Encouraging the Love of Literature
February 28, 2010 by Yvonne
When I hear the term “Literature Analysis,” I develop cold sweats. My mind is yanked back into the 11th grade and flashes back on eight page literary analysis essays, along with difficult and cryptic names for what should have been very simple. My compositions were forced and unnatural and my enthusiasm for reading all but dried up. Blech…no wonder I didn’t pick up a quality piece of literature for years afterward!
It wasn’t until I began homeschooling my children about eleven years ago, that I began to learn to enjoy literature again. Following Charlotte Mason’s wisdom to use living literature in our studies helped us to delight in the literature for the sake of the story. Reading each selection aloud, the children and I learned how to discover something fun from whatever we read. After that, we dove into a couple of years of Sonlight where we learned all about both World and American History and had fascinating rabbit trails of exploration.
Photo Credit: Heidi, Mt Hope Academy
With all of that reading, we never formally analyzed anything, yet our love and appreciation of literature grew by leaps and bounds.
During those years, we discovered that each book has a buried treasure, a hidden message to uncover. Most books are written by an individual and contain a distinct perspective. In each piece of literature the writer has a message to share or a lesson to teach. In a well written book it becomes the reader’s pleasure to experience that lesson through the pages of a story, discerning the message and evaluating it for possible application. Sadly, many teachers insist on turning this experience into a dreadful exercise!
In our home, we keep literature studies simple…and apparently it’s a successful endeavor. My children love literature and even more than that, we enjoy discussing it together.
Now before I tell you what we have done in our homeschooling, let me encourage you with a precious nugget of wisdom that I picked up from Ruth Beechick. If a child is curled up with a book, quietly reading to their heart’s content, they are comprehending. If they look up at you to share something that is exciting, they are comprehending. If they giggle, or if a tear rolls down their cheek, they are comprehending. It is unnecessary to have them answer twenty questions on a book’s content or to produce a book report for every book they read. We homeschool moms tend to worry too much! Early on, I chose to keep book reports and pre-fabricated comprehension questions at a bare minimum.
So how do I cover reading and literature in my home? Push the Easy Button here!
We have a daily quiet hour. This is a time in which the children go off to read a book of their choice. This is not assigned reading…but a quiet period, where they can enjoy whatever they have chosen to read for entertainment, edification…or whatever. Right now, my children are reading a variety of literature that run the gamut from “Encyclopedia Brown,” by Donald Sobol to “The Giver,” by Lois Lowry and for my oldest, “The Way of the Wild Heart,” by John Eldredge. The importance of having the quiet hour is simply to foster a love of reading and self directed learning.
We read aloud every day. There is something special that happens when a parent puts on a character’s voice. Children strain to hear every word, they sit forward in their seats and are often eager to discuss the material. There are so many great books that edify children with life lessons about a myriad of topics. From picture books to novels, there are wonderful examples of literature at every level of learning.
Unfortunately, some families give up on reading aloud because they have wiggly children. Please let me encourage you to work through the wiggles. The trick is in training younger children to listen and be still.
I’ve done three things that have helped my children grow to love reading aloud.
1. When training young children for read alouds choose books that support their interests. If your child is all about surviving in the wilderness, then choose a book like “My Side of the Mountain,” by Jean Craighead George or an adapted version of Swiss Family Robinson. Don’t bore them with a book that will only make their minds wander. Remember, this is training…try to make it pleasant.
2. Allow young children to build with Legos or Lincoln Logs, draw pictures, or color while you read aloud to them.
3. Alternatively, read aloud to them at bedtime. They’ll enjoy the snuggles and have something to dream about when the light goes out. As a plus, when they’re in bed, they can’t wiggle too far.
If the wiggles persist, consider reading another season of picture books to allow a child a bit more time to develop listening skills. Don’t give up, but be willing to find what works.
