Stories from the Classroom: February 2025

Stories from the Classroom

With Shannon Seiberlich

Charlotte Mason has something to teach all of us. Ambleside teachers share their unique experiences in teaching with Mason’s methods in the classroom, with special emphasis on applications for parents.

Recently, the sixth grade class had the pleasure of a visit with a special guest, Reverend LeRoy Thompson. This visit was a particular treat as Reverend Thompson (Sully Thompson’s grandfather) is beloved by all at Ambleside. Reverend Thompson joined us for our monthly L’Abri lunch to consider the science of astronomy as it relates to our Christian faith.

For those unfamiliar with L’Abri lunch, it is an Ambleside tradition modeled after the L’Abri communities, which are “study centers where individuals have the opportunity to seek answers to honest questions about God and the significance of human life.” We, like L’Abri Fellowship International, believe “that Christianity speaks to all aspects of life.”  

Charlotte Mason inspires us to engage in worthy conversation around what is true, good, and beautiful. She wrote, “It is sheer delight to mix with our fellows, but much depends on whom we take for our fellows and why... If they are so taught that knowledge delights them, they will choose companions who share that pleasure. In this way princes are trained… every boy has a princely right to be brought up so that he may hold his own in good society, that is, the society of those who ‘know’” (A Philosophy of Education).

Reverend Thompson shared with us his love of the heavens, its stars and constellations. All the way from when he was a little boy of five, he was struck by its vastness.

He called on the students to recount the words of God related to the heavens. The students were quickly able to recall many.

“Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements?” ~ Job 38:4-7

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.” ~ Psalm 19:1-4

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” ~ Genesis 1:1

Reverend Thompson mentioned how the constellations can point us to the attributes related to Jesus: Virgo (the Virgin mother), Pisces (feeding the 5000), Aquarius (Jesus as living water), and Leo (Jesus the Lion of Judah), to name a few.

These special visits are always too short, but we are so grateful for the time to reflect together on God’s goodness and greatness. We will always look forward to our next visit with Reverend Thompson.

In other L’Abri lunches our sixth graders have enjoyed this year, we have had visitors who have shared their knowledge and wisdom, leading to rich discussions.  A local amateur astronomer, an Ambleside alum, and our very own Head of School have all participated.

Application For Home Life

Ask your student about a recent, memorable L’Abri lunch conversation. Continue the conversation with your child about the subject they mention, as a way to engage with him or her toward a meaningful concept about life and God. 

Try asking these questions to engage your student in conversation:

  • Tell me about your favorite character in literature.

  • Is there someone in history that you admire? What is it about them that you admire?

  • What does it mean to be a friend of God?

  • How can we live as good citizens?

  • Tell me about one of the paintings you have studied this semester.

Dorothy Carroll