I never dreamed that I would homeschool. It was back in the early '90s that I first met a couple homeschool families. They were odd ducks but quite nice. That was my first exposure. Later, as a member of the Conservative Book Club, I was sent a book by Raymond and Dorothy Moore called The Successful Homeschool Family Handbook. I also came across The Christian Home School by Gregg Harris around the same time. Soon, I was hearing Dr. Dobson talk about homeschooling with Dr. Moore.
God just lead me to it. My Lowell agreed. We decided to do it for a year. My family disagreed with us even though it was just kindergarten. That was the year of Columbine. After that, my mom stopped fighting me.
I found Charlotte Mason through The Elijah Company catalogs. I read them cover to cover to learn how to do this and get recommendations. I've always been a reader. That's what appealed to me about CM. I'm not sure where in the process I found Karen Andreola. Her books were invaluable to me.
She taught about Charlotte Mason's gentler way of learning. Short lessons, lots of variety, real living books, nature study, etc. It lead me to use whole books, hands-on activities, and life experiences along with our math books and such. I now have grown children aged 16 through 27. They are intelligent, self-motivated, life-long learners who know how to find information, study themselves, discuss issues, and solve problems.
One of my sons had the courage to fix a rather involved brake problem with my older daughter's car recently. I asked him how he knew what to do. His father isn't mechanically inclined with vehicles. "YouTube!" he said. He was brave enough to tear her car apart and persevere when it got hard. I am thankful and proud.
Don't be afraid. Don't get caught in workbooks only. Teach them to learn. Provide a print rich environment. Model a love of reading and learning. Make God, The Bible, and church central in your life. God will lead you in the path for your children to prepare for each one's future.
You can homeschool. I highly recommend that you visit Mrs. Karen Andreola's blog, Moments with Mother Culture. She is a wonderful resource for homeschoolers who are starting, who need some new ideas, or who need a little encouragement and mother culture. She is approachable and friendly.
I will never regret the years I've spent homeschooling. My children think for themselves. They can pursue any type of future the LORD has for them. We've been able to give them experiences that have helped them to explore their areas of interest. We've done it all on a very low income with God's provision and favor. He has made a way where there seemed to be no way. We stood at the crossroads, and we chose the ancient path* where the good way was and is. Someone else might say we chose the road less traveled.
It was hard. It was good. It was worth it all.
Be brave and courageous,
Laura Lane
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*"This is what the LORD says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, 'We will not walk in it.'" Jeremiah 6:16 NIV
Hi Laura, First off, sorry it took me so long to get back to you after your nice comments on my blog, knitting kat. I am 70 and have Parkinsons...so am often slow and slower! My daughter is going to homeschool for the first time. I'll tell her about your post. ~~I'm glad for you that your knitting group is so nice and you are enjoying knitting. I am knitting the second sock of a pair and I get to the same place every time and get confused. But...=) such is life. My knitting group are so fun to be with usually ....also. I'm glad to read that your health is good now. I hope I can say that about Parkinsons.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing I would change about homeschooling is that I wish I had started sooner!!!!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you...I cherish every moment I spend homeschooling!
I couldn't agree more! We have homeschooled since day one of Kindergarten, and oh, I would NOT trade these precious memories with our dear son for all the money in the world. I cry when I think of how near the end of our journey we are. It is just heartwrenching to know how quickly our dear children grow up, and we just have to make the most of every moment and cherish them with all our hearts for the time just slips through our fingers, and we can do nothing to slow it down. I hope you are feeling well and am faithfully praying for you and sending hugs your way!
ReplyDeleteI admire you for homeschooling! We have a home schooling family in our church who are shining examples of what home schooling can be! I home schooled mine for one school year using Alpha Omega curriculum. (I was also working full time) We moved to another area of the state the next year and enrolled them in a much better school system and that's where they stayed. Now that I am retired, I think I would enjoy home schooling again. It's definitely the safer thing, these days!
ReplyDeleteWonderful reflection Laura! I completely love how you dove into it. Youtube is a fantastic tutorial site! Thanks for sharing at Home Sweet Home!
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