January 2016 Presidency Message

The Importance of Learning in Our Homes

By Sister KLynn Miller

“Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come”.  D & C 130: 18-19.

This is one of my favorite scriptures!!!  It emphasizes the importance of gaining knowledge. Don’t we all want to “have so much the advantage in the world to come?”

We can foster a love of learning in our homes from the time a child enters our home by filling his/her world with letters, words, books and pictures. We can read books and the scriptures to them and fill their minds with good music. Studies have proven that children who listen to classical music have better brain cell development.  Once our children are in school we shouldn’t think that our responsibility for teaching has ended.  Children whose parents continue to read to them throughout their years of schooling perform better in school. Family scripture study where each family member takes a turn to read improves reading skills. We can also have our children take turns preparing and teaching the Family Home Evening lesson.

My husband read good novels to our children as they were growing up. Such good books as the “Chronicles of Narnia” series and other good books hold their attention and they are excited for the next reading session to hear the next chapters. 

As our children have homework we can study with them, even finding ways to enrich what they are studying.  With such support from home our children will develop an appreciation for and a love of learning.  When the home rightfully assumes its teaching responsibility, the contributions made by school, community and church programs can be greatly enhanced. Let us each accept the challenge to be personally responsible for our families’ learning.  We respect and honor our schools and the Church as institutions that promote learning and faith but we need to recognize that those resources are to help-not replace-the family.

“As we obey the Lord’s commandment to teach our children, we will find that our families enjoy greater unity, more joy in church and school and increased effectiveness in mission, marriage and vocations.”  (Harvey B. Black professor of instructional science at BYU)

 

My oldest daughter who completed her Master’s degree a couple of years ago said that it was always clear in our home that learning and education was of utmost importance. Her children tease her because she not only has degrees from colleges but also technical certificates. (She even got one as a “flagger” one summer when she was home from college.) She has always loved to learn.  A college degree may not be for everyone but there are trade and technical schools that teach skills that are needed in our world and are good vocations. 

“Seek ye diligently,” the Lord said, “and teach one another words of wisdom; yea seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.”

May we strive to develop a love of learning that lasts throughout our mortal life. As we do this the Lord will bless us with knowledge and wisdom and our intelligence will increase.