I have always liked the idea of setting homeschooling goals around the time of the New Year rather than just at the beginning of the school year in September. It gives us a chance to tweak our earlier decisions and make necessary scheduling revisions where indicated, and adjust our priorities. We're in the process of doing just that with our homeschooled student in a number of areas: discipleship, academics, athletics, and other spheres of personal and spiritual growth.
Giving focused attention to these areas gives us a better chance of realizing success. Additionally, it allows us to re-assign proper accountability to our daughter in working out the plan that she has helped to formulate. By outlining those things that are important to her, she is establishing a blueprint for her time and resource allocation. Of course, without submission to the King of kings and Lord of lords according to His Word, our efforts are futile and destined to burn-out or eventual failure.
I thought I would open this discussion up to other homeschoolers and see what sorts of goals they have laid out for themselves for 2007.
I'm listening . . .
Friday, December 29, 2006
Friday, December 22, 2006
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
Since announcing to the world (actually just everyone I know) that I now carry bona fides as a realio, trulio grandmother, more than a few have commented, "You don't look old enough to be a grandma!" Others, with married children but without grandchildren as yet add in, "I'm in no rush to hear that I am a grandparent. That will just make me feel so old." Maybe I'm missing something, but rather than being concerned with how old I look, I am more concerned that I am ready to assume the important role of grandma. Although a veteran homeschooling mom with a quarter century of experience under my belt, I'm very much the rookie when it comes to grandparenting. I am keenly aware of the fact that I need to pray for the wisdom, patience, and perseverance to love my little grandson in God's way -- pointing him to the Lord Jesus Christ in my words and deeds, knowing that I am not the primary influence in his life.
But, all this talk of aging got me thinking. In so many aspects, our culture is pre-occupied with age. From the time we're young, we strive to be viewed as older. I can remember fuming inside when my mother tried to pass my sister and me off as younger in order to get a discounted price at the movie theater. It's not that my sense of justice was compromised; I couldn't have cared less how much she had to pay to get us in. My beef with her was that she was nullifying all my attempts to look more grown up! Although I never dared do so myself, I imagine that is why you see many a young girl on a street corner plastered with oodles of make-up, smoking her cigarette, sure she's fooling the masses as to her real age.
Eventually, though, the obsession changes from wanting to be viewed as overly mature to looking forever young. Now, with all sorts of attempts to hide one's true age (hair dye, botox, baby-doll fashion styles and anti-aging treatments I'm probably not even aware of), the culture convinces us that we dare not look old. But here's the funny part: just like those girls on the street corner fool only a small segment of the population, so too do those who spend excess time and energy trying to look like they are 10 - 20 years younger than their actual age. Most likely, though, they are only fooling themselves. My kids have always been able to pinpoint face lifts and dye jobs (as they call them) within ten minutes, never once being fooled as to which generation that person belongs.
Could this be the reason why our culture has such a difficult time respecting its elders and why the elderly are often dismissed as being useless? Why would anyone want to get old? As opposed to this way of thinking, the Bible paints a very different picture. The Scriptures indicate that it is a blessed culture that has the benefit of many generations interacting with each other. My youngest did not have the advantage of knowing either of her grandmothers as they had died prior to her coming into the world. She showed me what being around an elderly woman meant to her when we would regularly visit her namesake, Dorothy Rushdoony. She would smile from ear to ear telling me, "Mommy, isn't she so beautiful with her sparkling hair and wrinkled face?!"
This Christmas has brought many changes to my family: a new grandchild, a daughter living abroad pursuing her education and my fourteen year old "baby" looking very much like the maturing young woman that she is. All this has given me the opportunity to take some serious inventory as to the many blessings I've received from God's gracious hand over my lifetime. One that might seem foolish is the request my husband made to me years ago that I never dye my hair. Although I unhappily obliged, now when I look in the mirror, I'm grateful that he helped me maintain my silver-gray locks which form a glorious crown and visible sign of my status as the older woman, whose job description is laid out in the second chapter of St. Paul's epistle to Titus. I just pray that I'm old enough to handle it!
But, all this talk of aging got me thinking. In so many aspects, our culture is pre-occupied with age. From the time we're young, we strive to be viewed as older. I can remember fuming inside when my mother tried to pass my sister and me off as younger in order to get a discounted price at the movie theater. It's not that my sense of justice was compromised; I couldn't have cared less how much she had to pay to get us in. My beef with her was that she was nullifying all my attempts to look more grown up! Although I never dared do so myself, I imagine that is why you see many a young girl on a street corner plastered with oodles of make-up, smoking her cigarette, sure she's fooling the masses as to her real age.
Eventually, though, the obsession changes from wanting to be viewed as overly mature to looking forever young. Now, with all sorts of attempts to hide one's true age (hair dye, botox, baby-doll fashion styles and anti-aging treatments I'm probably not even aware of), the culture convinces us that we dare not look old. But here's the funny part: just like those girls on the street corner fool only a small segment of the population, so too do those who spend excess time and energy trying to look like they are 10 - 20 years younger than their actual age. Most likely, though, they are only fooling themselves. My kids have always been able to pinpoint face lifts and dye jobs (as they call them) within ten minutes, never once being fooled as to which generation that person belongs.
Could this be the reason why our culture has such a difficult time respecting its elders and why the elderly are often dismissed as being useless? Why would anyone want to get old? As opposed to this way of thinking, the Bible paints a very different picture. The Scriptures indicate that it is a blessed culture that has the benefit of many generations interacting with each other. My youngest did not have the advantage of knowing either of her grandmothers as they had died prior to her coming into the world. She showed me what being around an elderly woman meant to her when we would regularly visit her namesake, Dorothy Rushdoony. She would smile from ear to ear telling me, "Mommy, isn't she so beautiful with her sparkling hair and wrinkled face?!"
This Christmas has brought many changes to my family: a new grandchild, a daughter living abroad pursuing her education and my fourteen year old "baby" looking very much like the maturing young woman that she is. All this has given me the opportunity to take some serious inventory as to the many blessings I've received from God's gracious hand over my lifetime. One that might seem foolish is the request my husband made to me years ago that I never dye my hair. Although I unhappily obliged, now when I look in the mirror, I'm grateful that he helped me maintain my silver-gray locks which form a glorious crown and visible sign of my status as the older woman, whose job description is laid out in the second chapter of St. Paul's epistle to Titus. I just pray that I'm old enough to handle it!
Monday, December 18, 2006
Speaking Into Their Lives
There is a time in everyone's life when the realization comes into full view that one's parents are not without flaw. It is unnerving to learn that those people who you were sure knew everything and could make all boo-boos better had shortcomings and areas of sin in their own lives. The next shock came when after years of dismissing their concerns and admonitions, and you became a parent yourself, that you realized that your mom and dad were wiser than you imagined when it came to the important issues of life. Then, you got a little break from reality as you basked in the glow of having a little one who was sure you knew everything about everything and could make all things better, only to be rudely awakened when those same fans turned into critics, pointing out your failings and limitations.
The reality of living out these various stages in family life can be exhausting and anxiety-filled as children grow into young adults -- testing the boundaries of acceptable behavior, while reminding parents of their observable deficiencies and inadequacies. Having experienced all this firsthand (both as child and parent), and witnessing this phenomena in the lives of other homeschooling families, I've come to the conclusion that we don't have enough aunts and uncles in the Body of Christ. I see a tremendous need for the greater body to establish the sort of relationships that develop in extended families. I'm suggesting that rather than being uninvolved spectators when we see Satan and worldly allurements wreaking havoc in the homes of Christian families we know, that we become active participants, walking alongside both parents and children, offering them support and encouragement. Providing an "outside" voice, which reaffirms the Word of God, is a practical outworking of St. Paul's instruction in the book of Galatians, "to bear one another's burdens," and "to do good unto all men especially unto those of the household of faith." (Galatians 6:1-2, 10)
For example, let's say you become aware that a family in your Christian circle is dealing with dress issues regarding their daughters. Rather than merely sitting back and remembering the bad old days when you had those make-up, fashion, or dating struggles yourself, instead, you make it a point to caringly insert yourself into the life of that family, relating to the girls by demonstrating real interest in their lives. Just as a biological aunt wouldn't be put off by a less than smooth initial contact, neither should the spiritual aunt if this relationship takes time to develop. Once it has been established, you can courageously speak into the lives of these young women, imparting the wisdom that you've acquired from your own Christian walk and lifetime of experience. Sharing stories from your own past, while refraining from lecturing, along with ongoing informal discussions, lends support to whatever their folks are trying to address with them (James 5:19-20). It also lets them know that whatever struggles they are experiencing aren't unique to them.
My point is that often young people will "hear it" from an outsider -- someone not actively engaged in the struggle -- rather than from their parents, and will hopefully take to heart what you've shared. By upholding the standards they're being taught at home, you'll find sincere gratitude from their folks for your "bearing this burden" with them. What's more, a little love and encouragement from others can do a world of good and help prevent situations from developing into crises.
I intentionally used the word courageous earlier, because there is that distinct possibility that your efforts won't be welcomed or received in the spirit in which you offered them. But, like all other commands in Scripture, it is more important to obey God than worry about being personally rejected. Invest in a young person today; the Body of Christ will be stronger for it.
