The reasons people choose to homeschool are endless. Academics are probably near the top of the list and for good reason. Others do it seeking flexibility or freedom from the rigid testing of the public school system. My husband and I both graduated from homeschool programs. This has been a huge factor in our desire to educate our children at home. It isn’t because we both turned out super smart…..I would say we are well- rounded, but not exceptionally brilliant! There was so much more to our school years than reading, writing and arithmetic and it’s those other things that made a lasting difference in my life.
In the struggles of instructing my children daily, I must remember two very important facts. First, the days are long, but the years are short. Children grow up quickly. My time is precious- as is theirs. I cannot focus too heavily on academics and miss the other essential elements of their upbringing. Second, this is my calling. The One Who has called me will equip me to do the task. I can choose to do things the world’s way or God’s way. He has entrusted me with these precious souls and I will seek Him for wisdom to accomplish the task with patience, joy, and for His glory.
The topic of which curriculum or teaching style is best cannot be overlooked, but it will also not be the same for every child or family. The options are endless, often overwhelming, and can become a stumbling block to truly educating a child. Each year will be different as well as each child and it is important to be flexible while setting standards that will benefit your unique student.
Equally as important as the topic of academics, is how am I discipling my son or daughter? When I mentioned that time is precious, I am referring to these years being foundational. Children are learning many things during their time under my roof. They are developing their worldview, character, work ethic, and by God’s grace, their relationship with Him. It is during this time that they begin to learn and practice the spiritual disciplines that they will carry into the rest of their lives. For us, this is of utmost priority. Everything else revolves around modeling our faith and giving plenty of opportunities to learn about God throughout the day. We also seek out ways to serve others so we can apply what we learn. We don’t homeschool to hide from the world, but to adequately prepare our children to become adults who are equipped to shine as lights in this dark world.
Honestly, it is easy to switch curriculum and believe we are improving our homeschool. And, admittedly, sometimes that does need to happen, but often we ignore the harder sanctification that needs to happen in our own hearts so we can rightly disciple our young ones. This doesn’t mean shoving religion down their throats. On the contrary, it means making Jesus so attractive that the things of this world pale in comparison. Can we honestly say we do this in our daily lives as we educate our children? Or are we so focused on meeting state standards or impressing others with our children’s academic accomplishments that we neglect godly instruction and wisdom?
Let’s be honest for a minute. There are too many students graduating high school with good academic knowledge, but very little ability to do necessary daily tasks (life-skills). While I don’t believe it is the school’s job to teach these skills, I do believe parents and students are pressed for time. For public school kids, after a full day at school, extra-curricular activities and completing homework, they are burnt out. I have also noticed a decrease in the spiritual maturity of high schoolers as there is more pressure academically as well as socially. Again, we are back to talking about time being precious.
Do not hear this as “neglect academics”. I firmly believe homeschool parents have a huge responsibility to their children in this area. The beauty of home education is how it can be tailored to fit the child’s learning style in a way that lessens time spent on what they already know. They won’t be waiting for others to learn before moving on to something more challenging. They will soak up information, read living books, memorize facts, use hands on activities, and do it all in less than 4-5 hours a day on average. Ultimately, they will have more time to spend on practicing hobbies, learning life-skills and enjoying just being a kid.
If you already teach your children at home, I encourage you to evaluate your current homeschool year. Pray that God would show you what changes need to be made now or in the near future. Maybe it is with your own attitude or pride, the schedule, goals, curriculum, or something completely different. Ask yourself why you are homeschooling. Academics can be taught at a public school, but the goal of homeschooling can be much deeper.
If you are considering a switch to home education, take some time to write down your reason. What is your ultimate goal? Have you considered your responsibility to disciple your children and train them in the knowledge of the Lord as well as instruct them in reading, writing and arithmetic?
This was one of those years for our homeschool program. I knew my heart needed to change as I wrestled with pride and fear. I also made some changes to our curriculum mid year. The last half has been a much different experience than the first! We have found our new routine for now. I will continually ask the Lord to examine my heart as I strive to teach and disciple my children.
The academic side of homeschooling can be phenomenal and add so many options for various learning styles. It allows children to develop a love for learning in the way that best suits them without the pressure to compare with others in their class. Yet, without careful instruction in life skills, beliefs, world view, and character training, we can miss an even greater opportunity to give our children a well-rounded education that will prepare them for their future in the real world.
Seeking Wisdom,
