We recalled that our biggest concern as a group was self-discipline and shared how that's been going.  But, this topic has to do with question 2 on the interest inventory...."what concerns you most about yourself as an educator?"  The two we tackled during the May '02 meeting were curriculum choice, organization, and insecurity.  We decided to focus on curriculum organization and leave other organizational skills for later in July.

"Animal School" was read from the pages of Homestyle Teaching by Raymond and Dorothy Moore.  In the story, animals are graded for their performances, just as children are graded for their performance in school.  A, B, C, D, or F are the "grades" awarded to animals in the story (and children in school).  These grades did not take their gifts into consideration and they weren't allowed to specialize by developing their gifts.  Their weaknesses were measured instead of their strengths.

This is similar to using "Mapquest" for directions:  no accurate times, MQ doesn't know vehicle condition, budget or when you might need a bathroom break, leg stretches or change in scenery.  All of these are symbols of learning styles, giftedness, and daily life situations on our learning journeys. 

Curriculum choice depends largely on our philosophy which outlines our goals.

We need to look at the resources available in order to devise methods for using these resources.

The Moore's share how philosophy helps outline goals which help us find resouces that in turn provide us with methods for teaching and learning with our children.

Psalm 139 and James 1:2-4 are helpful reminders to help us in this process.

"Philosophy is our idea of truth and whether it is relative or absolute."

-What is Truth?  JESUS!

-How did Jesus think?  Like God!

Wisdom is thinking God's way!  The Bluedorn's remind us that we go from knowledge to understanding to wisdom.

Proverbs 4:7 "The beginning of wisdom is:  Aquire wisdom;  And with all your acquiring, get understanding."

Psalm 111:10  "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments; His praise endures forever."

James 1:5-6  "But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.  But let him ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind."

Proverbs 24:3-4  By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; and by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches."

Who is famous for wisdom?  Solomon.  How did he receive it?  In I Kings 3:3-14, he asked for understanding and discernment.  In II Chronicles 1:7-12 he asked for wisdom and knowledge.  He did this out of his desire to lead God's people in the way they should go.  As parents we are concerned with leading our children in the way they should go.  SO!  PRAY FOR WISDOM, UNDERSTANDING, AND DISCERNMENT BEFORE MAKING CURRICULUM CHOICES!!!

As for goals:

Proverbs 9:1  "Wisdom has built her house she has set up her seven pillars."

Various homeschooling authors, including the Bluedorns and Marilyn Howshall have outlined their suggestions on acquiring wisdom.  We talked about how helpful their articles, books, and websites such as http://www.homeschooloasis.com have been for many of us. 

According to Barb Shelton, the seven pillars are:

*Knowledge of God and His will

*Close (Intimate, active) relationship with God

*Preparation for Roles in life

*Preparation for Specific Life Calling and Purpose

*Character Development

*Equip with Tools to Learn for Life

*Basic Foundation of Knowledge to Function in Society

You can find her helpful article at http://www.homeschooloasis.com/art_wisdoms_7_pillars_of_true_ed.htm.

We talked about the things that help in these areas.  First, we can read Proverbs and have Bible studies/devotions with our family.  Our actions and service (and our children's) help demonstrate the growing relationship we have with God.  Doorposts curriculum and Beautiful Girlhood were suggested for helping prepare children for their roles in life.  Don and Katie Fortune have helpful books for helping prepare them for their specific life calling based on their spiritual gifts.  Using videos, practicing manners, and Vision Forum's catalog were suggestions for character development (Shepherding a Child's Heart was also a suggestion).  Dorothy Sayers' "The Lost Tools of Learning" was suggested as a reminder for equipping them with the tools to learn for life.  It wasn't until the seventh pillar on the list that we even got to the 3 Rs and the "etc." of learning!  Maybe we've had educational priorities out of order?

"For the sole true end of education is simply this:  to teach men how to learn for themselves; and whatever instruction fails to do this is effort spent in vain."  -Dorothy Sayers

***Sometimes, even thoughtful scope and sequence suggestions by curriculum publishers and various authors don't fit our family or one or more of our children.***