Resources and Articles

 

Play-based Early Childhood Programs

 This is a longer article but is such a great exploration of the development of three- to six-year-olds and what are developmentally appropriate versus inappropriate practices.

 

Not Just Cute: Developmentally Appropriate Practices

A readable blog series on the developmental stages of young children and why pushing them into academics too young hurts them academically in the long run.

 

The Atlantic: How Finland Keeps Kids Focused Through Free Play

The Huffington Post: How Finland approaches reading

A couple references to the Finnish system, which turns out some very well-educated kids with great literacy (leader in the world and far above American students!) but does not teach reading until at least age 7. Challenges our American assumptions, and is a modern example of what Charlotte Mason did and taught.

 

Simply Charlotte Mason

If you're new to Charlotte Mason's pedagogy, this website has great information on her and some ideas on how to implement her approach at home.