Embracing a Charlotte Mason Education: An Inspiring Conversation with Beth from Little World Wanderers

 Homeschooling is a journey—one filled with discovery, learning, and personal growth, not just for the child, but for the entire family. For many homeschool moms, finding the right approach to education is crucial, and for Beth from Little World Wanderers, the Charlotte Mason method has provided a rich and life-giving foundation for her homeschool. Beth is a homeschooling mom based in Colorado, where she finds beauty and inspiration in the mountains. A former educator, she has been developing Charlotte Mason-inspired resources since 2018. Today, her mission is to help families cultivate a living education that nourishes both the mind and the soul. In this blog post, we dive into her journey, her philosophy, and the impact of her work on the homeschooling community.

 From Personal Homeschooling to Creating Educational Resources 

 Beth's journey into homeschooling began when her daughter was just a toddler. As a single-income family, preschool was an expensive option, so Beth took on the challenge herself. With her background in education, she felt confident in crafting a meaningful learning experience. "We started homeschooling when my daughter was around two," Beth shares. "At first, I was just pulling different books from the library and creating activities to go along with them. We’d read a book and then make a recipe from it or do an art project inspired by the story. That was the beginning of a rich, multicultural education for my daughter." Her personal approach to education caught the attention of her friends, who encouraged her to start sharing her resources. In January 2020, she officially launched Little World Wanderers, offering unit studies tailored to a Charlotte Mason philosophy. Little did she know that just a few months later, a global pandemic would send many families into homeschooling, rapidly increasing interest in her materials.

Discovering Charlotte Mason While Beth’s educational background provided structure, it was the book For the Children's Sake that introduced her to Charlotte Mason’s philosophy. "I had an idea of what education should look like based on my teaching experience, but Charlotte Mason’s perspective challenged that. Her principle that ‘education is an atmosphere, a discipline, and a life’ resonated with me." Charlotte Mason’s emphasis on caring about what a child learns rather than simply measuring what they know deeply influenced Beth’s approach. "I looked back on my own childhood and realized how much I cared about the experiences I had—hiking in the English countryside, visiting castles, going to museums. I wanted my children’s education to be one they cared about too.

The Role of Living Books

One of the cornerstones of Charlotte Mason education is the use of living books—books that inspire, engage, and bring subjects to life. "Living books are not just part of our homeschool; they are our homeschool," Beth explains. "They offer living ideas rather than dry facts. When we read Oliver Twist, my daughter struggled with how hard Oliver’s life was. She said, ‘I just want something good to happen!’ That emotional connection is what makes a book living—it teaches empathy and deepens understanding." Beth acknowledges that different children connect with different books. "What’s living for one child may not be for another, and that’s okay. The goal is to cultivate curiosity and a love for learning.”

Habit Training and Character Development

Charlotte Mason emphasized habit training as essential to a child’s education. Beth sees this as a daily practice in her home. "Habit training is hard work because it requires consistency from the mother," she admits. "Charlotte Mason wrote that a mother should glow with warmth and patience when guiding her children. Some days, I definitely don’t feel like glowing!" She shares a practical example: "We’re working on the habit of putting shoes away. I say, ‘Where do your shoes live?’ every single time. I probably say it 35 times a day! But it’s part of laying down the rails for good habits." Beyond practical habits, Beth also emphasizes character development. "My son sometimes stomps his foot when I ask him to do something. Instead of reacting harshly, I guide him to respond respectfully. Teaching respect and kindness is just as important as teaching math or reading.”

The Importance of Nature Study

Living in Colorado, Beth has a deep appreciation for nature, and this plays a vital role in her homeschool. "We try to do nature journaling every week," she shares. "We visit a local duck pond, observe seasonal changes, and identify different birds. My kids just naturally notice nature. My son can already name multiple bird species!" Recently, her husband and daughter encountered a porcupine while skiing. "They stopped, took pictures, and when they got home, my daughter added it to her nature journal. It was a beautiful, spontaneous learning moment.

A Mother's Education: Learning Alongside Our Children

Beth’s passion for lifelong learning inspired her to create A Mother’s Education, a program designed to nourish homeschooling moms’ minds. "Charlotte Mason held high expectations for mothers. She believed that a mother’s continued education was vital for a thriving homeschool," Beth explains. Her program mirrors a Charlotte Mason education for children but is designed for adults. Each season, participants read six books covering poetry, science, history, biographies, and literature. They meet for biweekly Zoom discussions, share narrations, and engage in personal enrichment. "So many moms have told me this program has breathed life into their homeschool. It reminds them that their own education matters too.

Encouragement for Homeschool Moms

Beth’s final advice for homeschool moms is simple yet profound:

Do not homeschool from a place of fear. "Fear-based homeschooling leads to stress and burnout. Approach this journey prayerfully. There are many wonderful educational philosophies, and Charlotte Mason may not be for everyone. But whatever approach you choose, make sure it comes from a place of confidence and peace." She also reminds moms to give themselves grace. "There will be tough days. There will be moments of doubt. But at the end of the day, homeschooling is about connection, curiosity, and joy. Keep your focus there."

Where to Find Beth’s Resources If you’d like to explore Beth’s educational materials, including A Mother’s Education and her Charlotte Mason-inspired unit studies, you can find them at Little World Wanderers https://www.littleworldwanderers.com). --- Beth’s story is a testament to the beauty of a Charlotte Mason education—a philosophy that nurtures not just children, but entire families. Whether you are new to homeschooling or looking to deepen your approach, her insights and resources provide encouragement and inspiration for the journey ahead.

An Interview with Vicki Tillman

The Joy of Slow with Leslie Matino