'Reader's Theater Activity'

Reader's Theater Activity is an activity in the Bible as Reader program. Either the teacher or the students can compose the play. There is an example in the Noah Plan Reading Curriculum Guide on page 146. I thought you might like to see another example we have done in our family (The spacing is off because I did this in Word, and it doesn't seem to be transferring well. I hope it helps anyway):

David’s Lament

Scene 1: The Amalekite informs David of the death of Saul and David then David laments the death of Saul and Jonathan.

David sits studying the Books of the Law. A man enters breathless.

David: What brings you here?

The Amalekite: I’ve just escaped from the camp of Israel.

David: (Anxiously) So what happened? What’s the news?

The Amalekite: The Israelites have fled the battlefield leaving a lot of their dead comrades
behind. And Saul and Jonathan are dead.

David: How do you know for sure that Saul and Jonathan are dead?

The Amalekite: I just happened by Mount Gilboa and came on Saul, badly wounded and leaning
on his spear, with enemy chariots and horsemen bearing down hard on him. He
looked behind him, saw me, and called me to him.

‘Yes sir,” I said, ‘at your service.’ He asked me who I was, and I told him,

‘I’m an Amalekite.’

‘Come here,’ he said, ‘and put me out of my misery, I’m nearly dead already my
life hangs on.’

So I did what he asked—I killed him. I knew he wouldn’t last much longer
anyway. I removed his royal headband and bracelet, and have brought them to
my master. Here they are. (He hands the royal headband and bracelet to David)

(In lament, David rips his clothes to ribbons. All the men with him do the same [except for the Amalekite])

David: (to the Amalekite) Who are you anyway?

The Amalekite: I’m from an immigrant family—an Amalekite.

David: Do you mean to say that you weren’t afraid to up and kill GOD’s anointed king?
(to a soldier) Strike him dead! (The soldier strikes him and the Amalekite falls
dead to the floor.)

You asked for it. You sealed your death sentence when you said you killed
GOD’s anointed king.
David: I order that everyone in the Land of Judah learn to use the bow as Jonathan did and the
song that I now sing I order that everyone in the land of Judah learn by heart:

Oh, oh Gazelles of Israel, struck down on your hills,
The might warriors—fallen, fallen!
Don’t announce it in the city of Gath,
Don’t post the news in the streets of Ashkelon.
Don’t give those coarse Philistine girls
One more excuse for a drunken party!
No more dew or rain for you, hills of Gilboa,
And not a drop from springs and wells,
For there the warriors’ shields were dragged through the mud.
Saul’s shield left there to rot.

Jonathan’s bow was bold—
The bigger they were the harder they fell.
Saul’s sword was fearless—
Once out of the scabbard, nothing could stop it.

Saul and Jonathan—beloved, beautiful!
Together in life, together in death.
Swifter than plummeting eagles,
Stronger than proud lions.

Women of Israel, weep for Saul.
He dressed you in finest cottons and silks,
Spared no expense in making you elegant.
The mighty warriors—fallen, fallen
In the middle of the fight!
Jonathan—struck down on your hills!

O my dear brother Jonathan,
I’m crushed by your death.
Your friendship was a miracle-wonder,
Love far exceeding anything I’ve known—
Or ever hope to know.

The mighty warriors—fallen, fallen.
And the arms of war broken to bits.


[Taken from: Peterson (2003), The message: Remix: The Bible in contemporary language. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress.

General Answers to Some Questions

For science, I use the Apologia series. You can find them at www.apologiaonline.com. They have a very complete program and the author is intimately involved with helping the students. There are multiple avenues for them to reach him for help: online, email, telephone,… The program is written in such a way that the Principle Approach method is easy to incorporate. And they have a fine support website for parents and students.

I use the Spalding method for spelling. You can find out more about that at www.spalding.org. I do not purchase grammar or spelling programs. I use this method for spelling and I teach reading and grammar through the Bible and literature. You can get a peek at the Bible as Reader (BAR) method in the Noah Plan lesson books which were written as an example of the Principle Approach method.

What you teach your individual children both in mathematics and science depends upon their individual gifts and aptitudes. Different school districts in the US vary in what they think is important. Whatever they feel is the most important is the plan for most students; however, that is not the best philosophy—even though they can’t avoid it since they have to plan for so many. My two sons are very different. We don’t plan their programs exactly alike. Michael has a more defined music program because he is musically oriented. Gabe is very athletic, so he has a more defined physical program. They haven’t shown their complete colors in math and science, but when they do, we will follow the same path with that. For example, if Michael shows a gifting in physics, we will allow him further study in that area. Our purpose is to fertilize the gifts that God has already planted in them. We work very individually with them.

Both your homeschooling and method choice questions are answerable in the same story. We started homeschooling because of the Principle Approach method. This is a method that is not found even among most private Christian schools—and definitely not around here. I started my education career in public schools. When we had children, I stayed home with them. When our youngest was old enough to start school, I was invited to work at a school that was ‘dabbling’ in the Principle Approach. Randy and I were convicted that God wanted our boys to be educated in this way for all their subjects. The only option was to school them at home since no one was teaching all subjects in this way here. It was a challenge because my background was as a high school teacher and my children were very young. I had to learn to teach reading as well as other subjects (my specialties were history and English).

We have all learned along the way. It has been an excellent journey for the whole family.

I know this sounds a bit crazy, but don’t worry so much about your children’s progress. The most important thing for them to learn is Christian Character. With Christian Character everything else will follow. They will advance beyond your wildest imagination when you place their Christian development first in their education. The people at RightStart are very good at leveling children; I would trust their judgment. And as far as finishing early—I don’t recommend it. Gifted children should work deeper—not stop sooner [my opinion].

