The Charlotte Mason Philosophy

Charlotte Mason believed that education should focus on the formation of a child’s character, instilling good habits, and nurturing a lifelong love of learning. She emphasized the importance of a well-rounded education, which she referred to as a “feast” of ideas. The Charlotte Mason method is centered around six key principles:

  1. Children are born persons: Charlotte Mason believed that children are unique individuals with their thoughts, feelings, and capacity for learning. This principle underscores the importance of respecting the child’s individuality and treating them as capable learners.
  2. Education is an atmosphere: Mason believed that a significant part of a child’s education is formed by the environment in which they learn. A nurturing and stimulating atmosphere encourages learning and character development.
  3. Education is a discipline: This principle highlights the importance of instilling good habits in children from a young age. Mason believed that consistent training in habits such as attention, obedience, and diligence would result in an easier and more successful educational journey.
  4. Education is a life: According to Mason, learning should be a lifelong process, and education should be about more than just acquiring information. She emphasized the importance of nurturing a child’s curiosity and natural desire to learn.
  5. Ideas are the food of the mind: Mason believed that children should be exposed to a rich variety of ideas through great literature, art, music, and nature. This principle emphasizes the value of providing children with a “feast” of ideas to fuel their minds and foster intellectual growth.
  6. The role of the educator: Charlotte Mason believed that the role of the educator is to guide and facilitate learning, rather than to dictate and control. This principle encourages a more gentle and respectful approach to teaching.

Key Components of the Charlotte Mason Method

Living Books: One of the hallmarks of the Charlotte Mason method is the use of living books, which are engaging, well-written, and often written by experts in their fields. These books bring subjects to life and provide children with a rich and immersive learning experience. Living books are used to teach a wide range of subjects, including history, science, and literature.

Narration: Narration is a cornerstone of the Charlotte Mason method. After reading or listening to a passage from a living book, children are asked to retell the content in their own words. This exercise helps develop comprehension, attention, and critical thinking skills.

Nature Study: Charlotte Mason believed that children should spend ample time outdoors, exploring and observing the natural world. Nature study encourages children to develop a deep connection with nature, cultivates observational skills, and lays the foundation for the study of science.

Art and Music Appreciation: The Charlotte Mason method emphasizes the importance of exposing children to great works of art and music. Children study the works of famous artists and composers, learn about their lives, and develop their own artistic and musical skills through hands-on activities.

Copywork, Dictation, and Handwriting: These activities are used to teach grammar, spelling, and writing skills. Children begin with simple copywork exercises, progress to dictation, and eventually practice composing their own written work.

Short Lessons and a Varied Schedule: Charlotte Mason advocated for

short, focused lessons to maintain a child’s attention and interest. A typical homeschool day using the Charlotte Mason method includes a variety of subjects, with each lesson lasting between 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the age and ability of the child.

Foreign Language: The Charlotte Mason method emphasizes the importance of learning foreign languages from a young age. Children are introduced to foreign languages through conversation, songs, and stories, with the aim of developing both oral and written proficiency.

History and Geography: These subjects are taught using living books, biographies, and historical fiction, which bring the past to life and provide children with a broader understanding of the world. Children also learn geography through map work, nature study, and the study of cultures and peoples.

Math: The Charlotte Mason method encourages the use of manipulatives and real-life situations to teach mathematical concepts. Children are introduced to new concepts gradually, with an emphasis on understanding rather than rote memorization.

Science: Science education in the Charlotte Mason method begins with nature study, which fosters a child’s curiosity and observational skills. As children grow older, they are introduced to more formal scientific concepts through living books and hands-on experiments.

Literature and Poetry: Children are introduced to classic literature and poetry from a young age. The Charlotte Mason method encourages the study of whole books and the appreciation of well-written, morally uplifting literature.

Implementing the Charlotte Mason Method in Your Homeschool

  1. Create a stimulating learning environment: To implement the Charlotte Mason method effectively, it is essential to create a nurturing and engaging learning environment for your child. Surround your child with good books, beautiful art, and opportunities to explore nature. Encourage a love of learning by exposing your child to a wide range of subjects and ideas.
  2. Develop a daily routine: Establishing a consistent daily routine is crucial for maintaining good habits and ensuring a well-rounded education. Plan your homeschool day to include a variety of subjects and activities, keeping lessons short and focused to maintain your child’s attention and interest.
  3. Use living books: Replace traditional textbooks with living books that bring subjects to life and foster a love of learning. Look for engaging, well-written books by authors who are passionate about their subjects. Use these books as the basis for your lessons, supplementing with additional resources as needed.
  4. Encourage narration: After reading or listening to a passage from a living book, ask your child to retell the content in their own words. This practice helps develop comprehension, attention, and critical thinking skills. As your child becomes more proficient in narration, encourage them to write their narrations as well.
  5. Incorporate nature study: Schedule a regular time for outdoor exploration and nature study. Encourage your child to observe their surroundings, keep a nature journal, and learn about the plants, animals, and ecosystems in their local area.
  6. Integrate art and music appreciation: Expose your child to great works of art and music by studying the lives and works of famous artists and composers. Encourage your child to develop their own artistic and musical skills through hands-on activities and practice.
  7. Teach foreign languages: Begin teaching foreign languages at a young age, using conversation, songs, and stories to develop both oral and written proficiency. Choose a language that is relevant to your family or your child’s interests, and incorporate language learning into your daily routine.
  8. Emphasize history and geography: Teach history and geography through living books, biographies, and historical fiction. Use maps, timelines, and hands-on activities to help your child develop a broader understanding of the world and its history.
  9. Focus on math and science: Teach math using manipulatives and real-life situations, and science through nature study, living books, and hands-on experiments. Encourage your child to explore new concepts gradually and focus on understanding rather than rote memorization.
  10. Cultivate a love for literature and poetry: Introduce your child to classic literature and poetry, encouraging them to read widely and appreciate well-written, morally uplifting works. Discuss the themes and ideas presented in the books and poems, fostering critical thinking and a love of language.
  11. Practice copywork, dictation, and handwriting: Use these activities to teach grammar, spelling, and writing skills. Start with simple copywork exercises, progress to dictation, and eventually encourage your child to compose their own written work.
  12. Adapt the method to your child’s individual needs: While the Charlotte Mason method provides a solid foundation for a well-rounded education, it is essential to adapt the approach to your child’s unique needs, interests, and abilities. Be flexible in your implementation of the method, and make adjustments as needed to ensure your child’s educational success.

Conclusion

The Charlotte Mason method offers a rich and engaging educational approach that nurtures a child’s natural curiosity and desire to learn. By focusing on living books, nature study, art and music appreciation, and the development of good habits, the Charlotte Mason homeschooling style helps cultivate a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.

As a new homeschooler, implementing the Charlotte Mason method may seem daunting at first. However, by understanding the key principles of this approach and taking the time to plan and prepare, you can create a homeschool environment that fosters your child’s intellectual, emotional, and moral growth. Embrace the Charlotte Mason method and embark on a rewarding educational journey with your child.