by Yvonne Strachan

“What is the point?”

This is one of the most common questions children ask about academic study. Thank God for this question! It presents a valuable opportunity to reflect on and convey the true purpose behind your home education efforts.

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise (Deuteronomy 6:5-7 ESV).

Since God’s Word is relevant to every area of life, we must effectively disciple our children through their academic studies.

Home Discipleship Through Language Arts

I remember the first year when I started homeschooling my oldest child. Initially, I thought I would only ask her simple questions about the stories she read to help her recall what happened. I did not anticipate asking deeper questions to encourage her to think about the characters’ situations, their reactions, and how these relate to what the Bible teaches. These deeper critical thinking questions have significantly impacted my efforts to disciple all my children throughout their educational journeys.

Teaching your children to read, spell, and write is the first step in helping them become effective communicators. As they grow, you can guide them in finding reliable information on different subjects and evaluating it in the light of biblical truths. As your children learn to research and write this way, they will formulate opinions based on the unchanging word of God. They will also sharpen deep reasoning and clear communication skills, which will empower them to intelligently and unwaveringly address the issues we face in culture today.

Home Discipleship Through Math

What we often do not realize is that humankind did not create math. These mathematical laws existed before us, originating from God in the beginning. This realization can inspire a sense of awe and wonder, emphasizing the profound connection between mathematics and the underlying logic and structure of the universe. To illustrate this concept, we can incorporate mathematical calculations in our children’s science lessons to demonstrate the enormity of the universe and inspire awe at God’s infinite wisdom and creativity.

Even when we feel the monotony of day-to-day math problems, we must help our children understand that math is not just about learning facts and formulas. As our children learn new mathematical processes, contemplate missing information, and understand the relevance of ifs and thens, they also learn how to think through problems systematically and logically. We can help our kids light up in wonder and excitement while studying math as we point out God’s intricate geometric patterns that reveal formulas like the Fibonacci sequence in nature while observing snowflakes, seashells, and more.

Finally, we can show our kids the relevance of math as we serve through various activities, such as grocery shopping or measuring ingredients while cooking a meal for a neighbor. 

Home Discipleship Through Science

As we teach our children science, we must consider that human presuppositions impact how we observe and understand the world around us. Therefore, we can highlight different perspectives on nature and examine varying interpretations of its evidence.

As Christians, we must understand and embrace a biblical perspective of creation, considering all aspects of life within the context of God’s creation, humanity’s fall, and our salvation through Jesus Christ. Therefore, we can examine discrepancies that are widely accepted by the secular scientific community as we point out that the evidence actually aligns with the Bible. For example, we can question the secular scientists’ explanation of dinosaur tissue remaining pliable for millions of years or how polystrate fossils (leaves, tree trunks, and marine life) span through multiple rock layers. 

Additionally, we can point out how science can be used to help others and glorify God. For instance, meteorologists can utilize data from weather stations to create computer models incorporating temperature, wind, and other factors. This data helps them predict the area that might be affected by an approaching hurricane, enabling them to provide preparedness and evacuation recommendations to residents in the potentially impacted area.

As you work through experimentation and discussion, your children can develop an understanding that science is not the foundation of truth; rather, it is a tool to help us better understand God’s truth and use wisely the resources He has given us. 

Home Discipleship Through Civics and History

Studying history allows us to delve into the intricacies of human behavior and the far-reaching impacts of societal decline. Delving into the intersection of Bible study and historical analysis enables us to discern evidence of God’s grand design within the ascension and downfall of various civilizations. It becomes apparent that societies prosper when they embrace faith and uphold God-aligned values, whereas those who deviate from this path lose the safeguard of God’s protection. This historical exploration provides profound insights into how people’s perspectives, ethical frameworks, and fundamental beliefs mold societal transformation and discord. It also reveals that despite advancements in academia, societies can succumb to moral decay, greed, and violence. Such reflection underscores the significance of comprehending our inherent God-given rights and freedoms and the importance of opposing governmental intrusions encroaching upon them.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight (Proverbs 9:10 ESV).

So, what is the point of academic study? It is not for our children to amass knowledge so that they can live a consumer lifestyle. The point of academic study is to help our children recognize that God is the foundation of all life and knowledge and to encourage and equip them to combine their knowledge, gifts, and compassion to serve others and glorify God in all they do!

Your homeschooling friend,

Yvonne Strachan

P.S. How have you discipled your children through academics? Please share your story in the comments below!

Did you miss last week’s blog post about home discipleship outside of academics? Read it here!

About the Author: Yvonne Strachan

Yvonne Strachan is on a mission to inspire and empower parents as she and her husband disciple their children, including one who has special needs. She is the author of the book Inspirational Homeschooling, writes blog posts, and has had her articles published in magazines. She also supports the homeschool community by interviewing others as a radio show host. Drawing from her professional experience consulting with parents who are educating their children at home and teaching homeschool art classes for nearly a decade, Yvonne co-founded a home education support group in her community. What joy it brings her to combine all these passions as she serves homeschool families with CHEC!