Kid Insulation

21 July, 2008 - 15:26 — nancyg

"I grew up in a cave." or at least that is what a least one of my friends at college thought. So it kind of became my mantra for a few years anything I tried to convince him that I was a good little girl that really didn't know much about the world. I may have been naive and unexperienced, but the more I learn about the world the more I'm not sure that I wan to know.

http://www.happynews.com/news/952007/protecting-children-insulation-vs-i...

My Mom emailed me this article - this is a particulary interesting topic to me because I homeschool my kids, but I don't feel like my kids are isolated, especially not compared to my life, "in a cave." I am providing good insulation for my kids.

Case in point, Isaac was pretending to be preganant yesterday with a baloon under his shirt. Emily told him that boys can't be pregnant, but Isaac retorted that he saw one on the news that was pregnant. This turned into a great discussion on how the news (and other worldly organizations) try to confuse us either deliberalty on inadvertantly. We discussed General Mills box tops program. I said it is "good" that they want to donate to schools, but it a huge waste of time for people to cut out little boxtops, send them to school to be collected, counted, rewarded, and to receive a little amount of money for the huge amount of time. Wouldn't it be better for the people to donate some money, and some time with students than cutting out cardboard.

After they understood this concept I returned to pregnant men. I explained that it was really a girl, who was pretending to be a guy, that was pregnant. I explained that it is one thing for kids to pretend to be Mom's or Dad's because that is how they learn about the world, but that sometimes adults get mixed up and pretend to be something that they aren't because they are confused. I pointed out that Satan's job is to confuse us and keep us from being the best that we can be.

We have wonderful conversations like to fairly frequently and I know that I am adding insulation to my kids so that they will be prepared to go out into the world.

I'm posting the article here in case it disappears from the internet - you never know - it is is part of my Stand Firm Kit.
http://www.happynews.com/news/952007/protecting-children-insulation-vs-i...
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Protecting Your Children: Insulation vs. Isolation

(Stock photo/Brad Killer) :: We should prepare our children for what they will see and experience in the real world. Instead of putting blinders on their eyes, we put love and respect in their hearts. We teach them right from wrong and lovingly explain to them why wrong behaviors and decisions are not in their best interest.

Craig Harris
HappyNews Columnist
Updated: 6/3/2008

How do we protect our children from the evils of the world? Do we shield them from thoughts, morals, and ideas that are contrary to our own? Do we hide them from the dangerous and immoral influences out there?

I think a mistake some parents make is trying to isolate their children from the world. We can't shield their eyes and ears from every evil. Even if we could, it wouldn't last. The day would come when they fly from the nest and our protective shield is taken down.

I submit, then, that we should not attempt to isolate them from the world, but insulate them from it instead.

Some parents shield their children to point of letting them watch very little television. The children are not allowed to see movies that are not G-rated. They can't read most of the books in print because their content is objectionable for some reason. Video games, magazines, newspapers and the internet are all screened to make sure only positive values are let through.

On the surface, this seems perfectly healthy. But when you think it through you realize you might not be doing the children such a big favor after all. For one thing, you don't want your children to grow up culturally or socially ignorant. For another, you may be setting them up for a culture shock that may well overwhelm them. One day, they will be exposed to nearly everything you are hiding from them today. How will they handle that if they are not prepared for it?

We all joke that we'd like to hide our kids in a closet until they grow up, but some parents virtually attempt to do this. Every aspect of their children's lives are controlled, filtered, and protected to the point that they may as well live in Antarctica. Then the day comes when the kids walk out the front door and the protective filters are all gone. They see, hear, read, and experience the real world with its ugliness and hatred. Some will find it new and exciting, and rebel against every value that has been placed on them. Others may go back into hiding.

Am I saying that we shouldn't filter what our children see and experience? Of course not, and reasonable limits should be set on everything. My wife and I don't prescribe to premium movie channels because there is too much trash there that we don't want in our home. Some movies, magazines, books, internet sites, and TV shows have no place in front of your children and you have the right and responsibility to block them. And our filters should be set higher for younger children. I fear, however, that some parents try to go too far.

Instead of isolating them, we should insulate them. We should prepare them for what they will see and experience in the real world. Instead of putting blinders on their eyes, we put love and respect in their hearts. We teach them right from wrong and lovingly explain to them why wrong behaviors and decisions are not in their best interest. We show them the benefits of a life lived against the grain.

