Welcome to my Cotswold Kitchen Mom blog- I am so glad you are here. Today, the topic is exploring the Charlotte Mason Method via homeschooling. However, you do not have to be a homeschool educator to appreciate a lesson from nature. In this blog post, I will be sharing my Charlotte Mason method aquarium science activity- that my Happy Hawks Homeschool pupils and I lovingly created.Â
This simple homeschool lesson utilizes things found in nature to create an imaginative place for plastic fish, ceramic frogs, and young minds to thrive. If you are up for the challenge of building a beautiful aquarium- using the philosophy of Charlotte Mason- then this is the post for you. We would love to have you tag along.Â
So, bring your creativity, imagination, and appetite for learning- and meet me outside for a fun day of explorative play! But first- who was Charlotte Mason and what is the Charlotte Mason method? Well, let us dive in and see!
Who Was Charlotte Mason?
Charlotte Mason was an educator from Wales who primary worked and lived in England. She lived from 1842 to 1923. Her experiences, and life’s work, helped to shape the lives of many children and educators… and continues to do so today.
It is my understanding that Charlotte Mason looked at a child as a whole person… and not just as a brain to be educated through rote memorization and facts. Instead, she encouraged learning through nature by focusing on curiosity and experiences. She also believed in teaching good habits and fostering pleasant behaviors- through teaching good manners and discipline.
Charlotte’s educational ideas and philosophies also focused on the character and emotions of a child. Moreover, she believed in learning alongside a child and showing them to appreciate (with “awe, wonder”) the world they lived in.
What is the Charlotte Mason Method?
In a nutshell, the Charlotte Mason method is an educational philosophy that combines many different elements. Particularly the elements of outdoor learning and exploring, the appreciation of good literature, utilizing narration and retelling of stories and ideas, the formation of good habits, keeping lessons short enough to keep a child’s attention span sharp, the inclusion of hands-on art applications, and a real encouragement of learning prompted by curiosity, exploration, appreciation, and wonder.Â
Naturally, these are just a few of her ideas- and my understanding/interpretation of them. Many homeschool families implement bits of these education elements into their daily homeschool lessons.
So, What is a Charlotte Mason Nature Study/Science Activity?
Charlotte Mason believed in outdoor learning whenever possible. Instead of simply memorizing facts and regurgitating information- she believed in learning through time in nature. Outdoor activities and recordings of observations of nature were encouraged. Children were allowed to be outside in order to observe the world around them.Â
Her aim was to foster an appreciation of curiosity and wonder in the world for children. Activities such as observations of nature, and nature notebooks, where encouraged. Nature notebooks allowed for notes to be written, sketches to be made, art to be created- and curiosity to be praised.
Nature Study Meets Hands-On Learning: Exploring the Charlotte Mason Method
First, a Lesson on Fish Using a Thrifted Encyclopedia:
Before each new school project, I like to give a detailed lesson beforehand. After a bit of instruction from mom, I wanted my children to take charge of their own learning. Therefore, I instructed them to use an encyclopedia to research some interesting fact about fish and aquarium life.
The younger members of my crew copied and sketched photos of fish and verbally explained some of their sketches to me. They enjoyed this type of instruction more than I expected- proving to me that it is worth trying many different instructional styles with children. For, in doing so- you may just come across their ideal learning style.
We also discussed the habitat or fish, reptiles, and amphibians. Cue the aqaruim activity.
However, to take this lesson a step further, you could make a nature journal/notebook. Have the child make observations about what natural items they are using- and how those items would interact with a watery environment.
Or, have the child create sketches and pose questions about what makes a fish environment suitable (for a real fish). We only used plastic fish, but we did talk about some elements that may make even a pretend fish aquarium more suitable. (I.e. rocks for hiding, a stick to float on the top for resting, etc.)
You could even add real fish to the aquarium if the water and environment was correctly prepared. This would allow the child to make real life observations over time.
The possibilities are endless.
Gathering Items from Nature to Use in Your Homeschool Aquaruim:
Going for a nature walk to gather supplies for this engaging activity… is a lesson in and off itself. One of the many reasons I love homeschooling is the fact that anything can become a valuable lesson.
A walk is no different. So, grab a basket, and your walking shoes, and let’s go outside.
