GOING IT ALONE?
It is a common misunderstanding that homeschoolers are isolated at their kitchen tables. Somehow the word on the street seems to be tainted with completely false ideas about what a homeschool day might look like, and the general public is left to think that homeschoolers are scattered and alone in their unsocial 'little worlds.' After all, it was not long ago that Wolfgang Drautz (consul general for the Federal Republic of Germany) stated that he believed homeschooling to be a "rise of parallel societies... based on religion." While each homeschooler may very well be as unique as a snowflake in one sense - many of us are certainly not alone. We have a higher calling - a calling that is louder than the lack of cash flow and lack of convenience. Most of us are plugged in to a deeper truth than popular culture. This enables us to educate our children at home despite culture's critique and criticism. We teach them academics ALONG with values and character (to bring up productive and whole children who have a moral compass and an academic advantage). God must have had His hand in our collective-yet-solo decisions: otherwise there might not be over 2 million people in the United States homeschooling today. How else would so many families find the strength to swim upstream against the tide of society?
Although my choice to homeschool at first made me feel like I was a 'Lone Ranger,' I began to find that I wasn’t alone. Not only was the Lord there to guide my steps, but other Christian homeschoolers were abundant! I immediately found another mom who was more than willing to share what she knew. Sure, homeschool mothers are somewhat isolated in that they each are individuals who teach in a unique way to their own unique children, but most of them are socially adept and generous with their friendship. It was amazing to find the network of hundreds of families that lived within driving distance – ready and willing to help me along my homeschool journey.
“The Solution” ©iStockphoto.com/fpm
THE NITTY GRITTY
Of course the first thing I wanted to know was HOW I could teach my children at home. I wanted a chance to be a fly on the wall in another homeschooler's house. I wanted to see how the other moms did it. Most homeschooling moms would agree that one of the most interesting things we discuss when we get together is how everyone else is getting things done at home. You can’t leave two homeschool mothers alone for ten minutes without the subject of schedules and curriculum coming up in casual conversation. We want to read about other homeschoolers’ days in magazines, talk about our co-op buddies’ days when we meet together, and research curriculum at book fairs. Does Kelly teach Latin? What grades are Susie’s kids are in? We are constantly summing up and comparing to make sure we are on track. If ever there was a teacher who critically examined their skills and competence; let it be said that it was a homeschool mother.
Then there are the logistics of keeping a school within a home. How do you manage to do it all? How do you keep the toddler busy while the older children are learning? How do you keep the laundry caught up and the house clean? Do you have time to get dinner on the table every night? How do you get your husband to be supportive if he isn’t on the band-wagon? What do you do when your family members disapprove? It is completely understandable that we would desire this kind of information. After all, humans are creatures who desire to bond and fellowship. We all want to make sure we are doing things right, doing them well, and keeping up with a normal pace of learning. Embarking on the homeschool journey seems like blazing a trail in the wilderness, but it doesn’t have to. There have been many who have gone before us with great success. A simple discussion with another homeschooler, a read through America’s providential history, or a study of Scripture can tell us that we are not alone – and that God can turn our fears into a bright future.
Before we begin homeschooling, the main thing we want to know is WHY other moms homeschool. We all started there - looking at the black and white - society, faith, academics, social skills, all the questions bouncing around in our minds. Many of us thought we couldn't do it when we first were introduced to the idea of homeschooling. After a hundred or so years of public schools it seems strange to consider private tutoring (or "individual schooling"). Our society seems to have forgotten the long eras of tutorship, apprenticeship, home study and self-led education that forged so many great thinkers in our past. Maybe it is due to the glossing over of history. Maybe it is due to other things taking the place of reading (video games/TV/text-messaging). Homeschooling seems weird because it isn't the norm any more. If you do it, you are suddenly a square peg, a bull in the politically correct china store, upsetting the delicate balance of all the people who like life in the box.
