Encourage
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
How to Start Homeschooling – My Letter to You, Part II
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Here is the follow up email that I sent to a dear friend who was asking about homeschooling. Check out the first email, How to Start Homeschooling – My Letter to You, Part I. I hope you find both of these letters helpful and encouraging. Enjoy!
Dear Friend,
It sure sounds like you are well on your way! If there’s anything that I am personally learning through homeschooling it’s that this is a marathon, not a sprint. There are days when my daughter pushes my buttons and my son begs for attention and the baby is crying, and I think, It would be so much easier to send you to school. But then a day or two passes and she comes to me and we talk about something we’ve studied and I realize just how nurturing this form of education is. It’s amazing how much they retain and how aware of their learning process we parents become.
It’s also so encouraging to me to see my daughter grow in maturity through homeschooling. Two of the benefits of homeschooling are encouraging the love of learning and teaching children to become self-motivated learners. I see both of those in my kids. Other than when my daughter is trying to push my buttons (She’s really good at that! Probably because she’s mini-me. 
), she looks forward to school. And when I tell her that her schoolwork has to be done before she can do something else, she applies herself quickly and well. I realize in those moments that we are moving in the right direction. I really believe it’s as much of a learning process for me as it is for her.
You asked about music. I don’t do a formal music study yet, but music is very much a part of our home. My husband always has music praying, and he is always introducing various music to us. I have introduced some classical music using the Charlotte Mason method. Check out this plan from Simply Charlotte Mason. (I love their stuff.) I tried to do this plan last year, but I’ll be honest, it fell by the wayside with everything else that I was trying to do. One thing I have done this year that seems to be working really well is starting the day with praise and worship. I have a kids’ worship album and we sing and dance to two songs to start the day. I turn it up as a way to signal that school is starting. After P&W, I read from the Bible and then pray. I was just trying to think of ways to teach the Bible and Christian principles in a kid-friendly way. They really like it.
You also wondered how your preschooler would respond to the new schedule. I’ll tell you, I involve my son as much as possible in our school. I bought him a school folder and bought a couple of workbooks and coloring books from the Dollar Store. I keep them hidden so he can’t see or use them outside of school. He is the first to race to his seat and ask if he can open his folder. So far it’s working out well. I also try to incorporate games and group activities that focus on him (like singing the ABC song or doing puzzles). My daughter joins in, or she works on her handwriting during these times. I do the same with the baby by introducing activities and play time that focus on him. When you find out what works for your family, please share with me. I want to keep things fresh and interesting.
Let me know how things go. And let me know what you find works or doesn’t work. I really like to hear others’ experiences.
Blessings!
Gena
Photo: Raise Your Hand by romainguy
Homeschool Graduate Talks about Socialization
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Homeschooling truly is a passion of mine. I love reading and learning about education styles and homeschooling issues. And the research is clear that homeschooling produces positive results—strong academics, life skills and yes, even admirable social skills. But as much as I love homeschooling, I wonder what do homeschool graduates think of it.
I’ve met a couple of homeschool graduates who did not have favorable experiences. Sadly, they share stories of social isolation, disorganized learning, and even worse, a lack of education. But from my experience, those are the exception, not the rule. And as proof, I’d like to introduce you to someone I believe God used to show me just how articulate, intelligent, graceful and self-assured homeschoolers can be. Her name is Katelyn. I recently had a chance to interview Katelyn about her education. Take a look at what she said:
Homeschool Passion: What year did you graduate?
Katelyn: 2009
How many years were you homeschooled?
Kindergarten – 12 grade with the exclusion of my freshman and sophomore years.
What was your favorite part of being homeschooled?
The family aspect – growing and learning together with family. Also the life skills that we were taught – cleaning, cooking, etc. I won’t take it for granted when I have a home of my own one day.
The biggest question about homeschooling is the issue of socialization. How do you respond to that question?
God created each of us with a unique personality, and although our environment can play a part, I don’t believe it completely controls our behavior. Certain personality types are “the life of the party.” They love to be around people. They talk constantly, and thrive off of being in the spot light. Other people are quite content with having a few good friends, and talking over a nice cup of tea. People may look at the latter group and label them as being “unsocial” just because they enjoy being by themselves with a good book or staying at home sometimes, but the fact is that they are wired differently. They are unique. They are themselves – the exact person God created them to be.
Over the years I’ve been homeschooled, I’ve met many other homeschoolers and no two are like. Take my family, for example. All five of us were homeschooled, and each of us has very different personalities. We all interact well with others, yet we each take a different role in a crowd. My youngest brother is the center of attention, the life of the party. On the other hand, my oldest brother would probably rather talk “tech terms” with the other “computer nerds” in the corner. Even though we grew up in the same home, we each respond in our own unique way in a social setting.
As a homeschooler, there are many ways you can interact with other kids your age — sports, church, and neighborhood kids are three groups that come to mind. I developed lasting friendships over the years through these avenues.
Would you homeschool your own children? Why or why not?