Isolation places barriers between them and the world while insulation prepares them for its realities. Isolation teaches them that no one else's opinion should even be considered. Insulation allows them to hear other ideas with confidence in what they believe. Isolation encourages the children to be dependent on their parents, but isolation encourages self-discipline. Isolation eventually breaks down, but insulation can last for a well-rounded, satisfied lifetime.

You can contact Craig at lcraigharris.blogspot.com

Math Instruction at our house

I just found this article on math instruction in which 12 children ages 9 - 12 learned all the math normally taught in grades 1 - 6 in 20 hours. That is 20 teacher contact hours. The students worked hard on their own, because they wanted to. It is amazing what students can learn when they are ready and want to learn.

http://www.mountainlaurelsudbury.org/Rithmetic.asp

I had read a similar article in a magazine a few years ago.

In the November-December 2004 Home Education Magazine an article called "Just Do the Math!" actually quotes this article on the website. This article in the magazine was quickly added to my Stand Firm Kit because it helped to define my educational philosophy. I don't have to push education on my kids, if I provide love and support, when they are ready to learn something they will.

I do provide them with opportunities, we have pay day(they get an allowance) we have contracts ( they work to earn extra money), and I even have workbooks. They choose when and if they do them. Somedays Emily will do 6 or more pages in her math workbook just for fun. WE play games, ok - really, they play games with Grandpa Glasgow. Grandparents are a huge influence in our life and a wonderful addition to our education.

Right Start Math by Dr. Joan A. Cotter ( www.alabacus.com ) is my math program of choice because of the manipulative and games that are abundant. When we have used the textbooks we enjoyed them, but really, we don't use them much and only occasionally do we even play the games, but if I had to recommend a program this is the one I would recommend. Just buy the games and the book on how to play the games and you would have a great math program.

Digi Scrapping

I have entered a new world, that I didn't know existed, but that I knew should exist. Somehow, I closed my eyes for a few years and it grew up and has flourished and I just now discovered it.

In early 1998 I started digi scrapbooking, however, I don't think that it even had a name back then. This is one of the first layouts I created. I remember decided long ago that I would create my pages in landscape format because they made better desktops and screen savers, and they fit in binders with pages protectors. I was a poor college student and now with 5 kids cheap is still good. Here is one of the first pages I created in Microsoft Picture IT.

On and off through the intervening years I have continued to create pages of my kids as time permitted. In college I learned to use Adobe Photoshop, just enough to want to take the class again. I still mostly used Picture IT, because I owned it and Photoshop was prohibitly expensive. I was excited to purchase Photoshop Elements when it first came out, however, I still used my newer version of Microsoft Picture IT Platinum 6. In 2006 my husband bought me a new scrapbooking program for my birthday, Creating Keepsakes Scrapbook Designer Deluxe, which took me a long to learn to like. However, this is what launched me full force into becoming a digiscrapper. I created this layout shortly after my 5th child was born.

I got such rave reviews from everyone that was lucky enough to receive my emails. Several people asked me how I made it, so I did a search to find where they could purchase the program that I was using. However, as I did my search, I found so much more. DigiScrapping! I was amazed - however, not surprised. I've thought for years that it was easier and made much more sense to create on the computer. I just didn't know that people were finally designing for the computer. Amazing and Wonderful!!

Raspberry Road Designs was one of the very first websites that I found - http://www.raspberryroaddesigns.blogspot.com/ . Susan Darter has created some amazing scrapbooking kits, just like what you might find in any paper scrapbooking store, but even better, you can use the papers and elements over and over. Susan has been creating since at least 2005 and has many of her kits on her website that you can download for free. They are amazing and the backbone of my scrapbooking collection right now.

I also happened onto GOTTA PIXEL http://www.gottapixel.net/ - This website hosts a store, forums, challenges, and an online scrapbooking community. I have enjoyed the challenges, and learning new ways to scrapbook as I look at other peoples pages. I have done more scrapbooking in the last 15 days than I have probably done in the last year, and I have had so much fun. I'm very lucky that I can digiscrap one handed, because I've also done a lot of nursing my 6 week old baby while scrapping. I highly recommend joining a digiscrapping community - the best way to learn and grow in any area is to join with others who are working together to praise, encourage and challenge each other while working hard together.

Some frequently asked questions might be - how do I get my photos onto the computer, especially old photos? What program should I use to digi scrap? How do I get my pages off the computer and into my scrapbook? How do I learn to digi scrap?

I'll give you just a couple of links, but remember, these are just the very tip of the iceberg, and I've not used these companies, I'm just letting you know that they are out there, as I find more I will come and add them to the list and maybe someday I'll have a recommendation.

