292c4e3a

5 Strategies to Build Your Child's Focus, Self-Control and Attention Span

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 14:33:02 GMT

Many parents, at one time or another, struggle to get their kids to focus ... .barely getting them to sit at the dinner table for five minutes, wait in line at the bank, or while grocery shopping.

One of the most common problems that many children have is in focusing on particular tasks for long periods of time. Having a well-developed concentration span, however, is one of the most important keys to success at school. The ability to focus on a particular task, project, or lesson has a direct bearing on the amount of information a child can retain and later apply. The ability to filter out irrelevant distraction and focus oneself on a particular project helps develop self-control in a child as well.

There are strategies that teachers will use in the classroom such as seating kids away from distractions, making learning fun, varying teaching methods, setting up routines, etc. These are great strategies to use in the classroom, but what about helping your child to build focus, self-control and attention span at home?

Here are five strategies you can use to work with your child at home to improve focus.

1. Play board games for concentration.

Board games are one of the best ways to help your child build self-regulation skills.

The Center for the Developing Child defines self-regulation skills as “the mental processes that enable us to plan, focus attention, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks successfully…the brain needs this skill set to filter distractions, prioritize tasks, set and achieve goals, and control impulses.”

The more you can help your child practice attention skills at home, the sooner they will be able to apply those skills and concentrate in school.

Suggestions of self-control games include:

Red light, Green light

Simon Says

Mother May I

Freeze Tag

Follow the Leader

Suggestions of board games for concentration include:

2. Practice waiting – A LOT – to improve attention span.

The more you can practice waiting with your kids the more they will improve. Great places for practicing self-regulation include in the waiting room at the doctor’s office, at the grocery store, and at the dinner table. At these times, instead of reaching for your phone or electronic device to distract your child, play creative hand games or mind games to improve focus and attention. They only require your body sitting in a chair and nothing else.

Some examples include:

The Thinking Game - have your child describe something and you have to guess what it is
I Spy - you describe something that you see and your child has to guess what it is.
Rock, Paper, Scissors - The rock is a closed fist; paper is a flat hand with fingers and thumb extended and the palm facing downward; and scissors is a fist with the index and middle fingers fully extended toward the opposing player. Rock wins against scissors; paper wins against rock; and scissors wins against paper.
Finger Baseball - this is a fun game of numbers and baseball rules. With two players, one starts as pitcher and the other as batter. Both players throw either one, two, three or four fingers, representing a base. If both the pitcher and batter throw the same thing, it counts as a hit (to that number of bases), if they throw a different number, it is an out. The batter gets three outs, and play continues for nine innings. Runners must advance with new hits. For example, a runner on second goes to third on a single. Keeping track of runners and outs in your head can be a fun challenge!
Chopstick Game - This traditional Japanese game just needs two pairs of hands and some strategy (and simple adding) skills! Good fun for getting kids thinking - and every game ends up differently!

In addition to waiting in different scenarios out and about, practice waiting at home for a toy that a sibling has, a special treat like a cookie, or a toy they want to buy at the store.

If waiting is met with tears, sadness or a temper tantrum, be sure to acknowledge their feelings and validate how hard this must be for your child, but stress the need to be patient and wait. Building self-control takes a lot of work – especially for kids!

Finally, have your child practice sitting at the dinner table until everyone is finished. Getting them used to sitting for about 30 minutes can help kids stay focused once they transition into the classroom.

3. Let them experience physical challenges to develop vestibular and proprioceptive senses.

In order for kids to listen, focus and learn to sit still for a period of time, they must develop both proprioception and vestibular sense by experiencing many physical challenges during childhood. The most critical time to develop a child’s proprioception and vestibular sense is before age six.

Proprioception is what tells you where your body parts are without having to look at them. Some activities to support your child’s proprioceptive input include: Pushing or pulling a wagon, building a fort, raking leaves, shoveling snow, digging in the dirt, carrying buckets of sand or water, giving hugs, kneading playdough, jumping on a trampoline, squeezing a stress ball, or playing Tug-O-War with a stretchy band.

