Charlotte Mason and the Feast

A British educator and philosopher in the late 19th and early 20th century, Charlotte Mason played a primary role in the reform of education in England.

Charlotte passionately called for a relational education in a living environment filled with living books, noble ideas, plenty of nature and personal experiences. Her belief that children are born persons and that the educator’s role is simply guide, philosopher and friend has had a great impact on our approach here at LEC.

Charlotte promoted the idea that “education is an atmosphere, a discipline, and a life.” This is an idea that we hold fast to. Charlotte’s educational philosophy is summed up in her twenty principles which can be found here. Her philosophy was drawn from her observations of children during years of teaching and her deep relationship with Christ. Charlotte held a humble willingness to allow the Holy Spirit to be the ultimate teacher. A disciplined reader of the Bible, she looked to the “code of education” she found in the gospels.

Charlotte believed that learning should be teacher-guided, but self-directed. She believed the only true education was self-education and she sought to “fan the flame” of the child's innate curiosity and love of learning. Charlotte planned a wide and intentional feast, carefully choosing the materials for her students. She then stood back as guide, philosopher and friend on their journey toward self-education.