Photo Credit: Heidi, Mt Hope Academy
We learn vocabulary as we come across it. If we run into a word that we don’t understand, we try to figure out the definition by it’s context. If not, we look it up and say the sentence again, using the definition instead of the word being defined. I then read the sentence once more, this time using the word in question. I might write it down on an index card, but it’s not often necessary. I’ve discovered that the word is usually assimilated and will pop up in my children’s spoken and written vocabulary about six months later. (I don’t know why this is true, but this has been our experience.)
We discuss literature on the fly. As we read a book we discuss it informally. We talk about whatever pops into our minds as we read. From imagery to characters, to the problems they face, or the obstacles they overcome, we talk about it all. I remember one conversation back when my oldest child was in the fifth grade. We came to a scene in the Lord of the Rings series where Mr. Frodo tells Smeagol that he should not call himself names. We talked about the wisdom of relying on God’s truth about ourselves, that we are sinners…and yet precious to God. It was an opportunity to remember Jesus and how His estimation of us is that we are worth His life. Amazing. We made a memory and each of us remembers that conversation as a gift.
I use our read aloud time as a means to encourage my children to think. If a child can think, they can discuss…and eventually they will be able to defend their ideas and write about them in detail. (Usually in high school.) I use Bloom’s Taxonomy as a very rough guide, a basis in which I lead my children in our discussions of literature. Bloom’s assists me in evaluating where my children are regarding their thinking on any particular topic, literature or otherwise. It gives me a quick visual on where they each may be and assists me in stretching them to the next step in their thinking abilities.
I strive to give my children lots of experiences, talking about everything, asking many questions about opinions and thoughts. I really like to dig in, always looking for the heart. “How does that make you feel?” ”What would you do differently?” ”How does this information alter your opinion?” I guide my children through these discussions, keeping my feelers out for where they’re at on the Bloom’s chart with the goal of stretching them just a bit further.
By the time my oldest two children reached high school, they had developed adequate thinking skills to enable them to write. They needed a bit of encouragement in getting organized, but I discovered that if the thoughts were in their noggins, then the words eventually came spilling out onto paper.
Use movie versions of classics! I don’t want to make this a blanket statement, because sometimes the movie versions of literature are awful. But there are quality motion pictures which might spark an interest in reading a great work of literature. “Emma,” comes to mind, along with “Hamlet,” or the BBC versions of Jane Austin classics. I’m also reminded of “Heidi,” my favorite being the Shirley Temple classic. Use your discernment, of course, but I’ve found this an equally valid way to develop my children’s thinking skills as well as create interest in a title that otherwise might be overlooked.
Furthermore, if you have a teen who just cannot make himself pick up a Jane Austin novel, then consider having him watch the movie, and discuss it along with him.
Cliff Notes or Spark Notes – Lastly, and used sparingly, I allow my children to use Cliff or Spark Notes. I do this only in the case of assigned reading as a substitute for a book that I feel won’t work for us. This fall, in our chosen curriculum, one of the books assigned was Uncle Tom’s Cabin. I pre-read it and I decided that one of my students would find it too heavy to dwell on. So, at the encouragement of my personal mentor, I will have them read the Cliff Notes and we will discuss the social points important to understanding the historical significance of the book. This will help them appreciate this work of literature without having to experience something that is too heavy for them to bear at this time in their life.
So, as you see, we keep literature analysis very simple. We may discuss literature elements like foreshadowing or denouement from time to time, but mainly our discussions center around the heart in the form of building thinking skills, learning life lessons, and enjoying the love of finely crafted words…literature.
Yvonne Ferlita, married for nearly nineteen years, is a homeschooling mom to four children from kindergarten to high school. Her family has been blessed with eleven years of grace filled homeschooling. She does her best to follow Christ in educating her children, and she believes that when it all boils down, that means, “No Nonsense!” Visit her blog, The No Nonsense Homeschool.
Yahoo groups for Buying/Selling Curriculum
January 26, 2010 by Peggy
In my last article I briefly mentioned that Yahoo groups were an excellent place to buy/sell curriculum. I soon realized that a brief mention really didn’t begin to paint an accurate picture, so in this article I’m going to be a little more specific.
You will need a Yahoo account (free) to join a Yahoo group (Yahoo groups homepage). Most groups are moderated because of the huge amounts of spam, so you will have to apply for membership.
