Our family is embarking on a new journey. It is something that wasn't even on our radar at the beginning of summer. We are excited about it and the opportunities it will bring. We don't know for how long we'll be on this path so we're going to take it one year at a time. We are confident that this new path for our family comes from God. And it has to do with those school desks we bought off of Craig's List a month ago. Intrigued? Want to know more? Read on.
Once the State Fair is over, we will begin homeschooling. We've done our research, we're ordering curriculum for all four kids, we've got the desks. Let the learning begin, or at least I hope so.
How did we get to this point?
Hmm. Without going into specifics (although I'll share if you message me), we think our kids can learn more at home, in a shorter amount of time.
Shortly after I was thinking about homeschooling, I was getting text messages from a Des Moines radio station. They send out a daily Bible verse. Two of the verses:
Deuteronomy 6:7 "Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home . . ."
Jeremiah 6:16 "Stop right where you are. Look for the godly way and walk in it. Travel its path and you will find rest for your soul."
Those two verses would "show up" twice in a short amount of time. First from the text message and secondly from a friend and from church. We felt like God was speaking to us by presenting each of these verses to us, twice!
We've also finished reading the book by Andy Stanley "Principles of the Path." It talks about the the roads that we're on, where they lead us, how to make the best decisions, etc. This book was perhaps preparing us to make the homeschool decision.
Our reasons why?
- We think we can provide the best learning environment for them, tailored to their needs, interests and learning style.
- I am also confident that this will better enable me to meet my children's love language. Specifically, Emmet's language of time and attention (he's not the oldest boy and he's not the twins).
- We can keep our kids home with us longer so that we can influence them, rather than have the school or naughty kids influence them.
- It is our responsibility to train them in the Bible and we can do this more adequately at home, during the day.
- The kids will be able to work ahead, if they choose to. They won't be delayed by other kids in the class or be slowed down by behavior problems.
- Academically, I think this will be a "smart" move for the kids.
- They'll get to see Seth more. Seth works long days (and nights) but is sometimes able to have the kids ride with him, one at a time. They'll have more time for that if they're home during the day. And they'll get to see him at lunchtime if/when Seth comes home for lunch.
What about socialization?
Yes, what about it. There is actually a lot of socialization going on at schools that we want to keep our kids away from. They won't be sheltered from everything, but we want to have the greatest influence over what they absorb. Kids are like sponges at this age and we want to capitalize on it, in a good way.
The kids will continue to be involved with the local school through dual enrollment. They'll still be involved in Clover Kids and maybe music.
And they'll have plenty of time with church friends, local school friends and homeschool friends. It is a difficult decision to leave a school and leave behind some of the great friendships the boys and I have made. However, we must do this for the greater good of our family but we hope to maintain those friendships.
What about being qualified?
I am more than qualified to teach my children. I love them, want the best for them and will give them the individual attention they need. They'll be in a safe environment and will likely learn quicker.
What about me working part time?
Totally do-able. The kids will still have Grandma days . . . with homework. And we might have to do some schooling in the evenings and or Saturdays, but we shouldn't have a problem getting in our 147 days. And we only need to do a few hours each of those days. I anticipate doing more days but we'll see.
How long will we homeschool?
We don't know. We're going to take it one year at a time.
Where will we homeschool?
In the laundry room, with the desks we bought. I'll post pictures of our classroom once I get it the way I want it.
This decision of ours in no way affects how we feel about the schooling decisions that you have made. Every family is different. Every location is different. Every child is different. There are a lot of variables. This decision is about our children, at this particular time, under certain circumstances. It's kind of like deciding to breastfeed. I did it, but my opinion of you is not based on whether you nursed or didn't and for how long you did it.
It may seem as though we made this decision kind of fast. But there was a lot of prayer involved. Everything fell together and we are confident that this change is coming from God. And who are we to mess with God telling us something. Not me.
We've been called to homeschool. This is a tall order and will consume a lot of our lives. But it is so important that we cannot take the easy way out. We're also doing this to strengthen our time as a family. The family structure in America is in crisis. And while I can't solve that issue, I can stress it in my own family that we stick together and that we are all important to one another. This won't always be easy, it may be chaotic at times, but that's okay. I'm going to enjoy these extra moments with my children while I shape them and influence them. And we simply ask for your support. Not that we need it, but that we'd appreciate it. Stay tuned for more posts on this adventure, our curriculum, our days, etc.
