Although I admire and use the Charlotte Mason teaching method, I am by no means a purist. I consider myself a "CM light." Having met a group of MC purists and understanding what is required to follow the method to the T, it sure made me realize that it goes against my spontaneous, exploratory nature. Using the more watered-down Charlotte Mason style curriculums such as Master Books, Notgrass, The Good & the Beautiful, and others has been a wonderful experience for me and my children.
The method is based on the idea that children should be taught using living books, real-life experiences, and nature study, rather than just textbooks. This approach has allowed my children to learn in a way that is both engaging and meaningful.
One of the biggest pros of using the Charlotte Mason style curriculums is that they allow for much flexibility. The lessons are more exciting, interesting, and less repetitive than other curriculums, except for Oak Meadow, which is a water-down version of the Waldorf method but which I also find lacks needed structure.
CM indeed lends itself to tailoring lessons to fit my children's individual needs and interests. This has been an enormous benefit for my children, as they can learn at their own pace and in a way that is most effective for them.
Another pro of the Charlotte Mason style curriculums is that they are centered around the idea of educating the whole child. This means that it focuses not only on academics but also on developing good habits, manners, and character. This has been a big plus for me as a mom, as I want to raise children who are not only academically successful but also kind, compassionate, and responsible.
And finally, the method's focus on recitation, which helps to transform a child's attention, has been the most significant benefit I have found, especially for my easily distracted child, who sometimes struggles to pay attention to the task at hand.
Some helpful websites for more information on Charlotte Mason education:
👉🏽https://simplycharlottemason.com/ ; There's also a good podcast called "Simply Charlotte Mason" if you're the podcast-listening type 🎧
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