What is LIFE School?
Traditions and Values of the Past; Education of the Future
LIFE School is a program based on classic education, but it is anything but traditional. The program is unique in that the children will begin their school day when it is convenient for their parents, or when the children wake up and are best ready to begin learning. The home classroom begins with a religious hymn and prayer, and some may recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Then they start their studies with a scripture-based history lesson. Maybe they will study about Ancient Rome, discovering what political turmoil existed at the time that Jesus Christ was born. Or maybe they will study the Psalms of David, and then write their own psalm, expressing their feelings about life or Father In Heaven. Whatever they study, they will write everything they learned in their history journal, creating their own history book in the process. After the lesson, a family discussion allows clarification and re-teaching.
The history lesson is enhanced by a video link that mom shares from her iPad - a re-enactment of an ancient Roman battle. Then they pass around the 3D glasses as they utilize an application that demonstrates the rotation of the planets of our solar system - viewed on one of several hand-held devices - allowing the children to feel they are actually in outer space.
Later the children practice penmanship, an art form mostly lost to the computer age; then hone their grammar skills and progress in their ability to express themselves cohesively and concisely.
After a recess, possibly burying each other in the fall leaves, they will head to the family sofa where they help each other memorize a scripture, science fact, classic poem, or study the weekly spelling list. Then, after mastering one of two math lessons, they might spend half an hour recording observations of fish in their natural habitat, or creating a propelled vehicle using natural power.
Lunch is eaten and enjoyed as a family. After lunch, children curl up in a comfortable chair or stretch out on the floor (whichever best meets their learning style) to read an exciting classic novel like Moby Dick or Homer's Odyssey.
The gifted child won't wait for the teacher to grade thirty of his classmates papers before he can move on to the next assignment. Conversely, a struggling child receives praise and hugs from her teacher/parent for her achievements, and moves forward without ridicule or frustration. Students receive sincere, focused attention by a teacher/parent who genuinely cares about the emotional and spiritual well-being of the child.
Parents are so involved that they know everything the child will study that day. At the dinner table there will be no horrified remarks such as "You heard that at school today?!" Instead, parents will discuss, in depth, the days lessons with all of their children, as the curriculum has been carefully integrated so that each age level is studying the same themes. Plans for a trip with a group of other homeschooled friends may be on the agenda - a trip to a remote desert to observe fossils which will enhance the children's study of the Earth's age and it's creation.
Sounds too good to be true? This school is a reality in many homes like yours. It's called LIFE School - Life Integrated Family Education, and was established to provide a spiritually and academically whole education to families who hold a belief in the gospel and teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Children are taught in the safety and comfort of their own homes, using a curriculum that is whole, integrated, challenging, and complete; and which reflects the faith and beliefs of the family. Lessons are written and scripted so that they can be easily taught by the at-home parent. Subject matter is correlated so that multiple ages are taught with ease. Families have the option of networking so that they can enjoy the fellowship of one another through online blogs, and forums, or combined activities.
The program focuses on the whole child - emotionally, academically, morally, and spiritually, and puts parents in control of their child's learning. Whether you are considering private school or homeschool, or questioning public school, LIFE School is education at its best - challenging, hands-on, socially stimulating, and affordable. The educational traditions of the past are now the wave of the future.
Why is LDS based curriculum important?
There are many compelling reasons to include the scriptures in your homeschool program. One scripture in Alma illustrates the influence a parent can have when sharing the scriptures with his or her children:
And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying: We do not doubt our mothers knew it. Alma 56:48
President James E. Faust shared his thoughts about the power and influence a parent has when she shares the gospel with her children:
"While few human challenges are greater than that of being good parents, few opportunities offer greater potential for joy. Surely no more important work is to be done in this world than preparing our children to be God-fearing, happy, honorable, and productive."
"As whole societies have decayed and lost their moral identity and so many homes are broken, the best hope is to turn greater attention and effort to the teaching of the next generation—our children. In order to do this, we must first reinforce the primary teachers of children. Chief among these are the parents and other family members. The best environment should be in the home."
"What seems to help cement parental teachings and values in place in children's lives is a firm belief in Deity. When this belief becomes part of their very souls, they have inner strength. So, of all that is important to be taught, what should parents teach? The scriptures tell us that parents are to teach their children "faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost," as well as "the doctrine of repentance." These truths must be taught in the home. They cannot be taught in the public schools, nor will they be fostered by the government or by society. Of course, Church programs can help, but the most effective teaching takes place in the home."
President James E. Faust, Liahona and Ensign, Oct. 2005, 2–7
Why choose LIFE School?
Patti Adams, President: Parents often ask me how our curriculum is different from the many programs that are offered today. LIFE School is different from most other home education programs in that it is not a group of individual courses, studied independently by each child, isolating them from family members. Our curriculum is taught by the parents in much the same way that they would present a Family Home Evening lesson. Much of what you teach your children, you do as a family, gleaning from the ideas of each member and taking the opportunity to clarify misconceptions and strengthen testimonies. In this way, parents get to know their children intimately.
This method works with most subjects. History is based on a scriptural chronology, with secular history integrated and presented in a "time-line" manner. Art, music, literature, and much of social studies can also be taught in this way. Even much of science can be taught and learned in this way. Kitchen experiments involve all family members and each child takes away from the experience, a knowledge based on his or her age and maturity. Older students learn and then re-learn as they assist and re-teach younger siblings. Subjects such as grammar and mathematics are learned more independently, but with parent, and often sibling help.
The LIFE School Parent Manual is written much like a Church Primary manual. Daily supplies are listed at the beginning of each lesson, and preparation time is about twenty minutes. Internet hyperlinks to additional resources, videos, pictures, etc. are included, making it easy for the parent to teach directly from a computer or hand-held device.
This also gives you the freedom to become portable. So it's the first warm day in spring? Grab your iPad, a picnic lunch, and take your children to the park, while still having all of your needed resources at your fingertips.
We know you'll love our program. Visit our bookstore to try it free for 30 days. We believe you'll enjoy teaching as much as your children enjoy learning!
Meet the Founder
Patti Landes Adams is a former K-12 school administrator and teacher of several subjects in grades 3through 12. She was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, but was raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. After serving an LDS mission to Italy, she married and lived in the Bay Area of California; Las Vegas, Nevada; Manti, Utah; and the Salt Lake Valley. She educated her children at home for many years. She and her husband then founded an LDS-based private school, which they operated for over seven years. They now reside in Utah, and they are the parents of eight living children.
She has written numerous articles about education and has spoken to hundreds of adults and youth about the blessings of maintaining the gospel of Jesus Christ as the foundation of education. She currently oversees K-8 curriculum research and development for LIFE School. Patti holds a B.S. in Instructional Design, with a minor in Italian. She is excited about the power of web-based learning, and empowering parents to direct their children's education.