Yes, I would. I have experienced firsthand the rewards that come from homeschooling. Kids are very vulnerable. At a young age, our beliefs and attitudes are constantly being molded by the environment around us. There is a lot of garbage and negative influences in the world around us. I believe that through homeschooling you can help lay a strong foundation in your kids’ lives that they will be able to build on for the rest of their lives.
What advice would you give to homeschooling parents?
Enjoy every second of homeschooling. Embrace each moment that you can impart into your children. Also look for ways to grow and expand their interests. If they take a liking to art, find a group outside of the home where they can step outside their creative box and learn alongside other kids their age. Or if sports catch their interest, sign them up for a team. Find a good balance between their academic achievements and their extracurricular activities.
What have you been doing since graduation?
I am currently studying to be a Certified Nutritionist through a distant learning program, and I work part time as a ministry coordinator for the student ministries department at my church.
Photo: Graduation Caps by j.o.h.n. walker
Seven Simple Ways to Recharge this Summer
0Here is an article I recently wrote for The Homeschool Lounge, a free online forum for homeschooling moms. It’s a wonderful place to find (and give!) encouragement. And even if you aren’t a homeschooler, take a look at this article, you’re sure to find some tips for recharging. Be blessed! –Gena
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Summer is here, and for many homeschooling moms, it’s a chance to put the books away, take a break from co-op and recharge in time to start again in the fall. And while the kids may enjoy the warm weather, complete with fierce water slides and drippy ice cream cones, moms need to carve out some time for themselves.
Before you start planning your lessons for the fall (if you haven’t already!), make sure you give yourself a mental break and do something just for yourself. And if that nagging sense of guilt tries to raise its ugly head, remember that even the Apostle Paul took time out of his busy schedule to be refreshed (Acts 27:3; Rom. 15:32). As you give yourself a mental and physical break while renewing your spirit, you’ll be ready to tackle the new school year with peace, joy and grace.
Here are seven simple (and cost effective) ideas for putting a smile on your summertime face.
Read… just for yourself… just for fun.
No, that new curriculum you just purchased does not count. Neither does the educational self-help book, the learning styles book or any other how-to-homeschool book that is on your to-read list. What does count is any book or magazine that you pick up and think, “That looks fun.” Novels, memoirs, spiritual helps, magazines and of course, the Bible are ways to give your mind a time-out from academic rigors. Often, these are times when inspiration hits, giving you fresh ideas for the fall.
Have lunch or coffee with a friend.
Set a time out with a friend or group of friends who encourage you and lift you up. Don’t call that person who complains about their life, husband or children. Find someone who speaks into your life like a fresh breeze, someone with whom you can be honest—someone who inspires you and simply makes you smile.
Plan a spa treatment for yourself.
Yes, we’d love to visit a swanky spa with master therapists who pamper us with plush towels and fabulous essential oils, but hey, we’re homeschoolers and many of our budgets just don’t allow it. That doesn’t mean you have to forego the pleasure; it just means you have to improvise. For a small investment, you can make your own spa treatments. MakeYourCosmetics.com offers several recipes. My favorite is their Easiest Body Sugar Scrub Ever which combines a cup of sugar, a half-cup of olive oil and two drops of vanilla or almond extract. Simply mix and enjoy!
Restart a hobby.
Dig out that half-knitted scarf, that unfinished sewing pattern, the untouched watercolors or any other project that you’ve been dreaming of finishing. Not only will finishing these projects give you a personal sense of accomplishment, the repetition of endeavors like knitting and crocheting have a physical calming effect that can be great for your health.
Plan a series of date nights with your husband.
Don’t miss the chance to reconnect with your spouse during this season of repose. To save money, try trading off date nights with another homeschooling family. Even if your outing only entails sharing coffee at your favorite bookstore’s beanery, this time can help you emotionally and mentally prepare for the upcoming year so that you stand united in your plans for your family.
Begin an exercise program.
When you feel physically strong and confident, you can’t help but pass that confidence on to your children and impact your home for the better. If you’ve wanted to improve your fitness level, shed some excess weight or set a new goal for yourself (like running or learning a new sport), start now. You may experience some initial soreness or need time to learn the process. Let this break give you the permission to do just that.
Try out new recipes.
If you are beginning a new fitness routine, you may want to adjust your menu too, or you may have always wanted to learn how to cook a certain cuisine, like Indian, Thai or vegan. Whatever the reason, fall in love with your kitchen again. Instead of clinging to the same-old, same-old, find new recipes that will inspire your children and entice your spouse.
Billy Graham once said, “Only God Himself fully appreciates the influence of a Christian mother in the molding of character in her children.” So much depends on you being in the best possible place—spiritually, emotionally and physically. So before you tackle the upcoming school year, make sure to take some time to restore your health and wellness. Remember, you’re family needs you—the best possible and refreshed you!
If you have a way that you like to recharge, please share. Let’s learn from each other!
Photo: A Little Relaxing by nao.k