Charlotte Mason crafted an educational philosophy that retained many elements reminiscent of classical education. For instance, she believed in utilizing high-quality literature sources rather than simplified, uninspiring texts. Teaching virtue was essential to Mason’s approach, which she incorporated through habit training, and she aimed to instill a love for Christian heritage in children. However, Mason’s method diverged significantly from the traditional model in several key ways. She believed educators should provide children with broad exposure to inspiring and engaging educational books, known as “living books,” instead of relying on dry textbooks. These books, written by passionate authors, bring subjects to life, making learning more enriching and enjoyable.

Mason also emphasized using nature as an essential teacher by incorporating activities like nature walks and field trips. In fact, she played a role in founding Scouts and Girl Guides to highlight the importance of outdoor experiences in education. Additionally, she advocated for short lessons to maintain high levels of attention and engagement during instruction, respecting children’s capacity for concentration without overwhelming them. Instead of traditional tests, Mason suggested non-confrontational assessment methods such as having children narrate back what they have just heard after a parent reads to them. This method encourages active listening, comprehension, and articulation skills without the stress associated with formal testing.