I have come to discover that educational philosophies are cults. You would be hard pressed to find a philosophical view on education that did not wrap around a personal belief system or view of the world. As part of my professional development, and also in my endeavor to get prepared for schooling my own children, I spent this year researching and reading about the various currently popular and trendy educational philosophies. What I found was startling and amazing.
I then sat down and thought about my own experiences with students and the classroom. I examined my personal perspectives, and prayed about what the right educational goals should be for our family. I watched Moriah, and discussed ideas with other moms and other teachers. I reflected on the push for character education in the schools, and my days of teaching conflict resolution, social skills, and manners. What I finally concluded was simple: to raise our child in a God centered, God fearing home means an education embedded in our family values and a world perspective focused on God. What I discovered next was that it is not easy to find a popular educational philosophy to match.
Your response to that might be - duh! But I searched the Christian Homeschool world as well, and just like everything else, there are thousands of homeschooling 'denominations'; so, back to the brainstorming board I went. There I sat, once more, in my chair. Frustrated and overwhelmed I decided it was time to create a focus for our family. I firmly believe there is an answer for everything in the Bible, regardless of whether or not we want to see it. Shouldnt there be a manual in the Bible on homeschooling? No. There isnt. In fact, our society is much different today from when Christ walked the earth. For example, I cant seem to find a scripture anywhere on what age it is appropriate to have Moriah start piano lessons or learn how to type.
Several more weeks of prayer has led to what I think the first step in homeschooling should be: allow God to lead you to a scripture that captures your homeschooling mission.
Here is our scripture:
Deuteronomy 6:9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
Isn't that a great one? :)
If by great you mean random and obscure then YES!!
ReplyDeletehahahahaha.....ok so I mean write His WORD on your doorposts, in context of the scripture. Making it a priority in my whole house, including the teaching of my children. Obviously that was not clear. But hey.....my brain hurts these days.
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