education atmosphere Archives - pine cones and primers https://pineconesandprimers.com/category/education-atmosphere/ Inspiration for busy Charlotte Mason Homeschoolers Thu, 09 Mar 2023 21:41:00 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.2.2 https://i0.wp.com/pineconesandprimers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/cropped-pinecone-favicon.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 education atmosphere Archives - pine cones and primers https://pineconesandprimers.com/category/education-atmosphere/ 32 32 How to Homeschool Without a Homeschool Room https://pineconesandprimers.com/homeschool-room/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=homeschool-room Thu, 09 Mar 2023 21:41:00 +0000 https://pineconesandprimers.com/?p=409 I grew up doing my schoolwork at the kitchen table, on my bed, and on the floor. Pretty much anywhere but a desk. We had a dedicated homeschool room when I was little with tiny little wooden desks and a chalkboard in the background. But eventually, I outgrew the desk and my mom needed her laundry room back. Even then my younger brother didn’t even sit in his desk chair. He’d kind of hang upside down and do his schoolwork on the underside of the desk. I realized early on with teaching my own kids, that a dedicated homeschool room wasn’t in the cards. We’ve always lived in smaller homes, and while it’s forced me to simplify things, it also means that I don’t have a huge homeschool room. Even for families who do, it seems like people often end up gathered around the kitchen table anyway. The Benefits of not Having a Homeschool Room While I sometimes get jealous of all of the picture perfect homeschool rooms on Instagram, I realized there are some definite advantages to kitchen table homeschooling. It’s in the main area of the house so I have eyes on everyone at all times. I can clean/work in the kitchen while my son is working at the table. I’m able to multitask, but can easily listen to narrations or help with math problems as needed. When my youngest was a baby/toddler, he could play in the living room with supervision while I’m working on school with my oldest. It’s easy to spread out more books and materials than what can fit on a small desk. It forces us to clean up our homeschool area every afternoon… if we want to eat supper that is. It’s great for having snacks and tea time during our read-alouds. Multiple family members can gather around a shared space for group projects/readings. Because the table is close to the living room couch, it’s easy to hop on over there for cuddles and read-alouds. Over the past several years it seems as if more and more families are gathering around the table for school. While some have returned to conventional schooling options, many have found they kind of like it. Whether you’re a veteran homeschooler or new to the game, kitchen table homeschooling certainly has its advantages. Homeschool Dining Room Ideas If you’re like us the dining room is an extension of the kitchen and there’s just one table to talk about. Whatever your setup is, here’s how to make it work for you. Each family is different, and each home is different. These ideas are a starting point, but feel free to make them your own. Create Space Have a space for homeschool books and supplies. For some people, this means a few rolling carts next to the table. We have several bookshelves I inherited from my grandparents in our dining room. I have bookshelves in the living room (can you really have too many bookshelves??) with the chapter books and other ones we’re not currently using. Anything that’s in use for the current trimester goes on our special school shelf next to the table. I also keep all of the art supplies tucked away on those shelves. That way they’re easy to grab and do a project at the table. I also keep our daily art calendar there and the globe for map study. You might also find bubble wands and seeds for next year’s garden. I might need to clean things out a little. Nature Table Centerpieces We’re big on nature study at our house, but finding a place to display everything isn’t always easy.  My preschooler’s rock collection is taking over one of the living room shelves. And however many rocks are rehomed outside, there are twice as many there the next time I look. Sometimes we’ll find an interesting flower or seed pod. These are displayed in the center of our supper table and used as conversation starters. It depends on who found what that day, but it often gets a place at the table for a time. Right now I have a stack of decorative pumpkins, some pine cones, and sycamore seed pods. You don’t need a huge homeschool room to decorate! In the past, we’ve had a glass jar full of different rocks, geodes, and gemstones from a trip to an archaeology museum. Sometimes I’ll put the art desk calendar there and we’ll discuss the art piece for the day. Nature Shelf in the Homeschool Room This is the newest addition to our area and one I’ve been wanting for years. It hangs on the wall so it doesn’t take up a lot of space. And it’s interesting to look at the rotating nature items that end up there. A nature shelf is also great for nature study when the weather outside isn’t being agreeable. You can stash items during the warmer months to have on hand for the colder/rainier ones. It’s an easy way to have more nature inside, without taking up precious table and storage space. Bins Are Your Friend I have a basket for the seashells, a bin for the family games, and then separate containers for the different art supplies. Brushes go in one bin, playdough in another. While the art supplies are in desperate need of reorganizing, keeping everything in its own clear container has been really helpful. This makes things easier to find and easier to store. When we’re ready to move on to a certain subject I can pull just the containers I need from the shelf. Then they get put away and the next sets are pulled out. It also makes it easier for the kids to get what they need themselves. Create Systems I’ve found that it’s a lot easier to start with my end goals and work backward from there. If I want to have a family supper, that means the table needs to be clean enough to eat off of at the end of the day. If we want to have time for art, the materials need to be organized and easily accessible. Think through how you want your homeschool day to go. What you need to do the schoolwork. And how you want your family dynamic to work. Then construct your perfect homeschool environment from there. Utilize wall space for blackboards, whiteboards, nature shelves, and bookshelves. Keep it simple and uncluttered! Don’t want it to look too much like a schoolroom all the time? Pin things to a large corkboard that can be propped up against the wall during school. When school isn’t in session, hide it behind the curtains or a piece of furniture. Every family is different, but here are some more ideas: Chores – Everyone washes their own dishes after breakfast. This clears the table quickly and takes the load off of mom. Batch by subject – Get the materials out for one subject at a time. This gets put away before the next subject’s books/supplies are brought out. Easy reach – Keep necessary books and supplies in a convenient storage area that’s easily accessible. This could be stacked bins on a shelf or a rolling cart. Rolling carts – Have 1 rolling cart per student with all of their supplies in it. Store it elsewhere – Keep books and supplies that are sometimes or not currently in use in another area (if you don’t have the space) Use magazine holders to organize books and paper materials by subject. Then all your student has to do is pull out the file for the current subject. The couch makes a perfect place to gather for family read-alouds. Keep a basket of your current reads by the couch or stashed under the coffee table for easy access. There are so many ways to make your homeschool room work for you. Even if that means the dining room or kitchen table. Hopefully, this post has given you some more ideas for how you can make your space work for your family. Where does your family do their schoolwork? How have you made the most of your homeschool space? Drop a comment and let me know!

