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.
