I am interested in the reasons that people are choosing to homeschool and the reasons they are not choosing to homeschool. I want to compare to my own thoughts.
We are choosing to homeschool b/c of the flexibility it gives us. We don't have to get up at 6:00am every morning, if we need a break day, it doesn't hurt anything, and we can be a lot more creative in the way we learn.
Regarding the time it takes, when you spend one-on-one time with a child, it's not going to take all day to get through material. I also believe that, to truly instill a love of learning, you can do less 'book work' and more life lessons - to teach them HOW to learn, instead of a bunch of facts.
I'm not against going to public/private school - we may even do that one day. But this is what works for us right now.
I would say our main reason is influence and exposure.
We want to be the influences in our children's lives, not a peer or teacher of theirs. By being their primary influence, we have a much greater chance of leading them towards Christ and once there, really having time to teach them many things that WE believe are important.
We want our kids equipped to deal with the world and its influences when they are ready. I want our children to grow into independent adults who are proud of their Christian heritage and have a practical outlook on life.
Now that we have decided to homeschool, we see many other benefits and reasons why this is what is best for our family.
I have done a 180 where homeschooling is concerned. My husband can certainly attest to that!
Oh my, this topic is causing a lot of comments! I guess I will add my 2 cents. The first and foremost reason I homeschool is because I truly believe that's God's will. It is difficult at times having your children home all day every day (no lunch dates, shopping, etc.) but I can say without a doubt that it is an incredible blessing. I have an 11, 7, 3, 1 year old (and another on the way)- it warms my heart to see them interact with each other on a daily basis, something they wouldn't get to do if they attended public/private school. Other middle school kids are going to dances and crying over break ups - my daughter is learning to manage the household, changing diapers and playing with her brothers - praise the Lord! We chose to shelter our children until we feel they are prepared and ready, spiritually and emotionally to deal with the outside world. Children are not spiritually mature enough to deal with temptations and pressures! If you think you can't teach your own children, or that your personalities clash, or you have to work for financial reasons etc. I have good news - God's grace is sufficient! Pray about it, move to a smaller house (we did), sell a car,etc. There is no bigger blessing than raising your own children and knowing that you/husband are feeding them spiritually and influencing them in the ways you choose to. There is no greater joy.....Cathy
I have to say, I agree with much of what is being said. However, my main disagreement is with the premise that it is God's will for EVERYONE to homeschool.
That said, it is God's will that parents be completely in charge of their children's instruction and training. But I believe that parents can still be in charge of what their children learn, even if they are going to public/private school.
My parents were great examples of this. They looked through every textbook, lessons plan, etc. that I ever studied. They even worked with the principals of my school when the school was teaching evolution for me to learn the information - but on THEIR terms, not the teachers. As a result, I passed the test on evolution with higher grades than any of my classmates, but came away with an even stronger belief in creation than before.
This is just one example. I believe parents should be supported and strengthened to be in charge of their kids' eduction - no matter how they choose to educate them. If they are equipped to do this, then they can use the tools that God has provided (namely, other programs or people who care about their children) in order to accomplish theirs (and God's) goals for their children.
I'm not opposed to public/private schools, or homeschooling - I just don't want to have a cookie cutter, "everyone should do this"-type approach.
Well at least we can all agree to disagree:) As you can tell I am passionate about homeschooling and while I would certainly never make anyone feel guilty/inferior over not choosing to do it, I do always try to encourage/inform/and provide resources for anyone who will hold still to listen! Actually,I consider my degree a detriment to homeschooling. Becki, you and everyone else are completely qualified:) no one else can kiss a boo-boo, fix lunch, correct with love etc. like a mom/dad can. Academics really aren't that important. We are praying that our boys will learn as much life skills/hands on things while at home to be able to work for themselves (college is overrated and very liberal - different conversation altogether). As for our daughters, as crazy as it sounds, we want nothing more than for them to aspire to be a helpmeet to their husband and have all the blessings (children) that God wishes to give them. In our world that is very strange but it is biblical. I have had to take a long hard look lately at my attitude/purpose. I am not inferior to any man BUT I was not created to be a man - i was created to be a keeper at home. It is very freeing to realize that I don't have to earn a living in the corporate world, make all the decisions etc.that is my husbands job (again i would never put down any women who do). It is time for America to return to biblcal roles ( a pipe dream I know). Anyway, if anyone would like any info/further discussion on this please realize that our hearts and home are always open. I have tons of resources and would love to help anyone who's interested! You'd be amazed how kids will give up social activities, peers, school etc. to just have mom and dad! Cathy
