Awakening the whole child: a Charlotte Mason philosophy of education for the 21st century [forthcoming]

Van Pelt, Deani, Millar, Elizabeth and Elton-Chalcraft, Sally ORCID logo ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3064-7249 , eds. (2026) Awakening the whole child: a Charlotte Mason philosophy of education for the 21st century [forthcoming]. Routledge, Abingdon, UK. Full text not available from this repository.

Official URL: https://www.routledge.com/Awakening-the-Whole-Chil...

Abstract

Awakening the Whole Child offers a refreshing and transformative perspective on education. Drawing on the timeless principles of pioneering educator Charlotte Mason (1842–1923), this book reimagines education for today and tomorrow, inspiring connection, curiosity, and the flourishing of the whole child. With contributions from authors across the globe, this book offers a critical examination of Mason’s relational philosophy, highlighting its relevance to contemporary debates and addressing key issues such as multicultural and critical perspectives, meritocracy and segregation, academic freedom, parental or carer involvement, and state control. Mason’s approach emphasises the child’s relationship with self, others, the environment, the universe, and the transcendent, making her ideas relevant to both religious and secular worldviews. Packed with practical wisdom and theoretical insights, the book broadens the conversation by engaging with ecological, societal, psychological, and philosophical perspectives, tackling urgent questions about the purpose of education often overlooked in today’s standardised systems. Designed for educators, researchers, and anyone seeking to reimagine education, Awakening the Whole Child invites readers to critically engage with Mason’s philosophy, and rethink education for the betterment of individuals and society.

Item Type: Book
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 9781041075271 / 9781041075264 / 9781003640950
Departments: Institute of Education > Primary PGCE
Learning Education and Development (LED)
Additional Information: Dr Deani Van Pelt, Visiting Professor, University of Cumbria, UK. Professor Sally Elton-Chalcraft, PhD, Professor of Social Justice in Education, University of Cumbria, UK.
Depositing User: Anna Lupton
Date Deposited: 16 Dec 2025 10:49
Last Modified: 16 Dec 2025 11:18
URI: https://insight.cumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/9244
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