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ASI Update - 9.04.2026
As many of our schools settle into the rhythms of a new school year, we are reminded that education is its own kind of labor: patient, faithful, and often unseen. This Labor Day weekend offers an opportunity to pause and give thanks for the teachers, administrators, staff, board members, and parents whose daily work helps children flourish. We are grateful for the countless acts of service, preparation, encouragement, and sacrifice taking place across our member schools as another year of living education begins.
Scripture reminds us, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23). Whether teaching a lesson, leading a school, serving behind the scenes, or supporting students at home, may we remember that our work matters because it is ultimately offered to Him. The Lord often uses ordinary, faithful labor to accomplish extraordinary things in the lives of children.
In this week’s update, you’ll find opportunities for learning, encouragement, and connection from across the Ambleside community. As you read, we hope you’ll be encouraged by the good work taking place throughout our schools and reminded that we are participating together in something far greater than ourselves.
We pray for a restful Labor Day weekend and for God’s continued blessing on the new school year.
Grace and peace,
The Teacher as Disciple-Maker
What is the purpose of education? What are we really aiming for?
Many of us would answer by talking about knowledge, skills, college preparation, or future careers. These are good things, but they do not reach far enough. At Ambleside, we believe education is ultimately about the formation of a person.
Charlotte Mason reminded us that “the formation of character is the ultimate object of education.” Our goal is not simply to help children know more. It is to help them become mature men and women who love what is good, true, and beautiful and who are growing in wisdom, virtue, and faith.
Read the Ambleside article: https://amblesideschools.org/a-renewal-of-christian-education-a-charlotte-mason-perspective/.
Ambleside Method
Nature Study
Nature study at Ambleside begins with the conviction that children are born with a natural curiosity about the world around them. Through regular time outdoors, students learn to observe carefully, ask thoughtful questions, and develop a lasting relationship with God’s creation. Rather than learning primarily from textbooks, they encounter plants, animals, weather, and seasonal changes firsthand, building knowledge through direct experience.
Students keep nature journals, record observations, sketch what they see, and learn the names and habits of the living things around them. Over time, these simple acts of attention cultivate wonder, patience, and the habit of noticing. Nature study is not a separate activity from learning, but an important avenue through which children grow in knowledge, affection, and understanding.
As students return to the same fields, trees, streams, and skies throughout the year, they begin to recognize patterns, relationships, and the order of the natural world. The result is more than scientific knowledge. Nature study forms attentive observers who are connected to the world around them, grateful for its beauty, and eager to continue learning from it throughout their lives.
Thinking with Charlotte Mason
The Habit of Attention
The concentration which comes of great interest is not a conscious effort but an involuntary act.
– Charlotte M. Mason, A Philosophy of Education
Charlotte Mason believed that attention is one of the most important habits a child can develop. Yet true attention is not formed through constant reminders to “pay attention.” It grows when the mind is regularly nourished by worthy ideas. When a child encounters a captivating story, a fascinating discovery in nature, a beautiful work of art, or a meaningful question, attention often follows naturally.
At Ambleside, we cultivate the habit of attention by placing students in relationship with living ideas. Rather than relying on endless entertainment or external rewards, teachers present rich books, meaningful lessons, and real subjects worthy of a child’s thoughtful engagement. As students practice giving their minds fully to what is before them, attentive habits begin to take root.
Over time, attention becomes more than a momentary response to interest. It becomes a way of approaching learning and life. Students learn to observe carefully, listen thoughtfully, and engage deeply.
Training Events
Three-Day Internships
An Ambleside Three-Day Internship is much more than an introduction to Charlotte Mason’s philosophy. It is an opportunity to experience a living education firsthand. Through engaging and thoughtful discussions, participants explore the foundational principles that shape an Ambleside classroom, including the nature of the child as a person, the formation of habits, the practice of narration, and the power of living ideas. Whether you are a teacher, school leader, parent, or homeschool educator, these principles will challenge and enrich the way you think about education.
What makes the internship unique is the opportunity to step into Ambleside classrooms and watch these principles come to life. Participants observe experienced teachers across multiple grade levels and subject areas, seeing how philosophy shapes every aspect of teaching and learning. Following each observation, Ambleside staff lead discussions that connect what was seen in the classroom to Charlotte Mason’s writings, giving participants practical insight they can immediately apply in their own schools, homes, and ministries.
For more than twenty-five years, the Three-Day Internship has served as a starting point for educators and families seeking a richer vision of education. Participants leave with a clearer understanding of Charlotte Mason’s philosophy, practical tools for implementation, and renewed confidence to cultivate wonder, wisdom, and character in the lives of children. It is an experience that continues to shape classrooms, schools, and families around the world.
Ambleside Three-Day Internships
- Crystal, MN – RiverTree School – October 26-28, 2026
- Cape Town, South Africa – The Vine School – October 27-29, 2026
- Ocala, FL – Ambleside School of Ocala – January 25-27, 2027
- Fredericksburg, TX – Ambleside School of Fredericksburg – February 22-24, 2027
- Fredericksburg, TX – Ambleside School of Fredericksburg – March 8-10, 2027
- Lone Tree, CO – Ambleside School of Colorado – March 8-10, 2027
- Newberg, OR – Ambleside of the Willamette Valley – April 5-7, 2027
- Holland, MI – Calvary Schools of Holland – April 21-23, 2027
Register Today: https://amblesideschools.org/three-day-internship/.
Bonus Ideas
Throughout the week, I often come across articles, videos, or media that touch on topics close to my heart. Some explore the shifting landscape of education, marriage, or cultural trends that may impact our students and families, while others highlight the beauty and truth found only in the Lord. These pieces don’t necessarily reflect my personal views or endorsements, but I share them as opportunities for our community to consider, reflect, and discuss the world around us.
Article – Campus Keepers of the Faith
An unexpected revival of religious faith may be taking root on college campuses, as growing numbers of students seek meaning, community, and spiritual grounding in an increasingly fragmented culture. Read the article.
Podcast – Reducing Anxiety through the Meaning of Work
Perhaps we can reduce anxiety by understanding ‘work’ not as a means of self-optimization or self-advancement, but primarily self-gift. Sanctifying our work tempers both extremes of anxiety and avoidance. Listen to the podcast.
Book – 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
Discover a practical, principle-centered approach to becoming more effective, responding wisely to change, and living with greater integrity and purpose. Learn more about the book.
Article – Wendell Berry’s Eternal Story
With the recent passing of Wendell Berry at age 92, we remember a writer whose life and work called us back to what is lasting: faith, family, community, place, and our responsibility to faithfully tend the world entrusted to us. Read the article.
Employment Opportunities
Ambleside Teachers willingly become Charlotte Mason students and consistently and faithfully implement her method. They eagerly seek to increase their expertise by reading, discussing, practicing, and attending Ambleside’s educational training. Teaching at an Ambleside school is truly a calling. If you feel led to teach at one of our member schools “for the children’s sake” check out the job listings below.
Highlight – Ambleside School of Marion (IL)
Hiring for the 2026-2027 school year.
All Employment Opportunities: https://amblesideschools.org/employment/.
Many thanks for all you do for the community; very grateful for each of you. Please let me know anytime we on the ASI team can be helpful to you!
Blessings,
