Sonya Shafer is a popular homeschool speaker and writer, specializing in the Charlotte Mason method. She has been on an adventure for more than 25 years—studying, researching, practicing, and teaching Charlotte’s gentle and effective methods of education. Her passion for homeschooling her own four daughters grew first into helping others and then into Simply Charlotte Mason, which publishes her many books and provides a place of practical encouragement to homeschoolers at simplycharlottemason.com.
Check out Sonya’s podcast–or even sign up for the free weekly email–to find out everything you need about getting started and continuing with Charlotte Mason method.
Charlotte Mason method is often described in terms of curriculum, teaching style, and books. But Charlotte Mason is actually much more than a curriculum. In this podcast, Sonya talks about lifestyle and more with Amber O’Neal Johnston.
When More Is Less:
A Call to Simplicity in Life & Learning
It’s easy to get caught up in the mentality that we’ve got to add more—we must do more, we must get more, and our children must study more. More, more, more! But the funny thing is that, when we keep adding more, we usually end up with less of what really matters. Discover the richness that simplicity can bring to your schedule, your home, and your children’s education.
One Word Can Change Everything: The Strong Weak-Willed Child
When Sonya realized how Charlotte Mason defined strong-willed vs. weak-willed, it completely changed her attitude toward her children. If you feel like you are constantly butting heads in a battle of the wills, this session could revolutionize how you view your child. Discover helpful ideas that can relieve the tension, refresh your perspective, and restore the peace.
Not What I Had Planned
As homeschool parents we spend a lot of time and energy making plans for our students, our days, our homes—our lives! And that’s good. But what do you do when your plans are interrupted? In April 2024, Sonya was diagnosed with breast cancer, and life suddenly didn’t look anything like she had planned. As she floundered through the next several months, God graciously met her where she was and reassured her that this unexpected bend in the road was not a surprise to Him. In fact, He had planned this part of her story all along. In this session she will share spiritual truth and practical ideas for when you walk through uncertain times and are challenged to let go of your own plans and trust God’s plans.
Five Flavors of Homeschooling
The world of homeschooling is a lot like the world of food. You know that you want to provide nutritious meals for your children’s minds, but there are so many possibilities for what that food could look like and taste like. Join Sonya for a simple overview of five main flavors of homeschooling: traditional, classical, Charlotte Mason, unit studies, unschooling. Find your preferred flavor and learn how to shop for a successful homeschool menu.
Keep It Simple: Teach Your Whole Family Together
Save time and money by teaching most school subjects to all of your students together. Join Sonya for practical strategies to lower your stress level, provide a well-rounded education, and help you and your children build sweet memories. Learn how to keep it simple by teaching your whole family together with Charlotte Mason methods!
We Chose to Homeschool…Now What? A Panel Conversation
Whether you’re beginning homeschooling with your preschoolers or you’ve transitioned your children from public or private school, you may be left wondering, now what? Join Chris Davidson/Gretchen Roe (M), Sonya Shafer, Dr. Rochelle Mathews-Somerville, and Karim Morato as they discuss the exciting and sometimes daunting transition into the new world of homeschooling. Let this team of veteran homeschoolers demystify homeschooling through sharing homeschool terminology and providing a framework for this grand adventure you’re beginning. We’ll discuss everything from how to choose a curriculum to planning your days and setting priorities.
