means she has something I think every homeschool mom desperately needs: perspective from the other side of the elementary years.Her homeschool looks pretty different today than it did when she started. Her kids are scattered around the house doing different things, her older children have significant control over their schedules, and the whole day feels much more relaxed.But it didn't start that way.We talk about what it actually takes to help our kids grow into independent learners, why independence looks different for every child, and how Jeanette gradually handed over pieces of her children's education instead of throwing them into the deep end.And then we get into something I think almost every homeschool mom has wrestled with: the pressure to do homeschooling “the right way.”Jeanette is a Charlotte Mason homeschooler, and she talks honestly about the pressure that she puts on herself to follow this method the way others prescribe that it "should" be done.Sound familiar?We also talk about letting go of the perfect plan, what happens when subjects or books fall off the schedule, and the surprising reassurance that comes from watching an older child move toward high school.Because sometimes you don't realize your homeschool is working until you get far enough down the road to look back.What You'll LearnHow Jeanette gradually transferred responsibility for school from herself to her kidsWhy independence doesn't look the same for every childHow to invite your kids into homeschool planning without handing them the whole steering wheelThe pressure to follow an educational philosophy “correctly”Why you need to homeschool the kids actually standing in front of youWhat happens when a book, subject, or entire chunk of your beautiful plan gets droppedHow reaching the high school years can give you a completely different perspective on your earlier homeschool worriesWhy a homeschool that looks relaxed from the outside may actually have a lot happening underneathHow homeschooling has shaped Jeanette into a gentler, more patient momAnd, naturally, whether iced coffee counts as a homeschool snackJeanette also shares what she loves most about working behind the scenes at Homeschool Better Together—including the books she discovers while editing our curriculum plans.And if you've ever looked at your homeschool plan three months into the year and realized, Wait…we're not actually doing that subject anymore, you're definitely going to want to hear this conversation.One of my biggest takeaways from our conversation is this: balance in a homeschool isn't static. We're constantly adjusting. Sometimes something needs more attention, something else needs to take a back seat, and that's okay.That's not failure.That's homeschooling.Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Homeschool Better TogetherWonder StudiesScience TogetherLanguage Arts TogetherMystie Winckler at Simply ConvivialLittle WomenThe Chronicles of Narnia

This week we celebrate 6 years of the Homeschool Compass Podcast with a bonus series highlighting some of our top episodes. Whether you're just jumping into a new homeschool year or you're well into your homeschool rhythms, we pray these episodes remind you that God is with you and He is working in your homeschool for His glory.Today we will hear from Min Hwang, a Charlotte Mason homeschooling mother of 4 children who makes her home in New Jersey. In this episode, Min reminds us that even on the hard days, even when you feel alone, you are part of an amazing movement of mothers who are cooperating with the Holy Spirit to sow seeds of kingdom impact that will grow for generations to come.You can find show notes for this episode at https://homeschoolcompass.com/best-of-the-podcast-life-giving-motherhood-with-min-hwang/.Thank you for leaving the Homeschool Compass Podcast a star rating and a review in your podcast player. We are incredibly grateful for each and every review!We would love to connect with you outside your podcast player:Follow the Homeschool Compass on Instagram or FacebookDownload free printable resources for your homeschoolBrowse our book listsThis show description may contain affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the Homeschool Compass by shopping through our links!

Never be with indoors when you can rightly be without is a common quote we hear in Charlotte Mason circles. But what are we supposed to be doing in all these hours outdoors? In today's podcast episode we discuss the invaluable groundwork for Science that is laid in the early years before formal lessons begin. Charlotte Mason, Volume 6 (Amazon) (Living Book Press - use code DELECTABLE for 10% off!) Also referenced in this episode is Volume 1 - (Amazon) (LBP, same code applies) ADE Season 12 Reading Schedule List of Nature Lore Books from Sabbath Mood Homeschool Handbook of Nature Study by Comstock ADE on YouTube  

Homeschooling isn't just about academics. It's about shaping character, habits, and family culture in the everyday moments. In this conversation with Erin from Gentle + Classical Press, we talk about what the early years can look like without the pressure of early academics, how to raise children who know how to use their free time well, and why consistency matters more than perfection. You'll hear encouragement for the overwhelmed mom, perspective on kids' different personalities, and practical ways to build a gentle and classical foundation in your home. If you're looking for fresh vision and tangible ideas for your homeschool days, this is an episode you won't want to miss!In this episode, we cover:Erin's family life with four children, 15 years of homeschooling, and a business run alongside homesteadingA shift from academic goals to discipleship, character development, and strong family habitsThe meaning of a “gentle and classical” approach, blending Charlotte Mason influence with classical education in a soft, approachable wayPreschool years centered on scripture memory, virtues through song, habit training, and life skills, with limited academics before age sixEncouragement for overwhelmed moms: God equips you for the children He gave you, one hard day won't undo everything, and comparison online is misleadingThe role of children's personalities in shaping both family dynamics and parental growthHomeschooling with a deeper purpose of individualized learning, supporting specific needs, and cultivating family cultureLessons learned from the early years, including the importance of consistency in habits and the danger of overemphasizing grades or peer influenceRecognizing readiness for formal learning by watching attention spans, keeping lessons short, and letting children progress in their own timeHomeschooled kids often learn to use free time creatively, developing projects and play rather than becoming bored or dependent on screensView full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube.Thank you for supporting the sponsors that make this show possible!RESOURCES MENTIONEDListen to Erin's recent podcast episode about why homeschooling is a foundational choice for her familyCheck out Erin's preschool homeschool offerings Join my FREE masterclass to learn my 4-step framework for making money on YouTubeMaster the rhythm of sourdough with confidence in my Simple Sourdough courseGain the sewing knowledge and skills every homemaker needs in my Simple Sewing seriesTurn your content creation dreams into a profitable business with my YouTube Success AcademyKeep all my favorite sourdough recipes at your fingertips in my Daily Sourdough cookbookCONNECTErin Cox of The Gentle + Classical Press | Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTubeLisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | PinterestDo you have a question you'd like me to answer on the podcast? A guest you'd like me to interview? Submit your questions and ideas here: bit.ly/SFLquestions.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Does the Charlotte Mason curriculum prepare students to live and work in today's STEM-focused world? Once again, we believe Charlotte Mason was ahead of her time and gives children not just the education they need, but the one they deserve. Join us in this episode to look at the big picture of Science and Nature Study in a Charlotte Mason education. Charlotte Mason, Volume 6 (Amazon) (Living Book Press - use code DELECTABLE for 10% off!) ADE Season 12 Reading Schedule ADE on YouTube  

Today on The New Mason Jar Podcast, Cindy and Dawn are joined by Grace Russo, homeschool alum and homeschooling mother of 4 to talk about her new endeavor, Pennyworth Publishing How did Grace hear about Charlotte Mason? How Grace began illustrating books and started Pennyworth What kinds of books does Pennyworth publish? A little about Grace's background with poetry What is the value of oral storytelling? How can books be used to preserve the oral tradition? What is Grace's vision for the future of Pennyworth? To see the full show notes for this episode, please visit https://thenewmasonjar.com/147. 

