The Renewing of Your Mind, A Daily Sacrifice

I'm sorry I have not been on recently. Like you, I've been immersed in our family's school here. Expect more postings and lessons soon. This is an article by one of our readers. I think it will bless you.

The Renewing Of Your Mind, A Daily Sacrifice
Danika Gravelle ~ July 25, 2009
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God,
that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice,
holy, acceptable unto God which is your reasonable service.
And be not conformed to this world:
but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind,
that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable,
and perfect, will of God.”
Romans 12:1-2
The initial thought of homeschooling paints a romantic, often idyllic picture of lazy mornings sipping
tea, as our children, still in their pajama's at noon, sit around our feet with angelic eyes, drinking the
very nectar of life from every word that cascades over the falls of our lips. Somehow we came to
believe that the hidden mystery of all understanding would effortlessly manifest itself once a perfect
environment for learning was established. I am certain somewhere during your first week of
homeschooling, reality pierced this faulty, humanistic notion like an alarm clock interrupting a sweet
dream. Several emotions may have reared their ugly heads; anger that it wasn't going to be that easy,
fear that you would not succeed, and the feeling of numbness as you implored anyone who would
listen, “Now what?!” The fact is, homeschooling is challenging at best, painful at worst, and at times
exquisitely frustrating, but above all, it is the most humble sacrifice you can offer to God in the
stewardship of your own life and that of your children and family.
If you are a first generation homeschool family, like myself, it is not likely you were educated on the
foundation of Biblical principle, cultivated in the rich soil of the love of learning, and inspired by
Providential history: the Chain of Christianity® with the Gospel Moving Westward. It is more likely the
name of Jesus Christ was an intolerable utterance, history was a regurgitation of facts that needed
memorized for the test and each subject studied was an island in itself. Because this is the predominate
mental disposition of 21st century parents, it is imperative we return to the rudiments of true education
and “be transformed by the renewing of [our] minds.” (Romans 12:2)
My husband and I had a lengthy discussion regarding the Principle Approach® methodology, which
we use in our homeschool, and why it couldn't be more “user friendly,” or in other words more cut and
paste like other “canned curriculum.” The answer is that those canned curriculum's are merely secular
model's of schooling, with a Christian veneer. I equate this to a “mushy gospel.” Many churches have
compromised the gospel message by trying to make it more “user friendly,” to the point that it no
longer holds to the rudimentary Biblical principles of Jesus Christ. A watered down gospel is no gospel
at all. Paul was commanding in his address to the Galatians in regards to the perversion of the gospel of
Christ. “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we
have preached unto you, let him be accursed” Galatians 1:8. Secular methodologies of teaching with a
scripture affixed to the top of the page does not make the teaching Christian. This is “another gospel,
which is accursed.” Canned curriculum's do not produce a citizenry with a Biblical worldview because
children are not forced to reason among the scriptures and lay them as the foundation for all their
learning. Seeds will only produce after their kind, therefore, socialized, secular teachings, no matter
how “Christianly” they are dressed, will only produce socialized, secular citizens.
If we are going to impact our future generations, we must be diligent in restoring our own minds,
“taking every thought captive,” (2 Cor. 10:5) according to the Biblical mandates of Christ. If our learning
was based upon an accursed model, we must be willing to offer ourselves, our time and our resources
to God that we may be fully restored in spirit, soul, mind and strength. We must not lose heart in this
endeavor, for we are without excuse.
2 Corinthians 9:8, “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you;
that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:”
If “grace abounds,” then “nothing is impossible” to those who believe (Mark 10:27).
Our lives are living texts to our children and to those around us. The examples we set through our
words and deeds are the stories our children “read and repeat.” Rev. S. Phillips, A.M. wrote a powerful
article in 1861 called, The American Christian Home. The following lengthy quote articulates precisely
the principle of parents as the Living Texts.
~Home-Example~
“Example has much to do with the interests of home. It plays an important part in the formation of
character; and its influence is felt more than that of precept. Our object in this chapter is to show the
bearing of example upon the well-being of the Christian home. Example may be good or bad. Its power
arises out of the home-confidence and authority. Children possess an imitative disposition. They look
up to their parents as the pattern or model of their character, and conclude what they do is right and
worthy of their imitation. Hence the parental example may lead the child to happiness or ruin …
“The power and influence of the home-example are incalculable. Example is teaching by action. By
it the child inherits the spirit and character of the parent. Such is its influence that you can estimate the
parent by the child. Show me a child, polite, courteous, refined, moral and honorable in all his
sentiments and conduct; and I will point you to a well-conducted nursery, to noble and high-minded
parents, faithful to their offspring. Theirs is a holy and a happy home; and the blessing of God rests
upon it. But on the other hand, in the wayward, dissolute child I discern unfaithful parents who have no
respect for religion, and who take no interest in the spiritual welfare of their children. Thus the child is
a living commentary upon its home and its parents. The fruits of the latter will be seen in the character
of the former. The child is the moral reproduction of the parent. Hence the pious parent is rewarded in
his child. Whatsoever thou sowest in thy child, that shalt thou also reap.
“The precepts of home are unavailing unless enforced by a corresponding example. Nothing is so
forcible and encouraging as the ‘Follow me.’… We learn from example before we can speak. Hence if
we would have our children walk in the way of God’s commandments, we must go before them; we
must take the lead; we must exemplify in our action what we incorporate in our oral instructions; our
light must shine not only upon, but before them; they must see our good works as well as hear our good
precepts. Said a man once to J. A. James, ‘I owe everything under God, to the eminent and consistent
piety of my father. So thoroughly consistent was he, that I could find nothing in the smallest degree at
variance with his character as a professor of religion. This kept its hold upon me.’ It was the means of
his conversion to God.
“Thus children readily discern any discrepancy between a parent’s teaching and example. If we are
professors of religion, and they see us worldly-minded, grasping after riches, pleasures and honors; the