The reality of living out these various stages in family life can be exhausting and anxiety-filled as children grow into young adults -- testing the boundaries of acceptable behavior, while reminding parents of their observable deficiencies and inadequacies. Having experienced all this firsthand (both as child and parent), and witnessing this phenomena in the lives of other homeschooling families, I've come to the conclusion that we don't have enough aunts and uncles in the Body of Christ. I see a tremendous need for the greater body to establish the sort of relationships that develop in extended families. I'm suggesting that rather than being uninvolved spectators when we see Satan and worldly allurements wreaking havoc in the homes of Christian families we know, that we become active participants, walking alongside both parents and children, offering them support and encouragement. Providing an "outside" voice, which reaffirms the Word of God, is a practical outworking of St. Paul's instruction in the book of Galatians, "to bear one another's burdens," and "to do good unto all men especially unto those of the household of faith." (Galatians 6:1-2, 10)
For example, let's say you become aware that a family in your Christian circle is dealing with dress issues regarding their daughters. Rather than merely sitting back and remembering the bad old days when you had those make-up, fashion, or dating struggles yourself, instead, you make it a point to caringly insert yourself into the life of that family, relating to the girls by demonstrating real interest in their lives. Just as a biological aunt wouldn't be put off by a less than smooth initial contact, neither should the spiritual aunt if this relationship takes time to develop. Once it has been established, you can courageously speak into the lives of these young women, imparting the wisdom that you've acquired from your own Christian walk and lifetime of experience. Sharing stories from your own past, while refraining from lecturing, along with ongoing informal discussions, lends support to whatever their folks are trying to address with them (James 5:19-20). It also lets them know that whatever struggles they are experiencing aren't unique to them.
My point is that often young people will "hear it" from an outsider -- someone not actively engaged in the struggle -- rather than from their parents, and will hopefully take to heart what you've shared. By upholding the standards they're being taught at home, you'll find sincere gratitude from their folks for your "bearing this burden" with them. What's more, a little love and encouragement from others can do a world of good and help prevent situations from developing into crises.
I intentionally used the word courageous earlier, because there is that distinct possibility that your efforts won't be welcomed or received in the spirit in which you offered them. But, like all other commands in Scripture, it is more important to obey God than worry about being personally rejected. Invest in a young person today; the Body of Christ will be stronger for it.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
A Happy Alliance
R.J. Rushdoony was a strong voice in the 20th century for Christian education. He made himself available as an expert witness in court cases to Christian schools and homeschooling families alike when attempts were made to usurp the primary role of parents in the education of their children. That is why Rushdoony is often referred to as the father of the Christian school and homeschooling movements.
Note that he receives credit for fathering both movements. Good fathers delight when their children cooperate and act supportively of one another. Likewise, the Chalcedon Foundation, with its faith for all of life message, is eager for these two orientations to Christian education to promote and encourage each other, as its founder envisioned.
An important aspect of this cooperation does not involve one trying to remake the other in its own image. In so many ways, the Christian day school and the homeschool need to operate differently. However, rather than viewing each other as competing entities, deliberate teamwork can provide a much more productive and Scriptural means by which to support and further their mutually shared goals.
Two years ago, I was asked by a newly formed Christian junior and senior high school (Veritas Christian Academy) to sit on their board of directors. At first, even I was surprised -- a homeschooling mother sitting on the board of a day school? Very quickly I could see the Lord's hand in this offer and, with my husband's approval, accepted it. Since my passion has been and continues to be the Christian education of Christian youth, lending my talents and efforts to Veritas was consistent with this calling. A great benefit along the way has been my daughter's participation in some joint ventures between Veritas and the greater homeschool community in our area.
So, here's my challenge. If you are a homeschooling family, find ways that you can participate and support Christian schools in your locale that are faithful to the Word of God and self-consciously teach their students to do the same. If you are part of a Christian school, encourage the participation in athletics, the arts, and even some elective classes for homeschooling families -- offered at times they will be likely to attend, and at a cost they are likely to be able to afford. And, on a bigger scale, what if someone with an abundance of God-given resources were to set up regional centers where joint activities in athletics, drama, and music were accessible to both small Christian schools and homeschoolers alike? Maybe that would act as an effective magnet drawing those interested in providing a Christian education for their children to "check out" what Christian education is all about. To quote a line from a well-known baseball movie, "If we build it, they will come!"
I'm thinking that maybe they will! What do you think?
Note that he receives credit for fathering both movements. Good fathers delight when their children cooperate and act supportively of one another. Likewise, the Chalcedon Foundation, with its faith for all of life message, is eager for these two orientations to Christian education to promote and encourage each other, as its founder envisioned.
An important aspect of this cooperation does not involve one trying to remake the other in its own image. In so many ways, the Christian day school and the homeschool need to operate differently. However, rather than viewing each other as competing entities, deliberate teamwork can provide a much more productive and Scriptural means by which to support and further their mutually shared goals.
Two years ago, I was asked by a newly formed Christian junior and senior high school (Veritas Christian Academy) to sit on their board of directors. At first, even I was surprised -- a homeschooling mother sitting on the board of a day school? Very quickly I could see the Lord's hand in this offer and, with my husband's approval, accepted it. Since my passion has been and continues to be the Christian education of Christian youth, lending my talents and efforts to Veritas was consistent with this calling. A great benefit along the way has been my daughter's participation in some joint ventures between Veritas and the greater homeschool community in our area.
So, here's my challenge. If you are a homeschooling family, find ways that you can participate and support Christian schools in your locale that are faithful to the Word of God and self-consciously teach their students to do the same. If you are part of a Christian school, encourage the participation in athletics, the arts, and even some elective classes for homeschooling families -- offered at times they will be likely to attend, and at a cost they are likely to be able to afford. And, on a bigger scale, what if someone with an abundance of God-given resources were to set up regional centers where joint activities in athletics, drama, and music were accessible to both small Christian schools and homeschoolers alike? Maybe that would act as an effective magnet drawing those interested in providing a Christian education for their children to "check out" what Christian education is all about. To quote a line from a well-known baseball movie, "If we build it, they will come!"
I'm thinking that maybe they will! What do you think?
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Guilt by Association
I'm not much for network TV. In fact, I avoid it at all opportunities. However, recently I overheard a segment of a "lawyer show." In it a "well-meaning" aunt was trying to get legal custody of her two nieces who, in her opinion, were not being raised and reared properly. The major problem was that the children were homeschooled and very much influenced by their parents' prejudicial views.
Interestingly enough, the show was not unwilling to extol the academic benefits and opportunities available to homeschooled children. One portion had one of the two girls pointing out how academically challenging her course work was. She was adamant that she loved being taught by her folks, and appreciated being able to move at an accelerated pace. But, by making this unsympathetic, white-supremist family the representative of all those who homeschool, they were in effect nullifying these well-documented benefits, by demonstrating the heinous cost of allowing parents to make educational decisions without government supervision. The audience was to conclude that there is a huge cost to a society that allows parents to have such a major input into their children's lives.
In the end, the parents retained custody of their children. However, not unlike the skewed account of the Scopes Trial in the movie Inherit the Wind, the audience was supposed to be repulsed by the fact that homeschooled children were systematically prevented from learning tolerance and an acceptance of all people -- attitudes that would be cultivated under the auspices of state-controlled education.
How should be respond to such a smear campaign masquerading as drama? Should we protest? Boycott sponsors? No, I submit that we should keep doing what we have been doing and are commanded to do: Train up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. That is what has got these folks bothered in the first place -- the fact that our children are learning the Word of God and applying it to all aspects of their lives, emulating the Savior Jesus Christ. Recall that He has always been the most offensive part of Christianity! But, those that hate Christ know they cannot accomplish their desired ends by launching a blatant, frontal attack. So, instead, they malign thousands of homeschooling families by associating them with white supremists -- clearly a propaganda ploy -- setting up convenient straw men of Hollywood's fabrication.
Taking a look at the big picture, it tells me that our enemies are scared. After all, as my husband likes to say, No one kicks a dead dog. I guess the life that is exuding out of the homeschooling movement alarms them. We must take comfort in the words of Scripture which tell us that greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world! And, as we go about living our lives and interacting with the culture around us -- shining our light before men and pointing them to our Father in heaven -- we will be able to convey an accurate picture of what Christian homeschooling is all about, and the good citizens it produces.
Interestingly enough, the show was not unwilling to extol the academic benefits and opportunities available to homeschooled children. One portion had one of the two girls pointing out how academically challenging her course work was. She was adamant that she loved being taught by her folks, and appreciated being able to move at an accelerated pace. But, by making this unsympathetic, white-supremist family the representative of all those who homeschool, they were in effect nullifying these well-documented benefits, by demonstrating the heinous cost of allowing parents to make educational decisions without government supervision. The audience was to conclude that there is a huge cost to a society that allows parents to have such a major input into their children's lives.
In the end, the parents retained custody of their children. However, not unlike the skewed account of the Scopes Trial in the movie Inherit the Wind, the audience was supposed to be repulsed by the fact that homeschooled children were systematically prevented from learning tolerance and an acceptance of all people -- attitudes that would be cultivated under the auspices of state-controlled education.
