I was thrilled to get a chance to review A Charlotte Mason Companion - Personal Reflections on the Gentle Art of Learning because none of my friends would part with it for more than a day or two. This is Karen Andreola’s interpretation of the original writings of Charlotte Mason, a nineteenth century educator (see the review of Charlotte Mason’s Original Home Schooling Series). Inspired by the book For the Children’s Sake by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay, Karen and her husband, Dean, sought out the original writings of Charlotte Mason and established the Charlotte Mason Research & Supply Company (www.charlottemason.com). A Charlotte Mason Companion begins with some background on Charlotte Mason’s philosophy of education, then goes on to discuss living books, narration, grammar, picture study, music appreciation, Shakespeare, nature study, history, and much more. I would say that about a third of the book does not focus strictly on Charlotte Mason’s educational philosophy; Mrs. Andreola covers such topics as the atmosphere of the home, bickering children, picnics, Victorian lace, sand play, and old-fashioned games. This book has a gentle air to it, from the delightful nineteenth century illustrations to Mrs. Andreola’s way with words. Reading it made me want to slow down, breathe deeply, and enjoy my children. So get your own copy, because I don’t think I want to loan mine out. Well, maybe for just a day...
-- Product Review : Heather Jackowitz, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine
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