I just caught up on the blogs. I know I still need to write a "catch ya up on recent events" email and I will soon but, for now, just a note. I came off of the boat sick and then got back to work so I still feel like I am playing catch up. I'll write you soon. Love, Kellie
If I may, I would caution those of you who feel strongly one way or the other about homeschooling. While I tend to agree with most, if not all, of the pro arguments, there is a very real danger you are flirting with. I'm talking about regarding your preferences as law. I say this, in all honesty, as a frequent victim of it. That is none other than pride. Please realize that not everyone is called by the Spirit to do the same things. All belivers should bear the fruit of the Spirit, but not all have the same gifts of the Spirit. For example, if Becki does not feel called to homeschool, because I know she does feel called to another ministry ('tho I don't know what that is), her obedience to ,that calling is what God is expecting; to do otherwise would not be the success that most of you seem to think it would be. Like a guy in my discipleship class said today : Don't open other people's mail. If we were all hands, the Body couldn't see or speak. If all eyes, the Body couldn't hear. I know how hard it is -- boy, do I! -- to reign yourself in when you see something as plain as day in God's plan for your life; but we all have to bear in mind that is God's plan for your life, not necessarily anyone else's. One person being called to homeschool, and another one not, is no different than one person being called to the ministry and another one not. Are any of us less blessed of God because we are ministering to our families before the families of others? Of course not. God expects and rewards obedience, not to the expectations or preferences of others, but to His direction. So again, I urge you to, as Christ, offer no condemnation for your brothers and sisters who answer their own calling, even when it's different from yours. Brian
Um, yes Brian, you will be less blessed if you put others before your own family. God did not call you, as a father, to sacrifice your children for the sake of the others. Have you not gained that from all of our talks over the years?
Hey, Becki, it is amazing how little time it really takes to teach academics, but for older children it typically takes them several hours each day for school, at least the ones I know. But for preschool and young elementary a couple hours is all it takes for instruction - they may need more to complete their assignments. A major reason for our decision was when we saw how much time was wasted in a school setting because the teachers have to teach to all which means doing things over and over and over. When you are teaching one on one you know when that child has mastered a concept and you can tell when they require review. Homeschooling is not for all but one can not assume that a child is lacking educationally because 8 hours a day is not spent on what looks like education. Still, the character training is the biggest part of homeschooling, at least from the ones I know and respect. I can't imagine how hard I would have to work to undo what my kids would "learn" about character in the schools around here. I've heard stories from the elementaries. I don't want my kids to learn that from anyone but me. I will teach them God's way, not the world's way. Shannon
Wow! I leave the country and come home to THIS! My heart is racing . . . I know all of the pro-public school points - I used to spout them myself (light in the world, deal with the real world, "socialization," . . . the list goes on). For me, it is as simple as "God changed my heart." Does that mean He's going to change everyone who seeks Him on this issue? - I honestly don't know. Georgia, you knew me when my motto was "Carrie Hebert's flesh does not cry out, 'I WANT to homeschool.'" Now, I have to admit, I am actually excited about it! As far as our "reasons," there is not just one, but all the reasons (too many to list here) put together are hard for us to ignore. Our thinking was this: What are our goals? What type of adults do we want to send out into this world, and how can we best do that? No matter what goal we explored (we looked at about 4), homeschooling came up the best option. As far as the "light in the darkness" arguement (remember - I once held this belief), Scott and I believe that if we cultivate their "light" early on, they will have a brighter light when we send them into the world. Also, we would not send Ethan to Africa by himself next year (at 5) to be a missionary, but we might would take him WITH US to Mexico or an inner-city area of Houston when he's 11, let him go with a group of godly people when he's 17, etc. I'm sure you get my point. Well, this is why I don't have a blog . . . because I'm worried I'll lose friends over the issues I actually care about. Okay, I'm going to send it now before I chicken-out! Carrie
Well, I only found out about this topic today, and I hope you don't mind me reopening the issue, Georgia. But I just wanted to say what's on my mind, too.
Quote (Brian): God expects and rewards obedience, not to the expectations or preferences of others, but to His direction. So again, I urge you to, as Christ, offer no condemnation for your brothers and sisters who answer their own calling, even when it's different from yours.
Exactly!!!! Well said.
We plan on homeschooling our children for most of the same reasons listed by everyone here.
That said, I honestly can't understand some of the comments made on this thread. If the purpose of homeschooling your children is to teach them the ways of Christ, then why do you use words that are so demeaning, condemning and unkind?
Why would you want another Christian to follow YOUR path instead of the path God places before them?
I worry that, as Christians (myself included), we get so excited and caught up in issues we truly believe in (like homeschooling) that we forget that WE are not the Creator. WE are not the Spirit. WE are not the Word of God. WE are not the ones who speak to the hearts of and create the paths for our fellow Christians.
