Beginner’s Guide to Charlotte Mason Homeschooling: Embracing Nature-Based Education
“The same ones who brought the children physically in the world have the natural obligation binding in the natural law to provide for the mental, moral and social upbringing of their offspring.” - Fr. John Hardon
Introduction
Are you looking for a homeschooling method that nurtures your child’s love for learning, incorporates nature, and encourages a well-rounded education?
Discover the transformative power of Charlotte Mason homeschooling.
Learn about Charlotte Mason’s three-pronged approach to education
Explore a variety of Charlotte Mason homeschool curriculum packages
Uncover the benefits of using living books in your homeschool
Find additional resources and recommendations
Keep reading to unleash the potential of Charlotte Mason homeschooling and create an enriching educational journey for your child.
The Charlotte Mason Method Explained
At the heart of Charlotte Mason’s educational philosophy is the belief that each child is a person deserving of a holistic education. It goes beyond simply filling their minds with knowledge. Charlotte Mason’s approach encompasses the child’s environment, discipline, and life experiences. Let’s dive into each aspect:
Education is an Atmosphere: According to Charlotte Mason, a child’s home environment plays a crucial role in their education. The ideas, values, and atmosphere created by parents greatly influence a child’s learning.
Education is a Discipline: Discipline is not just about punishment but rather about cultivating good habits and self-control. Charlotte Mason emphasized the importance of forming habits that contribute to a child’s character and lifelong learning.
Education is a Life: Charlotte Mason believed that education is not confined to textbooks and formal lessons. The real learning happens through regular and varied experiences that children encounter in their daily lives.
By embracing these principles, Charlotte Mason aimed to nurture independent thinkers with a love for learning and a deep connection to the world around them. Let’s explore how you can implement this approach in your homeschool journey.
Overview of Charlotte Mason Homeschool Curriculum Packages
When it comes to choosing a curriculum for your Charlotte Mason homeschool, the options are abundant. Here are some of the curriculum packages that you can explore:
A Gentle Feast: A Gentle Feast is a complete curriculum that incorporates all the key aspects of a Charlotte Mason education. It includes a wide range of subjects, including language arts, math, history, science, and more. This curriculum is designed to be gentle and flexible, allowing you to tailor it to your child’s unique learning style.
Simply Charlotte Mason: As its name suggests, Simply Charlotte Mason is a user-friendly curriculum that provides a solid foundation for Charlotte Mason homeschooling. It offers detailed lesson plans and resources for each subject, making it easy for you to implement the Charlotte Mason approach in your home.
Compass Classroom: Compass Classroom offers video-based curriculum options that align with the Charlotte Mason philosophy. Their engaging videos bring the subjects to life, making learning a truly immersive experience for your child.
Living Books Curriculum: As Charlotte Mason emphasized the use of living books, the Living Books Curriculum takes this principle to heart. This curriculum focuses on using high-quality literature to teach various subjects, fostering a love for reading and learning in your child.
Ambleside Online: Ambleside Online (AO) is a notable curriculum choice for those on a budget, as it is available for free. It provides a comprehensive curriculum that includes detailed weekly schedules, book lists, and other resources. Please note that while the curriculum itself is free, you may need to purchase the recommended books separately.
These are just a few examples of the curriculum packages available for your Charlotte Mason homeschool. Each curriculum offers its own unique approach and resources, so it’s important to do your research and find the one that aligns with your educational goals and your child’s learning style. Remember, the key is to create an enriching and inspiring learning environment where your child can thrive.
Next, let’s dive into one of the most popular free Charlotte Mason curriculum options available: Ambleside Online.
Ambleside Online: A Free Comprehensive Charlotte Mason Curriculum
One of the most popular and widely used curriculum options for Charlotte Mason homeschooling is Ambleside Online. If you’re a budget-conscious homeschooler or simply looking for a comprehensive curriculum, Ambleside Online is a fantastic choice.
Ambleside Online offers a complete curriculum that follows the Charlotte Mason method. Best of all, it’s completely free! This is especially beneficial for families who want to provide a high-quality education without breaking the bank.
The curriculum provided by Ambleside Online covers a broad range of subjects, including math, language arts, literature, history, science, and more. Detailed schedules and resources are available for each grade level, making it easy for parents to plan and implement their homeschooling journey.
However, it’s important to note that while Ambleside Online provides the curriculum, you may still need to purchase books separately. The curriculum itself is free, but acquiring the recommended living books will require some investment. Don’t worry, though! Charlotte Mason believed in the power of living books to make subjects come alive, so it’s definitely worth it.
Ambleside Online not only offers a strong academic foundation but also integrates nature studies, foreign language learning, and art appreciation into the curriculum. This holistic approach ensures that your child’s education is well-rounded and engaging.
One of the significant advantages of using Ambleside Online is the robust support and online community that comes with it. There are dedicated forums where you can connect with other homeschooling parents using the same curriculum. This sense of community can be immensely helpful for answering questions and finding additional resources.
To read an overview of Ambleside Online, see our article Ambleside Online: A Comprehensive Review and Guide to Charlotte Mason Education Curriculum. The AO website provides a wealth of information, including booklists, schedules, and helpful guidance to assist you throughout your homeschooling journey.
Whether you’re new to homeschooling or a seasoned veteran, Ambleside Online provides a comprehensive and free curriculum aligned with the principles of Charlotte Mason’s educational philosophy. It’s a fantastic resource for parents who want to give their children an enriching and meaningful education at home.
Great Books Homeschool and Other Charlotte Mason Aligned Options
While Ambleside Online is an excellent free option for Charlotte Mason homeschooling, there are other curriculum choices available that align with the principles of Charlotte Mason’s educational philosophy. One such option is Great Books Homeschool.