The post How to Homeschool Without a Homeschool Room appeared first on pine cones and primers.

]]> I grew up doing my schoolwork at the kitchen table, on my bed, and on the floor. Pretty much anywhere but a desk. We had a dedicated homeschool room when I was little with tiny little wooden desks and a chalkboard in the background.

But eventually, I outgrew the desk and my mom needed her laundry room back. Even then my younger brother didn’t even sit in his desk chair. He’d kind of hang upside down and do his schoolwork on the underside of the desk.

I realized early on with teaching my own kids, that a dedicated homeschool room wasn’t in the cards. We’ve always lived in smaller homes, and while it’s forced me to simplify things, it also means that I don’t have a huge homeschool room. Even for families who do, it seems like people often end up gathered around the kitchen table anyway.

The Benefits of not Having a Homeschool Room

While I sometimes get jealous of all of the picture perfect homeschool rooms on Instagram, I realized there are some definite advantages to kitchen table homeschooling.

  • It’s in the main area of the house so I have eyes on everyone at all times.
  • I can clean/work in the kitchen while my son is working at the table.
  • I’m able to multitask, but can easily listen to narrations or help with math problems as needed.
  • When my youngest was a baby/toddler, he could play in the living room with supervision while I’m working on school with my oldest.
  • It’s easy to spread out more books and materials than what can fit on a small desk.
  • It forces us to clean up our homeschool area every afternoon… if we want to eat supper that is.
  • It’s great for having snacks and tea time during our read-alouds.
  • Multiple family members can gather around a shared space for group projects/readings.
  • Because the table is close to the living room couch, it’s easy to hop on over there for cuddles and read-alouds.

Over the past several years it seems as if more and more families are gathering around the table for school. While some have returned to conventional schooling options, many have found they kind of like it. Whether you’re a veteran homeschooler or new to the game, kitchen table homeschooling certainly has its advantages.

Homeschool Dining Room Ideas

If you’re like us the dining room is an extension of the kitchen and there’s just one table to talk about. Whatever your setup is, here’s how to make it work for you. Each family is different, and each home is different. These ideas are a starting point, but feel free to make them your own.

Create Space

Have a space for homeschool books and supplies. For some people, this means a few rolling carts next to the table. We have several bookshelves I inherited from my grandparents in our dining room. I have bookshelves in the living room (can you really have too many bookshelves??) with the chapter books and other ones we’re not currently using. Anything that’s in use for the current trimester goes on our special school shelf next to the table.

I also keep all of the art supplies tucked away on those shelves. That way they’re easy to grab and do a project at the table. I also keep our daily art calendar there and the globe for map study. You might also find bubble wands and seeds for next year’s garden. I might need to clean things out a little.

Nature Table Centerpieces

We’re big on nature study at our house, but finding a place to display everything isn’t always easy.  My preschooler’s rock collection is taking over one of the living room shelves. And however many rocks are rehomed outside, there are twice as many there the next time I look.

Sometimes we’ll find an interesting flower or seed pod. These are displayed in the center of our supper table and used as conversation starters. It depends on who found what that day, but it often gets a place at the table for a time. Right now I have a stack of decorative pumpkins, some pine cones, and sycamore seed pods. You don’t need a huge homeschool room to decorate!

In the past, we’ve had a glass jar full of different rocks, geodes, and gemstones from a trip to an archaeology museum. Sometimes I’ll put the art desk calendar there and we’ll discuss the art piece for the day.

Nature Shelf in the Homeschool Room

This is the newest addition to our area and one I’ve been wanting for years. It hangs on the wall so it doesn’t take up a lot of space. And it’s interesting to look at the rotating nature items that end up there. A nature shelf is also great for nature study when the weather outside isn’t being agreeable.

