PODCAST | APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY | YOUTUBE
How to Teach Math with the Charlotte Mason Approach: An Interview with Beauty and Truth Math
If you’re a homeschool mom searching for a way to teach math that nurtures a love for learning and understanding rather than memorizing formulas, then you’re in for a treat. In a recent episode of The Feast Life, I interviewed Heather and Emily, co-creators of Beauty and Truth Math, a Charlotte Mason-inspired math curriculum. In our conversation, we unpacked how their unique approach to math education can make a meaningful difference in your homeschool journey.
In this blog post, I’ll share the key insights from our talk, including how Beauty and Truth Math is designed to reflect the natural beauty and order of mathematics, how it supports children of all levels, and how it aligns with the Charlotte Mason philosophy of education. Read on to learn how this approach could change the way your children experience math!
Why Traditional Math Teaching Falls Short
Many homeschool moms feel overwhelmed by the thought of teaching math, especially if math wasn’t their strong suit in school. Traditional math methods often focus on memorizing formulas, drilling facts, and checking off lessons without giving students a deep understanding of mathematical concepts. This approach can make children view math as something to endure rather than something to enjoy.
With Beauty and Truth Math, Heather and Emily use Charlotte Mason’s approach to help students understand and love math as a discipline that reflects order, beauty, and truth. Their curriculum emphasizes seeing math as a reflection of God’s world—something to marvel at rather than dread. Here are some key takeaways on how Beauty and Truth Math offers a fresh perspective.
The Charlotte Mason Approach to Math: “Math Streams”
In Beauty and Truth Math, students learn through “math streams”—distinct areas of math like arithmetic, geometry, and algebra that are gradually introduced and revisited throughout the curriculum. This method allows children to build knowledge over time, making connections between different math concepts rather than cramming everything into one grade.
For example:
– Early Grades (1-4): Focuses on foundational arithmetic and introduces practical geometry.
– Middle Grades (5-7): Adds elementary algebra alongside practical geometry, while still building on arithmetic.
– High School: Completes core math areas like algebra, geometry, and introduces consumer math and statistics.
This approach helps students see math as interconnected ideas and allows them to explore mathematical concepts at their own pace, developing true understanding instead of simply memorizing steps. The “streams” structure can especially benefit children who may struggle with one area but excel in another, giving them confidence in their math journey.
Emphasizing Flexible, Real-Life Application
One of the most powerful aspects of Beauty and Truth Math is the flexibility built into the curriculum. Lessons are short, varied, and meant to be paced according to each child’s needs. Parents don’t have to worry about hitting a “grade level” deadline. Instead, they can guide their children based on readiness and individual development.
If your child needs extra time to grasp multiplication concepts or needs more practice with fractions, you can adjust the lessons to match their pace. Beauty and Truth Math includes review and catch-up days, which are perfect for practicing or revisiting tricky topics without feeling rushed. This flexibility reduces the pressure for children to “catch up” and helps build their confidence in math over time.
Supporting Parents with Scripted Lessons and Guides
For moms who may have had a challenging relationship with math in their own schooling, Heather and Emily have designed Beauty and Truth Math to be approachable and supportive. Each lesson comes with a teacher’s guide, making it simple for parents to guide their children through the material, even if they’re not math experts themselves. The curriculum provides:
– Scripted lessons to read aloud, easing the pressure on parents to explain new concepts.
– Printable resources to give kids hands-on practice with math.
– Guidance for struggling students, with multiple ways to revisit and reinforce concepts.
Heather and Emily’s goal is to help both children and parents develop a positive, trusting relationship with math. The lessons are designed to meet each family where they are, so there’s no pressure to start from scratch or follow a rigid timeline.
How Beauty and Truth Math Benefits All Ages and Abilities
Beauty and Truth Math is intentionally structured to work for children at all levels, whether they’re naturally inclined toward math or need extra support. The curriculum’s flexibility means that if a child struggles with arithmetic, they don’t have to wait until they “catch up” to explore other areas like geometry. This individualized approach allows each child to progress at their own pace.
For students with unique learning needs, like dyslexia, the curriculum’s layered approach helps them build strengths without focusing solely on weaker areas. As children learn in multiple “streams,” they make connections across math topics, reinforcing their understanding and helping them grow in confidence.
Preparing Students for Success Beyond Homeschool
One of the most common concerns homeschooling moms have is whether a Charlotte Mason-inspired curriculum will adequately prepare their children for college-level math or math-focused careers. The short answer: absolutely! Heather and Emily have carefully aligned Beauty and Truth Math with national standards, ensuring that it covers all core math areas needed for high school and beyond.
Beauty and Truth Math not only equips students with the necessary skills but also fosters a genuine love for learning and a readiness to pursue higher math if they choose. By learning in a holistic way that connects math to real life, students develop the discipline, critical thinking, and perseverance that will serve them in college and their future careers.
Final Words of Encouragement
If you’ve been teaching with Charlotte Mason principles in every other subject but have been hesitant to dive into math, Beauty and Truth Math might be the perfect fit for your family. This curriculum offers a life-giving approach to math that aligns beautifully with the rest of your Charlotte Mason education. Heather and Emily’s message to parents is simple: You are equipped to teach math to your children, and there are resources to guide you every step of the way.
Ready to start your Charlotte Mason math journey? Check out Beauty and Truth Math to explore a curriculum that combines flexibility, beauty, and truth, fostering a love of math in every child. Embrace the joy of learning math together, and let go of the traditional constraints. Your family’s homeschool journey deserves an approach to math that inspires confidence, curiosity, and connection.
About our Guests:
Emily Al-Khatib & Heather Schultz are the authors of Beauty & Truth Math Guides. They are passionate about equipping parents to follow Charlotte Mason’s philosophy and method in their math homeschool lessons. Their guides are scripted math lessons that families typically use alongside different textbooks that are rich in mathematical thinking. Their goal is for parents and students to delight in exploring the beauty and absolute truth of mathematics as a reflection of God’s character.
Connect with Beauty and Truth Math:
- Website: www.beautyandtruthmath.com
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@beautyandtruthmath
By focusing on the beauty and logic of math, you’re giving your children a foundation that will serve them in life, no matter where their path leads.
