Why I Am Loving Homeschooling
Is it time yet? Can we start school now? The first day of school my children were so excited to start homeschooling (we had been talking about it since last school year) that they were ready to start school by 8:20. They had already showered, done their quiet time, completed morning chores, ate breakfast and had devotion with mom. We were all raring to go! There had been a lot of build up (and much preparation by mom). I wondered if we would all feel the same way after a couple of weeks.
This is our second week and I can honestly say that I love homeschooling my two children. I thought I would share with you a glimpse into what homeschooling has been like and why I am really enjoying it.
I have so much more quality time with my children to train and enjoy them. In the mornings we don't feel rushed AND we are having devotional time (currently we are studying the 10 commandments) and praying for others. We tried to do this when we attended public school last year, but it always seemed rushed if and when we did do it. Our mission as a family is to love God and love others. Homeschooling has given us the opportunity to do both better. One benefit has been that we are spending more time with God individually and as a family, integrating Him into every pa
rt of our day (schooling included). Our theme verse for school this year is Colossians 3; 23-24. "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Our first class rule is to do our best for the Lord. In Science this year we are using "Considering God's Creation" curriculum. The whole year we will be studying different parts of God's creation.
As a family, we also feel it is important to love others. With homeschooling comes more flexibility, time and freedom during your week. We were able to bake brownies and give cards to our neighbors this past week and we've written letters to Grandparents as well. These were things we wanted to do before, but with school, homework, and activities, it was sometimes challenging to find the time. There will be many more opportunities to love and serve others and, because we can be very efficient with our time during the school days, we have time during the week to reach out to others.
A few other reasons I enjoy homeschooling:
*They spend time with other adults who will influence their lives in a positive way (Daddy is teaching them technology, Grandma is teaching art and music, my dear friend is teaching them Social Studies etc.)
* Being the one who is teaching my children, I can challenge them and tailor school more to their interests and learning styles as well as provide immediate feedback. I also have control over what is taught.
* I love the extra time down time I have with the kids -- reading, talking etc.
Don't get me wrong, there are some downsides to homeschooling such as trying to juggle being their full-time teacher, mom, and the homemaker etc. Most days I am working from the time I get up to the time I go to bed (which is later now 10:30 or 11:00 compared to 9:30 or 10 before homeschooling). I miss the students, teachers and parents at the school. Although my kids have not said anything about missing school yet, I know they miss their friends. I have less time and energy to do things outside of the school day, such as get together with friends, work on PPP ;), etc.
In my opinion, though, homeschooling is definitely worth it. I know there will be times where I may not feel this way, but I am confident that I am doing what God would want me to do for my children. I know, too, that we are all benefiting as a result of our decision to home school.
This is our second week and I can honestly say that I love homeschooling my two children. I thought I would share with you a glimpse into what homeschooling has been like and why I am really enjoying it.
I have so much more quality time with my children to train and enjoy them. In the mornings we don't feel rushed AND we are having devotional time (currently we are studying the 10 commandments) and praying for others. We tried to do this when we attended public school last year, but it always seemed rushed if and when we did do it. Our mission as a family is to love God and love others. Homeschooling has given us the opportunity to do both better. One benefit has been that we are spending more time with God individually and as a family, integrating Him into every pa
rt of our day (schooling included). Our theme verse for school this year is Colossians 3; 23-24. "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Our first class rule is to do our best for the Lord. In Science this year we are using "Considering God's Creation" curriculum. The whole year we will be studying different parts of God's creation.As a family, we also feel it is important to love others. With homeschooling comes more flexibility, time and freedom during your week. We were able to bake brownies and give cards to our neighbors this past week and we've written letters to Grandparents as well. These were things we wanted to do before, but with school, homework, and activities, it was sometimes challenging to find the time. There will be many more opportunities to love and serve others and, because we can be very efficient with our time during the school days, we have time during the week to reach out to others.
A few other reasons I enjoy homeschooling:
*They spend time with other adults who will influence their lives in a positive way (Daddy is teaching them technology, Grandma is teaching art and music, my dear friend is teaching them Social Studies etc.)
* Being the one who is teaching my children, I can challenge them and tailor school more to their interests and learning styles as well as provide immediate feedback. I also have control over what is taught.
* I love the extra time down time I have with the kids -- reading, talking etc.
Don't get me wrong, there are some downsides to homeschooling such as trying to juggle being their full-time teacher, mom, and the homemaker etc. Most days I am working from the time I get up to the time I go to bed (which is later now 10:30 or 11:00 compared to 9:30 or 10 before homeschooling). I miss the students, teachers and parents at the school. Although my kids have not said anything about missing school yet, I know they miss their friends. I have less time and energy to do things outside of the school day, such as get together with friends, work on PPP ;), etc.
In my opinion, though, homeschooling is definitely worth it. I know there will be times where I may not feel this way, but I am confident that I am doing what God would want me to do for my children. I know, too, that we are all benefiting as a result of our decision to home school.
Next Week's Author: Jeannine Cook
posted by Passionate Purposeful Parenting @ 12:00 AM
8 Comments:
Yay! I'm so glad you're loving it.
This is my 11th year homeschooling, and in less than 2 years, I'll be sending my eldest off to college. Homeschooling is one decision I have never regretted. Yes, there have been hard times (it took until the 8th year before I didn't say, at least once during the school year, "I'm not doing this again next year!"). But the rewards are so great; some, I'm sure, will be realized years from now.
Keep pressing on, even when days that are "not so goood" come. This is definitely worth it!
I am loving home schooling too. My son said to his aunt on the phone the other day, "I have the best teacher in the whold world." I am not sure that wasn't just for my benefit but we all are really enjoying it for all the same reasons you said, Melanie.
We are so enjoying a routine that is centered on God and the training of the family and not just trying to squeeze those things into the day.
Woops that last comment was from me and not Victoria. Although Victoria who is a junior in High School also decided to be home schooled this year. This was completely her decision that was made with much prayer. She was able to say with confidence that God gave her direction and peace to home school this year. She too is enjoying it and we are loving seeing more of her.
Enjoyed your post. I also enjoy homeschooling my children.
I just want to encourage you, as a fellow teacher, that the learning curve will not always be so steep - I always tell my students if they are in what I call a "guinea-pig year" - the first year I do something - so that they are able to understand why it takes so much out of me to make the new stuff work.
Thank you all for the encouragement. I also received a number of personal emails with encouragement as well. It really means a lot to me! :) I'm happy to talk with anyone who is interested in homeschooling. I, too, am always open to(and crave) words of wisdom, constructive criticism etc. As parents we all desire the best for our children; we can learn from and grow with each other.
Melanie,
I am so glad that you are off to a good start! God will bless your efforts as you teach and train your children at home! It is a joy and privilege to be able to homeschool. . even on the "not so fun" days : )
Sarah
Thanks, Sarah! You have been such an encouragement and support. I appreciate all your words of wisdom regarding homeschooling. You were an inspiration to me!
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