The Top 5 Things Children Should Learn This School Year

The beginning of a new school year is exciting.  In You’ve Got Mail, Tom Hanks told Meg Ryan that he wished he could send her a “bouquet of newly sharpened pencils.” What an awesome idea!  Of course, this is coming from the lady who slept with a can of Crayolas as a child.  When you walk by the school supplies sales, it gets my heart pumping.

What I love most about it is all that potential. When you have fresh school supplies, you can almost smell the possibilities. You never know what genius things you will use them for.  The sky’s the limit.  You could learn about almost anything–and design a fancy project to show it.  

Reading, math, science, history…it’s all important.  Those brand new school supplies are great tools.  But what do I really want my kids to learn this year? More importantly, what does God want your kids to learn this year?  Perhaps the things my kids will be learning are, in fact, not the things that can be demonstrated with a bunch of school supplies.  Here are the Top 5 Things Children Should Learn This School Year…

1. Children should learn that God is in it all.  God is real.  This is a biggie.  It all starts here.  Though I didn’t start homeschooling for religious reasons, most of our curriculum is now Christian.  It’s a huge blessing to see how God is the key thread woven throughout science, history, and everything else.  Without Him, it would all come unravelled.  For those that don’t homeschool, family Bible studies can help reveal these concepts.

God is the key thread woven throughout everything. Without Him, it would all come unravelled. Click To Tweet

We are currently studying Answers Bible Curriculum for Kids [With CD (Audio) and DVD ROM].  Though I have been a Christian most of my life, I am  learning right alongside my children. It’s exciting to see evidence that God really is who the Bible says He is.  I want my children to know that God is real, not just something their crazy Mom taught to shelter them.

2. Children should learn that they are unique and wonderfully made.  I have at least one child who struggles with self esteem.  All my kids are special (as I am sure yours are too).  I so wish I could give them a glimpse of what I see in them.  I need to tell them and show them.  I want to see their confidence soar, not so they can be arrogant, but so they will face challenges head on.  

For you formed my inward parts;

you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Wonderful are your works;

   my soul knows it very well.

My frame was not hidden from you,

when I was being made in secret,

   intricately woven in the depths of the earth.” Psalm 139:13-15 ESV

3.Children should learn that they will always have cheerleaders.  God is the biggest cheerleader.  

The Lord your God is in your midst,

   a mighty one who will save;

he will rejoice over you with gladness;

   he will quiet you by his love;

he will exult over you with loud singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 ESV

After Him, comes us.  I have to keep my cool, even when frustrated.  We are here to build each other up, not tear each other down. I need to make it known that everything I do is designed for their ultimate success.  

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV

Even the saints are cheering them on.  What a picture for a child to grasp!

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Hebrews 12:1 ESV

Even the saints are cheering our kids on. What a picture! Click To Tweet

4.Children should learn that they are blessed and need to be thankful.  Grumbling doesn’t do us any good and it doesn’t please anyone.  There are places where children go to work or hunt for food instead of going to school.  We are all blessed indeed!  

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV

Grumbling doesn’t do us any good. Click To Tweet

5.Children should learn that it’s not all about them. When my son was little, he had the privilege of being in a sports league called I AM 3rd.  Their philosophy was, “God first. Others second. I am third.” This could be a life motto!  Selfishness comes naturally.  We have to model selflessness and provide opportunities for our kids to serve.  

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4 ESV

God first. Others second. I am third. Click To Tweet

This isn’t a list to sit on a shelf and ignore.  If we really want to make this happen, we need to pray for it daily.  We need to fuel ourselves with God’s word so that we have the strength to demonstrate these things when life isn’t all roses.  We must be intentional as we choose activities and order our days for not only what is good, but what is the best that God has for us.  

What do you want your children to learn this school year?

 

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