OKmom
New Member
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."
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."
