Preparing to write another post in my series on mathematics, words neatly underlined in pencil arrested my thoughts. These words meant enough for me to highlight years ago, but they have more application today in the midst of my unofficial practicum.
A teacher must teach a subject from his own understanding of that subject. This premise is true in both the home and the school. The most deadening way to ‘teach’ is to hand a textbook or workbook to a student with instructions to sit down and do a certain lesson or certain number of pages per day. This method impedes both the imparting of a love of the subject, and the wonderful fellowship of teacher and student together learning the works of God.
Doesn’t that address the purpose of education? I want my children to have a love for the subject, not as an end in itself, or as a checklist of facts, but as a means of relationship with God and others. The relationship inspires. The time spent seeking, wondering, finding, and creating brings a smile, a memory of discussion, and a realization of the discovery. What young child doesn’t want to share what she knows? Think of the first time she sorts the blocks by color, or writes her name. She excitedly calls you close for praise. Her heart’s whisper is almost audible, “Mommy, I am learning to speak your language. Are you proud of me? Do you love me?”
Now it is my turn. I learn the language of subjects I may not particularly enjoy or understand to teach my children. An unashamed quest for applause no longer applies, but I do have a valuable audience though small in number and size. James Kilkenny advises:
The teacher who is deficient in a subject that he must teach has an opportunity to demonstrate love of learning and self-education. He can no more impart the knowledge of some learned textbook writer than David could slay Goliath with Saul’s armor. Each teacher must use his own sling and five smooth stones, his own knowledge, ability to learn and to ‘lead in advance of others.’
It is impossible to become a master teacher in every subject. However, I can learn the principles of each one and give my children a foundation to build on for the rest of their lives.
Using the stones from my soul, I draw my little ones close. Which stones are the most effective, the most powerful? I don’t know exactly, but I suspect it’s the brightest, smoothest, and heaviest. In my worn leather bag that stone is love: love for my children and love for the creation of God. It is the foundation stone. Everything else will build on that.
Quotes are found in A Guide to American Christian Education.
Share This
You have sooo convicted me. Math was always a weak subject for me in school and though I loved learning to add with my son in 1st and 2nd grades, now he’s into a lot of repetitive practice and mastery. I’ve allowed him to run with it for that reason, and also because I’ve needed more time for his sister. It’s become a task instead of a learning experience. Uhhgg. Though I’m convicted, I’m still not sure how to master teaching it. I’m going to start with sitting down with him again as he works on it, but as I think I’ve shared with you before, PA’ing math (to me) is like pulling teeth! None of the “behind the concepts” stuff sinks in to me. It’s sort of like I “know” it, but I don’t care–which is terrible because I really do, but it overwhelms me! Whew! Can you tell how pathetic math is for me! LOL We use RightStart which we love, but the practical me can NOT figure out how to combine PA and RS. Oh my.
BTW, I love you’re stone illustration. You have a beautiful way with words, my friend!! :)
Blessings,
Melissa
Well, I shared your post on my blog. I hope you don’t mind!! :) Only nice things!!!
Melissa,
There is a time and place for practice and mastery. Math is both an art and a science. The science is understanding numbers and the art is knowing how to work with them. Our children have to practice, and we cannot do that for them. We cannot teach our children everything, and I don’t want to. That is the job of the Holy Spirit. My desire is to inspire a love of learning and delight in the discussion of their realizations.
I use RightStart, as well, and as far as adding biblical principles we just discuss them when they come up. Usually, at the beginning of school year we talk about why math is important, and then I ask questions throughout the year. Not as Principle Approach as you might think, huh? ;)
This morning as we were singing “Better is One Day in Your Courts” from Pslam 84:10, I was reminded that the moments are important. One inspiring discussion goes a long way in educating our children. It may not happen in every single subject every day, but even once a week is better than never. The seeds we are planting need time to grow. They are planted one by one and the first step is keeping the soil soft in our own hearts.
This may just turn into a follow-up post. :) Thank you for the discussion. Who knew God would use math to expose the weeds in my heart?
