The Principle Approach to Education is a Philosophy

This is the first of a four part series to answer why, how, and what in regards to the Principle Approach education for homeschoolers.

The Principle Approach provides the structure of truth that frames true education. Wisdom is the key and the Principle Approach method forms wisdom as children learn how to think and reason from a Biblical perspective in order to redirect their humanness towards God.

What do you think of when you hear the word philosophy?

I used to picture Plato and professors, Rodin’s sculpture of The Thinker and monks living tucked away in the mountains. Then I heard philosophy means the love of wisdom and realized I am an aspiring philosopher. I want answers to questions raised by the syncretism of my faith and my education.

During high school, my history class focused on the atrocities of mankind. The dates of wars, the horrors of slavery, and, strangely to me, the rock musicians of the 1960s. I wondered why these subjects were chosen. Were these just random events erupting here and there? Why did they happen? Why were we studying them?

Why is a philosophical question. According to Webster’s 1828 Dictionary, philosophy delves into the reason for things looking for cause and effect. And it has two purposes:

1. Philosophy endeavors to use knowledge in a practical way to bring life and hope.
2. Philosophy is supposed to enlarge our views of God and his works.

Is life found in a dry list of events on a time line? Is hope found in simply recounting the evils of mankind without seeing how those evils have been and are being overcome? If God is never even mentioned, how does that effect a student’s view of Him?

Because I couldn’t see what God was doing past the cross, I wondered if he was still acting in history. Arbitrary facts were puzzle pieces scattered across my knowledge. Not much fit together. Now I understand why.

My high school education was void of Providence.

The Principle Approach Philosophy

The Principle Approach philosophy exposes the loss of Providence I mentioned in my high school education by examining history, not as a series of secondary causes listed in a textbook, but through eyes of faith looking for the hand of God working in the hearts of men and nations to bring true liberty. Liberty that starts internally and works its way outward to this day. God wants to set individuals free! That idea does bring life and hope.

We read over and over in Scripture God’s exhortations to remember His works lest we turn to idols. Deuteronomy 4:9, is one example.

Only give heed to yourself and keep your soul diligently, so that you do not forget the things which your eyes have seen and they do not depart from your heart all the days of your life; but make them known to your sons and your grandsons.

It takes diligence to keep our souls. It requires study to remember, but remember we must if we are to give life and hope to our children and grandchildren. Let’s fill their souls with an ever expanding view of God by sharing a daily glimpse of His majesty.

An Overview of The Principle Approach

In this video, Mrs. Barbara Wells, the StoneBridge School Lower School Principal, gives an overview of the Principle Approach® philosophy and methodology used at StoneBridge School. StoneBridge is a classical Christian school serving Christian families through a Biblical Principle Approach® education.

The Principle Approach to Homeschool Education – The Series

This series explores Using the Principle Approach in your Homeschool. The Principle Approach provides the structure of truth that frames true education. Wisdom is the key and the Principle Approach method forms wisdom as children learn how to think and reason from a Biblical perspective in order to redirect their humanness towards God.

• Part I: The Principle Approach is a Philosophy {THIS POST}
• Part II: The Principle Approach is a Method
• Part III: The Principle Approach is a Curriculum
• Part IV: The Principle Approach Basic Training

What Do Homeschool Methods Look Like in Real Life? – The Series

Be sure to check out our entire series on Homeschool Methods. In it we cover 8 different methods, what they are, and how to implement them in your homeschool.

~ Originally posted June 2009, written by Renae Deckard