This method of learning and teaching... it has taught me how to dig for Yahweh's Truths in things (ideas/philosophies, actions, etc.). It's testing everything against Scripture. The Principle Approach form of classical education is a Hebrew form and it's in stark contrast against the Greek classical education which is also referred to as *western thinking.*
The Hebrew form of classical education is all about learning in the way which the youth in Scripture did. Learning to think with a Hebrew mindset is different from what many of us have grown up with and are still learning in our culture today. It's lovely. It's Biblical. It's life-changing... because we are in the Word of God every day to find out what He says, what He wants, to test things to see if they can stand fast against the Scripture's teachings- to reason from Scripture.
The 4R Method/ Principle Appraoch
Research
 |
| Webster's 1828 Dictionary is on the left and the Bible is on the right. |
Research...
to seek diligently for the truth...
to search again; to examine...
Each time we do this, we learn something new! And look what we learn about when researching (searching) in the Word!
In Acts 17:10,11 we learn about the Bereans:
"And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so."
These were more noble...
They received the word with all readiness of mind...
They searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so...
This is beautiful!
Using the 4R method helps us and our children to be like the Bereans! To search the Scriptures- whether those things were so.
The main resources we use for this first step are:
An idea/philosophy or action to test against Scripture.
Webster's 1828 Dictionary
The Bible
Reason
Webster's 1828 Dictionary
1. That which is thought or which is alleged in words, as the ground or cause of opinion, conclusion or determination.
2. The cause, ground, principle or motive of any thing said or done; that which supports or justifies a determination, plan or measure.
Learning to reason from Scripture is something we need to be able to do. The important thing, I have learned, is to do this according to how the Hebrews did vs. how we tend to with our western thinking. Again, there is such a contrast between these two philosophies.
It's also about learning how to set ourselves aside- to be willing to be accepting of what the Scriptures do say. This can be difficult; sometimes we become emotionally attached to an idea we've grown up with or prideful about what we believe or have understood to be correct. The key thing to keep in mind is that we all have fallen short of the glory of God. The beautiful thing about all of it, is that when we do learn the Truths of God's Word and practice living it out, we truly are transformed!
Relate
Relate...
To tell, to recite...
To bring back; to restore...
To ally by connection or kindred...
Back in the day, Scripture was passed down orally. It was told from Moses' seat. For me, I see that it brings us back... it restores us to the Truths of God's Word.
It goes deeper...
When we look up the key word ally we learn:
Webster's 1828 Dictionary:
1. To unite, or form a relation, as between families by marriage,
1. To unite, or form a relation, as between families by marriage,
Do you see? When we relate to Scripture, we are united. We are family... adopted in... grafted on to that Cultivated Olive Tree which Paul teaches us about in Romans 11. Or as by marriage... Scripture is about this beautiful picture called a marriage covenant. Yeshua is the bridegroom and His body of believers are the bride.
How is what Scripture teaches relevant today- in our culture, in our lives personally? What does this mean... to be a follower of Yeshua? What does it truly mean to walk in His ways? These are truths we must seek out.
Record
"Reading maketh a full man, conference a ready man, and writing an exact man."
Sir Francis Bacon
- Do you like to journal? I do! Sometimes I simply write my thoughts (using artist variations of letters of course- because that's just how I am) or sometimes include some are into my journal.
- Isn't this journal lovely?!! My dear friend Anna-Marie Hawthorne made it. I gave her descriptions of colors I like, texture, style, etc. and what she came up with her artistic vision is perfect for me. She creates some of the loveliest journals. I can't recommend her handiwork enough! If you're interested in having her create one for you, you can contact her at Principled Mom by clicking here. *Her prices are very reasonable. (This is not an affiliate link.)
-
- While keeping a journal is a good practice, there is something even more important for this last step of recording. Did you catch it in the definition?
- Webser's 1828 Dictionary:
2. To imprint deeply on the mind or memory; as, to record the sayings of another in the heart. - To record the sayings of another in the heart...
- The sayings of the One True God of the Bible...
- ... is there anything greater?
- This is... poetry. There just are no other words.
