Reading Thoughts

Why?

Have you ever talked to your students about why you homeschool? Do they know how very precious you view them and so were drawn to this best conclusion? List specific reasons that show your aim to give them the best in Godly principled living. Help them see their great academic advantage, Christian service advantage, protection and a myriad of other reasons. Not omitting the chief reason - that they know God well.

As you're delving together into why you homeschool, begin discussing the purpose of and WHY you teach and study math, history, literature and science. Branch out to list reasons they do chores or play a sport or take a lesson. It is extremely important that we understand the WHY about our duties in areas where God has revealed that. Some things He does not reveal, and we want to be content in waiting. (Deut. 29:29)

Understanding WHY we teach and WHY we choose certain activities will help both the teacher and the pupil find fulfillment in your school.

Old Books

I've been sharing about Project Gutenberg from time to time. You may remember Elizabeth Prentiss from her famous book, Stepping Heavenward. I'm now reading The Life and Letters of Elizabeth Prentiss, by her husband George Prentiss. Both books are available from Gutenberg. Well, I said all of this to say that in reading her life and letters I discovered a new author, Anna Bartlett Warner. When I searched for her books I discovered, The Carpenter's Daughter which she wrote with Susan Warner.

This Carpenter's Daughter book is good reading in that it deals with a difficult topic through the Biblical lens. As the story unfolds, you are drawn into this daughter's life and mission. You will see a truly Biblical perspective unfold.

Old books! Often, they teach a character trait that you know needs taught! (Project Gutenberg e-books are free to download.)

Knowing God

We can be grateful that God reveals Himself to us. His Word helps us know Him and God has graciously preserved His Word over centuries.

Just now I'd like us to consider:

Do your children know what it means that their God is triune?

Most religions have a god, but the Christian's God is Father, Son and Spirit. The Father can be personal because of the Son's willingness to sacrifice Himself. In that, we have secure, eternal hope! The Christian can have comfort in suffering and peace in trials, because his God is Spirit as well as Son and Father.

Our one true Christian religion has ONE GOD in three persons. This understanding of trinity helps Christians detect false religions. It is safe to ask ourselves and others; "Does your religion have the God who has the Saving Son and Comforting Spirit?"

Understanding the Trinity affects all of life's decisions and affects our teaching. Ask God for wisdom in understanding this about Him, and continue sharing as you learn. I'm trying to do that with you.

Reading Thoughts

Teaching reading, reading aloud, reading in turn are all heartwarming family activities.

Consider these ideas:

1. As you read the Bible, begin keeping an individual or family notebook or folder that summarizes key ideas about that book of the Bible. Review this periodically to keep mindful of the whole Genesis to Revelation story of God.

2. For the third, fourth, fifth grader who does not read fluently, make reading lessons a time of adventure and joy. Keeping this attitude will encourage your student toward the joy attitude. Those older students who are poorer readers will develop a defense that can lead to bitterness or lethargy, affecting all of school for years to come.

3. If reading is a bore or a struggle, search for fascinating true information and read that together. Share your gratitude for the printed page that gives you astonishment or laughter.

4. The most important tip in all of teaching any subject to any age is: Know that God is good.

He created each for His own good purpose and glory. How I learn is not a mistake but a part of God's whole story. Imagine the Creator God choosing me for just my specific learning style. Realizing this leads to praise rather than complaint.

Bible

Keep reading it. Encourage individual reading, sibling sharing reading, family reading, study time. Keep reading. Reading small sections daily over many years can be VERY rewarding.

Reading the Bible regularly can be a great asset to your family and your school.

Consider these examples:

References: Eph 6:1-3, Ex. 20:12, Col. 3:20

Where parents are honored, the home is more at peace. Where did we get the idea of children listening to their parents, following their instruction and obeying their counsel? From Scripture, right? And do we find anywhere in Scripture that it profits us to ignore or violate instruction? So, when children disobey your assignment, you may want to ask them what they base their behavior on. Help them understand that God's love is the reason He writes His instructions.

References: Daniel 6:3, Col. 3:23, 2 Cor 8:7, Phil 1:8-10, Prov 22:29

Sometimes a student produces sloppy or unfinished work. Does the Scripture speak on this? Make sure when you are using Scripture to show God's way, that you do it with an attitude of love and humility. Encourage your student to discover in the Word the God who loves and protects them!

Love, Becky