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Homeschooling Nutritiously

The Heart of Wisdom Teaching Approach can be compared to a cookbook of nutritious recipes. I have worked on these recipes for over fifteen years; I have altered the ingredients, measurements, and methods (avoiding poisonous ingredients) and finally came up with nourishing and satisfying results that work well for my family. You can use my recipes as outlined, or adapt them to your family's preferences. The most important thing is that you use nutritional ingredients. This cookbook not only provides the recipes but also gives a detailed account of the background of the ingredients and cooking methods to help you make the best use of them.

Section One: Lessons from Exodus

The first section of HOWTA (The Heart of Wisdom Teaching Approach) describes recipes and methods I tried that failed, and how I came to create the Heart of Wisdom recipes. The main problem with all the previous recipes I tried had to do with the man made poisonous fear ingredient. Any recipe that includes fear will result in disaster. I addresses the common fears of homeschoolers in this section by turning to the story of the Exodus, with the hope of preparing the hearts of homeschooling parents to wait and depend on God for all of their needs—and to be anxious for nothing.

Section 1 Chapters

Our Homeschool Journey: Escape from Public School
God Called You to be a Part of His Plan
Focus on God, Not on Circumstances
Only Be Strong and Very Courageous

Section Two: Rethinking Education

The second section explains the historical and cultural backgrounds of my recipes. Here you will learn how it is necessary to sift the proper ingredients and methods by looking at other recipes that have been tried through history. This section includes the origins and development of our traditional educational methods, from ancient times until today, (including an explanation of Classical education) with an appeal to return to biblical methods.

Section 2 Chapters

What Is Education? What Is Wisdom?
A Brief History of Education
Christian Versus Secular Worldviews
Greek Versus Hebrew Worldviews
The Hebrew Educational Model
Why Christians Reject Hebrew Ways

Section Three: Heart of Wisdom Methods

Section Three includes comprehensive descriptions of the ingredients and preparation methods you'll be using in the recipes. Here the most popular homeschool teaching philosophies and little-known methods are described.

Section 3 Chapters

Overview
Learning Styles
Four-Step Process
Delight Directed Studies
Charlotte Mason's Educational Philosophies
Writing to Learn
Critical Thinking and Logic

Section Four: Heart of Wisdom Instructions

The fourth section contains the cooking directions—pulling it all together--how to decide on a meal plan, actually combine and prepare the ingredients, and then present the finished product to your students. In this section you will learn about the Heart of Wisdom four-year plan and philosophies for teaching each subject, as well as how to create your own unit studies.

Section 4 Chapters

Overview of the Plan
God’s Word: Bible Study
God’s World: Unit Studies
Creating the Notebooks
Scheduling by Faith

Section Five: Resources (Nutritious Ingredients)

The fifth section includes book lists contained in the Heart of Wisdom four-year plan. This section explains the equipment that should be in every kitchen (books that should be in every homeschool library) and provides hundreds of books by grade level to teach the unit studies. Includes everything you need to teach Bible, literature, history, science, geography and more for twelve years (the four year plan three times). William Thayer addressed the importance of making wise choices in Gaining Favor with God and Man. He begins by quoting Henry Ward Beecher, nineteenth-century author as saying,

”Books are the windows through which the soul looks out. A home without good books is like a room without windows. No man has a right to bring up his children without surrounding them with books, if he has the means to buy them. It is a wrong to his family. He cheats them. Children learn to read by being in the presence of books. The love of knowledge comes with reading and grows upon it, and the love of knowledge in a young mind is almost a warrant against the inferior excitement of passions and vices. But to select the books—that is the difficulty. Their number is legion.”

Thayer comments,

“Here is an opportunity to exercise judgment, wise discrimination, and criticism ,supplemented by all the good advice parents, guardians, and other friends can bestow. Under these circumstances the choice of books is not easy, but is one of the most important and difficult duties imposed upon the young or old. Yet it must be done, or reading will prove a curse.”

Our book selection should be based on Philippians 4:8: whatsoever is true, honest, just,pure, lovely, of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Section 5 Chapters

Creating and/or Purchasing Unit Studies
Choosing and Using Resources
Resources
Bible Resources
History Resources
Science Resources
Life Skills Resources
Biographies
Classics K-3
Classics 4-8
Classics 9-12

Teaching Methods

The Heart of Wisdom Teaching Approach is a combination of several teaching methods organized around a two-sided curriculum base: God's Word and God's World. This method is specifically designed for multilevel teaching. This approach includes a four-year suggested course of study designed to be repeated every four years through three cycles. This approach can be used for all grade levels.

