Todays blast from the past was written in Jan, 2006. The daughter that I talk about is now 19 years old.
Narration and discussion have been a cornerstone of our family’s learning style and I just wanted to share something that happened the other day.
Miss A (14 yodd) came to me yesterday as she wanted to ‘discuss and debate’ some lyrics of an album that she wants to purchase. Miss A has learned that lyrics and a performer’s lifestyle are very important to me- I look at more than the genre of music.
As we sat and discussed the lyrics of some songs I asked her if we could read some hymns out loud, to which she happily agreed. The difference that she could see is that the hymns are straight out- one doesn’t have to ‘read between the lines’ in order to grasp what is being sung whereas her songs had a special meaning that could be ambiguous UNLESS you knew the story behind the songs. She then went on to research articles, interviews and quotes from the band, which proved to be very beneficial to both of us. (I can see that some songs are performance based, while others are more directly for worship – participatory, not performance)
Not only could this be documented as an academic lesson (worldview, research, debate, reasoning, etc) it was more a life lesson as well as relational building. It drew us closer together so that she continues to feel free to bring anything to me (her words). Throughout this she is learning how to apply God’s Word to her daily life! I’m seeing that she is allowing God’s Word to shape her worldview. Wahoo! is anything more exciting than that?
I’m convinced that the early years of narration, leading on to discussion has helped keep our lines of communication open and in turn, allowed her to verbalise her thoughts as she goes through a thinking process.
Just wanted to share this little happening with you all and encourage you to keep focusing on narration and discussion with your children.
I loved those days when my 2 would come to me, look for guidance, and actually value my advice/input. Where have they (those days) gone? I miss them…
Yes with itunes being so available it is necessary to teach the impotance of the lyrics. My son 14 also is checking the lyrics with me before he purchases. In fact it has become a whole sibling debate. Is that line acceptable etc. I think narration forms a great habit of communicating ideas.
Smiles
Thanks Susan! I will persist with my “narrations” around here:)
Well said Susan. I love the way you helped her learn how to dig deeper and learn all those life skills. I also love the ground work laid in our relationships by narration. Ds , 19tyo, calls me from all those far away places he is traveling to, every few days to just share what he has seen and learned. I am constantly amazed at the insights he comes out with and the articulate way he expresses it. This from a booy who wanted nothing to do with writing and reading fiction–those language arts were a seemingly dead aspect of our learnig time but, now he is a storyteller and some days I wish I could write it all down. I love that he actually asks my opinion sometimes. The key to your story seemed to me that you didn’t lecture her but invited her to hear and see it from your viewpoint and then let her make up he own mind. such a gift. Thank you for sharing the story.
Delighted to meet you today. Growing two little learners in my home as well. I hope you don’t mind if I splash around a bit to get to know you. This looks like a delightful spot to slip off my shoes and drench myself in God’s goodness.
Splashin,
Sara
Hello Sara,
Lovely to *meet* you. You have a gorgeous blog with even more beautiful content! Love your literary (splashin’) theme 🙂
I only have two at home with me now as my two older girls have finished being home educated (not that we ever finish, it’s more of an attitude than a destination eh?).
I hope you find something of interest here… although I mainly bumble along, sharing my walk (its ups and downs, rights and wrongs) with any and all who are willing to listen.
Blessings,