Alternative Schooling Styles : Charlotte Mason

"I am, I can, I ought, I will."

This schooling style is very similar to the Classical Christian and Great Books styles. Enthusiasts say that it's more than a method of schooling -- it's a lifestyle.

The curriculum includes language, Bible, math, science, history, geography, art, and music. Language includes English, Latin and one or two other languages (such as Greek, French, or German), grammar, handwriting, composition, and oral recitation. Children read and memorize poetry, hymns, and psalms. They read complete, age-appropriate "great" books themselves and are read to from the more difficult ones.

Just as in a Classical Christian education, the main goals are building literacy and forming good character. The parent works to inculcate good work habits. She encourages them to take their time and produce quality work.

This style is unique in the manner in which the curriculum is covered. It's designed to be more "natural." For example, there may be a dozen or more lessons every day, but each is short -- about 5-15 minutes for young children, slightly more for older children. This not only matches the child's natural attention span, but the shorter schooling day affords him time to rest and reflect on the wide variety of subjects he has been studying. Each child progresses at his own speed.

Children begin learning about science by walking through and observing nature with their parent. They discuss their observations and write them in notebooks. Science is combined with art and handicrafts by having children draw and build the plants and animals they have seen on their walks.

Very importantly, the parent is a knowledgeable guide, not a lecturer. She "stays out of the way" and lets the great books speak to the children. She encourages observation and thinking skills by asking questions.

Progress in this style relies more on encouragement and good example than on measurable "outcomes." For example, instead of written tests over a book or poem that a child has read, the parent has him narrate or write an essay, telling all he knows about it in his own words. Grammar is taught, but not until the children are older.

The Charlotte Mason style is teacher-directed, for grades pre-K through 12. The teacher must work hard to keep the many daily lessons informative, interesting, short, and on topic. Most of the books and articles are written with the home schooler in mind, but the method has been used successfully in private schools.

Resources and Curricula