Have you ever wished for a way to teach your children that goes beyond academics—something that not only covers math, history, and science, but also shapes their hearts, minds, and character for life?
That’s exactly what the Principle Approach offers.
As an LDS mom and homeschool mama who has been deeply involved in Christ-centered homeschooling, I’ve explored many educational philosophies over the years—Thomas Jefferson Education, Charlotte Mason, Classical, and more. Each one has strengths, and I’ve borrowed ideas from all of them. But the Principle Approach is one that I keep coming back to. Why? Because it’s not just a curriculum or a method—it’s a framework for thinking and reasoning from God’s truth, grounded in Jesus Christ.
And here’s the best part: You can use it as a complete approach or simply as scaffolding that supports whatever style you already love.
What Is the Principle Approach?
At its core, the Principle Approach is about applying all knowledge to true, unchanging principles—truths that come from God. The scriptures are at the heart of every subject, and students are taught to think and reason in light of His Word.
It’s rooted in two historic models of education:
- The Hebraic Model – The teacher as a mentor, learning in relationship, with Scripture as the foundation.
- The American Christian Heritage – The kind of education that shaped early America, emphasizing liberty, self-government, and godly character.
For LDS homeschooling families, this aligns beautifully with our desire to see every subject through the lens of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The Heart of the Principle Approach: The 4 R’s
One of the most powerful tools in the Principle Approach is the 4 R Method—a simple but profound process you can weave into any subject.
1. Research – Gathering Knowledge from Excellent Sources
Start with the scriptures, then seek out the best primary and reliable sources you can find.
- History: Read the Mayflower Compact itself, not just a summary.
- Science: Observe a butterfly chrysalis firsthand, along with a trusted field guide.
- Bible study: Look up the original Greek or Hebrew root of a word.
Ask your kids:
“What does God’s Word say about this topic? What’s the most trustworthy source we can find?”
2. Reason – Identifying the Principles of Truth
Here’s where you connect the facts to God’s purposes.
- History: Studying the Pilgrims may lead to the principle: “Religious liberty is worth sacrifice.”
- Science: Photosynthesis reveals: “God designed plants to sustain life.”
- Literature: After A Tale of Two Cities, you might identify: “True love sacrifices for the good of others.”
Ask:
“What truth do you see here? What bigger lesson is God teaching us?”
3. Relate – Applying the Truth to Life
Knowledge without application isn’t wisdom.
- History: After learning about George Washington’s honesty, a student chooses to be truthful in their schoolwork.
- Science: Studying stewardship in Genesis 2 inspires tending a garden.
- Math: Recognizing God’s order in math leads to organizing a workspace.
Ask:
“How can we live out this truth this week? Where do we see this principle in our own lives?”
4. Record – Preserving and Internalizing Learning
Writing cements learning and creates a record of growth.
- Young kids: Draw a picture and dictate a sentence.
- Older students: Keep subject notebooks with reflections, diagrams, timelines, or essays.
Example: After studying William Wilberforce, write a paragraph about his courage and how it applies today.
Encourage your kids to re-read their notebooks—it strengthens both memory and identity.
A Real-Life Example
Topic: Liberty
- Research: Read Galatians 5:1 and John 8:32, study William Wilberforce, and look up “liberty” in Webster’s 1828 Dictionary.
- Reason: “Liberty comes from God and must be protected by living in truth.”
- Relate: Ask—How can I use my freedom to serve others? Am I living fully in God’s truth?
- Record: Write a reflection and copy Galatians 5:1 into your notebook.
Other Tools in the Principle Approach Toolbox
The 4 R’s are just the beginning. This approach also uses:
- Providential “His Story” Timelines – Seeing history as God’s story.
- Character Charts – Tracking internal and external traits of great leaders.
- Word Studies – Using Webster’s 1828 Dictionary to define words biblically.
- Celebrations & Devotionals – Marking milestones with joy and worship.
Using the Principle Approach as Scaffolding
You don’t have to overhaul your homeschool to benefit from this method.
- Doing a Charlotte Mason nature study? Add the 4 R’s.
- Following a TJEd project? Apply the 4 R’s to help your child research, reason, relate, and record their discoveries.
- Using unit studies? Bring in word studies and providential history connections.
Start small—maybe just with one word study a week or adding a “Relate” question to your literature discussions. Over time, it will become a natural part of how you and your children think.
Why This Matters Now
Our children are growing up in a world where “truth” is often treated as relative. The Principle Approach trains them to think scripturally, reason deeply, and live courageously. It doesn’t just prepare them for tests—it equips them for life.
As a mom coach and homeschool mentor, I’ve seen firsthand how this method transforms families. Through my homeschool coaching work at Coach Kami Harris, I provide homeschool help and homeschool mentoring to LDS moms who want to create a joyful homeschool rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Your Next Step
This week, try one 4 R lesson with your kids.
It could be as simple as:
- Reading a scripture verse
- Finding the principle
- Talking about how it applies
- Writing it down in a notebook
If you’d like more guidance, encouragement, and step-by-step tools, I’d love to walk alongside you through Christ-centered homeschooling principles that build faith, confidence, and joy.
Whether you’re brand new to homeschooling or a seasoned homeschool mom, there is always room to grow in creating a gospel-centered home that nurtures both heart and mind.
Let’s make your homeschool one that not only teaches academics—but truly points your children to Jesus Christ.