How do I structure my day?...That has been a subject developed over time. With my background as a classroom teacher, I first thought that we needed to have a schedule just like one at a traditional school. That didn’t work too well. Family situations arise. My husband needs me to help him occasionally. We have other activities, like the coop on Wednesdays, Michael’s piano lesson, Gabe’s football practice,… And some days—like today—we just don’t have great days. The boys were tired and not as attentive. Some may think that they wouldn’t get away with that in a traditional school—yes, they would. When children are not as sharp as usual, they get passed over more. When you have 25 – 30 children in a classroom, you have no choice as a teacher. You work with the ones who are ready to learn. It’s more accurate to say they don’t get off the hook when they are working one on one at home. They may work more slowly, but they still at least accomplish something if the parent/teacher doesn’t give up. So what I’ve done is I have a schedule, but I don’t beat myself up on the days we don’t get to stick with it. Balance is the key—not legalism.

What if I Don't Live in the United States

I recently received a letter from a family in Australia asking if Principle Approach would be an appropriate choice for their family. What follows is my first reply to them. I do hope we'll have an ongoing dialogue.

Wow…I’ve never received a letter from Australia! How exciting.

The Noah Plan Principle Approach Curriculum is a curriculum that was written in response to requests, mainly by homeschooling parents, for examples on how to teach the Principle Approach. The Principle Approach is a method of instruction that incorporates biblical reasoning into all subjects: math, science, reading, history,… For that reason I would say, ‘Yes, it would be suitable for children in Australia.’

The history emphasis is, however, on the westward movement of the gospel starting with the Macedonian call, then moving into the Reformation,… The ‘whole’ of history is taught with a bit of this emphasis as well. There are 10 key links on the American Christian History timeline: Creation, Moses and the Law, Jesus the Focal Point of History, Paul and the Christian Church, The Bible in English, Columbus, Christian Founding, American Christian Republic, Westward Expansion and Erosion, and Reformation/21st Century. As you can see, it does have a decidedly American focus. However, because of the method it is still beneficial, and I would even recommend it in other countries.

As it is important for children to understand their Christian heritage, the expansion of the gospel to Australia would be an important study and the history curriculum would need to be adjusted for that. The curriculum and method does come out of the United States, so it makes sense that the focus would be there. But with that said, it has been brought to my attention [recently as a matter of fact; maybe God was preparing me to share with you] that a study of this particular pathway of the gospel is useful for all Christians to study around the globe because God did something a bit unique here. The United States was founded on Biblical principle. The Bible was the political and governmental text for the writing of the Declaration of Independence and our Constitution. Sadly, we seem to be struggling as much as everyone else these days, but to have a country whose founding documents established Federalism that came out of the dual governmental principle of the New Testament, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and the great commandment. And the second is like unto this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” The principle of the dual nature of government is to love God and to love others. There is a much larger study on this, but I don’t want to belabor the point. If a family, not from America, was to choose to study the westward movement of the Gospel to the Americas it would be because of the unique aspect of its founding.

However, Australia has its way of receiving the gospel as well. In studying that you might want to tweek [is that an American expression? I mean ‘adjust’] the links a bit. You could use through say…”The Bible in English” and then make adjustments for its journey to Australia. It is important to teach Christian history from this perspective because of the very nature of history. History is God’s plan of redemption for us. It started in the Garden and will end with our presence with God. It is his rescue plan for us. So when an event in history is studied it is studied in relation to that plan which is represented on a timeline. My children have one page for each of those key links in their notebooks. When we study an event, we study it in relation to those links and then place it on the appropriate corresponding link page in the timeline section of their notebook for the appropriate subject. For example, we may be studying Martin Luther. He was one of the Reformers and even though his Bible was written in German we place him on The Bible in English page. In this way they can see that the smaller events are a part of God’s plan.

There is an Australian who currently lives in the United States as a missionary [thank you so much for sending him]. You may be familiar with him. His name is Ken Ham. He also has a timeline that could be used in this way. You can get more information at http://www.answersingenesis.org/. This is his timeline:

[This image could not be uploaded here. You can view it at: http://www.answersingenesis.org/museum/docs/7cs.asp]

It could be used in this way as well, but it does lack a few links between the cross and consummation. I don’t think it would be difficult to add them in though. I would have to know more about Australian Christian History to help you.

I spend so much time on this particular subject because if you have any problem with the method at all, it would be right here. In the beginning it does seem to be a method that forgets there are other parts of the world. But it must be remembered that it was a method developed in the United States and thereby focuses on United States history.

I would encourage you, though, not to give up on it because of this. For Randy and me, our decision really didn’t have that much to do with the way the history was approached. It had to do with the fact that when you teach children to see each individual subject through the eyes of God, they end up seeing everything through his eyes. That is what we wanted for our children.

The Dictionary you purchased will be a tremendous blessing to your family. Noah Webster wrote this dictionary from a biblical worldview and when you see how it defines the words: heart, marriage, education, … as compared with our modern dictionaries, know that this is the kind of thinking that will become a part of you your husband and your children through this method.

If you want to know more, let me know. I feel like I’ve dumped on you a bit and maybe you need some time to absorb this. I can give you more practical information if you would like to converse more. You can also take a look at my blog site: www.principleapproachplanning.blogspot.com.

Blessings to you and your family. I am at your service.

Addition to the Recommended Web Sites

Focus on the Family's The Truth Project® . If you can attend a conference in your area, please do. Although Focus is not associated with FACE, the project goes right along with the philosophy of the Principle Approach. It is taught from an adult point of view. You will gain major insights concerning the reason why we do what we do. Check it out. The web address for this site is http://www.thetruthproject.org/, or click on the link to the left of your screen.

Time Lines Are a Key Part of the Principle Approach

Because we never teach the 'parts' without relating to the whole, Principle Approach methodology includes time line instruction. We talk about 'His-story of mathematics, science, languages, ... , and we focus our instruction of history around the westward movement of the gospel. The Foundation of American Christian Education (FACE) has developed a time line which involves ten key links for the westard movement of the gospel. You can purchase a template from www.facebookstore.net and let your children put it together as a school assignment. They should be creative. Although my family assembled in a fairly traditional manner, I know of one family who actually quilted theirs.