NOT THE EASY CHOICE
Even though most of us who have chosen the homeschool lifestyle would not say homeschooling is easy, most would agree that it is the most natural thing in the world. In fact, now that I homeschool, I shudder to think of how public schooled children's moms find time to work, keep up with laundry and housework, make sure that their kids did their homework, schedule time to bond with the children, keep dinner on the table all week, find time for Bible Study, worship and prayer, and keep the romance alive. I remember our days of private school and my own bout with a “normal” schedule. I felt like I was spinning my wheels. I may not have been out of touch with the world, but I was certainly much more distant from my husband and children. We were passing ships. It was a more difficult and dangerous way to live - even though it was 'easier' due to familiarity. Life before homeschooling was a life consumed with business and busyness – and a lack of togetherness and involvement with the people that meant the most to me eternally.
So what are the reasons a mom would give up her chance to keep up with the Jones' and not be the talk of the family/church/town? I'm sure if you are new to homeschooling or considering it for the first time you are on the edge of your seat wanting to know. Not all reasons for every homeschooler will be the same, but I would love to share with you the reasons why our family gave homeschooling a shot. I'm sure that there are quite a few homeschooling families out there who share many of my reasons and could add their own stories to the pot. Our reasons continue to grow every day that I read the news and see the results of homeschooling in my children. The list is too long to be contained in one article or even one magazine after six years at home with my children.
While I began with only a limited amount of understanding about homeschooling and a strong belief that God had called me to choose this lifestyle, I no longer ONLY homeschool on faith. I carry on with a treasured memory box full of exceptional test scores, amazing experiences, cherished photographs, and testimony from convinced family and friends who were once skeptics. I am here to encourage you that if you begin with only faith, God will faithfully bless you. Faith is enough. The rest will come. Don't just take my word for it. If you are new to homeschooling, find someone locally who will share even more stories with you. Find a mentor and build a friendship. Get to know her kids. The more you learn, the more you will understand that God can take your meager efforts and small faith and work a miracle in your family. God can make you stand.
“Success” ©iStockphoto.com/ayzek
EXCUSES, EXCUSES
Originally when I first wrote down my "Why I Homeschool" story, I had just been in a discussion with a friend who told me why she COULDN'T homeschool. Her excuse was that she felt like she was too disorganized to attempt homeschooling, and she was afraid she would procrastinate the year away. Personal fears are probably the #1 reason why moms don't start when they feel called to homeschool. Many moms begin with fear of the unknown and the false assumption that they have to be a rocket scientist with an education masters to teach their children. Even veteran homeschoolers get cold feet now and then. Some of the worries you have about your final results with homeschooling will stay with you as long as you choose to homeschool. Every year you might get the jitters when you give those standardized tests. Most of the time, the anxieties are unfounded - but not because we are all such talented and intelligent educators. We succeed despite fears because our real strength and success lies with the One who answers our prayers. God doesn't require us to be perfect. He requires our obedience and reliance upon Him. Only He can give the success we desire when raising our kids.
Just like everything in life, homeschooling requires an amount of FAITH. At some point, each homeschool mother has looked at a dwindling checkbook, a loss of free time, and a load of work dead in the eye and took that first step off the homeschooling cliff! If I told you that homeschooling is an easy choice, I would be lying. It is an arduous task that requires your full self to be poured into it. You have to plan, set goals, and carry through. You must study your children and learn how they can best be taught. You have to organize yourself, your school supplies, and your time. Each day is a new adventure. And for every perfect school day you have, there are at least three or four days where you wonder if anything sank in those little minds you are leading. The key to homeschooling is lots of prayer. And somehow, on your worst days, you will get a little hint from Heaven that makes the entire process worthwhile when your child will say something that lets you know he or she has truly learned what you have been trying to teach them. Or you will get a comment from a neighbor or friend about how well behaved and intelligent your children are. It is so wonderful to get encouragement - especially when you are your own worst critic. When you receive these small rewards, you will know that God is smiling on you and patting you on the back for your sacrifice. Even though you will have burnout and bad days ahead, there will also be times of refreshing to keep you motivated to march on with the task you feel that God has called you to do.
