Principle Approach® Planning Site

I Have to Invite You

2010-07-06T14:51:00.001-07:00

Send me an email, so I have your address to add to the member group. fbcbfprays@gmail.com

Sign up to Be a Member

2010-07-06T11:21:00.000-07:00

Okay...I've done the research. The easiest way to take care of this problem will be to sign up to be a member. I'm changing the settings for that purpose. After that is done, no one will be able to comment unless I've approved their membership. If, at that point, someone makes inappropriate comments, I can block them. Without this tool, I have no other way of blocking this behavior, and it takes a lot of time to delete every inappropriate comment.

People can still view the site and submit for membership, so we will still be reaching others in spite of having to take this precautionary step. I hope this doesn't inconvenience you too much.
Michelle

Problems with Inappropriate Comments on Blogsite

2010-07-06T10:47:00.000-07:00

Hello again,

I've been looking through some of the comments and have seen that there are some people that are adding eronious comments to our posts. I'm working on deleting them. I have noticed, however, that they've been going on for awhile and some of them are fairly recent. I will attempt to keep up with deleting them, and will lodge the appropriate complaints.

I have desired to keep this an open forum, so if this is not a topic with which you are actively involved I would ask that you not comment on the blog. If it becomes apparent that this cannot be self-governed, I will be forced to make this a membership only blog. There is no cost to me in this; it just adds some extra sign one tasks to the bloggers and to myself in monitoring that.

As for those of us involved in the conversation...it should be not surprise to us that we would run in to a little opposition here. Let's just step around it. Have a great day.

New Principle Approach Training Site

2010-07-06T09:41:00.000-07:00

Hello...I'm so sorry I wasn't able to pursue this blog as actively as I started for the last school season. I have changed my email and you may now reach me at fbcbfprays@gmail.com.

I wanted to share with you that you can get this sort of training now at http://www.principleapproach.org/, and this is a professionally run site not distracted by needs other than the Principle Approach. There is, however, a small membership fee at the entry level with larger fees for more services. If you would like to continue with my free service, please let me know. I am not as efficient as they will be since I do this around homeschooling my own children and running a family business.

Emailing me directly is the best way to communicate with me about this matter. I am not closing down the site, and will continue postings, but it will help me to know how many people are using it.

Thank you and best wishes in your continuing pursuit of the Principle Approach.

The Renewing of Your Mind, A Daily Sacrifice

2009-10-09T21:51:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-26T09:39:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-19T11:37:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-19T11:29:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-19T11:25:00.000-07:00

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?'

2009-08-19T10:55:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-19T10:53:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-19T10:51:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-19T10:50:00.000-07:00

Enjoy Lesson 2

2009-08-12T13:00:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-12T12:58:00.002-07:00

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

Where is the battleground for believers?

2009-08-12T12:58:00.001-07:00

Let's discuss this one together.

Research, Reason, Relate, and Record

2009-08-12T12:54:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-12T12:26:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-12T12:25:00.000-07:00

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

Lesson 2: Psalm 119

2009-08-12T12:15:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-12T12:11:00.000-07:00

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

New Lesson Entries Later Today

2009-08-10T09:29:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-08-07T13:47:00.001-07:00

What Do I Use to Teach Reading?

2009-08-07T13:31:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-06T11:17:00.000-07:00

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.

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

2009-08-03T13:59:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-03T13:58:00.001-07:00

Do I have a teachable spirit?

Lesson 1: Question 7

2009-08-03T13:55:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-03T13:54:00.000-07:00

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

Lesson 1: Question 5

2009-08-03T13:53:00.002-07:00

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

Lesson 1: Question 4

2009-08-03T13:53:00.001-07:00

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

Lesson 1: Question3

2009-08-03T13:51:00.000-07:00

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

Lesson 1: Question 2

2009-08-03T13:48:00.000-07:00

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

Self-Directed Study Discussion Topic: Lesson 1

2009-08-03T13:44:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-03T08:52:00.000-07:00

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"

2009-08-03T08:45:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-31T16:01:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-16T12:49:00.001-07:00

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

2009-07-16T10:28:00.001-07:00

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

2009-07-15T20:48:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-10T16:23:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-29T16:08:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-23T12:21:00.001-07:00

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?

2009-04-02T10:09:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-02T10:08:00.000-07:00

I’ll hit your questions one at a time:

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.
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.
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.”

'Reader's Theater Activity'

2008-11-30T17:44:00.000-08:00

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

2008-09-01T18:17:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-25T14:28:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-22T12:08:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-22T11:36:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-22T17:18:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-01T09:31:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-01T09:30:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-27T14:13:00.001-07:00

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

2008-06-27T13:55:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-28T17:58:00.000-07:00

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

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

2008-05-05T14:59:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-03T17:48:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-30T15:51:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-29T11:25:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-25T11:19:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-25T11:06:00.000-07:00

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:

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

Reason:

Assign reason questions based on content
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

2008-03-09T15:17:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-08T19:16:00.000-08:00

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

2008-03-02T18:52:00.000-08:00

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

Information about the Websites Listed on This Page

2008-03-01T20:22:00.000-08:00

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

2008-03-01T19:52:00.000-08:00

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?

2008-02-28T17:36:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-28T08:46:00.000-08:00

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??

2008-02-27T22:47:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-27T21:52:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-27T20:57:00.000-08:00

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.