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SPRING 2017 HOMESCHOOL IOWA 19
phone. When “Whassup,” “ya know,” “dude,” and “LOL” form the
main portion of the “conversation,” it does not bode well for
the future of our culture. If we are to be an example in our con-
versation, we must put forth the effort to both listen attentively
and articulate clearly. As home educators, we have the opportu-
nity to change that dynamic by not only embracing conversa-
tion as a God-given tool of learning, but by encouraging it in our
own children.
Many homeschooling families have embraced a return to clas-
sical education, which embraces conversation as a vital compo-
nent of learning. In her essay The Lost Tools of Learning, Dorothy
Sayers calls for a return to the trivium – the grammar, dialectic,
and rhetoric stages. In short, the grammar stage of learning is
filled with observation, memorization, and recitation – a col-
lection of knowledge to be used at a later time. The dialectic
stage is one of questioning and discussion, applying logic to the
knowledge collected in the grammar stage. The final stage of
the trivium finds the culmination in the ability to express oneself
clearly and concisely. We would all do well to embrace the in-
valuable tool of conversation as we train up the next generation,
regardless of our chosen style of education.
So how do we encourage conversation in our own chil-
dren? First of all, embrace their questions. Don’t run or
dodge them. You don’t have to have all the answers.
Use the questions as a springboard for learning and discus-
sion. As John Taylor Gatto writes in his book, A Different Kind
of Teacher: Solving the Crisis of American Schooling, “The pri-
mary goal of real education is not to deliver facts but to guide
students to the truths that will allow them to take responsibility
for their lives.” Secondly, ask questions of your own. In the crazi-
ness that is your life as a homeschool family, utilize every op-
portunity as you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when
you rise up. Avail yourself of practical resources such as Making
Great Conversationalists by Steve & Teri Maxwell to help you on
your journey. Above all else, look to Christ, who left in His written
Word the greatest conversation in history.
“Daddy, what’s that?” Still not satisfied with my answer, my
determined daughter repeated her question yet again. Trying a
different approach, I replied with a question of my own. “Kailyn,
what’s that?” A smile brightening her face, she responded in-
stantly, “A doggy!” She ran over to point to a picture of a dog on
one of the toys, pleased that I had finally understood what she
was asking. A simple conversation – a powerful tool for learning,
and the foundation for articulating truth to a world in need.
JIMMY MORRIS is a homeschool graduate and the owner of Light
of Faith Resources, a family business supplying home educators
with quality products since 1998. He and his wife, Megan, reside in
Missouri where they alternate between sanity and survival in the
beautiful chaos that is life with seven children. Jimmy also enjoys a
love for music and a passion for the arena of politics.
“LET NO ONE DESPISE YOUR YOUTH, BUT BE AN EXAMPLE TO THE
BELIEVERS INWORD, IN CONDUCT, IN LOVE, IN SPIRIT, IN FAITH, IN PURITY.”
THE INSTITUTE FOR EXCELLENCE IN WRITING–IEW® presents
HIGH SCHOOL ESSAY INTENSIVE
WHEN:
WHERE:
PRESENTER:
AGES:
ANDREW PUDEWA
Founder and Director,
Institute for Excellence in Writing
JUNE 1, 2017
8:30AM–3:30PM
PARKVIEW CHURCH
15 FOSTER ROAD
IOWA CITY, IA 52245
EARLY REGISTRATION (ENDS MAY 11):
$50 per participant, one accompanying adult $25.
REGULAR REGISTRATION:
$60 per participant, one accompanying adult $30.
GRADES 9–12
offering tools for text analysis required in many college entrance
exams, tips for college application essays, and strategies for
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FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER, go to