We built the timeline using the timeline templates from the Foundation a number of years ago. We used art paper that wouldn’t fade and the base is that foam board that is like poster board, but thick. We used three boards and placed them side by side on a high shelf. We just leave it there. Then when the boys need to place something on the timeline, we discuss on which link the event, document, or person would go, and then they record that on the timeline in their notebook.

We created the 10 different links each on a separate piece of paper for each subject and put those in our notebooks for the purpose of recording the information in our notebooks.

When I first began with PA, I wasn't certain how to integrate all the historical events with this more concise time line from the Foundation. A simple way to think of it would be to take an individual event like the signing of the Mayflower Compact. Have a conversation with your children while observing the big time line you have made together. Ask them where this even would fit into this time line. When you come up with "Christian Founding", tell them to record this on the timeline in their notebooks.

Another question along these lines that comes rather frequently is, "Why is it important to study the history of other subjects outside of history?" This, again, relates to the fact that the study of a subject as a whole--including its history--gives greater clarity to the subject. For example, in the study of the English language it helps students (and parents) to understand that English really is a logical language, even though most people claim that it is difficult because they claim it not to be logical. When you understand the history of how our language was formed, words are easier to spell (because of the logic that most of us have been taught isn't there). The curriculum guide for English that FACE publishes has a written history that is very helpful.

But to make this more clear right now, let me share just a little. The first people on the British island were the Britons. These people were invaded by the Romans who spoke Latin (which had been greatly influenced by the Greek). These two languages mixed with that of the Britons changing the language spoken there. When the Romans pulled out, the Saxons (a Germanic tribe) invaded, further influencing changes in the local language. After a few hundred years the Normans (a French tribe) invaded, changing the language still further. We have gained words from these major influences as well as a host of other influences. However, it is important to note that most if not all languages today are not languages that were spoken at the point of the Babel confusion. All languages have been externally influenced.

There are significant effects on our spelling. One example is the spelling of the 'f' sound. Most times we spell that sound with the letter 'f'. But if the word we are dealing with came from the Greek language, it is spelled with a 'ph' since that was the Greek spelling for that sound. Knowing which roots came from Greek (for the most part) and which did not gives a major leg up in spelling words correctly. We must never tell our children that our language doesn't have a logic to it. For one, that is a false statement, and secondly, it is discouraging. How can they ever learn their language if there is no rhyme or reason.

This is only one of many examples for incorporating the 'whole' of a subject by including its history, but I hope it is helpful to you.

Answering a Letter to a New Principle Approach Parent

I understand your frustration in trying to figure everything out. When I learned, I was working in a Principle Approach school and was not alone--quite a difference. But you really aren't alone either. There is tons of help out there. Take advantage of the people who will help you. I can answer your questions, but 1st allow me to let you know that I also have a Principle Approach planning blog you may find helpful as well. The address is www.principleapproachplanning.blogspot.com.

You are correct about the Classical approach only because its roots lie in Greek and Roman education. Because these were pagan cultures, they didn't include a lot of God. What we use in Christian education now has simply had some scripture added in and some Christian discussion. However, what we do is similar. For example, instead of the Socratic method of reasoning, we use questioning and leading ideas. We pattern our method of education after Jesus. It is helpful to read through the examples of his teaching we have in the Bible. He asked lots of questions; he told stories; he led his learners to find and own the answers to the questions themselves. This gives true ownership of learning--as opposed to simply telling someone how things are. They don't retain the information by simply hearing it. The difference between the classical method you are familiar with and Biblical classical is the source. Greece and Rome being the source of one and the Bible and the examples we have of God's teachings in the Bible and Jesus's--and Biblical principle in the other.

Because you should have worked with questioning strategies in the Classical Approach, you'll be a bit more familiar with that in the Principle Approach. The Principle Approach is so called because we work from Biblical principle for every subject. I had a friend over walking the other day. She is getting ready to teach PE in a PA coop. She asked me about extracting Biblical Principle for this subject. First, we have to remember that everything is revelational of God. He loves stories and examples [leading ideas]. So every subject will lead us directly to God. In PE, we can learn about the work it takes to put on the full armor of God. PE is a tangible example of that. So God's principle of being ready in season and out of season is a great one for PE.

In your case you are very fortunate because your children are still at the age that you could use the preplanned lessons in their intruction. This would give you a year worth of learning under the lesson plans of a master PA teacher. You could do it again with your younger children next year, and plan other things for your older child. I would plan on using the Noah Plan Lessons for 1st grade and for 3rd grade. I know you have a 4th grader, but the lessons in the 3rd grade book are advanced enough to use them with your 4th grade student. I have used them even with highschoolers before. As long as they aren't repeating information you are fine, and your children were doing something else last year. The other thing to remember is a lot of options are given, and you may not have time to do everything. That's okay as well. Go at your children's pace.

The only addition to the Noah Plan lesson books would be your Spalding reading and spelling. This is chosen because of its wholistic approach--teaching from whole to part, and the mathematics program [RightStart]. You will find information on these at www.spalding.org and www.alabacus.com. Both organizations are very willing to help, and I have used both of these and can help as well. The RightStart people will visit with you about your children over the phone to help you in obtaining the correct level for each child.

The big thing is don't panic.There is a lot of information. God only holds you responsible for what you have already learned, and that is what he's prepared your children for as well. This should be a pleasure and a learning time between you and your God--not a heavy stress. Take things one step at a time. Everything will work out perfectly. A great teacher is a great student--one who is always learning. I don't have this all down pat. I learn and grow and change all the time. I think that's how God designed things anyway.

If you have specific questions about the method, I'd be happy to help you with those as well.

Blessings,
Michelle

Hiking and Leading Ideas

This past Sunday my family went hiking up a canyon, along a creek. Randy and Gabe decided to climb some rocks. Michael found a frog to pester...I mean play with :). Since I had some time on my own, I sat down and looked at the scenery. I love still, thoughtful moments.

