This post is all about Charlotte Mason Curriculum.
Homeschooling with Charlotte Mason curriculum can be an enriching adventure for both parents and children. Charlotte Mason curriculum for homeschool allows for tailored education that meets individual needs.
Among the various homeschool philosophies, Charlotte Mason curriculum stands out for its emphasis on living books, nature studies, and the development of good habits.
This guide will walk you through the Charlotte Mason homeschool curriculum, featuring top curriculum publishers, tips on choosing the right curriculum, and advice on where to shop for your homeschooling materials.
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A Comprehensive Guide to Charlotte Mason Homeschool Curriculum
Understanding Charlotte Mason Homeschool
Charlotte Mason, a British educator from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, believed that education is an atmosphere, a discipline, and a life. Her philosophy advocates for the use of rich, narrative books (living books), nature exploration, art appreciation, and the nurturing of good habits. Mason’s method is holistic, focusing on the whole child rather than just academics.
Related: Charlotte Mason Homeschooling: Unveiling a Beautiful Education
How Choose a the Best Charlotte Mason Curriculum
Choosing the right Charlotte Mason curriculum involves considering several key factors:
1. Educational Philosophy: Ensure the curriculum aligns with Charlotte Mason’s educational philosophy, focusing on living books, nature studies, the arts, and the development of good habits.
2. Child’s Learning Style: Consider your child’s learning style. The Charlotte Mason method works well for children who enjoy reading, hands-on activities, and outdoor exploration.
3. Flexibility: Look for a curriculum that offers flexibility, allowing you to adapt the program to your child’s needs and interests.
4. Budget: Determine your budget. Some resources like Ambleside Online are free, while others such as Simply Charlotte Mason and My Father’s World require a financial investment.
How to Shop for Charlotte Mason Based Curriculum
When shopping for a Charlotte Mason curriculum, follow these tips to make informed choices:
1. Research: Start by researching different Charlotte Mason publishers and their offerings. Read reviews and testimonials from other homeschool families to assess the quality and effectiveness of the materials.
2. Plan Ahead: Create a list of subjects and topics you want to cover. This helps you identify the resources you need and avoid unnecessary purchases.
3. Buy Used: Consider purchasing used curriculum materials to save money. Websites like eBay, Homeschool Classifieds, and local homeschool groups often have gently used resources at a fraction of the cost.
4. Sample Lessons: Many publishers offer sample lessons or chapters. Utilize these to ensure the curriculum is a good fit for your child before making a purchase.
5. Local Libraries: Take advantage of your local library for books and resources. Many living books recommended in Charlotte Mason curriculums can be borrowed, reducing the need to buy everything.
Charlotte Mason Homeschool Curriculum Options
Ambleside Online
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- Website: Ambleside Online
- Description: A free, comprehensive online curriculum that follows Charlotte Mason’s original educational philosophy. It offers detailed book lists, schedules, and resources for grades K-12.
Exodus Books offers the Ambleside booklists, sorted by year for your convenience. If you prefer to get school in a box rather than chasing down resources, this is a super easy option and supports a homeschool owned business.
Beautiful Feet Books
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- Website: Beautiful Feet Books
- Description: Specializes in history through literature. Offers book packs and guides that align with the Charlotte Mason philosophy, covering various historical periods and subjects.
The Alveary (Charlotte Mason Institute)
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- Website: The Alveary
- Description: A membership-based curriculum that includes comprehensive lesson plans, book lists, and instructional videos. It aims to bring Charlotte Mason’s principles into the modern homeschool environment.
Simply Charlotte Mason
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- Website: Simply Charlotte Mason
- Description: Provides a wide range of resources including lesson plans, book lists, and guides to implementing the Charlotte Mason method. Materials are available for purchase in both digital and physical formats, covering various grade levels and subjects.
My Father’s World
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- Website: My Father’s World
- Description: Combines Charlotte Mason principles with a biblical worldview, offering complete curriculum packages for different grade levels. The curriculum is designed to be user-friendly for parents.
