FIRST GRADE WITH CHARLOTTE MASON

First Week Review in First Grade with Charlotte Mason

Our First Week

WHAT WE HAVE BEEN UP TO …

After much careful planning and consideration, we started Form 1B (roughly First Grade) last Monday.

Finally, we did it! One of the hardest parts is over, because last week, we began our First Week in First Grade with Charlotte Mason.

FIRST GRADE WITH CHARLOTTE MASON
FIRST GRADE WITH CHARLOTTE MASON

First Grade with Charlotte Mason

“Nothing is trivial that concerns a child; his foolish-seeming words and ways are pregnant with meaning for the wise.” (Mason, Vol. 1

For many months, off and on, much effort was placed on learning to teach my son. So much went into this preparation because it is currently the most important thing to me. Also, it is his first formal year of education at home.

WHAT TO EXPECT

I have a lot to say about our First Week, so if you are simply interested in the resources, please scroll down to ‘Our First Week.’

  • First, I outline six basic ideas for early lessons.
  • Then, I include educational resources we used for our first week. I emphasize materials my son enjoyed. I also highlight books or supplies I felt would be a huge resource to us as we move through the year.
  • Then, I show a sample of a day of morning lessons.
  • Next, I share some of my takeaways from our first week.
  • Finally, I end with our favorite resources in summary.

INSPIRING QUOTES

All of the quotes mentioned in this blog post, come from Home Education by Charlotte Mason.

In the beginning, Charlotte Mason states on the first page of Volume 1 of Home Education:

“Now, that work which is of most importance to society is the bringing-up and instruction of the children-in the school, certainly, but far more in the home, because it is more than anything else the home influences brought to bear upon the child that determine the character and career of the future man or woman.” (Mason, Vol. 1

This could be discouraging since it ways heavily on the parents. However, Ms. Mason quickly encourages Mothers, saying:

“The mother is qualified…by the creator Himself…” (Mason, Vol. 1

There are many subjects I’m not well educated on myself, therefore, I’m also learning alongside my children.

first grade with charlotte mason
first grade with charlotte mason

SIX IMPORTANT POINTS FOR LESSONS

  1. “That the knowledge most valuable to the child is that which he gets with his own eyes and ears and fingers (under direction) in the open air.” (Mason, Vol. 1
  2. “That the claims of the schoolroom should not be allowed to encroach on the child’s right to long hours daily for exercise and investigation.” (Mason, Vol. 1
  3. “That the child should be taken daily, if possible, to scenes-moor or meadow, park, common, or shore-where he may find new things to examine, and so add to his store of real knowledge.” (Mason, Vol. 1
  4. “That play, vigorous healthful play, is, in its turn, fully as important as lessons, as regards both bodily health and brain-power.” (Mason, Vol. 1
  5. “That the child, though under supervision, should be left much to himself-both that he may go to work in his own way on the ideas he receives…” (Mason, Vol. 1
  6. “That the happiness of the child is the condition of his progress; that his lessons should be joyous…” (Mason, Vol. 1
first grade with charlotte mason
first grade with charlotte mason

PREPARING THE FEAST

“The parents’ chief care is, that that which they supply shall be wholesome and nourishing, whether in the way of picture-books, lessons, playmates, bread and milk, or mother’s love.” (Mason, Vol. 1

I’m seeking to nourish my children in the best way and I can. Charlotte Mason’s philosophy has provided me guidance because I feel more equipped with tools to begin my son’s formal education.

There are MANY subjects included in a Charlotte Mason education because she believed in spreading a wide feast.

NOTE

We did not cover ALL of these every day.  However, we DID cover these subjects this week, using these resources. Please keep in mind also, we only read a few pages in some of these books!

Our First Week

Overall, my son’s favorites are the above resources listed for: Geography, Math, Singing, Natural History, History, Literature, Poetry, Nature Study, and Read Alouds.

first week with charlotte mason
first week with charlotte mason

MORNING SCHEDULE

+ First, make beds, brush teeth, and free play.

+ Then, enjoy breakfast and help Mama with dishes.

+ Finally, Morning Lessons, which should last about two and a half hours for a little one. In reality, we were taking about three hours. So, I know I need to tighten up our transitions a little better.

