Troubleshooting Narration Problems in Your Charlotte Mason Homeschool
As soon as the child is able to read, he should start reading some of his books on his own. He can read history, legends, fairy tales and other appropriate books. He should be trained right from the start to expect one single reading to be sufficient in order to narrate from it. That will motivate him to develop the habit of slow, careful reading to absorb information even when he reads silently, because he will read every phrase deliberately to understand its meaning. . . . Asking direct questions to drill a child on comprehension is always a mistake. Instead, let him narrate and tell you what he has read it, or at least a part of it. Children enjoy remembering things in order, but they don't like questions that seem like riddles. If there must be riddles, then let him be the one to ask them, and let the teacher be the one to answer them. It's fine to ask questions that lead to a side issue or personal opinion because children are interested in those, such as 'what would you have done if you were him?'
-Charlotte Mason
Narration is a cornerstone of the Charlotte Mason philosophy, but let’s be real, sometimes you wonder if it’s actually doing anything! If your children struggle with narration, you’re not alone. The good news: These challenges are completely normal, and with a little troubleshooting, you can help your kids build confidence and skill. Here are some common struggles and practical solutions to help you navigate narration in your homeschool.
Struggle #1: "My kids freeze up or say they can’t remember anything!"
Why it happens: Sometimes, children feel overwhelmed by the amount of content or don’t know where to start. They might need help learning how to organize their thoughts.
What to try:
Break it down: Instead of asking for a full narration, invite them to share one detail. For example: “What part of the story did you like best?”
Make it conversational: Encourage a relaxed tone by saying, “Tell me what happened like you’re explaining it to a friend!”
Model the process: Show them how it’s done by narrating aloud yourself. Children often learn by example.
Struggle #2: "They only give one-word answers."
Why it happens: Some kids may not realize you’re looking for more depth. They might need guidance in expanding their thoughts.
What to try:
Ask open-ended questions: Try prompts like, “Why do you think the character made that choice?” or “What surprised you in the story?”
Play detective: Help them dig deeper by asking, “What clues in the story help you understand the setting or mood?”
Encourage elaboration: Gently prompt, “Tell me more about that part” or “Can you explain why you think that happened?”
Struggle #3: "They refuse to narrate at all."
Why it happens: Resistance to narration can stem from boredom, a lack of connection to the material, or simply a bad day.
What to try:
Add variety: Incorporate creative narration methods like drawing, acting out the story, or writing a brief summary.
Let them choose: Offer choices such as, “Would you like to tell me about the main event or a character you liked?”
Keep it light: Avoid turning narration into a quiz. Emphasize that it’s about sharing, not getting it “right.”
Struggle #4: "They’re distracted and not paying attention."
Why it happens: Distraction might signal that the material is too difficult, the session is too long, or they’re simply having trouble focusing.
What to try:
Shorten the reading: Break the material into smaller sections and narrate after each part.
Use props: Offer something for them to hold or fidget with while listening to the reading.
Take a break: A quick movement or snack break can reset their focus and energy.
A Few Final Encouragements
Remember, narration is a skill that takes time to develop. It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress. Each time your child narrates, they’re practicing how to think critically, process information, and articulate their ideas. Celebrate their efforts, however small, and keep showing up consistently.
Above all, trust the process. Charlotte Mason believed in the power of narration to shape our children’s minds, and with patience and creativity, it can become a meaningful and joyful part of your homeschool journey.