You can stash items during the warmer months to have on hand for the colder/rainier ones. It’s an easy way to have more nature inside, without taking up precious table and storage space.

Bins Are Your Friend

I have a basket for the seashells, a bin for the family games, and then separate containers for the different art supplies. Brushes go in one bin, playdough in another. While the art supplies are in desperate need of reorganizing, keeping everything in its own clear container has been really helpful. This makes things easier to find and easier to store.

When we’re ready to move on to a certain subject I can pull just the containers I need from the shelf. Then they get put away and the next sets are pulled out. It also makes it easier for the kids to get what they need themselves.

Create Systems

I’ve found that it’s a lot easier to start with my end goals and work backward from there. If I want to have a family supper, that means the table needs to be clean enough to eat off of at the end of the day. If we want to have time for art, the materials need to be organized and easily accessible.

Think through how you want your homeschool day to go. What you need to do the schoolwork. And how you want your family dynamic to work. Then construct your perfect homeschool environment from there.

Utilize wall space for blackboards, whiteboards, nature shelves, and bookshelves. Keep it simple and uncluttered! Don’t want it to look too much like a schoolroom all the time? Pin things to a large corkboard that can be propped up against the wall during school. When school isn’t in session, hide it behind the curtains or a piece of furniture.

Every family is different, but here are some more ideas:

  • Chores – Everyone washes their own dishes after breakfast. This clears the table quickly and takes the load off of mom.
  • Batch by subject – Get the materials out for one subject at a time. This gets put away before the next subject’s books/supplies are brought out.
  • Easy reach – Keep necessary books and supplies in a convenient storage area that’s easily accessible. This could be stacked bins on a shelf or a rolling cart.
  • Rolling carts – Have 1 rolling cart per student with all of their supplies in it.
  • Store it elsewhere – Keep books and supplies that are sometimes or not currently in use in another area (if you don’t have the space)
  • Use magazine holders to organize books and paper materials by subject. Then all your student has to do is pull out the file for the current subject.
  • The couch makes a perfect place to gather for family read-alouds. Keep a basket of your current reads by the couch or stashed under the coffee table for easy access.

There are so many ways to make your homeschool room work for you. Even if that means the dining room or kitchen table. Hopefully, this post has given you some more ideas for how you can make your space work for your family.

Where does your family do their schoolwork? How have you made the most of your homeschool space? Drop a comment and let me know!

The post How to Homeschool Without a Homeschool Room appeared first on pine cones and primers.

]]> Old Fashioned Snow Cream Recipe https://pineconesandprimers.com/snow-cream-recipe/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=snow-cream-recipe Fri, 11 Feb 2022 22:29:12 +0000 https://pineconesandprimers.com/?p=339 What do Alexander the Great and my Kids have in common? They both love desserts made with snow. This old-fashioned snow cream recipe uses simple, real food ingredients for a delicious snowy day treat! An Ice Cream History Cultures have eaten snowy treats since Ancient times. Supposedly Nero frequently sent runners into the mountains to gather snow and mixed it with fruit. Alexander the Great liked his snow mixed with honey. And a little bit later in history, Oyster ice cream debuted in the 1800s. I think I prefer the fruit and honey versions. Old Fashioned Snow Cream Recipe There are multiple versions of snow cream, but essentially it’s snow with sweetener, milk, and a bit of vanilla. Some recipes call for sweetened condensed milk or evaporated milk, but we don’t regularly use either of those in our home. You can also make a creamier version with eggs. We try to stick to whole, natural foods as God intended (though I do love me some cheddar cheese chips!). So my version of snow cream uses maple syrup, grass-fed cream, organic vanilla, and fresh snow. The kids like putting some sprinkles or chocolate chips on top too. If you don’t have maple syrup, then honey is also an option. I’m not using processed sugar since it’s not as smooth and we don’t keep it in the house. Sweetened condensed milk is smooth and has sugar in it already, but again, it’s not something we ever use. And I’m skipping the eggs because that requires cooking and more work. The result is a simple recipe that takes minutes to stir up and even my preschooler can make it! Snowy Day Activity When snow finally hits my kids are ready to go outside and play. We take advantage of the weather to look for animal tracks and look for signs of birds during nature study time. Hot cocoa, snowmen, and old fashioned snow cream are all on the agenda too. We recently got a pocket microscope and my kids have fun looking at the snow crystals with that. Sometimes its nice to slow down and take a break from checking off boxes to enjoy the season. Is Snow Cream Safe? Safe is a relative term. Driving in a car isn’t safe, but we do it every day. Even breathing air in many areas isn’t that safe due to high levels of air pollution. In the broader scope of things, yes, I feel safe eating freshly fallen snow from my yard. Here are a few kinds of snow to avoid though: Don’t eat from snow that’s been plowed, especially by the roadside. This can contain de-icing chemicals and road pollution. Obviously don’t eat any snow that looks dirty. Don’t eat yellow snow either. We take a bowl and scoop a thin layer off of the top, then use what’s underneath that. Don’t dig too far down though or you’ll get dirt, grass, and old leaves in your snow cream. Can You Freeze Old Fashioned Snow Cream? The sad answer here is no. Old fashioned snow cream must be served fresh or the texture becomes hard like ice. My son did an experiment where he left a container of snow cream out in the snow. It still turned hard and unusable. The good news is that gives you an excuse to finish off all of the snow cream in one sitting. Milk Options for Old Fashioned Snow Cream We use heavy cream that’s skimmed from the top of raw, grass-fed milk. There are so many nutritional benefits to local raw milk and we’re blessed to have access to it! If you want to use sweetened condensed milk that’s an option, but I’d at least go for organic. If you’re stuck inside in a blizzard and only have milk at home, then that will work too. Just make sure it’s full fat milk or it won’t be as creamy. Dairy Free Snow Cream Recipe Without Milk If you or your little ones can’t have dairy (like my husband), then you can still enjoy some old fashioned snow cream. Canned, full-fat coconut milk is my favorite replacement here. It does add a bit of a coconut taste, but if you add a pinch of salt and extra vanilla it tastes just fine. Or maybe you’re weird and like coconut flavored things. We’ve made several batches of old fashioned snow cream every time it’s snowed this winter. Now that you no longer have to be a Roman Emperor to enjoy snow ice cream. A sweet and creamy way to spend a snow day! Includes a dairy free option. Have you ever made snow ice cream before? Leave a comment and be sure to share with a friend!