Scrapbook Programs
These are the first programs that I was recommending - however, I would now have to say that if you want the best quality you might do some more research. These however, would probably be really easy to use and great for getting started or for kids. My children ages 7 - 10 all know how to use Microsoft Picture it and could also probably use anyone of these programs with just a little bit of help.
http://scrapbooking-software-review.toptenreviews.com/

I recommend this one mainly because it is a free trial download. I love trial versions. My kids have used this one and I would recommend it for the price, the full version is only $40. My sister in law - who has never digi scrapped until last week purchased this one and is hooked already. http://www.scrapbookmax.com/

I am using Adobe Photoshop Elements, which I purchased around 2000. It is a harder program to learn how to use, but very powerful. There are many newer versions, I'd have to research to find out the cost. I highly recommend adobe products if you can afford them.

Printing
http://www.sbtoshare.com/ - this website allows you to get your digital scrapbooks printed, or get copies made of paper scrapbooks. It looks like it has a great service.

Scanning - I'll have to get back to this section, my information is on the other computer right now.

How - the quick answer is tutorials. Most of the website devoted to digiscraping offer tutorials and there are also people you can ask for help in the forums.

This is where I have to get on my soapbox about the internet. You may have to be careful surfing the web because there are bad things out there, but the internet community is an amazing place to find intelligent and generous people. I am always amazed that so many people will take the time to create tutorials, digiscrapping kits, podcasts, educational games, etc and then give them away for the taking. It's a big big world out there in cyberspace, but it is a wonderful amazing place full of the most caring and generous people. Find a community, stay awhile, and make some new friends.

There is so much more out there once you start looking you may get lost, I know that I've spent many hours just on these few website in the last two weeks and occasionally I find myself sidetracked onto other websites. I suggest you find one and stay with it for a few weeks so you don't get overwhelmed. Build a community, connect with the other people, learn from them.

Oh yea, I almost forgot to show you some of my newest scrapbook creations.

Credits
Font - Primary Print

Background - Best Friends Boys Project 253 - http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/PrintLab/pl_projectDetail.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&catOID=-13781&objOID=96964

Alphas - World Tour Alpha - Raspberry Road Designs http://raspberryroaddesigns.blogspot.com/search/label/Freebies

Nancy

Diaper Crazy

My family has gone crazy - diaper crazy. I decided that I would like to try using cloth diapers with MaryAnn. I*m not sure why, advertising I guess. I have been reading Mothering Magazine the last two years. Somehow I discovered it about the time that Kevin was born. They have lots of ads for cloth diapers, and if you haven't seen an ad for cloth diapers boy are you in for a surprise. Diapers have changed in the last 30 years since I wore cloth diapers. I also have run across several articles in the last few months on the benefits of cloth diapers, and the environmental impact of disposable diapers. I*m not an environmentalist. I love the outdoors, in a clean sort of way, on an occasion. I do recycle, when it is convenient for me, which is frequently isn*t. However, as I*ve learned more about cloth diapers I decided that might be a good way to go.
I placed an order for a sample pack of cloth diapers before I left for the hospital. As we walked in the door from the hospital Brad saw the package, we made it as far as the dining room and he was opening the package of diapers. Everyone was ooohing and aaahing over brand new cloth diapers, they were all a little bit different as we wanted to find out what kind we liked best. I just stood there laughing about how excited they all were over diapers. Have you ever seen anyone ooh and aahh over disposable diapers?
It took several days before I had the diapers washed and prepped for use. I have to admit, it was fun and exciting. The first night I put cloth diapers on MaryAnn I took a picture at each diaper change. I had waited until bedtime to put these diapers on her so I could enjoy the time, and practice all by myself in the middle of the night when it was just MaryAnn and I.
I like cloth diapers. I always thought how lucky I was to live when we had disposables, but now I feel blessed to live when there have been wonderful advances in diaper covers, diaper pins, snappis, and most of all washing machines. I feel good using cloth diapers. At the first Emily asked if I wanted a cloth diaper or a "real" diaper. I think my family would now agree that cloth diapers are *for real* even if that means we are becoming peculiar.

Why I spent $100 for a Doll - and bought 2

I dislike shopping for dolls. I tried to find a doll for each of my kids one year for Christmas. One problem was I had a toddler boy. I wanted to buy a doll for him. I thought boys need to learn to be Dads. I knew as a toddler he would also want everything that the girls wanted. It was so hard to find dolls that were cuddly, didn't walk or talk, and weren't wearing teenage or adult style clothing. Luckily I finally found baby dolls that I like, and my girls (and boy) played with them and loved them for a few years. However, they were growing up and I was afraid that they were beyond the doll stage. However . . .