Jamie Erickson and Dayle Annand walk through the major homeschooling methods, how they differ, and why the best choice is often a flexible mix rather than a rigid label. They also talk honestly about the early years of homeschooling, what makes curriculum feel overwhelming, and how moms can choose with confidence instead of chasing perfection. In this episode, Jamie Erickson shares a clear spectrum of homeschool styles from traditional textbook learning to unschooling, while Dayle Annand adds practical examples from her own homeschooling journey. Together, they focus on what actually helps families stay consistent, joyful, and realistic. Jamie emphasizes that moms do not need the perfect curriculum, only one that is good enough to begin with and flexible enough to adjust. Dayle and Jamie both stress that homeschooling can include stopping, slowing down, speeding up, or taking a break when the family needs it. Links: To purchase Jamie's books: Homeschool Bravely: https://a.co/d/02WInHuh Overwhelmed Mom: https://a.co/d/0jdKZdT8 Holy Hygge: https://a.co/d/00RAfE7Z To find Cathy Duffy's book: https://a.co/d/0hvKoOc8 To contact Homeschool Minnesota--MÂCHÉ: https://homeschoolminnesota.org/ Timestamps: 0:00 - Charlotte Mason basics: living books, narration, copywork, and short lessons 1:24 - What a unit study looks like and how it connects subjects 2:21 - Montessori learning as exploration, play, and real life materials 3:46 - Unschooling as strewed learning and curiosity led discovery 5:13 - Why Jamie sees limits in unschooling as a core philosophy 6:07 - Dayle's example of following a child's interest into an herbal science fair project 8:09 - How adults naturally learn in an unschooling style sometimes 9:36 - Encouragement for moms who feel unsure and want to do the right thing 10:46 - A helpful book for evaluating homeschool methods and curriculum 11:27 - Matching teacher style, child style, and curriculum strengths 12:22 - Why faithfulness matters more than finding a perfect curriculum 13:21 - The parent is in charge, not the curriculum 14:46 - Permission to slow down, speed up, or take a break 16:16 - Jamie's upcoming book about helping siblings genuinely like each other

Narration can be much more than simply telling back the story. Here are three ways to level up the Charlotte Mason method of narration.

Have you ever wondered what homeschoolers mean when they talk about "living books"? In this episode, I'll explain what living books are, why Charlotte Mason believed they were so important, and how they've completely changed the way I think about education. I'll also share some of my favorite historical fiction and nonfiction living books to help you get started and hopefully inspire your own love of history and lifelong learning.

Narration can be much more than simply telling back the story. Here are three ways to level up the Charlotte Mason method of narration.

Elsie Kitching explains the differences between the Charlotte Mason method and the methods that seem to be similar. Read by Jennifer Talsma.

Most schools reward kids who give the right answer — but real life rewards kids who know how to ask the right question. If you want your child to lead instead of simply follow, thinking differently about education is where everything starts.This episode shows you exactly how to shift from raising compliant students to raising confident thinkers, with 3 practical changes you can make starting this week:✅Why followers wait for answers but leaders learn to ask better questions✅The difference between checking memory and developing real thinking skills✅How discussion builds discernment, communication, and confidence in your kids✅Why one better question this week can do more than an entire curriculum change✅What two brothers with no college degrees teach us about thinking differently✅One practical thing to do this week that builds wisdom instead of knowledgeClick the link below to join the Raising Leaders Not Followers Early Access List and get a private homeschool chat.Resources for You Raising Leaders Not Followers Early Access ListFREE Masterclass - Start School Right in 2026 STOP your overwhelm and find confidence for this school yearShow Notes:Followers Wait for Answers. Leaders Ask Better Questions.Imagine your child is 25 years old. The boss gives them a problem no one has seen before. How does your child react? Do they say — well, what am I supposed to do? Or do they say — let me think through this?That's the difference between followers and leaders. Most schools reward students with the right answer. Leaders become leaders because they learn to ask the right questions.Today I want to challenge you with one of the biggest assumptions we've inherited from the current school system.The School System Was Built for Workers, Not LeadersTraditional education often rewards memorization, compliance, following directions, and getting the right answers. Those skills have value. But leadership requires something different. Leaders evaluate. Leaders solve problems. Leaders make decisions where there isn't one correct answer.The Wright Brothers Never Had Engineering DegreesMost people think of the Wright brothers as one person. There were really two of them — and they used their individual giftedness together.Wilbur Wright was steady and focused. His father described him as never rattled in thought or temper. He was highly intelligent, an avid reader, a talented writer, and a gifted speaker. After an accident in high school, he was uncertain of his health and future, dropped his plans to attend Yale, and spent most of his time alone — reading and thinking.Orville Wright was curious, optimistic, energetic, and impulsive. He had a wide range of interests, a quick mind, and was always coming up with new inventions. He actually chose a series of advanced college prep courses in his junior year of high school — but that meant he couldn't graduate at the end of his senior year. So he just decided not to attend school that term.That's right. The co-inventor of the airplane never graduated from high school.Despite their lack of formal diplomas, both brothers committed to broad learning. All the reading they did would have been equivalent to — or bigger than — a modern four-year college degree. And they did it on their own, outside of school.Neither one had an engineering degree. They owned a bicycle shop. They questioned accepted scientific ideas instead of assuming the experts were right. They built wind tunnels, tested hundreds of wing designs, and learned by experimenting. Their willingness to think independently led to the first successful powered flight.They weren't simply collecting information. They were learning how to think through problems. And that's what I want for my kids — and I think that's what you want for yours too.The Questions That Develop Thinking — Not Just MemoryInstead of asking what did you learn today, ask what surprised you today? What question do you still have?There's a real difference. What did you learn just repeats facts. What surprised you and what questions do you still have make your kids think. One checks memory. The other develops thinking.For older kids, ask what do you think about this topic? That forces them to have an opinion. And opinion is a higher-level thinking skill.Followers wait for answers. Leaders ask better questions. And great education is less about you, mom, giving answers — it's about teaching children to investigate. It's about asking questions and letting them discover answers. Instead of saying here's what to believe or here's what to know, teach them to ask — is that true? How do we know? What's the evidence? Does this line up with Scripture? What are the consequences?Charlotte Mason understood this over a hundred years ago. She believed education is the science of relations — that children connect ideas, not just memorize facts. She encouraged narration, living books, nature study, and discussion because those require children to think instead of repeat information.Louis Braille Changed the World by Refusing to Accept the ProblemLouis Braille lost eyesight in one eye at age three, and by the time he was five, an infection took his sight in both eyes. But instead of giving up, he kept learning. Schools for the blind had almost no useful books. And so he thought — there has to be a better way.His curiosity changed education around the world. At age 15, he invented the Braille reading system, which has impacted millions — possibly billions — of blind readers around the world.His education wasn't just about covering subjects. It was about persistence, creativity, and solving real problems. Followers in life accept problems. Leaders solve them.The Power of DiscussionOne reason homeschooling is so powerful is that you can have real conversations with your children. Discussions develop thinking in ways that lectures, worksheets, and fill-in-the-blank assignments simply cannot.Try asking — why do you think the character acted the way they did? What would you have done? Was it wise? Is this what God would want? Those open-ended questions build discernment, communication skills, and confidence — all part of leadership education.Katherine Johnson was a NASA mathematician featured in the movie Hidden Figures. She was known for asking serious, careful questions and checking her calculations before accepting anything. Even after computers arrived, astronauts trusted her mathematical reasoning. John Glenn specifically requested that Katherine run the same numbers by hand — and said if she says they're good to go, I'm ready to go.Leadership often begins by asking better questions. That's exactly what Katherine Johnson did.What to Do This WeekWhen your child asks a question this week — don't answer it. Ask them instead — what do you think? How could we find out? You might be amazed at what happens when your children have permission from you to wrestle with ideas.Replace one answer this week with a question. Just watch what happens.The goal isn't smarter kids. It's wiser leaders. Twenty years from now, would you rather your child know every state capital — or know how to make wise decisions?Knowledge matters. But wisdom matters more. In Proverbs it says the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. That is the direction we need to go if we're raising godly Christian leaders — not simply educated children, but leaders who love God, think biblically, and influence the world around them.Every discussion, every read aloud, every family conversation, every dinner table question can become leadership training.Leadership education is at the heart of my Raising Leaders, Not Followers course. Right now there's an early access VIP list open. Join it and you'll be invited to my private VIP chat, get early access to Raising Leaders, and receive $150 in early bird bonuses.

