Charlotte Mason Enrichment Podcast

Elise Thompson

Join me and my friends as we journey together in implementing Charlotte Mason’s timeless principles for education and life.

  1. Sep 22

    Struggling to Read Charlotte Mason's Volumes? Here's What Helps

    Have you ever picked up one of Charlotte Mason’s volumes, read a few pages, and thought, I don’t know if I can do this? You’re not alone. In this episode, I’m joined by my friend Amanda Olson, who shares her own journey from feeling completely overwhelmed by Charlotte Mason’s writing to finally finishing a volume after several attempts. We talk about what helped it finally click, why reading Charlotte Mason’s own words is worth the effort, and how reading alongside others can make such a difference. If you’ve tried to read the volumes before and struggled, don’t give up. It really does get easier. Pick up a volume, find a friend or community to read alongside you, and just keep going.

  2. Sep 4

    Working, Homeschooling and Spreading the Feast with Julie Ross

    Can you work, homeschool, manage your home, and still give your children a rich, life-giving education? More and more homeschooling moms are carrying responsibilities outside of their homeschool, whether that means working, building a business, caring for family members, or pursuing something God has put on their hearts. In this episode of the Charlotte Mason Enrichment Podcast, I’m joined by Julie Ross, founder of A Gentle Feast, for an encouraging conversation about what it really looks like to work while homeschooling. Julie built A Gentle Feast while homeschooling five children and eventually became the primary breadwinner for her family. Along the way, her homeschool had to evolve. Her schedule changed. She had to get creative. But she discovered that work and homeschooling didn’t have to be opposing forces. We talk about: • Letting go of the “ideal” homeschool • Finding the blessing in difficult or demanding seasons • What Julie kept non-negotiable in her homeschool • Creating healthy boundaries with your children while working • Helping older children grow in independence without expecting too much too soon • Simplifying a Charlotte Mason education when life is full • How A Gentle Feast has evolved to support today’s homeschooling families • Trusting God with the season you’re in Julie shares such a powerful reminder: “It’s hard, but I am resourceful.” It can be hard, and there can still be so much goodness here. If you’re a working homeschool mom or simply navigating a season where you’re carrying more than usual, I hope this conversation encourages you to believe: You can do this. Not perfectly. Not without making adjustments along the way. But faithfully.

  3. Aug 14

    If You’re Doing It Alone, You’re Doing It Wrong| Building Charlotte Mason Community

    Community is an important part of a thriving Charlotte Mason homeschool. In this episode of the Charlotte Mason Enrichment Podcast, Elise Thompson sits down with Jenna Pedersen to talk about building meaningful homeschool community, finding like-minded families, and what to do when the community you’re looking for simply doesn’t exist. Jenna shares how she has built community through multiple moves, how her group has grown into a Charlotte Mason co-op, and why supporting the mothers is just as important as creating connection for our children. If you’ve been longing for deeper homeschool community but aren’t sure where to start, this conversation will encourage you to put yourself out there, be the includer, and maybe even create the community you’ve been looking for.

  4. Jul 31

    Conference Chats- Handicrafts

    What if handicrafts are about more than arts and crafts? In this episode, Genevieve Gilstrap shares how hand skills cultivate patience, creativity, and lifelong learning. You'll leave encouraged with practical ideas for making handicrafts a joyful and attainable part of your homeschool.

  5. Jul 15

    Conference Chats- Nature Study

    What if nature study was simpler than you thought? In this episode, Elise sits down with Lara Sheppard to discuss how nature study doesn't require expertise, expensive supplies, or elaborate plans. Learn how small, consistent moments of observation can cultivate wonder, deepen your appreciation for God's creation, and become one of the most life-giving parts of your homeschool.

  6. Jul 8

    Conference Chats- Middle School to High School Transition

    The middle school and high school years can feel a little intimidating. Questions start creeping in. Am I doing enough? Are we on the right track? What do these next few years need to look like? In this episode, Elise Thompson sits down with Rachel Byrd to talk through this important season. They discuss why so many homeschool moms feel the pressure as high school approaches, how Charlotte Mason's principles continue to guide us, and practical ways to prepare without losing sight of what really matters. If your oldest is entering middle school, or you're already homeschooling a teen, this conversation will encourage you to take a deep breath and keep faithfully doing the work that's in front of you. Rachel will also be teaching this topic live at the Charlotte Mason Enrichment Conference. While in-person registration has closed, you can still join us virtually at charlottemasonenrichment.com/virtual.

  7. Jun 24

    Conference Chats- Charlotte Mason for Beginners

    Are you new to homeschooling or curious about Charlotte Mason's philosophy? In this episode, Elise Thompson sits down with veteran homeschool mom Sarah Logsdon to discuss what a Charlotte Mason education is, common misconceptions, practical ways to get started, and why giving yourself grace is essential on the homeschool journey. Sarah also shares a preview of her conference session, Charlotte Mason for Beginners, designed to help families build a strong foundation and confidently take their next steps. Whether you're just starting out or looking to deepen your understanding, this conversation will leave you encouraged and equipped for the journey ahead

  8. Jun 18

    Conference Chats- Which Charlotte Mason Curriculum Should I Choose?

    Choosing a Charlotte Mason curriculum can feel overwhelming. With so many wonderful options available, how do you know which one is the best fit for your family? In this episode, Elise Thompson is joined by a panel of experienced Charlotte Mason educators and homeschooling mothers to discuss five popular curriculum options: • Ambleside Online • A Gentle Feast • The Alveary • Simply Charlotte Mason • Charlotte Mason Educational Center (CMEC) Together, we discuss the strengths of each curriculum, the mindset mothers should have when choosing a curriculum, and how to align your educational choices with your family's goals and season of life. Whether you're new to Charlotte Mason or considering a curriculum change, this conversation will help you move forward with greater clarity and confidence. Want to continue the conversation in person? This curriculum panel will also be featured at the 2026 Charlotte Mason Enrichment Conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma and virtually Learn more: www.charlottemasonenrichment.com/conference

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3 Ratings

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Join me and my friends as we journey together in implementing Charlotte Mason’s timeless principles for education and life.

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