As I considered a waterfall, I thought about Jesus and how he used everything around him to teach. This waterfall would become an example , or leading idea, of some biblical principle. It would give us a living example on which to hang our hats for new learning. Then I realized he'd done just that with me. He'd used this waterfall as a way to teach me more about teaching others.

Teaching Children of Different Ages Together

You can certainly school your children together. It is a challenge in planning, but it can be done and is an excellent experience for everyone.

First, enlist your nine year old, especially, but also your 7 year old to help with simple instructional tasks with the younger ones. This can include playing learning games, reading to them ... They can receive credit for this as well. We learn better when we teach to others.

Second, plan skill related subjects separately and other subjects such as literature, science, and history together. The subjects you plan to do together will need varied assignments for the varied ages. Those who are older can handle more in depth assignments. [All literature should be read aloud anyway. The subject of reading is handled separately in the Bible as Reader curriculum]

Science experiments are so fun to do together as a family. You can pick up books on simple experiments at any bookstore that has a children's section. Focus on the Family has a devotional book that includes experiments in their Family Night series. This is great because it can involve your husband. Dr. Wile, the author of the Apologia series of science curriculum, advises keeping science fun and to one or two days a week until Jr. High grades 7 and 8. At that point your oldest child could take over the experiments for the younger ones as part of his science work.

Principles and Leading Ideas

The Educational Philosophy Chart is a place to record information as you work through the Self-Directed. When you are through the study, you should be able to look over the chart to aid in developing your personal philosophy of education. You should record actual basic definitions you have found in your studies [in the 1828 dictionary]. If God has revealed a specific principle to you in this area, record that as well. This study does reveal itself over time, so it is important that you are patient with yourself and that you approach the study with prayer asking God to reveal himself to you.

A principle is the starting point—the foundation—upon which any idea stands. It is the starting point from which ideas are derived. For example, if I say that marriage is the union of one man and one woman as ordained by God, I’ve stated a leading idea that could go back to the principle of relationship between God and man. Marriage is an example of this principle. God has used it to teach us about our relationship with him. So marriage could be a leading idea here—God’s leading idea for us to help us see what He wants in a relationship between God and man. There are character qualities in men and in women that illustrate this as well [one of the reasons God uses one man and one woman in this example].

A more practical example for school could be: God’s principle of individuality. How would we teach this to children? This principle states that we are each created uniquely for an individual purpose directly governed by God. God teaches us about his nature through this principle. For instance, in a science lesson we could lead children to this principle by studying the different types of snakes and the purpose for which God created them, the differences of clouds and the purpose for which God created them,… These ideas would then be brought back to the children through relating the idea to them personally—“If God created each thing for an individual purpose, what do you think he is trying to teach us about you?” Ans. : He is teaching me that I have a purpose for which he gave me individual gifts to fulfill. The principle is God’s principle of individuality; the leading idea is what you teach, snakes, butterflies, plants, clouds, … But the primary lesson is what God has to say about himself and how that applies directly to the child.

Hope this helps,
Michelle

Some Answers to Basic Startup Questions

I use RightStart with my children. Incorporating the principle and leading ideas for the lesson is pretty simple, but it does require some time and prayer. I start by reading the lesson through, understanding the mechanics of what manipulative I’m going to use, what the basic concept is, the general plan of the lesson, etc. I understand from the beginning, however, that God has something to teach me and my children about His nature through each individual lesson. My job is to find it and guide my children to it [the more practiced they get with this method, the more they will see other things I do not see that God is directly teaching them. When they share this with me, I am both encouraged in their learning and comforted in the fact that the teacher is God—not me.]

So first, I read through the lesson prayerfully. Second, I pray again asking God to show me his direction for the lesson. Sometimes it will pop out to me before the next steps. Sometimes more effort is involved. Third, I take key terms from the lesson. I do a variety of things, not always in the same order with these terms. I may do a word study on a key term [your Self-Directed Study in the Principle Approach will instruct you on how to complete this task]. I may look the word up in a concordance searching for Scripture in context to the lesson. Or I may do both things. Once God has revealed a truth, a principle, from His Word, I then look for a way to lead my children to that truth through leading questions and ideas. People best learn through discovering a truth for themselves rather than simply being told what that truth is. This creates ownership in learning. [It is important that this learning is recorded for future reference and preserving a record. This method can be used for other subjects as well. It is simplified here and requires practice. The more I practice it, the more proficient I become.

Using the same level for multiple students is perfectly fine. It is important, however, to make certain that individual differences are accommodated. One type of assignment may be more appropriate for one student than another. Individualizing assignments enriches the educational experience for the entire family and respects the differences of siblings.

Your statement of being more of a facilitator works well for this method. Teachers are a “living textbook”. Students do need to see you learning subjects as well. But the actual teacher is God who works through you. The notebook is a primary tool in this method. All research, reasoning, and learning should be placed there [maybe more on this later if you wish]. It will, though, create an accountability in your children and good stewardship over their property [sometimes even transferring over into the care of their rooms—yea].

As far as what you choose to purchase…the foundation books are really foundational. But you will either choose to use them or not. My advice is to know yourself and ask yourself if you will be doing the work to dig in and see how this will benefit your family. It does require study on the part of the parents. If you want more detailed help on what to purchase, contact me again and let me know. I would be happy to help here. I would need to know what you want to do for literature [if you want to use the selections suggested by the Noah Plan or something else], where you already have materials you want to use, … The Noah Plan is not legalistic. It was developed as a help for families who were struggling with how to use the foundational books and the method contained therein. Many have homeschooled using the Principle Approach prior to the release of this program. I use parts of the Noah Plan. It helps me stay on course. Through prayer God will show you what is appropriate for your family.

Blessings,
Michelle

Foundations Course

Have you taken a Foundations Course?
Attend the Principle Approach® Commonwealth teacher training courses this summer and fall!