dupes of ungodly fashion, manifesting a malicious spirit, indolent, prayerless, and indifferent to their
spiritual welfare, what do they infer but that we are hypocrites, and will our precepts do them any
good? No. ‘Line upon line and precept upon precept’ will be given to no purpose. Hence the necessity
of enforcing our precepts by Christian deportment. Speak in an angry tone before your child; and what
will it avail for you to admonish him against anger? Many parents express surprise that all they can say
to their children does no good; they remain stubborn, self-willed and recreant.
“But if these parents will look at what they have done as well as said, they will perhaps be less
surprised. They may find a solution of the problem in their own capricious disposition, turbulent
passions and ungodly walk. The child will soon discard a parent’s precepts when they are not enforced
by a parent’s example. Hence that parent who ruins his own soul can do but little for the soul of his
child. The blasphemer and sabbath-breaker is unfit to correct his child for swearing and sabbathbreaking.
He alone who doeth the truth can teach his children truth. He only who has good habits can
teach his children good habits … ‘Thou that teachest another, teachest thou not thyself?’ Hence parents
should say to their children, ‘Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.’ Their example should
include all their precepts. In this way they both hear and see religion in its living, moving and breathing
form before them …
“If such, then, are its influence and necessity, we can easily infer the duty of parents to show their
children a Christian example. If they form their character upon the approved model of their parents,
then the duty to give them a Christian model is very obvious.… That family is happy as well as holy,
where the parents rear up their children under the fostering influence of a Christian example …
Slater, Rosalie J. ; Hall, Verna M.: Teaching and Learning America's Christian History. American Revolution Bicentennial
ed. San Francisco : Foundation for American Christian Education, 1975, S. 29
Therefore...
I beseech [beg, coax and implore] you, brethren,
by the mercies [ goodness, helpfulness, and tenderheartedness] of God,
that ye [ you as a personal pronoun]
present your bodies [heart, mind, soul and strength]
a living [revived, reborn, restored]
sacrifice [a holy, sacrificial offering to God, acknowledging His power and Providence]
holy [devoted and consecrated],
acceptable [well pleasing] to God
which is your reasonable service [there is nothing more important
that you could do with your life, time or resources;
the summation of your Providential purpose].
Romans 12:1 ~
Danika's Amplified ad nauseum Version
What is true Biblical Education?
The education of youth [is] an employment of more consequence than making
laws and preaching the gospel, because it lays the foundation on which both law
and gospel rest for success. ~ Noah Webster, 1788
“The dictionary inculcates either a secular or a Christian worldview through definitions
establishing the system of values by which the family will live. Consider the contrast of the
definition of education.
Modern Dictionary ~ 1980
Education:
“The action or process of educating or of being educated;
a stage of such a process;
the knowledge and development resulting from an educational process;
the field of study that deals mainly with methods of teaching and learning in schools.
Noah Webster's American Dictionary of the English Language, 1828, says:
Education:
The bringing up, as of a child;
instruction; formation of manners.
Education comprehends all that series of instruction and discipline which is
intended to
1. enlighten the understanding
2. correct the temper
3. form the habits and manners of youth
4. fit them for usefulness in their future stations.
To give children a good education in manners, arts and science, is important; to give
them a religious education is indispensable; and an immense responsibility rests on
parents and guardians who neglect these duties.
The Foundation for American Christian Education, Why Every American Christian Home Should Have the
Noah Webster 1828 Dictionary, www.face.net/207186.ihtml.
The scriptural foundation for this verse is 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God,
and is profitable for doctrine,
for reproof,
for correction,
for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect,
throughly furnished unto all good works.
True, Biblical education is not about filling an empty vessel with wood, hay and stubble, but
rather the tender cultivation of a seed that it may grow into the fullness of life as intended by
its Creator. As good stewards of God's property, we are to “bring up” our children
according to God's word; to “lead them from a distant to a nearer place.” We are to convey
the message of the cross to our children, that they may believe and receive the inheritance of
eternal life through Jesus Christ. The Principle Approach® leads the student/teacher in
founding all learning on the rudiments of Christ. Education is simply seeking the heart of
God. Every subject and discipline presents a different perspective in which we may intimate
ourselves with His divine attributes. All other learning is but vanity if Christ is not laid as
the Cornerstone and sure foundation. Christian education using a secular model is a
contradiction; an oxymoron. You cannot lead your child in the Way, if are using the wrong
map. It is vital our homeschools break from the secular methodologies and philosophies of
teaching, and embrace God's model as laid out in His word.
Matthew 7:13-14
13 Enter ye in at the strait
gate: for wide is the gate,
and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction,
and many there be which go in thereat:
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way,
which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
The Educational Process is a Christian Journey
A Distant Place Biblical Education A Nearer Place
1. Darkness
2. Wide gate
3. Blind
4. Lost
5. Crooked places
6. Lies
7. Destruction
8. Death
1. Jesus Christ as the focal point
of all history and learning.
2. Biblical Principles lay the
foundation.
3. “Reflective thinking and
reasoning from the Scriptures.”*
4. “Furnishes each child such
aid...to reach the fullest
expression of his value in
Christ.”*
1. Light
2. Narrow Gate
3. Sight
4. Found
5. Straight path
6. Truth
7. Salvation
8. Life
*Quotes taken from The Distinctives of American Educational Systems chart, Adams, Carole Goodman ; Youmans,
Elizabeth L.: The Noah Plan Self-Directed Study in the Principle Approach. Chesapeake, VA. : Foundation for American
Christian Education, 2004, S. 13-14
We must be intentional about leading our children in the path of righteousness, for His
name's sake (Psalm 23:3). True Biblical education draws out the providential destiny of our
children by drawing them nearer to Christ. The closer they come to Christ, the more
irresistible the call.
Deuteronomy 6:4-9 gives us the Biblical model for homeschooling.
4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: 5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all
thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. 6 And these words, which I command thee this
day, shall be in thine heart: 7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of
them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down,
and when thou risest up. 8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as
frontlets between thine eyes. 9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.
