Before we start, you do not have to be a homeschooler to gain some knowledge from this. Whether your child is homeschooled or attends private or public school, this would only add to their education.
Charlotte Mason was one of the original pioneers of homeschooling. She valued children and did not hold back in discussing the important topic of the home. She stated that everything starts in the home, and we, as parents, are responsible for our Child’s education. Charlotte believed there was no bigger calling than teaching our children to have good values and habits. It is our duty and privilege to teach our children.
I whole heartily love the Charlotte Mason method; there is something so organic about her teaching; this method can be done solely through library books. Her approach has parenting teachings weaved into it that are unmatched.
Considering how much education has become a business with a lot of added “fluff,” I can appreciate her timeless approach. Education is now commonly outsourced, putting our children into the trust of government agencies. Understandably we may not have access to the “best” schools, but Mason’s method puts the tools back in our hands as parents to give our children the best education we can. Her method can be used both for giving our child a formal education and as a guide for parenting.
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There may be some tradeoffs in selecting a particular curriculum; the curriculum you select may only cover some areas you want to teach. The beauty of homeschooling is that you can customize your curriculum and teaching method!
We decided to pair some of Mason’s teaching with a Classical curriculum; this covers all bases we would like to teach while implementing many of Charlotte’s incredible wisdom-filled lessons.
“But to avoid any unsavory creations, it’s probably best to get a good working knowledge of your teaching materials and methods before splicing them with others.” – TBS Staff.
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One of the advantages of homeschooling is the autonomy we have in selecting our children’s education styles. When choosing the best teaching method to fit your needs, it’s best to narrow down the search. I have chosen the top-rated homeschooling styles and written a brief description. Once you become familiar with the methods and hone in on the type that fits your family’s needs, you can borrow ideas between styles.
We will focus on the Charlotte Mason method and deep dive into some of her wonderful teaching lessons. However, I wanted to include some of the best and most used homeschooling styles. There are many recourses available to help you research them further. Here is a link with in-depth details on each type, The Best Homeschooling Styles.
7 Top Rated Homeschooling Styles
1. The Classical Method
The classical approach is a history-based, idea-oriented educational model that exposes students to the great minds of the past through literature, essays, philosophy, etc., using the “canon” of Great Books, the classics, and masterpieces. It is one of the oldest (2500 years), and proven methods produced many of history’s great thinkers.
Many educational trends do not stand the test of time. The classical is timeless; students are taught how to think, not what to think.
- Grammar School – Logic
- Middle School – Critical thinking
- High School – Rhetoric and self-expression
2. Charlotte Mason
The Charlotte Mason method is a Christian-based homeschool style created in the 19th century. Students are presented with living books, nature walks, nature journals, history portfolios, memorization, and narration. The CM method focuses on reading at a young age, biographies, classics, and other “living books” and prioritizes time outside observing and discovering. Typically subjects are studied within 15-20 increments are minutes maximum for elementary students and 45 minutes maximum for high schoolers.
3. Montessori
Montessori is a method of education based on self-directed activity, hands-on learning, and collaborative play. Maria Montessori (1870-1952) developed this teaching style through her work with special-needs children. Children learn interest-based personalized lessons in large blocks of time, up to 3 hours. These individualized lessons are created to help the student discover their passion and encourage curiosity. The Montessori method focuses on students not sitting for long periods and teaching small classrooms. This method was not initially created for homeschool programs but did transfer well to homeschooling.
4. School-at-Home
This is a simple method for transitioning students from public to private school to homeschooling. Using the School-at-Home method, parents educate their children at home instead of sending them to a conventional public or private school. Parents often use the same curriculum as local public or private school use. Students also have the option of teacher-facilitated school administered online; some online schools provide transcripts.
5. Unschooling
Unschooling would be considered the opposite teaching style as a conventional public or private school. Using this model, parents take the role of facilitators rather than lecturers or instructors. Unschooling will focus on basic skills like reading, writing, and arithmetic, using various techniques and materials as teaching tools. Students are not tested conventionally. This method also always the student’s interest and curiosity to drive the learning path, rather than a defined curriculum.
6. Unit Studies
Unit Studies Method, sometimes called “thematic units,” are time-specific overviews of a defined topic or theme that incorporate multiple subject areas into the study plan. Students will study the same event from the perspective of each area. Subjects are linked together, and a theme is created. Students can view the subjects from a practical standpoint.
