What is Cultural Literacy? And How Can it Help You Homeschool?

Declaration of Independence by John Trumbull: The cultural literacy of the founding fathers made this scene possible.

In the last post, we talked about knowing the very least you need to teach. The basics of cultural literacy hold the key to laying a solid foundation. If you have no idea what “cultural literacy” means, you’re not alone. You can find many definitions, but here’s one to start with: To be culturally literate is to understand the history and concepts that underlie a culture, and to be able to converse fluently in the allusions and informal content of that culture. For purposes of this post, the culture I’m writing about is Western civilization.*

Much has been written on cultural literacy, and many people have attempted to define what it includes. E.D. Hirsch’s best-selling Cultural Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know is an excellent introduction to the importance of cultural literacy, and it includes a list of things that an educated person should be familiar with.

The key concept that makes cultural literacy an attainable goal is “familiarity.” In order to be culturally literate, you need to be familiar with all manner of things, from Waterloo, Hamlet and “Call me Ishmael,” to the Wife of Bath, the Magna Carta, Tutankhamen, the Pythagorean Theorem and 1066. To be familiar with something is far different from being an expert in it, and it’s entirely manageable.

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Homeschoolers: What’s the Least You Need to Teach?

The Music Lesson by Johannes (Jan) Vermeer c. 1662-65

Do you ever feel a bit overwhelmed at the thought of teaching your student everything he or she needs to know for life? I know it happens, because I often talk with parents who are feeling a bit desperate because their child is either not “getting it” or not interested in school. The parent usually worries that little Fred will be locked into a “Would you like fries with that?” lifestyle, and it will be all their fault for not sending him to a nice traditional school where he would have been fascinated by everything the brilliant teachers shared. Or not.

A serious reality check will probably help you recall your own fascination with the academic side of school, and your diligence at pursuing all the extra bits of information that your teachers seemed to find so important. A further dose of reality will probably remind you that your learning didn’t stop when you received your high school diploma. You probably went on to learn work/career skills, parenting, French, computer skills, and all sorts of things you didn’t imagine you’d ever need while you were in school. Read more

Set Priorities for the New Year

I love the beginning of a new year. I like it so much that I’ve even designated a secondary “new year” in June so that I can begin afresh at least twice a year! Here’s how you can make your personal New Year a time of renewal and refreshment.

Look Back, Look Forward

vermeer_-the_milkmaid-sm As you think through the following questions, you may want to journal your answers. If you’re a perfectionist, please don’t get stalled in finding the perfect journaling notebook and the right color pen before you can get started (and don’t ask how I know that this can be a hang-up!). You may even want to blog about some of the answers (if you do, please leave a comment and link in the comment section, so that other readers can find you). Don’t feel that you have to write a lot, but try to answer all the questions.

What were the biggest blessings of the past year?
What were the most difficult challenges?
When you look back at the previous year (or six months), how do you feel about it?
How do you think your family feels about it? If you’re not sure, you may need to ask.
Were you able to stay focused on the priorities you set at the beginning of the year? If so, how did you do it? If not, what changed or went wrong?
What outside activities is your family doing, and do any of them need to be pruned so that you can refocus on priorities?
Are you including time alone each week to refresh your mind and spirit and renew your focus?
Are you conscious each day of trying to create a home atmosphere that encourages love and learning? If not, how can you keep this in mind?
What small things can you incorporate in your daily routine to express love to your husband and to each of your children?
Are you carrying a burden of anger or an unforgiving spirit? Releasing it will free you to focus and grow (the only attitude you can change is your own).
What are your top three priorities for the coming year (six months)? How do these fit with your season of life and your long-term goals?
What other priorities do you need to consider?