Wisdom

I spent this summer vacation actively teaching my kids, more so than any other year.

One of the resources I just started using is a workbook from Heart of Wisdom Publishing titled, WISDOM: An Internet-Linked Unit Study
by Robin Sampson.

We have only been using the book for two weeks now and are still on the first chapter titled, Choosing the Wise Path.

Each chapter uses a four step approach, Excite, Examine, Expand, Excel.

The Excite portion gets you interested in the topic.

The Examine portion uses scripture to teach us about the topic (God's Wisdom) and suggests additional resources to read; books and interactive Internet resources. Many of the recommended resources are older books and not easy to find in our local libraries. They do show how to purchase them on-line. It seems modern literature is not suitable to teaching on this subject. Many of these books look like great additions to a home library, especially for homeschooling parents.

The Expand portion is research or project work that allows the student to write essays, make charts, and do critical thinking.

The Excel portion summarizes what we have learned and shows us how to apply it in our own lives.

So far, we have learned the difference between Lady Wisdom and Mistress Folly, read Proverbs 2,3,4,14, made a consequence chart, painted a picture of the two paths we can take and what is waiting at the end of each one, read Numbers 11:1-12 and made a Chart of their unwise decisions and consequences, read the book of Esther and understood her wise decisions,and wrote our own prayers asking for God's wisdom.

The program is geared for 7th thru 12th grade but my 6th grader is doing just fine. I just change things up a little to accommodate her. There is just so much listed in the book to do and you can pick and choose what works for you.

I am learning right along with the girls. We've been blessed to have other resources unknowingly support our learning, too. When we are traveling in the car, I always have Christian Radio on and last week Nancy Leigh De Moss had a few segments on the wise vs. foolish woman. Also, right after the girls wrote their prayers asking God for wisdom, my 6th grader was reading in her Red Rock Mysteries book, and Ashley in the book prayed to God for wisdom. There have been other connections, too. It's been amazing to see how God is building this information in layers in the hearts of my daughters.

I'm sad to see the summer go and the school year to start. I will miss our learning together, our projects, and our conversations. I will miss seeing my daughters hearts changing and growing right before my eyes. Learning is not just about gaining head knowledge but also about heart transformation. We will continue with the book but now we have to do it in between homework, school activities, youth group activities, etc.

I hear many moms say, "I can't wait for school to start, the kids are on my nerves and we just need time apart." I use to think the same thing this time of year, but not so this year. I really will miss the girls and our precious time together. I wish they didn't have to go back and we could continue to learn together.

Our next chapter, Worldly Wisdom. I can't wait.