Charlotte Mason believed that a child’s spiritual life should never be separated from their intellectual life. In her twentieth principle, she wrote:
“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.”
This conviction—that children are capable of a real, living relationship with God—is one of the most beautiful aspects of a Charlotte Mason education. Rather than controlling or managing a child’s faith experience, Mason emphasized freedom, reverence, and trust in the work of the Holy Spirit.
Rethinking Modern Children’s Spiritual Formation
In many modern approaches to children’s ministry, we often rely on gimmicks to hold attention—elaborate games, themed crafts, flashy productions, and constant activity. While these things can be fun (Easter eggs with gospel messages or large-scale Passion plays), they are not essential to a child’s spiritual formation.
In fact, too many extras can unintentionally distract children from developing their own relationship with God. When spiritual life is always mediated through entertainment, children may struggle to recognize God’s quiet, steady presence in their everyday lives.
Charlotte Mason understood this tension long before modern children’s programs existed. She believed children needed space, not spectacle.
A Charlotte Mason Approach to Bible Lessons
In The Good Gospel, we intentionally keep things simple. This resource was created to align with Charlotte Mason’s vision of education as a life—rich, living, and reverent.
Each lesson includes:
- Beautiful, short stories from the life of Jesus
- Meaningful moments of prayer
- Gospel-centered art
- Straight Scripture, without embellishment
These simple Bible lessons allow children to encounter the goodness of God without unnecessary distractions. Rather than telling children what to feel or think, the lessons invite them to wonder, listen, and respond.
Celebrating Lent with Children (Without Overwhelm)
Lent is a historic Christian season that begins on Ash Wednesday and culminates in the celebration of the Resurrection. It is traditionally a time of fasting, reflection, and preparation—an intentional slowing down that helps believers attune their hearts to God.
You don’t have to belong to a liturgical church to observe Lent. Any Christian family who loves highlighting the goodness of God can participate in this gentle rhythm.
Our 40 Day Lent Reading Plan pairs The Good Gospel lessons with:
- Short Gospel-centered Scripture summaries
- Hymns and poetry
- Art and prayer
- A culminating celebration connected to Passover
The children’s book Make Room is included as the first reading in our free 40-day guide, making it easy to explain Lent in a way young children can understand.
Lent doesn't have to be a heavy duty fast. It's a time to draw near to Jesus in expectation of the celebration of Resurrection, so as you prepare with your family, think of simple things you could give up to make room.
- A Special Toy or Toy Category
- Sweets
- Shows
- Fiction
- Meat on Fridays
- Ice Cream
- Complaining
- Yelling
- Snacks
There are so many ways to fast and it doesn't have to be legalistic or burdensome, but rather an opportunity to develop a deeper hunger for God.
It's a great idea to find some way to track your progress as you fast. Maybe you add a penny to a jar for every day that you are able to accomplish the fast of your choice and then have a reward for each time you get to 7 pennies.
Maybe you will have a big chart on the wall and each child can track their own progress with starts for each day they are able to make it through the fast.
Creating an Atmosphere of Peace and Attunement
Charlotte Mason believed that childhood is the perfect time to introduce children to God—not through pressure or performance, but through presence and beauty. The season of Lent naturally creates an atmosphere of quiet attentiveness, one that can infuse your home with peace.
As Mason wrote:
“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.”
When we trust children with sacred things and remove unnecessary noise, we give them room to encounter God in ways that are deeply personal and lasting.
A Gentle Invitation
If you’re looking for a Charlotte Mason–inspired Bible resource that supports meaningful spiritual formation—especially during Lent—The Good Gospel was created with your family in mind.
You can purchase The Good Gospel resource and save 10% with the code goodgospel10.
And then download the free Lent Reading Plan here
The Good Gospel
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