Name: CHEC Rocky Mountain Homeschool Conference
Start: 2025-06-12T00:00:00-05:00
End: 2025-06-14T23:59:59-05:00
Location: Denver, CO

This topic has 13 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 15 years, 11 months ago by amyjane.

Viewing 14 posts - 1 through 14 (of 14 total)

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June 21, 2009 at 10:31 pm
Pam H
Member
One of the things I like about the current curricula that I am using is its treatment in teaching worldview. Could you please share how you go about teaching your child to view the world?
Thank you.
June 22, 2009 at 1:04 am
CindyS
Participant
We teach worldview through the books we select. Lots of missionary biographies, church history literature, Voice of the Martyrs, to name a few. Then there are discussions that we have based on current events and applying the word of God. Francis Shaffer’s How Should We Then Live book and/or DVD series is good for older students and adults. My two oldest went through the Thinking Like a Christian course; they learned some stuff but felt like it was too “fill in the blank.” One major aspect of the cm philosophy is exposing the children to a liberal education, being with them as they learn, and seeing them make connections; it is a joy to watch.
Blessings,
Cindy
June 22, 2009 at 3:04 am
missingtheshire
Member
We have thoroughly enjoyed the DVD and book of Francis Schaeffer’s How should We Then Live – it was wonderful for our highschoolers. We also learn and teach worldview through the magazines we subscribe to and the books we read. We also have long interesting discussions.
June 22, 2009 at 4:19 am
Mamasong
Member
Hmmm… this is an interesting post. I never really thought of worldview as something that is taught on purpose, but rather something that is fleshed out within the life of a family/community as thoughts about existence and meaning are shared. Perhaps because it covers such a broad spectrum of ideas (knowledge, politics, economics, religion, culture, science, ethics, etc), I never considered it to be a “subject” in and of itself. After all, how does one teach opinion? Thanks for starting such an intriguing post!
Rachel 😀
June 22, 2009 at 10:07 am
CindyS
Participant
Rachel, I think that we’re on the same page, so to speak, as for teaching Worldview. The question was how do we do it and I and misstheshire tossed a couple/few things out there that are a part of our children’s education that could address the issue (excepting of course the one curriculum we did use). The fact is, as you know, everything we do, as Christians, is teaching Worldview (whether to those that are within our own homes and without, right?!).
I just checked Ambleside’s website and they do start teaching a subject called Worldview in high school. Also as one learns logic, government from a Christian perspective, citizenship, etc. he cannot help but pick up a ‘world view.’ For some, actually setting out on a course titled Worldview can help cement some things that they’ve been taught over the years, or assure the parents that it was taught. You know how sometimes you think, “I think they got it but let’s just make sure”?
I know what you mean, I’ve sometimes been struck with a sense of, ‘oh know I’m not doing that!’ when someone has asked what we do about Worldview. Then I realize, it’s there. I’m not sure I’d call teaching worldview opinion. Maybe perspective, though the terms standard and opinion could be mixed in there as we parents are teaching our children. I don’t know, it’s too early to think that deeply; what do you think?
Blessings,
Cindy
June 22, 2009 at 2:12 pm
Pam H
Member
Mamasong,
I’m not really thinking about teaching a child WHAT to think as much as HOW to arrive at an opinion. The children I have in mind are my olders. I want them to be prepared when they are bombarded with false doctrines from false teachers; equipped with an answer for what they believe.
Ideally, we would do this conversationally, gently. Maybe I can look forward to that with my youngers, using CM. My biggest concerns are for my 17 and 15 yo boys.
Cindy & Missingtheshire, I’ve heard great things about Shaffer’s HSWTL DVD series. Think I’ll check that out.
June 22, 2009 at 5:07 pm
caroline4kids
Member
I may change my mind, but at the moment I am planning to use the Cornerstone Curriculum, Starting Points and WVWW through high school. It is based on Shaffer’s works and takes its cues from the CM end of things. It looks very overwhelming, but I intend to use it as much as family study as possible and hopefully I can get some of the books on audio to follow along with the texts.
My only reservation would come if my children did community college for some hs which may mess up the schedule a bit, but I think a solid world view is more important than finishing early.
June 22, 2009 at 5:21 pm
Mamasong
Member
Cindy,
I think you’re right about “perspective” being a more appropriate term than “opinion” in this instance. I think this just happens naturally in our family, but I can understand why some families are more comfortable using resources which are geared specifically to this goal. Living within a post-modern, post-enlightenment culture certainly has its challenges!
Pam,
I completely agree with your statement “I’m not really thinking about teaching a child WHAT to think as much as HOW to arrive at an opinion.” I think after all is said and done, whatever helps strengthen your kids’ trust in Jesus is beneficial, whether it provides answers or compels them to action (or both). We have the Schaeffer’s dvd series if you’d like me to send it to you, we were planning on passing it along anyways so you’re welcome to it. Just send me a private message with your address if you’d like me to pop it in the mail 😀
Rachel
June 22, 2009 at 5:41 pm
Pam H
Member
Caroline,
I have heard good things about that curricula as well. I will look into that.
Rachel,
I sent you a pm. =)
June 23, 2009 at 1:11 pm
amyjane
Participant
