January 12, 2022 – Start with a Firm Foundation in the Bible for Your Homeschool

Take Our Homeschool Survey and Be Entered to Win (get the details)

Mercy Every Minute

Deborah Wuehler, TOS Senior Editor

Teach This Teacher

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline. My son, heed the discipline of your father, and do not forsake the instruction of your mother; for they shall be a graceful wreath upon your head, and a necklace about your neck” (Proverbs 1:7-9).

Am I the fool that despises wisdom? I’d like to say I am not, but does my agenda and the places I choose to spend my time say I am? Do I get through a whole day without spending time in the wisdom of the pages of Scripture? If so, I may be despising what I want so desperately for my children to grasp. If I, myself, am despising what it takes to find wisdom, this verse says that I do not fear the LORD. Painful truth, but we have a merciful God.

We have had all our children memorize this verse when they are very young. The first thing they hear when they are still toddlers is, “Listen and obey!” And though we strive for outward obedience, we sometimes neglect the little inner man of our children.

If they seem to despise wisdom and discipline, it must mean they do not know enough of the fear of the Lord. Their souls are hungry for Him!

To feed their souls the fear (awe, respect) of the Lord is to begin to teach them a love for wisdom and discipline.

As their teacher, does the daily instruction I offer my children reveal my priority in life is God’s Word? Or do I rely too much on man’s wisdom? Since they are receiving most of their knowledge from me, it is especially important that I know this fear of the Lord, and this Lord that I fear.

The cry of my heart is that He will teach this teacher, and that I will really learn what true knowledge is. For it is only when I am able to heed the discipline of my Father and cling to His instruction for me that I can reveal to my children, in all that I teach, that everything we need for life begins and ends with Him.

My desire is not merely to have children characterized by outward obedience or even good works. My goal is higher. My goal is beautiful children in the inner man of their hearts; children who know the fear of the Lord.

Looking ahead, let us resolve to give Christ the preeminence in our curriculum planning, class scheduling, and daily sustenance of Wisdom. Let us resist letting academics or worldly knowledge come first. Let us resolve to love the Lord with all our heart, mind, and strength—every day.

Here are some articles from The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine to help with that.

Bible Study in the Busyness by Kendra Fletcher
The Bible in Stories: An Easy Way to Teach Your Family by Kathleen Conway
7 Tips for Teaching Preschoolers the Bible by Alyssa Liljequist

“Lord, please teach us, the teachers of Your children. We want to know You. We want our children to know You. Reveal Yourself to us that Your beauty would become what we wear, and Your wisdom become our food. May we come to You daily as our Master Teacher and learn from You.”

~Deborah

As Christian parents, we are responsible for imparting a biblical worldview to our children (Eph. 6:4). Bible instruction must begin in the home (Deut. 6:7)! Homeschooling provides a unique opportunity for generational discipleship (Psa. 78:4).

Our homeschools should not neglect any significant subject; however, we must prioritize the Bible (Psa. 1:2). God’s Word provides the way unto salvation (2 Tim. 3:15) and lights the path for godly living (Psa. 119:105). These topics are the most urgent for our children’s well-being and should receive much attention (Psa. 119:9).

Thankfully, resources and methods of teaching Scripture abound. Of the many techniques, Scripture memory is one of the most effective. Scripture memory is an ancient discipline that causes your children to meditate on the truths of God’s Word. Deep meditation through memorization brings meaningful, personal contact with the Word that lasts a lifetime (Psa.119:15-16).

The prospect of memorizing with your children might seem daunting at first, but don’t be overwhelmed. Scripture memorization will look different for each homeschool. Vary your technique and expectation based on your child’s age, temperament, and spiritual standing.

A great way to get them passionate about memorizing is your personal example. Your children want to be like you! Leverage your influence for godliness. Adopt Bible memory as your life habit. They will watch you and be more likely to embrace the spiritual discipline (Phil. 4:9)!

Would you like to start memorizing in your homeschool but aren’t sure where to begin? Let us help you! Scripture Memory Fellowship offers a Bible survey memory course called SwordGrip. Comprised of three volumes, SwordGrip features the foundational memory passage of each book of the Bible. Follow the link Swordgrip and enter coupon swordgrip20 at checkout for 20% off your order of three or more flipbooks.  https://scripturememory.com

Help your 9-12 year-old read and comprehend the Bible! This book summarizes important stories to gain understanding and love for God’s Word in your child. www.bakerbookhouse.com

Take part in the most recent homeschooling survey conducted by The Old Schoolhouse® for a chance to win a De’Longhi All-in-One Combination Coffee Maker and Espresso Machine (US only). All participants also receive a gift worth over $200!

Todd Wilson

Familyman Ministries

You Gotta Put it in Their Heads

Right now, I feel about as ready to start a new year as a homeschool mom is to jump back into the school routine.

And considering the way I feel about starting a new year, a topic like, “Bible study as a priority” sounds daunting.

So from an overwhelmed and foggy mind, let me just say, if you believe that knowing God’s Word is important for your children, then make it a priority in your homeschool. Now, I certainly don’t presume that all your children will be little theologians, excited to dig into the Scriptures as they mine out deep spiritual truths. But I do believe that God keeps His promises . . . and one of his promises is that His Word will not return void (KJV). That means that if you diligently put it in your kid’s head, he’ll do something with it. But YOU’VE got to put it in their heads. To do that, you have to make it a priority. If you don’t, it will get squeezed out and replaced by other things.

I think that’s one of the reasons my wife always does Bible time first in our homeschool day. Not only does it begin the day right by focusing on the things God focuses on, but it makes it hard for it to get squeezed out.

So before I go, let me encourage you to make the most important things a priority. That also means if you have to choose between Bible and Math on any particular day . . . choose Bible.

Be real,
Todd

PS – Wanna start the year out right? Pick up the 365 Day Homeschool Mom book or the 365 days of Smiles daily calendar. They’re sure to keep you focused on what matters as you homeschool your children. Check them out now.

Roger Smith

Parenting Matters Now

Pillar of Knowledge
Roger Smith – Where is My Bible?

The Bible, when not read in schools, is seldom read in any subsequent period of life.

-Benjamin Rush, signer of the Declaration of Independence

Books have a profound impact on us, on the way we think, and on the way we live. Because this is true, we should include the Bible as a key resource in our home education as you enrich the lives of your children. It will enlighten their understanding of the ways and character of God. I implore you to lay the foundation of your education upon both the teachings of the Bible, as well as upon the Bible itself in interesting and practical ways.

Consider these ways:

• Have your child memorize a short psalm to quote to the grandparents (and their friends).
• Practice writing by copying passages of Scripture.
• Having one child read some Old Testament stories aloud to their siblings while they are doing chores. (1 Samuel or Esther are good ones.)
• Enroll your child in a Bible memory program. The positive peer pressure helps him grow in his knowledge and use of the Bible.
• Use a child-friendly version of the Bible to make it easier for the younger ones to read, or to follow.

About the author

Dr. Roger Smith is a family doctor in rural Louisiana, where he and his wife, Jan, raised four adventurous children who are all grown, making their own mark in the world. He speaks and writes on parenting issues and produces brief videos that can be found on Facebook @ParentingMattersNow.