What a timely reminder for me, Renae. I’ve grown to love math and I so want my children to enjoy it not just for its practical and foundational value, but also for its own sake. But it’s a love-hate relationship with me and so I tremble at the task ahead each time it comes to that subject. What you have written certainly is good cud for chewing over. I love to “feast” on your thoughts (my anti-spam word, btw:). Thank you. Miiko
Renae, you have really changed my perspective on math. It’s always been a so-so thing for me. I’m pretty good at it but never found much pleasure in it but now my view is really changing.
There is something for you here: http://www.rainsmusings.com/2008/01/bloggy-award.html
Excellent post! I’ve never liked math either. It’s just not something I enjoy doing.
And thank you for commenting on my political post. I am looking forward to seeing how this all turns out.
Jocelyn
Miiko,
I am still growing in my love for math, but I’m sure you can sense that. :) I’m glad that you are slowly chewing what I write and not swallowing it right away. Some of it is only fodder as I process what I’m learning. Be sure to spit out what you can’t use. ;)
Sincerely, thank you for the encouragement. We all need it, don’t we?
Rain,
Thank you very much. I am trying to change my own perspectives, too. I know that math is valuable and reveals the glory of God, but I have to remind myself constantly. That means I have more work to do to internalize it. Blogging is good for that. :)
Jocelyn,
There is work in math that has a reward of itself. I enjoy the process of creating art more than math, but I am beginning to see the beauty in numbers, too.
I am glad you are looking forward to the election. Honestly, I’m not. I fear the direction our country is going, but I choose to put my hope in God. He is working in the lives of men and nations. May he raise up a generation who love liberty more than their lives!
Renae, you’ve answered well the objection that many have to homeschooling: how can you teach a subject that you’re not an expert in? The James Kilkenny quote was perfect. “The opportunity to demonstrate love of learning and self-education.” Awesome!
I came over through Melissa’s blog, and we were discussing this just last night. This is a wonderful thought provoking post. While I don’t struggle as much with Math, I can easily apply these words to other subjects…Science…I am challenged by my own need to self-educate so that I can be adequately prepared to teach my kids. So often, I’d rather just teach off the cuff, but it doesn’t work when I don’t know about the subject myself!
I’ve enjoyed my visit, and am subscribing to your rss feed. :)
Grace and Peace,
Angel
Jennifer,
Thank you. I actually hadn’t thought about it from that angle, but you are right. It reminds of people like Benjamin Franklin and Abraham Lincoln. They taught themselves to be experts. Being self-educating is more valuable than reciting trivia.
Angel,
Thank you so much. I enjoy knowing who my regular readers are, so welcome! Please join the discussion anytime. :)
I am glad you see other applications. My natural bent is not towards math or science, but I wonder how much I would have learned if a teacher had really shared themselves with me during those subjects. Physical science was a bunch of experiments that I didn’t understand. I finally stopped doing them, because they were group projects, and I did all the work for the group. But that is a post for later. ;)
I think that not knowing the answer every time is valuable, as well. We can search out the answer together. If our children see us learning, it will inspire them. I want Bug (my ten year old son) to understand that learning is for life, not just until school is over.
Excellent post as always my friend! I so agree – the more I study out the Biblical purpose and principles of each subject the more excited I get and then I just cant wait to share my findings with my kiddos! I love when we can enjoy these exciting finds with each other. Just brings a joy to education for us that workbooks and boring textbooks followed by a test of the facts never did for me growing up.
Thanks for the comment on my sight. I’ve been away for a week and just catching up.
Renae,
I’m behind in by blog reading a bit, but I just wanted to let you know that I think you have composed a beautiful post here. So much depends on relationship, doesn’t it?!
(And I use RightStart Math as well – it has surpassed my expectations for helping me understand and teach math. I love it!)
Awesome quotes you’ve pulled out (and applied).
“It is impossible to become a master teacher in every subject. However, I can learn the principles of each one and give my children a foundation to build on for the rest of their lives.”
My sentiments exactly!
Pingback: The Homeschool Blog Awards » Carnival of Homeschooling: One Room Schoolhouse Edition at the HSBA!