Narration | What is it? Why & How We Use It in Our Charlotte Mason Homeschool

Watch this video on narration. I cover what it is, why you should use it in your homeschool, and how to get started!
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Corresponding blog post:
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Links mentioned in this video:
Know and Tell by Karen Glass: amzn.to/3MrF1SI (affiliate link)
Products mentioned in this video:
Know and Tell by Karen Glass: amzn.to/3MrF1SI (affiliate link)
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Check out these other homeschooling videos:
our weekly schedule: • Our Timetable (Schedul...
my "back to school" homeschool checklist: • My Homeschool Year Pre...
2021-2022 curriculum reveal: • 2021-2022 Homeschool C...
a day in the life: • A Day in Our Homeschoo...
inside our morning basket: • What's in Our Homescho...
our homeschool math basket: • Our Math Basket + Home...
tips for new homeschool families: • My Top Tips for New Ho...
FAQ Video about the CMEC: • Frequently Asked Quest...
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[@kelli352]

I really appreciate your willingness to share how you homeschool using the CM method! Your videos have been such a great resource. Looking forward to hearing how you use notebooks!

[@CharlotteMasonMotherhood]

So happy they're helpful! So happy to have you here, Kelli! :)

[@crazychicken4063]

I wish we could hear comments from those who are doing narration in the high school years, or have finished school. It would just be so helpful to hear from that level

[@amberleggio335]

Love your precious videos. I have graduated one of six children using the CM methods and it is truly a beautiful way to homeschool. My oldest is thriving and in his career. I am homeschooling this next year 18, 16, 15, 12 and seven . It is a joy. Blessings to you on your homeschool journey.

[@kateemonk6475]

Oh my goodness, that’s basically my family but older. That’s amazing, I thought this method was nearly unattainable with as many kids as we have 🤦🏽‍♀️🤷🏽‍♀️😅

[@CharlotteMasonMotherhood]

Aw, thank you so much for being in this space, Amber! Lovely to meet you :)

[@darrawalls7527]

Larissa! I get SO much life from your videos. I also was a teacher previously turned homeschool mama, and I love how informative and clear your presentation of information is. You are such an incredible resource! ❤️

[@CharlotteMasonMotherhood]

Awww, love that Darra! So happy to have you here! Thank you for saying hello!

[@audreymcnair350]

I've been binge watching your videos! My boys are all older...15, 13, 8 and 6. But, we are just jumping into CM! I'm so excited about making this a lifestyle for us, so thanks for sharing all the info and great ideas to implement into our home!

[@kita3256]

6:00 matching dresses 😊

[@jennajones9432]

Love your videos!!

[@CharlotteMasonMotherhood]

Glad you like them! Thanks so much, Jenna!

[@livingforduskhomeschool]

Thank you for this video! ☺️

[@CharlotteMasonMotherhood]

Yes, yes you're welcome!!

[@crystalspiritosanto168]

Thank you so much for sharing! Your videos have been so inspiring as we start our Charlotte Mason homeschool journey. Please keep them coming! Cheers, Crystal

[@alikettmer9714]

love all these CM tips and the videos are SO helpful! pls keeper coming

[@ShannaMoe]

I just recently found your channel while searching Gentle + Classical preschool. I've been loving your videos. So peaceful and informative!

[@jehangesta476]

tearing up! so encouraged by what you said about the kids being really good at writing essays. that has lifted my soul! thank you so much!

[@amandasandoval4447]

Love your videos! I am new to Charlotte Mason. I am learning so much from you, please continue to share!

[@chelseavalley4560]

love this video and a lot of your other videos. super excited for your notebooking video. I learn so much every time I watch your content ❤

[@CharlotteMasonMotherhood]

Aw, thank you so much for your kind words, Chelsea! It's wonderful to "meet" you :)

[@maryb1823]

I always look forward to your videos! I can't wait for your note booking video :)

[@CharlotteMasonMotherhood]

This makes me so happy, thank you Mary!

[@kathrynoliver1194]

I love this because it is so natural even my 2yo already does this and it’s something we can just incorporate with play

[@CharlotteMasonMotherhood]

It's it remarkable how the brain works?!