Vestibular sense provides information about where the body is in relation to its surroundings. Some activities that support your child’s vestibular sense include: Spinning in circles, rolling down a hill, spinning on a swing, going upside down, climbing trees, rocking, jumping rope, somersaults or cartwheels, using monkey bars, skating, going backwards, swimming, or dancing.

In other words, let them get outside and be active!

4. Reduce screen time.
Research shows that kids who have more screen-time (or video games) have lower attention spans and lose focus. Michael Manos, director of the ADHD Center for Evaluation and Treatment at the Cleveland Clinic, found that children aged 5 or younger who experience two or more hours of daily screen time are nearly eight times more likely to be diagnosed with focus-related conditions including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). He states, “Electronics allow for repeated stimulation and immediate gratification every few seconds. And when we become accustomed to such rapid and frequent stimulation, it can be hard to focus when things in the real world aren’t as mesmerizing.”

So try to cut screen time and perhaps even try a “screen fast” where electronics are completely removed for a longer period of time.

This can result in deeper sleep, a brighter and more even mood, better focus and organization, and a greater time doing physical activity. You just might find that, without screens, your child begins to enjoy the things they used to, is more drawn to nature, and imaginary or creative play returns.

5. Reading to children.
Reading to children is a fun and simple way to build their concentration span on a daily basis. When you read to your child it encourages real attention and listening. The more interested children are in the story, the more they will hang onto every word and pay attention. Stories are also a great way for children to learn vocabulary and develop phonological awareness (through rhyming and repetition). Storytime may just become a favourite part of their (and your) day!

Try these strategies at home to help get your kids to sit at the dinner table longer, wait in line at the post office without a fuss, and experience a seamless grocery store trip. You will also be partnering with your child’s teacher as you both work to build focus, concentration and attention span in your child.

Physical Activity and Christian Living

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 18:39:18 GMT

The human body, in its divine design, is capable of developing amazing abilities of all sorts, over time. No where, except in the human body can you see such a range of abilities - from linebackers to ballerinas. The body is an engineering marvel - our feet, our hands, the thumb! No material entity in God’s created world is more complex, more fascinating, more marvelous, more valuable than human life which God designed specifically to represent himself in his created world. We are fearfully and wonderfully made in order to point to God’s glory.

Psalm 139:13-14 ESV “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”

We easily overlook what a super power bodily movement is. We are living in a sedentary age and our modern world allows us to move our bodies less and less. Technology helps us to move as little as possible. The bible, however, is clear that we are to take good care of our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) but ,at the same time, warns against vanity (1 Samuel 16:7; Proverbs 31:30; 1 Peter 3:3-4). Our goal in exercise should not be to improve the quality of our bodies so that other people will notice and admire us. Rather, the goal of exercising should be to improve our physical health so we will possess more physical energy that we can devote to spiritual goals.

Common Misconceptions About the Body and Physical Fitness:

The body doesn’t matter - God made and sustains all things. He made all things for his glory, including our bodies.
What I do from my body is disconnected from my soul -The bible depicts humans as essentially holistic beings. There is continual interaction between our body and spirit e.g., Proverbs 17:22 “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
Exercise doesn’t matter
We are to love God with our minds and regular exercise improves alertness, attention and motivation
We are to love God with our strength
Exercise can increase the amount of effective time for ministry as fitness does offer a better chance of life expectancy
Brings about overall discipline in our lives and enable us to better love God with our heart, soul, mind and strength
Physical appearance and athletic accomplishments define me - Our identity should come from our union with Christ so that appearance and accomplishments might describe us but they do not define us; pursuing athletic accomplishments or a sculpted physique should never become an idol.
Care for outward appearance is the best way to attract and keep a godly spouse - The bible’s descriptions of husbands and wives focus on character rather than appearance; attraction often increases and intensifies over the course of a godly marriage even when our bodies deteriorate.
Philippians 4:13 is about my bench press and 1 Corinthians 6:19 is about my diet - Improper interpretation of bible verses, taken out of context, ultimately leads to disappointment and despair.

What Biblical Concepts Should Be Primary When The Christian Thinks About Physical Fitness And Wellness?

