Living books: What They Are And How To Find Them

“Living books” are a central concept in the Charlotte Mason method of education, but they can be used in any educational setting to foster a love of learning, promote critical thinking skills and provide a deeper understanding of the world. They are different from traditional textbooks in that they are written by people who have a passion for their subject and are written in a narrative style.

Have you ever found yourself absolutely pulled into a book, learning and growing from it without even realizing it? This is the power of living books and their ability to make capture the mind. This makes living books a powerful tool for teaching your kids.

What are living books?

“Living books” are books that are written by people who have a passion for their subject, and are written in a narrative style. They are characterized by:

:: A personal voice, often that of the author, which makes the subject come alive.

:: A deep understanding and appreciation of the subject matter.

:: A style that is engaging and interesting to read.

Examples of “living books” in different subject areas include:

History: “A Child’s History of the World” by V.M. Hillyer

Science: “The Voyage of the Beagle” by Charles Darwin

Literature: “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen

Biography: “The Diary of a Young Girl” by Anne Frank

The benefits of using living books

The benefits of using “living books” in education include:

Fostering a love of learning: “Living books” are often written by people who are passionate about their subject, and this passion is contagious. Children who read “living books” are more likely to develop a love of learning.

Promoting critical thinking skills: “Living books” often present multiple perspectives and ideas, which can encourage children to think critically about the world around them.

Providing a deeper understanding of the world: “Living books” are written by people who have a deep understanding and appreciation of their subject, which can provide children with a deeper understanding of the world.

How to find living books

To find “living books” for your homeschool or classroom, you can:

:: Look for books that are written by authors who have a passion for their subject.

:: Avoid textbooks and instead, opt for books that are written in a narrative style.

:: Make sure the books are age-appropriate for your child.

To evaluate a book to determine if it is a “living book” you can:

:: Check the author’s credentials and background to see if they have a deep understanding and passion for their subject.

:: Read a few pages of the book to see if it is written in a narrative style and if the author’s voice comes through.

:: Look for reviews or recommendations from other educators or homeschoolers to see if the book has been successful in fostering a love of learning and promoting critical thinking skills in other children.

“Living books” are an essential part of the Charlotte Mason method of education, but they can be used in any educational setting to foster a love of learning, promote critical thinking skills and provide a deeper understanding of the world.

They are written by people who have a passion for their subject and are written in a narrative style that is engaging and interesting to read.

By incorporating “living books” into your homeschool or classroom, you can provide children with a rich and varied education that goes beyond traditional textbooks. Additional resources for further learning about “living books” and their use in education can be found online, in libraries and in bookstores.