As a home educating parent, you may have heard the term ‘living books’ bandied about. But what exactly are they, and why are they so crucial to Charlotte Mason’s approach? Let’s dive in and explore this cornerstone of her educational philosophy.
What Are Living Books?
Living books are the antithesis of dry, fact-filled textbooks. They’re typically written by a single author who’s passionate about their subject, often in a narrative or conversational style. These books breathe life into their topics, making the subject ‘come alive’ for the reader. They’re not just repositories of information, but vessels of ideas that spark imagination and critical thinking.
Why Are Living Books Important?
Charlotte Mason believed that children should be nourished with living thoughts and ideas, not just facts. Living books engage children’s minds, encouraging them to form connections, think deeply about the subject matter and develop a rich understanding of the world around them.
How to Find Living Books
Now that we understand the importance of living books, how do we go about finding them? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you in your search:
- Start with trusted resources: Websites like Simply Charlotte Mason, Our Journey Westwood, Living Book Press and Ambleside Online offer extensive lists of living books across various subjects and age groups. These are excellent starting points for your search.
- Check your local library: Before purchasing a book see if your library has a copy – many public libraries have living books in their collections. Don’t forget to ask about inter-library loans if your local branch doesn’t have what you’re looking for.
- Consider e-books: Many classic living books are available as free e-texts, but many libraries also have an extensive e-book and audio book catalogues too.
Identifying a Living Book
But how do you know if a book you’ve found is truly a ‘living book’? Here are a few key characteristics to look out for:
- Engaging writing style: The book should draw you in and make you want to keep reading.
- Rich language: Look for books that use varied vocabulary and well-crafted sentences.
- Depth of ideas: The book should present ideas that encourage thought and discussion.
- Narrative quality: Even non-fiction books should tell a story of sorts, weaving facts into a compelling narrative.
- Author biographies: These can often give an insight into the quality of the text within – look for people who are experts within their field.
Incorporating Living Books into Your Home Education
Once you’ve found your living books, how do you use them? Charlotte Mason advocated for a method called ‘narration’. After reading a passage, children are asked to tell back what they’ve read in their own words. This practice helps cement the ideas in their minds and develops their ability to articulate thoughts clearly. Remember, the goal isn’t to race through as many books as possible. It’s to savour the ideas presented, allowing children time to digest and ponder what they’ve read. Quality always trumps quantity when it comes to living books.
Final Thoughts
Embracing living books can transform your children’s learning experience. It’s not just about acquiring knowledge, but about kindling a lifelong love of learning. As you embark on this journey, remember that finding the right books is a skill that develops over time. Don’t be discouraged if it feels challenging at first – the rewards are well worth the effort.