One of the biggest reasons I became an entrepreneur was freedom—but not just the freedom to work from anywhere or set my own schedule. I wanted to build my business around my family instead of fitting my family around my business. In this Behind the Business episode of The Classy Career Girl Podcast, I'm taking you behind the scenes of why our family chose homeschooling, what our homeschool days actually look like, and how I balance homeschooling three kids with running a business. I'm sharing our Charlotte Mason approach, why we only homeschool for a few focused hours each morning, the resources and curriculum that make homeschooling sustainable for me as a working mom, and how I structure my workday around our family's rhythm. You'll hear about: • Why we chose homeschooling—and why I don't believe there's one right choice for every family • What a Charlotte Mason education looks like in our home • How we use living books, short lessons, narration, and nature study • How I homeschool while still finding focused time to run my business • What I look for when choosing homeschool curriculum • Why I think in rhythms instead of trying to perfectly "balance" motherhood and entrepreneurship • How entrepreneurship has given our family more choices and flexibility • Why your career should support the life you actually want to create Whether you homeschool or have absolutely no interest in homeschooling, this episode is really about something bigger: intentional living. You don't have to copy someone else's version of success. Instead, ask yourself: What do I want my life to look like—and how can I build my career or business around that? Plus, if you've ever wondered whether you could turn your experience into a coaching business, check out my free Career Coach Startup Kit. www.classycareergirl.com/coachwebinar

In this episode, Josh and Hannah Centers discuss their journey into homeschooling and publishing quality literature for children. They share their experiences with the Charlotte Mason method, the importance of nature in education, and the challenges of finding quality resources. The conversation also touches on the significance of mentorship and community in the homeschooling journey, as well as the parallels between self-custody in education and Bitcoin.

Poem II from Charlotte Mason's The Saviour of the World Volume I Book III.

We're back for Season 12, and today we're talking about everything we've got planned for A Delectable Education this year. Join us in this podcast episode for all our announcements so you can follow along with us this year. Charlotte Mason, Volume 6 (Amazon) (Living Book Press - use code DELECTABLE for 10% off!) ADE Season 12 Reading Schedule ADE Patreon ADE on YouTube

Sonya and Karen bring you their top tips for planning your homeschool year with the Charlotte Mason Method.

Sonya and Karen bring you their top tips for planning your homeschool year with the Charlotte Mason Method.

Poem I from Charlotte Mason's The Saviour of the World Volume I Book III.

Our special guest today is someone whose name you may know: Hayley Beck. Hayley was born and raised in Australia, and has been married to her husband, Randy, for 28 years. They lived in California for the first 23 years of their marriage. She and Brandy became real life friends back in 2012 when Hayley attended Brandy's Charlotte Mason book club. These days, the Becks live in Montana with their 7 children. Hayley has been the administrative assistant for Scholé Sisters for, well, we don't know how long exactly, but since at least 2018. In today's episode, Abby and Brandy sit down with Hayley to discuss group retreats, why we encourage them so much, and how sometimes you have to just do it. You're going to love this conversation! *** Registration is now open for our annual fall retreat at Early Bird prices! Come and join us for the first installment of our new virtue series. We will be talking all about the virtue of PRUDENCE. Early bird pricing ends of August 17 so register now http://scholesisters.com/prudence . *** Go here to access today's show notes: https://www.scholesisters.com/ss177 Go here to join the FREE area of the Sistership: https://www.scholesisters.com/sistership/

Karli Friesen is co-owner and operator of Prairie Wild, a regenerative orchard and market garden in Kleefeld, Manitoba, that supplies organic-style produce to Churchill Wild's polar bear ecolodges and local CSA customers. The daughter of Churchill Wild co-founders Mike and Jeanne Reimer, she previously served five years as head chef at Seal River Heritage Lodge, is a fifth-generation small-business owner focused on holistic, no-spray agriculture, and is a homeschooling mom of four who draws on Charlotte Mason's educational philosophy.Cornerstone Forum 26'https://shaunnewmanpodcast.substack.com/Silver Gold Bull Links:Website: https://silvergoldbull.ca/Email: SNP@silvergoldbull.comText Grahame: (587) 441-9100Bow Valley Credit UnionBitcoin: www.bowvalleycu.com/en/personal/investing-wealth/bitcoin-gatewayEmail: welcome@BowValleycu.com Get your voice heard: Text Shaun 587-217-8500

Many parents love classical Christian education until one of their children doesn't seem to "fit the mold." Does classical education only work for naturally academic students? Or should an education rooted in truth, wisdom, and Christ be accessible to far more children? In this Summer Flashback, Davies Owens welcomes educator and school consultant Heather Lloyd to explore how classical Christian schools can better serve students with learning differences without compromising academic excellence. Together they discuss what truly defines classical Christian education, challenge misconceptions about rigor, and offer practical ideas for schools seeking to cultivate both truth and love in every classroom. Tune in to hear: Why "rigor" shouldn't define classical Christian education What the "mythical middle" is and why it matters How schools can better serve students with learning differences Practical ideas for creating classrooms where more children can flourish The non-negotiables of authentic classical Christian education Why Charlotte Mason still has much to teach today's educators Whether you're a parent, teacher, administrator, or school founder, this conversation offers encouragement and practical wisdom for building classrooms where every child is invited to pursue truth. Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible: Wisdom and EloquenceThe Herzog FoundationLife ArchitectsWisephone by TechlessZipCast Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at info@basecamplive.comDon't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