AN AFFAIR OF THE HEART
Homeschooling is a heart choice, because if it were only a head choice, many of us would have abandoned the ranks long ago! It is much easier to drop your children off on someone else's doorstep and work an eight hour job in the adult world. It is much more financially rewarding as well! There are many days when you have to budget luxuries out of the schedule. Not only are you making this sacrifice, but you are paying school taxes in to the public system anyway, and getting none of the high-dollar benefits. But for all its hard work and sacrifice, homeschooling is its own sweet reward. The excitement in your child's eyes, the ability to be there and see them learn something new, the laughter and tears you'll share along the way: these are the beautiful gifts you receive as a homeschool parent. So if you asked me why I homeschool, in just a few short words, I would tell you this: "Because I love my kids, and because God entrusted their minds and hearts to me, and I want to honor Him by everything I put into them."
To Be Continued...
Be sure to join me next month for part 2 of Why Homeschool? I'll discuss our experiences with private school, and other reasons why we chose to educate the kids at home.
Sprittibee (Heather) has been homeschooling for 6 years and has one crazy husband, 2 crazy kids (ages 9 and 11) and 2 crazy cats. When she isn't making Tex-Mex, learning web design, teaching the kids, or rubbing her face on the cat's belly, she loves to blog. In her column "Heartstrings for Homeschoolers," she reminds us to stop and smell the proverbial flowers on this journey we call homeschooling. Not every day will be a great one. She admonishes us to learn to focus on the beauty of the moments God has blessed us with - for better or for worse - because our hearts are shaped by the memories we are making.
It is a common misunderstanding that homeschoolers are isolated at their kitchen tables. Somehow the word on the street seems to be tainted with completely false ideas about what a homeschool day might look like, and the general public is left to think that homeschoolers are scattered and alone in their unsocial 'little worlds.' After all, it was not long ago that Wolfgang Drautz (consul general for the Federal Republic of Germany) stated that he believed homeschooling to be a "rise of parallel societies... based on religion." While each homeschooler may very well be as unique as a snowflake in one sense - many of us are certainly not alone. We have a higher calling - a calling that is louder than the lack of cash flow and lack of convenience. Most of us are plugged in to a deeper truth than popular culture. This enables us to educate our children at home despite culture's critique and criticism. We teach them academics ALONG with values and character (to bring up productive and whole children who have a moral compass and an academic advantage). God must have had His hand in our collective-yet-solo decisions: otherwise there might not be over 2 million people in the United States homeschooling today. How else would so many families find the strength to swim upstream against the tide of society?
Although my choice to homeschool at first made me feel like I was a 'Lone Ranger,' I began to find that I wasn’t alone. Not only was the Lord there to guide my steps, but other Christian homeschoolers were abundant! I immediately found another mom who was more than willing to share what she knew. Sure, homeschool mothers are somewhat isolated in that they each are individuals who teach in a unique way to their own unique children, but most of them are socially adept and generous with their friendship. It was amazing to find the network of hundreds of families that lived within driving distance – ready and willing to help me along my homeschool journey.
John 15:5 ~ "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
“The Solution” ©iStockphoto.com/fpm
THE NITTY GRITTY
Of course the first thing I wanted to know was HOW I could teach my children at home. I wanted a chance to be a fly on the wall in another homeschooler's house. I wanted to see how the other moms did it. Most homeschooling moms would agree that one of the most interesting things we discuss when we get together is how everyone else is getting things done at home. You can’t leave two homeschool mothers alone for ten minutes without the subject of schedules and curriculum coming up in casual conversation. We want to read about other homeschoolers’ days in magazines, talk about our co-op buddies’ days when we meet together, and research curriculum at book fairs. Does Kelly teach Latin? What grades are Susie’s kids are in? We are constantly summing up and comparing to make sure we are on track. If ever there was a teacher who critically examined their skills and competence; let it be said that it was a homeschool mother.