I read this post yesterday and like several of you, I wondered how you really teach worldview from a school standpoint. The biggest thing I want to teach my children is HOW to use God’s word as a filter for all of life. I think this requires addressing two aspects. 1. teaching them how to study God’s word (early). They need to know how to dig into the word and study characters, topics, books, historical relevance and much more. They need to know how to correctly divide the Word of God. This keeps them from being dependent on someone else (parent/teacher/pastor) to do this for them. 2. teaching them how to learn to think about ALL things in light of God’s word. Really the only way we can train and teach this is by doing it. Asking questions such as the old WWJD, how do you think God views this person or situation. There are tons more but you get the gist. By the working of the Holy Spirit in each child’s life along with the countless questions that we ask them and the training of how to study the word – it can become second nature to stop and ask ourselves how God would handle this situation. How does God view the war, the election, health reform – and countless other situations. His word becomes our filter. At that point not only will we have taught our children a Christian worldview – we have taught them how to figure it out for themselves when we are not around to answer it for them. Not sure if this helps but I really think it is something we do in the context of daily life (as we go).
Amy
June 23, 2009 at 1:28 pm
Mamasong
Member
I couldn’t agree more, Amy!
Rachel 😀
June 23, 2009 at 2:24 pm
Pam H
Member
I completely agree as well, Amy. I guess I must be panicky. I’ve got only one year left with my oldest. I’m asking questions!
Did I do enough?
Will he recognize false doctrines?
Can he say ‘no’?
Who is this unteachable Know-It-All inhabiting my oldest’s body? 😉
I’m loving this conversation!
June 23, 2009 at 5:56 pm
CindyS
Participant
Yes, these are wonderful things to ponder! I know what you mean, Pam, I have a couple/few of my own know-it-alls. It is a good sign though, that type of personality; it denotes leadership skills. These are the children that will take a stand and be firm. Therefore, we pray fervently that they will take a stand for the right things.
I have found in my own life that I must beware during the latter part of homeschooling that I do not let the enemy whisper failure into my ear. You have been faithful. And where you may have failed, God has not; ever. I have often said that the hardest thing about parenting is the inability to change hearts. But then I realize the blessing in that because left to my own devices, I would likely encourage them into Cindylikeness rather than Christlikeness.
Now I have the joy 😉 of seeing my guys get put to the fire a tad (think matchstick size at this age, but fire still), and I’m watching and listening. I often have to tape my own mouth shut. I noticed the other day my 21yo son was talking about a subject and he was so funny because I was mute and it suddenly became clear to him that what he was saying was exactly what I would have said (which did, btw, line up with scripture). I noticed that he got himself into a bit of a pickle because what he really wanted to do was disagree with me *simply* because I’m the mom (do the mother/son dynamics ever go away?!). I just smiled and silently sent up a prayer of thanksgiving.
So we trust the Lord to guide them and hang onto the promise that the child raised in the Lord will not depart from the Lord. As we pray, fast when called, keep our own walk with the Lord a close one, are faithful in what he has given us this day to do, God will bring opportunities for us to see what miracles he can do in the lives and hearts of our children (even the know-it-all!). What a merciful act of God when we can appeal to the Holy Spirit in our children that are redeemed and say, “Can we just agree to seek the mind of Christ on this?”
Probably way over the top of what you were looking for, but it was on my heart after reading through these posts. Psalm 112 was a real encouragement to me this morning.
Blessings,
Cindy
June 23, 2009 at 9:11 pm
amyjane
Participant
Pam, I just want to encourage you from my personal experience. I did not grow up in a Christian home and while at college – God changed my heart. My walk with him has always been mine – not me living out my parents beliefs. But the reason I tell you this is that God redeemed me at the age of 19 and my life took a COMPLETELY different path than I could have ever imagined. He put godly women in my life who discipled me and taught me how to have a christian worldview by doing the two things I mentioned above. I so easily forget that I am not responsible for making my children holy, for making them love Jesus and want to live a life for them. All we can do is take part in the work of God and pray fervantly that He will bring our labor to fruition. God returned to me the years the locust have eaten and He has given me a new life with no help from my earthly parents. Yes, we are called by God to teach and train our children but He is responsible for taking that unteachable – knowitall teenager that is inhabiting your home – the one you have spent years investing your life, your knowledge of God and His kingdom into this son – and make his walk with God very personal. Trust our big God to do this. What a joy you have had to labor for your son’s life – now sit back and watch Your Father – who loves this son of yours more than you – bring it all to fruitition.
I realize that what I have said is way easier to say than do – my kids are 5 and 3 and I struggle with trusting God to make them holy – I can’t imagine sending them into the world away from me. But we so easily forget God’s commitment to make
His will happen. He changed my life apart from anything my parents did and He was faithful to put many spiritual mothers in my life to do what we get to do with our children. He will work out His will in your son. We just have to trust and ask!!! Hope this encourages you – sorry so long.