Charlotte Mason on Children Under 6 Years Old
Charlotte Mason’s philosophies on education begin at birth, not at school age. While the early years look different than the school years, it is vital to use them as a time to lay the foundation for later learning. Here are some of the things to keep in mind for the early years.
Fill their love tanks.
Every child needs to feel loved. Every child also needs to learn how to show love to others. Use the early years to create this love in them. Also, instill a love for nature and life.
Give them your time first.
Mom is at her best first thing in the morning, and doesn’t it seem natural that our children should get our attention when we are at our best? Set aside a time each morning when you can spend a few minutes, one-on-one, with each of your young children. For me, this means resisting the urge to get on the computer and chat with my online friends first thing.
No formal academics.
Other schools of thought state that because a child’s brain is doing most of its developing during the early years that it is necessary to use those years to put as much information into it as possible. Charlotte Mason believed that it is important to allow your child to learn and grow as naturally as possible with the things that surround them. Allow them to spend time outside exploring and getting to know the world around them.
Teach them to acknowledge God.
Help your child to develop a love for God’s word. Teach them to recognize their conscience. Surround them with God’s creation and help them to recognize his hand in all things.
Understand the will.
Many people will tell you that a child who regularly says “no” is a strong-willed child. The opposite is actually true. A child who regularly argues is actually weak-willed. They are unable to command their self and recognize the difference between what they want and what they need. As a very young child, the will is mostly commanded by the parent, but as they grow they will learn to command their own will, and eventually give their will over to Christ and allow Him to govern their life.
Will is more important than intellect.
Teaching your child to control their self is more important than any history, math, science, or language lesson you will ever teach them. Becoming masters of their self will allow them to accomplish more than book smarts ever will.
Take the child outside.
Become familiar with the outdoors, giving your child the things they need for their brains to develop. When you first get outside, allow them to play. This will help the muscles to develop and give ample opportunity for development of gross motor skills necessary for proper brain development. After you have had some time to play call them back and play a game of observation. Have them look at a small landscape (your flower-bed, a corner of the yard, etc.). Have them turn away from the landscape and tell you all that they remember about it. You will open their eyes to everything that surrounds them.
In the early years, Charlotte Mason also speaks of building habits. Coming up next: Charlotte Mason on Habits.