Do you see it? Do you hear what the Spirit of the Lord is saying to the family? Biblical
education is experiencing God in every aspect and detail of our lives. God did not bless us
with children that we should send them to the Assyrians for their learning. All of life must
participate in the daily worship of God, being intentional to not compartmentalize our
studies between the sacred and the secular. God is the Creator of all things, therefore His
attributes are clearly seen in the world around us. We are to lead our children in learning
how to see the world around them with a Biblical Worldview.
Romans 1:20 ~
For the invisible things of Him
from the creation of the world are clearly seen,
being understood by the things that are made,
even His eternal power and Godhead;
so that they are without excuse:
The power of educating our children according to Biblical principle is that it teaches them to
stand upon their own Biblical convictions and are “henceforth...no more children, tossed to
and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning
craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive” Ephesians 4:14.
Scriptural Mandate for Homeschooling
Deuteronomy 6:4-9
7 Governmental Biblical Principles from the
Principle Approach®
V4 Hear, O Israel: the LORD our God is one LORD: Individuality – Everything in God's universe is
revelational of God's sovereignty, infinity,
diversity, and individuality.
V5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all
thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy
might.
Christian Principle of Self-Government – God
ruling internally from the heart of the individual.
In order to have true liberty, man must be
governed internally by the Spirit of God rather
than by external forces. Government is first
individual then extends to the home, church, and
the community.
V6 And these words, which I command thee this
day, shall be in thine heart.
Christian Self-Government
Conscience, Our Most Sacred Property – God
requires faithful stewardship of all His gifts,
especially the internal property of conscience.
This is a tool for self-government...It means to
value your Christian conviction and conscience
above all external possessions, even life itself, as
did the first century Christian martyrs.
V7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy
children, and shall talk of them when thou sittest
in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way,
and when thou liest down, and when thou risest
up.
Christian Self-Government –
Conscience, Our Most Sacred Property -
America's Heritage of Christian Character – The
image of God engraved upon the individual within
brings dominion and change to his external
environment. The model of Christian character is
the Pilgrim character, which demonstrates the
qualities that make up our heritage of Christian
Character: faith and steadfastness, brotherly love
and Christina care, diligence and industry, and
liberty of conscience.
“This divine power of the gospel revealed itself to
the heather in the lives of Christians, which
showed for the virtues of Him who had called
them out of darkness into His marvelous light, and
enabled them to walk as the children of God, in
the midst of a perverse generation, among whom
they shoe as light in the world!...the whole life of
a Christian, from beginning to the end, is a
conflict with the world and the powers of
darkness, a conflict within and without...” Neander,
“Memorials of a Christian Life,” 1852
How the Seed of Local Self-Government is
Planted – Christian self-government begins with
salvation and education in God's Law and Love,
and flows in governing oneself, one's home,
church and community...and an education in the
principles of lawful action.
The Christian Principle of American Political
Union – Before two or more individuals can act
effectively together, they must first be united in
spirit in their purposes and convictions. Internal
agreement or unity will produce external union
that will be visible in the spheres of government,
economics, and home and community life.
V8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine
hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine
eyes.
Individuality
Self-Government
Conscience
Christian Character
V9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy
house, and on thy gates.
How the Seed of Local Self-Government is
Planted
The Christian Form of Our Government – The
divine flow of spiritual power and force is
manifested in individual Christian selfgovernment
and character, liberty of conscience,
and the wisdom to know when to unite and when
to separate as an [American] Christian.
God has given to us “everything that pertains to life and godliness,” that we may be
“equipped for every good work.”(2 Peter 1:3; 2 Timothy 3:17). By no means are these 7
Governmental Principles of the Principle Approach® the only principles at work, but they
are a place to start, and provide enough evidence to illuminate the completeness and
sufficiency of God's word, for the proper education of our children. In every teachable
moment throughout every day we are to obey God's mandate to diligently teach our children
according to His precepts and commands as laid out in the Holy Scriptures.
The Biblical model of education does not transpire through fill in the blank and multiple
choice methodologies found in secular canned curriculum. Life itself is the stage from
which we draw our lesson plans, apply God's principles, study His eternal attributes and
worship Jesus Christ in spirit and truth. This is the true model of Christian education and its
curriculum. As parents we must overcome our apathy and be willing to embrace the hard
labor of renewing our own minds according to the word of God, that we may convey these
truths to our children. If we don't, we will be like that “double-minded man, who is unstable
in all his ways” (James 1:8). The Living Bible says in James 1:7, “People like that should
not expect to receive anything from the Lord.”
Whether you are taking the first steps to obey God's mandate for homeschooling your
children, or have been in the process for sometime using an accursed system, do not be
discouraged. God is interested in the complete restoration of everyone in the family because
we are all God's children. My advice to you is to find a mentor that would be willing to
walk with you, to disciple and teach you from the Holy Scriptures, in the way you should
go; not as “the blind leading the blind,” (Luke 6:38), but as a fellow servants of Christ. The
Christian family does not need more playgroups to teach socialization skills to its children,
but more discipling and study in the word of God, that we may raise up a godly generation
who will be faithful in raising up godly generations.
Joshua 1:8-9
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth;
but thou shalt meditate therein day and night,
that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein:
for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous,
and then thou shalt have good success.
9 Have not I commanded thee?
Be strong and of a good courage;
be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed:
for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Go, ye, therefore, my beloved brethren, to thy children and be Godly educators, firmly
established in the Holy Word, and not socialized regurgitators of processed flummeries
leading down that spiral staircase to the pit of hell.
Godspeed and God bless...

