Charlotte Mason Companion

This is a beautifully written and thorough introduction to the Charlotte Mason philosophy. What makes Karen Andreola's book so magnificent is that she not only tells you what to do and how to do it, she tells you WHY!!! That made all the difference to me. She also demonstrates a very strong command of the English language, writing with spectacular elegance and ease. Andreola has also taken a very personal approach in this book. You feel as if you are taking tea with a trusted friend as she reveals her personal testimonies, and narratives. I thought this was a crucial underlying strength in this work, because I found Charlotte Mason's philosophies to be complicated and arcane at first glance; whereas reading this book quiets your spirit and makes this an enjoyable journey. I also found tactful admonition for the preconceived notions I conjured up about Charlotte Mason and her so-called "gentle learning" approach. Take my advice, don't believe everything you hear on a chat board. Peruse this marvelous overview to get the facts, and then make up your mind as to whether this makes sense for your home school.Immensely enjoyable and valuable guide. Karen Andreola truly is the perfect Charlotte Mason "Companion"!5 Stars.

I was homeschooled (1988 to graduation in 1992) with my brother. I always felt there was a better way than preparing seperate textbook lessons for each child. The Charlotte Mason Method IS that way!!!Karen's book is excellent. She takes your hand and leads you step by step, sharing examples of what SHE does with her children. Although the CMM is not at all complicated: reading good literature, giving narrations, spending time in nature, journaling, etc. it IS revolutionary for those used to classic schooling with textbooks and stuffy lecturing teachers. In turn, I found the 'change' a bit overwhelming. Karen's book provides DETAILS to help make you confident as you start into it.My friend found it too simple and gave too much detail, although she uses the CMM as well. Some with more confidence in homeschooling may find the same. In either case, it's worth reading.

I found Karen Andreola's book to be most inspiring. She captured magnificently the philosophy of Charlotte Mason's view of education for children. In her book, she also tells of her own experience with home-schooling and gives specific ideas for others to perhaps follow. I, too, now have adopted this philosophy as my own and and look forward with eager anticipation to new adventures in the "gentle art of learning" with our family of four children.

As a homeschooling family living on a single income, I'm very careful about what I buy---I can honestly say that this book of Karen Andreola's is by far the best money I've spent on homeschooling in years! When the book first arrived in the mail, I was thrilled with just the look and feel of it. But once I started reading, I thought I'd never stop! It was liking finding a cool, soothing drink of water in the middle of a parched and arid land.... I had to force myself to slow down so I could savor it and truly enjoy the book. Each chapter details another aspect of home life and educational ideas. Whether you're looking for practical ideas for teaching your children fine arts, or wondering about seasonal craft and nature activities for younger children, you'll find those treasures in this book. I was inspired to start studying Shakespeare with my eleven-year-old daughter after reading this book. My daughter loved our field trip to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and I don't think I ever would've thought of introducing my children to The Bard at such a young age. We're also listening to classical music more frequently, and I was so excited when my daughter told me one day, "Listen, Mom! It's Vivaldi's Four Seasons---it's the Autumn section... my favorite!" Wow... I don't think I had even heard of Vivaldi when I was eleven. A Charlotte Mason Companion is truly an inspiring book for the seasoned and experienced homeschooler or the new home educator trying to grasp an overview of what education should be.