- Blessings,
- If you like this, you can find more homeschool helps by following my Homeschool Helps board on Pinterest.
Be certain to read other posts for 5 Days of Homeschooling Essentials by TOS Members.
#81. Erica @ Be The One
#82. Ellen @ Grace Tells Another Story
Day One
#83. Jenn @ Treasuring Life's Blessings
#84. Christine @ Our Homeschool Reviews
#85. Michelle @ Delightful Learning
#86. Sharon @ Life With the Tribe
#87. Hillary @ Our Homeschool Studio
Day One
#89. Melanie @ FinchNWren
81. Erica @ Be the One
82. Ellen @ Grace Tells Another Story
83. Jenn @ Treasuring Life’s Blessing
84. Christine @ Our Homeschool Reviews
85. Michelle @ Delightful Learning
86. Sharon @ Life with the Tribe
87. Hillary @ Our Homeschool Studio
88. Melanie @ FinchNWren
89. Brittney @ Mom’s Heart
- See more at: http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/5-days-of-homeschooling-essentials-blog-hop/#sthash.CBhFLvRQ.dpuf
82. Ellen @ Grace Tells Another Story
83. Jenn @ Treasuring Life’s Blessing
84. Christine @ Our Homeschool Reviews
85. Michelle @ Delightful Learning
86. Sharon @ Life with the Tribe
87. Hillary @ Our Homeschool Studio
88. Melanie @ FinchNWren
89. Brittney @ Mom’s Heart
- See more at: http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/5-days-of-homeschooling-essentials-blog-hop/#sthash.CBhFLvRQ.dpuf
My Wonderful Team for This Series:
#81. Erica @ Be The One
#82. Ellen @ Grace Tells Another Story
Day One
#83. Jenn @ Treasuring Life's Blessings
#84. Christine @ Our Homeschool Reviews
#85. Michelle @ Delightful Learning
#86. Sharon @ Life With the Tribe
#87. Hillary @ Our Homeschool Studio
Day One
#89. Melanie @ FinchNWren
81. Erica @ Be the One
81. Erica @ Be the One
82. Ellen @ Grace Tells Another Story
83. Jenn @ Treasuring Life’s Blessing
84. Christine @ Our Homeschool Reviews
85. Michelle @ Delightful Learning
86. Sharon @ Life with the Tribe
87. Hillary @ Our Homeschool Studio
88. Melanie @ FinchNWren
89. Brittney @ Mom’s Heart
- See more at: http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/5-days-of-homeschooling-essentials-blog-hop/#sthash.CBhFLvRQ.dpuf
82. Ellen @ Grace Tells Another Story
83. Jenn @ Treasuring Life’s Blessing
84. Christine @ Our Homeschool Reviews
85. Michelle @ Delightful Learning
86. Sharon @ Life with the Tribe
87. Hillary @ Our Homeschool Studio
88. Melanie @ FinchNWren
89. Brittney @ Mom’s Heart
- See more at: http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/5-days-of-homeschooling-essentials-blog-hop/#sthash.CBhFLvRQ.dpuf
Heather, this is wonderful! It's so hard to get away from a Greek mindset and embrace a Hebrew one instead. Yet, it is so essential to understand the Bible! Excellent!
ReplyDeleteIt definitely is a process of re-educating ourselves and retraining our thinking. What greater comprehension we gain from it though- a true renewing of the mind! :-)
DeleteI really like these 4R's and will definitely keep it in mind in our own Bible studies here. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThat's great to hear, Erica! The 4R method can be applied to any subject. It totally enriches our studies! :-)
DeleteThank you so much for this clear explanation of the Principle Approach. I've heard of it over the past year but never knew exactly what it was. And I loved your mention of the Bereans; I was just telling my hair stylist about them yesterday!
ReplyDeleteYou're so welcome, Melanie! It's such a lovely and enriching form of education. ~Thank you for the feedback. :-)
Deletelove the 4R's in your post. We also have an 1828 Dictionary and love using it in our homeschool..
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lynn! Isn't Webster's 1828 Dictionary the best?! It has been such a blessing and an integral part of our education. :-)
Delete