Equip yourself to draw out the gifts and talents God has placed in your students—
October 21–24, 2008Foundations CourseFoundation for American Christian EducationWilliamsburg, Virginia
Equipping Administrators, Teachers, Home Educators, & parents!
Foundations Courses 2008
June 2-6, 2008 Foundations CourseTrinity Christian SchoolWilliston, North Dakota
June 9-­­13, 2008Foundations CourseTampa Study CenterTampa, Florida
June 24-27, 2008 Foundations CourseSummit County Christian SchoolSilverthorne, Colorado
July 15-18, 2008Foundations CourseStoneBridge School Chesapeake, Virginia
July 23-25, 2008 Applications CourseReading & HistoryStoneBridge SchoolChesapeake, Virginia
July 21-23, 2008 Applications CourseMath & EnglishStoneBridge SchoolChesapeake, Virginia
August 4-8, 2008Foundations CourseAmerican Heritage AcademyLas Vegas, Nevada
August 11-15, 2008Foundations CourseHeritage Christian AcademyNorth Branch, Michigan

The Noah Plan Self-Directed Study in the Principle ApproachBook with CD $37.95


This in-depth study, a succinct overview of the basic method and philosophy of the Principle Approach, is fundamental in preparing you to teach and leads you to a refreshing new perspective on learning and reasoning. Throughout the study you will be reading sections of the Foundational Books, vital tools for teaching and learning the Principle Approach for all ages, in all subjects.
Do you need the Foundational Books that accompany this study? Use coupon code EH48 to receive the whole set at a savings of $25! Order now. This offer expires on June 30, 2008.



American Dictionary of the English Language$56.95
The Christian History of the Constitution of the United States of America, Vol.I:Christian Self-Government,Founders Edition$42.95
Teaching and LearningAmerica’s Christian History: The Principle Approach$42.95


Forward email

This email was sent to mheidemann@myedl.com, by susan@face.net
Update Profile/Email Address Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ Privacy Policy.
Email Marketing by
FACE - Foundation for American Christian Education Helping You Form Christian Character in Your Children 4225 B Portsmouth Boulevard Chesapeake VA 23321
No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG.Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.24.1/1470 - Release Date: 5/28/2008 7:20 AM

Should I Start with Everything or a Little Bit at a Time?

The following was in answer to some emailed questions, but beneficial for everyone:

The difference between the lesson books and the overviews: The lesson books actually contain weekly plans for instruction. The overviews are simply overviews for each subject by grade level—like a year long syllabus, or what are we going to study this year. The lesson books contain the overviews AND the overviews (with the exception of mathematics; the Foundation recommends working with RightStart mathematics found at http://www.alabacus.com/ as a program that works well within the Principle Approach, but other programs work well too. We’re talking about a method--more than a program--with Principle Approach. Mathematics for the older boys would be handled differently. I can help with that as well unless you’ve already got a plan).

So the answer to your first question really depends on how comfortable you are with the method. There are those that just purchase the curriculum guides because they have the philosophical discussions and the overviews and sample work for grades K-12 (but no lesson plans). There are those who simply purchase the overviews. People who choose from these two options would be comfortable planning lessons with biblical reasoning already and not feel too much need for coaching.

The lesson plan books provide an actual weekly plan (almost like having a master PA teacher at your elbow). They should be used as a launching point. Once you understand how to put the lessons together yourself, you can use the lesson plans in the books as templates for planning other lessons for your family. In the meantime you can use the plans in the book to instruct your children. Every family is individual and although we all have similar concepts to cover, God may have a unique way to speak to your family through different activities than those covered in the book. You should feel comfortable to teach subjects that may not be in the book or concepts that may not be in the book that are unique to your family. But the lesson plans help to show how another teacher planned a year at a specific grade level along with the activities she chose.

So which you purchase really depends on where you are and your comfort level with planning.

And yes, it is possible to teach from any of the books. The most recommended is the 3rd grade edition, but you could probably use 1st or 2nd. If I were making the choice, I would choose the 3rd grade edition and get the literature lists for the other grades (I think I could get that for you, but you could also look at the grade level kits at http://www.facebookstore.net/ to see that). The reading program requires different Bible versions which can also be discovered at facebookstore. You would be using Spalding (or something similar) for spelling because of the wholistic nature of the method. The Reading curriculum guide is indispensible, and it will explain your methodology choices. I am using Spalding and can help a bit with that if you choose to go that direction. There is a link to Spalding’s website from my website if you want to speak with someone directly from the program.

And then what to start with: Again this depends on you. It is recommended to not bite off more that you can chew. If you are the amazing Proverbs 31 woman in the flesh, and won’t kill yourself doing everything and you have sufficient background with this sort of reasoning then go for it. If you need to take it a step at a time, as most people do, I have this suggestion:

For your younger students, I would without fail start them in the recommended Bible as Reader (BAR) program as stated in the Reading Curriculum Guide, using Spalding as your spelling supplement. Reading is so important—too important to backtrack and start a different method later. There will be an example BAR lesson guide in your Lesson Plan book anyway. The only additional purchase for this program would be a specific type of composition book (available from Spalding…very inexpensive…under $5) for each student taking spelling, red Ticonderoga pencils, a Spalding 6-inch ruler, and The Writing Road to Reading. You can get the book from Spalding new or order it used—either way it’s not an expensive book, and you really don’t need a new one. This book (along with How to Spell, available from facebookstore) will be all you need for your entire spelling program at all grade levels. [I’m still working at integrating the How to Spell and Spalding. We can learn together.]