Living Books Curriculum
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- Website: Living Books Curriculum
- Description: Emphasizes the use of living books. Provides complete curriculum packages and individual resources for grades K-8, along with detailed guides for parents.
Gentle Feast
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- Website: A Gentle Feast
- Description: A complete Charlotte Mason curriculum that covers all subjects and includes detailed daily lesson plans. It is designed to be easy for parents to implement and includes resources for all grade levels.
A Delectable Education
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- Website: A Delectable Education
- Description: Offers consultations, booklists, schedules, and resources based on the Charlotte Mason method. It provides support for tailoring the curriculum to individual family needs.
Queen Homeschool Supplies
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- Website: Queen Homeschool Supplies
- Description: Offers a wide range of Charlotte Mason-inspired books and curriculum materials, covering various subjects and grade levels.
Exploring Nature with Children
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- Website: Exploring Nature with Children
- Description: A year-long curriculum that provides weekly nature study topics, guided outdoor activities, and living book suggestions.
Charlotte Mason Language Arts Curriculum
The language arts component of a Charlotte Mason homeschool curriculum is comprehensive and richly integrated with the broader educational experience.
It includes reading, writing, narration, copywork, dictation, grammar, and literature study, all designed to develop a child’s language skills in a natural and engaging manner.
Here are some of the best Charlotte Mason Language Arts Curriculum options.
Comprehensive Charlotte Mason Language Arts Programs
Using Language Well
- Overview: Provides a complete language arts curriculum that includes reading, narration, copywork, dictation, and grammar.
- Features: Integrates literature and composition with a focus on living books.
- Website: Simply Charlotte Mason Language Arts
Language Lessons for Today
- Overview: A modern adaptation of Emma Serl’s classic “Primary Language Lessons” and “Intermediate Language Lessons,” designed for grades 2-8.
- Features: Integrates grammar, composition, picture study, narration, copywork, and dictation into a cohesive program.
Website: Language Lessons for Today
Individual Charlotte Mason Language Arts Resources
Charlotte Mason Reading and Literature
Ambleside Online Booklists
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- Overview: Free online resource with year-by-year booklists following Charlotte Mason’s principles.
- Website: Ambleside Online
Honey for a Child’s Heart by Gladys Hunt
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- Overview: A guide to the best children’s literature with recommendations for all ages.
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Narration and Composition for Charlotte Mason Homeschooling
Know and Tell: The Art of Narration by Karen Glass
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- Overview: A comprehensive guide on how to implement narration in your homeschool.
Charlotte Mason Style Copywork and Dictation
Spelling Wisdom by Sonya Shafer
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- Overview: A collection of carefully selected passages for dictation practice.
- Website: Simply Charlotte Mason Spelling Wisdom
Queen Homeschool Supplies Copywork Books
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- Overview: Offers a variety of copywork books with selections from classic literature, poetry, and scripture.
- Website: Queen Homeschool Supplies
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Grammar for Charlotte Mason Curriculum
English for the Thoughtful Child by Mary F. Hyde
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- Overview: A gentle introduction to grammar using narration and picture study.
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- Overview: A playful and engaging introduction to grammar for young learners.
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Poetry Study for Homeschool
A Child’s Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson
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- Overview: A classic collection of poetry for children.
Favorite Poems Old and New by Helen Ferris
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- Overview: An anthology of over 700 poems suitable for children and families.
Charlotte Mason Science Curriculum
The Charlotte Mason approach to science education emphasizes nature study, hands-on exploration, and the use of living books to cultivate a sense of wonder and curiosity about the natural world.
This method encourages students to observe, investigate, and appreciate the intricacies of the world around them. Here’s a guide to implementing a Charlotte Mason science curriculum in your homeschool:
Recommended Charlotte Mason Science Curriculum Resources
Nature Study Resources
Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Botsford Comstock
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- Overview: A classic guide to nature study, providing detailed information on observing and teaching about plants, animals, and natural phenomena.