First, try to decide if you are looking for a specific curriculum.
This will narrow down your results considerably. The first time I did this I typed in ‘Used Homeschool Curriculum’.
And my brain exploded! It reminded me of when I first started homeschooling and was overwhelmed with choices. Over the years I learned how to narrow down the results to join the groups that were most active and offered what I needed.
First click on the link and read the group description to see if the group is active, if it has a large number of members (the more members the more buying/selling and variety of curriculum) and scroll down to message history. These will all help you decide if this group is what you’re looking for.
Here are a few that jumped out at me when I searched ‘Used Homeschool Curriculum’:
Used Homeschool Books – This group has a large number of messages each month – between 500 on average to a high of 1,000. If you decide to apply for membership the group owner asks that you send them a private email to cut down on your wait time before approval.
Homeschool Recyclers - This group is based on passing on homeschool curriculum at a low price. The limit for a sale posting is $20. including shipping. It seems to be fairly active and averages about 50 messages a month.
Used Homeschooling Curriculum - Listings must be child friendly on this active group that averages about 200 posts a month.
Homeschool Buy and Sell - Very active group averaging around 500 posts a month.
The Homeschool Mom Used Curriculum - Very active group. I’ve been a member of this list for years.
There are also state or area specific swap groups that could save tons in shipping. Use this search and browse through the results to find what you need. Homeschool Book Swap
There are also Buy/Sell groups that are vendor specific. Many of these are also support groups that allow the sale of used curriculum. Please be aware of vendor policies on the resale of curriculum. For example – the resale of Switched on Schoolhouse is not approved by the vendor – Alpha Omega.
The following list is by no means inclusive nor do I know each vendor’s policy on resale of used curricula.
Bob Jones Curriculum
ABEKA FOR SALE
Christian Light Families
Classical Swap
Classic Charlotte Mason Swap
Charlotte Mason Curricula
Homeschooling with Rod and Staff
The Core Knowledge Series
I hope this is a help and as always, Happy Hunting!
Peggy Dalley has been married to her best friend and husband for 13 years. She uses the eclectic approach to homeschool their three sons, 12, 10 and 7. Her interests include writing unit studies, Bible study, history and she is working hard to become a Proverbs 31:10 woman instead of a Proverbs 21:9 woman.
Special Discount for WriteShop.com
December 13, 2009 by admin
WriteShop.com is offering Heart of the Matter readers a generous 50% off all StoryBuilders by using coupon code HOTM50 during checkout. This offer expires on January 15, 2010.
WriteShop StoryBuilders – Winner of three awards from The Old Schoolhouse Magazine’s Review Crew!
- 2009 Top Ten Curricula
- Best of the Best – 2009 Honorable Mention
- Best of the Year Awards Children’s Favorite
World of Sports StoryBuilders (e-book)
World of People StoryBuilders (e-book)
World of Animals StoryBuilders (e-book)
StoryBuilders Christmas Mini-Builder (e-book)
Blessed Disabilities
November 30, 2009 by Rhodema
My daughter started her sophomore year of homeschooling before we finally learned why school was so difficult for her.
We walked out of the third floor office of the learning specialist and neither of us spoke. Instead, we each attempted to absorb what the doctor just presented in the appointment. I pushed the down button and felt relieved that only my daughter and I stepped into the empty elevator.
“So, what do you think about the diagnosis?” I asked.
After a pause she said, “I’m a little mad right now, at God. I’m trying to take this in. My whole life I thought I was stupid and now I discover that I have a learning disability but that I am really smart.”
Parents who homeschool students are proud of the studies that show higher standardized test scores among children taught at home. Home educated students consistently score higher on the ACT and SAT tests. But, what do you do when your child’s best academic efforts land him or her in the bottom quarter of the standardized test chart?
Diagnosis
My daughter had trouble learning to read and she struggled with spelling and writing since she first held a pencil. If hours of study and hard work equaled success in school, she should have been a National Merit Scholar but the results were quite the contrary.