The post Old Fashioned Snow Cream Recipe appeared first on pine cones and primers.

]]> What do Alexander the Great and my Kids have in common? They both love desserts made with snow. This old-fashioned snow cream recipe uses simple, real food ingredients for a delicious snowy day treat!

An Ice Cream History

Cultures have eaten snowy treats since Ancient times. Supposedly Nero frequently sent runners into the mountains to gather snow and mixed it with fruit. Alexander the Great liked his snow mixed with honey. And a little bit later in history, Oyster ice cream debuted in the 1800s. I think I prefer the fruit and honey versions.

Old Fashioned Snow Cream Recipe

There are multiple versions of snow cream, but essentially it’s snow with sweetener, milk, and a bit of vanilla. Some recipes call for sweetened condensed milk or evaporated milk, but we don’t regularly use either of those in our home. You can also make a creamier version with eggs.

We try to stick to whole, natural foods as God intended (though I do love me some cheddar cheese chips!). So my version of snow cream uses maple syrup, grass-fed cream, organic vanilla, and fresh snow. The kids like putting some sprinkles or chocolate chips on top too. If you don’t have maple syrup, then honey is also an option.

I’m not using processed sugar since it’s not as smooth and we don’t keep it in the house. Sweetened condensed milk is smooth and has sugar in it already, but again, it’s not something we ever use. And I’m skipping the eggs because that requires cooking and more work.

The result is a simple recipe that takes minutes to stir up and even my preschooler can make it!

Snowy Day Activity

When snow finally hits my kids are ready to go outside and play. We take advantage of the weather to look for animal tracks and look for signs of birds during nature study time. Hot cocoa, snowmen, and old fashioned snow cream are all on the agenda too. We recently got a pocket microscope and my kids have fun looking at the snow crystals with that. Sometimes its nice to slow down and take a break from checking off boxes to enjoy the season.

Is Snow Cream Safe?

Safe is a relative term. Driving in a car isn’t safe, but we do it every day. Even breathing air in many areas isn’t that safe due to high levels of air pollution. In the broader scope of things, yes, I feel safe eating freshly fallen snow from my yard.

Here are a few kinds of snow to avoid though:

  • Don’t eat from snow that’s been plowed, especially by the roadside. This can contain de-icing chemicals and road pollution.
  • Obviously don’t eat any snow that looks dirty.
  • Don’t eat yellow snow either.

We take a bowl and scoop a thin layer off of the top, then use what’s underneath that. Don’t dig too far down though or you’ll get dirt, grass, and old leaves in your snow cream.

Can You Freeze Old Fashioned Snow Cream?

The sad answer here is no. Old fashioned snow cream must be served fresh or the texture becomes hard like ice. My son did an experiment where he left a container of snow cream out in the snow. It still turned hard and unusable. The good news is that gives you an excuse to finish off all of the snow cream in one sitting.

Milk Options for Old Fashioned Snow Cream

We use heavy cream that’s skimmed from the top of raw, grass-fed milk. There are so many nutritional benefits to local raw milk and we’re blessed to have access to it! If you want to use sweetened condensed milk that’s an option, but I’d at least go for organic.

If you’re stuck inside in a blizzard and only have milk at home, then that will work too. Just make sure it’s full fat milk or it won’t be as creamy.

Dairy Free Snow Cream Recipe Without Milk

If you or your little ones can’t have dairy (like my husband), then you can still enjoy some old fashioned snow cream. Canned, full-fat coconut milk is my favorite replacement here. It does add a bit of a coconut taste, but if you add a pinch of salt and extra vanilla it tastes just fine.

Or maybe you’re weird and like coconut flavored things.

