charlotte mason singing lesson

A Charlotte Mason Singing Lesson

nourishedchildren Blog, Curriculum, Resources, Uncategorized

A Charlotte Mason Singing Lesson

charlotte mason singing lesson
charlotte mason singing lesson

Before we begin A Charlotte Mason Singing Lesson …

First, I explain why I’m focusing subject by subject. Also, I include Charlotte Mason quotes because I find her original lectures on education to be awe inspiring and helpful.

Next, please keep reading to see the break down of implementing lessons, the schedule, and resources I’m using that fit our family. Finally, I share the wealth of quality Charlotte Mason resources I have found helpful, from those mothers who have gone before me.

PREPARING THE FEAST

“Our aim in education is to give a full life. We owe it to them to initiate an immense number of interests.” (Mason, vol. 3)

There are MANY subjects included in a Charlotte Mason education because she believed in spreading a wide feast. Sometimes, it feels a bit daunting for a new homeschooling mama.

Therefore, I’m attempting to learn, digest, and absorb how I’m going to be teaching each subject. I have decided to compose a blog post on each subject for Form 1B (roughly first grade). This will help me prepare to teach my oldest son in the Fall.

“Every day, every hour, the parents are either passively or actively forming those habits in their children upon which, more than upon anything else, future character and conduct depend.” (Mason, vol. 6)

 

A Charlotte Mason Singing Lesson

WHAT

“Hymns with a story, such as: ‘A Little Ship Was on the Sea,’ … are perhaps the best for little children.” (Mason, vol. 3)

Hymns that tell stories are a great beginning. Therefore, I’m choosing some hymns that seem to have a story quality about them, such as Silent Night.

charlotte mason singing lesson
charlotte mason singing lesson

WHAT WE ARE USING

These are all FABULOUS FREE Resources. Therefore, this is our beginning point for singing!

charlotte mason singing lesson
charlotte mason singing lesson

WHY

According to A Delectable Education, music lifts the mood. It brightens our spirit. Singing also builds a child’s lungs. It also hones the habit of listening attentively.

WHEN

Charlotte Mason describes the Singing Lesson as occurring four times a week, for ten minutes each lesson. Also, singing lessons typically occurred before the afternoon play break, during morning lessons.

HOW

“I should like, in connection with singing, to mention the admirable educational effects of the Tonic Sol-Fa method. Children learn by it in a magical way to produce sign for sound and sound for sign, that is, they can not only read music, but can write the notes for, or make the proper hand signs for, the notes of a passage sung to them. Ear and voice are simultaneously and equally cultivated.” (Mason, vol. 1)

It is recommended to find voice teachers for students if the mother feels like she cannot manage the task. For our beginning year, however, we are going to give it a go together. We sing songs informally already, and I’m always surprised at how quickly my children pick up on the lyrics and tone of the songs. They seem delighted to learn and hear music, so we are beginning our singing journey together. Also, my husband is a singer, recording engineer, and musician, so he will be joining in when he can.

Since the resources mentioned here are all created by musicians, I feel confident using them as a reference for our beginning lessons.

“If possible, let the children learn from the first under artists…” (Mason, vol. 1)

Each term, it is recommended to enjoy:

  • Two English Folk Songs
  • Two Hymns (Christmas Hymns during the Fall Term)
  • Two Foreign Language Folk Songs (we are focusing on French)
  • Solfa Lessons

Since there are three terms in a Charlotte Mason education, we will cover six English folk songs, six French folk songs, and six hymns during our entire first school year.

NOTES:

  • Primarily, we will be enjoying the songs!
  • My children will be encouraged to sing along, and if appropriate, clap the melody.
  • We will learn Christmas songs during the Fall term because we will be singing as a service to an elderly community with a Charlotte Mason co-op.
  • Also, we will be listening to French songs because it helps us to learn French.
charlotte mason singing lesson
charlotte mason singing lesson

FAVORITE RESOURCES

Finally, I have come across some outstanding resources in learning about a Charlotte Mason education. I’m so happy to share them with you! Some of these are sources I return to daily because I’m preparing to teach my children. Additionally, I list specific resources for a Charlotte Mason Singing Lesson.

GENERAL CHARLOTTE MASON RESOURCES

CHARLOTTE MASON SINGING LESSON RESOURCES

Finally, ALL resources mentioned below are FREE!

OUR PICKS

Also, check out these previous blog posts in the series:

Thank you so much for checking in! Finally, please stay tuned for the next ‘A Charlotte Mason Subject Lesson’ post.

Homeschool Preschool Supplies List

All of the quotes mentioned in this blog post, come from Home Education by Charlotte Mason. The Living Press published my favorite version of her books. Finally, I TRULY recommend any parent read Charlotte Mason’s books! They are truly treasured words I believe I will be reading and re-reading for many years to come.

nourishedchildren

Hi, I'm Randi! I'm the blessed Mama of two amazing little boys, Hudson (age 4.5) and Jude (age 3). I'm honored to be able to homeschool my preschoolers and we are trying to be intentional with our children each day. I'm all about slowing down, leading as natural a life as we can, spending time outdoors, and enjoying the simple, ordinary moments of life. I have always had health and wellness as an intense passion. Now I get to share it with my children!

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