How should be respond to such a smear campaign masquerading as drama? Should we protest? Boycott sponsors? No, I submit that we should keep doing what we have been doing and are commanded to do: Train up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. That is what has got these folks bothered in the first place -- the fact that our children are learning the Word of God and applying it to all aspects of their lives, emulating the Savior Jesus Christ. Recall that He has always been the most offensive part of Christianity! But, those that hate Christ know they cannot accomplish their desired ends by launching a blatant, frontal attack. So, instead, they malign thousands of homeschooling families by associating them with white supremists -- clearly a propaganda ploy -- setting up convenient straw men of Hollywood's fabrication.
Taking a look at the big picture, it tells me that our enemies are scared. After all, as my husband likes to say, No one kicks a dead dog. I guess the life that is exuding out of the homeschooling movement alarms them. We must take comfort in the words of Scripture which tell us that greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world! And, as we go about living our lives and interacting with the culture around us -- shining our light before men and pointing them to our Father in heaven -- we will be able to convey an accurate picture of what Christian homeschooling is all about, and the good citizens it produces.
Friday, December 8, 2006
Some Funny Things Happen on the Way to Homeschooling
One of the mistakes that is commonly made in a homeschool setting is to assume that all children will learn the same way or at the same pace. Additionally, not all curriculum choices will work equally well for all students. It is important to figure out your children's learning styles and then find books and materials that will ensure the best possible learning experience. Hand-me-downs aren't a bad thing, so long as when it comes to using them, they fit.
I have homeschooled my three children, all with different orientations to learning. The flexibility that homeschooling allowed made it so I could encourage them to independently explore subjects that strongly interested them (literature, history, etc.), while being able to be more hands-on with those subjects that proved difficult and uninviting. By the time I came to my third student, I had plenty of curriculum on hand and was ready to go. But, I discovered that much of what had accumulated and had worked so well for my older two, just wasn't a good fit for her. It was then that I made my greatest improvements as a teacher, by finding innovative ways to bring about understanding and explain the relevance of what she was studying.
I won't lie to you; sometimes this can be frustrating and downright difficult. But, that's never been a good reason to quit at anything worthwhile. I've had many opportunities to praise God for giving me insight as to how to "unlock" the door to understanding.
Child #1
The first real challenge in his academic life occurred with fractions. For some reason, this concept completely eluded him. That is, until I put a dollar sign in front of any math problem he faced. He was always eager to have and earn money, so this proved a surefire way to keep him involved. All I needed to do was put the question in terms of money and what had previously been an obstacle became an area he looked forward to, and often wanted to tackle first each school day.
Child #3
This one had a hard time with numbers early on. The question: What is 13 minus 3? would stump her. It didn't seem to help to use pencils, or paper clips, or other physical objects to communicate the concept of subtraction. Finally I got creative and made use of the fact that she had been golfing since she was three years old. When I posed the question like this: Let's say you are on hole #3 and Daddy is on hole #13. How many holes will it take you to catch up with him? The answer "10" was out of her mouth almost before I finished asking my question. After that, I would tell her to think in golf terms.
But there are upsides to struggling students. Sometimes they come up with creative explanations for their setbacks. The daughter whose favorites subject is NOT math, is now working on algebraic word problems. She often comes up with some great one-liners. For example, we recently had this interchange during an algebra lesson. The problem stated:
Let's say your brother has been visiting you for the weekend from college. Five minutes after he leaves to go back to college, you discover that he forgot his books. So, you get in your car and drive to catch up to him. If your average speed is 10 mph faster than your brother's speed, and you catch him in 25 minutes, how fast did you drive?
My student didn't waste any time with this one. "Hasn't anyone ever heard of cell phones!" In her mind, the problem did not qualify as a real problem. "I would just call him and tell him to get his own books!"
I think the one I like the best came from Child #2, who demonstrated early on, her proclivity for the law. She had just received a grade of 37% on her 4th grade science test. I pointed out that she hadn't prepared very well, leaving many answers blank. She immediately challenged my grade and told me she should be eligible for partial credit. "Really?" I retorted. "And how do you figure that?" She replied without even stopping for a breath, "I should get partial credit for the ones I left blank. That showed I knew I didn't know the answer!"
Home teaching moms, don't despair when one of your students struggles. It will serve as a character building experience for him and the opportunity for you to become a better teacher. And, you might get some good laughs along the way!
I have homeschooled my three children, all with different orientations to learning. The flexibility that homeschooling allowed made it so I could encourage them to independently explore subjects that strongly interested them (literature, history, etc.), while being able to be more hands-on with those subjects that proved difficult and uninviting. By the time I came to my third student, I had plenty of curriculum on hand and was ready to go. But, I discovered that much of what had accumulated and had worked so well for my older two, just wasn't a good fit for her. It was then that I made my greatest improvements as a teacher, by finding innovative ways to bring about understanding and explain the relevance of what she was studying.
I won't lie to you; sometimes this can be frustrating and downright difficult. But, that's never been a good reason to quit at anything worthwhile. I've had many opportunities to praise God for giving me insight as to how to "unlock" the door to understanding.
Child #1
The first real challenge in his academic life occurred with fractions. For some reason, this concept completely eluded him. That is, until I put a dollar sign in front of any math problem he faced. He was always eager to have and earn money, so this proved a surefire way to keep him involved. All I needed to do was put the question in terms of money and what had previously been an obstacle became an area he looked forward to, and often wanted to tackle first each school day.
Child #3
This one had a hard time with numbers early on. The question: What is 13 minus 3? would stump her. It didn't seem to help to use pencils, or paper clips, or other physical objects to communicate the concept of subtraction. Finally I got creative and made use of the fact that she had been golfing since she was three years old. When I posed the question like this: Let's say you are on hole #3 and Daddy is on hole #13. How many holes will it take you to catch up with him? The answer "10" was out of her mouth almost before I finished asking my question. After that, I would tell her to think in golf terms.
But there are upsides to struggling students. Sometimes they come up with creative explanations for their setbacks. The daughter whose favorites subject is NOT math, is now working on algebraic word problems. She often comes up with some great one-liners. For example, we recently had this interchange during an algebra lesson. The problem stated:
Let's say your brother has been visiting you for the weekend from college. Five minutes after he leaves to go back to college, you discover that he forgot his books. So, you get in your car and drive to catch up to him. If your average speed is 10 mph faster than your brother's speed, and you catch him in 25 minutes, how fast did you drive?
My student didn't waste any time with this one. "Hasn't anyone ever heard of cell phones!" In her mind, the problem did not qualify as a real problem. "I would just call him and tell him to get his own books!"
I think the one I like the best came from Child #2, who demonstrated early on, her proclivity for the law. She had just received a grade of 37% on her 4th grade science test. I pointed out that she hadn't prepared very well, leaving many answers blank. She immediately challenged my grade and told me she should be eligible for partial credit. "Really?" I retorted. "And how do you figure that?" She replied without even stopping for a breath, "I should get partial credit for the ones I left blank. That showed I knew I didn't know the answer!"
Home teaching moms, don't despair when one of your students struggles. It will serve as a character building experience for him and the opportunity for you to become a better teacher. And, you might get some good laughs along the way!
Tuesday, December 5, 2006
A Good Idea
I'm always eager to share education perspectives that are in keeping with the Scriptures. A pastor I know shared with me the philosophy of education he and his wife have pursued with his sons whom they had homeschooled. He said,
Among the Jews every young man learned the trade of his father, meaning that every Jewish male was able to provide for his family (this training was a part of the young man's prep for life and family) as well as carry on the family heritage. Thus Paul was a tent maker, Peter a fisherman, etc, and in Paul's case his trade enhanced his ministry, for he was 'self sufficient' in terms of his ability to earn. Wisdom would dictate this is a good practice. And so, why not adopt this practice?
Our reasoning is that with a trade AND college, our sons will have a good foundation for whatever the Lord may have for them whether a career based on college or on a trade; and even if they never use their trade as employment, they will always benefit from knowing it; and will have less limitations than if they only attended college. In fact, the trade side is the best side because tradesmen always have work and often at a better wage while many a college grad does not work in the field they studied for, and often makes less. In addition, with a trade our sons will have a skill to pass on to their sons, should the Lord so bless them.
Seems like a good idea, don't you think?
Among the Jews every young man learned the trade of his father, meaning that every Jewish male was able to provide for his family (this training was a part of the young man's prep for life and family) as well as carry on the family heritage. Thus Paul was a tent maker, Peter a fisherman, etc, and in Paul's case his trade enhanced his ministry, for he was 'self sufficient' in terms of his ability to earn. Wisdom would dictate this is a good practice. And so, why not adopt this practice?
Our reasoning is that with a trade AND college, our sons will have a good foundation for whatever the Lord may have for them whether a career based on college or on a trade; and even if they never use their trade as employment, they will always benefit from knowing it; and will have less limitations than if they only attended college. In fact, the trade side is the best side because tradesmen always have work and often at a better wage while many a college grad does not work in the field they studied for, and often makes less. In addition, with a trade our sons will have a skill to pass on to their sons, should the Lord so bless them.
