What is the difference between the Charlotte Mason approach and the Classical approach?
We are in no way experts on Classical education, but we have been forming a few mental differences between the two approaches as we learn more. Here is a quick overview of our findings so far. – Both advocate living books, though Classical tolerates textbooks more than CM does. – Both use narration, and several other methods are compatible between both. – CM places an emphasis on a generous education that includes music and art more than Classical does. – Classical can be described as rigorous and systematic, while CM takes a more gentle approach and allows for more flexibility; this difference is seen especially in the younger grades. For example, Classical introduces writing composition earlier and studies it as a subject; while CM depends on oral narration and a smooth transition into written narration in later grades without studying composition as a separate subject. Second, Classical encourages more parent explanations/ instruction and distilling of information than CM does. Thir