Worship - Romans 12:1 “Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship”. Fitness should be done as an act of worship, recognizing that any level of fitness or athletic ability you possess is because God has graciously given that to you.
Stewardship - We will give an account for how we steward or faithfully use everything God has entrusted to us, including our bodies. We should use our bodies for holiness not impurity, for worship not idolatry, and for gospel ministry not idleness or indifference.
Effectiveness in Ministry - There are numerous practical benefits resulting from physical exercise that can enhance our ability to minister to others (sustained vigor, improved focus, emotional stability, and ability to travel to others).
Character Formation - Exercise provides good training for life. It can help to develop a mindset and promote habits of perseverance so that we will gravitate towards dealing with the hard things of life in a healthy way.
Pleasure - God put chemicals into our bodies (e.g., endorphins, dopamine, serotonin) that are raised during intensive sessions of physical activity. These chemicals produce feelings of pleasure.
Evangelistic Opportunity - Whether you are in a gym, on a sports team, or running with a partner, these all provide opportunities to share the gospel with others.
Bodily Discipline - Bodily discipline produces a disposition to discipline that is transferable to other areas of life.

Stouffville Christian School’s athletics program provides a dynamic environment where competitiveness, teamwork, and self discipline are promoted. Our goal is to build Christ-like character and good sportsmanship which will become lifelong traits. We want each of our students to marvel at God’s design of the human body, to take good care of their body, to celebrate when their body can do amazing things, and offer their body back to God as an act of worship. Visit https://www.stouffvillechristianschool.com/school-life#Athletics to find out more about our athletics program.

**With information taken from “A Christian Guide to Body Stewardship, Diet and Exercise” by David Peterson Ed.D, Jeremy Kimble Ph.D, & Trent Rogers Ph.D from the School of Allied Health at Cedarville University

How to Make Prayer an Important Part of your Family Life

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 19:37:02 GMT

Helping your child develop a relationship with God through consistent prayer is one of the greatest things you can do as a parent. Pray as a family and model a life of prayer for them, guiding them in the practice of praying on their own.

Make Prayer a Regular Part of Your Day

Scripture tells us to “pray at all times and in all circumstances,” so allow your child to see and hear you pray regularly. Prayer will become more commonplace in your child's life if you make it a regular part of your family's culture.

Pray before meals, thanking God for providing for your daily needs
Pray before driving to school in the morning, asking for protection, and over the upcoming activities of the day
Take time to stop and give thanks in times when God blesses you or answers a prayer
Model prayer in times of difficulty or when seeking wisdom for important decisions
Pray for those in your family and others you know are in need

Be an Example

Show by example how to talk to God in prayer. How amazing that we can visit God's throne whenever we want! A priest is not required to act as our intermediary with God. The wall that once separated us from the Holy of Holies has vanished. He is accessible anywhere, at any time, and for anything.

Why do we pray?

It is important for children to understand why we pray. What is the purpose of prayer?

1. We pray to praise God for who He is. It honors God. It shifts our focus towards God and encourages us.

2. We pray in order to confess our sins . Once Jesus has reconciled us to God, we are united with Christ, yet we still sin, and we don't want our sin to stand in the way of our relationship with God.

3. Thank God for what He has provided. The importance of always having a grateful heart cannot be overstated. Peace comes from a heart of trust.

4. To ask God to provide the things we need , because we are completely dependent on Him.

Easy ideas for prayer time with your child:

Sentence Prayers: Take turns praying short, one sentence prayers. It can be as simple as “Please heal Uncle Bob,” “Thank you for giving Amanda a new friend,” or “I’m sorry for losing my temper with everyone earlier today.”

Fill-in-the-Blank Prayers: These starter lines can help to guide and focus prayer times:

God, I love you because…
Thank you God for…
God, I’m sorry for…
God, please help…

Alphabet Prayers: Going through the alphabet, pray for something or someone that starts with that letter. E.g., A - Aunt Amy, B - baseball game, C - courage, etc.

Prayer Board : Use a dry erase board or calendar to record the things the family is praying for together and keep it visible to everyone.

Prayer Journal: Consider purchasing a journal for your child to start recording prayers and how God answers them.

Mirror prayers: Write a list of prayer requests on the child's bathroom mirror using a dry erase marker so they will remember to stop and pray after brushing their teeth.