Seems like a good idea, don't you think?
Monday, December 4, 2006
Rethinking Education
Should the process of becoming an educated person be stressful? Should students feel "pressure" when it comes to learning? By what standard should graduates be deemed ready for the adult world?
Having been a home educator for almost half of my life, I have had the benefit of selecting my own curriculum and setting my own time schedule for learning. I knew, through research, what was ahead for my children and organized my course of study for them so that they would be ready for entrance into the next stage of their education. Sometimes the journey was smoother than others. As time went on, I made it a policy and priority of our homeschool that moving on to the next level of a subject would occur only when the previous level had been mastered. This sometimes meant that my student was still doing 5th grade level math when she was in her 7th grade. So what? What mattered was that she understood and could apply the material, not how long or exactly when she understood it. Our culture puts a greater emphasis on when something is grasped, rather than if it is truly comprehended. (I often make the analogous observation that most adults when they interact with each other don't really care at what age the other was toilet trained; they are just gratified that they are! Yet, mothers "stress" over this milestone, as though any delay will have catastrophic consequences. I wonder how often this is fueled by the desire to enroll their little ones into a day-care situation.)
It is not unusual to see high school students develop ulcers because of all their homework, AP classes, and the "need" to succeed. Many become obsessed in their quest to achieve high SAT scores and gain acceptance into the "best" universities. However, they often don't have a clue as to how to offer a good apologetic for their Christian faith, and they are altogether ignorant of church history. This isn't that surprising, because their parents usually are in the same boat. What we end up with are Christian people who know much more about the world than they do about their faith. It should come as no surprise then, when faced with decisions of those to elect to political office or which policies should be implemented and those that should be countered, that they don't have a biblical orientation point from which to proceed. Thus, we get "business as usual," despite the fact that we live in a country with so many professing Christians who claim to believe the Bible from cover to cover!
Why have we allowed learning to be hijacked by the humanistic concept that grades determine a person's capabilities and that getting into the "right" school serves as a measure of personal worth? The Scriptures instruct us to seek first God's Kingdom and righteousness, and then all that we require will be added unto us. It would appear that many have accepted a counterfeit answer to the question: What should I do with my life?
The missing ingredient in all this is a lack of understanding of calling. What exactly is calling? Simply put, one's calling is the particular way the Lord has chosen for each individual to personally glorify and enjoy Him forever. In that vein, it is vital that young people get a chance to develop according to their giftings and inclinations, within a context of self-conscious Christian education. In the process of becoming educated, stress and anxiety need not be the norm, nor sleepless nights and caffeine filled days.
Psalm 127:1-2 asserts:
1. Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
2. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.
What would a society look like where the focus of young people wasn't centered in their school, but in and with their family as they make their preparation for usefulness as adults? Homeschooling gives us a microcosmic glimpse. Even so, isn't it time that we RETHINK the particulars of education?
Sunday, December 3, 2006
On Your Mark, Get Set ...
How early is too early to begin homeschooling? I guess I would have to say in utero. After that, it is safe to get started. Seriously, people (and often medical professionals) underestimate the cognizance and awareness of infants. How often has a mom or dad glowed over the fact that their child is smiling, only to be told, "No, that's just gas." Well, I don't buy it. It's like the issue of when life begins. Any answer other than conception is grossly inadequate and flagrantly flawed. Life begins at conception, and teaching/ learning begins at birth.
Children are not blank slates. They are human beings who inherit their genes from their biological parents and their sin natures from Adam. What's more, every interaction they have from the time they are born becomes a learning experience of some sort or another. Christian parents don't serve their children in good stead when they operate as though sin isn't a real factor -- one that needs to be recognized and dealt with from the outset.
Let me illustrate with two examples from my own family life:
Case #1
When my son was not quite a month old, we moved him out of our bedroom to sleep in his own room. He didn't like that very much and would cry and cry. Even after I did all the things a mother knows how to do, the crying wouldn't stop. This went on for some time. One night my husband had had enough of this and came into the nursery where I was leaning over the crib trying to figure out what to do. In his deep, male voice he said to our child, "Turn over and go to sleep. Your mother needs her rest." I thought to myself, he's GOT to be kidding. This baby doesn't have the faintest idea what he is talking about. However, I turned out to be the one who didn't have the faintest idea of what I was thinking about. Our son stopped crying immediately and went to sleep. I was dumbfounded, and my husband just trotted off to bed and went back to sleep. I had grossly underestimated the reality of a father's authority with an infant. How he knew, I can't exactly explain, but our son knew that his dad meant business.
Case #2
My youngest daughter is fourteen years younger than her brother and seven years younger than her sister. (I jokingly used to tell people I took a sabbatical every seven years and had a baby!) Anyway, once when she was almost two years old, all three of the children and I were in the living room. The youngest gave her older sister a big smack in the face. I immediately slapped her hand and told her that what she had done was wrong. I then instructed her to apologize to her sister. Nothing. So, I slapped her hand again and told her she had done a naughty thing and needed to let her sister know that she was sorry. Nothing. This happened two more times. Then my son, with all the wisdom he had acquired in his fourteen years, corrected me, sure that his sister couldn't and didn't understand what I was talking about. He felt it was ridiculous for me to even imagine she could. I told him I knew she understood perfectly well, and that she was just being defiant. He rolled his eyes, certain that he was right. I reproved her again and told her to let her sister know she was sorry. Nothing. Again she got a hand slap. Now her sister was assuring me that the smack hadn't really hurt that badly and that Dorothy just "didn't understand." She, like her brother, wanted me to drop the whole thing. Just at that moment, my husband (ignorant of all that had transpired) walked out of our bedroom and was making his way down the hall. Dorothy didn't even see his face, just heard his steps, and very rapidly declared in a loud voice, "Sorry, Rachel!" -- The power of the presence of daddy had both older brother and sister dumbfounded. She really had understood!
I cite these examples because in each case, there was the readiness to underestimate the capacity of an infant and baby to discern right from wrong. Since the learning process has to start sometime, it might as well start immediately. So here's my short list of suggestions to begin the "pre-homeschooling" process with babies:
1. Make sure you set up a schedule that both parent and child can live with and attempt to follow it. This applies to feeding, bathing, sleeping, and play time. Work to have relatives and friends adhere to your preferences.
2. When faced with the impatient cries of a child to be fed or changed, parents should instruct the child to calm down and then he'll be taken care of. No, it won't work immediately, but the pattern of patience will have been begun. Parents should be consistent with this.
3. When a child is about to have a meal (nursing included) grace should be said asking the Lord to bless the food to his body.
4. When a child begins to throw a tantrum, the child should be instructed to control himself. Again, the desired response won't happen immediately, but the pattern of requiring it will be established. The child should not get what he's crying for until the tantrum is over.
5. When it is time for nap time or bed time, the parents should vocalize to the child what they want the child to do. "It's now time to go to sleep. When you wake up I will feed you again." Then, they should pray aloud over the child for God to bless the rest, walk out of the room, close the door and allow the child a chance to go to sleep. Again, I'm not promising immediate results, but a pattern is being laid down, that the child is expected to respect the authority of his parents.
Now, I realize that this goes against much "conventional" wisdom. I maintain that this process is actually more important for the parents than it is for the children, as the parents are the ones in charge. Holding to high standards will allow infants to grow into babies who will grow into toddlers who will grow into little boys and girls who will be able to move into an academic environment much more easily, as obedience and self-discipline have been their context from the beginning.
As always, I'm open for feedback.
Children are not blank slates. They are human beings who inherit their genes from their biological parents and their sin natures from Adam. What's more, every interaction they have from the time they are born becomes a learning experience of some sort or another. Christian parents don't serve their children in good stead when they operate as though sin isn't a real factor -- one that needs to be recognized and dealt with from the outset.
Let me illustrate with two examples from my own family life:
Case #1
When my son was not quite a month old, we moved him out of our bedroom to sleep in his own room. He didn't like that very much and would cry and cry. Even after I did all the things a mother knows how to do, the crying wouldn't stop. This went on for some time. One night my husband had had enough of this and came into the nursery where I was leaning over the crib trying to figure out what to do. In his deep, male voice he said to our child, "Turn over and go to sleep. Your mother needs her rest." I thought to myself, he's GOT to be kidding. This baby doesn't have the faintest idea what he is talking about. However, I turned out to be the one who didn't have the faintest idea of what I was thinking about. Our son stopped crying immediately and went to sleep. I was dumbfounded, and my husband just trotted off to bed and went back to sleep. I had grossly underestimated the reality of a father's authority with an infant. How he knew, I can't exactly explain, but our son knew that his dad meant business.
