How Does the Charlotte Mason Method Compare to TFK?

You’ve probably found yourself thinking that it would be so much easier if somebody did that work of comparison for you and your family. We totally get it, and that’s why we’re here today.

This article will help you understand the similarities and differences between TruFluency Kids and Charlotte Mason Simple Spanish. This curriculum was developed for parents who are homeschooling using the Charlotte Mason Method. You don’t, however, have to be familiar with Charlotte Mason, or even be a homeschooling family, to use Simple Spanish. But you do need to have the time and willingness to teach this curriculum yourself.

Here’s a simple breakdown at a quick glance. Keep reading below for more information!

Structure

Charlotte Mason Simple Spanish

This curriculum is divided into 26 units to cover a child’s first year of Spanish language education. It was created by homeschooling parents and is based on the philosophies of Charlotte Mason, a British educator whose key beliefs included educating the whole person, teaching ideas vs. dry facts and encouraging time outdoors. So it’s fitting that the Simple Spanish curriculum is centered on nature. It’s important to note that Simple Spanish requires your involvement – this isn’t a program your child will complete on their own. You should also know that this curriculum is about speaking and listening, not written Spanish.

TruFluency Kids Spanish Immersion Online

TruFluency Kids operates online, offering convenient and personalized live tutoring sessions. We categorize our classes by skill level. That ensures that kids get precisely the right level of guidance and instruction. Most importantly, your child will be practicing with a native speaker every time — guaranteed. Our teachers use videos, songs, picture stories/comics and games, to ensure your child is not only entertained but involved. Keeping kids engaged encourages them to speak for at least half of the class. Plus, we offer the opportunity for our students to access two curriculum websites chock-full of supplemental tools for an entire year (an impressive $400 value).

Full Sentences vs. Single Words

Charlotte Mason Simple Spanish

While each unit of Simple Spanish does include a vocabulary list, there are also activities to get kids to use Spanish more conversationally. The curriculum uses a technique that Charlotte Mason utilized herself called the Gouin Series. A Gouin Series contains several related sentences the child learns in English and then in Spanish. For example:

I stand like an insect.
I walk like an insect.
I open my wings like an insect.
I fly like an insect.

Kids can also learn songs, Psalms, Bible verses, and poems. There’s a “Spanish Challenge” that everyone in the home can join in, like saying “buenos dias” instead of “good morning.” And “living books” engage kids and build their vocabulary through storytelling.

TruFluency Kids Spanish Immersion Online

TFK avoids vocab lists and single-word instruction. Instead, they rely on guided conversation, storytelling with images, and activities using everyday phrases like “Let’s go!”. Our goal is to make learning both impactful and relevant. This helps kids reach their specific language goals at a pace that is right for them.

One parent even told us this great news, “The approach to language learning is excellent. My daughter’s interest in learning Spanish has been low until taking these classes. She is really engaged and looks forward to them.”

Age Limits

Charlotte Mason Simple Spanish

Charlotte Mason Simple Spanish is marketed for kids ages “0-8+” who are in their first year of learning Spanish as a second language. A review on the Mama Llama Linguist blog points out that the curriculum comes with detailed instructions and recommendations on how to use the materials with kids of different ages.

TruFluency Kids Spanish Immersion Online

At TruFluency Kids, our materials are designed for students ages 4-17. Based on their age and skill level, kids will be placed into classes allowing for either one-on-one or small group instruction to work its magic. Skilled educators who are fluent in instructional design are crucial to a positive learning environment for children. So we make sure to prioritize that fact when planning our age-specific lessons. Levels include beginners, intermediate/dual language, and advanced/native speakers.

Scheduling

Charlotte Mason Simple Spanish

Since you are the teacher, you also control the schedule. Overall, the Charlotte Mason approach emphasizes short lessons (think 10-20 minutes) for younger kids. Each unit can be taught in one week, two weeks or at your own pace.

TruFluency Kids Spanish Immersion Online

TFK classes take place from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Central time. So no matter where in the world you are, there will be a session that fits into your family’s busy life. Different kids have very different attention spans, so we offer courses that differ in length. To take the hassle out of scheduling, our sessions are four weeks long. You can choose as little as one day per week, or as many as three. We know that flexibility is important for busy families, so mix and match as needed. If you need to miss a class, you can jump into another class. Or if you only want two out of the three days of a course, you can only buy those two days.

Pricing

Charlotte Mason Simple Spanish

At this writing, the Year 1 Growing Bundle is $45, marked down from $80. Right now, the bundle (which is a digital download) includes 10 units. It will eventually grow to 26 units. You can also buy individual units for $5-$7. Extracurricular resources, such as printables and games, are also available for purchase.

TruFluency Kids Spanish Immersion Online

A TFK class starts at $12 per class for ages 4-6, $17 for 7-9, and $19 for 10 and up. Our pricing accounts for class frequency, preparation and a whole trove of songs, worksheets and games that remain accessible even when the class ends. $400 worth of online activities come with every course.

Read more about how TruFluency Kids works, and test out the classes for yourself!