Learning "In The Moment"

Last night, the boys and I were riding in the car when all of a sudden, out of nowhere, Abraham says to me, "Mom, I wish I knew what my stomach looked like on the inside!" As he said this, I was reminded of something I had read that Michael Pearl had written. He had said that a child can learn more in one "teachable moment" when he is interested in a particular subject than many hours doing something he isn't the least bit interested in. So, with that in mind, I said to Abraham, "Well, we can certainly find out by getting on the internet and looking at some pictures of our insides. Would you like to?" "Oh, yes!" was his excited reply.

Well, he didn't forget, and when we got home, he headed straight for the computer. We spent approximately an hour perusing different anatomy pictures, skeletal pictures, and some real-life organ pictures that made our tummies turn, yet it was great. We had so much fun! I am convinced that this "delight-driven" learning is truly a wonderful way to teach your children. Pouring into them when their curiosity is at its peak in a certain subject or area just seems common sense, yet we so sadly neglect taking the time to teach in the moment.

So, learning can be fun. It doesn't have to be all textbooks and worksheets. Learning should first and foremost be a lifestyle. As I begin this new homeschooling adventure, I need to realize that its really not a new adventure at all, just a little different adventure. I've been "homeschooling" my children since they were born, teaching them to say words, ride their bike, sing songs, learning scriptures and many other things.

I better get to bed soon. Who knows what curious question they may come up with tomorrow. And I need to be on my toes!