“One of the greatest responsibilities of parenthood is praying for your kids, but an even greater responsibility is teaching your kids to pray. Don’t just pray for them; pray with them. Praying for your kids is like taking them for a ride; praying with your kids is like teaching them to drive. If all you ever do is pray for your kids, they’ll just stay in the backseat. Your kids will become spiritual codependents who ask you for a ride anytime they need to get somewhere spiritually. But if you teach them to pray, they can download directions themselves and make their way to wherever it is that God wants them to go.”― Mark Batterson, Praying Circles around Your Children

How to Encourage Reading at Home

Thu, 24 Nov 2022 20:32:40 GMT

In order to develop lifelong readers there are two parts of the equation: Having the “skill” to read and having the “will” to want to read. Teachers can do a great deal to help students build their reading skills and to encourage them to develop a love of reading, but parents and families play a critical role in promoting a love of reading.

Does your child see reading as a chore or an assignment? If the answer is yes, then they may avoid reading and only do it when it is absolutely necessary. This begins a cycle of less practice reading, not improving, falling behind, then enjoying it even less because of its difficulty. Therefore, it is important for all readers, including those who struggle, to read often.

There are often many things competing for children’s time. Just like eating healthy or exercising regularly, it is important for reading to become a habit so children become motivated, enthusiastic readers. Here are some fun and simple activities, strategies and routines which can help children build their interest in and joy of reading, books and learning.

Make a dedicated reading space - Make sure it is a comfortable and quiet space with good lighting, a place where they can relax and focus on their book.
Read regularly - Set aside a family reading time each day or at least several times per week. Older children can read to themselves, and parents or siblings can read aloud to younger children. Or you can read aloud a book that the whole family will enjoy.
Be a reading role model - When your children see you reading for pleasure on a regular basis they will begin to understand that reading is valued in your family.
Follow their interests -Children will be keener to read about a topic they are already interested in and curious about so head to the library and find books related to their love of football, animals, space, cooking, or whatever!
Read funny things ! - Everyone loves to laugh so read comics, jokes, riddles and puns together. Read the comics from the newspaper or joke books from the library.
Talk to your children about what they have read - By asking questions about the book they are reading, it shows that you are interested in what they have read and will motivate them to keep reading. Questions such as: Who’s their favourite character and why? Do the characters or situations remind them of anyone they know? Ask them to summarize the book they’ve read in a few sentences. Or discuss with them whether or not they would recommend this book to a friend.
Plan a book swap - If you have neighbors, friends or other family members with children the same age as yours then get together and bring books and magazines to recommend and trade.
Read anything anywhere - Things to read are everywhere (food menus, road signs, instructions) and children will start to see how useful it is to be able to read and how reading has a variety of purposes.
Play word games together to build interest in words - There are lots of word games you can play such as Hangman, Scrabble, Blurt, Bananagrams and Apples to Apples Junior.
Variety is the spice of life! - Variety of material is also important when it comes to wanting to read so have a variety of books and magazines around and stash them where your children will be – in the car, in their bedrooms and even in the bathroom! Audio books are also enjoyable and provide a great way for families to listen to books while driving or relaxing at home.

Reading is necessary for learning, so instilling a love of reading at an early age is the key that unlocks the door to lifelong learning. Through reading, children will expand their vocabulary and gain self-confidence and independence. Reading helps children learn to make sense of the world around them, and it is a critical foundation for building social-emotional skills, imagination and for developing logic and problem-solving skills. As Dr. Seuss said, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

5 Ways to Boost Your Child’s Math Skills

Sat, 06 Aug 2022 01:35:41 GMT

Math skills are really important. According to research , math skills entering kindergarten are the best predictor of future academic success, more so than reading skills, attention skills, or socio-emotional behaviors.

Math can be a daunting subject for some. But, since math is part of our everyday lives, this makes it easy for parents to talk about it with their children in ways that are fun, engaging and natural. The bonus is that this will give kids a head start in school success by helping them get comfortable with math concepts.

