Narration
After a single careful reading, the child tells back what was read in their own words. No worksheet. No multiple choice. The telling is the work.
Younger students narrate out loud. Older students move into written narration, and some days into drawing or acting the scene. The teacher listens for sequence, names, and the child's own vocabulary — not a canned answer from a packet.
Exam week in the Mason sense is more narration, not a bubble test. Students tell back across the term's books. If a tour never mentions narration, or if every hour looks like comprehension worksheets with a Charlotte Mason label, keep asking how understanding is actually checked.
Parents comparing programs can read the vocabulary guide and the method overview, then listen for narration on a visit. Students looking for practice notes can start on the student guides hub.