“Set the example. The best mentors are continually learning and pushing themselves. Read the classics. Study hard... George Wythe studied as hard as Jefferson, and Jefferson contacted home with questions and for help through his life until he passed away. The mentor must lead the way, by reading what the student reads, discussing it with him and requiring quality work. …Children tend to rise to the educational level of their parents, and maybe a little above if their parents have shown them that this is important. The most effective way to ensure the quality of their education is to consistently improve your own.”
Oliver Van DeMille, A Thomas Jefferson Education, 2nd Edition, pages 52-53
We have fully embraced this in our home. Corey, through his pursuit of his degrees has done this quite naturally. While daily scripture study has been a constant in our home, I have loved transitioning to serious studying of other areas again. At the moment I am studying The American Founding, The History of the World - From Earliest Records to the Fall of Rome, The Abolition of Man, Algebra One (yes, my math is extremely rusty), and Jesus the Christ. It has been delightful to share what I have learned with my family at various times during the day. When do I have time to do this? It's a combination of getting up earlier to study and having a short study time with the kids during the day. The kids love to help me correct my math problems - always ready with a sticker if I get them all right. I cannot emphasize enough how much I have enjoyed implementing this key in our home.
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