Charlotte Mason an early 19th century British educator, recognized the child's innate ability to learn and advocated the education of children by real life situations .
Using "whole" books instead of watered down materials such as textbooks, Mason advocated a strong foundation in the core subjects of reading, writing, and math skills, while also exposing the child to the best sources of all other subjects, including the arts. Nature walks, museums, art galleries, living books, such as first hand narratives, form an integral part of the whole.
The method also utilizes narration, in which the child recites what he or she has learned from the given materials. This, in turn, helps to organize and reinforce the knowledge gained.
Once independent learning is an option, the student will discuss materials with parents and peers, furthering the student's retention and deepening understanding.
Charlotte Mason students keep nature journals, sketchbooks and diaries to record and describe the world around them and document their own journeys through that world.
