Charlotte Mason’s methods, like many homeschooling methods, center around a Christian lifestyle and worldview. As Muslims, it’s not hard to adapt these methods to fit our priorities.
Charlotte Mason had a list of things she believed a 6 year old should know, which serves as a great guide for us to shape our Kindergarten, and it’s a great start for our family to adjust her teaching to fit us as Muslims.
You can find the original list of attainments on the Ambleside Online website, and many other sites. If you’re not already familiar with Ambleside Online site, it’s a great resource to get full book lists, curriculum, and information about the Charlotte Mason homeschooling method.
Islamic List of Attainments: Age 6
You’ll notice many of these are learned through outside exploration or play. Formal book work was limited for young children. Charlotte Mason says it very plainly:
…for of the evils of modern education few are worse than this – that the perpetual cackle of his elders leaves the poor child not a moment of time, nor an inch of space wherein to wonder – and grow. –Home Education (volume 1) by Charlotte Mason, page 45
That’s very interesting. I love the outdoor attainments – young kids should be playing outside and not cooped up inside doing worksheets and playing on the computer or electronic devices all day..
Yes! I have started to find more value in some screen time at home, but generally, I want them outside as much as possible. Now that we are starting to head toward snowy season, my kids are getting renewed interest in playing outside. The change of seasons keeps things interesting for them.
Jzk khayr for sharing this. Am learning a lot from your blog. May Allah reward with never ending goodness. Ameen
Just quick question when you take your kids out do you have a particular activity planned for them or just let them do what they want eg park / play centres etc
In sha Allah khair for your kind comment!
Most times when I take my kids out of doors, it’s just to play and explore. I might have an idea to point out new buds, mushroom, try to find tadpoles, or something similar, but it’s all very loose in how we go about it. The kids do have laminated cards that sometimes they like to bring out and see if they can find the items that are in the cards, but still, the vast majority of their time is free to use as they wish at this age.
I am loving these attainments!! So wholistic and gentle!! Lots of doing and less stationary work!! Thank you for sharing!!
You’re welcome! So glad you found it helpful!
Salam, I am very new to Charlotte Mason. Where can I learn more about this attainment: to be able to describe 3 walks and 3 views?