The goal of this group is to allow parents to discuss the Charlotte Mason method of homeschooling as it related to children, ages birth through 6 years. Charlotte Mason was NOT an advocate of "formal" schooling for these years, instead, she stressed the formation of habits, exploring, and playing.

". . . the chief function of the child--his business in the world during the first six or seven years of his life--is to find out all he can, about whatever comes under his notice, by means of his five senses; that he has an insatiable appetite for knowledge got in this way; and that, therefore, the endeavour of his parents should be to put him in the way of making acquaintance freely with Nature and natural objects." Charlotte Mason (Volume 1, Home Education, pg. 96)

This list is non-denominational but talk of religion is allowed, so please be respectful of each other's religious beliefs. We also discuss other educational theories (such as Classical, Principle, Relaxed, Attachment Parents) and how they relate to Charlotte Mason's ideas.

If you have older children, you may be interested in our sister list, http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CM4primaryyears/