There's a quiet difference between a child who checks a box and a child who actually understands — and most homeschool moms don't realize they've been getting one when they thought they were getting the other. Real education looks different than what most of us grew up with, and it's time to talk about why that matters in your homeschool.This episode gives you 3 practical things to try this week to shift from assigning work to cultivating real education — without overhauling your whole curriculum.✅Why a completed worksheet is not proof your child learned anything✅Why checking boxes feels like success but often isn't✅ONE question to ask after every read-aloud that changes everything✅How to remove one piece of busy work tomorrow — without replacing it✅What Beatrix Potter's childhood reveals about real education✅How to shift from completion tasks to conversation that builds critical thinkersIf you've ever wondered whether you're doing enough, this episode will shift your focus from checking boxes to building thinkers. Click the links below to grab the Raising Leaders waitlist and lock in your VIP bonus.Resources for YouRaising Leaders, Not Followers — VIP Waitlist New Homeschool Community Support GroupShow Notes:Checking the Box Is Not the Same as Real EducationIt's 3 p.m. on a homeschool day. Your dining table is covered with textbooks, workbooks, and colored pencils. Your child proudly draws a thick black line through that last math box. And you're thinking — thank goodness, we did it, we finished the day.But if we're completely honest — did actual life-changing education take place in your home just because your child checked the box? Or was he just trying to get you off his back so he could go play video games?There is a massive and quiet difference between checking a box to finish a lesson and a child who deeply understands a concept.The Problem With Falling in Love With CurriculumA lot of homeschool moms want the best for their kids, but accidentally fall in love with curriculum. You buy whatever the thickest, current teacher manual is. You assign every problem on page 42. You treat that scope and sequence like it came down from Mount Sinai.Today I want to talk about doing something better.Beatrix Potter Didn't Need a ChecklistLong before Beatrix Potter was a literary icon — before Peter Rabbit and all those wonderful books — her education was completely devoid of a rigid checklist. She was left as a child to explore her family's extensive library and to wander the fields of Scotland. She spent hours meticulously observing, sketching, and dissecting flowers, trees, and nature. The bunnies.How do you think she learned to draw and paint Peter Rabbit?Her parents prioritized deep, independent observation over rigid schoolwork and busywork. And she developed an elite, self-taught mastery of scientific illustration. Her storytelling is beyond wonderful — and it came from real learning, not a prepackaged curriculum.Does that sound like your homeschool? Do you want it to?Checking a Box Feels Productive — But Is It?Checking a box feels incredible. It's a dopamine hit. We are all busy juggling laundry, dinner, and toddlers. A completed worksheet is tangible proof that we're doing enough. And that is one of my biggest questions — am I doing enough? Am I doing the right things?But public school systems are built like automated factories. They want you to conform and complete whatever they tell you, instead of think critically. They teach your kids what to think and how to pass a standardized exam, instead of how to navigate real life.When we force our kids to complete every single line of a prepackaged curriculum just because it's there, we accidentally keep them on that conveyor belt. We're training them to be professional rule followers — people who wait until the boss tells them what to do because they can't really think for themselves. True leaders do not wait for a worksheet. They look at a problem, analyze it using the tools of learning, and formulate an original solution.One Baby Step Off the Conveyor BeltGo find your student's daily planner, spreadsheet, or schedule book right now. Look for one recurring assignment block — maybe an automated daily vocabulary worksheet or a repetitive review page. Find one. And draw a single line through what it will be tomorrow.If you're listening in the summer, think of one thing you usually do during the school year that you could cross off. Don't replace it. Remove it.When you intentionally skip one piece of textbook filler, you're making a conscious choice to quit the checklist, quit the conveyor belt, and let your kids find real meaning in learning. Sometimes that's exactly why they're not excited about school — it's boring. It's just boxes to check.The Difference Between Assigning Work and Cultivating Real EducationThere's a myth that if you sit and teach your kids everything, or get videos to teach them everything, that's successful educating. It isn't.If your child can instantly recite a definition word for word but can't explain what it means — they're not really being educated. All they've done is memorize it to survive the afternoon.The next time you finish a read aloud, ask your kids — can you explain to me what we just read in your own words? What do you think? Why do you think this matters?I remember when Hunter was in sixth grade, we were reading a church history book — just one page, a story, not facts and figures. I said, Hunter, what was that about? I don't know. We really had to work on that. Your kids may look like a deer in headlights and say, I don't know. I just read it. If that's the case, you've been assigning work — but not cultivating education.Maria Montessori saw this problem, just like Charlotte Mason did, at the turn of the 20th century. They both realized that children excelled when educators stepped back and let kids follow their natural instincts and interests — and then learn how to solve problems within those interests. That produces highly confident, self-directed thinkers who have the actual tools of learning.Turn Completion Into ConversationStop asking your kids — did you finish your schoolwork today? Instead, pick one topic they read about and ask — what was most surprising about that science lesson? What was the weirdest thing about that history book we read?Turn it from a completion task to a conversation. Not only will you develop critical thinking — you'll build relationships with your kids as well.If you've listened to this and realized — I think I've just been assigning work — don't feel guilty. You are not alone. Plenty of people are there. I've been there too.But you now have the total freedom in your homeschool to change that mindset. Jump off the conveyor belt, quit checking the boxes, and start creating an environment where kids learn to think critically, communicate persuasively, and love learning for a lifetime.If you're still not sure where to start, Raising Leaders, Not Followers is a six-week biblical model framework that gives you a completely different game plan. We're opening doors for the fall class soon and the waitlist is open now. VIPers get $150 in bonus items just for being on the VIP list, plus a special VIP session before the class opens.Get on the VIP waitlist here.If you also just want to dip your toe in, I'm working on a brand new homeschool support community — early access means a discount. That link is in the show notes as well.Please share this with a friend who feels like they're not doing enough, or a co-op that's trying to get away from the conveyor belt. That would mean so much to me.

Poem IX from Charlotte Mason's The Saviour of the World Volume I Book II.

Whitney Newby is a homeschooling mom of 4 kids and the founder of Brighter Day Press, a ministry that creates literature-rich, gospel-centered resources for family discipleship. In this conversation, Whitney shares how she plans her homeschool year, chooses curriculum, and structures her daily routine. Head here to shop Brighter Day Press at Christianbook including Brighter Day Press Homeschool Planners and Charlotte Mason-inspired Morning Time GuidesHead here to check out Whitney's best-selling devotional, Lift Your EyesYou can find the complete show notes for this episode at https://homeschoolcompass.com/episode-68-prayerful-homeschool-planning-with-whitney-newby/.Thank you for leaving the Homeschool Compass Podcast a star rating and a review in your podcast player. We are incredibly grateful for each and every review!We would love to connect with you outside your podcast player:Follow the Homeschool Compass on Instagram or FacebookDownload free printable resources for your homeschoolBrowse our book listsThis show description may contain affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the Homeschool Compass by shopping through our links!

Here's your guide to credits, grades, and transcripts when you are approaching high school with the Charlotte Mason Method.

In this episode, Soren speaks with Russ York, Head of the Ambleside School in Fredericksburg, TX. Russ shares about his journey from public schools to Charlotte Mason philosophy, emphasizing the importance of a formative education rooted in humility and Mason's three principles of education: atmosphere, discipline, and life. Thank you to the sponsor of today's episode: History 250. Visit their website to delve deep into America's rich and complex history: https://www.history250.org/ References: – For the Children's Sake by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay – Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky

Here's your guide to credits, grades, and transcripts when you are approaching high school with the Charlotte Mason Method.

Nancy Kelly explores what constitutes breadth and balance in a Charlotte Mason education in this plenary recorded live at the 2026 Living Education Retreat.

