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November 7, 2024

Reading Readiness: Reading Instruction (7/8)

Neurodiversity
Research

Do kids who start reading in kindergarten really have a head start?

October 31, 2024

When to Begin Reading Instruction (6/8)

Neurodiversity
Research

When is a student ready to learn to read? Dr. Donna Johnson talks about reading readiness in this video and transcript.

October 24, 2024

Assessing Curricula: Reading Instruction (5/8)

Neurodiversity
Research

Let's get practical. How do we assess reading curricula? Dr. Donna Johnson helps us think through these questions to get at what is beneficial for every student.

October 22, 2024

Diversifying The Feast with Amber O'Neal Johnston

Relational Ideas
Charlotte Mason Homeschooling
Events

What does it look like to spread a wide variety of rich books for our students? Amber O'Neal Johnston leads us in considering this topic through this session.

October 17, 2024

Reaching Teachers: Reading Instruction (4/8)

Neurodiversity
Research

Has the research on reading reached teachers and students at a practical level? Dr. Donna Johnson talks about obstacles and signs of change.

October 15, 2024

Alveary Science Lab: Where Does Weather Come From?

Activities & Inspiration
Science
Curriculum

Try this Alveary science lab with your students to learn about the weather. Only home supplies needed!

October 10, 2024

Reading Instruction & Charlotte Mason (3/8)

Neurodiversity
Research

How does current science relate to Charlotte Mason's approach to reading instruction?

October 3, 2024

A Brief History of Reading Instruction: Part 2 with Dr. Donna Johnson (2/8)

Neurodiversity
Research

Let's talk about reading - Dr. Donna Johnson continues her overview of the history of reading instruction in the U.S.

October 1, 2024

Reading and Re-enchantment with Dr. Doug Sikkema

Science
Events
Relational Ideas

From attention deficit and individualism to hope and the impact of technology, Dr. Sikkema challenges us to reflect on how we live and engage with the world.

September 26, 2024

A Brief History of Reading Instruction with Dr. Donna Johnson

Research
Science
Neurodiversity

The first post in a series on reading instruction - its history, science, Charlotte Mason's approach, and more.

September 3, 2024

A Discussion on Narration with Dr. Shannon Whiteside

Relational Ideas
Training

Eight common questions about narration, Charlotte Mason's foundational method for learning.

August 20, 2024

Bringing Charlotte Mason to Sunday School with Min Jung Hwang

Curriculum
Activities & Inspiration
Charlotte Mason in the Classroom

How can Charlotte Mason's insights enrich your Sunday schools? Join Min as she shares her experience and offers practical steps forward.

August 8, 2024

Memories of P.N.E.U Education with Pat Farrington

Parents' Review
Research
Mason Around the World

Pat Farrington shares about her experience at a PNEU school in the 1950s which her father founded.

August 8, 2024

Charlotte Mason In New Zealand by Christine Smith

Mason Around the World

Christine Smith shares her reflections on homeschooling in New Zealand.

August 7, 2024

All Living: How the “Joy of Making” was Joy-Making and Life-Giving with Laura Young

Events
Activities & Inspiration

Laura Young shares her experience at Joy of Making.

July 31, 2024

Meet our New Executive Director!

Mason Around the World
Events

Meet and hear from our new Executive Director!

July 11, 2024

Interview with Savannah

Neurodiversity

Danielle interviews Savannah, who shares her experience with dyscalculia, anxiety, and her passion for supporting others.

May 20, 2024

Interview with Rae

Neurodiversity

Danielle and Rae discuss how a Mason education benefited her and her neurodivergent needs.

May 16, 2024

Science of Relations

Neurodiversity
Relational Ideas

What does Charlotte Mason's idea, "The Science of Relations," actually mean? Join Dr. Smith and Danielle Merritt-Sunseri to explore this question.

May 1, 2024

The Joy of Making - Conference Reads!

Events
Book reviews
Activities & Inspiration

A list of speaker-recommended conference reads for The Joy of Making!

April 30, 2024

Personhood and Curriculum

Neurodiversity

Danielle and Dr. Smith discuss the importance of a living curriculum and keeping the personhood of a child at the center of that curriculum.

April 18, 2024

The Child is a Born Person in Her Context

Neurodiversity
Relational Ideas

Danielle and Dr. Smith discuss "the child is a born person" and the implications this principle has on educating neurodivergent children.

April 4, 2024

What is the Method? - Following the Method

Neurodiversity

Danielle and Dr. Smith discuss following Mason's method with the neurodivergent child.