We’ve made several batches of old fashioned snow cream every time it’s snowed this winter. Now that you no longer have to be a Roman Emperor to enjoy snow ice cream.

Old Fashioned Snow Cream Recipe - Pine Cones and Primers
Print

Old Fashioned Snow Cream

A sweet and creamy way to spend a snow day! Includes a dairy free option.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 4 cups
Author Jamie

Equipment

  • large bowl
  • wooden spoon

Ingredients

  • 4 cups fresh snow
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup cream or full fat coconut milk for dairy free
  • 3 TBSP maple syrup
  • sprinkles optional

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients (except toppings) into a bowl and stir well to combine.
  • Top with sprinkles, chocolate chips, or other toppings as desired and eat immediately.

Have you ever made snow ice cream before? Leave a comment and be sure to share with a friend!

Old Fashioned Snow Cream - Pine Cones and Primers

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]]> The Ultimate Charlotte Mason Gift Guide: 150+ Ideas https://pineconesandprimers.com/charlotte-mason-gift-guide/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=charlotte-mason-gift-guide https://pineconesandprimers.com/charlotte-mason-gift-guide/#comments Mon, 29 Nov 2021 05:16:25 +0000 https://pineconesandprimers.com/?p=276 There’s something unique about that Christmas morning feeling as a child. The excitement, the presents, the bleary eyed parents. This Charlotte Mason gift guide can help take the guesswork out of how to find quality toys and more for your little ones. Charlotte Mason Gift Guide I only really remember having one thing on my Christmas list as a little girl. I desperately wanted an American Girl doll. Year after year I held out hope and year after year it wasn’t in the budget. Instead, my parents bought me an off-brand doll and my mom handmade a whole wardrobe of clothes. Even though it might not have been what I envisioned, it was still special because of the thought that was put into the gift. This Charlotte Mason gift guide focuses on gifts that are thoughtful, beautiful, and help children develop mentally, emotionally, and physically. Gifts don’t have to be expensive to be good. What Makes a Good Charlotte Mason Gift? Montessori and Waldorf have their own specific toys, but Charlotte Mason is different. The philosophy behind the CM method instead gives us a few guiding principles when choosing gifts. Miss Mason said children’s belongings should be “pleasing and suitable.” Her idea was that toys and books should cultivate and grow, not spoil a child’s taste. As an educator and former nanny, I’ve sadly worked with too many children whose imagination and creativity are dulled by the endless overstimulating toys and media. They’re no longer perceptive to the beauties of nature and life and have a hard time entertaining themselves without an iPad. An article in the Parent’s Review, a CM publication from the 19th century, talks about the best kinds of toys for children. “In choosing toys for the children, how important it is to bear certain points in mind; one special thing to consider is, to give when possible something out of which the child can make other things, or can do something more with.” –  Parent’s Review Vol. 17 The article goes on to explain that “finite” toys do the work for the child, while “suggestive” toys employ creativity. If we give our little ones an electric race track it’s fun for a while to see the cars zooming around on the track, but it eventually gets old. A toy car without a battery-operated engine requires the child to physically pick it up, move it, and play with it to engage. They make revving noises with their mouth and run the car up and down homemade or imaginary roads. The car can fly, jump off the sofa, and be whatever they can imagine. These toys encourage open-ended play. Choosing a Charlotte Mason Inspired Gift I’ve divided the guide into categories so you can easily sort out what works best for your family. Many of the groups are meant for a wide variety of ages and you can scale the gift up or down depending on your child’s age and skill level. For example, if you’re gifting your six-year-old a sewing set I prefer to use embroidery floss and large embroidery needles at that age. Older children can have patterns or even their own sewing machine. Do what makes sense for your kids. And just because the focus is on quality and imagination doesn’t mean we have to ignore technology. My oldest has the brain of an engineer and we’re doing our best to cultivate that. In today’s world that involves STEM toys, like build your own robots, snap circuits, and legos. Boys Become Men I mentioned Montessori toys earlier (and you’ll find some in this Charlotte Mason gift guide). The educational philosophy behind the Montessori method is very different from CM though. Maria Montessori was an educator at the same time as Miss Mason, and Mason had some things to say about Montessori’s approach. Montessori focused on taking an adult environment and refashioning it for the child. She created their own little world for them, and in a lot of ways, we see that in today’s toys. Instead of giving children a toy kitchen set with pretend pots and pans, Mason would have given the child an apron and had them help in the kitchen. “When we say that “education is an atmosphere,” we do not mean that a child should be isolated in what may be called a ‘child environment especially adapted and prepared, but that we should take into account the educational value of his natural home atmosphere, both as regards persons and things, and should let him live freely among his proper conditions. It stultifies a child to bring down his world to the child’s level.” – Charlotte Mason Vol. 6 pg. 94 Charlotte Mason inspired toys instead make it easier for the child to participate in an adult environment, treating them as an equal person. Personally, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with dressing up as a fireman, having a play kitchen set, or playing mommy to a doll. However, children should also be welcomed to participate with children of all ages and adults as we do life. Finding the Perfect Charlotte Mason Gift Browse through the options below and see what floats your boat. I’m not dividing by gender because maybe your son wants some kitchen pans and your daughter wants a bow and arrow. Some of these are affiliate links which means the cost is the same to you but I make a little from your purchase to keep the coffee