There once was a time (during my public instruction) that I opposed homeschooling. I bought into all the myths and fallacies surrounding the weird world of “those” people. I was taught that only “teachers” can teach. However, God placed it upon my heart that this was the path that He willed for my family- to become one of “those." What a blessing and joy homeschooling can be. It can also be frustrating and maddening, but I have lots of opportunities to practice patience. Homeschooling provides an atmosphere for all of us, as a family, to learn together. I believe through homeschooling, Danny and I are constantly being challenged and continuing our own educations.
My Philosophy of Education…In a nut shell, I believe that a child's learning thrives when they are in a safe and encouraging environment where they are free to explore. Children need ample amounts of play (including lots of free play) and one-on-one interaction. Children have different interests, abilities, and learning styles. It is essential that they be respected as individuals and that the “teacher” be willing and able to use a variety of different techniques. They should have a diet rich in literature, learning about history should be exciting just as it actually was, and math should be practical. School and learning should mimic real life and be as hands-on as possible. The most important things your children will ever learn are not found in textbooks.
This philosophy hasn’t changed since I was an education major in college. Every early childhood major had something similar. Sadly, we (in the public arena) often lacked the time, energy, and resources in achieve our ideal classroom. There wasn’t time to cater to every individual since there were 25-35 children in a class. However, I now realize that homeschooling is EXACTLY the way the experts tell us to teach! Every component to what is considered the most ideal and perfect learning environment is found right at home! What a freeing and joyful realization that is!
Why Homeschool?
Before I begin, I believe that homeschooling is NOT for everyone. However, I also believe that there are wonderful families that are missing out on this incredible journey for a variety of factors.
There are several reasons homeschooling is right for us. First and foremost because it is God’s desire for us to so. Secondly, Calen would be bored in traditional schools and get into trouble (more so than here at home). In fact, I believe that within a few weeks the teacher would call us in for a conference to explain that he had ADD and needs to be medicated. He doesn’t really (although at times…) Third, I want to teach him to be a child of God and incorporate that into his education. Fourth, I want our family to grow closer. Fifth, I want to experience learning new things and relearning old things with my children. I want to see the lights come on when they “get it." I want to see their excitement and their frustration. I want to truly get to know my children. How excited I am to be able to revisit the “boring” material from my old textbooks with new insight. School is going to rock this time around!
All children are unique individuals. They have different personalities, preferences, and learning styles. There isn’t a "one size fits all" solution to raising children- including siblings.
Soapbox: Why do we feel the need to force children into some prefabricated mold? Homeschooling provides us with the liberty to train each child in to the way that is best for him or her.
In all, homeschooling allows parents to truly bring up a child in the way he/she should go. You can accomplish more academically with your children and customize the curriculum and learning environment for each child. Homeschooling allows you to use a variety of different approaches, to enhance your family relationships and provide guided, positive social interactions, all in a safe and loving environment. After all, who, here on Earth, knows and loves your children more than you?
Myths and Facts about Homeschooling
A parent should be a certified teacher in order to educate their own children properly? A background in teaching is not necessary; in fact, "home educated students' test scores remained between the 80th and 90th percentiles, whether their mothers had a college degree or did not complete high school." I can tell you (being a certified teacher) that it is completely unnecessary. I’m still deprogramming myself in some areas. Not only can parents be a major part of their child’s education, it is their ultimate responsibility.
Homeschooling prevents original thought, ideas, and opinions. This is one argument that “experts” believe to be a legitimate reason to firmly regulate homeschooling. There are several that admit that they wish to prevent parents from having authority over their child’s education. They argue that if the government doesn’t intervene then homeschooled children will never learn about or be exposed to competing or alternative ways of life.
Soapbox: Hmmm, how does standardized public education and tests that are presented in a water-downed curriculum deprived of inspiration, excitement, and joy build individual thoughts and ideas when the thoughts and ideas are already presented to them? Homeschooling, to the contrary, encourages and respects original thought, quality work, and values individuality. While we instill our values and beliefs into our children, it is equally important that they know not only what they believe but why. The world is brought forth not only in knowledge but the understanding of that knowledge.