After numerous tutors, specialists and misdiagnoses throughout the years, we learned that she is dyslexic. She was harder to diagnose because she could read, but the disability affected her ability to perceive phonetic sounds in her brain. She couldn’t spell or write without great difficulty.
The diagnostic report read: profound disability requiring accommodations.
There was no treatment or cure, only coping skills to aid in learning. Aside from the practical study techniques, we determined that the most important survival approach for my daughter to learn was to see herself and her abilities through God’s eyes.
Created Perfect
I like to remind my daughter that she is part of a unique and complete package. What others may consider a deficit, in one area, only adds to whom she is designed to be in God’s plan–and He does have a plan.
I love the parable of the stewards that Jesus told in Matthew 25. He reveals what God values in his followers: not talent, but talent well used. God doesn’t compare servant to servant. Instead, He is interested in what each person does with what he is given. That is what I strive to instill in my daughter.
Curriculum Choices
As is often true in kids with learning challenges, they blossom in the arts. I began tailoring my daughter’s high school curriculum to music, art, voice and theater. We discovered she has a great voice so we began centering opportunities on singing.
Not all academic curriculums are suited for students with learning challenges. I realized that my daughter learned best with courses that offered the lessons and tests on the computer. She even enjoyed some of her science curriculum via music with the Lyrical Learning series.
Learning to type and use the computer for her papers was essential. My husband and I invested in a program called Dragon Naturally Speaking, voice recognition software. This allows her to “speak” her papers. The program types on the screen what she says into the microphone. It takes practice to learn to use the program but my daughter now finds it essential in her writing assignments.
The diagnosis from the learning specialist allowed for certain accommodations in my daughter’s schoolwork. We began implementing these. Her tests were given orally and with extra time. I no longer counted off for spelling errors.
Any writing assignments turned in for classes were proofed by me for spelling errors that slipped by her voice recognition software. My goal, as mom and teacher, was not to do her work for her but to come alongside only in those areas where she lacked ability. I strived to level the playing field, not make things easier for her than for other students.
“Gifted and Talented” for Ministry
God doesn’t require GPA checks before allowing us to minister to others. Life difficulties can yield a harvest of compassion in the soil of a bruised heart. My daughter’s heart was wounded yet ripened to come alongside others who were hurting. Her capacity to feel another’s pain was greater because of her own struggles to stand firm in the face of not “measuring up.”
Homeschooling allowed flexibility for my daughter to participate in community ministry. We learned of an after school program for disadvantaged children. When she helped elementary students with homework difficulties, she did it with patience and a knowing empathy. She was definitely “gifted and talented” for this role.
A trip to the Amazon jungle on a mission team offered her a chance to use her voice to lead ministry. Her compassionate heart made her a magnet for the children. They all vied to be the closest to her as she walked on the village paths or taught Bible lessons. For ten days she was a jungle super hero.
These ministry opportunities had a double benefit. People received help but she also began to experience success outside of the academic realm. She began to see the possibilities for her future.
The Future
College may not be for every child with learning issues. However, my daughter wanted to attend a Christian university to prepare for ministry. We made plans to attend a local Christian College Fair.
Halfway through the event, her shoulders began to droop. Usually, the first thing on the school brochures and out of the mouth of the recruiters was the proud statement of their number of National Merit students and the high GPA’s of entering freshmen. My daughter clearly was in the bottom quarter of those students being sought by the schools represented here; her College Board scores were dismal. She did find some schools with probationary admissions and colleges that offered help through academic help centers.
She could sense the doors slamming shut on her dreams until she approached one college table. My daughter asked her standard question, “What is your ACT/SAT cutoff for entrance?”
A wise recruiter looked into my daughter’s eyes and spoke words that gave her hope.
“None. We don’t use cutoffs. We find that those students with the top grades don’t always perform the best in ministry.”
My daughter flashed me a smile as she loaded up her bag with every brochure on the table plus the pen, magnet and bumper sticker.