March 21, 2024

Interview with Jack Laws, Part 2 of 2

Neurodiversity
Science

Danielle interviews Jack about his experience as a neurodivergent child. This is Part Two of Jack's heartfelt story.

February 22, 2024

Interview with Jack Laws, Part 1 of 2

Neurodiversity
Science

Danielle interviews Jack about his experience as a neurodivergent child. This is Part One of Jack's heartfelt story.

February 20, 2024

From Continuance to Dissolution in a Post-Charlotte Mason World with Dr. Jack Beckman

Book reviews
Parents' Review

An interview with Jack about the history of the College.

February 19, 2024

Engaging with Story to Engender Living Ideas with Dr. Adrian Copping

Book reviews

An interview with Adrian about the importance of reading as a life-giving process.

February 17, 2024

Charlotte Mason's Pedagogical Approach with Jen Ager and Dr. Heather Prince

Book reviews

An interview with Jen and Heather about the beauty of the outdoors.

February 6, 2024

Meet Lighthouse - Interview with Amanda Escue

Charlotte Mason Homeschooling
Curriculum
Neurodiversity
Relational Ideas
Charlotte Mason in the Classroom

Meet Lighthouse, an Alveary micro-school making a relational education accessible to students with disabilities.

January 31, 2024

How We Choose Books - Specific Subjects

Relational Ideas

Dr. Whiteside talks about key questions the Alveary team considers when choosing books History, Literature, and Science.

January 31, 2024

How Do I Choose Books for My Students?

Relational Ideas

What is a living book? How should I evaluate books for my students? Alveary team member Kerri Forney explains the process Alveary uses to select books.

January 19, 2024

Upcoming Events!

Events
Training
Activities & Inspiration

A round up of upcoming opportunities!

January 19, 2024

Activities for Winter

Book reviews
Activities & Inspiration

A collection of activities to enliven your winter - from watercolor to what we're reading.

January 18, 2024

Engaging with Spirituality in the Classroom with Elliot Shaw

Book reviews

Dr. Elliott Shaw, one of the Centenary Series authors, shares his thoughts on Charlotte Mason's view of spirituality within current scholarship.

January 18, 2024

For the World's Sake with Douglass J. Sikkema

Book reviews

An interview with Dr. Sikkema's about learning to love creation, Charlotte Mason, and his centenary monograph.

December 29, 2023

Orton-Gillingham with Dr. Donna Johnson

Neurodiversity

We hear the term thrown around a lot but don't always stop to understand what it actually means. What is Orton-Gillingham?

December 12, 2023

Charlotte Maria Shaw Mason with Hilary Cooper

Book reviews

An interview with Professor Hilary Cooper about her centenary monograph.

December 12, 2023

The Inherent Generosity Within a Charlotte Mason Education with Elizabeth Millar

Book reviews

Elizabeth Millar shares about her book on Charlotte Mason, generosity, and a practical theology of joy.

December 11, 2023

What We're Reading: Ungifted

Book reviews
Neurodiversity

Read, listen to, or watch this discussion on the book Ungifted: Intelligence Redefined by Scott Barry Kaufman!

November 20, 2023

Stories from the Community - Charlotte Mason & Dyslexia

Neurodiversity

"I started to become really uneasy that there was something not quite right." Learn from LeAnn's story about Charlotte Mason and dyslexia

November 17, 2023

Narration & Retelling with Shannon Whiteside

Book reviews
Relational Ideas
Research

"Narration is the hallmark of a Mason education," Dr. Shannon Whiteside claims. Explore narration in this interview and related monograph.

November 13, 2023

A Feast of Living Ideas in a World of Bytes with Emily & Brynn Bowyer

Book reviews
Research
Relational Ideas

Emily Rodgers Bowyer and Brynn Dickie Bowyer coauthored the monograph titled A Feast of Living Ideas in a World of Bytes. Enjoy this interview with them both!

November 9, 2023

Neurodiversity On Our Bookshelves with Danielle Merritt-Sunseri

Neurodiversity
Book reviews
Research

Danielle Merritt-Sunseri discusses how we can understand and care for each other through the books we keep on our shelves.

November 7, 2023

An Advent Guide for You!

Activities & Inspiration
Holidays

Designed to inspire both young and old, this Advent Guide is a feast of Bible readings, music, poetry, art, handicrafts, nature activities, and more.

October 19, 2023

The Powerful and Neglected Voice of Charlotte Mason with Elaine Cooper

Mason Around the World
Relational Ideas
Research

An interview with Elaine Cooper about her centenary monograph on Charlotte Mason's life and influence.