[@indyjones1970]

I just discovered your channel. Great video - I learned a lot and will be implementing this. This helps understand what homeschooling is since most of us have never seen it before.

[@cherllc7226]

Praise the Lord. What a blessing to share what you've learned/done/doing. It feels encouraging and attainable. Thank you

[@CharlotteMasonMotherhood]

Aw, I'm so glad you loved the video, Cher!

[@crystalh28]

I appreciate your videos so much! You give great detail and help me to better understand the Charlotte Mason method. Thank you! ❤️

[@CharlotteMasonMotherhood]

Wonderful, so glad you enjoy them, Crystal!!

[@caithness.cornerschoolhous7635]

I too appreciate your sharing here in this space. You have a concise and clear explanation of these topics and I too am new to a Charlotte Mason style of education, so we are feeling out way through. Thank you Larissa for sharing your passion

[@CharlotteMasonMotherhood]

Oh that makes me so happy to hear! I tend to ramble, but I try to be as clear as I can! Thank you for sticking around :)

[@EndofLaneHomestead]

Thank you for your time and help!! Your dedication and time is very much appreciated. I’m excited to learn more on note booking!!

[@CharlotteMasonMotherhood]

You are so welcome! Thank you for continuing to stick around, Danielle!

[@emilydent417]

Thank you for sharing quality ideas! I am a homeschool mama from Charlotte, NC and I appreciate your videos. They pump me up for our next lessons!

[@CharlotteMasonMotherhood]

Wonderful, Emily! You aren't far from me :)

[@yeseniacruz6445]

Thank you so much for taking the time to share, Larissa! You’re videos are always so helpful and reassuring ♡ Excited for that notebooking video!

[@CharlotteMasonMotherhood]

I love that, Yesenia! Thank you for watching

[@kristinasidor2393]

I just recently found your channel and love your content. I’m buying the book today! I look forward to adding narration to our homeschool and can’t wait for the notebooking video!

[@CharlotteMasonMotherhood]

Wonderful, Kristina! Thank you so much for your support!

[@rachelfuller3512]

Thanks for sharing! I'm looking forward to your video on Notebooking!

[@CharlotteMasonMotherhood]

Yes! I"m excited you're anticipating it!

[@TheHouseofHillman]

Thanks for sharing about narration. You gave some great tips for starting narration. I have found your videos incredibly helpful for planning my children’s upcoming homeschool year. Take care!

[@CharlotteMasonMotherhood]

I"m so glad they've been helpful! Thank you for your support!

[@jen1963]

Thank you for all your videos, specifically on the CMEC. I joined for this coming Fall (Kinderleben) thanks to all your helpful videos. Looking forward to seeing you in the Mother’s Education courses!

[@madeleinep2879]

Seriously so thankful for you!! About to start GC Primer with my almost 5-year-old (2nd year of GC) definitely influenced by your great content.

[@jennifersanders9048]

Thank you so much for your videos, Larissa! I just joined the CMEC in August! I was scheduling to use Ambleside Online but once I saw how much value was inside the CMEC I said YES! Charlotte Mason's philosophy is so perfectly crafted- and I love how it's about the feast of Living Books instead of about worksheets. My son has done his first narrations and I can't wait to see his progress. Our first day of homeschool was yesterday and my 6 year old son is thrilled. We can't wait to see the fruit!

[@TanyaAnderson45]

Thank you so much for this video. I have a reluctant narrator and your tip for modeling some of what was read is such a good idea! I can't wait for your notebooking video!

[@CharlotteMasonMotherhood]

I am so glad it was helpful! I hope that is successful for you, Tanya!

[@seedsofvirtues]

Beautiful explanation. I have followed you for about a year. You produce very inspiring work for CM mothers. Thank you!

[@CharlotteMasonMotherhood]

Aw, hello! I"m so glad to have you here in this space. Thank you for continuing to follow along!

[@lindseymeyer6845]

I love this! Your videos are so helpful! We are starting our first year homeschooling kindergarten in the fall. I love learning about the CM method and I’m excited to bring her wisdom into our homeschool. Can’t wait for the notebooking video!

