What is Charlotte Mason Homeschooling?
Research from the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) shows that homeschooled students typically score 15 to 25 percentile points higher than public school students on standardized academic achievement tests. Charlotte Mason is one of the most widely adopted homeschool philosophies in the U.S., with surveys from homeschool communities consistently ranking it among the top three approaches alongside Classical and Eclectic methods.
Charlotte Mason homeschooling is an educational approach that emphasizes a rich, engaging learning experience for children. It’s centered around the belief that children are “born persons” with a natural curiosity about the world, deserving of a quality education that fosters their love for learning. This method prioritizes living books over traditional textbooks, narration as a primary form of assessment, and nature study to connect with the environment. If you’re considering this approach, you’re looking at a method that values character development, short lessons, and the cultivation of good habits.
Core Principles
Charlotte Mason's educational philosophy is built on several foundational principles that set it apart from other methods. Here are some key principles to keep in mind:
1. Living Books
Living books are engaging, well-written, and often narrative-based literature that inspire a love for reading. Instead of dry textbooks, Charlotte Mason encourages the use of these books to convey ideas and knowledge. For example, instead of a textbook on American history, you might read "Johnny Tremain" by Esther Forbes, which brings history to life through storytelling. To learn more about living books, check out our article on Living Books.
2. Narration
Narration is a technique where students retell what they have read or learned. This method encourages comprehension and retention. After reading a chapter, you might ask your child to summarize it in their own words. This can be done verbally or in writing. It helps develop critical thinking and communication skills.
3. Nature Study
Nature study is an integral part of the Charlotte Mason method. It encourages kids to observe and interact with the natural world. You might take a walk in a local park or your backyard, observing plants and animals, and keeping a nature journal. This practice not only enhances a child’s appreciation for nature but also builds scientific observation skills.
4. Short Lessons
Charlotte Mason advocated for short, focused lessons, typically lasting 15-20 minutes for younger children. This approach helps maintain attention and keeps learning enjoyable. For instance, instead of a long history lesson, you might spend 20 minutes reading about a historical figure followed by a narration exercise.
5. Habit Training
Habit training is about cultivating good habits in children, such as attention, obedience, and self-discipline. This can be as simple as establishing a daily reading time or encouraging your child to tidy up after themselves. The goal is to help children develop routines that will benefit them throughout their lives.
How to Get Started
Embarking on your Charlotte Mason homeschooling journey can feel overwhelming, but it can be broken down into manageable steps. Here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Research and Understand the Philosophy
Make sure you grasp the foundational principles of the Charlotte Mason method. Reading her original works, like "Home Education" or "School Education," can be insightful. You can also explore resources like Simply Charlotte Mason for practical guidance.
Step 2: Choose Your Curriculum
Select a curriculum that aligns with Charlotte Mason principles. A great starting point is AmblesideOnline, a free, comprehensive curriculum based on her philosophy. Alternatively, you might consider purchasing resources from Simply Charlotte Mason for a more structured approach.
Step 3: Gather Living Books
Start building a library of living books. You can find recommendations online, in homeschooling forums, or at your local library. Look for titles that spark interest and align with your current studies.
Step 4: Plan Your Year
Create a flexible yearly plan that outlines subjects and topics. Focus on a few key areas and allow for exploration. You might choose to cover history, literature, nature study, and art, rotating through subjects weekly or bi-weekly.
Step 5: Establish a Daily Schedule
Draft a daily schedule that includes time for reading, narration, nature study, and habit training. Keep it light and enjoyable, allowing for breaks and unstructured playtime.
A Typical Day / What It Looks Like
A typical day in a Charlotte Mason homeschool may look something like this:
Morning Routine
Start with a morning read-aloud session using a living book. Perhaps you’re reading "The Wind in the Willows" by Kenneth Grahame. Spend about 20 minutes reading and then allow your child to narrate what they’ve heard.
Mid-Morning Lessons
After the read-aloud, have a short lesson on nature study. You might head outside to observe the changing leaves and sketch them in a nature journal. Spend about 30 minutes on this.
Lunch Break
Take a break for lunch, allowing time for kids to play and unwind.
Afternoon Learning
In the afternoon, focus on a history lesson. Read a chapter from a living book about a historical event, like the American Revolution. Follow this with a narration session.
Habit Training Time
End the day with some habit training. This could include tidying up the learning space together or practicing a musical instrument for 15 minutes.
Pros and Cons
Every homeschooling method has its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s an honest assessment of the Charlotte Mason approach:
Pros
- Fosters a Love for Learning: The use of living books and engaging materials makes learning enjoyable.
- Encourages Critical Thinking: Narration and discussions promote deep understanding and critical thinking skills.
- Flexible and Child-Centered: Lessons can be adjusted to suit your child’s interests and pace.
- Nurtures Character Development: Habit training fosters good habits and character in children.
- Emphasizes Nature: Regular nature study helps kids appreciate the environment and develop observational skills.
Cons
- Time-Consuming: Finding quality living books and planning lessons can take significant time.
- Requires Parental Involvement: Parents need to be active participants, which may be challenging for busy families.
- Less Structured: The flexibility may be overwhelming for some who prefer a more rigid schedule.
- Initial Learning Curve: Understanding and implementing the Charlotte Mason philosophy can take time and adjustment.
Resources and Curriculum
When it comes to resources and curriculum for Charlotte Mason homeschooling, there are plenty of options available:
- AmblesideOnline: A free, structured curriculum based on Charlotte Mason's philosophy. It offers a comprehensive plan and reading lists for various grades.
- Simply Charlotte Mason: Provides resources, books, and planning tools that align with Charlotte Mason principles.
- Charlotte Mason Companion by Karen Andreola: A great book for parents new to the method, providing practical advice and insights.
- A Charlotte Mason Education by Catherine Levison: This book offers a step-by-step guide to implementing Charlotte Mason principles in your homeschool.
- Nature Journals: Invest in simple notebooks for your kids to document their nature studies.
Next Steps
As you explore the Charlotte Mason method, consider diving deeper into specific aspects of it by checking out related articles. Learn more about Living Books to enrich your curriculum. You can also explore other homeschooling methods in our methods section to see how they compare with Charlotte Mason. Whether you choose to fully embrace this approach or adapt it, remember that the goal is to create a nurturing, engaging learning environment for your child. Enjoy the journey!
