Overview
“Children between the ages of six and nine should get a considerable knowledge of the Bible text. By nine they should have read the simple (and suitable) narrative portions of the Old Testament, and, say, two of the gospels.”
-Charlotte Mason 1:248
“In the Bible are the words of life and salvation.”
-Brigham Young, JD 13:214
Charlotte Mason thought that Bible studies were fundamental to everything else a student was taught. Her students read the words straight from the scriptures—no language was simplified, or as she put it, “turned into the slipshod English we prefer to offer them.” She utilized narration, memorization, art from the great masters, and repetition to help students form a relationship with the Bible. The Old Testament and New Testament were treated differently. Narrative (story) portions of the Old Testament were read to the children (even when children could read for themselves). The New Testament was read chapter by chapter (and by the children when they could read them beautifully), but only Matthew, Mark, and Luke were read during Forms I and II (ages 6-12). Parents were to read commentaries so they could facilitate a discussion after the reading.
A discussion of Miss Mason’s methods for the older ages is coming soon.
Reading Rotations from the Bible
Resources
Charlotte Mason’s writings on Bible Study
List of some narrative passages in the Bible (from AmblesideOnline)
Bible art websites: