REFERENCE LIST OF HABITS

The mother who takes pains to endow her children with good habits secures for
herself smooth and easy days.—Charlotte Mason

Charlotte likened good habits to rails on which our children’s lives could run
smoothly. It is the parent’s business to lay down those rails. — Sonya Shafer,
Laying Down The Rails

MENTAL HABITS

Attention: Turning the whole force of the mind to the subject in hand; the fixed gaze of the
mind

Imagining: Forming a mental image of something that is not present

Meditation: Following out a subject to all its issues

Memorizing: Storing information in the mind

Mental Effort: Exerting oneself to apply the mind

Observation: Seeing fully and in detail

Perfect Execution: Working carefully with one’s hands with an aim at “perfect”

Reading for Instruction: Reading with the mind fully engaged so as to learn something

Remembering: Recalling at will knowledge stored in the memory

Thinking: The actual labor of the brain; a real conscious effort of mind

Accuracy: Freedom from mistake or error; conforming to truth or to a standard

Concentration: Actively engaged on a given problem rather than passively receptive

Reflection: Ruminating on what we have received

Thoroughness: Dissatisfaction with a slipshod, imperfect grasp of a subject

This list is compiled from Laying Down the Rails by Sonya Shafer and available at
http://simplycharlottemason.com/store/laying-down-rails-charlotte-mason-habits//
 REFERENCE LIST OF HABITS

DECENCY & PROPRIETY HABITS

Cleanliness: Careful to keep clean

Courtesy: Behavior marked by respect for and consideration of others

Kindness: Friendly regard shown toward another

Manners: Social rules of conduct shown in the prevalent customs

Modesty & Purity: Propriety in dress, speech, or conduct; being morally pure in conduct
and intention

Neatness: Everything in a suitable place, so as to produce a good effect

Order: To put things into their proper places; organize; straighten out so as to eliminate
confusion

Regularity: Adhering to a schedule or routine

Candor: Freedom from prejudice or malice; fairness to the opinions of others; frank,
honest, or sincere expression

Courage: Mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or
difficulty

Diligence: Steady, earnest, and energetic effort

Fortitude:

Generosity: Liberal in giving

Gentleness: Mildness of manners or disposition; free from harshness, sternness, or

violence

Meekness: Enduring injury without resentment

Patience: Bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint; not hasty or impetuous;
steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity

Respect for Other People:

Temperance: Moderation in action, thought, or feeling; restraint

Thrift: Careful management, especially of money

This list is compiled from Laying Down the Rails by Sonya Shafer and available at
http://simplycharlottemason.com/store/laying-down-rails-charlotte-mason-habits//
 REFERENCE LIST OF HABITS

MORAL HABITS

Integrity: Firm adherence to a code of values; being a good steward of all that we possess

Obedience: Submitting to the restraint or command of authority

Personal Initiative: Acting at one’s own discretion, independently of outside influence or

control

Reverence: Consideration for others; respect for person and property

Self-Control: Keeping back the expression of our passions and emotions

Sweet, Even Temper: Making the best of things; looking on the bright side

Truthfulness: Aligning words and actions in accordance with fact

Usefulness: Offering valuable or productive service

RELIGIOUS HABITS

Regularity in Devotions: Having a personal time of prayer, praise, and Bible reading

Reverent Attitude: Expressing worship in one’s demeanor and actions

Sunday-Keeping: Setting aside Sunday to focus especially on God and to rest from
everyday pursuits

Thanksgiving: Being grateful to God for all His blessings

Thought of God: Thinking rightly about God throughout each day’s events

This list is compiled from Laying Down the Rails by Sonya Shafer and available at
http://simplycharlottemason.com/store/laying-down-rails-charlotte-mason-habits//
 REFERENCE LIST OF HABITS

PHYSICAL HABITS

Alertness to Seize Opportunities: Being aware of ways to serve in your surroundings and
taking the initiative to do them

Fortitude: Bearing hardship or discomfort with courage

Health: Taking good care of your body, through nutrition, hygiene, exercise, and rest

Managing One’s Own Body: Knowing where one’s body parts are in space and being
able to use them to best advantage

Music: Singing in tune

Outdoor Life: Regularly enjoying and studying God’s creation outdoors

Quick Perception of Senses: Being aware of things around you that you can see, hear,
feel, taste, or smell

Self-Control in Emergencies: Thinking clearly and keeping emotions in check no matter

the circumstances

Self-Discipline in Habits: Regulating oneself to continue doing the good habits learned

Self-Restraint in Indulgences: Enjoying pleasure in moderation; not being controlled by

desire

Training the Ear and Voice: Hearing and pronouncing words accurately

This list is compiled from Laying Down the Rails by Sonya Shafer and available at
http://simplycharlottemason.com/store/laying-down-rails-charlotte-mason-habits//