Discovering the Charlotte Mason Homeschooling Approach: Fostering Natural Curiosity and Independence in Children.

As a parent, deciding on the best educational approach for your child can be an overwhelming process. With the increasing popularity of homeschooling in recent years, many parents are turning to alternative forms of education, including Charlotte Mason homeschooling. I had the pleasure of interviewing experienced Charlotte Mason homeschooler and blogger, Sarah Johnson, to learn more about this unique approach.

Sarah began by explaining that Charlotte Mason was a British educator who developed her own philosophy of education in the late 1800s. The Charlotte Mason method emphasizes respect for children as individuals and encourages a love for learning through natural curiosity rather than rote memorization or drill-based methods. This approach is based on the belief that children should be exposed to “living books” – books written by authors with real-life experiences – rather than dry textbooks.

One key element of the Charlotte Mason method is narration. According to Sarah, “Narration involves having your child tell back what they learned from their reading or experience.” This not only tests comprehension but also helps develop language skills and memory retention.

Another aspect of this approach is nature study. Children are encouraged to spend time outdoors observing nature and documenting what they see through sketching or journaling. This allows children to connect with their environment, appreciate its beauty and diversity while also developing observation skills.

The use of technology is limited in this method as well. Instead of relying heavily on screens and electronic devices for learning activities, students are encouraged to engage with hands-on activities such as drawing maps by hand or creating models using natural materials found outside.

While some may argue that traditional academic subjects like math and science may be neglected under this approach; according to Sarah: “math concepts are taught through everyday life experiences like cooking where measurement becomes relevant”. She further explained how science concepts emerge naturally during outdoor exploration which provides opportunities for children’s curiosity about animals, plants etc., leading them towards scientific inquiry.

In addition to these unique elements mentioned above; one of the most important aspects of this approach is fostering a love for learning. Through hands-on experiences, meaningful conversations and genuine interest in the child’s passions, parents can cultivate a lifelong learner.

While Charlotte Mason homeschooling may not be for everyone, it offers an alternative approach to education that emphasizes natural curiosity and respect for children as individuals. By incorporating living books, narration, nature study, and limiting technology use – parents are able to provide their child with a rich educational experience that fosters creativity and independence while laying a solid foundation for future academic success.