My Notebooking

I meant this comment to be in response to one of our comments below, but I wrote too much so I'm placing it here. I hope it is useful to you.

The notebooks are an extremely valuable part of the PA method. In fact, I wouldn't hesitate to say they are at the very heart of what we do. Notebooking is not just something we have our boys do--we also use the method in our personal studies.

I used the method while working on my Master's degree at a local Christian University. Although the University is a Christian university and the faculty and administration honor God in what they do with their students, they are not unusual in the fact that they do not practice the Principle Approach. In the beginning of my program I received many amused comments when I walked in with my binder and hole puncher. I chuckled with them, and simply told them that I used these tools because of my own inadequacies. I do lose things if they are not attached in a binder. That's just how I am. The most amusing thing was to watch them watching me. As the course of study began, I would listen to the professor and read the course syllabus to determine how to set up my dividers. I would quietly go about setting up my notebook as I listened to the course introduction. Then my notebook was my tool throughout all my studies. I chose key words from the courses to define and research in key word studies--outside of the professor's assignments. I asked questions. Lots of questions. In fact, my advisor once told me that professors had been discussing me--warning one another about me. They would tell each other that I was really nice if they just gave me time--'she simply asks a lot of questions; don't be intimidated.' That really struck me as funny. If you know me personally, I'm really soft spoken and I love people. I never dreamed the word intimidating and Michelle Heidemann would be used in the same sentence!

What happened next was really interesting. I was very successful in my work at the University. In fact, my thesis was even published on a secular educational research engine even though it was about Biblical reasoning in learning. About halfway through my course of study people started to ask me if they could borrow my hole puncher. I noticed that they had binders of their own, and they weren't laughing anymore (they didn't bring hole punchers though. I think they knew they could use mine). [I was also a homeschool parent with an education background taking classes with Christian public school educators. They, in the beginning, felt I was a bit of a 'traitor'.]

I share that story because I took the method into a situation that wasn't set up for it and used it anyway--kind of like Daniel in Babylon (although this is a wonderful university and was very flexible in allowing my to tailor my degree toward my own needs, and I met some wonderfully Godly people and challenging professors). Doing this made all the difference in my success.
It is important to not be rigid in your selection of dividers. The 4 Rs (research, reason, relate, record)do need to be utilized for successful learning; however, it isn't necessary to call your dividers that unless it works well for you and/or your children (find what works best for your children; it may not be what works for you). I will give you our dividers for the year if you promise not to be rigid with them either. Just use them as an example.

History:1.Foundations2.Timeline3.Key Individuals4.Key Events5.Key Documents6.Research (includes notes)7.Quizzes

English:1.Foundations2.Orthography3.Grammar4.Composition5.Speech (Elocution)6.Syntax
Literature:1.Foundations2.Bible as Reader (BAR)3.Poetry4.Shakespeare5.Quizzes(then a divider for each major work studied)

Spanish1.Foundations2.Vocabulary3.Homework4.Grammar5.Quizzes

Mathematics1.His Story of Mathematics2.Foundations3.Principles (mathematical laws here)4.Notes5.Homework6.Tests

Science1.Foundations2.His story of Physical Science or Meteorology (the boys are taking different branches)3.Experiments4.Study questions5.Tests

Logic1.Foundations2.His Story of Reasoning3.Notes4.Essay5.Tests

Economics1.Foundations2.His Story of Economics3.Notes 4.Homework5.Tests

My teacher notebook:1.Calendar2.Gabe (place for records)3.Michael4.Lesson Plans5.Resources and bibliography...I will probably add more

I have a binder for this course as well:1.Reflections2.Word Studies3.Research4.Ideas for instruction (an application area to what I do with the boys)Then, since I also use if for a couple of other studies I have a couple more dividers in the back for those.

I hope this is helpful. Let me know if you have any questions.

Lesson 3: Handwriting

Is handwriting important? On page 102 Miss Slater makes a point that making handwriting important instills character. She even points out the interesting point that individual letters are even call 'characters'. Is the attention to detail important? Why do you think so--or not?

Lesson 3: Reading

Another statement I found interesting is located on page 99 of Teaching and Learning America's Christian History: " We have the means of success but we are not successful. Why? One teacher knew when she said 'The purpose is to take away our ability as a nation to read the Word of God.'"

The emphasis for literacy began in the Reformation. As the Bible began to appear in the language of the people, there was also a push to make certain that everyone could read so that they could enjoy the truths of God's Word in their own languages. During the early years of our Republic literacy rates soared in the 90th percentile. Children were taught to read using the Bible as their primary text.

When my oldest son was in kindergarten in a public school, the teacher told him it wasn't important at that time to learn to spell (she was a proponent of the whole language movement). He carried that with him and he still works on catching that up today. Many that started in his class are extremely weak in their spelling even now. Literacy rates in our country continue to drop.

Why is literacy no longer important? I know that many would argue with my even writing the preceding question; however, we know historically that when it was important, almost without exception, everyone could read.

Mathematics

I found this to be an interesting statement from page 98 in Teaching and Learning America's Christian History: "The breakdown of the integrity of whole numbers and their identity is related to the breakdown of the integrity and identity of the individual in our society. Many will challenge this statement!"

