Free Lent Lesson Plan for Children
In this Free Lent Lesson Plan for Children post we share:
- Why Lent lessons matter for children
- How to use our free Lent reading plan
- Where to find the needed supplies
Charlotte Mason’s twentieth principle reminds us of a profound truth about children and faith:
“We allow no separation to grow up between the intellectual and ‘spiritual’ life of children, but teach them that the Divine Spirit has constant access to their spirits, and is their Continual Helper in all the interests, duties and joys of life.”
One of the most beautiful aspects of a Charlotte Mason education is this freedom it gives children to develop a personal relationship with God—not one driven by pressure, performance, or entertainment, but by reverence, truth, and quiet wonder.
Why Simple Lent Lessons Matter for Children
In modern Christian education, spiritual formation for children is often crowded with flashy activities, elaborate productions, and gimmicky games. While these can be enjoyable—Easter egg hunts with gospel messages or dramatic reenactments of Holy Week—they are not essential.
Too many extras can actually distract children from the still, small voice of God and unintentionally distance them from developing a meaningful relationship with Him.
Charlotte Mason believed that less is often more, especially when it comes to nurturing a child’s spiritual life.
Lent is one season of the year that lends itself perfectly to nurturing the spiritual life of a family. It is a 40 day fast that starts in February and culminates with a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus.
Traditional Catholics fast from meat during specified days during the season of Lent, but non-Catholic Christian families can also explore other ways to fast during Lent (and this resource is perfect for Catholic and Protestant families) This could be a family consensus or a chance for each child to decide what they want to fast.
Some families choose to fast news, or social media. Some fast sweets or movies. The intention of a fast is to make space for more attunement to God, which leads to more joy. Our first book in the Free Lent Reading Plan, Make Room, helps explain the purpose of a fast for children.
A Charlotte Mason Approach to Lent
In The Good Gospel, our Children's Bible resource, we help children understand the beauty of our faith through simple lessons.
- Short, reverent stories from the life of Jesus
- Straight Scripture
- Gentle moments of prayer
- Gospel-centered fine art
- Thoughtful reflection without distraction
These Charlotte Mason Bible lessons give children space to encounter the goodness of God in a way that feels natural, peaceful, and life-giving.
A Free 40-Day Lent Reading Plan for Families
Our free 40-Day Lent Reading Plan for children combines these gentle lessons with short Scripture summaries that follow the gospel story and lead all the way to a meaningful celebration of Passover and Easter.
Lent is the historic Christian season that begins on Ash Wednesday and culminates in the celebration of the Resurrection. You don’t need to belong to a liturgical church to observe Lent—any Christian family who desires to highlight the goodness of God can participate.
To help young children understand this season, we begin with the children’s book Make Room, which gently explains the meaning of Lent. (This is the very first reading in our free guide.)
Throughout the 40 days, families will also enjoy:
- Hymns
- Poetry
- Sacred art
- Guided prayers
All woven together to create a calm, Christ-centered Lent rhythm in your home.
Why Lent Is Especially Meaningful for Young Children
Charlotte Mason recognized that childhood is the perfect time to introduce children to God:
“The Indwelling of Christ is a thought particularly fit for the children, because their large faith does not stumble at the mystery, their imagination leaps readily to the marvel, that the King Himself should inhabit a little child’s heart.”
The season of Lent naturally creates an atmosphere of attentiveness, reflection, and peace—an environment where young hearts can grow in faith without force or hurry.
What’s Featured in the Free Lent Reading Plan
Our free Lent lessons for children feature gospel-centered books and resources. Many of these can easily be found as Youtube read alouds.
Make Room – A gentle introduction to the meaning of Lent
The Garden, the Curtain, and the Cross – A beautiful children’s gospel story
The Good Gospel – An A–Z Charlotte Mason–inspired Bible study on the life of Christ
The Bible Project – Free videos that summarize key Scripture passages
The Peaceful Passover – A free Christian Passover guide for families
A Simple Weekly Rhythm for Lent
This 40-day plan follows a gentle, sustainable rhythm:
- 4 days per week using The Good Gospel
- 1 weekly hymn, art, or poetry day
- 1 weekly memory verse review
- 1 weekly Bible Project video
At the heart of the plan is The Good Gospel, a beautiful invitation for children to immerse themselves in the story of Jesus. With 4–5 lessons per week, it aligns naturally with the Lent season and can be completed by Easter week.
A Non-Denominational Resource for Christian Families
Designed to be non-denominational, The Good Gospel focuses on the life of Jesus and the truth that God loves us and desires a relationship with us. Whether or not your family follows a liturgical calendar, this Lent guide offers a meaningful way for children to grow in their understanding of salvation and deepen their prayer life.
With 26 lessons, The Good Gospel includes:
- Scripture readings
- Short stories
- Simple crafts
- Faith declarations
- Gospel-centered fine art
Each week also includes a printable with:
- A Bible verse
- A declaration
- A coloring page
- A traceable Bible verse for older children
To support memorization, all 26 verses are also set to soothing music, making Scripture memory gentle and joyful.
Purchase the Good Gospel Here
Are you ready to get started with this free Lent Reading plan?
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Frequently Asked Questions About Our Free Lent Lessons for Children
What are these Lent lessons for children?
These free Lent lessons are a 40-day, Charlotte Mason–inspired reading plan designed to gently introduce children to the life of Jesus through Scripture, stories, art, hymns, and prayer.
Who are these Lent lessons designed for?
The lessons are ideal for preschool and elementary-age children and can be used by homeschooling families, Sunday School teachers, or parents looking for meaningful family devotions during Lent.
Do I need to belong to a liturgical church to celebrate Lent?
No. Lent is a historic Christian practice, but any family who desires to slow down, reflect, and highlight the goodness of God can participate—regardless of denomination.
How does this Lent plan follow Charlotte Mason principles?
The lessons emphasize living ideas, short and meaningful readings, beauty through art and poetry, and the integration of spiritual formation into everyday life—without gimmicks or busywork.
What is The Good Gospel and how does it fit into Lent?
The Good Gospel is a gentle A-to-Z Bible study focused on the life of Christ. With 4–5 lessons per week, it naturally aligns with the Lent season and can be completed by Easter.
What resources are included in the free Lent reading plan?
The plan includes gospel-centered children’s books, Scripture summaries, hymns, poetry, fine art, prayers, Bible Project videos, and a Christian Passover guide for Holy Week.
How much time does each lesson take?
Lessons are intentionally short—perfect for young children. Most days can be completed in 10–15 minutes, making them easy to fit into daily family rhythms.
Is this Lent plan non-denominational?
Yes. The lessons focus on the life of Jesus, Scripture, and prayer, making them suitable for families from a wide range of Christian backgrounds.
Can this be used for homeschool or Sunday School?
Absolutely. The materials work well for home education, family worship, co-ops, and church classrooms.
Why is Lent especially meaningful for young children?
Charlotte Mason believed early childhood is a sacred time for spiritual formation. Lent offers a peaceful season of reflection that helps children develop a natural, living relationship with God.
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