+ Lunch. Then, after lunch, we move into the afternoons.

Preschool with Charlotte Mason
Preschool with Charlotte Mason

AFTERNOON SCHEDULE

+ First, we have playtime; so I encourage them to spend a couple of hours outdoors.

+ Then, during the late afternoon, we come back inside. I read aloud good literature stories and a couple of poems. Typically, I play music from their Music Appreciation on while I ask them to clean up their toys.

+ One day this week, I introduced piano to them. I plan to increase this steadily as we move on, since it is suggested to work on this daily.

+ As we find our rhythm, I plan to also add by-the-way Geography lessons as we spend daily time outdoors.

+ Also, one afternoon this week, we went to a creek to spend time outdoors in a special nature spot.

FIRST GRADE WITH CHARLOTTE MASON
FIRST GRADE WITH CHARLOTTE MASON

Charlotte Mason was a big advocate for the outdoor time in the afternoon. She said,

“…the chief function of the child-his business in the world during the first six or seven years of his life-is to find out all he can, about whatever comes under his notice, by means of his five senses; that he has an insatiable appetite for knowledge got in this way; and that, therefore, the endeavor of his parents should be to put him in the way of making acquaintance freely with Nature and natural objects…” (Mason, Vol. 1).

I love this quote because it takes the pressure off us Mamas to “entertain” the little ones. It is perfectly
fine NOT to keep up with the pressures of society that implore the youngest of children must be shuffled
around from activity to activity, as if they are adults. I believe it is more important to protect this sweet, innocent time for our littles…and allow them the freedom to explore, move, and be in nature as much as possible.

FIRST GRADE WITH CHARLOTTE MASON
FIRST GRADE WITH CHARLOTTE MASON

FIRST WEEK LESSONS FOR MAMA

I learned so much in these first days teaching my littles in a formal education. Additionally, I have much more to learn.

  • First, say a quick prayer before lessons (either with kiddos or alone). On the day I didn’t make time for this, we had a chaotic morning.
  • Next, spend a few minutes preparing for your morning lessons. I usually spend less than ten minutes on this each morning, however, on the day I didn’t, I didn’t feel at peace.
  • Observe my son for signs of weariness. When my son was fidgety, wandering off, or not listening, it was time to have either a small break, or switch to the next lesson. This is hard for me because I want him to soak up ALL OF THIS GOODNESS.
  • Next, I need to lower my expectations. In my mind, my son, at six, should be the next Einstein. Woah! I had no idea that my perfectionist tendencies would come out (mostly as an internal dialogue). These are not helpful to anyone, so I’m working on finding the joy instead.
  • Finally, I took about five minutes or less each day, to write what we had specifically done in lessons. This was like a journal entry. Mostly, I wrote down what ideas he understood, and where we left off so we know where to pick back up again.
FIRST GRADE WITH CHARLOTTE MASON
FIRST GRADE WITH CHARLOTTE MASON

GENERAL CHARLOTTE MASON RESOURCES

FIRST WEEK RESOURCES

  • Morningtide to Eventide Homeschool Planner. I love this planner because it has suggested daily Bible readings for Mama, daily planner space, as well as daily lesson spaces for the boys.
  • Art Images to go along with our Bible readings.
  • Simply Charlotte Mason Podcast on Starting a Charlotte Mason Education from Scratch. This was encouraging to listen to on my final day of the first week because it solidified some thoughts I was having about our first week.

OUR PICKS

I’m sharing these here because these are my son’s FAVORITES. He always asks for more when we pick these books up!

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.

charlotte mason handicrafts lesson

A Charlotte Mason Handicrafts Lesson

A Charlotte Mason Handicrafts Lesson

Charlotte Mason Handicrafts
Charlotte Mason Handicrafts

Before we begin A Charlotte Mason Handicrafts 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)

Boys in the kitchen strawberry jam
Boys in the kitchen strawberry jam

A Charlotte Mason Handicrafts Lesson

WHAT

When I first heard of Charlotte Mason, I took a “What Style Homeschool Teacher are You?” quiz. Since I received Charlotte Mason as my top choice, I believed my results were inaccurate because I couldn’t identify readily with some of the various subjects. Next, I took a different homeschool quiz in order to find the same results! Eventually, however, I knew in my heart that Charlotte Mason was the right way to go to teach my children. I was still nervous, however, about handicrafts because of my inexperience.

