Charlotte Mason Homeschool Exams

As we close in on the end of the calendar year, many families are preparing for exams. While I'm not a fan of grades and testing for the elementary years, opting instead to observe the child and take notice of progress instead of rating my young child's best effort, there is a third option. It doesn't have to be graded tests from preschool on, but there is a way to evaluate that is still life-giving.

With Charlotte Mason exams, you can simply set aside some time for a casual recap of the material learned. Set a table with tea and writing paper, or poster board and markers, and let your child draw short narrations of what they remember from the term.

For children who are writing comfortably, you can print out our free exam pack and give them the pages that correspond with the resource you are using. In the pack, we include questions for The Playful Pioneers, The Kind Kingdom, and The Precious People. Children are encouraged to name a favorite book from the year, describe a favorite character, and write down a list of Native American tribes or U.S. presidents along with other helpful questions.

The questions are simple, but they give you something to tuck into your child's cumulative file.

And while the real proof of learning is the virtuous character that we see developing as they read inspiring stories, and the new worlds they act out in their play, and the new words that they use in their own learning, and the connections that randomly come up as you are navigating life, it can be reassuring for us as parents to set aside time to record some of that learning.

So whether the exam is all drawing, or oral recording, or a formal writing exercise, exams are just a tool, and not a measure of your child's academic capabilities, nor of your capabilities as a teacher.

Whether you are thrilled with the results or not, you are the most qualified teacher for your children, and what you don't know now, you can learn.

And we are here to help.

Download the free exam pack by clicking here.

Are you wondering if the Peaceful Press is right for your family? We get messages like this one often, and we know that our resources can you help you create a blessed year with your family-

“Thank you for all the time, energy, thought and creativity you invested in The Playful Pioneers curriculum. We just finished my son's 1st grade year with a visit to the Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum in Mansfield, MO to see where the books were written, and experience the joy of having the stories come alive. Thanks to The Playful Pioneers, both my boys (ages 7 and 5) have gained an enthusiasm and love for history and our country. Thank you again for sharing your time and God given talents to bless other families. This has been a blessed school year indeed.”

~Ricia

But if you need help understanding how it all works, check out our course A Peaceful Path to a LIving Education. In this course we help you create a plan, and know what to teach and when. We give you the tools to not just homeschool, but enjoy homeschooling.