She did end up applying to this school and is now in her senior year at this university. On her entrance application essay she wrote:
I have dyslexia. Some may call this a disability or even a reason not to enter college. I have to study and work harder than most to succeed in my class work and I am prepared to do just that. But, I consider dyslexia a blessing because of what I have learned. God has taught me: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” -2 Cor. 12:9 NIV
My daughter is no longer angry with God over her dyslexia. It has taught her to lean into God’s grace to receive His power for her life and her ministry.
The Battle Continues
The world continues to evaluate individuals by the measuring stick of academic success. As parents we have to be vigilant not to slip back into that realm. When a less than stellar grade report comes from the college, we strive not to overreact. We have had to sit down with our daughter and talk through her study habits.
At first, she was reluctant to ask for help at the university level. We had to coach her on how to meet with the learning specialists and speak up for herself by turning in her documentation and asking for the accommodations.
We actually role played with our daughter so she could practice talking to professors about her learning disabilities. She has learned to make it clear that she wants to take full responsibility to work hard but ask for help when needed.
Our daughter will never finish her journey. As she moves from college to the work setting she will continually have to incorporate her accommodations into her job tasks. She will have to stand firm when the world might assess her negatively. By continuing to see herself through God’s eyes and lean into His plan, she will be successful–God’s way.
Rhodema lives the parenting adventure with Calvin, her college sweetheart. They have two adult daughters and two teenagers still at home, a girl and a boy. Their homeschool style is eclectic with a great love of living history books. Rhodema teaches women’s Bible studies and is a MOPS speaker. Her blog for moms is Herding Worms.
Crafts – Simple & Feasible
October 26, 2009 by Ruthanne
Are you intimidated by crafts? Do you struggle for ideas? Hate the mess? Feel like you can’t justify the added expense?
Incorporating craft time into your school day does not have to be frustrating or break the bank. In fact, it can be fun with just a few simple tips!
(1) Google is your friend.
If the curriculum you’re using does not include suggestions for crafts and the thought of coming up with crafts on your own scares the daylight out of you, then use Google for some ideas. I took this route frequently last year because I wasn’t thrilled with a lot of the suggestions in the curriculum we were using. The internet has a treasure trove of ideas just waiting to be found.
(2) Print out instructions.
After you’ve picked the craft you would like to do, print out the list of supplies and instructions. It’s much easier to print it out than to go back and try to find the same site later if you’re unsure of something. Believe me – I’ve learned from experience!
(3) Schedule multiple crafts together
If you’re curriculum suggests several crafts during the week and/or month, then schedule all of them for one day. That way you only have to clean up craft mess once and can devote a greater chunk of time to creating your masterpiece instead of hurrying on to the next thing.
(4) Be Selective
Just because your curriculum gives you a list of ten crafts does not mean you need to make all of them. Choose the ones that will give you the most bang for the buck – those that will reinforce what you’re studying and will be the most fun! Only you know what will excite and interest your children.
(5) Table Cover
You’re going to want a cover on your table. Crafts will be much more fun if you’re not worried about the inevitable paint and hot glue spills (plus the cleanup will be quicker and easier)! Keep a plastic tablecloth stored away with all your craft supplies. That way you know exactly where it is when it’s time for crafts and you don’t have to tear your house up looking for it.
(6) Old T-Shirts
Instead of using dad’s old t-shirts for rags, hold onto them for craft time. They’re perfect for painting and more economical than purchasing a smock! Keep them stored away with your table cover and other craft supplies.
(7) Stock up
Keep an eye on the sales fliers for your local craft stores. Be sure to stock up when key items go on sale, such as paint, sketch paper, foam, ribbon, sponge brushes, jumbo craft sticks, etc.
(8) Reuse/Recycle
Don’t throw away those toilet paper or wrapping paper rolls, coffee cans, or oatmeal boxes. They can be used for all sorts of creations: castles, drums, kaleidoscopes, horns, etc.
(9) Have fun!
Doing crafts with your children is not about perfection, but about giving them an opportunity to express themselves through the hands-on medium of art. So get your paint brushes, roll up your sleeves, and prepare for some creative fun with your children!
