Encourage
A Reflective Moment for a Homeschooler
0I received this email from a friend and just had to share it. It reminded me to be thankful and to focus on the important things – like good health and precious time with my kiddos. I hope it does the same for you. -Gena
We all have typical days.
You know how it goes. I love it…some days can be a little harried, but very thankful for all God is doing in our lives.
I am using some used home school curriculm that I picked up from a consignment shop. The person who previously owned my curriculm did not get to erase all of her notes. So it’s a little interesting as I read over her notes before erasing them…all about her son.
In reading her notes this week, I had to stop and pause. Her entry:
“Day 4: (Skipped assignments.) Went to Colorado U Hospital to see how the radiation therapy works for me. Nurse explained things to them.”
I just had to take a quiet moment.
Father … thank You for grace today … and for loving me and my family … and for always be with us.
Great Article: Education – The Art of Beholding
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As we begin another homeschooling year, take a look at this article by Pastor Stan Pace, Education-The Art of Beholding. It is a wonderful reminder to let our passion for education and learning shine as we teach our children.
Pace writes, “True education happens when the teacher himself/herself loves to behold beautiful things. When, in love, and with the wisdom that makes knowledge lovely, he teaches his students to behold and love these same things, the child becomes a “student,” i.e., a pursuer. It’s hard not to like something when someone you love loves it. ”
He ends the article, writing, “When a student is taught to love learning, then he is on his way to becoming human and to finding his fruitful place in the garden of God.” Beautifully put. And, isn’t that what we’re all striving for? God bless!
Photo: Working on States Notebook by Jimmie Homeschool Mom’s Photostream
Heavenly Humor for Teachers
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Here’s the newest project I had the privilege of being a part of. It was a thrill to contribute to Heavenly Humor for the Teacher’s Soul: 75 Inspirational Readings (with Class!). I am so thankful to Barbour Publishing for including this homeschool mom’s writing in the book.
The book includes 75 humorous stories–some from the view point of the student and some from the teacher. All have a heart-warming message of hope and grace. Take a look!
Finding What Your Student Needs
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As we begin another year of homeschooling, it’s easy to become consumed with curriculum and schedules and plans for co-ops, field trips and programs. While all of those things are important, I am once again reminded to slow down and prayerfully consider each of my children—their needs, desires, loves, struggles and limitations. Instead of focusing on grade level, what others are doing or even what I think I should be doing, I am reminded to focus on how I can reach each of my children with a love of learning.
For each child this is a different path. For me, this year, it will mean more hands-on learning. It will mean putting the books away and coming up with new ways of teaching the material. For example, after reading through the Five in a Row book How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World, I’ve decided to take a morning and bake an apple pie with my children. The organized task master in me struggles with the idea of breaking away from the curriculum schedule, but in order to give my children the kind of education I truly want them to have, I know this is a necessary step. And hey, it’ll be lots of fun, I’m sure.
Another step I am taking is to add lapbooking. I am fully aware of the fact that in order to do this, some of the workbook pages won’t be filled—at least not that day. A part of me cringes as that fact. But then, I have to ask myself which will be more meaningful to my children: filled workbook pages or handmade books that they can revisit and enjoy. I’m sure the answer will be the personal books. And to help me with that endeavor, I’ve called on the expertise of Tammy Duby and Cyndy Regeling and their book The Ultimate Lap Book Handbook
This is the direction in which I’m heading, and I know full well that it is very different from others. Whatever your students need, I pray you receive it. And as you zero in on exactly what they need, I pray you’ll find your own passion for teaching them. God bless!
Are you taking a new direction this year, or fine tuning an old one? I’d love to hear about it. Please comment below and share how you are changing your homeschool in the coming year–new curriculum you’ve found, new approach, ways to streamline, whatever. Let’s learn from each other.
My Homeschool Heroes
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It’s time to begin another great year of homeschooling. As I’ve talked to other homeschooling moms, I’m reminded of just how personal this kind of education is. I hear their heart cries to reach their children with the right information in the right way.
There’s the mom of the dyslexic junior high student who is trying to figure out how to give her son the one-on-one time he needs. There’s the mom of the gifted student who is trying to keep her child challenged. There’s the mom of the artistic student who is searching new ways for her daughter to express herself. There’s the new homeschooling mom who is trying to transition three children home while combining as many subjects as possible. And, there’s the mom who is preparing her child for graduation and adulthood. These women are my heroes. They are prayerfully directing their children’s educations. They aren’t leaving it to a school system or a school board to determine which subjects to study when or how.