[@CharlotteMasonMotherhood]

Aw how exciting! It will be a year you won't forget! Such a blessing! Thanks for your support, Lindsey!

[@ourevergreenhome]

I am SO thankful and blessed truly to have found your channel today by "chance". In fact, later on when I was thinking about it, I really believe it was a God thing :-) I just feel so encouraged and inspired by your channel and quality content. I also feel similarly to you, that I feel a bit "robbed" of a quality education from my childhood and learning alongside my children is what will be an additional joy to me as I home educate them. Lots of love and encouragement from Steph, all the way down in Australia 😀

[@ginette3035]

This video was so helpful! I cannot WAIT to hear your thoughts on notebooking, as I have struggled to incorporate that into our homeschool routine. Thanks for all of the work you put into this channel ❤️

[@CharlotteMasonMotherhood]

Yes! I"m so excited to share it! Tonight's the night!!

[@Mariellen_]

Haha, I have Know and Tell sitting right next to me. Just started it and saw your video this am, perfect timing.

[@CharlotteMasonMotherhood]

So wonderful! I hope you love it!

[@milehighhomeschool]

Thanks so much for sharing! My daughter starts Kindergarten in the fall and I'm so excited to I corporate Narration into it. Really looking forward to your video on notebooking and the captain idea. Makes me want to read Know and Tell again. I read it a while ago, but definitely need to re-read it!

[@CharlotteMasonMotherhood]

Aw how exciting!!! I hope it's a successful year for you! One you'll never forget!

[@lexidtrofgod]

Hello Larissa, I absolutely adore your videos ♥ I have two little girls age 1 and 3 1/2, these videos truly inspire me as I prepare down our homeschool road. Thank you for all the work you put in to help our family continue to improve ♥ ♥

[@CharlotteMasonMotherhood]

Hello Alexa! It's a delight to meet you! I'm so glad the videos are helpful for you! Thank you for being here!

[@mariebrock8841]

Your videos are so helpful! I am a budding KZbinr as well and I know how long these videos take to make with kids. God bless you!

[@garlandofbooks4494]

You are on top of it! I keep getting recs for Karen Glass’ books and I want to read all of them! We have some good practice with narration, but I still have a lot to learn and work regarding the captain idea and prepping the lesson. Usually I just have him recall what we read last time - which he is better at than me, haha 😂. I have not pre-read everything, so I need to work on that more. Goals for next year! We are on week 10 right now, so almost to exam week before our term break. This is also very encouraging and timely for me, because I just heard a podcast recently where the lady was saying that narration is not very natural to anyone - and so she had kinda reinvented the wheel in a lesser way than Charlotte Mason imo.

[@CharlotteMasonMotherhood]

Oh how fun! Do you guys use the CMEC! Glass's book will be a huge help for you!

[@lanaleighwilkens206]

I watch you regularly but I’m in a WAY different space. I have 6 kids but I still benefit from what you create ❤ - most of my questions stem around how to facilitate all the levels we have going on 😅😂

[@lindachuc7970]

This was really helpful, I will definitely try your ideas. A couple weeks ago my 7 yr. old son said "Don't tell me I have to narrate it!" I laughed, he saw he made me laugh, and he decided to do his narration after all. I really enjoyed this video and look forward to your note-booking video and would love to hear about the captain idea, is it? So glad you're making videos again. Linda from Belize. :)

[@CharlotteMasonMotherhood]

Oh my gosh, so cute! I'm glad you enjoyed the video!!! And yes, captain idea video coming soo soon!

[@kateribarry]

Question about the "drawing and narrating": when she's telling you about her picture, how much do you "clean it up" so it's succinct and grammatically correct? I imagine my daughter going back to read it and it perhaps being a good opportunity to better learn how to form written thoughts.

[@darbicourtney6092]

Do you have a link for the narration notebooks you use?

[@kellie-joisraelsen6878]

Hey Larissa, where do you get the notebooks you used for her drawn narrations? Thanks for the video! ❤

[@CharlotteMasonMotherhood]

Anna Vance Paper Co :)

[@cassiep.3007]

Where did you find the drawing/narration notebooks?