October 18, 2023

12 Nature Walks (Tree Themed)

Activities & Inspiration
Science

Deepen your nature study with a term of tree-themed nature walks and activities.

October 16, 2023

What is a Relational Education?

Relational Ideas
Research

What is a Charlotte Mason education? Some refer to it as a living education. Others as a relational education. Let's talk about its key components.

October 16, 2023

High School Planning with Kerri Forney

Neurodiversity

Join Kerri Forney & Danielle Sunseri as they discuss high school preparation and planning, specifically for neurodivergent students.

October 13, 2023

Save the Date! Conference 2024

Events

Save the date for our 2024 gathering - The Joy of Making from July 25-27 in Wilmore, KY.

October 3, 2023

BOB Stories from the Community with Kristin Cooke

Neurodiversity

First published in 2021, this interview by Danielle Merritt-Sunseri with Kristin about her son's journey with autism is now available with a full transcript!

September 19, 2023

A "By-the-Way" Approach to Art Education by Erin Day

Curriculum
Relational Ideas

Alveary team member Erin Day writes on how to use everyday activities to teach the principles of art.

September 18, 2023

What We're Reading: Neurotribes

Book reviews
Neurodiversity

Danielle and two other colleagues discuss the book they are reading entitled Neurotribes by Steve Silberman.

September 14, 2023

School Observation & Training Event

Training
Events

You are invited to our first publicly available observation and training event at Blue Willow Tutorial from October 26-28th near Knoxville, Tennessee.

September 11, 2023

Introducing Natural History Clubs!

Activities & Inspiration
Science

Looking to build or find community in your area? Start a Natural History Club and embark on guided outdoor adventures with friends.

September 6, 2023

Reframing Mindset with Christy Maher

Neurodiversity

We're re-releasing some of your favorite Blue Orchard Bee resources. This first one features a conversation with Dr. Christy Maher.

August 16, 2023

Some Favorite Picture Books by Kerri Forney

Book reviews
Activities & Inspiration

A collection from Kerri of favorite picture books for your home or classroom

August 7, 2023

Charlotte Mason Centenary Series

Mason Around the World
Research

New monographs available! 24 scholars from three countries came together, and collectively authored 18 individual monographs on Charlotte Mason's insights.

June 20, 2023

For the Busy Homeschool Mom

Parents' Review

A Parents' Review article for the busy Charlotte Mason mom who is homeschooling multiple kids, trying to keep the house organized, working part-time, and...

June 19, 2023

Alveary Lessons - Juneteenth Sneak Peek!

Curriculum
Activities & Inspiration

A Juneteenth-themed sneak peek of Alveary Music, Poetry, and Art lessons!

May 15, 2023

New Videos on Key Topics!

Curriculum
Neurodiversity
Relational Ideas

Enjoy a series of new videos on important topics such as parenting, notebooking, pre-school, Alveary FAQs, choosing quality books, narration, and more!

May 8, 2023

Could it Be Dyslexia? Part 2 with Dr. Donna Johnson

Neurodiversity

Part 2 of a series with Dr. Donna Johnson thinking through dyslexia from within the framework of Charlotte Mason's relational education.

April 24, 2023

Could it Be Dyslexia? Part 1 with Dr. Donna Johnson

Neurodiversity

Part 1 of a series with Dr. Donna Johnson thinking through dyslexia from within the framework of Charlotte Mason's relational education.

April 18, 2023

Artistic Atmosphere at a Relational Conference

Activities & Inspiration

Delight in these artistic pieces from the 1908 PNEU conference and, incidentally, gain an understanding of the artistic and literary PNEU atmosphere.

April 14, 2023

A message from Miss Mason

Relational Ideas
Parents' Review

An unpublished excerpt from the Parents' Review of a message from Charlotte Mason at the opening of the 1908 PNEU conference.

April 13, 2023

A discussion on The Enabled Life with Danielle Merritt-Sunseri

Neurodiversity
Book reviews

As part of the "What We're Reading" series on the Blue Orchard Bee, Danielle discusses the book "The Enabled Life."

March 15, 2023

Abstract Art, Wagner, Museum Tips, and more

Activities & Inspiration

A collection of poetry, music, art, and more for your March inspiration.

March 14, 2023

A Blue Orchard Bee Thinks About...Habits, Anxiety, and Advocacy

Neurodiversity

Join these conversations from the Blue Orchard Bee on habits, anxiety, and advocacy, especially in a neurodiverse home or classroom.

