Charlotte Mason Kindergarten
What Is a Charlotte Mason Kindergarten?
A Charlotte Mason kindergarten is a gentle, relational introduction to learning for children roughly ages five and six. It is not a formal academic program and it is not designed to replicate school at home. Instead, it honors the child as a whole person and builds habits, affections, and relationships that make future learning possible.
In the Charlotte Mason tradition, early education focuses less on what a child knows and more on who the child is becoming. This means short lessons, rich ideas, time outdoors, and meaningful work with the hands.Who Charlotte Mason Kindergarten Is For?
A Charlotte Mason kindergarten is a good fit if you:
-Want to delay formal academics without neglecting your child’s education
-Value habits, attention, and character over early achievement
-Prefer living books, nature, and real-life experiences
-Are homeschooling a young child who learns best through movement and relationship
It may not be a good fit if you are -looking for a worksheet-based program, early reading guarantees, or a highly structured academic schedule.Core Principles of a Charlotte Mason Kindergarten
1. Education Is an Atmosphere
Young children are shaped more by their environment than by lessons. A peaceful home rhythm, exposure to beauty, and thoughtful speech form the foundation of learning long before formal instruction begins.
2. Education Is a Discipline
Kindergarten years are ideal for habit formation. Simple habits such as attention, obedience, truthfulness, and care for belongings are cultivated gently through daily life rather than lectures.
3. Education Is a Life
Children learn best from living ideas. Stories, poems, songs, and nature offer ideas that nourish the mind and imagination without pressure or hurry.
What is Taught In A Charlotte Mason Kindergarten
Charlotte Mason kindergarten does not ignore learning. It simply approaches it differently.
Common elements include:
-Daily time outdoors with nature observation
-Picture books and simple living books read aloud
-Poetry and folk songs
-Handicrafts and practical life skills
-Picture study and music listening
-Gentle preparation for reading and writing through play and conversation
-Formal reading instruction and written work are usually delayed until around age six or seven, depending on readiness.What a Day Might Look Like
A typical Charlotte Mason kindergarten day is short and flexible. Lessons may last only one to two hours total, with plenty of margin for play.
A simple morning might include:
A hymn or folk song
A short read-aloud
Time outside
A handicraft or practical task
The rest of the day is left open for play, rest, and family life.
Common Questions About Charlotte Mason Kindergarten
Do I need a curriculum?A full curriculum is not required. Many families use a loose guide or collection of resources rather than a packaged program.
What about learning to read?Reading is approached gently and patiently. Phonics may be introduced informally, but pressure is avoided. Many children learn to read quickly once formal lessons begin later.
Is this enough?Yes. A Charlotte Mason kindergarten is not preparation for learning. It is learning. The work done in these years lays the groundwork for lifelong education.
Ready to Get Started?
If you want a clear, gentle path forward, my Charlotte Mason Kindergarten program is designed to support both you and your child during these foundational years.
The program provides:
A simple weekly rhythm
Carefully chosen living books
Guidance for habit formation
Nature study, music, art, and handicrafts without pressure
It is meant to give structure without hurry and confidence without overwhelm.
You can learn more about the kindergarten program here:
How to Get Started
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Welcome to Little Wanderers Kindergarten! Our meticulously crafted Charlotte Mason Kindergarten Curriculum, designed to ignite a lifelong love for learning in your little ones. Inspired by the profound educational philosophy of Charlotte Mason, this curriculum encompasses the rich tapestry of experiences essential for holistic child development.
As Charlotte Mason herself famously said, "Education is an atmosphere, a discipline, a life." With this in mind, our curriculum is thoughtfully structured to create an immersive atmosphere where children thrive intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually.
Each component of our curriculum is infused with Charlotte Mason's timeless principles, ensuring that your child receives a well-rounded education that nurtures their mind, body, and soul. Through a balance of living books, hands-on activities, and nature exploration, children are encouraged to engage deeply with the world around them.
"Children are born persons," Charlotte Mason declared, emphasizing the dignity and individuality of each child. Our curriculum respects this fundamental truth by fostering an environment where children are valued as unique individuals with their own strengths, interests, and perspectives.
Incorporating Charlotte Mason's emphasis on the importance of nature, our curriculum includes outdoor exploration and nature study, allowing children to develop a deep connection with the natural world. Through nature walks, observation journals, and seasonal studies, children develop a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world around them.
"Education is an atmosphere," Charlotte Mason famously stated, highlighting the importance of the environment in shaping a child's learning experience. Our curriculum provides a nurturing and enriching atmosphere where children feel inspired to explore, discover, and create.
With a focus on living books and rich literature, our curriculum ignites a love for reading and storytelling in young hearts. Through classic children's literature, poetry, and folk tales, children embark on literary adventures that expand their imagination and cultivate a lifelong appreciation for the written word.
"Education is a discipline," Charlotte Mason exclaimed, highlighting the importance of cultivating habits and virtues in children. Our curriculum incorporates habit training and character development, empowering children to cultivate virtues such as attentiveness, obedience, and perseverance.
At the heart of our Little WanderersKindergarten Curriculum lies a deep commitment to nurturing the whole child – mind, body, and spirit. With its emphasis on living ideas, meaningful experiences, and the cultivation of virtue, our curriculum provides a solid foundation for your child's educational journey and lays the groundwork for a lifetime of learning and growth.
The Booklist:
Science:
Among the Farmyard Peopleby Clara D. Pierson
Tales:
A Ring of Tricksters by Virginia Hamilton
Fables by Arnold Lobel
Nature Lore:
The Curious Lobster by Richard W. Hatch
The Burgess Seashore Book for Children by Thornton Burgess
History:
How Children Live by Christopher and Melanie Rice
Classical Literature:
Eric Carle’s Treasury of Classic Stories for Children by Eric Carle
Literature:
Abel’s Island by William Steg
Children of the Noisy Village by Astrid Lindgren
Cricket in Times Square by George Selden: Revised by Stacy Lee
Poetry: (Choose one)
The Random House Book of Poetry for Children by Jack Prelutsky
Sing a Song of Seasons: A Nature Poem for Each Day of the Year by Fiona Waters
Elements Included in Little Wanderers Kindergarten:
-A Teacher’s Guide that helps break down the Charlotte Mason Method during the early years. This resource includes hyperlinks to other well-vetted Charlotte Mason curriculum and resources.
-Poetry recitations for a year
-Kindergarten Copywork
-Scheduling pages, booklist, reflection pages, and planner
-Timeline Cards related to history
-Nature Journaling pages
-Exam Questions
**This is a digital product, no physical copy will be mailed to you**