Posts filed under 'Philosophy of Education'
Heart of Wisdom Workshop
Downloaded these audios from the Heart of Wisdom blog. I haven’t listened yet, just thought I would pass it along.
Add comment August 8, 2008
Methods of my teaching
I have a more formal listing of my Philosophy of Education, but I wanted to list some of my methods for accomplishing my goals. These are ways I teach or things I look for as I choose materials.
- Multi-age: I like to keep my kids together as much as possible. So this means I usually do not buy anything that says “Grade One” or “Grade 8.” I heard someone call it the bus stop method. She starts teaching with the bus full. She keeps dropping off kids beginning with the youngest. In the end you have worked your way up to what your oldest needs to hear.
- Four-Year cycles: If you keep the end in mind as you teach, there will be a day when you are teaching a high-school student. There are four official high-school years with this child. I teach to the oldest and try to find more age appropriate material for the younger kids on the same topics as my oldest. This is the basis for our Bible, History and Science Studies. I have a four-year cycle for these three core subjects and we will just keep rotating through the four years. This ensures that no matter what ages I have, I will always have the oldest prepared and taking the courses they need.
- Math: I don’t like the spiral approach to math at all, nor do I like a lot of rote memory. I like mental math and having my children totally grasp concepts. For us, that means Singapore Math.
- Notebooking: All we learn is documented and recorded into notebooks. I really like the $1 bound composition books. You can use them for most every subject! But we also use lots of 3-ring binders.
- Living books not textbooks.
- More Charlotte Mason like copywork, narration, and dictation
- Beginning with the Bible everyday
- Phonics and spelling with a systematic phonics program=Spell to Write and Read
- Teaching most of the Language Arts skills by incorporating them in our three core subjects of Bible, History, and Science. These skills are learned better by having to use them.
Add comment March 18, 2007
another vote for Discipleship
Do you feel like you must be from another country? Maybe even another planet? Do people just wonder where you get all those crazy ideas? I have to remember that this is not my home! But it is encouraging to me when I meet others that have similiar views….somehow I feel a little normal! HomeDiscipling Dad has a great post you should read that resonates with my blog so well.
Add comment February 9, 2007
How to think
Chuck Colson has a great entry about how important it is to have a biblical worldview. He points to Dorothy Sayer’s “Lost Tools of Learning.”
Sayer’s says about teaching, “…we fail lamentably on the whole in teaching them how to think: they learn everything, except the art of learning.”
I believe this so much! I graduated from a public high school with fairly good grades. I feel like I succeeded there because I could test well…not because I was taught to think and learn. In reality, I learned very little. I have learned so much more while homeshooling my children!
If we teach our children to start with the Bible, research, think, learn…won’t they be able to discern if they need to read Harry Potter, watch a particular movie, drink at a party, etc? Which brings to my mind the Southern Baptist Convention this summer. There were resolutions brought before the members on abstaining from alcohol and removing children from public schools, among other things. If our churches were more interested in teaching their members how to think about all of life with a biblical worldview, wouldn’t these kinds of resolutions be unnecessary?
This is why I have moved away from using textbooks while homeschooling. It is much harder to teach your children how to read, reason, think, and write than it is to read the chapter and answer the questions at the end. I am still not sure how to totally teach this way, but I am trying to move in this direction. I have been so pleased with some of the papers that my two oldest have written this year. I usually have to discuss and help lead them in the right direction, but it is great to see some fruit in this area. I guess I should post one…
Add comment October 20, 2006
Philosophy of Education: final copy
I have finished working on my Christian Philosophy of Education. I am posting it in pdf if you would like to print out a copy.
But remember, this is just what God has been showing me. It isn’t neccesarily what you need to follow. Please follow what God has laid on your heart.
Update: 20 June 2006
I know this may never be perfect, but I did want to add something. I added “to desire and seek after wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 3:13-15″ under Purposes of Education. The link to the pdf file above has been updated as well.
Add comment June 17, 2006
VIII. Curriculum
I used the two main groups as outlined in the Heart of Wisdom book. Then I looked at the “Encyclopedia of Bible Truths” by Ruth Haycock. This book is over 400 pages documenting what scripture says about what we usually consider to be school subjects. It is a much more exhaustive list, one I will not even try to duplicate! I just wanted a general idea of those things which scripture says we should study. If I want more, I will just use this book and my Bible. I suggest this to you as well! (Note: I guess the book has been revised and is now in 4 volumes, mine is one volume, but out of print)
Here is the last section of my Philosophy of Education
VIII. Curriculum
From the purposes we gather that we need to study:
A. God’s Word
In order to correctly handle and know the Word of God and in order to become a disciple of Christ a student must study God’s Word.