pot around here full. Lord knows I need coffee. In case you’re wondering, I did eventually get an American Girl doll for Christmas, but I’ll always remember the love that was put into my doll’s homemade wardrobe. Hopefully, this list will help you find something just as special for your own little ones. Charlotte Mason Gift Guide for Little Ones These toys are geared more towards preschool, kindergarten, and early elementary age. I prefer toys that are made out of quality, non-toxic materials like wood and fabric. Plus they look really nice sitting on the shelf and contribute to the beautiful atmosphere of the home I’m trying to cultivate. It helps offset the look of the dirty dishes in my sink at least. Sewing cards Rainbow wooden kaleidoscope Play silks Fabric play scarves Dollhouse Wooden train set Wooden puzzles Safari wood puzzle Busy board Rocking horse Hobby horse Radio flyer wagon Hand puppets and puppet stage Make your own felt puppets Alphabet tiles or magnets Playdough (with animal cookie cutters, small rolling pins, and other accessories) Kinetic sand fossil set Lincoln logs  Egg Sidewalk chalk Solar system chalk Magna tiles  Learning tower Calico Critters DIY Kaleidoscope kit Porcelain tea set Handicrafts Handicrafts are a fundamental part of a Charlotte Mason education. Instead of flimsy crafts that you don’t know what to do with and eventually end up in the trash, handicrafts serve a purpose. These are a great way for children to learn fine motor skills and create gifts for friends and family members! Yarn, crochet hook set, how to crochet book Yarn, knitting needles, and beginning knitting book Soap carving kit Wood carving book, tools and basswood. Modeling Clay, child-safe sculpting tools and how to make clay figures book. Pottery – Clay and pottery wheel set Sewing kit – embroidery floss, needles, scissors, etc., for beginners. Regular needles, thread, pins, etc. for older children. Sewing kit organizer. Cross stitch – Hoop, embroidery floss and needles, beginner cross stitch and embroidery book.  Fox cross stitch kit Embroidery kit Needlepoint kit Origami paper and book Paper sloyd for primary grades book Wood burning kit Leathercraft kit and beginner leatherworking tools. Wooden building kits Wood airplane kit Jewelry making kit– or make your own with wire cutters, chain, leather thread, beads, etc. Weaving loom – Here’s a small loom for younger children, and a bigger weaving loom for older ones. Foraging basket making kit Felting – Making Natural Felt Animals book, felting kits. Rug hooking Calligraphy set Candle making kit Nature Themed Charlotte Mason Gifts It wouldn’t be Charlotte Mason without nature study! Here are loads of ideas to pique your child’s interest and get them outside and into nature more. Some of these are better suited for older children or should be used with supervision (like the knives and fire starter kit). There are options for both outdoor and indoor play, when the weather isn’t cooperating. Pocket microscope Gem and stone polishing set Geodes to break open Fossil excavation kit Binoculars (this pair is especially good for birdwatching) Bolga basket for toys, gathering and foraging, etc. Flower press Pocket knife Outdoor adventure kit – flashlight, compass, whistle, magnifying glass, bug box Bird call whistle Gardening set – gloves, watering can, and trowel set. Herb garden seeds. Terrarium starter kit  or bottle terrarium kit Grow your own crystal Bug kit – Bug box, butterfly net, magnifying glass Nature journal that will hold up to watercolor Butterfly growing kit Ant farm Ladybug growing kit Bird feeder (we have this one on our back door) Meteorology weather center Charlotte Mason Gift Guide to Adventuring Boys and girls alike need a little adventure in their lives. These toys and supplies are suitable for both indoor and outdoor play and are a great way to develop bravery, chivalry, self-sufficiency, and a sense of adventure. We’ve set some common sense ground rules in our home for these toys, like don’t shoot your brother with an arrow in the face. Beginner play archery set Slingshot kit Rubber band gun Wooden sword and shield Teepee Tent and enamelware mess kit Firestarter kit (magnesium and flint), or bow drill firestarter for older kids or with supervision Knot tying kit Art Supplies Miss Mason believed in giving children quality materials and supplies when it came to learning. “Boxes of cheap colours are to be avoided. Children are worthy of the best.” (Vol. 1, p. 313). As an art teacher, here are some of my favorites that are good for students, but still high quality. “Art, when rightly directed, is educational, for it trains not only one faculty, but all the faculties together; it trains the hand and the eye, and it trains the head and the heart; it teaches us to see and to see truly; it teaches us to think–that science can do; but it teaches us also to admire and to love; it disciplines the emotions.” (Mr. Collingwood, The Fesole Club Papers) Watercolor pan paints and watercolor pad Twig pencils Mixed media paper Paintbrushes Sketching pencils Watercolor pencils Prismacolor colored pencils Charcoal and charcoal paper Oil pastels Chalk pastels Acrylic paint Canvas Paper doll kit  Drawing table and chalkboard Active and Outdoor Fun The more we can encourage movement, the healthier and happier our kids will be. I have a sensory swing and gymnastics rings hanging from my living room ceiling, next to the mini trampoline and the treadmill. You may not want to turn your living room into a gym, but there are plenty of fun ways to incorporate active toys in and outside the home. A friend of mine has gymnastics equipment (tumbling mat and balance beam), lining her hallway. Instead of walking down the hallway her kids tumble and flip! Sensory swing – we have this one in our living room and the kids use it all the time! Doorway gym Zipline with seat Balance beam Pogo stick Slackline Mini trampoline for indoors Tumbling mat Kite Mud kitchen Sandbox Jump rope Fishing pole and supplies Walkie talkies Classic wooden sled Bike Scooter Charlotte Mason Gift Guide to Games Family game night is always a hit at our house. Many of these games are classics we know and love, but you’ll find some newer ones too. I love these because they really encourage creativity, thoughtfulness, and positive collaboration. You won’t find crude jokes, plastic parts, or a game that gives you a pie to the face (sorry if that’s your thing). Ravensburger Puzzles (my kids love these!) Mineral or wildflower puzzles Ecologies card game (ages 8+) The...

