5 Charlotte Mason Curriculum In a Box Options
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You want to use the Charlotte Mason method to teach your children. But, can you actually get Charlotte Mason curriculum in a box?
The answer is yes.
There are options to give your kids the best books to read without having to source it all yourself.
Keep reading to learn more about what to consider and how to make a good choice.
Charlotte Mason’s Educational Philosophy
Imagine nurturing a child’s curiosity through an educational experience that’s as diverse as a walk in a lush garden, where each turn reveals new wonders to explore. This is what the Charlotte Mason method brings to life.
Charlotte Mason, a revolutionary thinker in the world of education, believed that we should educate the whole child, not just their mind. Her philosophy is about more than just reading, writing, and arithmetic; it’s about fostering a living education.
She proposed that children should be exposed to a wide array of subjects. This ranged from Shakespeare’s sonnets to the subtle art of needlecraft, and everything in between.
The Charlotte Mason approach values the vast expanse of the natural world, as well as the rich tapestry of literature and the fine arts. She urged us to cultivate good habits in our little ones, crafting not just scholars, but well-rounded and good-hearted individuals.
The method extends a hand to older children with an invitation to converse with the classics. It also guides younger kids to delight in nursery rhymes and the stories of the great composers.
It is a call to engage the whole person, to spark a sense of wonder, and to instill a lifelong yearning for learning through the joy of living books and the nurturing of a child’s natural curiosity.
Understanding the ‘Curriculum-in-a-Box’ Concept
Ever found yourself frazzled, staring at a heap of educational resources? You’re trying to cobble together something that resembles a structured learning plan? I’ve been there—it feels a lot like trying to cook a five-course meal without a recipe. Enter the concept of ‘curriculum-in-a-box.’
Picture this: Pre-selected materials, themed lesson plans, cohesive guides, and all the trimmings of a Charlotte Mason education, nestled in one neat package. It’s like unwrapping a gift where every book, kit, and study guide has been handpicked to align with those cherished principles of living books, nature studies, and fine arts.
For us homeschooling families cruising through the hectic highways of life, this box is a travel companion that says, “I’ve got the map, let’s go on this journey together.”
It’s perfect for those dipping their toes into the homeschooling pool for the first time, or for seasoned swimmers seeking to streamline the process.
Imagine reclaiming precious hours—no more endless research or piecing together lesson plans. The curriculum box is a treasure chest. It holds not just time savings but also the assurance of quality, coherence, and the breath of fresh air that is a well-rounded education for our little ones.
Exploration of Curriculum Kits – Charlotte Mason Curriculum in a Box
Diving into the world of Charlotte Mason curriculum kits feels like embarking on a treasure hunt. Each kit brimming with the promise of educational riches for my little learners.
With a spectrum from free to premium options, there’s something to fit every homeschooling budget and need. Just imagine, there’s Ambleside Online. It’s an abundant resource, generously offering a free homeschool curriculum, fostering a deep connection with classic literature and the natural world.
Yet, for those of us craving a bit more guidance or looking for something all-encompassing, there are boxed curriculums like Simply Charlotte Mason. They are meticulously assembled, it serves up ready-made lesson plans, extensive teacher resources, and delightful book lists, all in alignment with Mason’s philosophy.
For those who envision an international flavor in their teaching, My Homeschool sprinkles in foreign language guides. This ensures our little ones become as fluent in the language of the world as they are in the language of kindness and curiosity.
#1 Simply Charlotte Mason
Picture this: detailed lesson plans that flow as naturally as a conversation. There’s an abundance of book lists that feel like the best kind of matchmaking with literature. And all steeped in that rich Charlotte Mason philosophy.
Every day unfolds like a narrative of discovery. They have guides that serve not just as roadmaps, but as invitations to explore the world of knowledge with our little ones.
This isn’t just Charlotte in a box; it’s Charlotte in my home. It’s the guide that escorts older children and preschoolers alike on a lyrical dance through classical music studies and fine arts appreciation.
With nature studies that coax even the most urban-dwelling child into the embrace of the natural world, “Simply Charlotte Mason” doesn’t just educate; it enlivens the whole family on this homeschooling journey.
One of the biggest perks of this homeschool curriculum is that it is very affordable. They make a real effort to include resources that don’t just align with the Charlotte Mason philosophy of education. They are also affordable for most homeschooling families.
