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charlotte mason handicrafts lesson

A Charlotte Mason Handicrafts Lesson

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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.