Ruthanne has been homeschooling for just over a decade. She’s passionate about many things ~ the Lord, her principal and students (mother to four boys and a girl), photography, baking and really good coffee. You can find her blogging at www.eclecticwhatnot.com where she shares a few random thoughts and loads of pictures.
I Spy… passions, plans, ponytails and more
October 7, 2009 by Cassie
I Spy With My Little Eye…
… help for the parent whose child doesn’t seem to be passionate about anything.
… a simpler way to accomplish your lesson planning.
… what you can do to dress up a plain ponytail, quick and easy!
… ways to get a young storyteller’s words on paper if they are reluctant about writing.
… some r-e-s-p-e-c-t
… a Jewish feast revealed.
Cassandra Simpson is a homeschooling wife and mother of four children, ages 1, 8, 9, and 12. She is starting her 6th year of home educating in Indiana and uses a “Classically Eclectic” teaching approach. Cassandra is the Assistant Lead Moderator for HOTM’s forum and loves talking homeschool with anyone who will listen! Her hobbies are reading, blogging, sewing, and cooking. You can check out her family’s blog at In His Image.
Review: Core Knowledge Sequence K-8
September 6, 2009 by Karin
The Core Knowledge Sequence K-8 (Core Knowledge Foundation; 1999) book is from the publishers of the popular series, “What your kindergartner-6th grader needs to know.” The Core Knowledge Sequence is a detailed outline by grade and subjects to be used in developing a curriculum or (homeschool) scope & sequence. The Core Knowledge Sequence is distinguished by its specificity. The specific content in the sequence provides a solid foundation on which to build instruction upon. Moreover, because the sequence offers a detailed and coherent plan that builds year by year, it helps to assure that many common repetitions and gaps in instruction can be successfully avoided. The sequence is compatible with a variety of educational philosophies and additional subject matters. It is not meant to be used as the entire curriculum, but rather 50% of the curriculum foundation with the remaining instruction tailored to the individual child or local requirements.
The book is easy to read, understand and navigate with a simple, yet clean layout. Even beginning homeschoolers will be comforted by the format including helpful notes to teachers and summaries printed in green ink throughout each section.
All the most successful educational systems in the world teach a core of knowledge in the early grades. They do this because as both research and common sense demonstrate, we learn new knowledge by building on what we already know. It is important to begin building foundatinos of knowledge in the early grades because that is when children are the most receptive.
While the sequence is very specific, home educators will enjoy being able to choose their own methods of instruction, curriculum or supplemental information. The Core Knowledge sequence can easily be adapted to your own beliefs but the benefit of using a scope and sequence when you are designing your homeschool is the assurance that you will not leave holes in your child’s education. The Core Knowledge sequence promotes educational excellence, multiculturalism and the arts.
For more information, visit www.coreknowledge.org
Karin Katherine is a proud stay-at-home mother of four who feels blessed to be the mother of 5 year old fraternal twin boys and two daughters, ages three and 10 months. You are invited to follow her homeschooling adventures at www.PassportAcademy.com and her adventures as a mother, wife, homemaker, decorator and organizer at www.MommyMattersBlog.com
Homeschool Jewels
I once read a great article by Diane Flynn Keith entitled “7 Dumb Mistakes Smart People Make When They Homeschool and How to Avoid Them.” The article really struck home with me in areas where I’ve been, and some areas in which I insist on returning, despite my best efforts. For copyright’s sake, I won’t post the entire article here, but I will share her list of mistakes:
- Unrealistic expectations (or no expectations) regarding yearly or daily goals
- Over-scheduling & under-scheduling
- Ignoring child feedback
- Overspending
- Isolation
- Thinking you can do it all
- Striving to convince everyone else that they, too, should homeschool
Like I said, I could preach a sermon on all but #4, and I’m good enough to even get an offering on #s 2 and 6. The reason that I’ve not been guilty of overspending, at least not yet, is more of a function of the method I chose for homeschooling than any well thought-out savings strategy. One great benefit I’ve always enjoyed about Charlotte Mason’s principles is that there isn’t a lot of curriculum to buy if you play your cards right. I have used as a mantra that quote I heard early in my journey about ‘all you need to homeschool is a Bible, a math book, and a library card.’