As you begin this homeschooling year, I pray that you are confident in the curriculum (or lack of curriculum) you are using. I pray that you have access to the resources you need. But most of all, I pray you have peace—peace in your home, peace with your children, peace with your spouse and peace in your heart.
It’s going to be a great year with lots of highs and lows, good days and bad, successes and even a few failures. Hopefully the good will far outweigh the bad, and you will finish the year feeling as passionate about homeschooling as you did at the beginning. And if you ever need a cheerleader to help you through the bad days or celebrate the good ones, feel free to email me. Remember, you’re my hero. God bless!
Photo: Mother and Child by cliff1066
Great Article: Public School Teacher Talks Homeschooling
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Here’s a fun article from the website Hip Homeschool Moms called A Public School Teacher Talks Homeschooling. It has come at a great time for me, and is a fun reminder of why this form of education is so good. Take a look!
Photo: Who Do We Appreciate by woodleywonderworks
Raising Socially Educated Children
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“Homeschooling is 60% character building and 40% academics,” a friend recently told me. While I can’t quantify it as clearly as that, I am more convinced than ever—especially as I interact with a wider array of children—that academics is only part of our responsibility as homeschoolers and parents.
One of the areas that seems to be lacking in traditional education is, in fact, socialization. This strikes me as funny since homeschooled children are the ones under such tough scrutiny in this area. I’m not talking about a child’s ability to converse with strangers or relate to non-family members. Those aren’t the social skills that concern me. Research supports what homeschoolers already know. Our children can be outgoing or shy, confident or insecure, articulate or at a loss for words. In essence, they are individuals with all the ups and downs that come with being human.
But as I observe my children interacting with other kids, I wonder about the social skills that children are developing. Parents seem to believe that the school system will teach their children how to get along with others. They have bought into the belief that by merely being in the same classroom as 20 other children their same age that their kids will learn how to interact successfully. That’s not the case.
I’ve recently witnessed children screaming at their friends, demanding their own way, with their parents watching—but never correcting—from a short distance away. I’ve seen girls begin the catty bullying that we women can become so good at, hearing the words, “I’m not your friend anymore!” and witnessed the power plays of excluding one child from the group. I’ve seen 6th graders (new to middle school) develop a tough exterior, complete with an angry swagger, in defense of being bullied. Usually, these antics are often met with a glib, “Kids will be kids,” from adults.
I don’t buy it.
If we want our children to learn how to interact with others, we have to train them. We have to teach them how to share and compromise. We have to empower them to sometimes take the lead and sometimes defer to others. We have to show them how to handle tough situations and even tougher people. Of course, I’m not suggesting that we weaken our children by trying to solve all their problems or mediate all their relationships, but we can’t expect them to know how to handle themselves without being taught.
Even as I write this, I’m concerned about one of my daughter’s friendships. A little girl, who was once so sweet and considerate, is developing these “skills.” I don’t know if it is a response to the new school year and new classroom. All I know is that the dynamics of their friendship is changing, and I’m prayerfully considering how to handle it. First and foremost, I’m keeping the lines of communication open with my daughter. I’m training her to stand up for herself, to remove herself from angry situations and to resist responding in kind. I’m also encouraging other, healthier relationships.
Only time will tell how our situation turns out, but I hope all of us parents—homeschoolers and non-homeschoolers—take a stand for education, complete education, one that includes equipping our children with the socials skills they need. God forbid we give up this responsibility. If we do, our children will, indeed, inherit a socially-awkward world.
The Homeschool Giggle
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As I mentioned in my previous post, Homeschooling: Passing the One-Month Mark, the beginning of this school year was difficult for me. I won’t rehash all the upsets and frustrations, but suffice it to say that I struggled to get this year going. For me, it was a reminder that doing the right thing isn’t necessarily the easiest thing. Homeschooling is that for me—it’s the right thing, but not always the easiest.
Don’t get me wrong. I love it. I’m passionate about it. But ever so often, I have to remind myself that my husband and I have made the right choice for our family. And just when I’m teetering on the brink of defeat, unrolling my white surrender flag, I get a reminder of just why this form of education is so right.
That’s where I found myself a few weeks ago. I was having a pity party and dreaming of packing up the school books. I felt inadequate and falling so short of my ambitions. Then, like a sunburst into my darkness, I heard it, a giggle.
I was sitting at my husband’s computer, finishing up a bit of work. From the other room, I heard my children giggling and joking with one another. This wasn’t a small snicker. This was a deep in your belly giggle that escalated into laughter that had them both gasping for air.
I realized that if my oldest were away at school for the majority of the day they wouldn’t have the time, or even the inclination, to have that kind of relationship. They would quite possibly spend most of their energy on other people and have little left over for each other.