Case #2
My youngest daughter is fourteen years younger than her brother and seven years younger than her sister. (I jokingly used to tell people I took a sabbatical every seven years and had a baby!) Anyway, once when she was almost two years old, all three of the children and I were in the living room. The youngest gave her older sister a big smack in the face. I immediately slapped her hand and told her that what she had done was wrong. I then instructed her to apologize to her sister. Nothing. So, I slapped her hand again and told her she had done a naughty thing and needed to let her sister know that she was sorry. Nothing. This happened two more times. Then my son, with all the wisdom he had acquired in his fourteen years, corrected me, sure that his sister couldn't and didn't understand what I was talking about. He felt it was ridiculous for me to even imagine she could. I told him I knew she understood perfectly well, and that she was just being defiant. He rolled his eyes, certain that he was right. I reproved her again and told her to let her sister know she was sorry. Nothing. Again she got a hand slap. Now her sister was assuring me that the smack hadn't really hurt that badly and that Dorothy just "didn't understand." She, like her brother, wanted me to drop the whole thing. Just at that moment, my husband (ignorant of all that had transpired) walked out of our bedroom and was making his way down the hall. Dorothy didn't even see his face, just heard his steps, and very rapidly declared in a loud voice, "Sorry, Rachel!" -- The power of the presence of daddy had both older brother and sister dumbfounded. She really had understood!
I cite these examples because in each case, there was the readiness to underestimate the capacity of an infant and baby to discern right from wrong. Since the learning process has to start sometime, it might as well start immediately. So here's my short list of suggestions to begin the "pre-homeschooling" process with babies:
1. Make sure you set up a schedule that both parent and child can live with and attempt to follow it. This applies to feeding, bathing, sleeping, and play time. Work to have relatives and friends adhere to your preferences.
2. When faced with the impatient cries of a child to be fed or changed, parents should instruct the child to calm down and then he'll be taken care of. No, it won't work immediately, but the pattern of patience will have been begun. Parents should be consistent with this.
3. When a child is about to have a meal (nursing included) grace should be said asking the Lord to bless the food to his body.
4. When a child begins to throw a tantrum, the child should be instructed to control himself. Again, the desired response won't happen immediately, but the pattern of requiring it will be established. The child should not get what he's crying for until the tantrum is over.
5. When it is time for nap time or bed time, the parents should vocalize to the child what they want the child to do. "It's now time to go to sleep. When you wake up I will feed you again." Then, they should pray aloud over the child for God to bless the rest, walk out of the room, close the door and allow the child a chance to go to sleep. Again, I'm not promising immediate results, but a pattern is being laid down, that the child is expected to respect the authority of his parents.
Now, I realize that this goes against much "conventional" wisdom. I maintain that this process is actually more important for the parents than it is for the children, as the parents are the ones in charge. Holding to high standards will allow infants to grow into babies who will grow into toddlers who will grow into little boys and girls who will be able to move into an academic environment much more easily, as obedience and self-discipline have been their context from the beginning.
As always, I'm open for feedback.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Lost In Space
The year was 1984, the place was San Jose, CA, and the excursion was to purchase one of those new fangled computers everyone was talking about. The unfortunate young man who was the designated salesman that night at the computer store, had no idea what he was in for. The following is an accurate rendering of our dialog:
Salesman: May I help you?
Me: Yes, I'm looking to buy a computer.
Salesman: Great! What brand were you interested in?
Me: I don't know.
Salesman: Well, what are you going to use it for?
Me: I don't know. What do you think I should use it for?
Salesman: (blank stare)
Me: Well, what do other people buy computers for?
Salesman: Hmmmmm. I guess it depends on how they plan to use it, and what features they are looking for.
Me: That makes sense.
Salesman: Is there something particular you want the computer to help you do?
Me: Well, I want one of those that talks to you.
Salesman: (blank stare)
Me: You know, like they used to do on Star Trek? Where he would ask the computer questions, and things like that.
Salesman: (realizing I was serious) Huh?
Me: Didn't you ever watch Star Trek?
Salesman: (speechless and wishing his shift was over)
Me: Well, I guess I'm not really ready to buy one.
Salesman: I think you're right. Excuse me, for a bit, will you? (never to return, and hopefully not to quit!)
How many people approach education the same way? They know they want an education, but have no idea how they would use it. Parents can tell their children over and over again that they need to achieve good grades so that they can get into a good college, but if the student doesn't have vision for the future, then much of the talk can fall on deaf ears.
From the time children are old enough to teach, the idea of calling should be a regular topic of discussion. They should understand that part and parcel of what they will end up doing with their lives will spring from where their interests lie and in what areas they demonstrate promise. Having a good idea of how they will use the acquired knowledge of studying math, history, and science should help them pursue their studies in a more purposeful way.
The first question and answer in the Westminster Shorter Catechism reads: Q.What is the chief end of man? A. Man's chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Children should be taught that while they are young, the calling of student is the way in which they can glorify and enjoy their Creator. For the time spent learning of His creation, His immutable laws (both spiritual and physical), along with how He has operated throughout history will prepare the students for useful lives as adults.
The Scripture instructs us that without vision the people perish, but happy are they which keep the law. It is important to instill in our children the need for godly vision as they spend time preparing for the Lord's service.
(Note: I did eventually figure out what to do with a computer!!)
Salesman: May I help you?
Me: Yes, I'm looking to buy a computer.
Salesman: Great! What brand were you interested in?
Me: I don't know.
Salesman: Well, what are you going to use it for?
Me: I don't know. What do you think I should use it for?
Salesman: (blank stare)
Me: Well, what do other people buy computers for?
Salesman: Hmmmmm. I guess it depends on how they plan to use it, and what features they are looking for.
Me: That makes sense.
Salesman: Is there something particular you want the computer to help you do?
Me: Well, I want one of those that talks to you.
Salesman: (blank stare)
Me: You know, like they used to do on Star Trek? Where he would ask the computer questions, and things like that.
Salesman: (realizing I was serious) Huh?
Me: Didn't you ever watch Star Trek?
Salesman: (speechless and wishing his shift was over)
Me: Well, I guess I'm not really ready to buy one.
Salesman: I think you're right. Excuse me, for a bit, will you? (never to return, and hopefully not to quit!)
How many people approach education the same way? They know they want an education, but have no idea how they would use it. Parents can tell their children over and over again that they need to achieve good grades so that they can get into a good college, but if the student doesn't have vision for the future, then much of the talk can fall on deaf ears.
From the time children are old enough to teach, the idea of calling should be a regular topic of discussion. They should understand that part and parcel of what they will end up doing with their lives will spring from where their interests lie and in what areas they demonstrate promise. Having a good idea of how they will use the acquired knowledge of studying math, history, and science should help them pursue their studies in a more purposeful way.
The first question and answer in the Westminster Shorter Catechism reads: Q.What is the chief end of man? A. Man's chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Children should be taught that while they are young, the calling of student is the way in which they can glorify and enjoy their Creator. For the time spent learning of His creation, His immutable laws (both spiritual and physical), along with how He has operated throughout history will prepare the students for useful lives as adults.
The Scripture instructs us that without vision the people perish, but happy are they which keep the law. It is important to instill in our children the need for godly vision as they spend time preparing for the Lord's service.
(Note: I did eventually figure out what to do with a computer!!)
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Joy In the Morning
This morning at 12:40 am I was awakened out of a quasi sleep. Groping for the cordless phone, I was in that in-between state where I forgot which button to push to make the ring stop. I certainly didn't want to accidentally disconnect -- this was an important call.
Just hours before I got the news, "Katie's contractions are two minutes apart and we're at the hospital. Gotta run." This time the voice on the phone sounded so different than I had ever heard it sound before. "He's here! He looks great!"
My room was dark, but it was as though light was pouring through the phone. Now I was fully awake, receiving a congratulations kiss from the new grandfather in the room.
I wonder if I look different. I certainly feel different. My son has a son. My grandson has my son for his daddy. Now a whole new chapter is being written:
And Raymond when he was 53 begat Ford. And Ford married Andrea and after three years they had a son and called him Anthony. And Anthony was raised a Christian and grew in wisdom and grace, and when he was 25 he took a wife whose name was Katherine. And in the 28th year of Anthony's life his wife bore him a son, and they named him Owen Thomas.
Just hours before I got the news, "Katie's contractions are two minutes apart and we're at the hospital. Gotta run." This time the voice on the phone sounded so different than I had ever heard it sound before. "He's here! He looks great!"
My room was dark, but it was as though light was pouring through the phone. Now I was fully awake, receiving a congratulations kiss from the new grandfather in the room.
I wonder if I look different. I certainly feel different. My son has a son. My grandson has my son for his daddy. Now a whole new chapter is being written:
And Raymond when he was 53 begat Ford. And Ford married Andrea and after three years they had a son and called him Anthony. And Anthony was raised a Christian and grew in wisdom and grace, and when he was 25 he took a wife whose name was Katherine. And in the 28th year of Anthony's life his wife bore him a son, and they named him Owen Thomas.
Monday, November 27, 2006
Recruiting Your Home School Faculty
I'm sure you are thinking that I made a mistake in my title. You're saying to yourself, I thought home schooling was about parents teaching their children.
Over my 25 years as a home educator, I have been the primary teacher for my children/students. Having had the benefit of a good private school education myself, I have been able to handle the subjects of English grammar, mathematics, and history quite well. However, there were subjects (specifically foreign language, science, and music) that I was not as proficient in, although I had received good grades when I was in school. In those cases, I delegated my teaching responsibilities to other people, either through private lessons or co-op group settings.
