7 Pillars of a Quality Education: Part One

This is part one of a 7 part blog post series, taken from Joyce Burges’s book, “Teach Me How To Teach My Child”, available on Amazon.

Through my years of homeschooling, I realized that as parents we are the only ones with a vested interest in our children’s future.  The Bible encourages us to be wise for ourselves.  We acquire quite a bit of material and information for our families, however, we must be wise to “cut out” from among all of the data what is true, just, and especially what will give our children a good foundation for a successful life as an adult. 

Of all the things we give our children, time is the most valuable.  So, whatever we teach them through workbooks, living books, videos, etc., we must remember as our children grow up to lay certain foundations and set strong pillars for their lives. Proverbs 9:1 says: “Wisdom hath built her house; she hath hewn out her seven pillars.”  An educational experience must begin with a simple desire, a desperate cry for help, and total dependency on our God to show us the path of wisdom.  I would like to share with you my experience about the seven “pillars” that I came to see as essential for my children.    

Teach Your Children That You are a Guide

The Spirit of God is our guide, truth, and our true vine.  As parents, we are to abide in the vine and bear fruit.  It is our duty to keep the standards and to walk in greater love for the sake of our children.  We are to lead them into learning, revealing the absolute good to them and teaching them to refuse evil.  When choosing a curriculum, decide which one offers the same values you have and upholds your family’s convictions, remembering that curriculum should build a relationship with you and your child.  Guiding your children through their educational process requires patience and wisdom.  Be kind and maintain a sense of cheerfulness as you learn to work with your child’s learning style. Avoid anger and consider patience as you direct your child’s learning.  Lead them into learning by being sensitive to their progress and their success.  

Remember, each of your children is different…so adapt, adjust, and be flexible to their needs.  Work with your children to bring out their individuality and find what best suits each child’s learning style and draws from them their creative interests.