Friday 8 July 2011

Transfer of a way of life

"The most important fact about the subject of education is that there is no such thing.
Education is not a subject and it does not deal in subjects.
 It is instead the transfer of a way of life."
 - G. K. Chesterton
I've been thinking about this quote of late and thinking about what the word has to say on this subject and realise that he is quite right.

And you shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you rise up. (Deut 11:19)

I have been evaluating our way of life, and deciding exactly what I want to transfer to my rose Sir N. It is amazing what happens when we sit back and take an inventory.
  • I have allowed the Butler Television to supervise Sir N far too much during the week along with Sir DVD player. 
  • I once again have lapsed into allowing him to think he is the center of the universe and needs his every care seen to immediately.... 
  • Room time has disappeared somewhere over the horizon (need to retrieve it soon)
  • Too much indoor time and not enough going for walks for the pleasure of being out together
  • Allowing him to choose and dictate rather than me being director of operations
  • Chores ( I think it's best we don't go there ....)
 Looking this list over I realise it's time I started addressing these issues and taking charge of the direction of the way of life I really want with him. It is so easy to let things slide and for bad habits to form.  I am pleased for this time which has allowed me to make an inventory, so that things become clearer and I am able to take charge and change direction.  I realise that having a little bit of down time this week has certainly helped by creating some time for me to sit and think things over. I think that I should schedule time to evaluate more frequently in future.  I am feeling quite satisfied as it has helped me to refocus and pray.

What way of life are you transferring to your family ?  What values are you subtly conveying to those in your charge ? 






PS: I have created a current reading list tab and Curriculum tab for you to see what I am planning to do over the next 18 months with Sir N and which books we are using from our home library, Sonlight, friends and the library.

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3 comments:

  1. ohh so relate.
    currently re-reading Smooth and Easy Days (free ebook at Simply charlotte Mason) and reading lots of CM's quotes on habits. good 'kick' for me. blush.

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  2. EDUCATING CHILDREN...I sit here with a smile on my face this evening. We are all far too busy with all the modern technology and seem to think it’s very important that our children should be up there with it all. The basics of training up a child in the way he should go is right at the bottom of the list and respect went out the back door. TV is the most convenient instruments in which parents today allow their children to sit at and play games and listen and learn garbage so the parent can get on and do what they have to do around the house or for peace and quiet. The behaviour of children is picked up from the games and TV shows they watch. We need to take back what the devil is stealing from our homes and play with our children, take them out doors and not Wii games, teach them to skip and kick a ball and lastly sit at the dining room table as a family where you pray and give thanks for what you receive before they eat dinner. This is prime education where a child learns discipline, respect and love of a family that cares for their wellbeing a safe haven and knowing they shelter under the shadow of the most High God. Your reward will be great for you will have taught them well. That scripture from Deuteronomy 11:19 is one of my favourite verses about teaching children. Do it for in verse 21 says That your days and the days of your children may be multiplied in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers to give them as long as the heavens are above the earth.

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  3. Beautifully said. Nods head in agreement with all you have said. =)

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