Q What does it look like to apply, “Educating in the Lord’s Way” to my family’s home learning?
Brother Jan E. Mewman said:
“First and foremost, take it upon yourself to learn all you can about the Master Teacher Himself. How did He show love for others? What did they feel when He taught? What did He teach? What were His expectations of those He taught? After you explore questions like these, evaluate and adjust your way of teaching to be more like His.
Jan E. Mewman
Yes, teach like The Master. But it takes a lifetime to become like Him. Still, it’s okay to be “similar’ to Him where we are right now.
I have gathered some of my favorite teaching strategies and I share them with you now:
PREPARE TO TEACH
The Savior knows what your children need to hear and Learn. Study and ponder the lesson material. Highlight those concepts you feel inspired to share with them. Pray for the Spirit to be present in your homeschool so that your child’s capacity to learn will be increased. Change your lesson direction as dictated or impressed by the Spirit.
HELP CHILDREN DISCOVER
When teaching your children, don’t lecture. Ask questions. Listen. Encourage them to talk. Be a facilitator or a guide to help them actively learn. Help them to discover principles and concepts for themselves.
INVITE THEM TO ACT
As your children learn, invite them to act on what they have learned. This is especially applicable to gospel principle – but can be applied to every aspect of their learning. Encourage them to testify of the things they learn.
ALLOW THEM TO TEACH
“Tell me and I’ll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I’ll understand.”
This famous quote illustrates perfectly, the concept of teaching. Involve your children in the teaching process. Give them opportunities to prepare and share lessons with family members. Encourage them to lead uplifting discussions that will draw out feelings and share knowledge.
SHOW THEM YOU LOVE THEM
“They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”
Love is the key. Demonstrate your love for your children often during your teaching. Be patient. Listen with love and respect. Develop feelings of respect and love in your home.
“Where love is, there God is also. Where love is… we want to be.”
Create a homeschool where your children want to be… and where they love to learn.
