I thought I'd take a few minutes to share what we are doing this week. As I had to explain to my brother, we are tad behind in the number of days (180), but then we are always learning something, right? So we are still 'doing school' this week.  About a year ago we did an abridged version of the Obedience unit from Konos out of the older book. Since having the updated book, I hadn't looked at the Obedience unit until today. WOW was I shocked at the way it was organized. Definitely better than the older version. So here's what we are focusing on this week.

 

Konos: General Week 1 of 1

Bible: Hebrews 12:9-11~because the Lord disciplines those he loves. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Examples: Adam & Eve (Genesis 2:15-17; 3:14-19)

Definition: Obedience is being willing to do what one is asked

Objectives: Knowing whom to obey; knowing how to obey; realizing there are consequences for disobedience

Vocabulary:  disobedience; consequence; punishment; discipline; sin; wages

Books: "The Book of Virtues" by William J. Bennett. I'll be looking at the Self-Discipline section and pulling appropriate material. "The Children's Illustrated Bible" by Selina Hastings (A Dorling Kindersley book). " "The Little Book of Obedience" 31 Daily Devotionals "Egermeier's Bible Storybook", story 2, "The Story of the First Earth-Home" "Pinocchio" from Childcraft, book 1, Once Upon a Time. Our local didn't have any "easy books" for Pinocchio for the boys. Thankfully I already had one.

We read about Adam and Eve’s disobedience from Genesis 2:15-17; 3:14-19 from the NIV. Then we discussed how God had given an instruction and also the consequence of death. I briefly talked about how God didn't have to give the consequence at the same time He gave the instruction. Reviewed about what the instruction was (not to eat the fruit of the one tree) and what was the act of disobedience (eating the fruit from the specific tree) and then the consequence (toil by the sweat of the brow, etc.)  Also, Joshua read aloud to Caleb and myself from the Beginners Bible, the story "The Sad Day".

Have your child pretend they are the parent and write a list of rules for the children. Have them explain the reasons; what happens if they disobey; and the consequences

Read the books: Curious George Rides a Bike; Peter Rabbit; and Corduroy: were they just curious or were they disobedient?

What are the rules in our house?

Make a sign with the family rules on it; frame it if possible

Design a point system for approved and disapproved behaviors in your home. See example below

Make different signs for in-house rules; in-car rules; outside rules; public places. Explain how & why those rules differ. Set up consequences for each

For younger children, work on a behavior chart (for example, immediate, cheerful, thorough obedience) by using a Velcro “thermometer”. On a sheet of poster board, tape a vertical length of white Velcro. Cut out a red construction paper circle for the bottom of the thermometer. Give your child a jar of Velcro squares. Whenever they obey in a submissive way, have him add a red Velcro square. When the thermometer “mercury” reaches the top, reward.

 

Give rewards at the end of the week (e.g. 5 points earns a yogurt cone; 10 points, having a friend over to play; 15 points, a video or special event).