Real Life Experiences
A line from a video we recently watched grabbed my attention, and I had to think about it for a while. But the more I thought about it, the more it lined up with true learning and the importance of life experiences. The line went something like this: “So much of what I see in life reminds me of something I read in a book, when shouldn’t it be the other way around?”
Think about that. Too often we settle for second-hand information, passively soaking up what another person has learned through personal experience but never experiencing for ourselves. Books are wonderful resources and provide almost limitless streams of information, but nothing can replace real life experiences. The learning that we experience first-hand sticks with us and gives us a foundation on which book learning can build. Now, obviously, some things are better not experienced first-hand, but in realms of common sense and the laws of the world God has made, real life experience is invaluable. Let’s look at just two examples: nature study and living math.
Nature Study
It’s easy today to spend the majority of our lives inside man-made boxes called houses or buildings. And it’s easy to keep the children inside too. We all too infrequently get outside to observe and interact with God’s creation up close and personal. Spending large amounts of time outdoors, observing and interacting with nature, lays the foundation on which future science lessons can be constructed. A child who has carefully watched a colony of ants gathering and storing food is naturally curious to learn more about them and can readily relate to Proverbs 6:6-8, which exhorts lazy people to learn from the ants’ ways. A child who has spent hours playing with and experimenting with the water in a nearby creek has a definite advantage when studying the scientific laws that pertain to water. They just make sense, because he has experienced them first-hand.
A pleasant way to encourage nature study is to take at least one afternoon per week to go outside. You can vary the locations if you’d like, but get outside for a while. If desired, go on a nature walk. A nature walk isn’t a structured lesson time; rather, it is a pleasant stroll through God’s creation with an eye toward interesting natural “finds” along the way. As the child discovers something new or curious to him, have a little field guide handy so you can look up the name of his new “find” together.
As the child grows, give him a sketchbook in which he can draw illustrations of his “finds” and label them. Training a child to draw what he sees (not what he thinks something should look like) is a great way to develop the habits of careful observation and full attention. We keep our sketchbooks, colored pencils, regular pencils, and four small field guides in a zippered tote bag that we take on our outings. The four field guides help us identify trees, birds, flowers, and insects.
I love Charlotte Mason’s sentiment: “Never be within doors when you can rightly be without.” Let’s take our children outdoors and experience often how God’s creation displays His power and deity!
Living Math
“When am I ever going to use this?” Did you ever say that when you were studying fractions or algebra? It is a natural desire in all of us to experience learning in real life situations. Math is another subject that makes the transition easily from real life to books.
Encourage your child to use math in everyday situations like shopping, cooking, sewing, gardening, or carpentry and construction. You can start with something as simple as “You may have two cookies” and count them together, and gradually advance to something more complicated like doubling the measurements in a recipe, figuring sales tax or discounts, or calculating how much wood is necessary to build a shed in the backyard. We use math every day; make sure your children realize it and regard it as a natural part of adult life.
Remember the three-pronged approach to academics: real books, real people, and real life experiences. Keep your eyes open for all three kinds of opportunities and you will be giving your children a wonderful education!
Q & A
Q: How can I do nature study in inclement weather?
A: Good question! Inclement weather is a great way to experience the changes in the seasons first-hand. Obviously, you’ll want to make sensible adjustments to your clothing, but don’t let less-than-perfect weather keep you indoors.
That being said, I grew up with Midwest blizzards and I realize that in some regions it’s very difficult to spend time outside all year round. But you can still do some nature study if you have a filled bird feeder outside a main window and a pair of binoculars. Check with a local wildlife store or pet store to find out which kinds of seed attract which kinds of birds in your area, then provide the buffet and prepare to enjoy the feathered guests that appear. It’s such fun to hear your children progress from calling each guest a “bird” to recognizing a “tufted titmouse” or a “house finch” on sight!
Q: I’m not that great at math; how can I make it a natural part of everyday life?
A: I think two of the most frequently used math components in everyday life are counting and measuring. If you focus on those two relatively easy concepts, you’ll have a good start on living math. In many families, the dad is better at math. What a great opportunity for him to get involved in the children’s education and share one of his strengths with them! And don’t forget the value of learning together. If you’re not sure of the how-to’s of measuring, for example, find a book at the library or search the Internet for the basics and learn them right along with your children.
