All who know children know that they do not talk twaddle and do not like it, and prefer that which appeals to their understanding.[2]

The term twaddle is used twenty-two times in Charlotte Mason’s six-volume series referencing verbal and written language. She speaks of twaddle as unwarranted; it is used when adults are talking down to children, when teachers monopolize lessons with talk, and when classic books are diluted for a children’s market. 

Children must be Nurtured on the Best––They must grow up upon the best. There must never be a period in their lives when they are allowed to read or listen to twaddle or reading-made-easy. There is never a time when they are unequal to worthy thoughts, well put; inspiring tales, well told. Let Blake's 'Songs of Innocence' represent their standard in poetry; De Foe and Stevenson, in prose; and we shall train a race of readers who will demand literature––that is, the fit and beautiful expression of inspiring ideas and pictures of life.[3]

Questions to Consider