This poem was in our statewide homeschooling newsletter and I thought I'd pass it along: If my children can quote Shakespeare with feeling and understanding, but think only of themselves, ...then what have I taught? If they can spell scientific words, and write 16 page reports, but have no compassion for other, ...then what have I taught? If they can work algebraic equations, But do not think of how their words or actions may affect someone else, ...then what have I taught? If my high schooler gets into Harvard, but doesn't have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ ...then what have I taught? If my children are in the 99th percentile rankings on all their standardized tests, but resent being with their family ...then what have I taught? If my nine-year-old reads Tolstoy, and my seven-year-old knows all the times tables, but they cannot play together without hurt feeling and tears, ...then what have I taught? -by Betty DeMers Parkes The writer (Rick Williamson) also adds: "Educating our children includes more than arithmetic and spelling; it includes building character. No educational pursuit can replace the deep need for a generation of children to be brought up first in the 'nurture and admonition' of the Lord."
Wow! I love that....follows the model of 1 Corinthians 13. I'm in the process myself of learning to trade the earthly for the eternal. I'm going to print and frame this if you don't mind!
No, I don'd mind at all (in fact, that's a great idea--I may have to print and frame it, also). I know I got a lot out of it, and I thought everyone here would, too. It's nice to have a reminder about what are goals/purpose are when it comes to homeschooling. I'm glad you enjoyed it, too!
Thanks so much for sharing! As we are in the midst of preparing for the PSAT test coming up in October, that is a great reminder of what is truly important to teach our children.