[@Nana_Waffles]

This was such a helpful video. I am trying to decide if the CMEC would be better then Ambleside. I know I see a lot of the same books used with the CMEC as Ambleside. Can you tell me what the CMEC offers that Ambleside does not I have 2 girls going into grades 1 and 3 next year. I have been using the good and beautiful this year, but won't be using them next year, I found it to be just ok. We read a couple things from Ambleside as add on inspiration, and we also love our Gentle Classical preschool and kindergarten curriculums that my 3 and 5 year old used this year. I would really appreciate any advice.

[@tayloranthony4322]

She has a great video about this already! It’s about 7 videos back titled “frequently asked questions | the CMEC” it’s a great informational video about what the cmec offers! It would answer this question perfectly

[@CharlotteMasonMotherhood]

Thank you Taylor!!! You're wonderful!

[@CharlotteMasonMotherhood]

Amy, while I don't have a specific video comparing the two, I can honestly say that the CMEC offers a ton of support while AO is a bit less support for mom. They also offer a lot of extras (modern language supplement, common subjects support, playlists, hymn and folksong selections, and a full/extensive program guide outlinging how to teach mason's methods) honestly though I go pretty in depth about the CMEC in the video that Taylor mentioned :)

[@Nana_Waffles]

@@CharlotteMasonMotherhood thank you 😊

[@cassiep.3007]

What’s the natural history you talk about?

[@tayloranthony4322]

How do you draw out more information from children? When I ask for narrations it’s VERY vague. No details. Same with when I ask to explore outdoor and bring back report of what is seen (per CM vol.1) my 5yr old is very not detailed, I’m not sure examples of how to draw this out of her? Is it good for me to ask questions such as, Daughter “Goldilocks went into the house and sat on chairs and ate the food” Me “what food was it that she ate of the bears?” And “can you tell me more about the chairs? What kind of chairs where they? Rocking or still? Where they comfortable?” Or if we are outside exploring and she says “there’s a tree really big” Can I ask for “what color are leaves” and then “what shade are the leaves? Does the color remind you of anything else? Perhaps dinner last night when we had broccoli” Is this okay for me to ask these questions? Is it *helpful* to get her to think in this manner or am I asking too much from her and possibly taking away from her experiences and wringing it dry so to speak? 🤔 anyones else’s comments/ thoughts too on this are welcome here!

[@tayloranthony4322]

*Were*

[@CharlotteMasonMotherhood]

Taylor, this is a great question! Soooo... you can definitely draw more info but I wouldn't ask specific questions because then you're just prying for info and it isn't really what they remember, if that makes sense! You don't want to quiz them! So if my daughter says nothing when I say "tell me about it" I will say okay, "tell me about tadpoles" and then that typically helps her start her narration.... but there are times where i Have to say... "tell me about the life cycle of the tadpole" and be even more specific, but that is as far as I'll go! I won't ask specific questions like you listed above! As for being outside exploring --- I read about this in Home Education recently. Charlotte Mason recommends that you (mom) notices the things and describe them to your child as you would want them to desribe them! So if I noticed a robin, I would say, "Wow, look at his beak! It's orange! He has a red breast and brown back. He hops about on the ground rapidly picking up worms! Oh, there he goes, flying off! Maybe he went to his nest - I'll bet he nests in a tree and not on the ground!" And as mom makes these observations out loud, children start to do the same with things they notice... So you are teaching the art of noticing -- not the actual names of trees or birds.. those come naturally as you notice :)

[@ashleyivey5772]

My son just doesn't like to narrate back on the spot still (hes 6.5) and I get the "it's hard to explain" or "I just dont rememebr" a LOT. It's hard to not get frustrated

[@jacobjohannes7123]

What do you do when your child adds to the story. My daughter will give great narrations but will embellish.

[@CharlotteMasonMotherhood]

Great question! I often will just say (when she's finished) Ahh, yes I remember when ........ and then say the narration from my perspective and leave out the flowery details haha. But you could just not say anything... it might be a habit that fixes itself!

[@archanasamson8361]

Is it bad to ask your 3 year old questions with two options about a story that was read to him? I know that’s not really narration but that way I know he was paying attention…