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]]> There’s something unique about that Christmas morning feeling as a child. The excitement, the presents, the bleary eyed parents. This Charlotte Mason gift guide can help take the guesswork out of how to find quality toys and more for your little ones.

Charlotte Mason Gift Guide

I only really remember having one thing on my Christmas list as a little girl. I desperately wanted an American Girl doll. Year after year I held out hope and year after year it wasn’t in the budget. Instead, my parents bought me an off-brand doll and my mom handmade a whole wardrobe of clothes.

Even though it might not have been what I envisioned, it was still special because of the thought that was put into the gift. This Charlotte Mason gift guide focuses on gifts that are thoughtful, beautiful, and help children develop mentally, emotionally, and physically. Gifts don’t have to be expensive to be good.

What Makes a Good Charlotte Mason Gift?

Montessori and Waldorf have their own specific toys, but Charlotte Mason is different. The philosophy behind the CM method instead gives us a few guiding principles when choosing gifts.

Miss Mason said children’s belongings should be “pleasing and suitable.” Her idea was that toys and books should cultivate and grow, not spoil a child’s taste. As an educator and former nanny, I’ve sadly worked with too many children whose imagination and creativity are dulled by the endless overstimulating toys and media. They’re no longer perceptive to the beauties of nature and life and have a hard time entertaining themselves without an iPad.

An article in the Parent’s Review, a CM publication from the 19th century, talks about the best kinds of toys for children.

“In choosing toys for the children, how important it is to bear certain points in mind; one special thing to consider is, to give when possible something out of which the child can make other things, or can do something more with.” –  Parent’s Review Vol. 17

The article goes on to explain that “finite” toys do the work for the child, while “suggestive” toys employ creativity. If we give our little ones an electric race track it’s fun for a while to see the cars zooming around on the track, but it eventually gets old.

A toy car without a battery-operated engine requires the child to physically pick it up, move it, and play with it to engage. They make revving noises with their mouth and run the car up and down homemade or imaginary roads. The car can fly, jump off the sofa, and be whatever they can imagine. These toys encourage open-ended play.

Choosing a Charlotte Mason Inspired Gift

I’ve divided the guide into categories so you can easily sort out what works best for your family. Many of the groups are meant for a wide variety of ages and you can scale the gift up or down depending on your child’s age and skill level.

For example, if you’re gifting your six-year-old a sewing set I prefer to use embroidery floss and large embroidery needles at that age. Older children can have patterns or even their own sewing machine. Do what makes sense for your kids.

And just because the focus is on quality and imagination doesn’t mean we have to ignore technology. My oldest has the brain of an engineer and we’re doing our best to cultivate that. In today’s world that involves STEM toys, like build your own robots, snap circuits, and legos.

Boys Become Men

I mentioned Montessori toys earlier (and you’ll find some in this Charlotte Mason gift guide). The educational philosophy behind the Montessori method is very different from CM though. Maria Montessori was an educator at the same time as Miss Mason, and Mason had some things to say about Montessori’s approach.

Montessori focused on taking an adult environment and refashioning it for the child. She created their own little world for them, and in a lot of ways, we see that in today’s toys. Instead of giving children a toy kitchen set with pretend pots and pans, Mason would have given the child an apron and had them help in the kitchen.

“When we say that “education is an atmosphere,” we do not mean that a child should be isolated in what may be called a ‘child environment especially adapted and prepared, but that we should take into account the educational value of his natural home atmosphere, both as regards persons and things, and should let him live freely among his proper conditions. It stultifies a child to bring down his world to the child’s level.” – Charlotte Mason Vol. 6 pg. 94

Charlotte Mason inspired toys instead make it easier for the child to participate in an adult environment, treating them as an equal person. Personally, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with dressing up as a fireman, having a play kitchen set, or playing mommy to a doll. However, children should also be welcomed to participate with children of all ages and adults as we do life.