With each successive child, I've improved upon my methods and streamlined the process. I have gotten rid of much of the "busy work" assignments that some text books recommend, knowing that they were often there for the teacher handling 20+ students. Since I didn't have that situation, I had the luxury of making my assignments interesting or, at least, practical. However, one-on-one with mom could and did sometimes become tedious both from the teacher and the student's perspective. In order to combat this, I "got creative" and found a variety of sources to supplement my teaching.
There are a number of publishers that cater to home schools and produce DVD's and CD- rom courses for the computer. With the current technology available, it is very possible to get an entire faculty of excellent teachers to work with your students, right from your own television set. The fact that the presentations can be viewed repeatedly, if need be, coupled with the fact that the production values are usually quite good, makes this learning environment one that surpasses many fine academic institutions. Some publishers even allow you to call and get assistance with any portion of the subject that is not understood. We have used this method for chemistry, algebra, general science, biology, world history, American history, physics, anatomy and physiology, Spanish, Shakespeare's plays, geometry, and English literature. To be sure, not all of these resources come from a self-conscious Christian perspective, but many aren't inconsistent with our faith. And, with those that spout the "religion of evolution," the pause button is liberally used for me to to clarify and/or instruct on particular points.
My children look back fondly on many of these teachers as though they had actually physically been in the same classroom with them. An interesting aside: when my youngest, (who had the benefit of watching some of these courses alongside her older sister of seven years), took these courses herself, she remembered so much in detail that she could often say what the instructor was going to say before he even said it!
For those whose budgets make it difficult to purchase all thse series for your own personal library, I recommend that families consider purchasing and sharing with other homeschoolers. Or better yet, see if you can get your church or co-op to invest in a lending library so that homeschooling families can make use of these materials. A regular monthly subscription fee could purchase a considerable amount. And, of course, you can make use of eBay and HSLDA's re-sale sites to save some dollars as you do. I think you will find this is an excellent way to broaden the scope of your home school.
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Your Opinions Please
I'm eager to see the day when the majority of Christian families in America are pursuing a Christian education for their children. I'm working on a couple of avenues to significantly change the status quo, and would appreciate some input.
Your answers to these questions will be greatly appreciated and considered.
-- Why aren't more professing Christians pursuing a Christian education for their children? (either by homeschooling or in a Christian day school)
-- What are the biggest impediments?
-- What do you think could change this?
-- How can individuals and churches help?
Your answers to these questions will be greatly appreciated and considered.
-- Why aren't more professing Christians pursuing a Christian education for their children? (either by homeschooling or in a Christian day school)
-- What are the biggest impediments?
-- What do you think could change this?
-- How can individuals and churches help?
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Giants In the Land
One of the continuing benefits of being a home schooling parent is that you get to re-learn things you should know over and over again as you introduce new subjects to your students. This is especially true of the excellent practice of reading passages from Scripture aloud to your children. Presenting the text with expression, thereby making its meaning come alive, followed with discussion about how the attitudes and perspectives of the people toward God affected their situation, reinforces the truths of Scripture to the one reading as much as to those listening. However, I've found that I can be quite uppity at times regarding my "ancestors in the faith" as I critique their moves and motives as though I would have done a better job! How many times have I screamed at the patriarch Isaac about choosing the ungodly son over the one God had told Rebecca would rule over the older? I hate to see him make that error time and again! And what about David? I mean, doesn't he see what effect his heinous sin is going to have on his descendants? Reading these "family histories" can act as a valuable reminder that we are very much like (if not worse) than those who've come before us.
Numbers 13 & 14 is another good case in point. In that account, Moses had sent twelve spies into Canaan to spy out the land that the Lord had promised them for a possession. Ten of the twelve came back having drawn the conclusion that they wouldn't be able to prevail against the giants in the land. Their solution was to walk by sight, not by faith. In a similar way, many Christian parents today, when they are plotting a course of action for their children's "higher education," have their gaze more fixed on the giants in the land, than on the provisions and promises of the God of Scripture. In fact, they believe that if they don't have enough "AP" (advanced placement) courses, or letters of recommendation, or a high enough GPA from an "accredited" school, that they won't be able to get into the "best" colleges. Since their focus is on the wrong things, instead of making sure their children are strongly grounded in a biblical world and life view and are living out the implications of their faith, they are busy spending oodles of time and money trying to get the best situation that the "giants in the land" will deem worthy.
Need I remind all of those who have bought into this philosophy that for the Children of Israel, this resulted in a total of forty years of wilderness wanderings? Come to think of it, I can't think of a better way to describe many professing Christians I know who, after having graduated from those "best" schools, end up thinking and acting much like the heathens who run them, while wandering in a wilderness of their own making. When they "mature" into adulthood, their decisions and perspectives are more "Canaanite" than they are Christian.
I am truly saddened that there is no quick fix for this attitudinal malaise. However, I am encouraged that there are many who correctly discern the war raging against the Christian faith all around them, and yet continue to persevere in the process of raising warriors obedient to the law-word of Jesus Christ. Our victorious hope lies in the reality that by focusing on the promises rather than the problems, the land will be ours!
Numbers 13 & 14 is another good case in point. In that account, Moses had sent twelve spies into Canaan to spy out the land that the Lord had promised them for a possession. Ten of the twelve came back having drawn the conclusion that they wouldn't be able to prevail against the giants in the land. Their solution was to walk by sight, not by faith. In a similar way, many Christian parents today, when they are plotting a course of action for their children's "higher education," have their gaze more fixed on the giants in the land, than on the provisions and promises of the God of Scripture. In fact, they believe that if they don't have enough "AP" (advanced placement) courses, or letters of recommendation, or a high enough GPA from an "accredited" school, that they won't be able to get into the "best" colleges. Since their focus is on the wrong things, instead of making sure their children are strongly grounded in a biblical world and life view and are living out the implications of their faith, they are busy spending oodles of time and money trying to get the best situation that the "giants in the land" will deem worthy.
Need I remind all of those who have bought into this philosophy that for the Children of Israel, this resulted in a total of forty years of wilderness wanderings? Come to think of it, I can't think of a better way to describe many professing Christians I know who, after having graduated from those "best" schools, end up thinking and acting much like the heathens who run them, while wandering in a wilderness of their own making. When they "mature" into adulthood, their decisions and perspectives are more "Canaanite" than they are Christian.
I am truly saddened that there is no quick fix for this attitudinal malaise. However, I am encouraged that there are many who correctly discern the war raging against the Christian faith all around them, and yet continue to persevere in the process of raising warriors obedient to the law-word of Jesus Christ. Our victorious hope lies in the reality that by focusing on the promises rather than the problems, the land will be ours!
Sunday, November 19, 2006
The Home School Life
Much has been written about the spiritual and academic benefits of homeschooling. However, one of the most significant assets of a homeschooling situation is the benefit to family life. Children often find that their best friends end up being brothers or sisters, and there is much less of a peer-group emphasis, as children of differing ages make friends with each other readily. Moreover, family outings and vacations can take place according to the family's schedule, rather than only certain periods of time during a 10-month school year.
Awhile back, I wrote a parody of the song from the musical Annie. Instead of "It's the Hard Knock Life," I changed the words to "It's the Home School Life." Here is my humble rendition:
It's the home school life for us!
It's the home school life for us!
In the kitchen we learn math
While the baby gets a bath.
It's the home school life.
Siblings we always see;
They are classmates perpetually.
Who knows what grade we're in?
We're always with the next of kin.
It's the home school life.
Our moms are more than just our teachers;
They pile us into vans and SUVs.
In between the grammar, math and science,
They take us to all activities
No one cares that you finished all your school work;
There is always more for you to do.
No relief from a parent-teacher conference,
Because the people who show up are you know who!
Oh, socialized we may not be.
Socialized -- what's that, MTV?
Dad and Mom, it's thanks to you;
We appreciate all you do.
It's the home school life (Yes it is)
It's the home school life (Yes it is)
It's the home school life!
All humor aside, there is an additional benefit to the homeschool life apart from academic and social aspects, and it becomes evident when there is prolonged sickness or medical emergency in the family. For in these times of stress and struggle, the family functions more as God intended; rather than fragmented and going their separate ways, families are readily available to support and bolster each other.
I know of numerous homeschooling families in my geographical area alone that have had to face such medical situations. In one case, the mother of the family, after weeks of thinking she was experiencing asthma, heard the diagnosis of Hodgkin's lymphoma. The family of six children, the youngest 18 months old at the time, was able to come together and act as a unit as the chemotherapy and radiation became a part of their lives for the 10 week period of treatment. Did all academic subjects get covered everyday? Of course not. But, now, six years later, the mom (and cancer survivor) calls the entire episode one of the great blessings in her family's life. Her children's relationship with each other and their responsibility level in the home increased greatly, as they all relied on the Lord's provision together. Academic work that was missed was made up, and if someone didn't point out this part of their history to you, you would think them an average, everyday family.