Your kids are glued to screens all summer and you are running out of ideas to pull them away. But what if 3 items from your kitchen pantry could spark more curiosity than any tablet ever could? Shark Week is the perfect excuse to make it happen.This episode walks you through 3 hands-on shark week activities that bust common shark myths, teach real marine biology, and get your kids off screens without a single worksheet or complicated plan:✅Why hands-on observation builds deeper thinking skills than any screen or textbook✅Discover how Shark Week can spark curiosity beyond marine biology, inspiring kids to ask better questions and pursue learning on their own.✅How following your child's natural interests develops confidence, critical thinking, and the drive to keep learning long after the lesson ends.✅Practical ways to replace passive learning with hands-on exploration that encourages curiosity, resilience, and independent learners.Resources for You:Shark Unit Study Flash Sale — save $10 with code SHARKWEEK (you pay only $5)Show Notes:Your Secret Weapon for Getting Kids Off Screens This SummerIt's a hot summer morning in July. You planned for a peaceful, screen-free summer. Instead, you're exhausted, and that phrase — Mom, I'm bored — is just echoing through your house. There's a magnetic pull between your kids and their tablets, the TV, the video games. And somehow that is winning the battle, especially with high-energy boys. They're zoning out in front of those screens and you feel guilty because you want them to love learning, not consume a bunch of pixels.I've got a secret weapon for you today. You don't need a complicated curriculum or a lecture to fix this. You need a topic that instantly captures their imagination. And with Shark Week coming up next week, we're going to use sharks to get your kids off those tablets and into real learning — right at the kitchen table.Mary Anning and the Power of CuriosityBefore we dive in, I want to give you a little historical background. There was a woman named Mary Anning in the 19th century. She was completely self-taught. She lived in England, gathered fossils, and had no formal science background. Out of 9 kids, only Mary and her older brother Joseph survived to adulthood. Life was hard.But she had a dad with great influence. Her father Richard was a cabinet maker and an avid fossil collector. His five-year-old sidekick Mary would come along and he would show her how to collect fossils at the beaches where they worked. He meticulously taught her how to locate specimens, get them out safely, and clean the delicate finds. Then he would put what they found in the storefront of his cabinet shop.Dads, you have a great impact on your kids.Mary was denied formal education — like most women and girls of her time — but she taught herself to read. And she used curiosity, drive, and perseverance to make contributions to science that are still recognized today. That is what I want for your kids in this episode.Before You Start — Grab Three ThingsGo to your kitchen cabinet right now and get these three things. A bottle of cooking oil. A small empty plastic bottle. And a handful of pennies. Just put them on the counter. Physically setting them out says — today is a hands-on learning day.Myth Buster #1: Sharks Sink Like Stones If They Stop SwimmingThe myth is that sharks sink like stones if they stop swimming. Here's the truth — bony fish have swim bladders filled with gas to float. Sharks don't have swim bladders. Instead, they have a massive, oily liver that acts like a natural flotation device. Oil is lighter than water, so that giant oily liver keeps them buoyant.Here's the activity. Fill your sink with water. Drop in your empty bottle and let your kids watch. It sinks. Now ask them — what do you think happens if I fill the bottle with oil? Don't tell them. Let them observe and be curious. Fill the bottle with cooking oil, close it tightly, and drop it in. It floats. The oil is lighter than the water and rises to the top. Super easy, but so powerful.Myth Buster #2: Sharks Can Smell Blood From Miles Away Through MagicIt's not magic — it's a highly acute olfactory navigation system. Sharks track scent gradients through water currents. God gave them the ability to smell, and that is essentially their steering wheel. Like we drive a car with our eyes, sharks navigate with their smell.Here's the activity. Get a bowl of warm water. Have your kids sit perfectly still. Drop red food coloring on one side and watch what happens. The current in that warm water carries the food coloring across the bowl — just like the way a scent pathway travels to a shark through the ocean. Let them observe, ask questions, and come up with conclusions.This is exactly what Charlotte Mason was talking about when she said kids learn best when they're allowed to interact with the real world — not reading dry textbook summaries. When kids use their own senses to observe nature, they develop deep analytical skills. No prepackaged textbook or screen can duplicate this.Myth Buster #3: Losing a Tooth Is an Emergency for a SharkFor us humans, we get two sets of teeth. Lose one from the second set and it's gone for good. Sharks are completely different. They have a conveyor belt system of teeth and can grow up to 35,000 teeth in a lifetime. Their teeth don't have deep roots, so they fall out easily while hunting — and new ones just move right into place.Here's the activity. You'll need Play-Doh or modeling clay and your pennies — or small pebbles. Roll the clay into a thick strip representing a shark's jaw. Push the pennies in one by one, layered behind each other like shingles on a roof. Have one of your kids pull out the front tooth and watch how the others shift right into place. Simple visual, powerful concept.What to Do From HereThose are your three myth busters — the oily liver, the olfactory steering system, and the conveyor belt tooth system. From here, get your library card and spend no more than five minutes searching sharks online. Pick up two or three books, or a documentary if you have DVDs. Give your kids immediate, high-quality material to dig into right after they make a mess at the kitchen table.Hands-on learning gets kids off the screens. I know for a fact — when I go visit my grandkids, they are not on their screens. They're not even watching TV. But it does take energy to plan, to find the books, to build activities, and to organize a week from scratch.If you want to skip the planning completely and be ready for Shark Week with everything done for you, grab our Shark Unit Study. Today is day one of our flash sale — use the code SHARKWEEK by Friday and save $10, which means you pay only $5. You get shark life cycle activities, a curated list of books and videos with activities to go with each one, these three myth busters, shark-themed snacks, crafts, shark binoculars, and an ocean unit tie-in as well. It's plug-and-play for your summer.If this sparked one little idea, would you share it with one homeschool mom or your co-op? That would mean the world to me.

Charlotte Mason's poem “The Disciple in the Wilderness” from The Saviour of the World Volume I Book II.

Josh and Hannah Centers join Marty to discuss Chapter House, their publishing company reviving classic books for homeschooling families. They break down the failure of public school STEM pipelines, the superiority of physical books over screens, and why the Western canon builds virtue through wonder. The conversation covers Charlotte Mason methods, narration over worksheets, and how flawed heroes teach courage better than sanitized textbooks. They explore Christian classical education, the meaning of true literacy, and why modern schooling produces spreadsheet thinkers instead of whole human beings. Josh on X: https://x.com/jcenters Hannah on X: https://x.com/hannahcenters Chapter House: https://chapter.house/ Find the Home Mining Playbook here: https://www.tftc.io/home-mining-energy-playbook STACK SATS hat: https://tftcmerch.io/ Our newsletter: https://www.tftc.io/bitcoin-brief/ TFTC Elite (Ad-free & Discord): https://www.tftc.io/#/portal/signup/ Discord: https://discord.gg/yHGkvYxdqT Opportunity Cost Extension: https://www.opportunitycost.app/ Shoutout to our sponsors: Block: Cash App: For a limited time, new customers can get $21 added to their balance. Just use code TFTC10 when you sign up, and send at least $5 to a friend in the first two weeks. Terms apply. Bitcoin services by Block, Inc. See the Bitcoin disclosures at cash.app/legal/podcast. Square: Visit http://square.com/go/**tftc** for up to $200 off eligible Square hardware. Bitkey: Use code TFTC10 for 10% off the new Bitkey. Aven https://www.aven.com/bitcoin CrowdHealth https://www.joincrowdhealth.com/tftc Unchained https://unchained.com/tftc/ Salt of the Earth: https://drinksote.com/tftc Join the TFTC Movement: Main YT Channel https://www.youtube.com/c/TFTC21/videos Clips YT Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUQcW3jxfQfEUS8kqR5pJtQ Website https://tftc.io/ Newsletter tftc.io/bitcoin-brief/ Twitter https://twitter.com/tftc21 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tftc.io/ Nostr https://primal.net/tftc Follow Marty Bent: Twitter https://twitter.com/martybent Nostr https://primal.net/martybent Newsletter https://tftc.io/martys-bent/ Podcast https://www.tftc.io/tag/podcasts/ Disclosure: Bitcoin services are provided by Block, Inc. Bitcoin services are not licensable activity in all U.S. states and territories, and not all services are available in all states. Bitkey is not available in New York. Block, Inc. operates in New York as Block of Delaware and is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the New York State Department of Financial Services. Bitcoin is a non-deposit, non-bank product that is not FDIC insured and involves risk, including monetary loss. For additional information, see the Bitcoin disclosures: https://help.cash.app/btcdisclosures Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at http://square.com/go/tftc**!** #squarepartner. Offer expires December 31, 2026 at 11:59 pm PST. Offer for $40 off the cost of one Square Stand, $75 off the cost of one Square Terminal, $100 off the cost of one Square Handheld, or $200 off the cost of one Square Register, excluding applicable taxes. Limited to one discount per product type per seller account. Each code is limited to one redemption per account holder. Valid for new Square customers located in the US only. Offer not valid with guest checkout. Square reserves the right to modify, revoke or cancel the offer at any time. Offer cannot be combined with any other coupon. Void where prohibited, not redeemable for cash, and non-transferable. #squarepartner #blockpartner