Encourage your students to look for items of interest and beauty. What catches their eye? What items beckon them closer?Â
For this particular project I instructed the children to collect items that would be useful for building a fish aquarium. Items such as rocks, sticks, and shells would all be helpful. It is exciting to see what items are collected- as this is always a surprise… even to mom.Â
One never knows the treasures they may discover when they simply open their eyes.
Necessary Supplies for a Learning Aquarium:
This supply list is flexible. Many other items would be suitable and fitting… so feel free to use what you have on hand.
- A medium sized container with no holes or cracks
- A variety of rocks sizes (ranging from medium to small)
- Sand (optional for the bottom of the aquarium)
- Sticks to act as floating logs
- Plastic sea creatures, reptiles, or fish
- Glass jewels or rocks are optional
- Hot glue/a glue that is waterproof and dries quickly
Step-by-Step Instructions for a Charlottle Mason Inspired Nature Study Aquarium:
Step #1: Assembling the Aquarium:
The first order of business is to decide on what container will be used to act as the aquarium. We used a plastic bowl, but other suitable items could be a metal bucket, a flowerpot that does not have a water hole in the bottom, a large Tupperware container, etc.Â
Anything that is deep enough to add rocks to… and capable of holding approximately a half gallon of water is ideal.
step #2: Creating a Fish Signpost Craft:
Seeing as my Happy Hawks crew and I enjoy a good arts and craft; we wanted to add a little “extra” to this project. Therefore, we gathered a few simple supplies (that we had left over from a previous craft).
The idea was simple- to create a sweet wooden sign that incorporated a bit of spelling and reading. We decided to use popsicle sticks, a bit of hot glue, and a wooden craft plaque to create a simple sign that said” fish.”
Step #3: Creating a Rock Arch for the Aquarium:
This rock arch was my favorite little detail of the whole project.
The only materials you need to create a rock arch are: rocks (with a relatively flat bottom) and some hot glue/waterproof glue. By adding a flat rock on the bottom… and then adding a drop of hot glue to a slightly offset rock, we continued to “climb” up the arch.
It is worth noting that not all hot glue is suitable for use in water. The hot glue we used is strong and lasted for a day but eventually it did begin to loosen. Therefore, if you want your rock arch to be more permanent- you will need an appropriate waterproof glue.
Step #4: Adding the Water to the Aquarium:
Once the aquarium had been assembled, and each rock/stick had been loving placed, we were ready to add the water. This was my children’s favorite part. They thought it was magical to watch the water slowly filling their created fish aquarium.
As an educator my favorite part (in moments like these) is looking at the children’s faces as they delight in their curiosities and discoveries.
Explorative Play: Interacting with Objects Found in Nature (The Charlotte Mason Method)
After the water was added- I exited the picture and allowed the little ones to splash and imagine on their own. I enjoyed listening to their little chatter as I observed from afar- while enjoying a rare quiet moment on a nearby garden bench. They soon added little plastic sea creatures- and the frog-and began to splash and imagine with their little characters.Â
As a mom, I love these moments where my children can “just play” with no motive or agenda. The sound of their laughter- and their friendship with each other- is my gift.Â
As an educator, I like to step away and allow my children to ask their own questions- therefore forming their own adventures and discoveries. Much like Charlotte Mason, I am convinced that much learning takes place in these natural environments.
Final Thoughts Until Next Time:
In conclusion, I hope my post on “Exploring the Charlotte Mason Method: Easy Aquarium Science Activity for Homeschool Families” encourages you to try a simple project like this with your own children or students.
Often, a few craft supplies, a stash of items found in nature, a bit of instruction, and a sprinkle of imagination lead to an amazing educational experience for children.
I hope to remind and encourage moms to get outside and explore with your children. Learn alongside them, lie on the grass and look up at the clouds, enjoy God’s world with awe and wonder. Afterall, nature is one of the best classrooms you can ever hope to find.
To read more homeschool ideas and activities- be sure to see my page on a beautiful homeschool education (this is my organized resource for many homeschool tips and helps). Also, visit my other outdoor activity posts such as how to make a pumpkin bird feeder and how to make a hidden time capsule.
For more weekly ideas and inspirations visit my Cotswold Kitchen Mom Facebook and Pinterest pages.
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Until next time…
~Elizabeth~
