Term Exams in our Charlotte Mason Homeschool
I don’t think I’m in the minority when I say test taking in school was enough to give me a stomach ache. Although I was fortunate enough to grow up in the age where standardized testing was just beginning but even the week-to-week spelling test was enough to teach me what anxiety is. As a teacher, my test taking anxiety only grew when the results of the scores impacted my job. So why on earth would I subject my own children to exams 3 times a year beginning in kindergarten? Well, friends, let’s discuss.
When we hear the word exams, many of us picture long hours bent over multiple-choice questions, stress-filled cramming, and a sense of relief when it's all over. Even though I’m not a fun, instagram, exam mom, I do believe in the benefits of examinations. Charlotte Mason had a completely different vision for exams in her educational philosophy. For her, exams were a celebration—a time to reflect on all the beautiful ideas and knowledge we’d explored together over a term.
“The question is not, -- how much does the youth know? when he has finished his education -- but how much does he care? and about how many orders of things does he care? In fact, how large is the room in which he finds his feet set? and, therefore, how full is the life he has before him?”
-Charlotte Mason
For me, exams give me the opportunity to see how much my child cares, the living ideas that have stuck with her, and what she’s been thinking about for the term.
If you’ve been hesitant to try term exams in your homeschool, let me share some of the benefits, a little about what Charlotte Mason said on the topic, and tips for how you can incorporate them in a way that’s both enjoyable and meaningful.
Why Include Exams in Your Homeschool?
1. They Help Us See Progress.
Exams provide a way to look back and see just how far our children have come over the term. It’s easy to get lost in the day-to-day grind and forget how much we’ve read, discussed, and learned.
2. They Reinforce Retention.
When children are invited to narrate or explain what they’ve learned, they deepen their understanding and strengthen their ability to recall those ideas later.
3. They Celebrate Learning.
Exams in a Charlotte Mason homeschool aren’t about grades or pressure—they’re a way to reflect on the joy of learning. They can remind us why we’re pursuing this educational journey in the first place.
4. They Help Determine The Books To Keep.
Every once in a while we come across an exam question that results in blank stares. Usually that tells me the book isn’t living for her and we either need to shelved it or change the way we’re reading it.
What Did Charlotte Mason Say About Exams?
Charlotte Mason viewed exams as an integral part of her curriculum, typically given at the end of a term. She used them as a natural conclusion to the learning process, asking children to share what they knew through narration, recitation, and sometimes written work.
“The terminal examinations are of great importance. They are not merely and chiefly tests of knowledge but records which are likely to be permanent.”
Charlotte Mason: Towards a Philosophy of Education p 272
She emphasized that exams should not feel like a test of memory but rather a way for children to "tell what they know" in a warm, conversational manner. This approach aligns with her belief that education is the science of relations—helping children connect deeply with the ideas and materials they’ve encountered.
How Can Parents Implement Exams?
Here’s how you can bring this gentle exam philosophy into your homeschool:
1. Keep It Simple.
At the end of your term, set aside a few days for exams.
Prepare questions based on the subjects and books your children have studied. For example:
What do you remember about Benjamin Franklin’s childhood?
Can you tell me about a time when you showed courage, like the character in our literature story?
Draw a map of the countries we’ve been studying.
2. Encourage Narration.
Ask open-ended questions that allow your kids to narrate or summarize in their own words. Littles can share orally, while older children might write or even create a project.
3. Add Variety.
Include creative components such as drawing, map work, or recitations. These give your kids different ways to express their learning.
4. Involve the Whole Family.
Invite your kids to share their favorite pieces of learning with the family—whether it’s a poem, a historical anecdote, or a science experiment. This fosters a sense of community and pride in their accomplishments.
Our Exam Schedule
In our home exams are a mix between written and oral narrations. My daughter does 2 written narration exam questions per day for the week (8 total) and around 12 oral narration questions. She also has aspects that she’ll showcase to our whole family like poetry recitation, piano, handicrafts, and reading a passage from a book.
During the week we continue most of our lessons as normal, substituting written exams in as needed in the different subject areas. For example our routine might look like:
Morning time:
Hymn
Folk Song
Oral exam question
Recitation
Poetry
Read Aloud
Math Lesson
History Written Exam
Plutarch
Composition Written Exam
Science Lesson
Artist Study
As the week goes on, the exam questions and subjects rotate so that she’s able to keep her brain alive and engaged through the whole week in different subject areas.
Making Exams Fun and Meaningful
Exams don’t have to feel like a chore! Here are some ideas to keep them light and enjoyable:
Create a “Celebration Day.” Dedicate a special day to review what you’ve learned as a family. Bake a treat, put out cozy blankets, and enjoy the time together.
Incorporate Art and Creativity. Let your kids draw their favorite scenes from a story, compose a piece of music inspired by a composer study, or create a diorama of a historical event.
Take It Outdoors. Conduct exams outside in the fresh air. A picnic setting can bring a sense of joy and relaxation.
End with a Reward. After exams, celebrate with a fun outing or a movie night featuring a topic you’ve studied.
A Final Encouragement
Charlotte Mason exams are about nurturing your child’s love for learning and fostering a deeper relationship with ideas. They aren’t meant to stress you out or become another “to-do” on your list. Adjust them to fit your family’s rhythm, and remember—they’re just one more way to delight in the beauty of this homeschooling journey.
