How to Teach

One would think that a parent wouldn’t have any apprehensions about his or her ability to teach his or her children. After all, most parents have a history of attending either a traditional school or a homeschool and graduating from one. But as with just about anything—for most individuals—something new can be intimidating. This can be especially the case when considering how the future of our nation rests heavily on the next generation. That all said, we can turn to Noah Webster to give us a clear picture on how to teach. Hint: You’ll see with this Principle Approach®   Word Study of the word teach that it’s really simple.

Its Nature

Firstly, let’s talk about the nature of the action teach: it means to show. Additionally, it implies sending, passing, communicating information and ideas to another.

In addition, Noah Webster teaches us that to teach is to instruct; inform; communicate to another the knowledge of that of which he was before ignorant. And isn’t this what Scripture instructs us to do?

“”Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” … Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.””

Colossians 3:16 (KJV)

Its Use

Secondly, let’s look at the use of the action teach. Noah Webster explains that to teach is also to lead or draw. So, we’re leading—drawing—individuals to reason. Isn’t this what Scripture directs us to do as well?

“And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”

2 Timothy 2:2 (KJV)

I spy with my little eye a word worthy of defining in 2 Timothy 2:2 . . . commit.

Just look at the delicious picture that the definition creates:

“COMMIT, verb transitive Literally, to send to or upon; throw, put or lay upon. Hence, 1. To give in trust; to put into the hands or power of another; to entrust; with to.”

Webster’s 1828 Dictionary of the English Language

Interestingly, as we teach we are entrusting information, ideas, knowledge and reasoning with whom we teach.  And whom are we to teach? We’re to teach faithful individuals. What does it mean to be faithful?

“FA’ITHFUL, adjective 1. Firm in adherence to the truth and to the duties of religion. 2. Firmly adhering to duty; of true fidelity; loyal; true to allegiance; as a faithful subject. 3. constant in the performance of duties or services; exact in attending to commands; as a faithful servant. 5. True; exact; in conformity to the letter and spirit; as a faithful execution of a will. 7. Conformable to truth; as a faithful narrative or representation. 8. Constant; not fickle; as a faithful lover or friend.”

Webster’s 1828 Dictionary of the English Language

The Faithful

As we learn God’s Word and Providential HisStory, it is being committed to us. And as we teach our children—the next generation—it’s being committed to them.

But what are we to do with it?

Of course, we are to teach. And our children are to teach. However, you’ll notice in the definition of teach that nothing is said of going into teaching as a career. Therefore, there isn’t any pressure to enter teaching as a profession. Or perhaps that all depends on what is meant by profession.

Teaching is a Profession

According to Noah Webster, profession is an “open declaration; public avowal or acknowledgment of one’s sentiments or belief.” And that it’s “[t]he business which one professes to understand and to follow for subsistence; calling; vocation; employment; as the learned professions. Also, the definition includes, “[t]he collective body of persons engaged in a calling.”

To point out, we have the nature of profession: the open declaration and acknowledgement of what one believes. Plus, we have the use of profession: it can be a calling, vocation, or employment (paid or unpaid).

With this in mind, isn’t it beautiful how each of us can be teaching within the spheres God has us? To be sure, you can be at home teaching with the Principle Approach® to your children, friends, neighbors, and/or community. In the meantime, others are teaching with the Principle Approach as a vocation or as their employment. But as individuals, we collectively respond to God’s calling in educating the next generation for His glory. It’s that simple!

Is It Really That Simple?

Indeed, yes it is!

As an illustration for how simple teaching can be, consider how Jesus taught with:

• information
• ideas
• Truths
• and with questions to help those whom He taught with reasoning

So, at its core we’re relaying Truth to others, committing it to the faithful. In this way, the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the effects of it continues to thrive throughout all of HisStory.

Needless to say, there are tools for student comprehension  and resources to help you along the way. In particular, the Bible, Webster’s 1828 Dictionary, the Red Books, and graphic organizers.

A New Resource!

Happily, there is another resource to help you with your learning. As we’ve been taught, we’re in turn teaching and committing information, ideas, and Truths in our Principles in Practice Homeschool Podcast.

We hope this podcast blesses you on your journey and that you’ll share about it with others. The more we each collectively teach, the better.