Methodology

Our methodology was developed by studying our founding fathers and how they gained their education.

We employ four basic ideas.

                          •  Research
                          •  Reason
                          •  Relate
                          •  Record

First, research. The subject or topic is identified. Research is then done individually or in groups using original sources as much as possible. The principle is that information is found more than given.

For example, in teaching literature in our third grade class the student reads, as their research, the book, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

From their research or reading, they then move to “Reasoning.” This is where the mind expands to gain understanding. Reasoning may take place by analyzing the environment of an individual and drawing conclusions as to the motivation behind their character. It may be to identify the process that brought a person, group, or even nation to a particular point.

In the case of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, our reasoning is around symbolism. What does going into the closet or Narnia represent (the world we live in)? Who does the character of Aslan represent (Christ)? Who does the white witch represent (Satan)? What did the death of Aslan represent and his returning to life three days later (resurrection)?

After our researching and reasoning, we want to Relate: This simply means, how does this apply to me? With our illustration, questions such as Would you have the courage to do the same things Lucy Did? Why or Why not? What did you think ad what were your feelings as you learned Aslan was killed? What could you do so you wouldn’t take the same path of Edmond in your life?

The final step is to Record. This isn’t really the final step because we have been doing it all along. We record our research, our reasoning and our relating in our notebooks. This is all done in our own hand to help us develop our ability to express ourselves through the written word.