Educational Approach: Charlotte Mason

The Charlotte Mason approach breaks from the traditional mold of how we would typically define education. It is a liberal arts style of education in that it introduces subjects such as foreign language, music, and art while the children are still quite young. All academic subjects are studied using books of the highest literary quality rather than solely using textbooks.

Short lessons are implemented in order to aid in creating the habit of perfect attention on the part of the student and in order to cover a large variety of subjects in a reasonable amount of time.

The extensive use of narration, which is simply the “telling back” of information, is used in all subject matters in order to ensure that the students have indeed learned and comprehended the subject matter. Initially, narration is exclusively oral but as the child matures, the child begins to narrate what they have learned by writing. The art of composition is not introduced until the child is older and most capable of learning it without frustration.

Nature study is studied on a regular basis and aids in training the child to fine tune their habit of observation as well as create a greater appreciation for our Creator. Handicrafts, most easily described as life skills, are focused on with regularity as well as academic subjects. Handicrafts are skills that assist the child in their adult life.

In a nutshell, the Charlotte Mason method of education is a method in which the child forms a relationship with the many aspects of knowledge that are available. The love of learning and self-education are the ultimate goal while maintaining the highest standards during the life long process.

History
Charlotte Mason lived during the late 19th and early 20th centuries and was a dedicated teacher who loved children and loved learning. As a result of her dissatisfaction with the English schools of her day she developed and encouraged teaching methods that could be used by parents in the home.

She did extensive writing and eventually opened schools in which to train teachers to use her methods. Sadly, most of those schools no longer exist in Europe. In 1989, Charlotte’s wisdom returned to the world of education, thanks to a well-known homeschooling couple, named Dean & Karen Andreola. The Andreolas made a request to Tyndale House publishing to print Charlotte’s 6 volume series entitled The Original Home Education Series. Tyndale House published the books and since that time, Charlotte’s ideas on education have seen a tremendous revitalization within the homeschooling movement within the United States.

Sample day
We begin our day with a short study of the scriptures and prayer. Periodically, we also incorporate the study of hymns into our morning devotion time. Next, the older children will study independently while I work with our youngest child covering phonics instruction, math and copywork. The older children will read their science, history, literature and foreign language during this time. They will also practice their music instruments and work on math, copywork, and speech and debate assignments during this time.

After lunch the older kids and I will work together on writing (composition), dictation and grammar, art or music appreciation and read aloud. Late afternoons are spent working on life skills (handicrafts), going to band practice, spending time outdoors and chores.

What it is not:

• It is not child directed.
• It is not unschooling.
• It is not unit studies.
• It is not technically a classical approach to education although it is similar.

Pros:

• The method is a relaxed, gentle, and natural style of learning.
• The method does not require an abundance of expensive curriculum.
• Library books can be utilized in most areas of study.
• Children will be exposed to an exceptional quality of literature.
• Children will have an introduction to the humanities at a young age.
• Afternoon hours are free for unstructured playtime and handicrafts.
• Homework, or additional work outside of normal studies, is usually not necessary.
• The parent or teacher presents few lectures.
• Work during the younger years relies heavily on the use oral language.

Cons:

• Some believe that the method leaves the child with gaps in their knowledge.
• Prepackaged curriculum is not available.
• Children coming from a traditional school setting may find it difficult to transition to this style of learning.
• The method may be difficult for the parent to implement if they are insecure in their own abilities.
• The parent will need to spend some time searching for literature.

Prepared by Teri White

A Charlotte Mason Companion: Personal Reflections on the Gentle Art of Learning By Karen Andreola List price: $19.99 Amazon price: $14.39 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours

Keeping a Nature Journal: Discover a Whole New Way of Seeing the World Around You By Clare Walker Leslie, Charles E. Roth List price: $18.95 Amazon price: $12.89 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours

A Charlotte Mason Education By Catherine Levison List price: $10.99 Amazon price: $8.79 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours

Handbook of Nature Study
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When Children Love to Learn: A Practical Application of Charlotte Mason's Philoso...
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Charlotte Mason's Original Homeschooling Series
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More Charlotte Mason Education
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Charlotte Mason Summaries
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Simply Grammar: An Illustrated Primer
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Pocketful of Pinecones: Nature Study With the Gentle Art of Learning : A Story fo...
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Home Education in Modern English: Volume 1 of Charlotte Mason's Series
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Charlotte Mason Study Guide
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For the Family's Sake: The Value of Home in Everyone's Life
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For the Love of Learning: Information and Resources for combining Charlotte Mason...
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