March 14, 2023

Mason in France

Mason Around the World

First shown at CMI's 2022 annual gathering, this video gives an exciting glimpse at the way relational education is taking root in France.

March 14, 2023

Mason in the Classroom - The Trinity School

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See how one school implements Charlotte Mason's relational philosophy in Texas!

February 2, 2023

Orton-Gillingham with Donna Johnson

Neurodiversity

A conversation with Danielle Merritt-Sunseri and Dr. Donna Johnson on Orton-Gillingham and how to support our students with dyslexia.

January 20, 2023

A Centenary Collection

Activities & Inspiration

A collection of readings, poetry, music, and more centered around Charlotte Mason and her home in the Lake District.

January 19, 2023

Charlotte Mason in South Africa

Mason Around the World

First shown at CMI's 2022 annual gathering, this video gives an exciting glimpse at the way relational education is taking root in South Africa.

January 12, 2023

Inspiring a new generation of educators by Deani Van Pelt

Relational Ideas

How one woman’s counterintuitive approach to learning is inspiring a new generation of educators.

December 29, 2022

Advent for All - The Returning King

Holidays

Week 6 of the CMI Advent and Christmas series of resources for families, classes, neighborhood, etc. Read or download.

December 22, 2022

Advent for All - In Bethlehem

Holidays

Week 5 of the CMI Advent and Christmas series of resources for families, classes, neighborhood, etc. Read or download.

December 15, 2022

Advent for All - Love Descends

Holidays

Week 4 of the CMI Advent and Christmas series of resources for families, classes, neighborhood, etc. Read or download.

December 8, 2022

Advent for All - The Coming of Joy

Holidays

Week 3 of the CMI Advent and Christmas series of resources for families, classes, neighborhood, etc. Read or download.

December 1, 2022

Advent for All - Waiting for Peace

Holidays

Week 2 of the CMI Advent and Christmas series of resources for families, classes, neighborhood, etc. Read or download.

November 26, 2022

Advent for All: Hope in Beginnings

Holidays

Week 1 of the CMI Advent and Christmas series of resources for families, classes, neighborhood, etc. Read or download.

November 22, 2022

Neurodiversity on Our Bookshelves with Danielle Merritt-Sunseri

Neurodiversity

Danielle Merritt-Sunseri talks about bringing neurodiversity to our bookshelves in this video from the Blue Orchard Bee.

November 16, 2022

Choosing Gifts - Advice from the Parents' Review

Holidays
Parents' Review

What makes a good toy? One of the writers in the Parents' Review, the journal of which Charlotte Mason was editor, offers some guiding principles.

November 16, 2022

Noticing November - Education as Service

Activities & Inspiration
Relational Ideas

Citizen science projects, Thanksgiving sonnet, acorn whistling and more to enjoy yourself or with others.

November 15, 2022

Charlotte Mason In Spanish

Mason Around the World

This video featuring Johanna Peréz Ray gives an exciting glimpse into the efforts to create Mason resources in Spanish!

October 26, 2022

Activities for October

Activities & Inspiration

Geography games, Music, Art, and Poetry to enjoy yourself or with your students.

October 25, 2022

Scavenging for Literary Beauty with Kathryn Forney

No items found.

I’m excited to talk about one of my favorite ways to go hunting for literary beauty: a common place book.

September 23, 2022

September Selections

Activities & Inspiration

A September collection of small things to enjoy alone or with your students.

September 22, 2022

Charlotte Mason Centenary Conference

No items found.

Registration is open and details about speaking posted for the Charlotte Mason Centenary Conference in Ambleside, England!

June 30, 2022

Introducing the New CMI and Alveary!

No items found.

We are excited to present new branding and new websites for the Charlotte Mason Institute (CMI) and Alveary.

February 2, 2014

Practical Suggestions for Narration by Carroll Smith

Relational Ideas

We end this series on narration for those new to Charlotte Mason with some practical suggestions. I hope these suggestions help teachers and parents to get started

January 19, 2014

Narration for the Newbie by Carroll Smith

Relational Ideas

Narration, the practice of students telling back after a single reading what they have heard or read, is a cornerstone

January 14, 2014

More Thoughts About Narration by Carroll Smith

Relational Ideas

In this post I try to answer such questions as, is narration a fad; what are basic guidelines for narrations; what about preschool children; and what can parents

September 15, 2013

Creating a Mason Atmosphere on a Dime by Carroll Smith

Relational Ideas

Education as an atmosphere is one of Mason’s fundamental pillars for education. What are the components of education as an atmosphere?