One reason I chose to use the Charlotte Mason approach is because of the wide range of subjects

that are included in the curriculum.

I loved the idea of broadening my children's horizons and exposing them to a wide variety

of experiences, some of which might potentially spark a personal lifelong interest in each

of them. But it was a big change from

the way I was used to thinking about school. And to be honest, it took me a while to grow in

understanding why some of the subjects are included. Perhaps you're in the same boat. Perhaps you're

wondering, what's the point of fill in the subject?

Oh, you probably know that you should teach reading and writing and math and science and things like that,

but Plutarch and Poetry? Music and Nature Study? Or perhaps you're trying to figure out why handicrafts and art are part of the curriculum?

Well, there are so many wonderful reasons for including each of those subjects in our

children's educations.

I am not going to try to fit all of the benefits into just one episode.

That would be overwhelming. Instead, let's unpack

just one or two subjects at a time. And I think you'll see clearly why each one has a part

in a Charlotte Mason education. Welcome to the Simply Charlotte Mason podcast. I'm Sonia Schaefer. Let's start with music and art.

What's the point? You might ask. Why should we spend school time looking at paintings and listening to music?

It's a valid question.

Some of the answer is going to depend on how you define education.

In a Charlotte Mason approach, education means all that goes into shaping who a person is becoming.

It takes that whole person into account, and it encourages growth, mentally, yes, but also

socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

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