As a curriculum developer and self-publisher, I am not condemning the idea of packaged curriculum. To be clear, bought curriculum is the unofficial, yet official mark of a homeschooler. Think about it: how wealthy would you be if you had a dollar for each time another homeschooling parent stopped and asked you, “So, what curriculum do you use?” Moreover, there are wonderful homeschool-friendly products available from parents who have traveled the same path and appreciate the roses, and thorns, along the journey. Where would the homeschooling movement be without this type of ingenuity?
For me personally, as I pray and do the homework regarding what to buy, I have a couple of homeschooling jewels that I often refer back to, especially at the year’s end when I’m beginning to think about the years to come.
Jewel #1 on buying curriculum: consider the following questions:
- Is this something I can teach without a curriculum?
- Am I attracted to the content, or the packaging and promotion?
- What do the reviews say about it?
- Finally, this one is my favorite: buy books instead of buying “stuff ”.
Jewel #2: get stuck in a rut.
Yes, that’s right. I said do get stuck in a rut. Although our routine has had some variance over the years—an extra workbook here or different teaching element there—we have stuck, pretty much, to the same schedule and basic subjects each year. So, without additional prep work (besides my own), our children know what is expected of them each day of the week. Unless we have an interruption (a field trip, travel, or unplanned event), they can sit and complete their work whether I’m around or not. Only once in our time at home was I too sick to get out of bed, but I was astonished and thrilled that the kids came downstairs and did everything they were supposed to do, only consulting me if they had questions.
Routines are just what the name suggests—routine, boring, and monotonous. I can, however, offer the carrot in front of this ho-hum horse. As a college instructor, I reach out to students each day who are having a less-than successful start in post-secondary studies. In some cases, they are simply not college material. However, in many cases, they are bright learners who could have an academically successful experience, but they lack the skills to be good students—discipline, time management, and concentration. As much as we hate to admit it, these are the roles we often play as parents in the homeschool.
So the question becomes, how do we help our kids transition to do these things themselves? Cutting them off cold turkey after 12th grade doesn’t work in many cases, so we have to create an environment for certain habits to form. Moreover, those habits must form in us first. We can’t lead where we aren’t willing to go; how dare we expect children who can manage themselves when we present ourselves as flighty and undisciplined. School can still be filled with love and laughter, but think about and certainly pray about making it boring enough for your children to learn to discipline and manage their lives.
Again, these nuggets have been invaluable for me as we progress through the years. Prayerfully, they will bless you, too.
Belinda Bullard is a wife and homeschooling mother of three, Belinda is an author and the owner of A Blessed Heritage Educational Resources, a literature-based history curriculum featuring African-American presence in history, as well as the contributions of other races to American history. A chemical engineer by formal education, she also serves as adjunct faculty for college distance learning programs.
God fills in the holes
July 7, 2009 by Jamie
Toward the end of every school year, I find myself sifting through a pile of homeschool curriculum catalogs, re-evaluating what has worked well this past school year and what could be better. By summer, I’ve completed most of my plan for the upcoming school year, but there are always still a few decisions to make. I also try to spend a little time re-thinking my main homeschool goals. Sure, I want my children to be artistic, eloquent, creative, confident, responsible, caring, and—of course—brilliant. But just exactly how am I supposed to accomplish all that?
At a homeschool mom’s retreat I was blessed to attend earlier this year, I gleaned some invaluable wisdom. No matter what curriculum you use, how many hours of school you do, or how much planning you put into it, there will be some of those dreaded “education gaps” – GASP!
It is impossible for even the best school, homeschool or otherwise, to complete an education with absolutely no “holes.” But, here’s the good news: God fills in the holes. Let me say that again: God fills in the holes. Take a minute to let that sink in.
“I [the LORD] will teach all your children, and they will enjoy great peace.” Isaiah 54:13
Think of the freedom that gives you! You are no longer enslaved to competition within your household or in comparing the “success” of your homeschool to anyone else’s. You don’t have to worry if your child isn’t one of the highest scorers on standardized tests. God Himself is the teacher, guide, principal, and planner for your homeschool. You need only look to God to guide you. Give your children fully and truly to God, and He will take charge of their education.
