The Charlotte Mason Method And How To Use It With Your Kids
The Charlotte Mason method is an educational approach that emphasizes the use of “living books,” nature study, and narration to promote child development. It is an alternative to traditional education and has gained popularity among homeschooling families.
The Charlotte Mason method is right up my alley. As a bibliophile, I can’t get enough of books so naturally, I love to expose my kids to everything books. Charlotte Mason was a lover of engaging books that make learning natural through “living books”.
What is the Charlotte Mason Method
The Charlotte Mason method was developed by Charlotte Mason in the late 19th century. It is based on the belief that children should be exposed to rich and varied experiences, and that education should be a “feast” of ideas.
The key principles of the Charlotte Mason method include:
“Living books”: children are exposed to literature that is written by people who have a passion for their subject. This can include works of fiction, poetry, and non-fiction.
Nature study: children spend time observing and studying the natural world.
Narration: children are encouraged to narrate what they have learned, either orally or in writing.
A wide curriculum: the Charlotte Mason method includes a wide variety of subjects, such as science, history, literature, and the arts.
A focus on the child as a person: the Charlotte Mason method emphasizes the importance of educating the whole person, including their character and spiritual development.
The Charlotte Mason method differs from traditional education in its emphasis on “living books,” nature study, and narration, and its focus on educating the whole person. Traditional education often relies more on textbooks and lectures, and tends to focus on academic subjects.
How to implement the Charlotte Mason method in your homeschooling
To create a Charlotte Mason-inspired learning environment in your home, you can:
:: Create a library of “living books” for your child to read. These books should be written by people who have a passion for their subject, and can include works of fiction, poetry, and non-fiction.
:: Plan regular nature walks and outdoor activities for your child to observe and study the natural world.
:: Encourage your child to narrate what they have learned, either orally or in writing. This will help them to process and retain information better.
:: Create a curriculum that is wide and varied, including subjects such as science, history, literature, and the arts.
To choose appropriate “living books” and resources, 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 incorporate the Charlotte Mason method into your homeschooling schedule and curriculum, you can:
:: Allow your child to set their own schedule and goals.
:: Encourage your child to take ownership of their learning by giving them choices.
:: Plan regular nature walks and outdoor activities to observe and study the natural world.
:: Incorporate narration and composition into your curriculum.
The benefits of the Charlotte Mason method
The Charlotte Mason method can have many benefits for children, including:
:: Developing critical thinking skills and a love of learning
:: Fostering a deeper understanding of the world
:: Encouraging a sense of wonder and curiosity
Educating the whole person, including character and spiritual development
:: Encouraging a lifelong love of learning through the use of “living books”
:: Helping children develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of the natural world through nature study.
The Charlotte Mason method is an educational approach that emphasizes the use of “living books,” nature study, and narration to promote child development. It can be an effective way of homeschooling children and can have many benefits for children.