7. Eclectic education methods
Eclectic homeschooling is the most popular method of homeschooling. Eclectic homeschooling is non-curriculum-based; parents share ideas and resource methodologies. They focus on not having a rigid curriculum. They use highly individualized materials by mixing and matching various homeschooling resources. It is an exceptionally personalized approach based on the Child’s strengths, learning styles, and interests.
If any of these styles interest you and you want to research them further, this is a great place to start The Best Homeschooling Styles.
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What is Unique about Charlotte Mason?
Charlotte Mason’s works are based on educating children while safeguarding them for their first six years of life. She valued this time and spent it developing the child through free play, exploration, and family life. She encourages parents to wait until the child is six years old to begin formal lessons.
I find her works fascinating! Many of her classes can be used for parenting even if your child is not homeschooled or using another curriculum. Her lessons create a foundation for a child to have a love for learning, that school is not to be endured but rather enjoyed.
Who Is Charlotte Mason?
Charlotte Mason was born in England (1842); she was home-educated by her parents and later orphaned at sixteen after their death. She decided at an early age she wanted to give her life works to education. Mason wrote a 6 volume book series entitled, The Original Home Schooling Series.
Her works were well received, and she later established a training college for governesses. During this time, PNEU created the Parents National Education Union. Charlotte had day schools in England, and her homeschooling teachings were led using the same approach. She was and is known for being the “founder of the homeschooling movement.”
She was loved by many, a devoted Christian, and loved her children dearly. Her method has proved to be timeless.
Lessons from Charlotte Mason
1. Charlotte Mason’s Motto
Charlotte Mason was a keen observer of human nature and understood the unique connection between mother and child.
Her motto was “Education is an atmosphere, a discipline, and a life.” Her motto has a strong foundation in the formation of good habits. She states that the habit is not formed if you continuously repeat yourself.
Therefore, we are limited to three educational instruments:
- The atmosphere of the environment
- The field of habit
- The presentation of living ideas
Mason believed children could deal with ideas and knowledge and that they are not blank slates or empty sacks to be filled with information. She thought children should do the work of dealing with ideas and knowledge rather than the teacher acting as a middleman, dispensing filtered wisdom.
Charlotte outlined habits in five broad categories: mental, moral, decency and propriety, physical, and religious.
The student’s motto is “I am, I can, I ought, I will.”
- A child can say “I am” because they are a child of God, a gift to their parents.
- A child can say “I can” because they have the power of God to complete the task.
- A child can say “I ought” because it is their duty to complete the task.
- A child can say, “I will,” giving them a choice to make the right decision.
Her approach focuses on the great use of narrative literature, time spent outdoors exploring, and the development of an appreciation for art, music, and nature.
Mason did not complicate the education process. She structured the day around the atmosphere and the Child’s simplistic nature.
Honestly, when I read her writings, she is someone I would have loved to have a coffee with and sit back a listen to.
2. The Method in Brief
Charlotte Mason advocates a liberal, generous education and believes children are born persons; they are not blank slates or embryonic oysters who have the potential to become persons.
She wants them to love education, and we, as parents, lead them to self-education. She emphasizes using the best books, relying on narration rather than comprehension questions. We are to test to see what they know, not to expose what they do not know.
She distinguishes the difference in teaching with specific writing styles and books to engage the child.
- The Whole book is entirely about the author.
- Anthology book is the opposite of a whole book. It is comprised of selections of different writers’ works. A blend of other authors following a central theme.
- Living books have lives and emotion; it is typically narrative in style.
- Textbooks are the opposite of living books. They contain just facts.
Charlotte puts an emphasis on whole books and living books. Whole books expose the child to great authors, and living books engage the child; the child can easily remember a person’s experience versus a fact. Living books also allow the child to relate to the character in the book.
Charlottes believed children are fatigued by spending hours on one subject, and their minds are invigorated by switching to different subjects often. Children were taught using short morning lessons of 15-20 minutes with various subjects. In middle and high school, students are taught subjects in 30-45 minute increments depending on the subject.
During Charlotte’s lessons, children are not allowed to dawdle; she requires the student’s full attention and focuses. Evenings can then be spent playing and pursuing hobbies; homework would not be assigned.
Part ONE of TWO end.
Photo by guille pozzi & Tom Hermans Unsplash