Spreading the Feast 2025 Homeschool Gathering

Feeding the Soul: The Joy of Enrichments

Sonya Shafer

We know why we teach history, geography, math, science, and language arts. But what do the enrichment subjects bring to the table? Join Sonya for an encouraging look at the way that art, music, nature, poetry, handicrafts, and literature enrich our children’s souls, as well as a challenge to avoid the attitudes that can steal the joy from those practices.

Picture Study with Older Students—Enlarging the Gallery of Their Minds

Richele Baburina

Charlotte Mason’s gentle approach to Picture Study allows us to furnish a child’s mind with works of art by the great masters. In her own schools, Picture Study was expanded upon in high school and the subject became known as Art Study. Richele will discuss some simple ways to deepen the experience for your older students in this interactive session.

From Duty to Delight: Learning to Embrace Nature Study and Time Outdoors

Amber O’Neal Johnston

Drawing from her own journey—from indoor-loving novice to outdoor enthusiast—Amber O’Neal Johnston invites you to consider how nature study can grow slowly and meaningfully over time. We’ll explore ways to foster curiosity, make space for wonder, and approach nature journaling with ease rather than intimidation. You’ll leave with renewed confidence, whether you’re stepping onto a trail for the first time or hoping to rekindle joy in familiar routines.

For the Love of Music

Christy Hissong

Charlotte Mason considered regular exposure to great music as essential as exposure to great literature and art. Come learn the benefits of incorporating music into your homeschool, discover ways of making music part of your family’s life together, and walk through a lesson using one of Simply Charlotte Mason’s Music Studies with the Masters portfolios.

Handicrafts & Art Instruction—Principles and Practices

Richele Baburina

Miss Mason’s practices were based upon her principles and are woven through every subject like golden threads. Discover both principles and practices—and how to incorporate them in your student’s arts and crafts lessons.

A Charlotte Mason Morning of Studies immersion session

Sonya Shafer

In this immersion session, you will work through a morning of studies in a Charlotte Mason homeschool. Experience the methods, rhythm, and wonder of CM for yourself as you take the part of a student in grade 6. If you or your spouse have been curious what a CM home school looks like in real time, if you have been at it for a while and want a refresher course, or if you just love learning, this is the session for you.

Jane Austen’s “Fine Brush” in a Charlotte Mason Education

Richele Baburina

Jane Austen playfully remarked that she “worked with so fine a brush” on a “little bit (two inches wide) of ivory.” In this session we will discuss the admiration Mason had for Austen’s brushwork and her novels’ place in the Charlotte Mason classroom both past and present. Two other beloved imagination-warmers of Miss Mason’s, Charlotte Brönte and Elizabeth Gaskell, play a delightful part in the conversation.

The Promises of Poetry: Welcoming the “Glorious Heritage” of Verse Into Our Homes

Amber O’Neal Johnston

What if poetry wasn’t something to dissect—but something to live with? Something that shapes our inner lives and brings beauty, meaning, and connection to our days? In this session, we’ll explore the role and value of poetry in a Charlotte Mason education, not just as a subject to teach, but as a soul-nourishing presence in the homeschool. You will discover how poetry cultivates wonder, strengthens language, and offers a powerful means of intellectual and emotional growth—for both children and parents. As Charlotte Mason wrote, “A thousand thoughts that burn come to us on the wings of verse.” Together, let’s see if we can catch a few.

A Homeschool Blessing

Sonya Shafer

Hear Sonya’s heart for you as a parent and homeschool teacher. Let this blessing feed your own soul as you enter another year of educating your precious children.

Plus…

Throughout our time together, we’ll enjoy these encouraging and helpful sessions:

Q & A Panels

Ask your questions about Charlotte Mason homeschooling! Our speakers will share their wisdom from years of homeschooling in these unique opportunity scheduled throughout the weekend.

Reading Aloud: Hints, Tips, and Confessions

During short interviews sprinkled throughout the weekend, each of our speakers will be sharing her best tips for reading aloud. Learn what they did that worked and what they wish they had known sooner. Gather the wisdom of more than 60 years of combined reading-aloud experience—in bite-sized chunks.

Simply Charlotte Mason Curriculum Overview

Wondering how it all fits together? Optional curriculum overview sessions will help you understand the resources Simply Charlotte Mason has available to make your homeschool days run smoothly.

Connection Time

Friday evening is set aside to gather informally with other attendees to hang out, chat, and connect. Meet new friends and reconnect with others as you share ideas for specific grade levels or challenges. Everyone is invited to bring along a handicraft to work on throughout the evening and to share with others who may be interested in learning that craft. The bookstore will also be open for an extended time of shopping and consulting with our friendly bookstore team.