Then there are the logistics of keeping a school within a home. How do you manage to do it all? How do you keep the toddler busy while the older children are learning? How do you keep the laundry caught up and the house clean? Do you have time to get dinner on the table every night? How do you get your husband to be supportive if he isn’t on the band-wagon? What do you do when your family members disapprove? It is completely understandable that we would desire this kind of information. After all, humans are creatures who desire to bond and fellowship. We all want to make sure we are doing things right, doing them well, and keeping up with a normal pace of learning. Embarking on the homeschool journey seems like blazing a trail in the wilderness, but it doesn’t have to. There have been many who have gone before us with great success. A simple discussion with another homeschooler, a read through America’s providential history, or a study of Scripture can tell us that we are not alone – and that God can turn our fears into a bright future.
Psalms 1-41 ~TO CONFORM OR NOT TO CONFORM
1 Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.
Before we begin homeschooling, the main thing we want to know is WHY other moms homeschool. We all started there - looking at the black and white - society, faith, academics, social skills, all the questions bouncing around in our minds. Many of us thought we couldn't do it when we first were introduced to the idea of homeschooling. After a hundred or so years of public schools it seems strange to consider private tutoring (or "individual schooling"). Our society seems to have forgotten the long eras of tutorship, apprenticeship, home study and self-led education that forged so many great thinkers in our past. Maybe it is due to the glossing over of history. Maybe it is due to other things taking the place of reading (video games/TV/text-messaging). Homeschooling seems weird because it isn't the norm any more. If you do it, you are suddenly a square peg, a bull in the politically correct china store, upsetting the delicate balance of all the people who like life in the box.
NOT THE EASY CHOICE
Even though most of us who have chosen the homeschool lifestyle would not say homeschooling is easy, most would agree that it is the most natural thing in the world. In fact, now that I homeschool, I shudder to think of how public schooled children's moms find time to work, keep up with laundry and housework, make sure that their kids did their homework, schedule time to bond with the children, keep dinner on the table all week, find time for Bible Study, worship and prayer, and keep the romance alive. I remember our days of private school and my own bout with a “normal” schedule. I felt like I was spinning my wheels. I may not have been out of touch with the world, but I was certainly much more distant from my husband and children. We were passing ships. It was a more difficult and dangerous way to live - even though it was 'easier' due to familiarity. Life before homeschooling was a life consumed with business and busyness – and a lack of togetherness and involvement with the people that meant the most to me eternally.
So what are the reasons a mom would give up her chance to keep up with the Jones' and not be the talk of the family/church/town? I'm sure if you are new to homeschooling or considering it for the first time you are on the edge of your seat wanting to know. Not all reasons for every homeschooler will be the same, but I would love to share with you the reasons why our family gave homeschooling a shot. I'm sure that there are quite a few homeschooling families out there who share many of my reasons and could add their own stories to the pot. Our reasons continue to grow every day that I read the news and see the results of homeschooling in my children. The list is too long to be contained in one article or even one magazine after six years at home with my children.
While I began with only a limited amount of understanding about homeschooling and a strong belief that God had called me to choose this lifestyle, I no longer ONLY homeschool on faith. I carry on with a treasured memory box full of exceptional test scores, amazing experiences, cherished photographs, and testimony from convinced family and friends who were once skeptics. I am here to encourage you that if you begin with only faith, God will faithfully bless you. Faith is enough. The rest will come. Don't just take my word for it. If you are new to homeschooling, find someone locally who will share even more stories with you. Find a mentor and build a friendship. Get to know her kids. The more you learn, the more you will understand that God can take your meager efforts and small faith and work a miracle in your family. God can make you stand.
Romans 14:4 ~ Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.
“Success” ©iStockphoto.com/ayzek
EXCUSES, EXCUSES
Originally when I first wrote down my "Why I Homeschool" story, I had just been in a discussion with a friend who told me why she COULDN'T homeschool. Her excuse was that she felt like she was too disorganized to attempt homeschooling, and she was afraid she would procrastinate the year away. Personal fears are probably the #1 reason why moms don't start when they feel called to homeschool. Many moms begin with fear of the unknown and the false assumption that they have to be a rocket scientist with an education masters to teach their children. Even veteran homeschoolers get cold feet now and then. Some of the worries you have about your final results with homeschooling will stay with you as long as you choose to homeschool. Every year you might get the jitters when you give those standardized tests. Most of the time, the anxieties are unfounded - but not because we are all such talented and intelligent educators. We succeed despite fears because our real strength and success lies with the One who answers our prayers. God doesn't require us to be perfect. He requires our obedience and reliance upon Him. Only He can give the success we desire when raising our kids.