- Website: Handbook of Nature Study
Exploring Nature with Children by Lynn Seddon
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- Overview: A year-long curriculum that provides weekly nature study themes, activities, and journal prompts.
- Website: Exploring Nature with Children
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Seasons Afield: Nature Study from Beautiful Feet Books
- Overview: A seasonal nature study curriculum that uses the beloved writings of James Herriot to explore the natural world.
- Features: Combines literature with nature study, encouraging outdoor exploration and observation.
- Website: Seasons Afield
Living Books for Charlotte Mason Science
The Burgess Bird Book for Children by Thornton W. Burgess
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- Overview: A charming introduction to bird life through stories and illustrations.
Secrets of the Woods by William J. Long
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- Overview: Engaging stories about the habits and behaviors of woodland animals.
Experiment and Project Resources
Home Science Tools
- Overview: Hands on science resources and experiment kits to complement any Charlotte Mason science curriculum.
- Website: Home Science Tools
“Outdoor Secrets” by Margaret P. Boyle
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- Overview: Short stories and activities focused on nature, perfect for younger students.
- Website: Outdoor Secrets
Biographies of Scientists
Galileo and the Magic Numbers by Sidney Rosen
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- Overview: An engaging biography of Galileo, suitable for upper elementary and middle school students.
Archimedes and the Door of Science by Jeanne Bendick
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- Overview: A well-loved biography that introduces students to the life and discoveries of Archimedes.
Charlotte Mason Inspired Curriculum
Charlotte Mason inspired curriculum incorporates some of Charlotte Mason’s principles and methods while not adhering to them strictly. You can see her influence in these homeschool programs, but they don’t take a pure Charlotte Mason approach to learning.
Notgrass History
- Overview: Notgrass History offers a Charlotte Mason-inspired history curriculum. It integrates literature, Bible study, and writing.
- Features: The program uses living books and primary sources to make history come alive. It emphasizes critical thinking and comprehension.
- Subjects Covered: While primarily history-focused, it also covers literature, geography, and government.
- Ease of Use: Notgrass provides clear daily assignments and comprehensive teacher guides, making it user-friendly for parents.
- Website: Notgrass History
Master Books
- Overview: Master Books offers a curriculum that incorporates Charlotte Mason principles. It uses living books and hands-on activities.
- Features: Engaging narratives, real-world applications, and Christian values are at the core.
- Subjects Covered: They offer comprehensive subjects, including language arts, science, history, and math.
- Ease of Use: Master Books provides well-structured lesson plans, making it easy for parents to follow.
- Website: Master Books
Releated: Discover this Exciting Homeschool Bible Curriculum: An Intro to Biblical Greek Review
The Good and The Beautiful
- Overview: The Good and The Beautiful combines Charlotte Mason’s methods with a structured approach. It emphasizes high-quality literature and art.
- Features: Their curriculum includes beautiful illustrations, moral stories, and nature study.
- Subjects Covered: They cover language arts, science, history, math, and more.
- Ease of Use: Lessons are easy to follow and often short, keeping children engaged.
- Website: The Good and The Beautiful
FAQ for Charlotte Mason Curriculum
Q1: What are living books?
A1: Living books are well-written, engaging books by authors passionate about their subjects. They bring the subject matter to life, unlike dry textbooks, and are a cornerstone of the Charlotte Mason method.
Q2: How much time does a Charlotte Mason homeschool day take?
A2: A typical day can range from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the child’s age and the subjects being covered. The method emphasizes short, focused lessons.
Q3: Do I need to follow the curriculum exactly?
A3: No, the beauty of homeschooling is its flexibility. While the curriculum provides a structure, you can adapt it to fit your child’s needs and interests.
Q4: Is it necessary to incorporate nature studies?
A4: Yes, nature studies are a vital component of the Charlotte Mason method. They foster a love for the natural world and provide hands-on learning experiences.
Q5: Can I combine Charlotte Mason with other homeschooling methods?
A5: Absolutely! Many families blend elements of different educational philosophies to create a unique approach that works best for their children.
This post is all about Charlotte Mason Curriculum.
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