God's Word	God's World
Direct Studies	Derived Studies
Bible and Bible study tools	Thematic unit studies, living books and the Internet
Half the school day is occupied with Bible studies. The family reads through the Bible each year utilizing Bible study aids while incorporating language skills though writing assignments (narration, summary writing, composition, etc.) and adding to a Bible portfolio.	History, science, and arts are filtered through divine truth. History is studied chronologically and science is studied in Creation order. All studies incorporate God's Word. The unit studies incorporate language skills through writing assignments (narration, summaries, composition, etc.) and adding to unit portfolios and a time line book.
Writing and language skills are integrated into all studies

The Heart of Wisdom teaching approach is a blending of popular home education methods. Read an overview below and click on links to learn more about each method.

Heart of Wisdom Methods
A Return to Biblical Hebraic Education	The Bible outlines how we should teach our children. The Hebraic aim of education was ethical and religious. Study is a form of worship. The method of instruction in the home was oral, and learning was accomplished by practice. The Hebrew taught no distinction between sacred and secular areas of life. Every detail of life, therefore, must be set aside and consecrated to the glory of God (the opposite of today's popular Greek approach). Click for more on Biblical education
Charlotte Mason's Philosophy	Students should develop a love of learning by reading real books--"classic literature--as opposed to twaddle, or "dumbed down" literature. This method also incorporates narration: the assimilating of information (sorting, sequencing, selecting, connecting, rejecting, and classifying), and then retelling, and developing a "Nature Diary" (HOW calls it a Creation Portfolio). Click for more about Charlotte Mason's methods.
The Four-Step Lessons	The Four Steps is a unique way to meet the needs of structured, scheduled homeschoolers and unstructured and informal homeschoolers. Students need freedom and structure. The Four Steps organize and structure the approaches listed on this page that are normally unstructured at the same time promoting the freedom for students to learn the way that is best for them. The For Steps comprise a cycle of instruction based on the four main learning styles adapted from Bernice Macarthy's 4Mat system. Click for more on the Four Steps.
Integrated Unit Study	The term "unit" (or "theme") refers to the idea of studying a topic as a whole instead of several separate subjects. A unit study takes a topic and lives with it for a period of time, integrating science, social studies, language arts, and fine arts, as they apply. Click to learn about unit studies.
Lifestyle of Learning	We emphasis parents relying on the Holy Spirit's leading to provide the needed resources so the children can develop expertise in their individual fields of interest. We incorporate the Lifestyle of Learning approach outlined in Wisdom's Way of Learning by Marilyn Howshall. Mrs. Hwshall explains how using these simple and natural tools (with the emphasis on the process of learning rather than the product of learning) will allow your children to begin to develop their own lifestyle of learning. Click for more on the Holy Sprit lead teaching.
Delight-Directed Learning	Students acquire basic concepts of learning (reading, reasoning, writing, researching, etc.) during the process of examining the topic they are interested in. Education ought to be about building learners' abilities to do useful things. Click for more on the Delight Directed approach
Writing to Learn	Students think on paper "to discover connections, describe processes, express emerging understandings, raise questions and find answers, encouraging higher-level thinking skills. This method forces the student to internalize learning so they understand better and retain longer. Click for more on writing to learn.
Scrapbooking to Learn	Students create scrapbooking pages and folders (lapbooks) as they work through the unit studies.Click here for more on Scrapbooking to Learn

Is the Heart of Wisdom approach for you?

Will this approach fit your family?
Will it encourage you?
Will it help you homeschool?
Will it make your life easier?

We want to help you answer the questions above so we've provided a wealth of information on our site and a free 60-page excerpt from our 500-page book.

Our program is radically different compared to the public school system and from many homeschool programs. You'll have to do some reading to understand our approach but you'll find the methods make sense and are more natural that traditional methods.

So grab a cup of tea and browse through the links. Spend some time earnestly seeking God about your homeschool decisions.

Do not fret! God will lead you to the approach that will fit your family!

Remember these two promises:

Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matt 6:22)
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:6

Whatever approach you decide to use, we hope our materials encourage you to lean on God and devote your homeschooling to Him.

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Details

Weight 1.50 lbs
Author Robin Sampson

Format Paperback

ISBN 0970181671

Features black and while illustrations

Pub Date April 2005

Pages 500+ pages

Availability Same day shipping!

Why purchase here? Proceeds go to develop HOW Unit Studies.

Price: $27.95

Customer Points: 27

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Customer Reviews

Author: Sharon
Of all the books I have read on homeschooling this book is a 5 star! plus.

I used Robin's new book to introduce my son to the approach and also to help me to use the HOW Approach. I am writting my own lessons using the HOW approach as my son has hearing lost and I am deaf (oral/verbal), I also use hearing aids and have limited hearing.

