CMP Review 2026-03-10

March 10, 2026

When I talk to Charlotte Mason educators at conferences, retreats, and meetings, I find that certain themes emerge. The basic ideas of the method are inspiring and make sense. But sometimes difficulties are encountered in practice. Many of the difficulties I hear about are related to narration, pace, and the difficulty of books.

It turns out that I am not the only one to have this experience. F. M. Clark was one of the first teachers to adopt the Charlotte Mason method in the Gloucestershire schools. Over the years she heard about many of the same difficulties I hear about today — narration, pace, and books.

The inspiring thing about Miss Clark is that she had answers. Her 1927 paper was not called “Some Difficulties.” It was called “Some Difficulties Overcome.” That extra word makes all the difference in the world. Find answers that have stood the test of time here.

@artmiddlekauff