Here are five simple ways to add math to your child’s day:

1. Baking and Cooking Together

There are so many opportunities for math discussion in recipes - fractions, measuring, time, temperature, multiplying (doubling a recipe), and dividing (halving a recipe). Young children will enjoy counting out chocolate chips or blueberries. You can even introduce estimating: “How many chocolate chips do you think it will take to fill ½ cup?” Then count and see how close you are to the right answer. One bonus is the delicious reward at the end of this time together!

2. Measuring and counting fun

There are fun ways to incorporate measuring and counting in physical activities. “How far do you think you can throw a ball?” Throw and measure the distance then see if you can beat your record. “How many times can you jump rope or bounce a ball without missing?” Count and see. Kids love stopwatches, so time how long it takes to do a certain activity. “How many jumping jacks do you think you can do in 1 minute?” A fun game is to guess how long 10 seconds is. Start the stopwatch, do not look at it, then count in your head and stop it when you think 10 seconds is up.

3. Build something

Kids love to be creative with Lego or other building toys, or outdoors with wood and nails. This is a fun way to incorporate numbers, measuring, shapes and spatial thinking. “How many Lego blocks do you need to create a tower as high as the chair?” or “What can you build with 50 Lego blocks? What about 100?”

4. Plan a party together

There are plenty of math concepts involved when you plan a party or family dinner (or even a tea party for your stuffed animals!). Count how many people are coming and count out the right number of plates, napkins, and silverware. Take them shopping and help them figure out how many packages you need of various party items. Things are packaged in different quantities so there will be some math to do! “We have 10 guests coming to the party and the plates come in packs of 8. How many packs do we need? How many will be left over?”

5. Bedtime stories

Many families read to their children at night. Why not add a math problem to solve? If you need some suggestions, Bedtimemath.org sends parents a fun, new math problem every day, on everything from electric eels and chocolate chips to roller coasters and flamingoes. Targeted for kids ages 3-9, it begins with a short, fun set-up story, followed by three math problems at three levels of challenge.

There are so many ways to keep kids thinking about math and transform your home into a math-loving household. The important thing is to encourage your child to see the numbers all around us and to keep it fun. It also provides an opportunity to see how the mathematical structure of the world (the order and pattern of things) points towards God's existence and beauty. The understanding of math drives should drive us to worship God more deeply.

Preparing Your Child For Kindergarten

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 19:29:26 GMT

The transition to kindergarten can be a big change for parents and children. Even if your child has been attending a preschool, the transition to kindergarten can still feel daunting. There will be new friends and teachers that your child has never seen before. The school will have a different schedule than what they have been used to, and the size of the school can feel intimidating.

Oftentimes parents ask me what they can do to help prepare their children for the transition to kindergarten. The answer may surprise you: what is most important for pre-kindergarten children to know is not academic skills, but rather independence in some key areas. Below are 5 key things you can do to help best prepare your child for kindergarten:

1. Learning independence in the washroom

Each kindergarten classroom at SCS has their own designated washroom and kindergarten students are expected to use the washroom independently when they enter the program. Of course, we know that sometimes students do need help with buttons and zippers when they are done, and we will provide reminders to wash their hands. Also, we understand that accidents are a part of the kindergarten experience and so we would be happy to retrieve your child’s change of clothes with which they would then use to change themselves. One of the things you can do is have your child practice using the washroom with the door closed for privacy and dressing/undressing themselves completely independently so that if the need arises, they are able to do that on their own.

2. Practice recognizing their name

There are many things in the classroom that will have your child’s name on them and it would be helpful if they could recognize which mailbox or coat hook is their own. Recognizing their own name will help your child to function independently in the kindergarten classroom and enable them to put their items in the right place.

3. Practice name writing

From artwork to journals to drawing pictures, there are a lot of little things that kindergarten students create. When students know how to write their names (or even the first letter of their name) it makes keeping track of these creations much easier.

4. Practice social skills in a variety of settings

Taking turns, listening, and following the rules are important social skills in kindergarten. So schedule play dates, take your child to the park, and have your child experience different social settings. This is a great opportunity to practice conflict resolution skills and also play etiquette.

