Lowell & Nancy LeFebvre
This summer, a few women gathered together to consider how God would have them better meet the challenges of being wives and mothers as they read the book, The Fruit of Her Hands, by Nancy Wilson. We’d like to take this opportunity to share with you the concepts of a chapter from that book called “Principles and Methods[1]” and see how they apply to home education.
There’s a very important difference between principles and methods. The American Heritage Dictionary defines a principle as, “A basic truth, law, or assumption; a rule or standard; a fixed or predetermined policy or mode of action.” As Christians, our lives must be governed by the principles of living which are taught in the Bible. This takes considerable and diligent effort, because the ways of God do not come naturally to sinful man; and as you well know, we are surrounded by a lost world that does its best to lead us astray. In order to govern our lives according to the principles in God’s Word, we must read it, study it, memorize it, meditate on it and order our daily lives on its teachings.
A method, on the other hand, is “A means or manner of procedure, especially a regular and systematic way of accomplishing something. The procedures and techniques characteristic of a particular discipline or field of knowledge: the scientific method.”
We use methods to apply principles.
Consider this sound parenting principle: all parents must train up their children in the way they should go. This principle can easily be substantiated in Scripture. [See Proverbs 22:6] Few Christians would argue with the truth that parents should take responsibility for the training of their children.
Disagreements focus on the methods we use in training our children. Everyone has his/her favorite. Should we be permissive? Stern? Are we settled in our decisions, or are we pushovers in areas of training our children? What about education? Does Scripture rule out public education in favor of Christian or home education? Personally, we believe that it does; but there are many Christians who would argue against that. Within the community of believers, we have many shared principles but, at the same time, we employ many and varied methods. That is as it should be; God designed each family uniquely and what works for one may not work well for another.
We need to be careful that we are not so passionate about our favorite method that we run roughshod over someone else. God has given us considerable freedom of choice under the umbrella of his principles. We have to keep our eyes on the principle of Scripture that says we must train up our children in the way that they should go and not get carried away with the secondary issue of method.
Sometimes, when we find a method that we really like, we start to feel like it’s the only way, the best way; and if we are not cautious with our enthusiasm, our superior attitude can hurt another who may be less sure of him or herself. Some especially passionate methodologists may even consider another method “sin.” We have to be very careful if we look to judge how another brother or sister is walking out his faith. God looks on the heart. What kind of curriculum or teaching style we employ has far less importance eternally than does our heart attitude.
Mrs. Wilson writes, “This not an argument that all methods are equal—they are not. Some methods are inferior to others. Rather, the point is that the methods of others are not really our business. If a friend asks for advice on a method, we may of course give it. But when sharing a method, we must remember we are not on a moral crusade.”
Families who are fairly new to home education are especially vulnerable to these pressures. Home schooling parents sometimes suffer feelings of inadequacy and concern about whether their children are learning as well as those of another family. Looking at others from the outside, it may look like they don’t have nearly the problems we know are going on within our own walls. We don’t see their struggles and can assume that they’re doing better than we are, and perhaps we ought to adopt their method. Keep in mind, though, that we all have struggles of one kind or another; there is no such thing as the perfect home schooling family. If God approves of what we are doing, it matters little what others think.
In last month’s newsletter, we suggested that parents sit down and formulate a family philosophy of education. Have you done that yet? Consider this your friendly reminder! J While you’re writing, be sure that you’re basing your philosophy on principles … specifically, Scriptural principles! Opinions and preferences will be based on methods, but your important life decisions must be made on the basis of Scriptural principles.
The fact that we approach home education with differing methods is good! Even within a family, some children respond better to one approach, while others make better progress using different tools. For example, in our family, our daughter benefited from a lot of practice when she was working on understanding a new math concept; because she didn’t mind writing, she did very well with a Rod & Staff mathematics book that had pages and pages of problems, which she had to copy from the book to solve. On the other hand, a son who usually caught on to a new mathematical concept more quickly (and whose day would have been ruined by the thought of doing all that writing) did excellently with a Bob Jones text, which had a modicum of practice in the lesson (with additional problems in the back if needed).
“Celebrate diversity” may have negative connotations for the Christian, but in the case of home education, diversity is what enables us to tailor education to the needs of our unique families. Just look at the wealth of choices that God has put before you!
Some of the major educational approaches or teaching
methods used by home schoolers are described below. You may choose one or
combine several.
[Follow the links in this
article for further information online.]
In a modern modification (proposed by Dorothy Sayers) of the medieval scholastic curriculum, all subjects are taught concurrently, but are divided into phases corresponding to the classical Trivium.
During the Grammar phase, a child is taught to carefully observe and memorize details. These facts provide the data for logical thought in the next phase.