The living ideas that Charlotte Mason says should inspire our education have been educating great minds since the beginning. The Inspired Homeschool is now available! https://amzn.to/4aKPCGJC.S. Lewis, Leonardo da Vinci, Blaise Pascal, and Joan of Arc were homeschooled. Jennifer Pepito reveals how history's greatest minds were educated, and what it means for your homeschool today.Jennifer Pepito, author of The Inspired Homeschool and host of The Restoration Home podcast, joins Mystie to share how Charlotte Mason's principles have been lived out through history's most inspiring figures. With over 25 years of homeschooling her seven children, Jennifer offers a vision for joyful, confident learning that goes far beyond boxed curricula.In this episode:✅ Why the most influential people in history were homeschooled — and what that means for Christian homeschooling today✅ How Charlotte Mason's living books approach transforms the way children learn✅ The surprising power of quiet time, free play, and time in nature✅ Why reading aloud is the most powerful thing you can do to pass on values to your children✅ How to stop comparing your homeschool to public school standards — and trust your children's God-given capacity to learn"We overestimate the power of a boxed curriculum or a trained teacher, and completely underestimate the power of our own love for God." — Jennifer PepitoWhether you're just starting your homeschool journey or 25 years in, this conversation will encourage you to build a homeschool rooted in faith, virtue, and joyful curiosity.

Send us Fan MailWhat does it look like to educate your children well when you're also milking cows, fixing tractors, and butchering chickens? In this episode, Noah sits down with Todd Smith — a former teacher and school administrator turned homeschooling, homesteading dad — to talk about integrating education and farm life instead of letting them compete.Todd shares the vision of "domestic monasticism" that led three families to co-own an 86-acre farm in East Tennessee, and why a life shaped by prayer, study, and labor forms children who are thoughtful, compassionate, and hardworking.In this episode:Why education is more formation than information — and what that frees you fromStarting with the end in mind: defining who you want your children to become before deciding what curriculum to useWriting a family vision statement (and why keeping the whole list in front of you is a recipe for discouragement)Charlotte Mason's simple daily framework: something to know, someone to love, something to doOral narration, commonplace notebooks, and copying Scripture — low-cost tools that actually build readers and writersA day in the life on St. Mary's FarmWhen the pigs get out and the tractor breaks: treating "distractions" as the curriculum, not interruptions to itAn honest conversation about family roles, complementarianism, and how Todd and his wife divide farm, income, and educationPractical first steps: choose one book, read it together, and make your child the resident expert on one part of the farmResources mentioned:Todd's packet of planning questions and skill lists for homesteading families The Monkhood of All Believers by Greg PetersThe Benedict Option and Live Not by Lies by Rod DreherCharlotte Mason's educational philosophyThe Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. TolkienConnect with Todd:Instagram: St. Mary's Farm TennesseeEmail: tsmith@fcsva.comUntil next time — be faithful, be humble, and keep redeeming the dirt.Support the show

Welcome to the Homeschool Mom Book Club 2026 — a year of reading chosen entirely for you. Can I ask you a question? Who is nurturing you? It’s a question most homeschool moms never get asked. We pour everything into our children — our time, our creativity, our patience, our presence — and somewhere in all that nurturing, we forget that we are humans with needs too. Who Is Nurturing You? I’ve been there. I spent years showing up for everyone else and calling what was left of me enough. Occasional Wednesday nights at Starbucks with a latte and a journal were the thing that kept me going. I thought that was enough. It wasn’t. It’s cliche, but it’s true: I was surviving, not thriving. I craved time to read and write and learn for myself — not just enabling it for the kids. And when I began reading for me, I realized I could answer some of the challenges I was noticing in my homeschool family. After nearly two decades homeschooling and six years coaching women who home educate, I’ve learned that books, and their authors, can be incredible resources for us as home educators. I’ve also learned, from my own life, and the lives of other homeschool moms, we consistently DON’T put ourselves on our to-do lists. We leave our needs, our interests, our rabbit trails last on our lists. Our social lives can be abysmal (funny that onlookers are concerned that our kids aren’t socialized, when mom is driving them hither and yon, waiting in the parking lot while they meet new friends and do cool things). That’s why the Homeschool Mom Book Club 2026 exists. And that’s why I want to invite you into the 2026 lineup — twelve books, one per month, chosen entirely for the woman doing this work every single day. A Gift for the Mama Who Keeps Coming Last If you’ve been putting yourself last in your homeschool, I made something for you. It’s called the Permission Slip — 14 daily anchor practices for the homeschool mama who keeps coming last. It’s free and it’s yours. Grab it here: Yes, I Give Myself Permission You Are the Most Important Curriculum in Your Homeschool Before we get to the books, I want to say something I come back to again and again in my coaching work with homeschool moms: You are the most important curriculum in your homeschool. Not the books you choose for your kids. Not the actual curriculum you pull out each morning. And not the co-op or the field trips or the Charlotte Mason inspired nature study either. You. The way you show up. The way you regulate. Even the curiosity you model. The grace you extend — to your kids and to yourself. That is what your children are absorbing every single day. So investing in yourself isn’t something you do when you finally have time. It’s the most important work you can do for your homeschool. And a good book — and a community of women to think about it with — is one of the most accessible ways to begin. How the Homeschool Mama Book Club 2026 Works One book a month. Twelve months. Four quarterly themes that build on each other — so the reading isn’t just a list but a year-long conversation with yourself. When you’re listening to yourself, able to hear two thoughts in a row (because you know that is hard to do with kids afoot), and willing to unpack the challenges in your homeschool mom life, you’ll move toward enjoying the charms of your homeschool family life. And here’s the part I want you to hear clearly: you don’t have to read the book to show up. I know, crazy, right? A book club where you don’t HAVE to read. Of course, you’ll be more deeply benefited if you do. But I know I wouldn’t have been able to read a book a month in my busiest homeschool years and I’m certainly not expecting it of anyone else. Come for the conversation, come for the community, and come because for one Friday morning a month someone is asking what you think and what you need. Every month in the Confident Homeschool Mom Collective we gather for four Friday sessions built around each book: Roundtable Chat — the big question the book is really asking Book Club Discussion — diving into the ideas together Writer’s Room — putting pen to paper on what surfaced for you Actionable Strategies — taking what you learned and building it into your real homeschool life https://youtu.be/WX9ALm-uODU?si=j3xVN-WWRQWkyJWm The 2026–2027 Homeschool Mama Book Club Lineup ☀️ Summer — Your Inner Life June, July, August We start by turning inward. Before we can talk about education philosophy or creative practice we need to know ourselves a little better first. June — Atlas of the Heart by Brené BrownDo you actually know what you’re feeling — or are you just reacting to it? Brown maps 87 emotions and gives you the vocabulary to finally understand what’s happening inside you — and why it matters for every relationship in your home. July — The Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron & Suzanne StabileWhy do you parent and teach the way you do? This warm, witty introduction to the Enneagram helps you understand your core motivations, your stress responses, and the invisible rules you’ve been living by without even knowing it. And when you join the Confident Homeschool Mom Collective (where the Homeschool Mama Book Club lives, you’ll have access to a workshop on how the Enneagram works in your homeschool family.) August — The Life That’s Waiting by Brianna WiestWhat would your life look like if you stopped forcing it and started living it? Wiest’s newest collection of essays is for the mom who has been pushing herself toward a life that doesn’t quite fit — and is finally ready to choose differently.