5. Practice using backpack and eating out of their lunchbox

Your child can take their backpack and lunchbox with them on trips or outings. This enables them to practice opening and closing their containers and their backpack. Although kindergarten students are little in stature, we recommend using a large, long backpack in order to allow room for all the items which kindergarten students bring to school each day. A backpack needs to be able to accommodate a folder, lunch bag, sweater, snow pants in winter, etc.

Practicing these skills with your child throughout the summer will allow them the best possible start for kindergarten in September.

If you would like more information about the kindergarten program at Stouffville Christian School, contact us for a tour or to ask any questions.

Why Christian Education

Mon, 30 May 2022 17:22:33 GMT

The Bible is very clear about the importance of parents in the lives of their children. They are to love them and to bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. In a typical week, however, a large amount of a child’s time is spent in a school setting. It is paramount, then, to consider the influence school is having on a child’s life. Is their educational experience encouraging the flourishing of their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being?

What is Christian Education?

The goal of any school is to educate children about life, the world around them, and their purpose in all of it. Christian education integrates a biblical worldview into every area of study so that children are taught about the world God created, weaving faith into each area of learning. They are taught how to find purpose and meaning through God’s will for their life. They learn about a bigger story - that our faithful God is actively at work and has been since the beginning. Through an understanding of God’s character, His Word, and His works children learn truth and how to show His love to those around them.

Isn't Sunday School enough for my child?

With a Christian education children learn that God doesn’t only exist on Sunday mornings, but is constantly at work in the world each and every day. By integrating a biblical worldview into every area of study, students learn that following God isn’t limited to one area of life. For example, in science class students learn about God’s handiwork in natural laws and the design of the world. In gym class they may learn how to set a Christ-like example with team members and opponents in a game. A Christian school can build on what is being taught at church and in the home so the child will develop a deep and mature spiritual foundation. The goal is to ignite a desire in students to continue to learn about God and the Bible, preparing them to follow Christ after they leave school.

Benefits of Christian Education

There are many benefits to having a child educated in a Christian school. Some of these include:

Bible classes - Children will learn the truth about God’s Word and will use this foundation as the start of all subjects, including math, science and history.
Character development - Children learn they are created with a purpose and begin to discern how their interests and talents may line up with future career goals to be used for His glory.
Prepared for life - Students are trained to understand the truth in the Bible and then share their faith confidently with others. They learn how to defend their faith and effectively share the Gospel, ultimately changing the world through Christ.
Influence on heart - Christian school students are searching and struggling with life’s issues just as much as students in a public school. However, the Christian school gives them the climate and the tools to succeed.
Partnership with home - The Christian education system is a partnership with the family that desires their child to be disciplined, nurtured and educated in an atmosphere that honors God and gives preparation to be successful emotionally, spiritually, mentally and physically.
Good role models - Teachers model and demonstrate Christian principles so that a child can learn from an early age how to practice their faith in their daily lives.
Habit of prayer - Corporate prayer is an integral part of the day. Prayer is a path to a personal relationship with God, but it also strengthens connections to one another. Teachers and students pray for each other — in times of blessing and times of challenge — to foster a loving, inclusive learning environment. We incorporate the habit of prayer in our classrooms, weekly chapel services, and extracurricular activities.
Positive peer pressure - Students reinforce positive habits and attitudes, so instead of pressuring each other to make mistakes, they’ll encourage each other to do their best.
Smaller classes, more attention - With small class sizes, students receive one-on-one attention from their teachers, allowing the staff and administrators to know each child personally. Teachers and staff view every child as a unique person created in God’s image. With such attention, they often will notice talents and gifts in a child which they can then encourage to develop for God’s glory.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. If we truly believe God exists and rules this universe, it seems preposterous to educate kids in a system that never mentions His name or His influence on this world. Choosing a school for your children is a big decision. Pray for guidance to make the best choice for your family. If you have any additional questions or concerns, or would like to tour the school please reach out to us today.

What is a Worldview?