My girls were invited to participate in a co-op based around the American Girls series of books. Through this co-op we were also introduced to the dolls that went along with the books, with time period accessories. When I first saw the dolls I couldn't believe or imagine buying a doll that cost almost $100. However, after I studied the catalog, participated in the girls group studying the categories, and talked with a friend of mine whose daughter had a doll I was almost convinced. What changed my mind was an article written in the Vision Forum Catalog(www.visionforum.com). Here is an excerpt -

[img_assist|nid=121|title=Dolls and Girls|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=73|height=100]

"When a girl plays with a doll . . . she is preparing to be a mommy someday. Her first role model is her own mother, and her first opportunity at role playing is with her dolls. One of the sweetest aspects of being a mother is seeing my daughters imitate me as they play together with their dolls." - Beall Phillips(Vision Forum Catalog)

After reading this I was like, YES, this is what I want my girls to learn. Barbie dolls and Sweet Streets just aren't the same. I want them to be able to carry their doll around, to cuddle with their dolls, to sew clothes and blankets for their dolls. So I convinced my husband and for Christmas they received their dolls. The girls named them Sariah and Emily, and somedays they are around all day long, I look down the lunch table and there is Emily, with a plate and a cup, and a little bit of food. We have made blankets, and clothes. One of my favorite memories is last halloween. Emily and her doll Emily both dressed up as Idaho Vandal Cheerleaders, and Rebecca's doll Sariah was Julie Andrews, starring as Maria Von Trapp. It was so fun to make the costumes for their dolls.

Cheerleaders

Since falling in love with the dolls the night I opened them I have happened upon other wonderful dolls. I would love to become a doll collector, as long as I could collect the historical knowledge as well. Here are some websites for other wonderful dolls that I have found.

http://www.visionforum.com/beautifulgirlhood/
http://www.faithandfriends.com/
http://www.alifeoffaith.com/

I'm so glad that my girls (ages 10 and 8) still play with dolls. I'm also looking forward to getting my new doll in April. After 2 boys, I'm ready for a new baby girl in our home.

Gift of Identity

19 April, 2007 - 05:05 — nancyg

I am part of a online community that is studying the living scriptures, words of the leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We are currently studying the April 2007 General Conference Addresses. As we read the articles we are encouraged to highlight, make notes, write down thoughts and ideas, share our thoughts and impressions and really study and learn from the articles. Occasionally I will write a more formal response to the readings.

This is response to the article
Daughters of Heavenly Father by Susan W. Tanner
http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-690-39,00.html

I have come to realize more poignantly recently the huge gap in understanding who we really are, Daughters of a Heavenly King, and how many people feel about themselves. As this subject came up for discussion with my friends recently they said I had been blessed with a "gift" in knowing who I was, in always feeling like I was a wonderful person, my Gift of Identity, of knowing that I am a Daughter of God, a wonderful and unique person in my own right.

I never realized what a huge blessing this has been in my life - and that others struggled with this issue, and probably don't even realize what a struggle it is. I must thank my Heavenly Parents and my Earthly Parents for this wonderful gift. I can't say that I remember any specific incident that taught me to be so self confident, but I'm sure that although it may have been a spiritual gift from Heavenly Father I was blessed to grow up in a home where I was always respected and treated like a Child of God.

FIND ARTICLE ABOUT DRIVERS ED

It has been awhile (years) since I've thought about my young womens personal progress, but I remember loving the Young Women values, and how important it is to remember that I have divine nature. I look forward to the day when my daughters become Young Women and we can learn the Young Women theme together and I can teach them more about their divine nature.

Of course, that starts with teaching them that they are Children of God. We have been memorizing "My Gospel Standards" and it is a tough thing to memorize. I think it may be an even tougher thing to internalize. The June 2006 Friend Sharing Time has some great ideas on how to learn more, I'm excited to rev up our devotionals again and really learn about these great words for my Children, God's Children.Friend February 1997Friend October 2005 - Bookmarks

Sister Tanner says, "The Spirt gives us glimpses into who we are. Often the Spirit speakes to us when we pray, read the scriptures, ponder upon the Lord's Mercies to us, receive priesthood blessings, serve others, or feel loved and affirmed by others." Although I don't rmembe specific instances, I always remember feeling loved by my parents, and my family. Ok, yes, there were times when we fought, hard, and passionately, but we always loved each other. I also remember many, many priesthood blessings that I recieved as a young adult, by different priesthood holders, that stated, "Your Heavenly Father loves you." That always brought tears to my eyes and a wonderful feeling to my heart. I know that my Heavenly Father loves me, and I know that it was important to him that I learned that and internalized that. I want to share that feeling of being loved, not only by Heavenly Father, but by eartly parents with my children and with all Children of God.

