Some people have a misconception that Charlotte Mason does not apply to older students. This method was used in high school and college levels. Copy work and dictation continue but with harder material and at a faster pace.

Charlotte stated, “He must generalize, classify, infer, judge, visualize, discriminate, labor in one way or another, with that capable mind of his, until the substance of his book is assimilated or rejected, according as he shall determine.” -- School Education, p. 179; CM Study Guide, p. 65

“But this [narration] is only one way to use books: others are to enumerate the statements in a given paragraph or chapter; to analyse a chapter, to divide it into paragraphs under proper headings, to tabulate and classify series; to trace cause to consequence and consequence to cause; to discern character and perceive how character and circumstance interact; to get lessons of life and conduct, or the living knowledge which makes for science, out of books; all this is possible for school boys and girls, and until they have begun to use books for themselves in such ways, they can hardly be said to have begun their education.”           --School Education, p. 180

Read aloud to the family from a book that everyone can follow but have your older students read a more challenging book on the same subject and bring his or her deeper understanding into the discussions.

Here is one non-intimidating way to get older students to write. These “Recipes for Writing” may be used orally with younger students. NOW 1/2 price!

Can't think of anything to write? Try these CM friendly writing prompts with meaningful questions, many from Miss Mason's own schools. Subjects range from history, to literature, to finances, and science. There are forms to follow of the major types of English writing such as the sonnet or the limerick. There are ideas for organizing your thoughts, and personal journal ideas. "Tell about a hero you have just studied." "Tell all you know (yourself) about a spider." "Write a descriptive paragraph about your mother when she is tired (or happy, or frustrated.)" The younger children can simply narrate orally while your older children may choose to write. These are writing assignments you will want to save. Just pick a card and see what you can cook up!

Read about copy work and dictation; spelling; grammar; penmanship; beginning reading .