Why I Am Inspired by Charlotte Mason Philosophy

Falling in Love with Learning Through Living Books

I have always loved books. As a child, I would disappear into stories, letting the words wrap around me like a cozy blanket. Books weren’t just entertainment—they were windows into new worlds, deep wells of imagination, and invitations to wonder.

When I became a mother, I wanted my children to experience that same magic. I dreamed of a home filled with books, where stories weren’t just read but lived—where history felt like stepping through time, science felt like a grand adventure, and literature shaped our days with beauty and meaning.

That’s when I stumbled upon Charlotte Mason’s philosophy, and it was as if someone had put into words everything I already felt about learning. She spoke of living books—books that weren’t dry, dull, or crammed with facts but ones that breathed life into knowledge. Books that engaged the heart and mind, filled with rich language, deep ideas, and stories that lingered long after the last page.

I wouldn’t call myself a strict Charlotte Mason homeschooler—I pull from different philosophies to create what works for our family—but her ideas about books, nature, and gentle learning have deeply influenced our homeschool in ways I never expected.

Education as an Atmosphere, a Discipline, a Life

One of Charlotte Mason’s core beliefs is that education is more than just academics—it is a way of living. She described it as an atmosphere, a discipline, and a life, and I’ve found this to be so true in our home.

• Education as an Atmosphere: The environment we create shapes how our children learn. A home filled with beautiful books, meaningful conversations, and time to explore fosters a natural love of learning.

• Education as a Discipline: Learning isn’t just about subjects—it’s about habits. Building patience, curiosity, and perseverance are just as important as math and reading.

• Education as a Life: Learning isn’t something separate from everyday life—it is life. It happens in the stories we read, the walks we take, the questions we ask, and the way we engage with the world.

This approach has helped me step away from the pressure of rigid curriculums and focus on creating a home where learning is woven into our days naturally.

Living Books Over Dry Textbooks

When I first started homeschooling, I thought I needed traditional textbooks/workbooks to make sure Mathilde was learning “enough.” But she quickly lost interest in dry facts and worksheets. Then I learned about Charlotte Mason’s thoughts on living books—books filled with ideas, adventure, and beauty.

I started swapping out dull textbooks for stories—historical fiction instead of history workbooks, beautifully illustrated nature guides instead of science lists, and poetry instead of grammar drills. The difference was immediate. Both my children are now captivated. They asked questions, makes connections, and most importantly, loved learning.

Now, our homeschool is built around living books. Whether we are reading fairy tales, biographies, or folk stories, I see firsthand how stories make learning come alive in a way that memorization never could.

Nature as a Teacher

Charlotte Mason believed that nature was one of the greatest teachers, and this is something that has become an essential part of our homeschool. She encouraged children to spend time outside daily—to observe, sketch, and develop a relationship with the natural world.

For us, nature study isn’t just about naming flowers or identifying birds—it’s about being present. Watching the seasons change, feeling the warmth of the sun, hearing the rustle of the wind through the trees. It’s a way of grounding ourselves, slowing down, and connecting with something bigger than a checklist of facts.

I love how nature invites curiosity. A simple walk can turn into a lesson on life cycles, ecosystems, or even poetry. My children have learned more from simply exploring outside than they ever would from a worksheet. I am such an indoor person myself and I love the little nudge that the Mason Philosophy gives me to get us outside as much as possible.

Short Lessons and Gentle Learning

One of the most freeing ideas I’ve taken from Charlotte Mason is the idea of short, focused lessons rather than long, drawn-out school hours. Instead of pushing through subjects for the sake of checking boxes, we feel how much, we can do and often keep lessons short, meaningful, and engaging, leaving plenty of time for exploration and creativity.

This has been such a relief for me, as I don’t thrive with strict schedules. I love the freedom to let learning flow naturally, to follow my children’s interests, and to trust that they are learning more when they are given space rather than pressure. Other times we do do the 1-2 hour Waldorf inspired main lessons where we completely immerse ourselves in a subject - However, for heavy learning lessons the Mason approach is much better and it is such a relief to feel when the child is filled with the knowledge and close the books.

A Love for Beauty and the Arts

Charlotte Mason believed that children should be surrounded by beauty—great art, music, and poetry—not just as “extras” but as essential parts of their education.

This is something I have naturally woven into our homeschool. We listen to classical music while painting, read poetry at breakfast, and study beautiful art in a relaxed, joyful way. It’s not about memorizing facts about composers or painters but about experiencing beauty in a way that enriches our souls. I can not get enough art into our homeschool and you can read much more about how I use art in my art section on the blog.

Final Thoughts

Charlotte Mason’s philosophy continues to inspire me, not just in how I teach, but in how I live. She reminds me that education is not just about what we teach, but how we nurture curiosity, wonder, and connection.

Even though we don’t follow a strict Charlotte Mason approach, I find myself returning to her wisdom again and again. The way she valued books, nature, and beauty has shaped our homeschool in ways I never expected, and I’m so grateful for the inspiration her philosophy has given me.

Homeschooling is an ever-evolving journey, and I love having the freedom to take what resonates, blend different styles, and create an experience that feels just right for our family. Charlotte Mason is a beautiful part of that journey, and I’m so thankful for the ways she has influenced our days.

Thanks so much for reading!