"Reading one of the articles about education in one of the magazines my sister-in-law gave me has provided me with a new goal. Presently I aim to give the children three opportunities in our little homeschool every day as I am able: 1) something or someone to love, 2) something to do, and 3) something to think about. The article simply stated that this is what education is all about. ... I've tried to lead them to respect the elderly in their neighbourhood and give gifts to those who are struggling with hard times. The reading of good books as well as their nature study provides them with something to think about. As far as something to do, last ironing day I showed them how to make window decorations by ironing colorful leaves between wax paper. Another day I showed them how to save the seeds from the marigold flowers that had finished blooming. The children folded paper to make their own seed packets, and before these homemade envelopes were filled with the little black marigold seeds, they were decorated on the front with a drawing of the flower. Certain elderly neighbors on the block were happy to receive these packets when we came to call."
~ Taken from Pocketful of Pinecones: Nature Study with the Gentle Art of Learning, authored by Karen Andreola
Lately, the goal presented in the words above, I've found myself thinking about over and over again, pondering how to make it more of a central part of our homeschool day. I decided to turn to a fresh page of my home journal and pen a list.
Three Opportunities Each Day
1) Something or Someone to Love
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. ~ Matthew 7:37-39Love Family
~ helping
~ sharing
~ encouraging
~ giving
~ spending time with
Love Community
~ volunteering ...
~ practical giving to neighbours
~ encouraging notes, cards, gifts
~ being prepared to give to the poor ... always
~ visiting animal shelters
Love the World
~ Compassion, World Vision, Relief and Support Services Canada
~ Global Prayer Digest
~ Voice of the Martyrs
~ jar for "Love Money"
2) Something to Do
And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. ~ Colossians 3:17~ art
~ food preparation
~ chores
~ self chosen project
~ gardening
~ handiworks
~ gift making
~ physical activity practice
~ drawing nature
3) Something to Think About
[W]hatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things. ~ Phillipians 4:8~ good books
~ table talk discussion questions
~ missionary stories
~ current events
~ news articles
~ science
~ nature study
~ artist study
~ composer study
What goals do you have for your homeschool day?
