You know the one.
The homeschool mom that even relatives run from to avoid hearing another soapbox speech about why homeschooling is the best-most-perfect-for-everyone-means-of-education. That's not me. And just for the record, I do not think homeschooling is for everyone. *gasp*
I DO believe home educating IS for everyone. Hey wait, I thought you said homeschooling isn't for everyone. Yep, I did. Have I totally confused you now? Sit down and let me explain.
Let me start by clearing up some terms. Homeschooling,in my own estimation, is a personal choice made by parents that, for whatever reason, have decided against utilizing the public education system for their children. These parents have taken up the act of homeschooling their child, or children, in their home or through a cooperative.
Home education is what I am talking about. Okay? This is different than homeschooling how?
Home education is the act of guiding, or the lack thereof, your child in their educational journey, whether publicly, privately or homeschooled. Let's face it folks, whether you intend for them to or not, your children will learn from you.
Good, bad, or indifferent.
They are watching, listening, mimicking, growing and learning. Yes, they will learn from you! Why not be purposeful about what they will learn from you? Why not choose to be fully participatory, and actively conscience about what your children learn from you?
Home education is for you, whether you like it or not. Why?
You. are. a. parent.
God has purposed & created you to be so.
To the children he has purposely blessed you with.
Why not make it an exciting challenge? Why not be purposeful about what you are teaching your children at home? I mean, since they are watching you and learning from you anyway.
Home education should be a consistent choice by parents coupled with the resolve to be purposeful and active in your child's education. Yes, that means you must have a plan and purpose in participating in and guiding your child through their academic years, whether you homeschool or not.
Let me start by clearing up some terms. Homeschooling,in my own estimation, is a personal choice made by parents that, for whatever reason, have decided against utilizing the public education system for their children. These parents have taken up the act of homeschooling their child, or children, in their home or through a cooperative.
Home education is what I am talking about. Okay? This is different than homeschooling how?
Home education is the act of guiding, or the lack thereof, your child in their educational journey, whether publicly, privately or homeschooled. Let's face it folks, whether you intend for them to or not, your children will learn from you.
Good, bad, or indifferent.
They are watching, listening, mimicking, growing and learning. Yes, they will learn from you! Why not be purposeful about what they will learn from you? Why not choose to be fully participatory, and actively conscience about what your children learn from you?
Home education is for you, whether you like it or not. Why?
You. are. a. parent.
God has purposed & created you to be so.
To the children he has purposely blessed you with.
Why not make it an exciting challenge? Why not be purposeful about what you are teaching your children at home? I mean, since they are watching you and learning from you anyway.
Home education should be a consistent choice by parents coupled with the resolve to be purposeful and active in your child's education. Yes, that means you must have a plan and purpose in participating in and guiding your child through their academic years, whether you homeschool or not.
How do I become purposeful in education at home?
- Create a family-centered culture where learning is experienced daily; wisdom is sought after, and treasured. A culture at home that places Christ as the center, and the parents as the authority.
- Organize your schedule to best utilize free time, and instead make it learning time. Unplug your kids. Not "homework" or "school time", but gentle learning times. Take a Walk - Nature walks. Learning old-fashioned games. Learning a trade, or handicraft. Exploring art. Listening to music. Watching a play.
- Read together as a family. Read-a-loud from a classic book that everyone can enjoy. I cannot even begin to list all the blessings that will be experienced if you just read to your children.
- Spend time sharing one-on-one moments to just listen to your child. What do they love to learn? How do they enjoy learning? What are their interests, both inside and outside of school? Then begin making a plan to extend their learning from you in these areas.
- Teach your child through leading them by your own example. Help your child to love learning. To seek knowledge on their own. To be interest lead in their learning. By. doing. it. yourself. Take time to learn when your child is learning, or alongside your child.
We can all be successful home educators (public school, private school or homeschooled) by the measure that success is not about your children's academics, but by how we live our own life as an educating parent. Focusing on Christ. Learning from Him, loving Him and teaching our children to do the same.
What is your favorite subject to enjoy as a family, or with your child?
Joyfully Learning with You,
The Joyful Socks Mom
I absolutely love this Heather, great article. Favorite subject here is art, because there is no right or wrong, just freedom to create. Tara.
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