Sister Tanner spoke of Moses and his experience speaking with God and learning that he was a Son of God, and then afterwards being buffeted by the wiles of the cunning one. Our children need to learn to recognize the difference between good and evil to be able to resist tempation. How do we (as adults) learn this difference and then teach it to our children. We learn to feel the Spirit in our lives by going to the temple, attending our church meetings, having the Spirit in our homes and actively seeking to feel the Spirit. If the Spirit is only an occasionaly visitor we won't notice the buffetings of Satan in our lives. I am so thankful for the presence of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives as we are able to homeschool our children. I know that they will be able to resist temptation better, because they will recognize the lack of protection from the Spirit.

I am so thankful for the home and family that I was raised in that allowed me to feel the Spirit and the love, to learn and to grow, that taught me about Heavenly Father and his true gospel, that valued following our leaders, and listening to the Prophet so that I can now build upon that solid rock and continue my progression into the Celestial Kingdom by really studying, pondering, and teaching my family upon a sure foundation.

A Thomas Jefferson Education Overview

I found this great overview of a Thomas Jefferson Education in my files and contacted Jody Jarvis. She was kind enough to give me permission to post it on my website. I love this educational philosophy. When I discovered the Thomas Jefferson Educational Philosophy and began to figure out what is was all about I was so excited to find that someone had put a name and some definitions to what I was feeling was how I wanted to raise my family. I am still just a beginner, so I'm so glad to have found Jody's overview that explains the very basics of what I am learning myself. I'm so excited to share it with you.
- Nancy

A Thomas Jefferson Education Overview By Jody Jarvis 2005
Every single individual born to the earth has the potential for greatness. Many do achieve greatness. How is it that household names such as Gandhi, George Washington, and Mother Teresa achieved this greatness and how can one duplicate the process? The answer can be found and it begins with education. In a nutshell, Thomas Jefferson Education is Leadership Education. For a more thorough understanding of this educational approach, I suggest reading the book ‘A Thomas Jefferson Education’ by Oliver DeMille, available now through the Nevada library system (there is a copy in Douglas County Library). Also there are articles available through George Wythe College: ‘A ThomasJefferson Education in our Home’ by Rachel DeMille, and ‘Core and Love of Learning: a Recipe for Success’ by Oliver and Rachel DeMille. You can purchase these publications, including the book, through http://www.gwc.edu;/ much of what follows is excerpted from Dr. DeMille's book.

Oliver DeMille named this approach, ‘A Thomas Jefferson Education’ because this is the type of education that Jefferson received through the mentoring of George Wythe. Wythe was a signer of the Constitution and a great leader of that time. Dr. DeMille researched as well, the education of other great leaders throughout time and found that they all had very similar educational experiences. He found this approach lacking today and so he founded George Wythe College, in Cedar City Utah. TJEd, as it is commonly referred to by those that follow this approach, is founded upon certain principles which can be applied to any educational method. They are known as the 5 Pillars of Leadership Education, namely:

1) Classics,
2) Mentors,
3) Simulations,
4) Field Experience, and
5) God.

This approach to education has trained great leaders from Washington, Jefferson and Abigail Adams to Lincoln, Churchill and Gandhi. There are seven keys to being a great teacher. Many of them are similar to the 5 pillars of a leadership education. These keys are:
1) Mentors,2) Classics,3) Inspire, not require,4) Quality,5) Structure time, not content,6) Simplicity, and7) You, not them.

With this approach, a person's educational journey is divided into phases. Whether a student starts on this journey from birth or finds this approach later in life, everyone still needs to go through all the phases. The phases are:

1) Core Phase,
2) Love of Learning Phase,
3) Scholar Phase,
4) Depth Phase, and
5) Mission Phase

Core Phase is spent at home, learning to work, play, and love. This is when a person's core values are determined. Character development is a priority, routines are learned and practiced, and relationships are developed. This is not to say that academics are kept totally out of the picture. If a student in Core Phase desires to learn to read or do math, etc., they may do so, but there is no requirement placed upon the student to achieve anything academically. Keep it simple.
Love of Learning Phase is just what it sounds like. The student develops their innate love of learning during this phase. Everyone is born with the desire to learn and grow. This phase fosters that desire by giving the student opportunities to explore life, academics, and their own possibilities, interests and aptitudes. Time is structured so that the student gets into the habit of studying, but the content of that time is determined by the student. It is often during this phase that a person may get a glimpse into what their personal mission in life might be. During this phase is when "inspire, not require" really comes into play. For a student to really learn something well, for them to internalize it, they need to be inspired to want to learn, to love learning.

