Learning to Live

“On my arrival at Ambleside I was interviewed by Miss Mason who asked me for what purpose I had come. I replied: ‘I have come to learn to teach.’ Then Miss Mason said: ‘My dear, you have come here to learn to live.’”

— a new student at Charloe Mason’s teacher training college

It is tradition to open each Living Education Retreat with a warm conversazione based on the social gatherings Charlotte Mason held annually that were intended to inspire and challenge parents. In the year 2023 we focused on the retreat theme, “Learning to Live.” If you thought you were here to understand how to homeschool using this philosophy, you will soon see that Charlotte had much more in mind. My dears, we are all learning to live.

Recorded live at the 2023 Living Education Retreat.

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For over 30 years, author Nancy Kelly has been practicing the principles and living the lifestyle that Charlotte Mason championed. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and experience through mentoring, consulting, teaching, and speaking. You can read about her family (6 CM graduates!), the books they love, and the lessons she’s learned on her website, Sage Parnassus.

©2025 Nancy Kelly