Poem VIII from Charlotte Mason's The Saviour of the World Volume I Book II.

Here's a look at how you can schedule high school work while still using the wonderful Charlotte Mason Method in your home school.

Here's a look at how you can schedule high school work while still using the wonderful Charlotte Mason Method in your home school.

Keegan Spittle asks whether the Charlotte Mason method should adapt to the demands of college, or colleges should adapt to the demands of the Charlotte Mason method.

Welcome to episode 194 with Jennifer Pepito, Cindy West and Alicia Hutchinson. Cindy West is the founder of Our Journey Westward a homeschool science and nature study and a long time homeschool mama. Alicia Hutchinson is the creator of Learning Well and a homeschool mama of many years.  This is such a fantastic episode whether you are starting to homeschool or in the thick of it.  Jennifer, Alicia, and Cindy talk about self-care, a Charlotte Mason education, getting outside, what their ideal homeschool day looked like, and so much more.  Episode sponsored by the Peaceful Press! To support the podcast and Jennifer pre-order her newest book Inspired Homeschool. This incredible book gives you stories of famous home-educated artists, scientists, entrepreneurs, authors, and statesmen and outlines the lessons we can learn from them as we raise the next generation of great thinkers.  Looking for ways to make learning come alive and give your children the education of a lifetime? Check out the Peaceful Press curriculum. In this episode:  Finding micro-moments of self-care The key elements of a great homeschool day  Foundational principles for your children Stewarding your marriage in every season  What we loved about homeschooling You can learn more about Alicia at her Learning Well You can learn more about Cindy at Our Journey Westward If you're looking for inspiration for your homeschooling, check out Jennifer's new book The Inspired Homeschool. Pre-order now for exclusive bonuses You can learn more about Jennifer here: Jennifer's Instagram You can learn more about Alicia and Cindy here:  Alicia's Instagram and Cindy's Instagram  Some Amazon Affiliate Links 

You have been researching homeschool curriculum for weeks, filling carts, reading reviews, and asking everyone what they use. What if none of that matters as much as what you do before you ever open a single book?This episode shares 3 simple tips that will make a bigger difference in your homeschool this year than any homeschool curriculum purchase ever could:✅Why your attitude and atmosphere are more important than the curriculum you choose✅How to take a CEO planning date that prepares you for the whole year✅1 tradition that creates lasting memories your kids will still talk about decades from now✅3 questions to ask about each child before buying any homeschool curriculum✅Why knowing your learner always comes before choosing any programJoin the waitlist for the new homeschool support community mentioned in this episode and be first to know when it opens.Resources for You Raising Leaders Not Followers Course waitlistNew homeschool support community waitlistYour Biggest Homeschool Decision This Year Is Not CurriculumRaise your hand if you've already started looking for curriculum. Maybe you've already spent hours reading reviews or filled up an online shopping cart. What if I told you your biggest decision in your homeschool this year is not curriculum? It's the atmosphere and the expectations you create before you ever open a book. Today I'm sharing three simple tips that will make a bigger difference in your homeschool than which curriculum you buy.Tip #1: Prepare Yourself Before You Prepare for SchoolThere are moms like yourself that spend weeks organizing books, labeling bins, printing out schedules — but almost no time preparing themselves. What kind of mom do you want to be this year? Peaceful? Flexible? Intentional? Joyful? You really do need to decide that before you move forward, because when you are ready, your kids will automatically follow along.I want to strongly encourage you to take a CEO homeschool planning date. I used to do this. I still remember one particular planning date — we were living in Idaho, and there was a coffee shop called Bootser's. I went up there for a whole Saturday morning and worked on things to prepare for our homeschool that year.Get somewhere you can be by yourself with a notebook and a calendar. You're not going to plan the whole year — I don't even understand when people say they plan the whole year in a day. What if your child, three weeks in, doesn't understand the Pythagorean theorem and you've got to go back? Plan an overall idea of what you'll cover each month, but the weekly details? Plan one or two weeks at a time. Life happens. My past two weeks, I had no idea I was going to spend two weeks helping my mom recover from surgery. That just wasn't what we expected. But I had the freedom and the blessing to go be there for her.One of the most important things you can do before that planning date is pray. Ask God what He wants you to do, how to plan for this year, what is special about each of your children right now. When mom is prepared emotionally, the whole homeschool changes.Charlotte Mason was having dinner at her home once and asked her guests — what is the most important thing in your home? Someone said bookcases. Someone said the cradle. She said no. Space is the most precious thing, because that will help you clarify your attitude and create a life-giving atmosphere.Mom, a life-giving atmosphere starts with you. For some of you that may mean purging the clutter. Have a garage sale before September. Maybe it means getting rid of some extra activities — even that tournament team your kids are on. You need to look and see what is really life-giving and what will make a lifelong impact on your children.Charlotte Mason said — education is an atmosphere, a discipline of life. And a mother's attitude shapes the home more than the curriculum you choose. She spent enormous time preparing mothers, not just preparing lessons.Tip #2: Create Traditions Your Kids Will RememberAlmost all of you get on social media and take a first-day-of-school photo — and those are cute, I love them too. But I want to challenge you to create at least one tradition that goes deeper than a photo.My mom took each of us four kids out for an individual back-to-school lunch before school started. I still remember sitting in a little restaurant in the mall with the windows open where you could watch people walk by. We'd go buy school supplies after lunch. I do this with my grandkids now — usually Jason's Deli because they can get a free ice cream cone with their meal.But the number one tradition in our home? Ice cream sundaes for breakfast on the first day of school. The first year I did this, my kids came to the table and their eyes got wide as saucers. Hunter, the youngest, as a senior in high school, still expected ice cream sundaes. Last year I started it with my grandkids, and they came downstairs and were thrilled — because they'd heard all about it from their parents.These weren't educational moments. But they are something my children remember. And something my grandkids are already hearing about and looking forward to.Choose one tradition this year — not ten, just one. Maybe it's pancakes shaped like their age. Maybe it's donuts with dad. Maybe it's a special prayer or a family blessing over the children on the first day. Maybe it's a lunch date or buying something new.You see, God knows children remember experiences better than lectures. In Deuteronomy 6, God created annual family traditions around Israel's calendar. In Joshua 4, they built a stone memorial so that when children asked, what do these stones mean, the parents could tell the story of what God had done.I have a memory from 50 years ago — I was in a high school youth group, we went to Colorado, we were studying Joshua, and we each brought back a small stone and built a stone memorial in the churchyard. I don't know if it's still there. But I still have that memory. That's the thing about memories. They come back and jog your mind. What experiences are you giving your children?Tip #3: Don't Choose Curriculum Until You Know Your FamilyMany of you are going backwards. You're choosing the curriculum first and then trying to fit your family into it. Instead of asking what curriculum should I buy, ask these questions first.Who are my children? How do they learn? What season is our family in? What kind of homeschool do I want?If you're homeschooling a six and eight-year-old while a two and four-year-old are running around, that is going to look completely different than when those older ones are teenagers. You need to know your family before you ever start choosing homeschool curriculum.What is your personality? Are you willing to change something if it's not working for your kids? I remember using a particular math program all the way through, but when it came to algebra, it just was not clicking for one of our kids. I changed it and found something that worked. Are you so tied to the choices you already made that you'd fit the child into the curriculum instead of the other way around?What is your family's schedule? Do you have special needs in your family? How big is your house? What is your stress level? Just because your friend loves a curriculum doesn't mean it will be right for your family.Before buying anything, write down these three questions for each of your children. What is one strength of this child? What is one struggle of this child? What do I want this child to love this year? Then buy the curriculum.Maria Montessori developed her educational ideas at the turn of the 20th century by observing children before she ever created any materials. She didn't begin with the curriculum — she began with the child and their needs. Her students became confident, enthusiastic, and self-directed learners. They had the tools of learning. They could think critically, work collaboratively, and act boldly. Great educators always start with the learner, not the program.What You Actually NeedAs I've talked to hundreds of homeschool moms, I've realized something. You don't need another curriculum recommendation. What you need is encouragement. You need a community of other people walking beside you. You need accountability.So instead of asking what should we study, ask — who are we becoming as a family? What atmosphere do I want in our home? What traditions will my kids remember? What actually fits our family — not everyone else's?Those questions will shape your homeschool far more than another curriculum purchase. Moms don't need more curriculum. They need support. You don't need another planner — you need confidence. You don't need more information — you need community.If you'd like to hear first when our new homeschool support community opens — with a special founding member discount — join the waitlist at howtohomeschoolmychild.com/wait. The link is in the show notes wherever you're listening.And if you're watching on YouTube, would you please leave a comment and let me know your biggest takeaway? What is the one thing you're going to implement this week as you plan for your next homeschool year?