You will not be disappointed with the book. The book has really help me in improving the way I teach and also what I teach and how not to worry about when my son learns something. Just because He doesn't learn something in 2nd grade, doesn't mean he can't do it in 3rd grade. Most schools here in Indiana teach the state history (reguired) in the 4th grade. I don't have to do it in his 4 grade year, but can do it now or when he is in 5 or 6 or 7 th grades. As longs as he does do it.

All I do is help him learn and let him learn at his pace and when he is ready for something, he does it with delight! Our homeschool experience is much better and most of all I am not burned out as I was last year. I am even experience much delight in our lessons and have learned a few things myself.

Author: Marty
It's here! It's here! Thank you Homeschool- Books and Robin! I've only gotten through the 8th chapter of the Ebook so far, but it's the best book I've read so far, other than the Scriptures, of course.

Author: Caroline J.
I am so very excited to get this book! I've had this continual feeling that there just wasn't enough focus on the word or that it was just tacked on for a few minutes each morning. This book will help me accomplish the goal of Christ being the central focus of all we do in our homeschool and life. This is the first "how-to" that I will be able to pass to skeptical relatives and say, "Here is my philosphy on education". Thank you, Robin, for putting into words what I have needed for so long!

Author: TAMMI F.
I enjoyed reading the sample pages, but I am so looking forward to the book. I cannot wait for some encouragement--which I know I will find in this book. I have recently been thinkng that homeschooling is getting too tough. I am reminded by thinking of Moses that God called me to homeschool--not just until it got tough, but until he leads me down another path.

Author: Chris Gurzler
Second that -- love the samples!
Actually, I'm very glad that more of the wisdom you have to share will soon be available. It isn't easy to leave Egypt and go boldly into the Promised Land, but that is what the Lord would have for us, after all, what He told Joshua applies to us as well, "Be strong and of good courage ... for I am with you!" Your work helps me to remember that truth.

Author: Michelle R.
Thank you for your encouraging sample pages. It's been really hard homeschooling my 5 children and I know the Lord has put it on my heart two years ago to do this and I haven't been doing well with this. I have been using textbooks and the kids think its too hard and boring and dont want to do it. My dad gave me this book called"Things we wish we'd known" and I had it since Dec. but just read it a month ago.I I read your article in it and I loved it! I looked up your website on heart of wisdom and teared up because this is what I have been looking for.Praise the Lord! Now this is my answered prayer. This is perfect for all my children to enjoy and have fun.

Author: Nancy G.
EVERY homeschool parent should read this book. I have been reading this very slowly. There is so much information my Bible is right next to me when I read this book. I was even reading some of it to my children. I know I will be reading this a second time. I would love for my children to read parts of it.

This book will encourage anyone looking into homeschooling or people who have been homeschooling and need some encouragement. Don't miss this book. It was well worth the wait. I have been reading this after my morning Bible reading before the children wake up. By doing this it is allowing me to stay focused on the Lord and giving me the motorvation I need to teach and serve the Lord.

This is the BEST book I have read in my 15 years of homeschooling. This book takes a hard (but is a good way) look at the way we need to teach our children. That we need to train them for the LORD not train them for the WORLD.

Thank you, this book came at just the right time in my homeschooling jouney. May God richly bless you and your family.

Author: Tonya Smith
Love the sample pages! Thank you, thank you for the much needed inspiration. I am in tears of relief that someone out there understands and supports God's word in teaching. I have renewed hope for the coming years. My little girl is four, so will begin 'education' soon. I know now that God is answering my prayers for direction in our education efforts. In Christ. T. Smith

Author: Rebecca Innocenti (innocentifamily@juno.com)
I just purchased this book at a homeschool convention at the beginning of June. It is exactly the tool we need for our family right now!

We've considered using HOW unit studies after falling in love with the biblical holidays guide. This book is encouraging me to design our units based on where we are right now and we look forward to using some of the HOW units along the way, too.

Thanks so much for all you do to help each family find peace while learning together.

Blessings on your ministry!

Author: Helen J. Marshall
This book is a must-read for Christian homeschool teachers. With dedicated prayer and insight, Robin Sampson has created a new approach to teaching that filters every subject through the Bible. The framework she provides at first seems complex, but after immersing yourself in it for a few days it becomes very clear and logical. I am so excited about this new school year and I am certain I will learn as much as my kids. That's one of the best things about this approach. It is applicable to you as well as to your students. It allows lots of room for creativity with options for scrapbooking, drawing, writing and anything else that can be documented for a portfolio. Even instituting a portion of the suggestions made in this book will revitalize your Christian homeschool and alleviate burnout for you, the teacher.

