Many young moms have asked us, “What should I be doing with my children before they start formal schooling?” Here are our suggestions. Don’t let this chart intimidate you! Habits, outside play, read-alouds, and Bible are most important. If you concentrate only on them, you’ll be doing just fine. Reading, copywork, and math come next as the child is ready. (Some may not be ready until they are older than five; that’s OK!) Handicrafts, art, music, and poetry are simply add-ons that will enrich your child’s atmosphere and help him feel at home with those aspects of Charlotte Mason education when he starts “school work.”

Subject 3 Years Old 4 Years Old 5 Years Old
Habits Habits Training
Outdoors Outdoor Free Play and Exploration
Read-Alouds (See suggested list.)
Beginning Reading Learn letter names and sounds Practice identifying the beginning sound of words; learn vowels are a, e, i, o, u Beginning Reading Lessons; NOTE: Lessons should be short; no longer than 10-15 minutes.
Copywork Trace upper-case letters with finger in sand, rice, or air Write upper- and lower-case letters with felt-tip marker on wall chart or poster board on wall Write on lined or unlined paper, holding pencil or felt-tip marker correctly; Manuscript Copywork downloads or Delightful Handwriting
Math Counting by rote One-to-one correlation in counting

RightStart Level A or Math-U-See Primer; NOTE: Lessons should be short; no longer than 10-15 minutes.
Handicrafts (Select from Handicrafts and Life Skills list.)
Art Display large prints of great artists, one at a time. Tell artist’s name if child is interested. (Or can join with older siblings/students for picture study.)
Music Play the works of great composers, one at a time, in the background during meals or driving. Tell composer’s name if child is interested. (Or can join with older siblings/students for music study.)
Poetry Read poetry aloud together at least once a week. Some poetry books are listed in the Read-Alouds. (Or can listen while you read poetry to older siblings/students.)
Bible Read aloud the great stories of the Bible. (Or can listen to and participate in older siblings/students’ Bible readings and Scripture Memory.)

Wondering how to do Copywork, Picture Study, Music Study, or Poetry?