Exploring the Path of Least Resistance Lessons in Home Education
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As I listened to my son-in-law teaching the science of electricity to my grandchildren, I remembered what my electrical engineer father taught me about the path of least resistance and real life. He loved everything having to do with electricity. Yes, I wanted to shout out the answers to the grandchildren’s homeschool science questions, but I resisted–it wasn’t the path of least resistance for me.
Back to my father and his love of electricity: as I understand it when given a choice, the electrical current will flow in the path of least resistance. Daddy said people do the same thing—choose the easiest path. It isn’t always the best life choice, either. The right path isn’t necessarily the fastest one. #LifeLesson
How Does This Relate to Homeschooling?
Knowing that your child will probably choose the path of least resistance can be a teaching tool for you. I will give you several examples of how to use this tool in teaching homeschool math.
Math and the Path
Memorizing basic math facts can be a little boring. It takes time, effort, and diligence. However, there are at least two ways to take advantage of it.
- Counters
Counting items such as dried beans while your student adds or subtracts smaller number problems will aid in memorization of the essential addition and subtraction facts. After a while, it will be easier to remember the answer rather than needlessly count beans—the path of least resistance! - Skip-Counting
Before you start multiplication with your child, teach skip-counting. It’s fun. Find a great skip-counting cd such as One Hundred Sheep by Common Sense Press. - You can also teach skip-counting up to six if you have lots of dice! Your child will soon ditch the dice, but it was fun while it lasted.
- Multiplication Chart
Have your student fill out a Multiplication Chart (more than once, if it helps). Refer to it when working multiplication problems. Once memorized, the path of least resistance is remembering the answer without having to check the chart.
Here’s a Free Multiplication Chart to Download and Print!
I’m sure you get the drift and can figure out new ways to help your student find the path of least resistance for learning any subject!
I hope this helps.
Blessings,
Harriet Yoder