“Hear, Yisra’el: the LORD is our God; the LORD is one: and you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.
These words, which I command you this day, shall be on your heart; and you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up.
You shall bind them for a sign on your hand, and they shall be for symbols between your eyes.
You shall write them on the door-posts of your house, and on your gates.”Deuteronomy 6: 4-9
From this, it is my understanding that we, as parents are to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness…and then to teach and lead our children in that too.
The Hebrews didn’t separate knowledge into divisions of spiritual and then secular. Rather, they saw that the main aim of education was to train the whole person for service unto God. It is because of this that our family has the aims that it does- that we use the methods that we do.
We aim to do a few things each day. The most important one is to read God’s Word. And to pray- to talk and listen with God. Ultimately, to become hearers AND doers of the Word.
Along with this, we have some other goals for our family although we recognise that these don’t need to be accomplished in one year!
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- Read through the Bible twice.
- To learn how how to use resource tools-to use study materials such as, concordances, lexicons, and dictionaries.
- To learn the flow of biblical history and geography.
- Learn of Proverbs and practical wisdom
- Learn about the life of Christ and develop a relationship with Him.
- To learn about the story of God’s kingdom on earth- the history of the church.
- To learn correct doctrine (teachings).
- Become hears and doers of the Word!
We don’t simply want our children to grow up and be ‘good’ rather we desire that they mature to be Godly. So, what methods do we use or *how* do we try to see this happen? By going back to that passage in Deuteronomy 6.
- Moses taught the Israelites the commandments of God. So, we try to establish family rules and live by them.
- To have a vision for our children but also of their children…
- To know and live that children are a blessing from the Lord.
- To love and worship one God- to make decisions that may cost us yet keep our priority as serving God.
- To keep our hearts and minds centred on His Word.
- To teach God’s ways and commandments to our children…with the way we live our lives and also by our relationship with our children. Talk or discussion, which happens as part of a relationship, is vital. There is a time for formal teaching and a time for informal teaching.
- To hide God’s Word in our heart and mind. We can do this through the books we read, music we listen to and even the things we put in and around our home.
Resources that we use and find helpful
The Heart of Wisdom site is huge but it is also a wonderful, amazing resource. Even if one doesn’t purchase or use the Heart of Wisdom unit studies, the wisdom and the nuggets that you’ll find at the site are more than enough! Robin, the writer of HOW, likes to share blessings and she has quite a few freebies at her site.
Another homeschooling family has really blessed me in helping me to see what is truly important. Marilyn Howshall wrote about the true purpose of education in Wisdom’s Way of Learning.
Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron oversee the ministry called, Way of the Master and I find their word to be straight-forward, hard-hitting but oh, so true…honey for the soul.
John has sat under the ministry of those at New Creation Teaching Ministry for quite a few years. . . such solid teaching! This message has influenced our lives more than any other. Most, if not all, of their books are available for free as a download or you can purchase through Koorong.
We are also going through some good books. One of them is a catechism style and it is called, “Training Hearts, Teaching Minds” by Starr Meade. This book is like a devotional based on the Westminster Catechism. I find it is a most enjoyable and understanding way to learn about the doctrines of the church.
Another great read and study is a simple book called, “The Stranger on the Road to Emmaus” by John Cross. This is an excellent book and we are using it as a family as an overview of the whole Bible. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get this book at either Koorong or Word but did manage to find it for free download here.
There is a wonderful presentation of God’s Story for you to view and read with your family ~ From Creation to Eternity. Do check it out!
Other helpful articles
The Duties of Parents by J. C. Ryle
Heart of Wisdom’s Bible Reading Plan and helps
Another Bible reading schedule from Fruits of the Vine
Chronological Bible reading Schedule
* The websites that I have linked to do not directly and wholly represent our beliefs and we we could consider it wise to exercise caution when viewing any pages on the WWW, even this one. Prayer, study and discussion with one’s spouse is always recommended.