Another family is currently dealing with a father who is rapidly deteriorating from ALS -- Lou Gerhig's Disease. With the help of their church and greater homeschool community, the family has been graced to continue homeschooling, thereby giving the daughters greater time with their dad to encourage him and to be around to help their mom. But, you may ask, aren't their academics suffering? I submit that what they are learning in a "real life" setting about illness, medical care, compassion, and God's provision, along with the studies that they are able to keep up with, will serve them profitably in the days and years ahead. They are definitely not missing out, when you consider that their appreciation for even the small blessings in life are marks of their greater maturity. Plus, they are seeing first hand the committed bond of love between their parents --even in the face of such a brutal disease.
Yes, the home school life is a working model of the biblical family. It allows families to live, learn, and work together in a full-orbed, non-compartmentalized existence. Isn't it just like our God to reward biblical responsibility in such a beautiful way!
Awhile back, I wrote a parody of the song from the musical Annie. Instead of "It's the Hard Knock Life," I changed the words to "It's the Home School Life." Here is my humble rendition:
It's the home school life for us!
It's the home school life for us!
In the kitchen we learn math
While the baby gets a bath.
It's the home school life.
Siblings we always see;
They are classmates perpetually.
Who knows what grade we're in?
We're always with the next of kin.
It's the home school life.
Our moms are more than just our teachers;
They pile us into vans and SUVs.
In between the grammar, math and science,
They take us to all activities
No one cares that you finished all your school work;
There is always more for you to do.
No relief from a parent-teacher conference,
Because the people who show up are you know who!
Oh, socialized we may not be.
Socialized -- what's that, MTV?
Dad and Mom, it's thanks to you;
We appreciate all you do.
It's the home school life (Yes it is)
It's the home school life (Yes it is)
It's the home school life!
All humor aside, there is an additional benefit to the homeschool life apart from academic and social aspects, and it becomes evident when there is prolonged sickness or medical emergency in the family. For in these times of stress and struggle, the family functions more as God intended; rather than fragmented and going their separate ways, families are readily available to support and bolster each other.
I know of numerous homeschooling families in my geographical area alone that have had to face such medical situations. In one case, the mother of the family, after weeks of thinking she was experiencing asthma, heard the diagnosis of Hodgkin's lymphoma. The family of six children, the youngest 18 months old at the time, was able to come together and act as a unit as the chemotherapy and radiation became a part of their lives for the 10 week period of treatment. Did all academic subjects get covered everyday? Of course not. But, now, six years later, the mom (and cancer survivor) calls the entire episode one of the great blessings in her family's life. Her children's relationship with each other and their responsibility level in the home increased greatly, as they all relied on the Lord's provision together. Academic work that was missed was made up, and if someone didn't point out this part of their history to you, you would think them an average, everyday family.
Another family is currently dealing with a father who is rapidly deteriorating from ALS -- Lou Gerhig's Disease. With the help of their church and greater homeschool community, the family has been graced to continue homeschooling, thereby giving the daughters greater time with their dad to encourage him and to be around to help their mom. But, you may ask, aren't their academics suffering? I submit that what they are learning in a "real life" setting about illness, medical care, compassion, and God's provision, along with the studies that they are able to keep up with, will serve them profitably in the days and years ahead. They are definitely not missing out, when you consider that their appreciation for even the small blessings in life are marks of their greater maturity. Plus, they are seeing first hand the committed bond of love between their parents --even in the face of such a brutal disease.
Yes, the home school life is a working model of the biblical family. It allows families to live, learn, and work together in a full-orbed, non-compartmentalized existence. Isn't it just like our God to reward biblical responsibility in such a beautiful way!
Friday, November 17, 2006
Working Moms
I like homeschool moms. I realize that for those who know me, this is not earth-shattering news. But, the more time I spend with fellow homeschooling moms who are pouring their lives into their children, the more I realize that God's blessing is evident in Christian homeschooling!
Today I had the opportunity to visit an ongoing ministry that I began five years ago and turned over the reins of this past spring. The Coram Deo Chorus grew out of a desire I had to give my youngest daughter (the singer of the family) an opportunity to learn and develop her musical giftings. As it turned out, other families were interested in a similar program and were eager to join. God has an interesting sense of humor, as He had me (a non-musical, shower-singer), begin a children's choir. He worked out all the details to the point that I was able to get a young, enthusiastic college graduate with a love of music and the desire to work in her field who was willing to travel two hours each way on public transportation every Thursday in order to be my musical director. So not only was the choir an opportunity for my daughter to grow, but for this young woman, as well.
After four full and dynamic years, it became apparent to me that it was time for my daughter and me to move on. She had learned much in this environment, but needed more of a challenge musically. However I knew that God wanted me to have the ministry continue. I didn't have to look too far to find another homeschool mom willing to take the job I had created and filled as administrator. The music director has matured into a very competent and encouraging teacher, and now also has a Mrs. title in front of her name. And, she actually drives her own car now; the bus and train ride no longer part of her weekly trek. Not only that, but there are other moms still present week after week, willing to chip in and offer their time and expertise.
Today during my visit, I was gratified to see first-hand that the choir is in very good hands and many major improvements have been made. Just goes to show that none of us are indispensable! And that new blood often enhances an ongoing enterprise. I share this because it is important to re-state that homeschooling works because there are dedicated moms willing to make it work -- both in their own homes with their own families and in association with others. What's more, many of these women are willingly moving into the role of mentors for the younger moms who are new to homeschooling, and the camaraderie is amazing to witness.
It's nice to be a member of such an elite group! The future is very bright!!
Today I had the opportunity to visit an ongoing ministry that I began five years ago and turned over the reins of this past spring. The Coram Deo Chorus grew out of a desire I had to give my youngest daughter (the singer of the family) an opportunity to learn and develop her musical giftings. As it turned out, other families were interested in a similar program and were eager to join. God has an interesting sense of humor, as He had me (a non-musical, shower-singer), begin a children's choir. He worked out all the details to the point that I was able to get a young, enthusiastic college graduate with a love of music and the desire to work in her field who was willing to travel two hours each way on public transportation every Thursday in order to be my musical director. So not only was the choir an opportunity for my daughter to grow, but for this young woman, as well.
After four full and dynamic years, it became apparent to me that it was time for my daughter and me to move on. She had learned much in this environment, but needed more of a challenge musically. However I knew that God wanted me to have the ministry continue. I didn't have to look too far to find another homeschool mom willing to take the job I had created and filled as administrator. The music director has matured into a very competent and encouraging teacher, and now also has a Mrs. title in front of her name. And, she actually drives her own car now; the bus and train ride no longer part of her weekly trek. Not only that, but there are other moms still present week after week, willing to chip in and offer their time and expertise.
Today during my visit, I was gratified to see first-hand that the choir is in very good hands and many major improvements have been made. Just goes to show that none of us are indispensable! And that new blood often enhances an ongoing enterprise. I share this because it is important to re-state that homeschooling works because there are dedicated moms willing to make it work -- both in their own homes with their own families and in association with others. What's more, many of these women are willingly moving into the role of mentors for the younger moms who are new to homeschooling, and the camaraderie is amazing to witness.
It's nice to be a member of such an elite group! The future is very bright!!
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Products of Our Culture
There is a huge difference between those raised in the faith and those who have not had the benefit of Christian teaching from the time they are very young. I'm reminded of a song Judy Rogers wrote, Why Can't I See God?. The refrain goes like this:
Teach me while my heart is tender;
Tell me all that I should know;
And through the years I will remember,
Wherever I may go.
Since culture is religion externalized, there are many manifestations in our lives that reflect the culture in which we were raised. If we came to faith after childhood, there are a number of things that need to be re-thought out. Often we don't think about these things until some event or circumstance brings them to our attention. For example, there are movies I loved before my conversion that when I went to show them to my children, I discovered were not only inappropriate for them, but for me as well! It took encountering the message of the movie in real time before I had a chance to reevaluate it.
Once, while reading to my five year old daughter, this lesson was cemented. We were going through the science volume of a child's encyclopedia that I had used with her brother six years earlier, a time prior to my embracing the reformed faith. We loved these volumes and I couldn't wait to share them with Rachel. As I read to her from the book, we came to a section that I dutifully read in its entirety. The only problem was that the text was giving the earth's formation as having occurred millions and millions of years prior as the result of a "Big Bang." When we got to the end of the section, I dutifully informed her that as Christians we take the biblical account of origins as correct and that this section was wrong. I then turned the page and began to read the next section. She stopped me dead in my tracks and asked in her "Rachel" style, "How do you know this page is right, when the other one was wrong?" She got me.
Why was I teaching her from a book that had incorrect, anti-biblical presuppositions and therefore incorrect conclusions? That's when I began my "obsession" with building a home school library. From then on, I resolved never to use materials that weren't consistent with our biblical faith if there were other alternatives. Where there weren't, I would teach the subject without the use of texts or books that taught lies, and present the information to my children only after I had "taught" myself.
Just the other day, I was talking with a woman who told me a story that demonstrates the sometimes unexpected benefits of raising children in the culture of the Christian home school. She had been reading a story book to her five year old son which began, On Monday morning it was raining and.... Before she could finish the sentence he protested,
"Oh, no, Mommy! That's wrong!"
She was surprised. "What's wrong?"
"It isn't raining, Mommy! God makes it rain!"
