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Charlotte Mason Education
Charlotte Mason was a nineteenth century British educator
and writer who started her own schools so that she could
implement her ideas and philosophies. A surface examination
of her methods can leave the impression that they are
simplistic and too idealistic to be effective; however,
her six-volume series on education proves differently.
Miss Mason was a keen, well-educated thinker who had
opinions on every aspect of the life of a child: teaching
a baby to appreciate clean hands, recommending that
windows be open a bit even on the coldest of days, and
sheets be aired before making beds. She was a great
believer in the benefits of fresh air, exercise, and
time spent in an open country setting. She believed
that setting good habits early in childhood was of primary
importance, especially the habits of close attention
and observation. Her belief was that education should
encompass all of life, and that it took place most effectively
in real-life settings rather than places artificially
arranged to provide it.
When it came to the various aspects of formal education
and curriculum, she firmly felt that children are capable
of dealing with real ideas and real knowledge. Therefore,
constant first-hand exposure to great literature and
other works of art and music were the core and foundation
of her lessons and curriculum. These she termed “living
books,” and anything else was disparaged as “twaddle,”
that is, anything which talked down to children, attempted
to pre-digest knowledge, or simply had no redeeming
value in presenting ideas or knowledge.
The main components of a Charlotte Mason Education
Short lessons done well are preferred over
lessons which become too long and tiresome, and result
in loss of attention and sloppy work.
Time spent outside, in all sorts of weather,
is given high priority, especially for younger children.
Some of it is directed time for nature study, some for
free play. Regular time is set aside for older students
to practice daily exercise.
Attention is given to developing good habits
in all areas of life. “Habit is ten natures,”
was Miss Mason’s philosophy – that is, good
habits can overcome inborn character weaknesses.
Daily narration is of primary importance.
After a child listens to or reads a piece of literature,
he tells the story back to the teacher. This encourages
the habit of reading and listening with close attention.
Children do not begin to write their narrations until
about age 10.
Copywork is simply copying, carefully and
accurately, a small selection of any good writing, including
every mark of punctuation. This also requires close
attention to detail. The amount required is appropriate
to the age and ability of the child. This serves as
handwriting practice as well.
Even beginning readers should read quality literature.
Some sight reading is taught along with phonics to give
young children the ability to read simple living books,
rather than “See the red jet.”
Living books are used exclusively, rather
than textbooks. Living books (and there are living books
for all curriculum areas) contain real ideas from great
minds, or at least from a writer who has a genuine personal
excitement about his subject. “Twaddle”
is held in great contempt.
Reading living books puts the child in direct touch
with great minds, great character, and high ideals.
This is also accomplished through consistent exposure
to good art, music, and poetry.
Science consists of first-hand nature study,
again practicing close observation. This includes narrations
and drawings of observations. Learning to recognize
and identify local trees, plants, and animals and is
encouraged.
Literature and history are studied together,
again using living books. Whatever period is being studied
in history, literature from the same period is brought
in. Both nonfiction (primary sources and first-hand
accounts) and fiction are read. Geography is included
in this as well.
The Bible itself is used for Bible study,
with short portions being read and discussed, and perhaps
copied or memorized. Knowledge of God and the Bible
are of primary importance.
The Charlotte Mason Education
motto: “I am, I can, I ought, I will.”
For further study of Charlotte Mason, book lists, and
available resources, visit these websites:
http://www.pennygardner.com
http://www.amblesideonline.org
These will only get you started; there is a wealth
of Charlotte Mason information and support out there!
Methods of Homeschooling:
A Thomas Jefferson Education |
Charlotte Mason Method | Classical
Education | Unschooling
| Eclectic
| Traditional Homeschooling | Unit
Study Approach
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