Mon, 30 May 2022 17:22:31 GMT

Everyone has a worldview. It is the framework from which we view reality and make sense of life and the world. Our worldview becomes the driving force behind every emotion, decision and action. The question to consider is not whether you have a worldview, but rather, is your worldview true? Some worldviews are incoherent, being merely a smorgasbord, or mix and match worldview. Barna research concluded that 88% of people have a worldview that is not internally consistent, meaning it is not coherent with itself. An examined and thoughtful worldview, however, is more than a private personal viewpoint; it is a comprehensive life system that seeks to answer the basic questions of life:

Is there a “God”?
How did we get here?
What is the purpose of life?
What went wrong with the world?
What is right and what is wrong?
What is our destiny?

What is a Biblical Worldview?

A Christian worldview is not just one’s personal faith expression, nor is it just a theory. It is an all-consuming way of living, applicable to all spheres of life. A biblical worldview is based on the infallible Word of God. When you believe the Bible is entirely true, then you allow it to be the foundation of everything you say and do. It involves loving God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30-31). This kind of love for God results in taking every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ (2 Cor. 10:5), and a wholehearted devotion to distinctively Christian thinking. It means being able to see life from a Christian vantage point; it means thinking with the mind of Christ.

A biblical worldview changes the way we respond to major events in the world and also day-to-day incidents. How do you respond to a national pandemic or political unrest? How do you respond to traffic? What do you do if your fast food order is wrong? What do you do when your boss asks you to lie? While those with a secular worldview may have their worldview shaken after a disaster, a Christian will respond with trust in God’s sovereignty, confidence in Christ’s future return, and passion for spreading the gospel. Through everything we continually look for God’s greatness, goodness, and wisdom.

Why is a Biblical Worldview important?

A biblical worldview is important because it is the only true worldview. If we reject God’s word, we fail to see the world as it really is. A worldview might be compared to a pair of glasses. If you have broken or discolored lenses or the wrong prescription, you won’t see the world correctly. A biblical worldview shows you the world as God, the Creator of it, intended. Everyone loves having perfect vision, and when it comes to seeing the world, it is no different. Sin, however, has distorted our view but looking at life with a biblical worldview corrects our vision and helps us see the world through the theme of God’s redemption.

The Challenge of Competing Worldviews

The problem is that non-biblical worldview ideas don’t just sit in a book somewhere waiting for people to examine them. They bombard us constantly from television, film, music, newspapers, magazines, books and academia. Because we live in a selfish, fallen world, these ideas seductively appeal to our flesh, and we often end up incorporating them into our personal worldview — often without even knowing it. Barna research has been tracking this ongoing shift away from a Christian worldview. Brooke Hempell, senior vice president of research for Barna, says, “The challenge with competing worldviews is that there are fragments of similarities to some Christian teachings, and some may recognize and latch on to these ideas, not realizing they are distortions of biblical truths. The call for the Church, and its teachers and thinkers, is to help Christians dissect popular beliefs before allowing them to settle in their own ideology. Informed thinking is essential to developing and maintaining a healthy biblical worldview and faith as well as being able to have productive dialogue with those who espouse other beliefs.” As Colossians 2:8 says “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.”

How to Instill a Biblical worldview in your Children

Children should be prepared to navigate the tidal wave of unbiblical ideas that confront them as they grow older. We want them to know what they believe and why they believe it. We want them to know Scripture. So how do you help your kids to think biblically?

Begin at a young age! Look for age-appropriate resources that address issues that your kids are currently facing.
Teach them that Scripture impacts every area of life, even math and science. The reality is that God’s word impacts everything!
As a parent or guardian, live out your faith and belief in front of them. Teach by example!
Find a community of like-minded believers that reinforce the biblical worldview you teach at home.
Give your children opportunities to practice living out a biblical worldview such as activities that involve caring for, or serving others.
Consider your language. Do your words reveal God’s wisdom, care and love. e.g., “Here’s what I think” vs “Let’s see what the Bible says about this question” or “There’s no way we can pay all our bills this month” vs “Let’s pray and trust God to provide for our needs.”

Since a person’s worldview is primarily shaped and is firmly in place by the time someone reaches the age of thirteen it is imperative that parents and other influencers are intentional in how they help develop the worldview of children. At Stouffville Christian School we strive to raise students with a biblical worldview. A biblical worldview not only shapes what a child believes but also equips the child to live in a manner worthy of the gospel, for the good of others and to the glory of God.