Charlotte Mason Elementary Arithmetic is a gentle,
concept-focused math curriculum that follows Charlotte Mason’s philosophy of
short, engaging lessons and guided exploration. It emphasizes understanding
through oral lessons, real-life application, and hands-on activities rather
than busywork or rote memorization.
Lessons are intentionally brief and meaningful, making math
enjoyable while building a strong foundation.
Key Curriculum Features:
Primarily
oral, interactive lessons with a small amount of daily review
Short
daily lessons: 20 minutes for Levels 1–3 and 30 minutes for Levels 4–6
Sequential,
mastery-based progression with practical geometry introduced in Level 5
Hands-on
activities using household items and select manipulatives
Three
end-of-term exams per book to ensure mastery, starting in Book 2
Supplemental
review activities in Books 2–5
Biblical
worldview and Charlotte Mason-inspired methods
Program Components:
Hardcover
Non-Consumable Textbooks: Core instructional books with lessons and
activities
Answer
Keys: Included in the textbooks
Student
Notebook: Grid notebooks recommended for written work
Number
Sense Cards: Included in Level 1 & 2 sets for early number concepts
Practical
Geometry Parts 1 & 2: Hands-on geometry course and suggested
companion course for Level 5
Each level is designed as a one-year course with a suggested
36-week pacing schedule made up of three 12-week terms, but families are encouraged to
move at the child’s pace. The program works well as a complete math curriculum
for Grades K–5, roughly corresponding to Levels 1–5.
Charlotte Mason Elementary Arithmetic stands out for
its gentle pace, conceptual focus, and integration of Charlotte Mason
principles that make math meaningful and relational. It is an excellent choice
for Charlotte Mason and classical homeschool families seeking a thoughtful,
low-pressure math program.
Find all Charlotte Mason Elementary Arithmetic levels
and sets below!
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Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
