What is Charlotte Mason Homeschooling?
Are you searching for a homeschool method that fosters a love for learning while nurturing your child’s natural curiosity? The Charlotte Mason method might be exactly what you need.
If you're curious about Charlotte Mason homeschooling and wondering how to get started, you're not alone! Many parents are drawn to this educational philosophy for its unique approach and lasting benefits.
With deep ties to whole-child education, the Charlotte Mason method of homeschooling holds the belief that character and intellect are equally important to each individual. And quite frankly, we feel it captivates a beautiful design for home education.
Charlotte Mason Homeschooling for Beginners
In this post, we’ll dive into the world of Charlotte Mason homeschooling—a timeless educational approach that’s both flexible and rich in content. Whether you’re new to homeschooling or looking to refine your current practices, this overview will provide you with key insights into Charlotte Mason’s principles, benefits, and practical steps to start implementing this method in your homeschool.
If you're learning toward the Charlotte Mason approach, then you're in the right place!
Who Was Charlotte Mason?
Charlotte Mason was a British educator in the late 19th and early 20th centuries who revolutionized education with her holistic and child-centered approach.
Her philosophy emphasized respect for children as persons, the importance of cultivating good habits, and the use of great literature through living books rather than dry textbooks.
Her experiences had a heavy emphasis on developing her ideals. Charlotte Mason's methods for education appeal to home educators because of her “whole person” ideals and personal reflections for the homeschooling mom.
Ms. Mason believed that education is an atmosphere, a discipline, and a life, encapsulating her vision of nurturing well-rounded individuals. Her philosophy was rooted in the idea that children are not mere vessels to be filled with facts, but persons to be nurtured through engaging, meaningful learning experiences.
Key principles of the Charlotte Mason approach include:
- Respecting Children as Individuals: Treating each child as a person with unique abilities and potential.
- Education as Life: Learning should be integrated into everyday experiences.
- The Habit of Attention: Fostering focus and concentration through short, engaging lessons.
One of the most widely accepted routines that have come from Charlotte Mason's philosophy of education has been Morning Time.
For most of the Charlotte Mason community, morning time is a liturgy. A time that the family spends together to cultivate an atmosphere of truth, goodness, and beauty. Typically, morning time includes the 3 R's; ritual, recitation, and reading.
An Atmosphere, Discipline, and A Life
One of Mason's most popular philosophies is her holistic approach to education where it becomes atmosphere, a discipline, and a life. But what exactly does that mean?
Atmosphere
When Miss Mason said that learning is an atmosphere, she isn't referencing a physical area or a geographical point where we practice learning but instead, an immersive experience that happens as easily as the breath you breathe.
An atmosphere of learning is freely living among educational values and a natural home environment that fosters exploration both in its walls and out of them.
By the saying, Education is an atmosphere, it is not meant that a child should be isolated in what may be called a ‘child environment,’ especially adapted and prepared; but that we should take into account the educational value of his natural home atmosphere, both as regards persons and things, and should let him live freely among his proper conditions. It stultifies a child to bring down his world to a ‘child’s’ level.”
Charlotte Mason
Discipline
Charlotte Mason deeply believed in the formation of good habits that help them in all aspects of life. Through routine, observation, and exploration, children can learn good habits that help them become good people.
Because education is not only intellect, but it's also emotional. Mason believed in heavily studying nature. And who could blame her? When you see the handiwork of the Father in nature you experience joy, gratitude, and emotional connection.
By ensuring that education is a discipline, you are cultivating human characteristics, and Christian characteristics, like empathy, compassion, thankfulness, kindness, and more!
The discipline of habit is at least a third part of the great whole which we call education.”
Charlotte Mason
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Life
Mason believed that a child's home environment is a big part of their education and that the ideas that rule a parent's life make up one-third of a child's education.
To ensure that education was living, she often communicated through art appreciation, music, and great ideas of men and women in the past. So Charlotte used picture study and music study as part of her generous curriculum.
“In the early years of the child’s life it makes, perhaps, little apparent difference whether his parents start with the notion that to educate is to fill a receptacle, inscribe a tablet, mold plastic matter, or nourish a life; but in the end we shall find that only those ideas which have fed his life are taken into the being of the child; all the rest is thrown away, or worse, is like sawdust in the system; an impediment and an injury to the vital processes.”
Charlotte Mason
The Benefits of Charlotte Mason Homeschooling
Why might you choose the Charlotte Mason method for your homeschooling journey? Here are some compelling reasons:
- Cultivates a Love for Learning: Charlotte Mason’s approach instills a lifelong love of learning. By using living books, encouraging curiosity through nature study, and fostering creativity, children learn to enjoy the process of learning rather than just focusing on outcomes.
- Holistic Development and Education: The Charlotte Mason method nurtures the whole child—mind, body, and spirit. It’s not just about academic achievement; it’s about developing a well-rounded individual who loves learning and is curious about the world.
- Flexible Structure: The adaptable framework allows you to tailor the curriculum to fit your family's needs. One of the greatest strengths of the Charlotte Mason method is its flexibility. It can be adapted to suit different families, weekly schedules, and educational needs, making it an ideal choice for a variety of homeschooling styles.
Choosing this method means investing in an enriching educational experience that goes beyond academics. It's about fostering a genuine love for knowledge in your children!
Core Components of a Charlotte Mason Education
So what makes up a Charlotte Mason education? Let's break down the core components; living books, nature study, narration, short and focused lessons, and habit formation.