Finding the Perfect Charlotte Mason Gift

Browse through the options below and see what floats your boat. I’m not dividing by gender because maybe your son wants some kitchen pans and your daughter wants a bow and arrow. Some of these are affiliate links which means the cost is the same to you but I make a little from your purchase to keep the coffee pot around here full. Lord knows I need coffee.

In case you’re wondering, I did eventually get an American Girl doll for Christmas, but I’ll always remember the love that was put into my doll’s homemade wardrobe. Hopefully, this list will help you find something just as special for your own little ones.

Charlotte Mason gift guide - Pine Cones and Primers

Charlotte Mason Gift Guide for Little Ones

These toys are geared more towards preschool, kindergarten, and early elementary age. I prefer toys that are made out of quality, non-toxic materials like wood and fabric. Plus they look really nice sitting on the shelf and contribute to the beautiful atmosphere of the home I’m trying to cultivate. It helps offset the look of the dirty dishes in my sink at least.

Handicrafts

Handicrafts are a fundamental part of a Charlotte Mason education. Instead of flimsy crafts that you don’t know what to do with and eventually end up in the trash, handicrafts serve a purpose. These are a great way for children to learn fine motor skills and create gifts for friends and family members!

Charlotte Mason gift guide - Pine Cones and Primers

Nature Themed Charlotte Mason Gifts

It wouldn’t be Charlotte Mason without nature study! Here are loads of ideas to pique your child’s interest and get them outside and into nature more. Some of these are better suited for older children or should be used with supervision (like the knives and fire starter kit). There are options for both outdoor and indoor play, when the weather isn’t cooperating.

Charlotte Mason Gift Guide to Adventuring

Boys and girls alike need a little adventure in their lives. These toys and supplies are suitable for both indoor and outdoor play and are a great way to develop bravery, chivalry, self-sufficiency, and a sense of adventure. We’ve set some common sense ground rules in our home for these toys, like don’t shoot your brother with an arrow in the face.

Art Supplies

Miss Mason believed in giving children quality materials and supplies when it came to learning. “Boxes of cheap colours are to be avoided. Children are worthy of the best.” (Vol. 1, p. 313). As an art teacher, here are some of my favorites that are good for students, but still high quality.

“Art, when rightly directed, is educational, for it trains not only one faculty, but all the faculties together; it trains the hand and the eye, and it trains the head and the heart; it teaches us to see and to see truly; it teaches us to think–that science can do; but it teaches us also to admire and to love; it disciplines the emotions.” (Mr. Collingwood, The Fesole Club Papers)

Charlotte Mason gift guide - Pine Cones and Primers

Active and Outdoor Fun

The more we can encourage movement, the healthier and happier our kids will be. I have a sensory swing and gymnastics rings hanging from my living room ceiling, next to the mini trampoline and the treadmill. You may not want to turn your living room into a gym, but there are plenty of fun ways to incorporate active toys in and outside the home. A friend of mine has gymnastics equipment (tumbling mat and balance beam), lining her hallway. Instead of walking down the hallway her kids tumble and flip!

Charlotte Mason Gift Guide to Games

Family game night is always a hit at our house. Many of these games are classics we know and love, but you’ll find some newer ones too. I love these because they really encourage creativity, thoughtfulness, and positive collaboration. You won’t find crude jokes, plastic parts, or a game that gives you a pie to the face (sorry if that’s your thing).

Experiences

Instead of just giving our children stuff, let’s open the door to life for them. This will depend on what’s in your area, but here are some ideas for fun experiences to have as a family within a range of budgets. Here’s a tip: If relatives are asking what to get your children for Christmas (and they’re already swimming in stuff!), give them a few options from this list. Snap a picture of your kids enjoying their trip, frame it, and gift it to their relative. Grandparents and others prefer to give items where they can see the joy on the child’s face in opening the gift, so a framed photo solves that problem.

  • Get a musical instrument and take lessons
  • Zoo membership
  • Tickets to the aquarium
  • Art or science museum
  • Trip to local history museums and reenactments
  • Go roller or ice skating
  • Go hiking
  • Go geocaching
  • Travel to the ocean
  • go camping
  • go to a waterpark

Charlotte Mason gift guide - Pine Cones and Primers

Music

I grew up in a family of musicians with a strong history of making music and singing. As a child, I learned how to play the piano, flute, guitar, clarinet, violin, and a few other instruments, all with varying success. Music opens up a whole other world for us to explore and you never know which instrument your child will fall in love with. I haven’t included anything too loud and obnoxious here so you shouldn’t get terribly annoyed as they’re learning.

STEM

The Charlotte Mason gift ideas in the nature and outdoor sections are also part of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). This section includes items that involve more of the technology and engineering side. There are a lot of flashy STEM toys on the market that really don’t require much mental or physical effort on the child’s part. Remember that Charlotte Mason inspired toys foster creative thinking, not do all the work and entertain!

What items on this Charlotte Mason gift guide are your favorites? Leave us a comment and be sure to share this post with a friend!

The ultimate Charlotte Mason Gift Guide 150+ ideas - Pine Cones and Primers

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