That moment may seem small, but it meant the world. It was an answer to prayer that reminded me that our family is on the right track. We can always refine our academic pursuits. If I do my job right, they will develop a love of learning that will last a lifetime, but we have a relatively short time to lay a foundation for their relationship.
I want to give them that, a good friendship to go along with their blood connection. Developing that kind of relationship takes time. It takes them having time to play together, having time to disagree and forgive, having time to appreciate each other’s strengths, having time to look past each other’s weaknesses, simply having time.
Yes, homeschooling comes with its challenges, but I’m reminded again of the blessings it allows. Once again, I’m so thankful for it.
What about you? Have you had moment—a kind of “giggle”—when you knew homeschooling was working for your family? If so, I’d love hear about it. Please leave a comment.
Great Homeschooling Articles on TODAY Show.com
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Last week TODAY Show.com ran a series of articles on homeschooling in America. I have enjoyed them and am thrilled to see the subject of homeschooling making it into the mainstream press… in a positive way. Not only should this make it easier for homeschooling families to gain acceptance (fewer blank stares and pursed lips when we admit that we educate our kiddos at home), but it may begin the homeschool discussion for other families. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.
Homeschooling: Passing the One-Month Mark
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Well, I’ve recently passed the one-month mark on this year’s homeschooling adventure, and let me tell you it was a doozey.
Over the course of the month, one of my curriculum choices for the year ended up being a big miss. Our family endured a paralyzing stomach flu that had me bed bound for three days. An out-of-town family member visited. A freelance project came due. Supplemental classes and sports started. Co-op began. Two of my children had birthdays, and we hosted one combo birthday party. It was a bit much. Needless-to-say, I’m still recovering.
Like many homeschooling moms, I am an overachiever. I don’t say that proudly. The truth is my limitations often escape me until I’m two steps shy of dropping from exhaustion. I erroneously believe that if I just organize my time better, I’ll be able to do it all. I can’t say I have this all figured out, because I don’t. But I have been reminded of a few truths during this difficult time. Maybe you can relate.
Everyone Needs a Mentor
I’m convinced more than ever that everyone needs a mentor. When I realized that the curriculum I had chosen wasn’t working, I shot an email to my dear friend and mentor and poured out my heart to her about my concerns and frustrations. She responded quickly. “I have too many thoughts to put down in an email. Let’s talk at our next get-together.” Over a cup of steamy chai tea, she confirmed my suspicion that the curriculum was, indeed, wrong for us. Her support and insight calmed me and helped me choose a new, more successful direction for my daughter.
Sometimes Tried and True is Better than the Latest and Greatest
The curriculum that I replaced was not untested. It had received rave reviews from parents and experts. But it wasn’t right for us. My daughter needed something simpler, and I needed something more systematic. This wasn’t a worthless stumble; it was a lesson for me. In the future, I’ll know better the kind of curriculum my daughter (and I) need.
Life Happens
When something like a stomach flu hits, it’s best to embrace the situation for what it is—a passing obstacle. It’s easy to get frustrated or concerned because the school schedule is off, but the truth is: Life happens. After a day or so of letting the flu upset my educational apple cart, I finally let my frustration go. I reminded myself that the flu would pass and we would catch up on our work.
Fellow Homeschoolers Understand
In the midst of this trying month, I was at the end of myself. I was frustrated, tired and overcommitted. Naively, I thought I was the only one. I shared my frustration with fellow homeschoolers. Some were close friends. Some were new acquaintances. All understood. As I confessed that I’d made my daughter cry over her math work and shared my doubts about being a good home educator, I was met with understanding, compassion and even humor. I realized that I was not alone. My feelings and doubts are shared at some point by every homeschooler. Only by being honest and open could I receive the encouragement I needed.
Supportive Spouses are Godsends
I actually became so tired that simple decisions eluded me. “Ask your dad,” became a favorite phrase. When I finally told my husband how I was really doing, he spoke the truth to me in love. He told me that I was being too hard on myself, holding my expectations too high and couldn’t do everything on my to-do list. He even offered to go over my schedule with me to help me realistically determine what I could accomplish.
I’m constantly surprised by the journey of homeschooling. Yes, I am educating my children, but I am learning as much or more than them. I’m learning that “slow and steady really does win the race.” I’m learning that I need others—family, friends and the Holy Spirit—to achieve the goal, and I’m learning the power and necessity of grace. Maybe one day I’ll have it all figured out, but for now, I’m content just to keep learning. After all, homeschooling really is an adventure.
Photo: Juggling Act by imagaday