Ash Wednesday in your Homeschool: A Gentle start of Lent
Every year, as the season of Lent begins, I find myself craving a slower, more intentional rhythm in our homeschool. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of this season, inviting us to pause, reflect, and prepare our hearts for Easter. If you’ve ever wondered how to bring this beautiful day into your homeschool in a meaningful way, I have just the thing, a one-day Family Liturgy unit that gently guides your family through the significance of Ash Wednesday.
What is Ash Wednesday?
Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, the 40-day period leading up to Easter (excluding Sundays). Traditionally, it’s a day of repentance, reflection, and remembering our need for Christ’s redemption. Many churches hold services where ashes, often made from the previous year’s Palm Sunday branches, are placed on the forehead in the shape of a cross with the words: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” It’s a powerful reminder of our mortality, but also of the hope we have in Christ’s resurrection.
Why Observe Ash Wednesday in Your Homeschool?
As Christian homeschoolers, we have the freedom to weave faith into our daily learning, and Ash Wednesday offers a wonderful opportunity to do just that. Observing this day helps our children:
Understand the significance of Lent: a season of preparation, fasting, and prayer.
Develop a habit of reflection: learning to examine their hearts and grow in faith.
Connect with church traditions: even if your church doesn’t hold an Ash Wednesday service, you can still participate in a meaningful way at home.
What’s Included in the Ash Wednesday Family Liturgy Unit?
This one-day unit is designed to be simple yet deeply meaningful. It includes:
A short devotional explaining the meaning of Ash Wednesday in a way children can understand.
A Scripture reading that connects to the theme of repentance and renewal.
A simple hands-on activity to help make the meaning of the day tangible.
A written prayer to guide your time together.
Beauty integration through hymns, composer study, and poetry.
How to Implement This Study in Your Home
Start with Morning Time – Set the tone for the day with the devotional and Scripture reading. Light a candle, grab some cozy blankets, and invite your children into a space of reflection.
Do a Simple Activity – Whether drawing a cross in charcoal, baking pretzels, or writing a prayer of repentance, hands-on activities help children internalize what they’re learning.
Close with Prayer – Use the written prayer or have each child say a short prayer of their own.
Consider a Simple Fast – If your children are old enough, talk about the idea of fasting in a way that makes sense for your family. Maybe it’s choosing to fast from sweets, screens, or a favorite toy for the day.
A Gentle Beginning to Lent
Ash Wednesday doesn’t have to be overwhelming or complicated. This Family Liturgy unit is designed to help you ease into Lent with intention and beauty. By setting aside this one day to reflect, pray, and prepare your hearts, you’re laying a foundation for a meaningful season ahead.
I’d love to hear how your family observes Ash Wednesday! Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments: what are your favorite ways to begin Lent in your homeschool?
