Homeschooling 101

The children are away with Daddy, the floors are vacuumed, the tea is brewed, the laundry is done ... all is well. Ahhhhhh.

I've been aware for a while that several non-homeschoolers are reading this blog. Because of this I thought it was important that I share some realities re: homeschooling. The biggest myth that I must dispel at once is the fact that I don't create lessons plans each day for each individual child. In fact, I don't stand up in front of them and "teach", ever. I suppose there are those times when I call a family meeting on the couch and I stand and speak sternly to my children re: some particular behavior that needs retraining. As far as teaching goes though, instead it looks more like mom reintroducing subjects that have long since left the forefront of her mind. I'm usually at the table or sitting on the couch. I don't have notes or a script of what to say. I know the learning styles and bents of each child and so the "teaching" is done uniquely in a way that each can receive it willingly and joyfully. Mostly, we work our way through different subjects with texts or books or workbooks ... each day, offering a new lesson.

The strangest thing about homeschooling for those who are completely unaware of what it looks like in reality, is the notion that somehow we are replicating traditional school -- only at home. No. At least not in this homeschool. Instead, I started with an incredibly curious child who's capability and desire to learn taught me more about "school" than any degree ever could. (I do have a graduate level degree by the way -- I use it to counsel myself nearly every day! Hah!). As time passes, and the level of learning becomes more difficult, it is necessary to keep on schedule -- particularly when it comes time to calculate and plan for credit hours to go on a high school transcript. Even then however, I would say I am more of a "facilitator" of learning, than I am a teacher.

So, how I began with my first child was -- I HAD FUN learning and reading and discovering and digging and exploring. Eventually, after I taught him to read using homemade flashcards of the alphabet and nothing more, I found resources (and there are HUNDREDS out there for homeschoolers) to find curriculum and needed supplies and books that the local library or Barnes and Noble didn't carry. I began to attend Homeschool Conventions (see www.chois.org for Idaho's Homeschool Convention coming in June), listened to workshop speakers, read hundreds of books (out of pure joy), and wandered the halls of the curriculum fairs. Homeschooling is a culture in and of itself. There were and are SO MANY choices for learning materials for our kids. Some are more traditional textbook approaches, some have your daily learning with each child outlined per hour, some offer flexibility, some push your kids academically, and some encourage natural learning. You can buy programs that cover every subject or just one. You can buy DVD's to teach advanced subjects. You can hire tutors. You can belong to co-ops where the teaching is shared and kids can have a classroom feel once a week. The possibilities are endless.

Should you choose to homeschool, you are among some wonderful company. The "teaching" part is easier than you realize, especially if you're working diligently to learn alongside your child. The hard part is simply the discipline and self-sacrifice to make this a regular and integral part of your day. A schedule helps -- even if it's just a loose one. In choosing to homeschool you are taking on the incredible, awesome and life-changing experience of introducing this world to your child one subject at a time. It is a responsibility however, and not one you should take lightly. It requires daily prayer and sacrifice. But ... it's totally worth it. The fruit received from homeschooling goes far beyond just the academic for your child. It becomes a lifestyle for your whole family.