We are pretty eclectic around here. No one curriculum 'style' or 'method' defines us. We just pick and choose based upon interests, requirements and much prayer. We have been chugging right along in our home school this year, our third year. We made many mistakes in curriculum choices but as my wise oldest son says, "Hey! Anytime I get a chance to learn, it isn't wasted. I enjoy learning."
This week we were moving right along through Monday and Tuesday doing the same ol', same ol', when Wednesday rolled around. We decided that since we were heading into Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday, and the Jewish people were celebrating Passover--what better time to 'slow down' and focus on Jesus, IN SCHOOL, the next three days. Amazing how He provided in that first day.
We started by reading from our Easter devotional booklet that we received from our church. We began to discuss Passover. My children are fascinated with History, particularly Christian and Jewish History. What better time to slow down than here and discuss?
What started as a research/writing assignment, turned into so much more. I asked the older boys to prepare a paper on Passover. Page one was to be notes and brainstorming, page two was their notes, page three a one page research paper on Passover using as many resources as possible (we have an almost seminary size library of tools), and finally--page 3--find Jesus in Passover. They were to use direct quotes from the Bible in all sources primarily.
As the boys began writing, many discussions sprang forth that ebbed over into every 'subject' imaginable. History-Jewish, Christian and secular. Science--unleavened bread, yeast, astronomy, and fungus. Math--calculate how many years it has been since the first Passover. Bible-praying for understanding, reading together-our 5 year old even read several verses, using study tools appropriately, and searching for Jesus in the Old Testament. Language Arts- reading and writing. Learning to cite sources and use footnotes. Life lessons- we live in an ever changing society. Rules change daily. Opinions change daily. Even the age of the earth changes almost daily. There is ONE constant and that is God and His Word. Before they 'leave the nest', I want them to be able to be like the Bereans who searched the Scriptures daily. I want them to know that their God never changes and even when things go haywire, He is constant. He is the same yesterday, today and forever.
It was an amazing discovery in Unit Studies. We had tried this route before with some other things, but this just sprang forth out of nowhere. No curriculum. No pre-made plans. Just a discussion on the importance of Jesus and what He truly did for us. He truly lead us and guided us through this and even dad was impressed! He even read some articles on Passover last night. True blessing! Not just academics, but rooting and grounding our children in Scripture.
We enjoyed this so much that I hope to utilize this type of learning, springing from our Bible readings, more often. It is a welcome and blessed break from the routine of day to day work.
Jmes 1:5~ If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given to him.
what a great way for the children to learn about the Savior! keep up the good work.
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