In this episode, we explore Mother Culture—the intentional care of a mother's mind, heart, and soul—and how it shapes the atmosphere of the home. Rooted in Charlotte Mason's philosophy and expanded by Karen Andreola, this idea reminds us that what a mother is, her children will naturally receive. We emphasize that true soul nourishment must be grounded first in a faithful, obedient relationship with the Lord. Time in God's Word is not optional—it is the foundation. From that place, mothers can be refreshed and strengthened through good books, beauty, rest, and meaningful daily rhythms. Rather than a luxury, Mother Culture becomes a way to live with intention—allowing mothers to serve their families with joy, cultivate a life-giving home, and faithfully pour out what the Lord is first pouring into them.   Watch the Interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rrg2Z43sNd0    Follow my  journey by subscribing to this podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram, YouTube, and www.nohighercalling.org Subscribe to the NHC email at www.nohighercalling.org 

Today on The New Mason Jar Podcast, Cindy and Dawn chat with returning guest Denise Gaskins, veteran homeschool mother of 5, math coach, and author about her new book Charlotte Mason's Living Math Why did Denise finally write this book? How Denise applied Charlotte's principles to teaching mathematics Why this book includes paintings, puzzles and discussion prompts What kind of accuracy is the most important in a deep understanding of mathematics? How can we discern if a child is understanding concepts versus just parroting back information? Does Denise recommend a specific math curriculum that works with this living approach? What is an example of what a living math lesson might sound like? How can we use art in teaching math? What does Denise think is the key idea of a Charlotte Mason math education? For the full show notes on this episode, please visit https://thenewmasonjar.com/144. 

Can you keep using the Charlotte Mason Method with high school students? Absolutely!

Art Middlekauff issues a challenge to parents and teachers to read Charlotte Mason's six volumes in two years, starting on August 1.

If you thought Charlotte Mason was only about living books, think again! Here are the subjects that use "things" for living ideas.

Charlotte Mason responds to Maria Montessori in this classical open letter from 1915. Read by Jennifer Talsma.

Education is an atmosphere, a discipline, a life. How does that look in your science lessons?

Are you craving more connection and less chaos in your homeschool life? This week, I got to sit down with the brilliant Dawn Garrett, Homeschool Better Together's community manager and an experienced homeschool mom whose kids have all graduated and flown the nest. (Yes, she survived—she's living proof.)We got candid about what “togetherness” really looked like in her homeschool. Dawn shared the honest ups and downs: the seasons when being together at the table was the perfect fit—and the moments when togetherness just wasn't working. Hear how she pivoted, created new rhythms, faced those inevitable sibling squabbles, and nurtured the deep family bonds that have lasted well into her kids' adulthood.We also dug into the importance of community for moms—especially when overwhelm strikes. Dawn dishes on finding mentors, being encouraged by fellow homeschoolers, and how relationships with both your kids and other moms are what really matter, long after the worksheets are graded.This one is jam-packed with real talk, encouragement, and more than a few laugh-out-loud stories—because let's be honest, if you've never measured your day by whether someone's book crossed “the tape line” at the kitchen table, are you even homeschooling?What you'll learn:Dawn's “origin story”—why she went all-in on homeschooling (spoiler: the desire started long before kids arrived)The power of morning time as the anchor for their best homeschool days—and what happened when she had to let it goWhy being together is beautiful… until it isn't (and how to recognize when it's time to try something new)The messy, hilarious reality of sibling relationships at home (and the infamous masking tape table trick)How the atmosphere you create—over years—helps kids remain connected long after graduation (yes, even when you thought they might never stop bickering)Simple, practical ways to foster relationships, reconciliation, and wonder at your homeschool table—even on days you want to wave the white flagWhy community with other homeschool moms is essential for your sanity, confidence, and growth (plus, Dawn's tips for finding true connection—even if it's online)What to do when you're in the thick of overwhelm: where to focus, what to drop, and how to “step out of the chaos and into the wonder.”Mentioned in this episode:Cindy Rollins' resourcesAmbleside Online (for Charlotte Mason inspiration)The Homeschool Better Together CommunityYour Next Steps:Ready to build honest, lasting relationships in your homeschool? Join our free online community for encouragement, resources, and real connection.Never miss an episode! Be sure to follow, subscribe, and leave a review so you don't miss what's next.Find out more about Homeschool Better Together resources for your best homeschool year.