Ponder and discuss the idea that our methods of teaching directly relate to the lack of absolutes in our culture and in our pagan thinking today (whether the individual is a Believer or not).

Lesson 3: 'What Hast Thou in the House?'

Resources for home schools are never inexpensive. I may not be as costly as private school, but sometimes I think it's not far off. (And I know that even though none of us consider public school to be an option, fees and school supplies there aren't cheap either). There is, however, a question of how do we best steward the resources that God gives us.

Along with what I believe is God's approach for education, the Principle Approach offers the opportunity to make the most of what we have in the house. After the major outlay of the purchase of foundational books, purchases for homes using the Principle Approach are not at all exorbitant. I have family that spends in the 1000s each year for their homeschooling materials. We don't. The first year was the most expensive as we purchased our foundational books. After that we've spent less than $500 per year for both boys. This year I haven't spent anything yet. Our planned purchases will be about $250. The point is that we begin with what we have. There is a biblical principle that states that we are to use well first what God has already given us. When we use those things well, then He will bless us with more. It may only be just what we need, but we will and do have what we need right now.

I have found many things at Goodwill--actually I believe they were things that God placed for me there. Once, while shopping at Goodwill, I found a set of books (20 volumes) for $1.99 each that contain primary source documents for every period of American history. They are an awesome source for working with speeches and essays and sermons from our history. We already had made a priority of purchasing the foundational books from FACE. Those also have a great deal of primary sources that we have found useful. There are some internet sources that allow free downloads of literature. We have found some of our needs there. During my last trip to Goodwill I found a beautiful copy of Hans Brinker. There is another online source for used materials I use: www. alibris.com. I've found things there. Plus we use the library a lot. I do have a great library here at the house, but I have gotten to the point that I'm purchasing really very little and we still have jr and sr high to finish. I don't expect our purchasing to change all that much through that time.

Lesson 3: This is a Place for Questions and Discussions about Using the Notebook in Your Lessons

Reflect upon the Suggestions for Methods and Curriculum Writing from the Chart on Page 33 Here

Lesson 3: How Do You Plan to Adapt the Notebook Grading Sheet for Your Students?

Enjoy Lesson 2

All our discussions for now are posted for lesson 2. We can begin this, but remember that if you have more to add for Lesson 1, those blogs are still open. We can continue that as well. If you are doing this study with me, we will learn more about this study as we return to the blog area to see new posts. Sign up to have comments sent to your email, so you know when new comments come in. I, by no means, have a monopoly on knowledge in this area, and I learn and am 'sharpened' by your comments. I will be entering my comments on Lesson One today and tomorrow. If you have anything to add or challenge in my comments, I really value your insights.

Renew

What insights did God bring to you through your word study on the word, "renew?"

Where is the battleground for believers?

Let's discuss this one together.

Research, Reason, Relate, and Record

These steps to Biblical reasoning really took me some time to wrap my arms around. Be patient with yourself here. Practice is a good word here. The more you work toward your understanding here the sooner you will master them. Ask lots of questions, and share your own wisdom with us in regard to these steps. Randy's grandmother used to always say, "Many hands make light work." I would also say that many minds (focused on Christ) make more learning. :)

Word Studies

I'm often asked, "How far do I go with a word study?" My answer: "I don't know." The best thing to do here is to follow God's leading. It is a good idea in the beginning to limit it a bit, so that you can get the routine of each of the steps. Getting to the point of applying what you learn Biblically to your own life is very important. Understand the process before living in a particular word--you can always return to the study later. I know of some word studies that have gone on for a life time with the student adding to his learning all the time in a cyclical manner (meaning going through all the steps over and over again).

This can be overwhelming for children when teaching them this activity. In their case it is best to start small and grow over the years, encouraging them to expand on their own as they grow. Be careful not to take the fun out of it for them. I get so excited about this part of my own learning that I sometimes forget that my boys don't always see things through my eyes. What I see as a treasure trove, they may see as a mountain of useless work. Start small and strive to choose words and subjects that apply directly to their lives.

Lesson 2: Education Glossary

Is there anything you would like to share here that was new for you? Do you have any questions?

Lesson 2: Psalm 119

If you are like me, writing all my reflections on this might wind up to be more than we bargained for. Instead, share with us highlights of your gleanings here.

Hebrews 4:12

According to Hebrews 4:12, what are our defensive and offensive weapons in the Spirit?

New Lesson Entries Later Today

Our discussion has been great, and I know we will be continuing. The great thing about this format is, if you haven't been able to start yet, the discussion is always there and can continue no matter what part of the study you are currently working on--as long as this blog is online (which I anticipate will be a very long time as God wills). Enter in at any point, but if you are looking for Lesson 2, it will be entered later today.

Enjoy your study time!

Is Anyone Interested in Blogging Live? I found a way.

What Do I Use to Teach Reading?

As far as reading is concerned, the Bible as Reader (BAR) program is the one I use. It incorporates the Spalding method which you can find at www.spalding.org. The Spalding method might also seem a bit overwhelming since it is a method rather than a curriculum. It’s really not, though, and I would be happy to help you with that as well if you wish. There are lesson plans for the BAR method in the Noah Plan Lessons books as well as in Walking with Jesus, which is meant for a little bit older children. Using the Bible to learn how to read goes all the way back to the beginnings of modern literacy based in the Reformation when the purpose for teaching everyone to read was so that they could read the Bible. I find it to be an excellent method of instruction for my own children.

Since I have been doing this a number of years, I’m no longer using the lesson plans although I do sometimes refer to them for ideas from time to time. But the lesson plans mentored me and enabled me to fly a little bit more on my own so that I can tailor things to our boys a bit more. Over time I know you will find that to be true for you as well. I do refer to the subject guides, primarily using the scope and sequence to keep myself on track, but even that I use only as a guide.

