Exploring the Charlotte Mason Method: Nurturing Hearts and Minds
In our series on homeschooling styles, we’re diving into each of the different ones. Today, I’ll be sharing an introduction to the Charlotte Mason Method. It’s an educational approach that focuses on a nurturing and immersive learning environment for your child. Whether you’re a new homeschooling mom or looking to add some Charlotte Mason-inspired elements to your existing routine, we’ve got a brief overview of what it is all about.
What is the Charlotte Mason Method?
The Charlotte Mason Method is an educational philosophy developed by British educator Charlotte Mason in the late 19th century. It emphasizes the formation of good habits, living books, nature study, art appreciation, and the development of a child’s whole person – mind, body, and soul.
Let’s explore each of these areas and see what that actually entails.
Living Books and Narration
Central to the Charlotte Mason Method is the use of living books, which are well-written, engaging books that spark imagination and evoke a love for learning. These books replace dry textbooks and encourage children to develop a relationship with knowledge.
Want to learn more about them check out our Guide to Living Books for New Homeschoolers.
Read our practical tips about reading aloud to your kids in your homeschooling journey.
After reading, children are encouraged to narrate or retell what they have learned, strengthening their comprehension and communication skills. Narration is such an important aspect for kids helping them to develop better understanding and is something that you can introduce easily. Check out our guide to Narration and Comprehension.
Nature Study
Another key aspect of this method is nature study. Even though we never strictly followed Charlotte Mason Nature Study and living books were the two areas that I incorporated consistently in our home education journey.
Nature Study, involves regular outdoor exploration and observation of the natural world. Take walks, identify plants and animals, keep nature journals, and develop a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world that is around you.
Want to discover more about Nature Study in the Charlotte Mason Method and how to get started then read our article on The Charlotte Mason Approach to Nature Study.
Art and Handicrafts
Charlotte Mason firmly believed that exposure to beautiful art and the opportunity to engage in handicrafts were vital for a child’s development.
We included art appreciation in our week by studying some famous artists from different time periods and discussing their techniques. As well as composers and architecture. Taking these studies your children can use the techniques, styles and knowledge to develop their own arts and music.
Handicrafts, such as knitting, woodworking, or sewing, help foster creativity and practical skills. There are so many handicrafts that you can do with your kids and many are endangered crafts that without people learning them and discovering their beauty will disappear completely.
Mathematics
The Charlotte Mason approach to math involves making the subject meaningful and engaging for children. Using “living math,” connecting mathematical concepts to real-life experiences. She emphasized that math lessons should be short and focused using manipulatives. Charlotte Mason believed in individual progress and mastery before moving on to new concepts, allowing children to build a strong foundation and gain confidence in their math skills.
If you would like to understand more about Mathematics and the Charlotte Mason method read our guide for homeschoolers on Math and Charlotte Mason.
Where to Find More Information
As I have said previously we incorporated areas of the Charlotte Mason Method into our home education journey but did not follow it to the letter. And that is fine. You really don’t have to, there are no rules to how you do your homeschooling.
If you want to know more about the Charlotte Mason Method and how you can incorporate it into your own homeschooling journey. Here are some of the sites that I drew on to get information and resources regularly.
- Simply Charlotte Mason This comprehensive website provides an array of resources, including curriculum guides, book lists, and articles explaining key principles of the Charlotte Mason Method.
- A Modern Charlotte Mason: This blog offers practical tips and personal experiences of a homeschooling mom who incorporates Charlotte Mason principles into her family’s daily routine.
- Ambleside Online: This free online curriculum is inspired by Charlotte Mason’s philosophy and provides a detailed guide for each grade level, including book recommendations, schedules, and resources.
- Charlotte Mason Institute: This organization is dedicated to promoting Charlotte Mason’s educational philosophy and offers conferences, workshops, and a wealth of resources for both new and experienced homeschooling parents.
Remember, the Charlotte Mason Method is highly adaptable, and you can tailor it to suit your family’s unique needs and circumstances. It’s all about creating an environment that nurtures your children’s hearts and minds, fosters a love for learning, and helps them grow into well-rounded individuals.
