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
Friday, June 27, 2008
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
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
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