Some of My Thoughts on Chapter One

I'm not going to address the reflections yet. (There's only been one response at this point) But I wanted to enter some of my personal thoughts on chapter one. The major purpose of this blog has been to mentor others, but it also serves as a sort of journal for me in this area of learning. So this entry is both a way to cement my own thoughts as well as sharing with you.

I am reminded of the purpose for this study in this chapter (from page 13), and I want to keep that before me as I study.

1. I want to place this in the context of being a spiritual journey rather than an educational workshop.
2. It will challenge my intellect.
3. I still possess vain and deceptive philosophies, and I pray that God will root those out.
4. This study (as always) sets me on a course of renewing and awakening my mind.
5. It will elicit a commitment from me.
6. It will establish a Christian philosophy of education within me.

Also, a key point to me was keeping the 4 steps (pp. 16-17) always in front of me. I can't be successful if I don't keep the order right of preparing my heart before I study God's Word, and before I am able to practice the principles of scholarship and character. Only then can I teach others. And teaching others is important--whether it's in a forum like this one or whether it's my own children. But I will not communicate anything I am not first practicing myself. I think that's the point of the Scripture shared by Carol and Elizabeth, "A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher." Luke 6:40.

This study benefits more than just those whose children are at home because we should all be learning all the time. Learning God's Truth draws us closer to Him, and that's what I want.

Blog Archive

You may have to go into the blog archive to access all our discussion points. The blog only lists so many, but everything for Lesson 1 is here. In order to really benefit, don't fudge on any of your readings (especially the ones from God's Word).

Lesson 1: Question 8

Do I have a teachable spirit?

Lesson 1: Question 7

Am I willing to rethink what I already know about Christian education and be retooled in Biblical methods of teaching and learning? [Ahh...I love this question!!]

Lesson 1: Question 6

Do I like to read, research, and reason for myself and with my children?

Lesson 1: Question 5

[I added this question] How do I inspire the consent of my students?

Lesson 1: Question 4

Am I willing to expand my vocabulary of liberty and learning?

Lesson 1: Question3

Do I enjoy writing? Am I willing to develop the necessary language skills to teach and correct student work?

Lesson 1: Question 2

What is the difference between perfectionism and excellence, and can I set aside perfectionism for excellence?

Self-Directed Study Discussion Topic: Lesson 1

To leave your response, click on the 'comment' link below this entry.

Question 1: What characteristics stood out to you? How do these characteristics apply to Christian education now? What is your role in the education of your students?

Daniel and Timothy

If you are waiting for your materials, you can begin your study by reading the 1st 6 chapters of the book of Daniel. Then make a note about what you notice about Daniel's character. When you finish that, read 1st and 2nd Timothy, also noting what you notice about his character. We'll do something with these notes later.

Notebook Standard for "The Self-Directed Study in the Principle Approach"

We will be talking about the notebook standard later in this study. For now we need to think about modeling for our students. Use a 2 inch binder (you may want to add to the binder later). Place plenty of notebook paper and a set of dividers in the notebook. You don't have to lable the dividers yet; savet them for later. Only write on one side of the page with a using only one color of ink since that is what we will be asking of our students.

There's no need to yet be concerned about everything in the 'notebook standard'. We'll get to that later.

Coming Soon

I've been asked to do this many times, but with everyone so scattered, it took me awhile to figure out how to do it. In the next week or two I will begin leading a discussion group studying The Self-Directed Study in the Principle Approach. If you would like to participate, order your books now from www.facebookstore.net . If you would like to make certain you have everything you need, it might be helpful to call Melissa at the Foundation. That number is 800-352-3223.

I will be announcing times soon. I'm going to try to set up a Facebook page so that discussions can be live via the chat mode. I will try to post everything here as some do not wish to participate in Facebook. I don't know how well the Facebook idea will work. If it is awkward or doesn't work well, we'll have to come back to this site by itself--but we can give it a try. If anyone has better technical type ideas, I'm open to suggestions.

For now, order your books. Outside of the purchase of your materials, there is no charge for this study.

A Worthy Quote from The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis

I found this quote extremely accurate according to the responses I've had to my explorations of early writers. See what you think:

"Only the learned read old books and we have now so dealt with the learned that they are of all men the least likely to acquire wisdom by doing so. We have done this by inculcating the Historical Point of View. The Historical Point of View, put briefly, means that when a learned man is presented with any statement in an ancient author, the one question he never asks is whether it is true. He asks who influenced the ancient writer, and how far the statement is consistent with what he said in other books, and what phase in the writer's development, or in the general history of thought, it illustrates, and how it affected later writers, and how often it has been misunderstood (specially by the learned man's own colleagues) and what the general course of criticism on it has been for the last ten years, and what is the 'present state of the question'. To regard the ancient writer as a possible source of knowledge--to anticipate that what he said could possibly modify your thoughts or your behavior--this would be rejected as unutterably simple-minded. And since we cannon deceive the whole human race all the time, it is most important thus to cut every generation off from all others; for where learning makes a free commerce between the ages there is always the danger that the characteristic errors of one may be corrected by the characteristic truths of another. ...great scholars are now as little nourished by the past as the most ignorant mechanic who holds that 'history is bunk.' "

--Screwtape to his nephew Wormwood

Lessons from a Cave--Applied

My mom has been dealing with an extended illness. She has been in the hospital since March--we’ve even had to deal with multiple hospitals. Insurance demands she be discharged at certain times, so we play the game of what to do next so that her recovery continues, and yet she’s still covered.