- Living Books: Charlotte Mason championed the use of “living books”—texts that are well-written, engaging, and full of rich ideas. Unlike dry textbooks, living books spark a child’s imagination and make subjects come alive.
Living books cover a range of topics, from history to science, and are often written by passionate experts. They’re stories that stick with children long after the book is closed, making learning a deeply personal and memorable experience. - Nature Study: Nature study is an essential component of the Charlotte Mason approach. It involves spending time outdoors, observing the natural world, and developing a sense of wonder and appreciation for creation.
Children are encouraged to keep nature journals where they can sketch what they see, write observations, and learn the names of plants and animals. This hands-on learning fosters a deep connection with the environment and enhances their scientific understanding. - Narration: Narration is a cornerstone of Charlotte Mason’s method. After reading a passage from a living book, children are encouraged to recount what they’ve learned in their own words. This process helps them process and retain the material, and it’s more effective than rote memorization.
Narration can be used across all subjects and is a simple yet powerful way to develop critical thinking and communication skills. - Short, Focused Lessons: Brief but concentrated lessons keep students' attention sharp.
Charlotte Mason advocated for short lessons—usually no more than 20 minutes for younger children and up to 45 minutes for older ones. The idea is to maintain the child’s full attention and avoid fatigue, making learning more effective.
By keeping lessons short, you can cover a wide range of subjects each day, ensuring a balanced and varied educational experience. - Habit Formation: Charlotte Mason placed great importance on habit formation as part of character development. She believed that good habits, such as attention, obedience, and neatness, should be cultivated early on and reinforced consistently.
By focusing on habit training, you can help your child develop the discipline and self-control needed for lifelong learning and success.
These components work together harmoniously to create a vibrant educational environment.
Creating Your Charlotte Mason Curriculum
Build Your Own Unit Study is designed to help you create an engaging and effective unit study that will cater to your child’s unique interests, learning style, and educational goals.
By crafting your own unit studies, you have the opportunity to ignite a love for learning, foster interdisciplinary connections, and cultivate a deeper understanding of the world around us. Get ready for an adventure of educational exploration and creativity!
Ready to start crafting your own curriculum? Here's how you can get started with a Charlotte Mason homeschool experience.
- Selecting Living Books and Resources: Choose books that resonate with your child's interests and cover various subjects like history, science, literature, and more. Look for books that tell stories rather than just present facts.
These books are narrative-driven, rich in language, and written by knowledgeable authors. - Planning Your Day/Week with Flexibility: Establish a routine but remain flexible. Incorporate different activities such as reading time, nature walks, art projects, and hands-on experiments.
Lesson time should be thought out and applicable. Remember to keep lessons brief and engaging, and allow time for your child’s natural curiosity to guide their learning. - Implement Narration: Introduce narration by having your child retell a short passage from a living book. Encourage them to use their own words, and gradually increase the complexity of the material as they become more comfortable with the process.
TIP: Narration is a great tool for gauging your child's understanding of the presented material. - Incorporating Nature Walks and Hands-On Activities: Make regular outings to parks or nature reserves part of your schedule. Encourage drawing plants or animals they observe or even starting a small garden at home.
You can gradually expand your studies to include specific topics like botany or ornithology.
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Build Your Own Nature Study will inspire you and provide you with the tools and resources to create your very own nature study adventures. By delving into the wonders of the natural world, your children will deepen their understanding of the environment and develop valuable skills.
With these steps, you'll create an engaging Charlotte Mason-style curriculum that keeps learning dynamic!
Practical Tips for Beginners
Starting can feel overwhelming, but don't worry; here are some practical tips:
- Start Small and Build Gradually: Begin with one or two components of the Charlotte Mason method before adding more elements over time.
- Connect with Other Families: Join local or online groups where you can share experiences, resources, and encouragement.
- Utilize Digital Resources: There are many websites offering free guides, lesson plans, audiobooks, and other materials tailored to the Charlotte Mason method.
Remember, it's okay to take baby steps! Every little effort contributes to building a solid educational foundation.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Check out these encouraging Charlotte Mason webinars.
Every homeschooling journey comes with its challenges. Here’s how you can tackle common issues:
- Addressing Doubts and Fears: It's natural to have concerns about whether you're doing enough or if this method will work for your child. Trust in the process and seek support from experienced homeschoolers.
- Managing Multiple Age Groups: Use combined lessons where possible (like family read-alouds) while also giving older children independent tasks.
- Balancing Structure with Freedom: Create a flexible schedule that allows freedom within structure—plan specific times for certain activities but leave room for spontaneous exploration.
By facing these challenges head-on with practical solutions, you'll find balance in your homeschooling life.
Resources for Further Learning
- Books: For the Children’s Sake by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay is a great starting point for understanding Charlotte Mason’s principles. Also A Charlotte Mason Companion: Personal Reflections on the Gentle Art of Learning by Karen Andreola, Modern Miss Mason by Leah Boden, and A Charlotte Mason Education by Catherine Levison.
- Websites and Communities: Explore online communities on social media and browse free curriculum for companies like Ambleside Online or Simply Charlotte Mason.
What about CM resources?
Don’t miss our upcoming Charlotte Mason Collection, filled with resources that will help you bring this educational approach to life in your homeschool. Get on the waitlist to be notified when it's live!
Charlotte Mason homeschooling is a rich, flexible, and effective way to educate your children. By incorporating living books, narration, nature study, and habit formation into your homeschool, you can create a learning environment that is both engaging and fulfilling.
Ready to begin your Charlotte Mason homeschooling journey? Join our online community today to connect with other homeschool families.
