Beyond the Books

Posted by Meg | 0 comments

As a new school year dawns, I begin thinking about what I want to teach my children. Of course, at the forefront are the basics and fundamental subjects: History, handwriting, math.

But what about beyond the books?

One of the reasons we made the decision to homeschool in the first place was to have freedom over what and how our children learn. This concept isn’t restricted to school subjects. When my husband and I really thought about it, there are so many other valuable lessons and skills we want to instill in our children…and having them at home all day gives us that much more time to do so!

Patriotism
I want to make sure our children know the Pledge of Allegiance, the facts surrounding our nation’s founding and even the lyrics and tune to The Star Spangled Banner.

Proper communication skills with elders
I desire for our children to respect their elders and be able to effectively communicate with adults, not just get along with kids their own age.

How to teach themselves
I don’t want our school to be based on spoon-feeding. I want our kids to learn how to teach themselves. I would love to see them get an idea or pose a question, then seek out and investigate the answers or how-to process on their own. It would build independence and confidence and aid them vocationally when getting out into the world on their own one day.

Less popular/common skills
Just because they’re young doesn’t mean that they can’t learn how to edit videos (while making their own movies), hone up on their still photography abilities, and learn to type. The world they’re entering into is moving quickly and expanding technologically daily. Young minds are able to process and handle many of these things….and they’ll have fun doing so!

Life skills
Having them home means I can help foster their knowledge of everyday yet essential tasks….things such as how to sort and do laundry, bake, plant and maintain a garden, and handle personal finances. (What’s more, the strengthened bonds formed while doing these tasks together are beyond compare, some of the sweetest and most tender memories I myself hold.)

Above all, I wish to teach them how to teach them how to love the Lord and abide in Him every day. I pray that I never lose sight that this one of the greatest, most important things I will ever teach my little ones.

Meg Wilson is a devoted wife to her husband, Ken, of 10 years, and mom and homeschooling teacher to her 5-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter. When she’s not writing or creating something, Meg loves to cook for, host and entertain friends and family. She also enjoys reading, the outdoors, eclectic music, yoga, and studying history. You can read all about her adventures (and misadventures) at her blog, Muses of Megret and read her product reviews at Muse Reviews.