Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

Mike Smith:
Daniel, this week you’ve been telling us about the importance of architecture in our daily lives. How can homeschool parents introduce their children to this subject?

Daniel Lee:
Well, Mike, as much as I value the home as a place to train children, nothing beats books, field trips, and travel. There are many fine books. Books by David Macaulay are good for all ages, showing how cathedrals, Roman cities, and even dams have been built in the past. Also, Frances Ching has books out that are good for middle school age. And my website, danielleearchitect.com, has a recommended reading list for the really serious student.

Now also, travel and field trips are a must. When encountering something new on a field trip, a child’s senses come alive, and they take in impressions that last a lifetime. That’s what we want! So go see buildings up close. Architecture’s a three-dimensional art form, and so it’s best experienced in the round. This means to walk around it, walk inside it, under, and even on top of it, if possible. See it from a great distance and then up close. Touch and even smell the materials that it’s made from. Imagine seeing a great cathedral from a mile away, then being deep inside it, hearing the echoes of children’s voices off its hand-chiseled stone walls.

Home architecture projects are a lot of fun, as well. These are all great ways for your children to develop a really personal love for architecture. Travel, and have fun!

Mike:
Those are great suggestions, Daniel. Until next time, I’m Mike Smith.