OK, so this promise God gives us is HUGE and wonderful, but how does this look practically? We must remember that we homeschool moms are not just teachers; we are disciplers.
A few questions to ask yourself:
- What kind of influence am I having on my family?
The way we live our lives does have influence on those around us, especially our children, so before we jump into shaping their character, we have to look at our own. - How is my own relationship with Christ?
As we grow closer to Christ ourselves, it will be easier to point our children towards Him. - What kind of home environment have I created?
The more loving, encouraging, and edifying our home and family life is, the better everyone in the home will be able to learn and grow. - How well do I know my children? We must be in tune with the heart of our children to know where they may be struggling, where they need extra encouragement. If we are to be able to properly guide and disciple our children, we must be intentional about spending quality time with them, continually getting to know them as they grow and change.
If you’ve never written a mission statement for your homeschool, I highly recommend it. I may still tweak mine, but so far, it looks like this:
“Education is an Atmosphere, a Discipline, a Life.
We want to give our children a quality education built on the solid foundation of Biblical teaching and faith in Christ. To allow them the freedom to wonder, imagine, ask questions, and learn hands-on whenever possible. To teach them to be confident and self-disciplined. To love, encourage, and disciple them so they grow up to be spiritually wise, creative, responsible, caring individuals who follow Christ and lead lives that glorify God.”
There is no right or wrong about the specifics of your homeschool mission statement, but having something like this in writing helps you focus on those days when it feels like nothing is getting accomplished. If your home and family are seeking first and foremost to please and glorify the Lord, then you are indeed accomplishing everything that truly matters.
Check out my article on page 24 of the funky flipbook edition of Heart of the Matter Magazine.
Jamie is in her third year of homeschooling, and loving the mostly-Charlotte Mason style she’s chosen. She is a joyfully married wife in a blended family, and knows that absolutely anything good she accomplishes is because of Christ in her. Her days are fueled by the love of her family and many cups of steaming hot tea. Visit her blog Rose Cottage.
The Perfect Homeschool
June 2, 2009 by Renae
It must be the end of the school year. Homeschool conventions lure. Advertisements for curriculum pile up on my desk. I flip colorful magazine pages reading descriptions. The sentences are full of promise. Amazing results: master difficult subjects easily…learn new languages fluently…teach multiple ages simply. Red pen scrawls circles around temptations and fingers press page corners toward the marks.
Tied to these note-filled pages are questions of fear and insecurity. Will we cover everything my children need to know? Will we finish math and English? What about Bible and science and art and history and penmanship and typing and Spanish and literature?
I gaze at the bookshelves surrounding my desk and see slow starts, abandoned plans, and half-finished textbooks. The little bits we’ve done create spindly knots that reach out to trip me.
Another rope reaches out. I stumble across Sue Patrick’s Workbox System. Plastic boxes in a row pull even more than the curriculum reviews. Organizational bliss! I’ve read the rave reviews. I thought of ways to modify it, and I’m still thinking. Would this really work for us? It’s a good idea, but it’s just one idea. The real test is in continued implementation. It’s easy to start stuff. It takes tenacity to complete it. (That is why my son’s math book still has fifty-four lessons left.)
The entanglements are internal. It comes back to character. Always. And I’m not as persistent or patient as I like to imagine. The newness of homeschooling has worn off. Some of the fear has dissipated, but we must press on. I’m not ready to reject choices I already made because something might be better.
There is no perfect curriculum. There is no perfect implementation. Seeking homeschool utopia ends in defeat. A race run in circles beginning and ending with the heart.
Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23
Renae teaches her eleven-year-old son and two little girls at home. She has prepared lesson plans, enjoyed children’s literature, and delighted in discovery with her children for five years. By studying Principle Approach philosophy, she realized what she always suspected: the Bible lies at the heart of all subjects. Find her reflections at Life Nurturing Education.
