The Charlotte Mason Method of Homeschooling
Homeschooling has come a long way in the last century, partially due to innovative teachers like Charlotte Mason who dedicated a life time to developing a new philosophy for teaching children. There are many different ways to homeschool your child, but the Charlotte Mason method remains one of the most popular methods. If you’re considering homeschooling your children, you should research the different methods of homeschooling so that you can make an informed decision when you decide which method best suits your family. This article will present some of the highlights of the Charlotte Method way of homeschooling.
More and more parents today and choosing the Charlotte Mason method to homeschool their children. Charlotte Mason founded the homeschooling movement in the early 1900’s (1842-1923). Her enthusiasm and commitment to the education of children paved the way for a comprehensive and adaptable program. The foundation of the Charlotte Mason method of homeschooling is a focus on core subjects with an emphasis on classical music, fine arts and literature. Charlotte Mason dedicated her life to creating an effective educational program that would engage children and provide them with quality and lasting educational experiences.
Mason incorporates what she called ‘Living Books’ into the program, in place of dry factual textbooks often found in public schools. ‘Living Books’ are held in high value for Mason. Living books should be written by persons with passion for a particular subject. Also, the books should be written in conversational or narrative style. Books must be ‘alive’ and engaging in order to inspire a similar enthusiasm in the child. Mason shuns ‘twaddle,’ which are books or information that are dumbed down for children, insulting their intelligence and squashing their enthusiasm.
When it comes to reading, Mason believes that children must not only read a wide variety of literature but also learn to narrate what they have read in their own words. Children may narrate orally, in written form or even express the ideas they have read through art projects or drawings. This type of post reading narration ensures comprehension and digestion of the large amounts of information children are exposed to. Mason states that younger children may begin with drawings and oral narration but by the age of ten children should be able to incorporate some written narration into the program.
Mason advocates the use of ‘Nature Diaries.’ After a short and interesting lesson, the child is asked to observe Nature and draw what they perceive. This helps students develop a sense of respect for the environment. Regular nature study also paves the way for meaningful science instruction. Children should be encouraged to spend a significant amount of time outdoors so they can develop a relationship with nature and a love for it. If you ask your children to start a nature diary, let them know that the diary can include prose, pictures and poetry.
Mason held strongly to her belief that the development of good character and behavior was essential to the complete development of a child’s personality. Children must learn how to govern and discipline themselves. Mason encouraged parents and teachers to instill good habit such as respect, punctuality, cleanliness and patience in their children. Children should spend four to six weeks working on a new trait or skill until it becomes a habit. These are the cornerstones of the Charlotte Mason method. Homeschooling parents can find many ways to incorporate these practices into their homeschooling routines.
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