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The Homeschool Minute ~ Todd Wilson

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How do I balance building character and academics?    

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The Familyman

We’re in the midst of a big dig-out here in northern Indiana. To my children’s delight, we got some BIG snow. We played out in it yesterday, but today the temperatures have plummeted and it’s bitterly cold. It’s too cold for playing outside, although we did spend some time trying to get our big van out of the driveway. It may be awhile before we can use our other vehicles.

I declared today a snow day as did all the schools in the state … allowing us to put off the real world for at least another day.

It’s sad that the “lie” that “school days” only occur when “school” is in session has been so ingrained into our thinking. How stupid is that? The truth is school and learning really do take place 365 days a year. That’s not just something I say to be “quaint.”

It’s also been beaten into our heads, to the point that we have trouble believing otherwise, that academics are every bit as important as character and godly living. It’s just not true. We try really hard to balance the two areas, but we almost always lean toward the academic side.

We would never say that, but here’s how it happens: school needs to get done, you feel behind, your kids seem dumb; so you push hard, get frustrated, yell, threaten–all for the sake of “learning.” You thought you were just focusing on academics, but the truth is, you are always teaching character, and here’s what you inadvertently taught them:

School is more important than everything.

Kids are a pain and make everything hard.

You (the mom) can’t smile unless your child pleases you by being smart … and they’re not smart; that’s why we have to work so hard on this.

Forget about all that stuff we read out of the Bible about not getting angry and being kind to one another. Just learn, learn, learn!!!!

On the other hand, guess what your children learn about character when you play in the snow with them? You tell me, which one matters more?

It’s time for a snow day … even if you live in south Florida.

Be Real,

Todd

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Our world continues to grow in complexity and uncertainty. Despite the challenges in today’s world, there are two essential areas for us to guide our children to ensure they have the best chance to reach their hopes and dreams: academics and character.

The statistics are clear about the importance of an academic education to enable our children to reach their potential. Despite this overwhelming evidence about the importance of education, we have all experienced the disastrous impact when leaders in business, ministry, or public service have a great academic education, but lack character in the conduct of their responsibilities. The importance of strengthening character along with an academic education is a “winning” combination for sustaining a life of positive impact.

How do we do both as parents and educators? Here are a few steps to consider:

  1. The instruction of academics should be reinforced with the importance of character. Without the demonstration of character traits like discipline and commitment, most students will not achieve academic success. As parents, when we provide academic instruction, we should reinforce the instruction with the necessary character traits that will ensure success. “Learning a second language is important to succeed in a diverse world and it will not come about without strong commitment and determination” is an example of speaking to the importance of both.
  2. Reinforce the importance of character in successes and failures in the academic journey of our children. “You set a great example of perseverance by overcoming a slow start in math to then finish the year with an A” is an example of reinforcing character in everyday academic results.

The consistent application of these small steps will ensure our children grow in appreciation of the importance of academics and character in reaching their goals.

Character Creates Opportunity

David Esposito, Managing Partner, Harvest Time Partners, Inc.

David has developed award-winning resources under the brand Character Creates Opportunity®, a character-development initiative designed for all ages. He is the inventor of Abundant Harvest®–families, schools, counseling programs, and faith-based organizations nationwide enjoy playing this patented and award-winning conversation game. It opens the door to more productive dialogue and encourages decision making based on such principles as honesty, loyalty, and commitment. David provides support to individuals, families, and organizations on a variety of topics.

You can contact David at david@harvesttimepartners.com or by calling (877) 786-4278. Visit www.harvesttimepartners.com to learn more.

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The SchoolhouseTeachers.com team knows you want to teach your children more than how to spell or how to add and subtract. You want to teach them how to live. Many of our classes provide tools to help you weave character building into your academics. Let us show you some examples:
  • Home Economics relates an orderly home to an orderly heart.
  • Classical Archaeology explores various ancient sites from the Bible and history.
  • Everyday Epistles equips your family with a method to memorize the entire book of Philippians in twenty-eight weeks.
  • Geology and Everyday Astronomy study the earth and heavens from a creation science point of view.
  • Family Fitness connects what you learn about a healthy body to a healthy spirit.
  • Social Justice challenges teens to take a closer look at human slavery and then do something about it.
  • Units such as Simply Shakespeare, Everyday Easels, and Literature Kits weave Bible references naturally throughout the material.
  • Asia: Trade Route Safari looks at the wondrous animals God has created and also looks at the history and lives of people in Asia, including those who are persecuted for their faith.
  • Schoolhouse Spelling and Everyday Copywork incorporate Scripture into copywork.
  • Our newest Daily, Joy in the Morning, gives moms a daily dose of encouragement and humor to help equip them to tackle the challenges ahead.

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We will keep you in our prayers as you continue this bold journey the Lord has you on.”

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“I am amazed at the number of times I open The Homeschool Minute newsletter and have the opportunity to read EXACTLY what I need that day! Thank you so much for putting a real face on homeschooling.”

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Liberty Twp, OH

“Only just this past week have I seriously checked into the content of the SchoolhouseTeachers.com site … May I just say wow?!”

  –Janelle Chille

Mason City, IA

“I really enjoy reading all the THM articles. I learn a lot from Todd Wilson’s column. [He’s a] funny guy who speaks the simple truth! Thank you very much!”

–Charlene

Brandon, FL

“I look forward to THM every Wednesday. I really enjoy Deborah’s articles. For some reason, it must be God, she always writes about what I am needing to hear. Her ability to put scripture and God in the middle of all her articles keeps me coming back. I recently have been enjoying the Youngs’ [articles] because I have a young man (10) in my house. The encouragement of the Youngs is fabulous. I thank God for parents like them that pave the way for parents like myself and my husband.”

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 Glen Burnie, Maryland

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“Thanks ever so much. I love the encouraging articles! I really loved the list of 25 all in one place. Nice to have this little bit of “free” encouragement in my mail. I don’t have funds to subscribe or purchase frills and with also working more than half time I don’t have time to search it out. May God bless you exceedingly.”

–Teresa, rural Kansas

“I absolutely love Todd’s column. He always seems to put things in the proper perspective, and it keeps me from getting all stressed and anxious. Thanks Todd, and thanks TOS!!”

–Johnne Orelchikov

East Texas

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