I live in Colorado. She lives in Texas. We both deal with wondering what will happen next. We have to fight the urge to plan ahead because we don’t have enough information to plan until a day or two ahead (that includes my travel back and forth to Texas and the care of my husband and children). I’m certain she deals with this more than me because it’s her health that’s involved.

I say this much about our situation because it’s been an amazing time of learning to trust God with the future. We have no choice. There is no other path, and God is using it as an incredible classroom. Right now, Mom’s concerned that she will be sent home before she should be–for her own safty. My reassurances are, ‘I don’t know what will happen, but I know whatever happens, you will be safe. You won’t be alone.’

God’s assurances are the same. ‘You will be safe with me. You won’t be alone.’
Some lessons are really difficult, but I remember a time in a cave where God showed me this same lesson. (Cave of the Winds–right here at home) On a lantern tour in a cave you only see what is illuminated immediately around you.

I love God's object lessons and illustrations. Because when you find yourself in the heat of a fight when the light is dim or limited, you know you’re safe; he’s right there.

We need to also remember this as we plan and as we study the Principle Approach method. Many times it seems as though we will never get the lesson God has placed before us, but we are to move ahead with the lessons that are already illuminated, and patiently wait for the lantern of God to illuminate the rest.

My Sincere Apologies

For a very long time I didn't receive comments on the blog although I did set it up to receive them and I do welcome them. Somewhere along the way people did start to comment and then this past winter my family experienced a series of severe events that prohibited me from being on the site. I didn't notice until just this week that there were comments that had gone unanswered. I am very sorry for that. If you have left a comment and waited for an answer, you might double check that entry or your email. I have attempted to remedy the situation, and again, my sincerest apologies.

My PA Story

I was asked to interview for a job at a new P.A. school that was starting in my area. They asked me to interview for a high school history and English position. That doesn't happen very often. I had a child at home that was borderline ready to start kindergarten. We had decided not to start him, but I really felt God's tug to take the interview.

The school ended up only partially implementing the Principle Approach, but the part I worked with was fully implemented. I had been a career teacher and had always felt something was missing. Now I knew what it was.

My husband wanted our children to have the whole ball of wax, so he encouraged me to school them at home. I was nervous because I was a high school teacher, my children were young, and I had never taught reading. My husband encouraged me to go to a Spalding seminar, which I did, and we were off and running.

Having begun in a Principle Approach school gave me opportunities that most do not get. I was able to go to the Foundations course and Applications courses in mathematics, history, and English and Literature. It was through these courses and the fact that I became an Asst. Administrator in my school that I was able to develop my connections with FACE and interact a bit with James Rose (he helped me set up a PA government and economics class).

Before I was myself homeschooling I worked a Principle Approach booth at our Colorado Homeschool convention. It was there that God planted a seed to mentor homeschool families. There were many comments along the lines of 'it's great that you have all this support in the schools; I wish we had this sort of support all the time as homeschool parents.' Those comments never left me.

Biblical-Classical vs. Classical

The Principle Approach® is not ‘classical’ in the sense that most methods are referred to as classical. It has been referred to as Biblical-classical. This differentiates it from what most of us understand as classical. The Principle Approach method is taken from the Hebrew method which incorporates God’s Word at the heart of all learning. Also, you’ll find that the ‘trivium’ is very rigid in the idea that deep reasoning cannot occur in young children. According to the Trivium small children learn almost exclusively from memorization. I have personally witnessed this not to be true. I have been an administrator in Principle Approach schools and witnessed our very young children reasoning and very deep levels. As children get older if they have not been raised into reasoning Biblically, they may find it a difficult transition once you try to introduce it. It’s never been worth it to me to throw this away for exclusive memorization. Memorization is very beneficial, but not at the expense of reasoning.

You may find it helpful to read the article you’ll find at the following link: http://www.face.net/files/Articles/tampa_address.pdf . It is written by Carole Adams, the president of the Foundation for American Christian Education. In it you will find a comparison of the classical and Hebraic methods.

Help When Time is Cramped

I would LOVE to tell you my home is in perfect order, but, realistically, it’s not. The first thing I have to always remind myself of is the fact that God knows the events he’s planned for each of my days [and yours], and even when I have things ‘perfectly’ planned out, God sometimes swoops in and changes those plans. I’m thinking that maybe he does this for the purpose of testing me. Will I rest in him and quietly go about each of my tasks, and trust him as I go? Sometimes I do just that, and sometimes I don’t do so well.

God knows how time intensive caring for and raising our children is. He also knows how time intensive maintaining a household is. Homeschooling is not separate from either of these activities; it’s part of the whole picture. We are responsible to live up to God’s expectations—not our own. I’ve heard people say that means the dusting doesn’t always get done. That makes me laugh. I do sometimes dust and clean the piano. I keep the table where we eat spiffy, but beyond that—who dusts??? For me it may mean the vacuuming doesn’t get done when I want to get to it, or a bathroom may not be cleaned when I want to do it, or Randy has to help me in the kitchen at night or the following morning. I made the choice to stay home rather than work for the awesome salary I could earn, so I have to sacrifice the idea of having hired help with the house. But this can be a blessing.

I’m certain you already do this, but enlist your children. They should do their parts in maintaining their rooms [but since this has to be supervised as well, this isn’t always done perfectly here either], but they should work with you in maintaining the household. This can be tied in with your schooling. They have to learn these things—it’s called ‘home economics’. You can teach them Biblically as you go as well. We finally got our garden planted just last week since I had been so long in Texas. It was such a joy to me to hear my husband talking to the boys about why we have weeds and what happens when God plants seeds in our lives and recounting the parable of the seeds on different kinds of soil that Jesus taught,… In housework you can discuss how God cleans us out from the inside out [a good reason not to hide things rather than putting them away when cleaning].

