Charlotte Mason Philosophy and Principles: A Guide to Alternative Schooling
In the realm of alternative schooling and education, one philosophy that stands out is the Charlotte Mason approach. Developed by British educator Charlotte Mason in the late 19th century, this philosophy emphasizes a holistic and gentle approach to learning. In this article, we will explore the key principles of the Charlotte Mason philosophy.
1. Living Books: According to Charlotte Mason, children should be exposed to “living books” instead of dry textbooks. Living books are well-written literature that engages the imagination and sparks curiosity. These books cover various subjects like history, science, literature, and art.
2. Nature Study: The Charlotte Mason philosophy places great importance on spending time in nature as a means of education. Children are encouraged to observe their surroundings and develop a personal connection with nature through regular outdoor excursions.
3. Short Lessons: To maintain focus and attention, lessons are kept short but frequent throughout the day. This approach ensures that children absorb knowledge effectively without feeling overwhelmed or bored.
4. Narration: Rather than relying solely on tests or quizzes for assessment, narration is used as an evaluation tool in Charlotte Mason-inspired classrooms. After reading a passage or listening to a lecture, students are asked to retell what they learned in their own words.
5. Habit Formation: The cultivation of good habits is considered crucial for character development according to the Charlotte Mason philosophy. Students are taught essential life skills such as punctuality, attentiveness, respectfulness, cleanliness from an early age.
6. Art Appreciation and Handicrafts: The inclusion of art appreciation helps students develop an aesthetic sense while exploring different artistic styles and techniques across various periods in history. Additionally, engaging in handicrafts allows children to exercise their creativity while also developing practical skills.
7.Outdoor Playtime: Recognizing the importance of physical activity for overall development; ample time is dedicated to outdoor play activities during the day. This helps children build social skills, develop physical coordination, and enhance their overall well-being.
8. Morning Time: Charlotte Mason advocates for starting the day with a “morning time” routine that includes prayer, poetry recitation, singing hymns or folk songs, and reading from sacred texts. This practice sets a positive tone for the day and fosters an appreciation for beauty and moral values.
The Charlotte Mason philosophy offers a rich and holistic approach to education that nurtures curiosity, creativity, and character development in children. By incorporating living books, nature study, short lessons, narration exercises, habit formation, art appreciation and handicrafts into the curriculum while also allowing ample time for outdoor playtime and morning routines; educators can provide students with a well-rounded education that promotes joy in learning.
Alternative Amie 
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