Homeschool Tip: Teaching Through the Holidays
By Cris Loop
http://www.ChristianPerspective.net
Opinions on how we should (or if we should) celebrate the holidays vary drastically among Christians. Some have huge celebrations, while others have virtually no celebration at all. Some of us glow with excitement when we think of the holidays, some of us cringe, and some of us don’t know what to do or think of it all. But regardless of your personal view or participation in the holidays, this time of year provides special opportunities for you as a teacher.
After all, like it or not, the sights and sounds of the holidays fill the air, so to speak. It is impossible to go anywhere or do anything without observing the changes in the environment around us. Why not take advantage of the season’s uniqueness to explore with your children new depths of God’s truths? There are hundreds of ways to use the season as a training tool with your children.
If you’re wondering where you could find time for this, let me just assure you that taking advantage of the season doesn’t have to take a lot of time. What you do can be adjusted to fit the time God has given you. I’ve also found that I often need to readjust my priorities so that I can spend the time I need on what’s really important-God’s kingdom.
Below are a few ideas to get you thinking about teaching God’s truths in new and refreshing ways through the holiday season. Of course, they are just ideas. As you read them, ask God to help you think of what might work for your family.
Looking up a scripture a day on God’s character with your children, writing out the scripture on special paper, and putting it in a box is an easy and meaningful way to prepare for Thanksgiving. Then on Thanksgiving have fun pulling out your scriptures and praising God for His character. Or you could hide the scriptures around the house and have your children go on a treasure hunt.
Decorating with Scripture verses around the house is another idea. Pick a theme and write out a dozen or so scripture verses on that theme. Attach them with removable putty over a few key light switches throughout the house so that you and your family can read them throughout the month. This activity only takes an hour or so, but it really helps the whole family ponder a concept. You can also count the activity as handwriting if you have your older children write the verses.
Doing simple plays and skits using old sheets as costumes can often help bring the Christmas story and its meaning to life. Younger children can act out the Christmas Story while Dad reads it aloud. Older children can design their own plays or compile the parts so that they can each read their character. Plays don’t have to be church productions to be meaningful.
Simple devotions can also help your family keep focused. An easy idea for the rest of November would be to cut out a handful of leaves from multi-colored paper and put magnets on their backs. Every day, write an attribute of God on each leaf and stick the leaf on the refrigerator. Ponder and think about that attribute and what it means for you. Or skip the magnets and glue your leaf each day unto a large poster-board tree.
Evaluate how to decorate your home and consider putting up your Christmas decorations slowly as you reflect on their significance. For example, pull out one character of your nativity scene a day, and read about/think about that character’s response to Christmas as you do. Ask God, How did this person respond to your message? And then, How am I responding to your message?
For older children, assign them the task of coming up with an encouraging family activity. This will force them to think about God’s message, pray, and apply a lot of skills.
While the above suggestions only scratch the surface of the limitless possibilities of ways you can teach through the holidays, I hope they will get you started. I’d like to bring this tip to a close with one parting thought. Be sure to ask God how to use the holiday season to teach your children more about Him. That is what you really want them to learn.
Meet Cris Loop
Cris Loop began officially homeschooling back in 1988. She initially felt unqualified to teach her children because she doesn’t have a college degree! God, however, gave her Isaiah 54:13, promising that He would teach her children. Over the years, she watched God prove Himself sufficient to teach not only her children, but her as well. Now that her children have both graduated, Cris can look back at her homeschooling years and share the lessons that God taught (and is still teaching) her. She helps operate an online ministry to homeschool families called Christian Perspective. Christian Perspective offers unique holiday devotionals, homeschool articles/resources, free monthly newsletters, and information on teaching math from a biblical perspective. Their mission is to help families “Seek the LORD, and his strength” (Psalm 105:4) in every aspect of life. You can find out more or sign up for their free newsletters on their website, www.christianperspective.net.