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The Sterling W. Sill Plan for Homeschooling
Sterling W. Sill served as a General Authority of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints until 1978. For many years he had a weekly radio program and wrote over 30 books. He died in 1994 at 91 years old. I never saw him in person or met him personally. I do not know if he ever heard of homeschooling or how he felt about it if he did. From reading his talks, I discovered that he had a great love of learning. He believed that people should continue learning throughout their lives and he practiced what he preached.
Elder Sill had the habit of keeping notes on everything he read. By 1974, he had collected over 7500 pages of inspirational notes in 25 three-ring binders. He said that those notebooks were his most valuable possessions. If you read his talks, you will soon discover what he did with those notebooks. His talks are peppered with inspirational thoughts and poems that he had collected in his notebooks over many years.
Following Elder Sill’s example (updated for the information age), I have collected inspirational thoughts, talks, articles, and books for many years. I keep them stored online, on my computer and on compact disks. One of my very favorite items in my collection is a talk by Elder Sill entitled, “Great Experiences” given in 1971, before I was a member of the church. I read it every January to remind me of my commitment to create great experiences for myself and my family.
Elder Sill wrote, “Certainly the most successful lives are those that have the most worthwhile experiences. The religion of Christ itself is not so much a set of ideas as it is a set of activities. The purpose of the Church is to help us translate the principles of the gospel of Christ into constructive, meaningful human experience. And everyone should work toward this end by a daily practice of thinking some uplifting thoughts, listening to some fine music, reading some stimulating literature, doing some good deeds, and having some great experiences every day.” (Sterling W. Sill, “Great Experiences,” Ensign, June 1971, 43)
How true is the saying that few, if any, will lie on their death beds wishing they had spent more time at the office. While a certain amount of office work may be necessary, that’s usually not what we look back on with fond memories and a sense of accomplishment. Those that are fortunate enough to have careers that are rewarding and worthwhile are blessed indeed – and probably planned it that way!
Most of us will not be blessed with many worthwhile experiences without effort. Perhaps a few great experiences will happen by chance, but if we want a truly successful life full of rewarding and worthwhile experiences, then we will have to make it happen. This will take planning, preparation and participation on a regular basis.
Homeschoolers have a unique opportunity. Because our lives do not revolve around the schedule the government schools have devised, we can create a learning schedule which focuses on rewarding, constructive, and worthwhile experiences. We can focus on the religion of Christ and create family activities that build relationships, foster creativity, provide service, and improve talents as well as prepare for the future.
Taking the advice from Elder Sill given in the quote above, a nearly complete homeschool plan could be prepared. Elder Sill recommends the following activities on a daily basis: thinking uplifting thoughts, listening to fine music, reading stimulating literature, doing good deeds and having great experiences. Families could sit down together in Family Home Evening and plan ways to incorporate each of Elder Sill’s recommendations each day for the coming week or month. Alternatively, mom could plan the school day around the various ideas herself. Either way, creating a plan will make the likelihood of success much greater.
Here are a few ideas to get you thinking. By no means is this list meant to be an exhaustive one. As you read over this list, I am sure you will think of many more ideas you can incorporate into your homeschool plan.
Think some uplifting thoughts.
- Family Prayer
- Scripture Study
- Devotional thoughts
- Family discussions
- Copywork (handwriting) assignments
- Singing and listening to hymns
Listen to some fine music.
- Hymns and primary songs
- Inspirational/gospel music
- Classical Music
- Folk songs
- Musicals
- Instrumental
- Foreign
Read some stimulating literature.
- Scriptures
- Church Magazines
- Biographies
- Historical fiction
- Inspirational novels
- Inspirational poetry
- Short stories
- Fables
- Fairy tales
Do some good deeds.
- Household chores
- Service for family and friends
- Write thank you and birthday cards
- Smile at everyone you meet
- Hold the door open for people behind you
- Pick up trash at the park
- Share your testimony
- Look for people that need help and help them
- Work at a homeless shelter
- Give your old clothes and toys to a thrift store or neighbor
Have some great experiences.
- Hold Family Home Evening
- Attend church as a family
- Do science experiments
- Create models, murals, or mobiles
- Play games and sports together
- Take hikes, walks and bike rides together
- Attend concerts and plays
- Visit historical sites, zoos, parks and museums
- Make crafts or scrapbooks
- Put on a skit, puppet show or slide presentation
- Grow a garden
- Draw, paint or sculpt
- Discuss world affairs
- Try a new food
Recommendations
More Information
Great Experiences By Sterling W. Sill
Good Habits Develop Good Character By Delbert L. Stapley
Making Home a Learning Center By Ron and Sherri Zirker and Bette M. Doxey
Our Wildflower Summer By Page Townsend Johnson
The Moore Formula
LDS Copywork
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