"God doesn't call the equipped; He equips the called."NOT THE EASY CHOICE
Just like everything in life, homeschooling requires an amount of FAITH. At some point, each homeschool mother has looked at a dwindling checkbook, a loss of free time, and a load of work dead in the eye and took that first step off the homeschooling cliff! If I told you that homeschooling is an easy choice, I would be lying. It is an arduous task that requires your full self to be poured into it. You have to plan, set goals, and carry through. You must study your children and learn how they can best be taught. You have to organize yourself, your school supplies, and your time. Each day is a new adventure. And for every perfect school day you have, there are at least three or four days where you wonder if anything sank in those little minds you are leading. The key to homeschooling is lots of prayer. And somehow, on your worst days, you will get a little hint from Heaven that makes the entire process worthwhile when your child will say something that lets you know he or she has truly learned what you have been trying to teach them. Or you will get a comment from a neighbor or friend about how well behaved and intelligent your children are. It is so wonderful to get encouragement - especially when you are your own worst critic. When you receive these small rewards, you will know that God is smiling on you and patting you on the back for your sacrifice. Even though you will have burnout and bad days ahead, there will also be times of refreshing to keep you motivated to march on with the task you feel that God has called you to do.
AN AFFAIR OF THE HEART
Homeschooling is a heart choice, because if it were only a head choice, many of us would have abandoned the ranks long ago! It is much easier to drop your children off on someone else's doorstep and work an eight hour job in the adult world. It is much more financially rewarding as well! There are many days when you have to budget luxuries out of the schedule. Not only are you making this sacrifice, but you are paying school taxes in to the public system anyway, and getting none of the high-dollar benefits. But for all its hard work and sacrifice, homeschooling is its own sweet reward. The excitement in your child's eyes, the ability to be there and see them learn something new, the laughter and tears you'll share along the way: these are the beautiful gifts you receive as a homeschool parent. So if you asked me why I homeschool, in just a few short words, I would tell you this: "Because I love my kids, and because God entrusted their minds and hearts to me, and I want to honor Him by everything I put into them."
To Be Continued...
Be sure to join me next month for part 2 of Why Homeschool? I'll discuss our experiences with private school, and other reasons why we chose to educate the kids at home.
Sprittibee (Heather) has been homeschooling for 6 years and has one crazy husband, 2 crazy kids (ages 9 and 11) and 2 crazy cats. When she isn't making Tex-Mex, learning web design, teaching the kids, or rubbing her face on the cat's belly, she loves to blog. In her column "Heartstrings for Homeschoolers," she reminds us to stop and smell the proverbial flowers on this journey we call homeschooling. Not every day will be a great one. She admonishes us to learn to focus on the beauty of the moments God has blessed us with - for better or for worse - because our hearts are shaped by the memories we are making.
2 comments:
This was absolutely facinating! I love reading things like this that make me want to get up and get organized and actually homeschool. My Dd's only 2 so, we do puzzles, color, fingerpaint, walk outside and name off all the things and colors we see. When we go up the stairs and nap and bedtime, we count all 15 stairs. Minnesota has funny laws on homeschooling, but I really want to "officially" do it. You're right, it is a call from God. I'll admit, I was one of those people who thought all the "bad" things about homeschooling and one day I woke up and wanted to do it!!!
Again, well done! Can't wait to read part 2.
Wonderfully written!
I agree with so much of what you've shared here. It's such a heart thing, such a huge sacrifice, but soooo worth it and I know I'll never have any regrets. I've been homeschooling my kids for a couple years now. They've never attended school outside the comfort of home and are very well socialized... with children and adults of all ages. I love that I get to be with my kids all day, everyday rather than work outside the home with a photograph of their little faces to keep me company. I know homeschooling isn't an option for everyone. I'm truly blessed and priviledged to be able to enjoy such a freedom as this.
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