As far as your studies are concerned, God knows what he has given you time for; and he holds you accountable to that. He does not hold you accountable for the thing YOU feel you should do on top of that. We are horrible task masters! God wants you to be at peace and trust him. On the other hand, we cannot use this fact as an excuse not to do everything that he would have us do. If you find yourself overwhelmed (as we all do from time to time), it’s time to real yourself back in and ask God what is on his list for you during the day. Then focus on those things.

There are also other helps to training yourself. If your children are small you can use the K – 3rd grade Noah Plan lessons. These are written by master PA teachers and will disciple you as you use them. Even if your children are older, I would suggest using the 3rd grade lesson book. You can use many of the older lessons with older children, and at the very least they are great examples of how to set up a PA lesson.

Don’t be afraid to be a student with your student. This models character in your life and it shows your children that we are to continue learning even beyond the formal education years. If you don’t know something yourself and it’s come up in a lesson, explore that thing with your child. It’s even profitable to actually plan to have those sorts of lessons because it is so beneficial for the children to see you studying as well.

Have You Ever Had a Tough Season and Wondered What to Do about School?

Randy and I have had some major hiccups this winter. One of our sons was down with the flu for a week; then I got an even better case of it--I was down for two weeks. We had a wedding in the family and then the accidental death of the groom's sister the day after the wedding. Then 2 more deaths of close family members. We had a need to change churches (that can be and was a bit it a trama for everyone). And I have agreed to care for 4 more blessings in child form from our extended family.

One thing that has helped me was that as God knew this was going to happen, there were several articals in the January/February Homeschooling Today magazine that encouraged me with beginning again, and how much to focus on 'catching up'. If you find yourself in a similar situation with needing a restart for any reason, whether of your own making or not, this is a valuable issue to read. I was greatly encouraged and I urge you to get a copy.

I've had some concerns from others that I was not going to continue this blog, but we all have these bumps in our lives and the best thing we can do is keep the faith, keep our eyes on Jesus, and never give up, never, never, never.

There has been a lull in my writing, and I may not write as often until I get used to my new normal and get our school on a continuous track again. But I'm still here and you can still email me if you have a more specific question. Find me here or on the mentors page at http://www.face.net/.

Blessings to you and yours.
Michelle

Answers to a Beginning Parent

I’ll hit your questions one at a time:

1. 
   Yes, it is best started with very young children. You are instilling a method of thought. This is best done at an early age rather than raising them up in something that appears more simple, but has pagan thinking at its roots. I know that sounds harsh. I don’t mean to be. But according to Scripture (Pv 1:7) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. If knowledge begins in the fear and admonition of the Lord, then it should follow that we can teach every subject reasoning biblically. Just because a ‘good’ curriculum has a verse at the beginning of the page does not mean that it reasons with biblical principle throughout the body of the lesson. The problem that most run into as they begin studying in this manner is in seeing the value of it, they desire to swallow the whole thing at once, and that isn’t God’s plan either. God holds you responsible to the bits of knowledge he gives you and only that. Apply the Principle Approach where you know to apply it and keep learning and adding more as you go. You can use any curriculum that doesn’t deny Christ because the reasoning I was referring to is applied during the lesson. You can do that as the parent/teacher. At the kindergarten age I believe the best place to start is with the preschool studies in the Red Books. I love those and they will take a good portion of time. You may not get through them all in a year. However, if you want a curriculum, the Noah Plan Lessons have a kindergarten level and you could start with that. The benefit here is you can witness how a master teacher put together lessons for this age group for a whole year in various subjects.
2. 
   In my experience most of the preparation for my lessons happened in the beginning of my experience with the Principle Approach. I had to learn and understand the method myself. I’ve had less pressure in that area since it’s under my belt a bit more. With that said, the Principle Approach recognizes the parent/teacher as a living textbook. I study with my children. But I do have to know where I’m going ahead of time. I honestly have no qualms teaching any subject—even the high school ones. Because I’ve already seen God guide me. Here’s the cool thing: I’ve worked as a classroom teacher. In that roll I depended highly on whatever curriculum the state gave me to teach. That curriculum held my hand and took me everywhere the state wanted me to go. It kept me on track. And I believe that anyone could teach like that. That’s one of the reasons people look at the Principle Approach and tend to think they couldn’t do it (teach without a set curriculum?! You’ve got to be out of your mind! How would I know what to do and where to go?!) With the Principle Approach God is my guide. He’s a better guide than any curriculum ever was for me. But to make certain that I travel in a good direction there are some curriculum materials that I use and FACE has syllabi for every subject and grade level. I consult all of those, but not before asking and responding to what God has for my boys. I do most of the work in the summer before starting school, and I begin thinking about things about now. I’m already processing things in my mind about next year, but it’s not taking much time because it’s just at the thought level right now. This holds true for any subject—even the ones that may seem rather complicated. But I do know where to go for help.
3. 
   All subjects can be taught using the Noah Plan, but the Noah Plan is not imperative any more than any other curriculum is. The syllabi I use are part of the Noah Plan, but I’ve never used an entire lesson plan book—I refer to them when my thinking is stuck, but I don’t teach straight out of them. There’s nothing wrong with following the Noah Plan Lessons verbatim to get your bearings and then being ready to fly when you’ve gone all the way through them either, but when I started there were no Noah Plan Lesson books and everything worked just fine. I leaned heavily on the curriculum guides when I started and they are a reference to me now. I know some who only referred to the Red Books. It all depends on what you feel you need to get started. Understand that the Principle Approach is a method; the Noah Plan is a curriculum that fits the method.
   
   Take care, and let me know if you have any more questions, or even questions about my questions. Have a blessed day.
   Blessings,
   Michelle
   
   
   “May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you.”