CHARLOTTE MASON KINDERGARTEN
LIVING BOOKS AND SUPPLIES FOR AGE 5
A Charlotte Mason Kindergarten is a very gentle introduction to school for children age 5. A CM Kindergarten will look at lot like Form 1, with many of the same subjects, but all work should be optional. Children should not begin formal lessons until the age of 6. There is still much to be gained in long hours of free play and snuggling up for stories. Please see the Preschool page for more information on the Value of Play and the Value of Stories.
For more information about planning your CM Kindergarten, see the Preschool/Kindergarten CM Your Way Form Guide. It has everything you need to plan a gentle introduction to learning for your little one.
Or, for more information about Forms in general, see Understanding Forms in a Charlotte Mason Education.
Religious Studies
Please use the religious texts applicable to your family’s faith and denomination.
If you are not a religious family, see World Religions & Philosophies below.
World Religions & Philosophies
If you are not a religious family, I recommend waiting until Form 2 to introduce World Religions. Until then, I would add more fables and simple picture books like the ones below, or simply omit this subject. See Form 2 for book suggestions regarding World Religions.
Literature
Picture Books
Beatrix Potter stories are wonderful but you can also use them in Form 1B (see Form 1 Literature)
Folk Tales
Paul Galdone’s series of Folk Tales is wonderful
Poetry
Chapter Books to Read-Aloud
Fun Stuff
Peter Rabbit
Benjamin Bunny
Flopsy Bunny
Squirrel Nutkin
Beatrix Potter Collection
Jemima Puddle-Duck
Mrs. Tiggy WInkle
Mr. Jeremy Fisher
Pooh
Tigger
Eeyore
Piglet
Pooh Friends Set
History
History through Stories
There are so many ways to approach history in the younger years! Here are some suggestions:
- You could read short, individual biographies for an early introduction to history.
- You could use picture book biographies.
- Or use picture books to study some historical (or fun) events!
- Or you could start with your country’s folklore.
Whatever you choose, have fun and keep the readings short!
Chapter Book Biographies
History through Picture Book Biographies
This series of Picture Book Biographies by David Adler is very enjoyable.
Search for more titles in the series.
Historical Events through Picture Books
These are some of the historical picture books – of both serious and fun events – that we enjoyed when my children were younger.
American Folklore
Geography
Supplies and Other Fun Stuff for Geography
Globe
Wall Maps
Placemats
Puzzles
Wooden Puzzle Maps
Science / Nature Study
Zoobooks are a favorite at out house
The “One Small Square” series is excellent
Any book by Gail Gibbons is a great book!
My daughter loves the Magic School Bus series!
FIELD GUIDES
The Field Guides for Young Naturalists series has great beginner field guides
Stokes Beginner’s Field Guides are also a good choice for children
Science Supplies for You and Your Kindergartener
Supplies and fun things for you and your student!
Learning to Read
Discover Reading uses the Charlotte Mason method for teaching reading
I used this book to teach both my children to read
Wonderful literature-based approach to reading
Fun Things for Learning to Read!
Living Books for Beginner Readers
Billy & Blaze Series
Syd Hoff books
Frog & Toad Series
Other Arnold Lobel books
Harry the Dirty Dog Series
Millicent Selsam books
Bernard Waber books
Let’s Read and Find Out Science Series
Kevin Henkes books
Little Bear Series
Esther Averill books
P.D. Eastman books
Handwriting
More options coming soon…
Handicrafts
I HIGHLY recommend ROOTED CHILDHOOD by my friend and fellow CM mama, Meghann Dibrell.
She has created a lovely monthly download that features handicrafts, poems, songs, and recipes to share with your little one. A great introduction to several CM subjects!
Use the coupon code CMPLENARY10 to get 10% off!
Handicraft Supplies
Supplies and fun things for you and your Kindergartner!
Drill / Physical Education
P.E. Supplies for You and Your Student
These are all items that my children have used for exercise fun.
Also see “Adventure Play” on the Preschool Page
Folksongs
Have fun singing together! Many children’s songs are based on folk songs. Here are some music suggestions that my kids loved when they were little. I have so many fond memories of singing these songs together!
Also see the “For Parents” tab under this subject for more resources.
Composer Study
Start with fun music that goes with a story. Here are some suggestions:
Maestro Classics is an excellent series
Picture Books about Music
The Story of the Orchestra Series has lovely picture books for many musical scores but the music clips are too short. You will want to supplement with longer pieces of music.
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