I would also start your younger students with the RightStart mathematics program. Those lessons are already planned for you. You would not have to worry about how to plan principles and leading ideas with math the first year. You could add this later, but it is a different approach to learning math and easier to use the younger the students start with it. They have a transitions book that comes with each kit for each grade for students who started mathematics in another program. In ordering RightStart, you do have to order a kit, but what comes in the kit is used for most grade levels. So if you purchased Level A’s kit, and it was determined your third grader needed Level C, then you could order the entire kit for Level A and the book and worksheets for Level C, plus whatever additional items were not included in the Level A kit. For me this has meant I had to order two folding meter sticks for my older son last year along with the lesson book and worksheets for his level. Then as your children progress you will still have the lesson books for the upcoming levels they need. The folks at RightStart can help you in leveling your children (http://www.alabacus.com/). Just do the lessons the first year, and decide when you want to work with teaching God’s nature through mathematics by incorporating the Principle Approach in subsequent years.

So start with BAR and History/Geography. Use the lesson plan book as a guide to help you learn to reason using the Principle Approach. Definitely go through The Self-Directed Study in the Principle Approach this summer. That’s the best place. If you think you can handle more, add another subject…maybe choose literature or science (science is an easy add because a great portion of it deals with history; literature deals with character issues and are great examples to extract the 7 Principles of Civil Government). Move when and where God tells you to move.

Happy planning,
Michelle

Planning for Multiple Children

This is in answer to a letter from a mom starting with 6 boys. Units can be combined and older children can help with the teaching. This is an introductory letter and there may be more entries on this topic coming soon. If you are a parent/educator of more than one child, don't hesitate to add your ideas to this conversation. We can all learn from one another.

How does your 9th grader feel about this change? Does he share your mission? If so, it may help to include him as a co-teacher for the younger children. What an opportunity it would be for him to be an example to his younger brothers, and his learning would increase exponentially as well (you may also want to include your 8th grader in this mission also). If they are willing, you might want to include them (and your husband) in a summer study of the Noah Plan Self-Directed Study in the Principle Approach available from www.facebookstore.com . The best way to learn is to teach, and as your two older sons and your husband learn to study according to the Principle Approach, imagine the unity God will give you as you work together toward a common purpose.

Your 8th and 9th graders will need to study Rudiments of America’s Christian History also available from www.facebookstore.com; they will also need the “Red Books” for this study and the American Dictionary of the English Language 1828 edition. They can do this together as you work with your younger children on another course of history study. The Rudiments study handbook will guide your students through their notebook work. You will want to make time to complete this study for yourself if it’s possible, or if time constrains, read through the lessons prior to your boys doing the work so you know what to expect from them. Their notebooks will be very important to this study as well as their other studies.

While your two older students are working together on Rudiments, your can work with the younger children on another history/geography study. Do you have an opportunity to explore the K-3 Lesson Plan books from the Noah Plan? [Let me know your answer to this and we can discuss your options]. The key is while the work may be similar your going to require a bit more the older the students get. The first grader may color a picture and write a verse depending on the time of year. The 5th grader would have a more in-depth assignment. But the actual stories in the lesson would be the same and could be discussed together. You can, again, incorporate your older students as they study some of the same events to find creative ways to share their research with your younger students. This will cement the learning of the older boys and create a strong bond between all the boys. The subject matter is the same; the depth of the assignments varies according to age.

When you study literature, where appropriate read the same selections to them all again varying the assignments according to age and ability. Have the older ones read some of the younger selections like Pinocchio to their younger siblings and help them with their notebook assignments. (If you are like me, you will want to read some of those for the young ones as well, but it will help the older ones and your sanity to include their help in this).

The Mayflower Institute

I added another recommended website today. It is the site for The Mayflower Institute who's mission it is to tell the untold story of our American Christian History. They further desire to equip students and individuals with the truth of this history for the purpose of defending their Judeo-Christian heritage in all areas of American life. They are making great strides toward the encouragement of a new generation to claim their heritage of American Christian character.

A General Letter Written to Someone Considering the Principle Approach

The following is excerpted from a letter written to a mom considering homeschooling using the Principle Approach:

To wet your appetite a bit: the Principle Approach is a biblical, classical form of education. It is not the “classical” that you hear most about. It is called classical because of the selection of classics in instruction. The best way for me to understand what is…is to understand that since God is the author of all knowledge, he reveals himself through the study of every subject. So biblical reasoning is practiced in every subject. Research does show that when faith and learning are integrated that the level of learning increases exponentially (if you’re interested in my sources, I can share them, but not everyone is a research buff).

To contrast, the classical form of education that you hear much about places a great emphasis on the classical Greek and Roman forms of education and much emphasis on Socrates. This also includes reasoning, but not necessarily biblical reasoning. For me, I had only to look at the cultures from which this form of education arose to say no to it.

As a parent/educator (or a traditional school Principle Approach educator) the reasoning difference is in our source of an example in our instruction. We look a lot at how Jesus taught since he alone is our Master Teacher.

There is a lot to share, and it may be better for us to share in bits and pieces so you have time to absorb things. But do know I’m at your service and will endeavor to help in any way I can.

Curriculum is much less expensive using this method than other methods because of the difference in the materials used. Much can be checked out from the library. You could purchase only the curriculum guides for grades K-12 (although I love the lesson plans for the lower grades). We can visit more about this in the future. I know I’ve already given you a load to think about.

My personal testimony regarding this method of instruction is that it has changed not only the lives of our children but Randy’s and my lives as well. It has given our family a deeper commitment and walk with the Lord.

Key Word Studies

I just published an article describing a lesson plan format for Principle Approach education. Within that article the parent/educator is directed to complete word studies. What follows here is a description of how to complete this task.

Within a given topic to be taught there will be certain key words that are critical to the understanding of the topic. Those words are the words to work with for this task. For example, if you are teaching fractions, an obvious key word is the word fraction--let's work with that for our example.

You will need certain materials for this task. You will need Noah Webster's American Dictionary of the English Language (1828). This is available at www.facebookstore.com. This particular dictionary is important because it is written specifically for American English and because the dictionary was biblically researched and documented. It helps students (and their parents) to inculcate a biblical worldview. You will need and exhaustive concordance (like Strong's). A topical Bible can be helpful. You will need a Bible.