“The Handicrafts best fitted for children under nine seem to me to be chair-caning, carton-work, basket-work, smyrna rugs, Japanese curtains, carving in cork, samples of coarse canvas showing a variety of stitches, easy needlework, knitting (big needles and wool), etc.” (Mason, vol. 1)

The quote above sounds like a foreign language to me, because it shows many skills I do not have. Therefore, I’m preparing to use a few resources to get us started. Since I feel inexperienced with handicrafts, I’m also keeping things simple in our first year. First, I’m focusing on what I know. Next, I will include recommended resources to learn new skills.

Handicrafts
Handicrafts

WHAT WE ARE USING

First, we will begin with a few household chores. Then, we will add in beginning handicrafts such as: paper folding and origami.

MY BEGINNING SELECTIONS

    • House Chores
      • First, we will build these habits:
          • make bed
          • brush teeth
          • set the table
          • clear the table
          • help with food prep
          • fold and put away laundry
        • help feed dogs
    • Cooking and Baking
      • Also, we will make bread, muffins, cupcakes, cookies, and learn simple meal prep.
        • I used to own a Cupcake Shop, and I LOVE to make healthy meal for my family, therefore, I feel super comfortable to begin with this!
    • Care for a small, Container Garden
Handicrafts
Handicrafts

RESOURCES WE ARE USING

We are using Slow and Sacred Advent , Rooted Childhood, and Exploring Nature Curriculum with Children  for some ideas because these come highly recommended. I have used these resources in the past, so I know they make great choices. If you decide to purchase Rooted Childhood, make sure to use discount code “nourishedchildren10” because you receive 10% off your purchase.

beginning sewing button craft
beginning sewing button craft

WHY

Handicrafts bring delight and beauty to the person who makes them. It is also suggested to make homemade Christmas gifts during the first and second terms. Providing this act of service to neighbors or others in need, also brings joy to those that receive the gifts. Charlotte Mason was a big believer in teaching a child to serve others, since Jesus served others too.

First, learning handicrafts additionally builds skills useful to the child.  The goal is not to create a “construction paper” type project. These are often discarded as quickly as it was made because they are not useful or beautiful.  Instead, handicrafts aim to provide something that can be used or cherished by the child or a friend forever.

Finally, as many Charlotte Mason subjects do, handicrafts bring beauty, physical knowledge, and joy to the child.

Practically Hippie

WHEN

Charlotte Mason describes the Handicrafts Lesson as occurring five times a week, for twenty minutes each lesson. Also, Handicraft Lessons additionally typically continued during the afternoons, following morning lessons.

Ms. Mason also states handicrafts should occur daily because they are such a valuable skill to the child. She says:

“…Handicrafts and Drills-which should form a regular part of a child’s daily life.” (Mason, vol. 1)

charlotte mason handicrafts lesson
charlotte mason handicrafts lesson

HOW

“The points to be born in mind in children’s handicrafts are: (a) that they should not be employed in the making futilities such as pea and stick work, paper mats, and the like; (b) that they should be taught slowly and carefully what they are to do; (c) that slipshod work should not be allowed; (d) and that, therefore, the children’s work should be kept well within their compass.” (Mason, vol. 1)

  • First, handicrafts provide a meaningful purpose and skill for the child.
  • Second, children are taught the craft in slow, manageable chunks. This cuts down on frustrations with the child, and enables him to slowly and carefully progress in the project.
  • Third, hasty and careless work should not be accepted.
  • Finally, the child’s work should be appropriate.
Charlotte Mason Handicrafts
Charlotte Mason Handicrafts

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 Handicrafts Lesson.

GENERAL CHARLOTTE MASON RESOURCES

CHARLOTTE MASON HANDICRAFTS LESSON RESOURCES

    • Volume 1 Home Education pgs. 314-315, 315-316
    • Beginning Handicrafts Article with Paper Sloyd from Charlotte Mason Poetry
  • Wonderful recipes and handicraft suggestions from The Playful Pioneers 
  • More Fall recipe and handicraft suggestions by Rooted Childhood – use coupon code “nourishedchildren10” for a discount!

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.