Children who are homeschooled lack socialization. This is a complete myth. Children are in constant socialization with their parents, siblings, extended families, and whomever they encounter on a day to day basis. In fact, they are exposed to more positive interactions because they are able to avoid negative and destructive socialization with peers.
Soapbox: I’m sorry but there are some people (including children) that I do not want my children around. I want to protect their hearts, self-worth, and self-esteem. I chose to expose them to better, healthier socialization! That being said, let’s truly look at the point of socialization. When children go off to school they are in a classroom consisting of children whom are all the same age. They sit at their desks and only speak when they raise their hand to ask or answer a question. They have about 20 minutes at lunch (some schools don’t allow the children to talk) about 30 minutes of recess (some schools have also cut out this time). So when do the children actually socialize? How many of you can recall the teacher saying something to the effect, “No more talking, we’re not here to socialize"? Now, think for a moment, when in the real world, after the children complete high school do they ever encounter another environment such as this? Will they work with only people their age? Will they have to raise their hands before speaking? Public schools are really an artificial environment that postpones real life experiences and the very experiences necessary to succeed in life.
What the research shows…- The home-educated typically score 15 to 30 percentile points above public-school students on standardized academic achievement tests.
- Homeschool students score above average on achievement tests regardless of their parents' level of formal education or their family's household income.
- Whether homeschool parents were ever certified teachers is not related to their children's academic achievement.
- Degree of state control and regulation of homeschooling is not related to academic achievement.
- Home-educated students typically score above average on the SAT and ACT tests that colleges consider for admissions.
- Homeschool students are increasingly being actively recruited by colleges.
- By grade eight, the average homeschooled student performs four grade levels above their public and private school counterparts
- The home-educated are doing well, typically above average, on measures of social, emotional, and psychological development. Research measures include peer interaction, self-concept, leadership skills, family cohesion, participation in community service, and self-esteem.
- Homeschool students are regularly engaged in social and educational activities outside their homes and with people other than their nuclear-family members. They are commonly involved in activities such as field trips, scouting, 4-H, political drives, church ministry, sports teams, and community volunteer work.
- 94% of homeschoolers keep the faith and 93% continue to attend church after the high school years. But a shocking 75% to 85% of Christian children sent to public school drop out of church, and do not hold a Christian worldview after high school graduation
- Adults that were homeschooled participate in local community service more frequently than does the general population, vote and attend public meetings more frequently than the general population
- The home-educated go to and succeed at college at an equal or higher rate than the general population.
The above findings are extensively documented in one or more resources; but can be found at http://www.nheri.org/
Just so everyone is aware, we have two large porches (symmetric on each side of the home) that are very inviting for company (hint hint- we'd love to have any of you up for a visit!) Jessica will be adding country style rocking chairs and a couple porch swings in the spring. If you come there will be lemonade and some cookies.
This time a year allows us to reflect upon all the things for which we should be grateful. There are so many things great and small to be thankful for that the list is endless. We, here in our household, are often not as thankful as we should be or even thankful often enough for all the blessings God has bestowed upon us. The last few years have really reminded me to be thankful for the good times and the bad (even the bad times can often times be a blessing in disguise), for the blessings I've had, and for the blessings to come.
Riley and I came home from the hospital last Wednesday. Mom brought the boys over for a few hours to see their sister. I can not begin to tell you how much they love her. So far we've not seen one ounce of jealousy from either one. 
"See, Jackson? You do it like this..." "Wow! She's smaller than me!"
Your new crib...
He just finished his first organized sports season, as he played on the rowdy Red Rockets soccer team in the YMCA Fall Soccer League. His team was the youngest one in the league, and, at times, it showed. There are seven boys in the picture above, which was our average attendance even with a team of 10 or 12 kids overall. I was pressed into service as a volunteer coach most games, in spite of my not even knowing the positions on the field. Turns out it was ok-- none of the kids knew where to go either! The Red Rockets won once, tied once, and had lots of fun the other eight games.... no one kept score, but yet, somehow, everyone knew who won or lost.... Calen scored one goal and spent quite a bit of time at goalie, which he seems to love. Looks like the Indoor Winter League is next...