#2 My Homeschool
The magic of this homeschool curriculum lies in its faithfulness to Mason’s vision. It ditches dry textbooks, instead granting young minds access to an expanse of knowledge through literature that lives and breathes.
Yet, it’s not just about reading; the series can bring a world of languages to your homeschool haven, stretching from French prose to the melodic intonations of Spanish.
A golden thread of Charlotte Mason’s philosophy is weaved into the heart of it all. That is, teaching us the importance of the natural world, fine arts, and nurturing the whole person.
It’s these unique components that make My Homeschool a wonderful option.
Every guide, every curriculum kit, is a stepping stone in fostering good habits and a love for learning that awaits to embrace the whole family.
This is an online curriculum that takes all the work off of your shoulders. It isn’t the cheapest option but it is the most “done for you” option that you’ll come across.
It’s also fantastic if you’re living in Australia. They offer custom help for homeschoolers there when it comes to aligning with the necessary standards.
#3 Ambleside Online
This curriculum is 100% free. Everything is online and all necessary resources are linked. They have everything you need but you will have to print items you’d like to have a hard copy of.
Ambleside Online is a vastly popular option among Charlotte Mason homeschoolers. It’s a rich resource that won’t cost you a cent to access.
#4 Charlotte Mason In a Box
This company provides everything you need to teach your child for a year except for foreign language and math. Aside from those two subjects you’ll receive all the resources required to give your child a year’s worth of a Charlotte Mason education.
It is not cheap or free, but it is something that will take a lot of work off of your shoulders.
#5 A Gentle Feast
With A Gentle Feast you’ll get an all-inclusive curriculum except for the subject of math. Aside from that, you’ll receive everything you need. Their curriculum spans from grade 1- grade 12. There’s an online teacher portal and both physical and PDF options for workbooks, etc.
As far as affordability, A Gentle Feast certainly offers a range of options which makes it pretty affordable overall.
Important Considerations for Selecting a Curriculum
Diving into the immersive world of homeschooling with a Charlotte Mason flair, the selection of a curriculum kit isn’t a decision one to make lightly. Your child’s age stands at the forefront of this crucial choice.
Younger children might thrive with picture books and nursery rhymes that nourish their budding curiosity. However, older kids need thought-provoking classic literature and in-depth American history and world history to challenge their growing minds.
Keep an eye out for kits that will grow with your family. They should be versatile enough to engage your little ones and captivate the older children in their educational journey.
The eclectic spread of subjects in a Charlotte Mason curriculum also draws attention from many. Look for a kit that serves up a sumptuous feast of knowledge. From nature studies that whisk you away to the great outdoors to composer studies that will fill your home with the sounds of Vivaldi and Mozart.
A boxed curriculum that includes language arts, foreign language guides, and a dash of the natural world ensures the holistic development of your whole child, just as Charlotte Mason intended.
Lastly, the scaffolding of support is non-negotiable.
Importantly, an extensive teacher resource set makes sure you’re not left adrift in the homeschool sea. Detailed study guides, lesson plans for next year, and a community of like-minded parents are the lighthouses to guide your path, promising a smoother voyage for the entire family on your homeschool journey.
Yearning for Learning: Wrapping Up the Charlotte Mason Way
As we’ve journeyed through the realm of the Charlotte Mason curriculum, we’ve discovered a rich variety of educational options. There’s a banquet of learning that beckons our children to feast.
The Charlotte Mason method isn’t merely about checking boxes. It’s about nurturing a profound yearning for knowledge, fostering a deep connection to the natural world, and cultivating the whole person.
From the gentle cadence of nursery rhymes in preschool years to the bold strokes of classic literature for older kids, this approach to education harnesses the power of living books and the splendor of fine arts, weaving them into the very fabric of our homeschool experience.
Incorporating a curriculum kit into this journey isn’t just about ease or convenience. It’s about framing the day-to-day with a structure that honors the Charlotte Mason philosophy. This is to ensure that your lesson plans help not hinder.
These kits are not just a collection of resources. They’re the compass that guides you in classical education, aligning with Mason’s vision and your deepest hopes for your children’s growth.
And you know what? If you find that using Charlotte Mason curriculum in a box isn’t for you, then that’s also okay. Nature study, composer study, and picture study aren’t exclusively the best ways to homeschool children.
Finally, good books are subjective, homeschooling is about educational freedom. Use what works for you and don’t worry about the rest.
