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If we allow ourselves, we can get pretty wrapped up in thinking that homeschooling
is just too big a job. There's finding the right textbooks, dealing with
different learning styles, choosing methods, and so on. It's easy to think
that we are responsible for everything. Have you ever thought that? I have.
Recall for a moment the story of Moses and the parting of the Red Sea. There
Moses was, standing at the sea's edge. A multitude of people--perhaps numbering
in the millions--had followed him. To make matters worse, Pharaoh's army was
closing in. Pretty overwhelming situation! What on earth might Moses have
been thinking at that moment? Was he thinking that he had not done enough,
or taken a wrong turn, or that he had completely failed? Was he thinking
that God had forgotten about them? Was he about to take matters into his
own hands and tell the Israelites to start swimming? Or did he have complete
confidence in God, knowing He would rescue them? As Moses stood there, God
spoke to him and said:
"But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine
hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on
dry ground through the midst of the sea ." (Exodus 14:16)
Such a simple act God requested of Moses. And how did Moses respond?
"And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea;
and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night,
and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided ." (Exodus
14:21)
He obeyed. All God asked of Moses, physically speaking, was to stretch out
his hand. Why had God asked him to do anything? Certainly, God could have
parted the sea without this. What lesson did He have for Moses? It was a
lesson on trust and obedience. No huge feats, no swimming across the Red
Sea, no battle.
Likewise, God seeks simple and small gestures from us as signs of our trust
and faith in Him. While we are thinking that the entire load is on our shoulders,
it's not. It's on His. We get the little part, He gets the big part. Remember
what He is able to do. If we humble ourselves, God will lift us up. He delights
in taking care of our needs. How awesome is that?
Homeschooling is humbling, and that's a good thing!
"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and
he shall lift you up." (James 4:10)
We have four children. I taught the first two, both girls, using a myriad
of different Christian methods and textbooks. With our third child (our only
son), my husband took up the role as his primary teacher. This proved to
be a humbling lesson for me, because at one time, I was confident in my views
about "how to homeschool." I was successful in teaching my girls,
so I was sure that my method was the "right way." So sure was I
that, on an occasion or two, I gently shared with my husband how he should
teach our son like I taught the girls. But my husband remained confident
and committed to teaching him to read his way: using only one book. Not even
a textbook or specialized reading program. Can you imagine teaching your
child to read without a textbook? I was an experienced homeschool mom and
I had successfully taught two children how to read. I knew from experience
that you needed textbooks, reading primers, flash cards, phonics software,
etc., etc. I have an entire bookshelf filled with these products as evidence.
My husband's method was impossible. One book? But sure enough, my husband
taught our son to read with that one book: God's Word.
"And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to
wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." (Ephesians
6:4)
I used Christian textbooks, but my husband's method was easier and a lot
less expensive, and my son was blessed by learning to read with God's Word.
And I humbly admit that there is more than one method to homeschooling!
So which method is right for you?
If you are already involved in a homeschool support group or have attended
a homeschool convention, you are probably well aware that there are many
methods of homeschooling. You may be one of those families who settles in
very quickly with one, or you may try a few before finding the right one
for you. The most popular overall methods are:
- Full Curriculum Set: Probably the most popular and much used method is
a "boxed" set of Christian curriculum. Generally this includes
textbooks for each subject and includes teacher's guides. This is a safe
way to begin your homeschool journey, as it helps you to know right off
the bat where your child's strengths, gifts, and needs are. Along with
curriculum sets, some publishers have accompanying DVDs and software.
- Unit Studies: Another homeschool mom and I chatted recently
about our favorite topic: homeschooling. The subject of unit studies came
up. Heather shared with me that she takes breaks from textbooks during
the holidays and at other special events during the year to do a themed
unit study. She has found that when she spices up her children's education
with unit studies, it keeps learning fun and enjoyable for her children.
Many homeschool families use unit studies for the entire school year. Unit
studies are also a wonderful way to teach a subject to several children
at once.
- Adaptive Study: Each child has a learning style and gifts that are unique
to him. Adaptive learning is a great way to meet your child's need in every
area. For example, my eldest daughter is advanced in reading, so I am able
to use textbooks above her age level on subjects that rely heavily on reading.
Rather than a curriculum set for a particular grade level, "Adaptive
Study" uses curriculum to match exactly where your child is.
Methods aside, there is a mandate that all education be God-honoring. Therefore,
it is very important to keep your homeschool free from atheistic views of
origins and the philosophies typically found in all levels of secular curriculum
and secular homeschool programs.
Where to buy curriculum?
One of my biggest concerns initially was finding and purchasing the right
curriculum. I was not a big computer user back then, so I figured that the
best place to find Christian textbooks was a Christian store. Just as I had
hoped, I found a wealth of homeschooling textbooks and materials there. As
a new homeschooler, it was immensely valuable to me to actually look at the
curriculum. It gave me the confidence I needed to know that I could teach
our children.
For those without easy access to a Christian bookstore, curriculum purchases
can be made online, through catalogs, or from advertisements such as those
found in this magazine. However, if you are new to homeschooling, there is
nothing that will give you more confidence to homeschool--and will help keep
you from buying the wrong products and wasting money--than to actually see
the curriculum before you buy it. Here are some suggestions on ways you can
look at homeschool curriculum choices:
- Conventions: Contact your state group and find out when their next convention
or curriculum fair is. Homeschool curriculum publishers are usually on
hand with products. The costs of attending the convention can easily save
you money in the end.
- Friends: Do you know someone who homeschools? Ask them if it would be
all right if you could look at their curriculum, or perhaps they even have
used curriculum that you could borrow and try out.
- Online: Many online retailers and publishers have very good return policies,
which makes online buying attractive (check each company's policy first).
Do an Internet search on key words such as Christian homeschool curriculum
and you'll find plenty of results to start your research.
Finding the right method and curriculum can be a rewarding and joyful process
if you consider it part of the journey. Next time you're feeling a little
overwhelmed, remember this: all God required of Moses was to show his trust
in Him and follow as He led. That's all that God requires of us, too. He
just wants us to trust Him, and He will direct our paths.
"In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct
thy paths ." (Proverbs
3:6)
Denise Kanter is a homeschooling mom of four children, ages 11, 9, 8
and 6. She lives in California with her husband Gary, where they operate
Considering Homeschooling Ministry, a national outreach with local chapters
across the United States. (Learn more and find free resources at www.consideringhomeschooling.org).
The Kanters are also involved in a creation science ministry (www.worldsbiggestdinosaurs.com).
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