Author: Amy R. Mucklestone

If I had to choose only one homeschooling book, HOWTA would be the one! Amazing, stupendous work by Robin Sampson! I can't believe I'm so blessed to have found what I will use for the rest of my homeschool years this early on! I was homeschooled growing up, and worked in a homeschool bookstore. I've seen it all, and THIS is what it's all about. The resource section alone is worth its weight in gold. I can't possibly recommend it highly enough!!!

Author: Unknown
I say WOW after reading HOW. I feel blessed to have stumbled across this book because for me it has been a prayer answered. I found it while looking for information on how to apply the Charlotte Mason teaching method.
I withdrew my son from school and started home-schooling him with little warning and no planning. Although I knew this was the right decision it left me in a difficult possition. I either had time to reaserch how and what to teach him or to teach him but not both at the same time.
The HOWTA has given me a frame on which to mount the canvas of our home-schooling. There are many great points about this method but there are two in particular which I love. The first is that is has such a sound biblical base - which is something which is so important to both myself and my son. This really shows through in all subjects. The other really wonderful thing is that I am inclined to go for a delight driven approach but sometimes lack confidence in this as it has no structure and is very difficult to plan round or collect resources for in advance. The HOWTA has given me the confidence that I lacked because it shows how to follow the delight driven path while being within a structure. And because it is a biblical structure I feel comfortable and secure using it. I have since purchased other items by Robin Sampson and was not disappointed and I plan to buy more as our home-school journey progresses.

Author: Randy Vandyke
WOW! what a relief... THE SOLUTION is here.
I am so relieved to have found this book. The most important key to a childs growth and success in this world is how to obtain and walk in wisdom. This book clearly defines what true wisdom is and where to find it as well as how to teach it. Robin Sampson has done and incredible job in answering all of a mom's concerns about education today. I am overjoyed to have this book as a tool to guide me as I help my children discover their hearts of wisdom. Every parent should read this book.

Author: Kimberly A. Depaolo
In her book, rich with biblical and historical references, Robin Sampson makes a solid case for putting God first in home education curriculum. Quite unlike many other books I've read, Mrs. Sampson consistently encourages her readers to have God direct their home education efforts not the state, friends, family, etc. After reading this book, I've lost those nasty "first time" home education jitters and feel confirmed in my calling to educate my child with a focus on training her in the way GOD would have her go.

This is the second book I've purchased from Heart of Wisdom and I highly recommend this author. The first was the equally excellent "What your child needs to know when..." With God as our "principal", I am confident that we are in good hands!

Author: Stephani N. Whitaker
WOW! I am sooo excited about using HOW this year. At the end of spring I began praying about what the Lrod would have me use for curr. this year. I was throughly researching the Veritas Press and HOW; after reading all I could about veritas and the HOW book, I have a firm conviction that the Lord wants us to use the HOW for our family from now on! I have throughly enjoyed all the knowledge and wisdom that I have gleened from reading Sections 1 and 2 about rethinking christian education. It has really been a blessing to be challenged to think about the methods by which we educate our children. I truly desire to pull away from the greek and secular worlviews of teaching and to embrace a more Hebriatic way of educating. There is so much to learn and I know that Robin Sampson has worked very hard to create such a through rescource; but I am very anxious to begin learning with my children all the things that I was not taught in my education; wisdom!!!!!!! A must read for any homeschool parent!!!!!!!!!

Author: P. Weed
While reading this book I kept telling myself, "This is what I wanted/hoped for when I started Homeschooling!". I am so glad I have found it now. I love the 4 Mat system and Robin's use of it in her unit studies. She goes into detail of how you can use her unit studies, make your own, or implement somone else's. It fits everyones needs who wants a biblical based education for their children. Even if you don't want a biblical based education it goes in depth of how to create a unit study of an area where your child shows delight (good example of a horse study). If you are new to homeschooling it helps support your decision and gives resources for you to use that have taken veteran homeschoolers years to discover. It gives you the best of the best!

Author: Stephanie F.
This book is a gem! After homeschooling for six years I was needing a new focus. HOW is it! Unlike many books on the subject this is invaluable to both the new and the seasoned homeschool family. It energized us and gave the Biblical focus that we were searching for all along. Robin's writing style helps explain her approach to unit studies as well as the Hebraic method in a conversational way. It makes you feel like your having tea with a friend! Her reasoning is solid and her explanations clear. This is a must read for those looking at unit studies for the first time, those needing a jolt of the Spirit in their lessons, or those just wanting a change. It's definitely at DELIGHT!