For example, in science he learns the names and classifications of plants, animals, minerals, etc., and collects specimens. In geography and history he learns the locations of nations, states, cities, and natural features and the order of events.
In the Dialectic phase, the child is taught the rules of logic and how to reason, explores the how’s and why’s of nature and history, learns the proofs of geometry, becomes a discriminating reader, and learns to think carefully when he speaks or writes.
In the Rhetoric phase, expression and presentation of the knowledge obtained and evaluated in the first two phases is developed.
(Back Issue:
Sept./Oct. '97)
Traditional
Textbook Approach
The traditional approach to education involves teacher-directed study.
Textbooks developed by Christian publishers present a distinctly Christian worldview, cover subjects thoroughly, and usually include study questions, enrichment activities, and projects. These excellent books are rich in colorful illustrations, photographs, diagrams, charts, and maps. Supplemental teaching materials are available such as workbooks, tests, answer keys, charts, and maps.
Many home-school parents read the text aloud with students, presenting background material (often available in teacher's editions), discussing questions, and giving explanations as needed.
This kind of teacher-student interaction builds the student’s confidence and trust in the teacher and maximizes understanding. It is also rewarding for the teacher, giving him direct involvement with the subject content and with the student.
Home-school families may consider using the same text
for two or more children at once. Except for mathematical or grammatical concepts,
most subject matter does not need to be presented in any order.
Examples: A
Beka Book, Bob
Jones University Press, Christian
Liberty Academy, Rod & Staff
Publishers.
Worktexts, a combination of a workbook and a textbook, contain instruction, questions, projects, and exercises in a consumable workbook.
Worktexts are available from Christian publishers that incorporate a Christian world view. These curriculum materials have similar, although usually less extensive, content to traditional textbooks. They may require less time to complete.
Typically there are five subject areas with 10 booklets each per grade. Answer keys are available as well as other supplemental materials.
Diagnostic tests show where a child should start in
each subject, which is useful for children coming out of a school setting.
(Inexpensive math worktexts that include answer keys are also available in
educational supply stores.)
Examples: Alpha
Omega, Christian
Light Education, School of
Tomorrow.
Unit Studies
The idea of unit studies is that knowledge is learned and remembered better if presented in a connected way. Unit studies also provide interest and motivation.
Several subjects are centered around a common theme or project in each unit. For example, a theme such as attentiveness or light may be chosen and related material for study selected from history, science, literature, and Bible.
Reading, language, and arithmetic assignments can be related to the unit, but basic skills are taught separately.
Unit study curriculum varies in the amount of teacher preparation required. Usually many library books are used, while some also use Christian textbooks for reference and information. Parents can also plan their own short- or long-term units.
Unit studies can be used by families with children in different age groups, adapting material to various levels and learning styles while maintaining a unifying theme.
To ensure that each subject is covered thoroughly,
the parent can check off covered topics on a chart or in a textbook.
Examples: KONOS,
Education
PLUS, ATIA.
The
Principle Approach
Curriculum using the Principle Approach is available or may be developed by parents. Use a Bible concordance or a topical Bible to research a subject's biblical origin and purpose. Record your findings in a notebook and add facts, outlines, definitions, essays, etc., as you study the subject from other sources.
As details of the subject are gathered, note how God
has used it to enlighten and liberate men and help them learn more about His
Word and creation.
Example: Foundation
for American Christian Education.
Extensive Reading
In this method, basic reading, writing, and math skills are taught separately. Other subjects are studied by reading well-chosen books that cover all areas of knowledge in a clear and interesting way.
For young children, the parent reads aloud, and the
child narrates back what he has heard. A discussion of principles revealed in
the reading follows.
Programmed
Courses
Programmed courses arrange information in a sequence of very small units, which are easily mastered. The student makes a response after each and receives immediate feedback about his answer.
In the past, such courses were available in books or
in teaching machines. Now programmed learning is available in computer programs.
Such courses allow for structured independent study.
Example: Switched-On
Schoolhouse.
Unschooling
The unschooling approach is child-centered, rather than teacher-directed. Advocates believe that children can be trusted to direct their own learning, and they do not require any study that the child does not choose. However, parents do provide a rich environment of books, experiences, and resources for learning and respond to their children's questions and interests.
Parents who accept God's commands to teach and train their children and for children to hear and obey their parents' instruction (Deut. 6, Prov. 7:1-3) would need to adapt this method by supporting children's interests in the context of other instruction which the parents' greater wisdom determines is necessary.
(Back Issues:
Oct./Nov. '93, Mar./Apr. '98.)
Our
thanks to Teaching Home Magazine for their gracious permission to reprint this
informative article.