She corrected herself, but was laughing inside. This was no small insight on the part of her Christian child -- one that she had missed entirely. She realized that in this homeschooling adventure, she could expect to learn as much from her children as she would ever teach.
Homeschooling parents are positioned to raise their children with solid biblical training. When the Word of God is presented and faithfully taught, children will reach conclusions consistent with their faith. As the Bible informs us,
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
Despite the mounting opposition we face, from the humanistic culture around us, the future will be bright indeed, as covenant children make their mark on the surrounding culture in Jesus' name. All the more reason for the church to support and encourage Christian homeschooling!
Teach me while my heart is tender;
Tell me all that I should know;
And through the years I will remember,
Wherever I may go.
Since culture is religion externalized, there are many manifestations in our lives that reflect the culture in which we were raised. If we came to faith after childhood, there are a number of things that need to be re-thought out. Often we don't think about these things until some event or circumstance brings them to our attention. For example, there are movies I loved before my conversion that when I went to show them to my children, I discovered were not only inappropriate for them, but for me as well! It took encountering the message of the movie in real time before I had a chance to reevaluate it.
Once, while reading to my five year old daughter, this lesson was cemented. We were going through the science volume of a child's encyclopedia that I had used with her brother six years earlier, a time prior to my embracing the reformed faith. We loved these volumes and I couldn't wait to share them with Rachel. As I read to her from the book, we came to a section that I dutifully read in its entirety. The only problem was that the text was giving the earth's formation as having occurred millions and millions of years prior as the result of a "Big Bang." When we got to the end of the section, I dutifully informed her that as Christians we take the biblical account of origins as correct and that this section was wrong. I then turned the page and began to read the next section. She stopped me dead in my tracks and asked in her "Rachel" style, "How do you know this page is right, when the other one was wrong?" She got me.
Why was I teaching her from a book that had incorrect, anti-biblical presuppositions and therefore incorrect conclusions? That's when I began my "obsession" with building a home school library. From then on, I resolved never to use materials that weren't consistent with our biblical faith if there were other alternatives. Where there weren't, I would teach the subject without the use of texts or books that taught lies, and present the information to my children only after I had "taught" myself.
Just the other day, I was talking with a woman who told me a story that demonstrates the sometimes unexpected benefits of raising children in the culture of the Christian home school. She had been reading a story book to her five year old son which began, On Monday morning it was raining and.... Before she could finish the sentence he protested,
"Oh, no, Mommy! That's wrong!"
She was surprised. "What's wrong?"
"It isn't raining, Mommy! God makes it rain!"
She corrected herself, but was laughing inside. This was no small insight on the part of her Christian child -- one that she had missed entirely. She realized that in this homeschooling adventure, she could expect to learn as much from her children as she would ever teach.
Homeschooling parents are positioned to raise their children with solid biblical training. When the Word of God is presented and faithfully taught, children will reach conclusions consistent with their faith. As the Bible informs us,
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
Despite the mounting opposition we face, from the humanistic culture around us, the future will be bright indeed, as covenant children make their mark on the surrounding culture in Jesus' name. All the more reason for the church to support and encourage Christian homeschooling!
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Questions I Can't Answer
I think the aspect I enjoy the most as a homeschooling parent is teaching the Bible, along with Christian doctrine and church history. Sure, I've always attempted to present each and every subject from a Biblical perspective, but when it comes to teaching the basic creeds, confessions, and essentials of the faith or going through particular books of the Bible, I find that my own understanding and commitment to orthodoxy grows.
I've especially been challenged when my children have asked questions that I could not answer. Not wanting to fudge an answer that I am unsure about, I do some research to provide a good response. When Dr. Rushdoony was alive, these circumstances proved to be good excuses to phone him and chat. In fact, when his health was failing and he acknowledged that it wouldn't be long until he was in heaven, I lamented that he wouldn't be around to answer my difficult questions. He laughed, "Yes, even your long distance plan won't reach that far!" These days, I call upon the men of Chalcedon and pose my questions to them.
I've noted the wisdom in the statement, "You know how well a student is learning by the questions he asks rather than the answers he gives." In fact, I would go so far to say that as someone is learning any subject (the Bible in particular) there should be a host of questions that arise. Correctly applying the Scripture to life is a fundamental aspect of taking dominion in Jesus' name, and there can be no effective apologetic without it. When receiving and digesting any portion of Scripture, the obvious questions that should arise are, "How exactly does this apply to me?" and, "What are the implications of this doctrine?"
Just this week my daughter posed a question that I could not easily answer. The very nature of it demonstrated to me that she is thinking through the implications of the incarnation of Christ and His being fully God and fully man. I went to my "answer men" and they admitted that they had never considered that particular issue before. Her question got us all thinking, and the fruit of the research has given us all food for thought. How blessed I am that in the process of teaching my daughter, I am learning so very much myself!
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Public Speaking and Leadership
A friend of mine, who happens to be a lawyer, told me years ago that if he had to do it all over again, he would have spent much more time in speech, debate, or drama classes. His reason was simple: lawyers who are well accustomed to speaking publicly are much more at ease in trial situations. Others who didn't work on their public speaking skills from an early age were more apt to push papers or have to settle cases out of court.
I've noticed over the years that those of us who are willing to get up and speak in front of an audience (either small or large) are more apt to be those in leadership positions. I've always been surprised at how many folks find speaking in front of a group intimidating.
For the reasons stated above, I have made public speaking a focal point in my homeschool curriculum. From the time my children were young, they were memorizing large portions of Scripture. By the time my son was about 7 years old, he had memorized the first 6 chapters of the book of Proverbs. He would compete in home school fairs in recitation competitions and eventually competed in speech contests. My daughters have, from the time they were quite young, performed in front of audiences of various sizes. The pieces I selected for them to present inspired and encouraged those in their audience. This was not so that mama and papa could show off our little darlings. No, it was practice for the leadership roles we wanted them to assume as they got older.
My advice to parents is to NOT underestimate the ability of their children to memorize lengthy pieces and present them dramatically -- in other words with an understanding of what they are reciting. Even if parents find they aren't capable themselves, they should NOT prejudge their own children's abilities. Take a stab at it and find out just how amazing your young children are.
If you need any suggestions, just email me and I'll supply you with a list of my favorite selections.
I've noticed over the years that those of us who are willing to get up and speak in front of an audience (either small or large) are more apt to be those in leadership positions. I've always been surprised at how many folks find speaking in front of a group intimidating.
For the reasons stated above, I have made public speaking a focal point in my homeschool curriculum. From the time my children were young, they were memorizing large portions of Scripture. By the time my son was about 7 years old, he had memorized the first 6 chapters of the book of Proverbs. He would compete in home school fairs in recitation competitions and eventually competed in speech contests. My daughters have, from the time they were quite young, performed in front of audiences of various sizes. The pieces I selected for them to present inspired and encouraged those in their audience. This was not so that mama and papa could show off our little darlings. No, it was practice for the leadership roles we wanted them to assume as they got older.
My advice to parents is to NOT underestimate the ability of their children to memorize lengthy pieces and present them dramatically -- in other words with an understanding of what they are reciting. Even if parents find they aren't capable themselves, they should NOT prejudge their own children's abilities. Take a stab at it and find out just how amazing your young children are.
If you need any suggestions, just email me and I'll supply you with a list of my favorite selections.
Monday, November 13, 2006
America's Future -- Cuba's Future
I am in regular touch with a Cuban exile who has done some volunteer work for me proofreading the Spanish translation of my book, Lessons Learned from Years of Homeschooling and is currently beginning the proofreading process of Rushdoony's The Philosophy of the Christian Curriculum. I thought I would share a part of one of his recent emails.
Honestly speaking, I see America's future in homeschooling children, teaching them sound Christian values. Public education can be described only with a C word. I just came back home from a visit to an elderly pastoral couple who came to America for the first time in 1956 and finally established themselves in Miami in 1960. They say that the U.S. they knew in those years had nothing to do with present day America. In their opinion America - like Cuba - has degenerated over the years. We shared our concerns that, if Cuba becomes free from Communism, and the major influence will be the U.S., then corruption, prostitution, homosexual marriage, drugs and pornography could be the main "assets" imported from America. As you may see, even Cuban exiles worry about America's future, sensing that it will be linked to Cuba's own future.
He asked me a question that I thought I would throw out to my blog readers.
My main concern is when Hispanic or other non-English speaking people try to homeschool their children. How will the children get their English to a level good enough to compete for jobs, pass State examinations, etc?
Any thoughts?
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Let Me Introduce Myself
Welcome to the Lessons Learned from Years of Homeschooling Blog. I am a "veteran" homeschooling parent/teacher and author of Lessons Learned from Years of Homeschooling: A Christian Mothers Shares Her Insights of Twenty-five Years of Teaching Her Children.
This blog forum is designed to provide mentoring and counseling assistance to those eager to train and educate their children from a thoroughly biblical perspective. So, if you are considering homeschooling or have been home teaching your children from some time, I am eager to assist you in maneuvering your way through the issues and situations that arise. How I wish during my early years of home teaching, that there had been such a resource!
An additional note: since my emphasis is Christian education, those who have their children enrolled in Christian schools are also welcome to participate, as are those who are teachers in such institutions.
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