First, define the word "fraction."

Second, identify key words within the definition for fraction.
[note: choose only definitions that are appropriate for the context within which you are working}

Third, you may choose to continue identifying key words in the definitions of preceeding key words and defining them until you feel you should stop. You are the only person who can answer when this would be with God's direction (time constraint can sometimes be a valid reason for moving on to the next step).

Fourth, use the key words or synonyms of those words to find Scripture that illustrates the concept. You will use your concordance as a tool for this task. Look the word or a synonym for the word up in the concordance. Choose scripture within the context of the subject taught. This is the step where God will show you how He wants to use this concept as a parable to learn more of Him and His world. Here you will find the biblical foundation for the subject--as well as the principle for your lesson.

Fifth, write a personal paraphrase of the definition of the word from your point of view.

Lastly, write a paragraph explaining how this concepts relates to your life and what you have learned in your study.

This is the full word study. Given different subjects and lessons, you may choose to use all, or part of this study method.

Happy planning!

Sample Lesson Plan Format

This format came from the Foundation for American Christian Education (FACE). You can interact with them at www.face.net.

Sample Lesson Plan Format

Subject:_______________________Lesson Topic/Title:_______________________

Leading Idea:________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

Key Words:__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

(These will be taken from your topic and leading idea and used in a word study. This will launch your lesson and help identify Biblical principles).

Biblical Principles:_____________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

(Begin by identifying one of the seven principles of America's Christian Character where applicable and then relate any additional principles identified through your research of the topic citing related Scripture verses.)

4-R-ing

(Use you descretion based on time constraints and the age of your children to determine the amount of research that will be done before or with your children. For a tutorial, see "Designing Curriculum Using the Four R's," The Noah Plan Self-Directed Study in the Prinicple Approach, FACE, 2004, p. 110)

Research:

1. Written material assigned for reading and any other supplemental resources, ie., videos, audio tapes, etc.
2. Key individuals
3. Word studies or simple definitions
4. God's Word, the Bible

Reason:

1. Assign reason questions based on content
2. Assign reason questions relating content to God's Word (This step makes for good family/round-table discussions that can be done orally allowing for seemingly less notebook work. Predetermined questions from your lesson preparation may be needed.)

Relate:

The content should now be applied to the student's life through reflective work that may or may not include what is recorded in notebooks. Enrichment related to the study outside of the classroom will enable the student to relate the material with purpose and meaning. Guide you children in relating the lesson to the Word of God with relevance to their own lives. This can also be recorded in notebooks as a summary paragraph.

Recording:

Your child's learning should always be memorialized through notebook work that reflects his/her research, reasoning, and comprehension ability. This is where you may utilize any of the methodology components described on pp. 23-25 (The Noah Plan Self-Directed Study in the Principle Approach).

Sylvia Vrabec's Glass Analogy

Take three glasses. One is content. Another is the Bible verse, and the third is the student. Take the content of the lesson you are teaching. Research the vocabulary of the subject; then find a similar vocabulary word in a concordance which leads to a Bible verse. Then use that Bible verse in both teaching the lesson and applying it to the student's life.

Her idea is to fill each glass with the appropriate item: the content, verse, and student. The filling is the action which does require some work. The filling is internal and fills an internal need in the student.

This is an outline. More detail on this later.

Take Time to Refresh Your Knowledge

During the last two years I've been completing some graduate work. Although I completed that work at a Christian university, it has been helpful to study again to bring me back to my roots.

God blessed my university experience with increased knowledge and personal growth, but it was necessary that I study other philosophies of education and contrast them with the philosophy I have within the Principle Approach. This enabled me to better understand what exactly has been happening in our public school systems as well as in some Christian education as well. We are so thoroughly indoctrinated in secular humanism that we often don't see the falacies within humanistic systems of instruction. It is also difficult to see things we do within teaching our children in our homeschools now as being apart from God (this is my greatest concern). These studies were beneficial because they helped me to further define my own, individual philosophy of education as I learned about the presuppositions of early educational philosophers.

However, after this experience, I have come home to study and grow further within my own educational philosophies. With that in mind, I am currently revisiting my old studies in Slater's Teaching and Learning America's Christian History: A Principle Approach and The Christian History of the Constitution, both Volumns I and II (Volume II also has a study guide all available from http://www.facebookstore.com/). I'm also reading again in Rose's A Guide to American Christian Education for the Home and School (available from http://www.achipa.com/). I have plans to go through the The Self-Directed Seminar (available from http://www.facebookstore.com/) again as well.

These studies are a form of revival for me as I reaffirm my roots and commitments for my children as well as my own life. It's good to come back to the basics from time to time. Satan will distract us from our purpose a little at a time if we don't take the time to revisit our purpose. Additionally, every time we study this again, God will take us a little deeper.

I know this blog is supposed to be reserved for planning ideas, but my planning is much more than simply planning the day-to-day lessons for my children. My planning is more of a preparation. My heart needs to be prepared just as much as the hearts of my children. I constantly need to be refocused in order to keep my eyes on God's goals for me, personally, as well as focusing on the needs of my children.

I Left a Out One of the Sites

www.philomathfoundation.com is a site with audio trainings by Katherine Dang. Very useful.

