Develop Your Approach

The Principle Approach to homeschooling looks at each subject from a Christian worldview. Based on the works of Rosalie J. Slater and Verna M. Hall, this approach seeks to teach using the methods of our founding fathers: using the Bible as our textbook and relating and applying God's Biblical principles to all areas of education. The seven principles associated with this approach include individuality, self-government, Christian character, conscience, government, local self-government and political union. You may come across different labels for these principles depending on the source. Lest you think this is merely a study of American history, these principles are applied to ALL subjects including seeing God's providence in world history. The idea is to ground our children in the Truth so they will become discerning leaders of character. This is a meaty approach but well worth the time to investigate. Among the things that stand out:

Biblical worldview. There is no better textbook than the Bible. Everything we need to know about how to live is contained within its pages. After all, isn't "how to live" that which we are attempting to teach our children? Take time to see God's hand in each subject you teach and share your worldview with your children.

Notebook development. Generally speaking, you won't find "fill-in-the-blank"-type work in the Principle Approach. Each student develops his own textbook by completing a notebook. The notebook includes vocabulary and applicable Biblical principles along with the student's thoughts and meditations. This is truly individualized learning!

4-R. The Principle approach uses the 4-R method of study: research, reason, relate and record. The 4-R method starts with researching God's Word to identify His principles on a topic, reasoning from cause to effect how the principles apply to the subject at hand, relating the applications to the student and recording the individual applications. The 4-R method of study is not just for our children, but also for us as adults desiring a more in-depth study of any topic and how it relates to God's Word.

Exploration. Never underestimate the value of providing your children with time to explore. Through their free time, we have an opportunity to see our children's natural bents and interests. Through "play" our children have an opportunity to explore and develop their interests and talents.

Further Reading

• American Classical Education
  Dr. Carole Adams explains why the "Lost Tools of Learning" were never really lost.
• Mastering the Leading Ideas of the "Red Books"
  "In the latest F.A.C.E. periodical, Principle Approach Education, the lead article created quite a reckoning among Christians concerned with a Biblical worldview... This study, the PEERS Test created by the Nehemiah Institute, calls us to confront the fact that it is difficult, seemingly impossible, for this generation to form a God-centered perception of matters of government, politics, economics, social issues, education, and public policy in the midst of a godless society." Article by Dr. Carole Adams
• The Principle Approach to Learning
  "It is America’s historic method of Biblical reasoning which places the Truths (or principles) of God’s Word at the heart of education." An explanation of the approach from The Foundation for American Christian Education (FACE).
• Research Tips Using the Principle Approach
  Notebooking and "4-R"-ing explained by Lori Harris.
• Yahoo Group: Biblical Principles
  "This group is dedicated to educating and mentoring those families who have braved home education and are looking to instill God's Word as the Heart of their homes and homeschools."