The Homeschooling Journey

Posted by Karen | 0 comments

Homeschooling is a journey. One that can be compared at first to perhaps looking out at the sea, and feeling curious about what is out there. It looks so beautiful, inviting, and exciting. So you touch the water with your toe, but then you feel the first sting of the coldness. You hesitate for a moment, but are still drawn to the water. So you slowly start to wade in, and all of a sudden the sting of the water is gone, and you feel more comfortable. The excitement up ahead of the waves keeps drawing you in, so you continue to walk out further. You get knocked down a few times, struggle for breath, but then you always return to the surface. Feeling more confident after each wave, you keep going. Sure some of the waves are really big and scary, but eventually you hit the part where the sea calms down, the waves have passed, and now you are enjoying the surroundings. You enjoy the beauty of it, the confidence of getting through the waves, and at last, you are free to float in the water.

I feel like it takes awhile until we get to that right spot in our homeschool. Where we’ve made several mistakes, but learned from them. Where we have anxiety if we are doing the right thing, but we press on. Where we finally reach a comfort level. We are still on the lookout for waves to toss us, but we are confident.

I have begun to hit that spot and it feels good. But I know that all along the Lord was my life jacket. He was what kept me afloat.

My advice to anyone just starting their journey would be to remember homeschooling is a journey. Often it takes awhile to get in your groove, but letting God lead your school, and trusting Him each day, will prove you are not only holding your head above water, but truly enjoying the sea.

Five Tips For Those Just Starting Out: and reminders for those already on the journey

1. Keep in mind this is a journey. And God place you here. You would not be homeschooling if God did not call you to do so-therefore keep your eyes on Him, and He will guide your journey.

2. Keep it simple. Eliminate distractions. Don’t get so overwhelmed with the information out there that you lose sight of your goals. Everyone has different choices for curriculum, methods, etc. and what works for some does not work for others. So while all the info/support out there is great, choose the most fruitful and stick with those. Once you find something that works, stick with it! Don’t be tossed like the waves.

3. Plan ahead with caution. Print out as much as you can ahead of time. Keep files so supplies you need are easily accessible. Make meal plans. Have a general plan for your day. But don’t get stuck in a rigid schedule with no room for flexibility. Remember, life happens, and some of the most valuable lessons are often unplanned!

4. Journal. Keep a journal of prayers and answered prayers. You will see Gods faithfulness and be encouraged. Journal your fears, thoughts, ideas. It will be so valuable to look back each year and see what worked and didn’t work.

5. PRAY. PRAY. PRAY. Be in the Word. Every single day. Seek His will in all you do. Read scripture together with your kids. Every single day. That is the single most important thing you can do for them.

And finally…just enjoy your kids, and be grateful for the blessing that homeschool is.

Karen DeBeus is married to the love of her life, Steve, and a homeschooling mom of 4 children ages 10-2. She was called to homeschool when her oldest was kindergarten age after thinking, “I could never do THAT!” Now she is passionate about encouraging others on their homeschool journey. She is also working on simplifying all areas of her life,including homeschool, and putting God first in all she does. Read more about her journey to simplify at www.simplylivingforhim.com.