November is a season for warmth, gratitude, and reflection—the perfect time to slow down and bring life-giving moments into your homeschool. For Charlotte Mason homeschoolers, this means inviting beauty, books, and purposeful activities into our days, creating a nourishing feast for our children’s hearts and minds. Here are ten Charlotte Mason-inspired ideas to help your family connect with each other, the season, and the joy of learning.
1. Create a Thankfulness Tree
Practicing gratitude is a beautiful habit to cultivate in children, and a “Thankfulness Tree” is a Charlotte Mason-friendly way to bring it to life. Collect branches, place them in a vase, and cut leaves from colored paper. Each day, write down something you’re thankful for, and add it to the tree. This activity encourages meaningful conversations and gives children a hands-on way to practice thankfulness daily.
2. Read Aloud Autumn-Themed Living Books
Reading aloud is a cornerstone of the Charlotte Mason method. For November, choose living books that reflect the beauty and warmth of the season. Favorites like Little Women, Little House in the Big Woods, or Cranberry Thanksgiving introduce rich language and inspiring ideas. Reading aloud builds connections and allows children to experience literature in a life-giving way. Get my list of recommended Fall and Thanksgiving books HERE.
3. Bake and Share Seasonal Treats Together
Invite your children into the kitchen for some hands-on, real-life learning. Charlotte Mason believed in practical life skills, and baking seasonal treats like pumpkin bread or apple crisps allows children to engage in measurement, following directions, and even the science of cooking. Sharing your creations with neighbors or friends adds a generous spirit of community to the activity.
4. Explore Seasonal Nature Study
Nature study is a fundamental part of the Charlotte Mason approach, and autumn offers so much to observe. Take your nature journals outdoors and explore fall leaves, animal habitats, or migrating birds. Encourage your children to sketch what they see, record observations, and notice the intricate details of the natural world. A regular nature study builds an appreciation for creation and helps children develop observation skills.
5. Practice Gratitude Journaling in Morning Time
Add a gratitude practice to your morning time routine by having each family member jot down three things they’re thankful for each day. Charlotte Mason emphasized the habit of reflection, and gratitude journaling encourages children to notice and appreciate the blessings in their lives. Sharing your entries together can foster a peaceful and positive start to your homeschool day.
6. Host a Homeschool Friendsgiving Gathering
Community is essential in a Charlotte Mason education, and a homeschool “Friendsgiving” can be a lovely way to celebrate togetherness. Gather a few homeschool families, share a simple meal, and enjoy an afternoon of fellowship and gratitude. Sharing food and friendship reminds children of the importance of relationships and belonging.
7. Engage in Hands-On History Projects
This November, explore American history by studying Indigenous cultures or early settlers. Try hands-on projects like making butter, weaving a small basket, or creating corn husk dolls. Bringing history to life with real-world activities makes learning tangible and memorable.
8. Write and Send Thank You Cards to Friends and Family
Encourage your children to cultivate a spirit of thankfulness by writing thank-you notes to friends, family, or community helpers. Charlotte Mason emphasized habits of kindness and appreciation, and sending a thoughtful note is a simple yet powerful way to teach empathy. Allow children to decorate their cards for a personal touch.
9. Incorporate Poetry into Morning Time
Poetry is an enriching part of the Charlotte Mason method, and November mornings are perfect for cozying up with beautiful, seasonal poetry. Choose poems by Robert Frost, Christina Rossetti, or other nature poets who capture the essence of autumn. Sharing poetry helps children develop an appreciation for language, rhythm, and beauty. If you want an open and go Morning Time, check out the year-long plans from A Gentle Feast.
10. Learn Seasonal Folk Songs as a Family
Folk songs and hymns are a cherished part of Charlotte Mason’s approach to music. Introduce seasonal songs like “Over the River and Through the Wood” or “Simple Gifts” during your morning time or family circle. Singing together as a family brings warmth, joy, and a rich musical heritage into your homeschool routine.
Why Life-Giving Activities Matter in Charlotte Mason Homeschooling
Charlotte Mason believed in nurturing a child’s whole person, creating an education that breathes life and wonder into each day. Life-giving activities are an opportunity to enrich not just your homeschool curriculum but also your family’s daily rhythm. By weaving these November activities into your routine, you’ll create cherished memories, deepen family bonds, and bring beauty and joy to your homeschooling journey.
This November, allow yourself to slow down and embrace the simple joys of the season. These life-giving activities offer a rich feast for your children’s hearts and minds, grounding them in both knowledge and love.
Happy homeschooling! 🍁