Information about the Websites Listed on This Page

http://www.achipa.com/ is the website for the American Christian History Institute. They are located in Northern California. They hold many trainings for traditional educators. home educators, and anyone else who would like to educate themselves in biblical presuppositional thinking.

http://www.alabacus.com/ is the website for the RightStart mathematics program. This is the program suggested by The Foundation for American Christian Education (FACE) in their mathematics curriculum guide. I use it personally with our boys and find that this curriculum, with the combination of instruction in principle using leading ideas, has taken our boys far beyond where they would be with any other curriculum.

http://www.answersingenesis.org/ is the website for the Answers in Genesis ministry. This website helps a lot with science studies. They even have many of their videos available to watch online. They offer a companion magazine called Answers. I use it regularly in my science instruction.

http://www.chec.org/ is the website for Christian Homeschool Educators of Colorado. I live in Colorado, so many of the people who may be using this site, at least right now, also live in Colorado. They are an excellent resource for knowledge of homeschool law in this state, for a school to work under if you need, for testing, for resources, . . . If you do not live in Colorado, connect with the homeschool association for your own state. They want to help, and they are a tremendous resource.

http://www.face.net/ is the website for the Foundation for American Christian Education (FACE). These people were my first link to the Principle Approach. They are the publishers of the original Red Books and the American Dictionary of the English Language by Noah Webster (1828 edition). They are the home of Verna Hall and Rosalie Slater who revived this method and philosophy of education. They are always available for questions and encouragement. They offer resources and training in application courses for most subjects. Anyone attempting to pursue this methodology with their students should be on their mailing list.

www.principleapproach.org is a website operated by FACE. It offers articles and other helpful advice for Principle Approach educators. This site should be visited often.

www.seedsofliberty.com is a website put together by Lisa Sinnock, a homeschool educator who is very well versed in the Principle Approach. She has leads a Principle Approach homeschool coop and gives advice and suggests resources from the perspective of a homeschool educator.

www.spalding.org is the website of the language program suggested by FACE. I use this program in my personal instruction as well and can recommend it highly. My older son was introduced to reading in a public school kindergarten through whole language instruction. Even though he only had this sort of instruction in kindergarten, his teacher told him that spelling was not important. She didn't mean it would never be important, but the young child took her statement literally. He really struggled with catching up, but Spalding made it possible. The focus on giving children the tools to spell gave him the ability to spell even unfamiliar words. It shows us that our language does have order (in spite of statements in opposition to this idea). This order equips children to write, spell, and read more capably.

A Suggestion about Citing Sources in Student Writing

In my graduate studies I found a frustration among professors concerning students' lack of understanding of the American Psychological Association (APA) formatting of scholarly writing. For this reason I would like to suggest, as students begin to write actual research papers, they use the APA formatting.

This is a formatting that is best used gradually. I personally learned to use it best through my mistakes. Allow your student to write, using the manual, but to make note of the errors they make and correct them in future writing. The APA Manual is a black and white book and can be purchased from most bookstores. Although the book is not inexpensive, it is a book that can follow them through the university level.

I tried to use more brief synopses in textbooks that I have, but since I often use older books, I found that some of my citings were outdated. Also, the manual is simply more complete.

I personally find it easier to learn it the way I need to do it the first time rather than learning something over again.

There is another method of citation (MLA). However, since most collegiate writing uses APA, I would suggest using this option.

If anyone else has other insights concerning this matter, I would really encourage you to respond to this entry. This is a matter that needs more than my opinion.

Have You Checked out the Websites at the Left of Your Screen?

These websites have a lot of information that is helpful to anyone planning or considering a Principle Approach education for their children. I would suggest that you start with www.principleapproach.org and www.face.net. www.philomathfoundation.com has some very helpful audio lessons. Don't just stay on the blog...explore!!!

How to Fit Principle Approach into Your Schedule

Many people tell me that they are so overwhelmed with just the normal activities of teaching that they don't see how they can incorporate this into what they are doing as well.

The fact is--you can't. Unless...

If you incorporate researching for biblical principles and leading ideas into your personal Bible study time, it works very well. Additionally, you as a student of the God's Word will grow and blossom in ways you never imagined.

Think about these questions:

• Are you typically guided through a mechanical Bible study by simply answering "fill in the blank" type questions someone else asked you in a book, or does the Holy Spirit guide your study times?
• Do you take the time to study God's Word?

Depending on your answers to the questions above, consider what it would be like to go on a quest with the Holy Spirit in locating Biblical principle. Would that be an aid to your personal study, or is it simply additional work for your lesson planning?

It may take you a little more time. This is a more intesive Bible study than most Bible students have encountered, but I can be a personal witness to the fact that this has drawn our family closer to God in ways I could never have imagined.

Questions??

If anyone has questions about construction and implementation of a lesson or other matter pertaining to Principle Approach, this is an area where they can be asked.

Principle and Leading Idea for Multiplying with Money

I had a difficult lesson to teach my 4th grader who is in the math program recommended by the Foundation for American Christian Education [www.face.net] , RightStart. He is in Level D. On page 116 there is a lesson that applies multiplication by multiplying while counting money. I was having a difficult time locating a principle and leading idea for this example.

I approach the principle and leading idea as the main avenue for my instruction. The concept is an example of what God wishes my son to learn about His character and nature.

I did finally locate what I needed for my son. Planning is such a difficult thing for him (he is nine). For a leading idea I used Luke 14:28 which led to the principle of problem-solving. This information I found in Mr. Rose's book I listed in the previous entry.

Economics and business development in the PA homeschool

We are trying a new thing now. A number of years ago, I was teaching a high school senior and needed to know what to do for economics. I had a phone conversation with a very helpful gentleman by the name, James Rose. He works with the American Christian History Institute in California. He suggested that I look at his book, A Guide to American Christian Education: The Principle Approach. Within that book is an economics course with biblical reasoning. My husband told me, after he saw how my own understanding exploded as well as the success of the student I was teaching, that he wanted our boys to have this information as well.

At that point they were too young really. But, inspired by our shaky economy in our country, I thought that maybe it was time for me to do something to help the family budget. I could start a small home based business, and coach the boys in economics as they helped along the way.

We chose to work with Watkins. They have all sorts of natural home products like spices, natural remedies, cleaners, among other things. I have really enjoyed cooking with their vanilla and spices. The boys are highly motivated by food, so we thought we'd use this for our tangible lab activity. I'll let you know how it goes. [If anyone is interested on how to do the same thing, I could direct them as well.]

The main thing is this economics course is taught so clearly, and putting God's Word in as the foundation really makes the difference in understanding.

I'll keep you posted on how things are going.