Teaching Children

But what do my kids need to know, and when? This is a common question from parents interested in the Charlotte Mason "living books" education method, and the one Child-Light co-developer Diane Lopez answers in Teaching Children. An integration of the Charlotte Mason approach and distinctively Christian worldview elements, Lopez's curriculum is rooted in accessible texts designed to engage children and activate their minds, not dull them with unrelated facts the way textbooks do.

At the heart are language arts. Children who can read and write are prepared to learn any amount and kind of information—if they can read, they can read books; and if they can write, they are able to show they've mastered what they've read by recording it in their own words. Even math and science are based in these fundamental skills, as well as history, geography, music, etc. The intention is that, by introducing children to books (and experiences) that pique their interest, parents will give them keys to not only pursue but enjoy a lifetime of learning.

For each subject Lopez provides level-by-level guidelines for grades K-6. Favorite texts are referenced in each chapter so you don't have to find every single one on your own (though scrounging at the library, used book store, etc. is strongly encouraged). All this is framed by a commitment to Bible education and a Christian worldview, with suggestions for integrating what kids are studying in the context of faith and Scripture. While most parents will likely want to go farther, Teaching Children is an excellent starting place for parents worn out by "new" ineffective methods of teaching.

Review by C. Hollis Crossman C. Hollis Crossman used to be a child. Now he is a husband and father, teaches adult Sunday school in his Presbyterian congregation, and likes weird stuff. He might be a mythical creature, but he's definitely not a centaur. Read more of his reviews here.

Review by C. Hollis Crossman
C. Hollis Crossman used to be a child. Now he's a husband and father who loves church, good food, and weird stuff. He might be a mythical creature, but he's definitely not a centaur. Read more of his reviews here.