Joshua 1:8 (KJV) 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.
A study of God’s word would also include the following things:
God has declared his thoughts to us through Scripture and he desires us to read and understand.
Amos 4:13 (KJV) For, lo, he that formeth the mountains, and createth the wind, and declareth unto man what is his thought, that maketh the morning darkness, and treadeth upon the high places of the earth, The LORD, The God of hosts, is his name.2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
Nehemiah 8:8 (KJV) So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.
God commanded some to record history, prophesies, laws, and standards.
Isaiah 30:8 (KJV) Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever:Deuteronomy 27:3 (KJV) And thou shalt write upon them all the words of this law, when thou art passed over, that thou mayest go in unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, a land that floweth with milk and honey; as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee.
Habakkuk 2:2 (KJV) And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.
Romans 15:4 (KJV) For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
We are to speak the truth and edify others with our words.
Ephesians 4:25, 29 (KJV) 25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. 29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
B. God’s World
In order for a student to be equipped for their future station and ministry and in order to have dominion over the earth a student must study God’s World.
Studying God’s world should include the following: (not an exhaustive list)
History is to be recorded and shared with future generations.
Exodus 17:14 (KJV) And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.Psalms 78:4 (KJV) We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.
In order to take care of God’s creation we need to learn about the earth. (geography)
Genesis 2:15 (KJV) And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.Psalms 8:6 (KJV) Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:
A student should study Science, the details of creation, in order to learn and know God.
Job 12:7-8 (KJV) 7 But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee: 8 Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee.Romans 1:20 (KJV) 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:
Through the study of math, we learn about the precise, unchanging God we serve.
Psalms 19:1 (KJV) The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
Genesis 7-8 God gave Noah the measurements and details for the building of the ark.
Exodus 25-27 God gave the specifics for the tabernacle.
Add comment June 17, 2006
VII. Methodology
Thanks to the Heart of Wisdom for help in looking at how Jesus taught.
Scripture references given only as an example.
A. Use object lessons. Joshua 4:20-5:1
B. Staightforward, clear teaching. Luke 6:20-49
C. Use of questions and discussion. Mark 12:35-37
D. Use of proverbs and parables: the comparison allows you to move from the known to the unknown. Matthew 13:24-42
E. Be an example.
Add comment June 16, 2006
VI. Role of Students
A. Hear counsel and receive instruction to attain wisdom.
Proverbs 19:20-21 (KJV) 20 Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. 21 There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.
B. Honor parents and hear their instruction.
Proverbs 1:8 (KJV) My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
Exodus 20:12 (KJV) Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
C. Study God’s Word.
2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
D. Fear God and keep his commandments.
Ecclesiastes 12:13 (KJV) Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
Deuteronomy 4:5-6 (KJV) 5 Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. 6 Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.
E. Seek first the kingdom of God.
Matthew 6:33 (KJV) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
F. Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind.
Deuteronomy 6:5 (KJV) And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
G. Grow in grace and knowledge.
2 Peter 3:18 (KJV) But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
H. Abide in Christ.
John 15:5 (KJV) I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
Technorati Tags: philosophy of education, homeschooling
Add comment June 13, 2006
V. Role of Parents
A. Children should be taught the ways of the Lord.
Isaiah 54:13 (KJV) And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children.
Psalms 78:4 (KJV) We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.
B. Teach your children diligently.
Deuteronomy 6:7 (KJV) 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.
C. Teach your children and grandchildren.
Deuteronomy 4:9 (KJV) Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons;
D. Bring up children in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:4 (KJV) And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Add comment June 9, 2006
IV. Objectives in Education
Objectives here are those things needed to accomplish the purposes. I have taken these from my studies of the Principle Approach.
A. Research: searching for the source and purpose
John 5:39 Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have etrnal life: and they are they which testify of me.
B. Reason: reasoning from the Bible to deduce the principles
Acts 17:2 And Paul, as was his manner, went in unto them and three Sabbath days reasoned with them out of the Scriptures.
C. Relate: applying biblical truth
Luke 24:27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
D. Record: making a record of study and application
Exodus 17:14 And the Lord said to Moses, write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua.
Add comment June 8, 2006