Scholar Phase is the time for intense studying. By this point the student has developed good habits in their Core Phase so they can work hard on a task. Through the Love of Learning Phase they have gotten an idea of what they might want to do with their life, where their talents lie, what their abilities are. Now it is time to buckle down and study. A student may be found studying for 10+ hours a day because they want to learn and grow and fulfill their life's mission. Of course, they may find through this intense time of studying that they have a different path to follow in life than they originally thought. They might change lanes part way through and begin to pursue a whole new avenue. This is the time to expect quality work. It is either ‘A’ Acceptable or ‘DA’ Do Again. Mentors play a much larger role during this phase helping the student to reach their goals.

In Depth Phase the student has found their niche in life and is pursuing it with real gusto. This could be the time for college. The student has decided what they want to learn about and they go into real depth in their studies of it.

Mission phase is applying what the student has learned to life through such venues as a career or teaching others, etc.

Many educational philosophies, styles and approaches can fit into this model of leadership education. For example, the Charlotte Mason approach is wonderful for the Core and Love of Learning Phases. So is unschooling. The Well Trained Mind or text books such as Saxon Math can be utilized well for a student in the Scholar Phase. TJEd is not a curriculum, but rather a set of principles around which one molds their education.

One of the core principles of TJEd is studying the classics. Without classics one cannot get a good leadership education. What is a classic, you might ask. As defined by Dr. DeMille a classic is a work that one can experience many times over and receive something new from it each time. Classics are not limited to literature but also can be found in art, math, science, etc. A classic can assume the form of a movie, a piece of music, or even a person can be considered a classic.
Why study the classics? Classics teach us about human nature. They allow us to experience, in an intimate way, the greatest mistakes and successes, of human history. If we learn from these mistakes and successes, we will make fewer mistakes and have more successes. Learning how others think, feel, and act allows us to predict behavior, it helps us to develop empathy, compassion and wisdom in our relationships with others.

Classics bring us face-to-face with greatness. As we study the characters, real or fictional, in the classics, we are inspired by their greatness, which is the first step to becoming great ourselves. Who we are changes as we set higher and higher standards of what life is about and what we are here to accomplish.

The classics take us to the frontier to be conquered. Human beings need a frontier in order to progress. In the past the frontier was geographical; today it is internal. In classics we can often experience other people's characters more powerfully than in real life because the author lets us see their thoughts, feelings and reasons for and consequences of their choices. The classics help us see the quest in others to conquer a frontier and how their choices failed or succeeded. Classics force us to turn off the TV and computer, to quietly study, ponder, think, ask, cry, laugh, struggle, and aboveall feel, change, and become. Then, because we are better, we must go out and serve.

The classics force us to think. First we think about the characters in the work, and then we think about ourselves. Sometimes studying a classic can be difficult. But if we persist, one day all the exposure to greatness will awaken us and change us for the better. The classics can be hard work and that is exactly what is needed to learn to think. The classics make us struggle, search, ponder, seek, analyze, discover, decide and reconsider. The experience of doing something wholesome and difficult changes us for the better.

The classics connect us to those who share the stories. Each culture is different because it has different shared stories. Different stories define each family, each religion, and each nation. And members of each connect themselves with the stories – they make the stories part of their personal story. Our personal set of stories, our canon, shapes our lives. And the characters and teachings ofour canon shape our characters – good, evil, mediocre or great.

Thomas Jefferson was a great man as well as a great leader. He had what would be considered a liberal education. His education is what helped him and the other founding fathers of America to dowhat they did. He got his education through studying the classics with the assistance of his mentor, George Wythe, by practicing what he learned through simulations both in his mind and with hismentor. He then applied what he learned to life, with the help and guidance of the ultimate mentor, God. We have a need for great leaders today, too. Who will they be? Your children? You? A Thomas Jefferson Education is the way to help raise the leaders of tomorrow.
- Jody Jarvis

After reading the article you may be interested in learning more about TJED and Jody has some other great information on her website Jarvis Academy.- Nancy