Great Books Homeschool takes a slightly different approach by offering a secular Charlotte Mason curriculum. They provide book lists for each subject, allowing parents to design their homeschool according to their preferences and budget. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for families who want to tailor their curriculum to their child’s specific needs.
By selecting books from the Great Books Homeschool book lists, you can create a curriculum that aligns with Charlotte Mason’s principles while incorporating a wide range of subjects and topics. This approach allows for a more personalized and engaging learning experience for your child.
One of the advantages of Great Books Homeschool is the potential cost saving. Instead of purchasing a pre-packaged curriculum, you have the freedom to buy books individually. This means you can choose second-hand options, borrow from libraries, or invest in new books if you prefer. It provides a level of flexibility that can fit into different budgets without compromising on the quality of education.
Aside from Great Books Homeschool, there are other partly Charlotte Mason aligned options available. My Father’s World, Easy Peasy All-In-One, Sonlight, and Wayfarers are among the curriculum choices that incorporate elements of the Charlotte Mason method.
These curriculums offer a blend of Charlotte Mason-inspired resources and methodologies with their unique approach to homeschooling. While not strictly following Charlotte Mason’s principles, they still provide a rich and engaging learning experience for children.
It’s important to note that before selecting a curriculum, it’s beneficial to research and evaluate which one aligns best with your teaching style, your child’s learning preferences, and your overall homeschooling goals. Take advantage of websites, forums, and reviews to gather insights and make an informed decision.
Remember, the ultimate goal is to provide your child with an education that nurtures their love for learning, sparks their curiosity, and allows them to grow into well-rounded individuals. The Charlotte Mason homeschooling approach, whether through Ambleside Online, Great Books Homeschool, or other alternatives, can offer a fulfilling and enriching educational experience for your family.
Conclusion
As we come to the end of this beginner’s guide to Charlotte Mason homeschooling, let’s recap the key takeaways:
Charlotte Mason believed in the power of a gentle, nature-based approach to education.
Her three-pronged approach to education—Atmosphere, Discipline, and Life—emphasizes the importance of the child’s surroundings and the ideas parents instill.
Living books, written by passionate authors, bring subjects to life and engage the whole person.
There are numerous Charlotte Mason homeschool curriculum packages available, such as A Gentle Feast, Simply Charlotte Mason, Compass Classroom, and Living Books Curriculum.
Ambleside Online offers a comprehensive Charlotte Mason curriculum for free, while Great Books Homeschool provides a secular option that allows flexibility and cost-saving through book lists.
Living Book Press is a homeschooling support initiative, driven by a love for the Charlotte Mason method. Dedicated to making quality reprints of living books accessible, the team endeavors to simplify the journey for families embracing this educational philosophy.
Now armed with this knowledge, you have the tools to embark on your own Charlotte Mason homeschooling journey. Embrace the vibrancy and richness that a nature-based approach brings to education. Create an atmosphere of learning, cultivate discipline, and infuse life into your child’s education. Remember, it’s not just about imparting knowledge; it’s about nurturing the whole person.
So go ahead, dive into the world of living books, explore the different curriculum options, and find what works best for your family. Charlotte Mason’s educational philosophy has stood the test of time, and countless families have found success and fulfillment in embracing her method.
As you commence on this adventure, do so with enthusiasm and an open mind. Your children’s education is a journey worth venturing upon, and with the Charlotte Mason method as your guide, there’s no limit to the wonders you can discover together.
FAQs
Is the Charlotte Mason method suitable for all subjects?
Yes, the Charlotte Mason method can be adapted to cover a wide range of subjects. While it is known for its emphasis on literature, nature study, and the arts, you can apply the principles of the Charlotte Mason method to subjects such as math, science, history, and foreign languages. The key is to approach all subjects with living books, hands-on experiences, and a focus on engaging the whole person in the learning process.
What are the key benefits of using living books?
Living books have several benefits when it comes to education. Firstly, they capture the reader’s interest and immerse them in the subject matter. This leads to better retention and understanding. Living books also foster a love for reading, as they are written by passionate authors who bring their topics to life. By using living books in your homeschool, you can cultivate a lifelong love for learning and ignite your child’s curiosity.
How can I create a Charlotte Mason atmosphere in my home?
Creating a Charlotte Mason atmosphere in your home starts with cultivating an environment that is rich in ideas, beauty, and nature. Surround your child with living books, beautiful artwork, and music. Spend time outdoors, exploring and observing the natural world. Encourage good habits, like regular reading and time spent in reflection. By curating an environment that is conducive to learning and nourishing to the senses, you will create a Charlotte Mason atmosphere at home.
Do I need to purchase a curriculum package to adopt the Charlotte Mason method?
No, you do not necessarily need to purchase a curriculum package to adopt the Charlotte Mason method. While there are numerous curriculum options available that align with the Charlotte Mason philosophy, such as A Gentle Feast, Simply Charlotte Mason, and Ambleside Online, it is also possible to create your own curriculum using living books and incorporating Charlotte Mason principles. Many resources, book lists, and schedules are available for free online, allowing you to tailor your homeschool to your child’s unique needs and interests.
Can I incorporate Charlotte Mason principles if I homeschool multiple children?
Absolutely! The Charlotte Mason method is adaptable and can be used with children of various ages and abilities. Charlotte Mason believed in the power of narration, where children retell or write about what they have learned. This practice can be done individually or in a group setting, making it suitable for homeschooling multiple children. You can also incorporate shared readings, nature walks, and art appreciation sessions that engage all of your children collectively. With careful planning and a flexible approach, you can successfully implement Charlotte Mason principles in a multi-age homeschool setting.
