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Each lesson in Heart of Wisdom unit studies contains four basic steps. These four steps comprise a cycle of instruction based on the four learning styles. Each of the four steps teaches to one of these four learning styles. The chart below gives an overview of the four steps.
Step |
Step Description |
Typical Activities |
Step 1
EXCITE
Create an interest
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This is a critical step skipped in public school. Motivate students by making the lesson meaningful to their lives. Discuss what the children may already know about the subject and what they would like to find out. |
. Mindmapping
. Brainstorming
. Watching a video
. Discussing the topic
. Making lists
. Drawing tentative conclusion |
Step 2
EXAMINE
Find out the Facts
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This is the traditional step: Find out the facts-but not with a text book. HOW suggests looking at several different resources (real books, Internet sites, videos, etc.) |
. Research on the Internet
. Look at an interesting book on the subject
. Read a classic
. Look it up in an encyclo-pedia
. Refer to a commentary
. View maps
. Interview an expert
. Interact with software |
Step 3
EXPAND
Do something
with what was learned
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Reinforce the lesson by completing an assignment or creating a project. Projects can be simple ten-minute activities or elaborate three-day endeavors. HOW lessons focus on writing assign-ments. To retain the material, a student must do something with what is learned. |
. Complete a writing assignment (Write a letter from or to a character, write a newspaper article, etc.)
. Create illustrations
. Make a salt dough model
. Do a science experiment
. Create a diorama
. Write songs or poetry
. Trace a journey on a map
. Make a booklet or pamphlet, poster, etc.
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Step 4
EXCEL
Pull everything together (synthesis) and share with someone else
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The student shares what he has learned, usually through narration (verbally or in writing) and through the creation of a portfolio. When a student can teach someone else what he has learned, he really knows the subject. |
. Create a portfolio
. Narration
. Share and explain a project
. Give a report
. Share writing activities
. Explain the Portfolpio
. Artwork
. Share oral stories
. Recite poetry
. Share a song, etc. |
The most important thing to realize about learning styles is that none of the styles is better than another. The Bible teaches that we are all different parts of the body of Christ and that one part is no better than another part (1 Corinthians 12:12-25). We all have different intellectual strengths. No one fits into a box; we are all unique individuals created by God. Each of us is a combination of the four types, more or less, in one or two categories.
Studies show that seventy percent of children do NOT learn well through the way the schools teach-lecture/textbook/test-most students need more.
The 4 Steps are a Biblical Approach
Step |
How Jesus Taught |
Step 1
Excite
Create an interest |
He took the people where they were and made the lesson meaningful to their lives in some way. He spoke to shepherds about sheep, farmers about planting, fishermen about fishing. |
Step 2
Examine
Find out the Facts |
He brought in the facts shown in Scripture, "It is written, ...." |
Step 3
Expand
Do something
with what was learned |
He asked them to do something with what they learned
-to actively respond
-by listening.
"He that hath ears to hear, let him hear;" by showing faith, "Arise, and walk;" by obeying, "Come," "Go sin no more;" etc. |
Step 4
Excel
Pull everything together (synthesis) and share with someone else |
He asked them to go and tell others. "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations...." |
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