I am a VERY strong proponent of homeschooling, but I hope that I never get to the point where I use my God-given knowledge on the subject to talk down to others. That is not my place nor will it ever be my place.
Nor is it yours.
Thank you for letting me leave my input as well Georgia. :)
I have to say the reason I choose not to homeschool has nothing to do with faith. I am a faithful person, although I do not go by the constraints of Christianity, or Catholism. I also want to direct a question to all of you who say that God says "all children must be home schooled". Isn't this just another way of spouting off the retoric that we say we are tired of our kids hearing at school? Public school is free, yes, and I believe the best option for my family AT THIS POINT. That is to say that I might change my mind sometime in the future, but my son, with me going to college full time working part time and being a single (yes I said single, folks) parent makes home schooling difficult if not impossible to achieve at best. Secondly, I don't have the money for private schooling or home schooling. Does this mean that I am going against Gods word? I think not. He loves us all the same, regaurdless of whether or not we choose to educate or home school our children. If you think that a child can get a better education at home, home school. If not, send them to private or public school. Just a side note, but my son will not be a recluse shut away in the house with me all the time. I have much more pressing things to do than to cater to his every whim day and night. I have homework, work, and other pressing needs of running the household daily to attend to. He is not feeling left out. We still have plenty of time to play and be together without him being home all day long. Good luck to you people who think that it's God's will to always homeschool your children. Point me to a specific place in the Bible that says that public school (the New Testament) is for heathens or sinners or whatever it is you think those of us who don't home school. Thank you kindly and Bless you.
17 comments:
We are choosing to homeschool b/c of the flexibility it gives us. We don't have to get up at 6:00am every morning, if we need a break day, it doesn't hurt anything, and we can be a lot more creative in the way we learn.
Regarding the time it takes, when you spend one-on-one time with a child, it's not going to take all day to get through material. I also believe that, to truly instill a love of learning, you can do less 'book work' and more life lessons - to teach them HOW to learn, instead of a bunch of facts.
I'm not against going to public/private school - we may even do that one day. But this is what works for us right now.
I would say our main reason is influence and exposure.
We want to be the influences in our children's lives, not a peer or teacher of theirs. By being their primary influence, we have a much greater chance of leading them towards Christ and once there, really having time to teach them many things that WE believe are important.
We want our kids equipped to deal with the world and its influences when they are ready. I want our children to grow into independent adults who are proud of their Christian heritage and have a practical outlook on life.
Now that we have decided to homeschool, we see many other benefits and reasons why this is what is best for our family.
I have done a 180 where homeschooling is concerned. My husband can certainly attest to that!
Sarah
Oh my, this topic is causing a lot of comments! I guess I will add my 2 cents. The first and foremost reason I homeschool is because I truly believe that's God's will. It is difficult at times having your children home all day every day (no lunch dates, shopping, etc.) but I can say without a doubt that it is an incredible blessing. I have an 11, 7, 3, 1 year old (and another on the way)- it warms my heart to see them interact with each other on a daily basis, something they wouldn't get to do if they attended public/private school. Other middle school kids are going to dances and crying over break ups - my daughter is learning to manage the household, changing diapers and playing with her brothers - praise the Lord! We chose to shelter our children until we feel they are prepared and ready, spiritually and emotionally to deal with the outside world. Children are not spiritually mature enough to deal with temptations and pressures! If you think you can't teach your own children, or that your personalities clash, or you have to work for financial reasons etc. I have good news - God's grace is sufficient! Pray about it, move to a smaller house (we did), sell a car,etc. There is no bigger blessing than raising your own children and knowing that you/husband are feeding them spiritually and influencing them in the ways you choose to. There is no greater joy.....Cathy
Wow!
I have to say, I agree with much of what is being said. However, my main disagreement is with the premise that it is God's will for EVERYONE to homeschool.
That said, it is God's will that parents be completely in charge of their children's instruction and training. But I believe that parents can still be in charge of what their children learn, even if they are going to public/private school.
My parents were great examples of this. They looked through every textbook, lessons plan, etc. that I ever studied. They even worked with the principals of my school when the school was teaching evolution for me to learn the information - but on THEIR terms, not the teachers. As a result, I passed the test on evolution with higher grades than any of my classmates, but came away with an even stronger belief in creation than before.
This is just one example. I believe parents should be supported and strengthened to be in charge of their kids' eduction - no matter how they choose to educate them. If they are equipped to do this, then they can use the tools that God has provided (namely, other programs or people who care about their children) in order to accomplish theirs (and God's) goals for their children.
I'm not opposed to public/private schools, or homeschooling - I just don't want to have a cookie cutter, "everyone should do this"-type approach.
Well at least we can all agree to disagree:) As you can tell I am passionate about homeschooling and while I would certainly never make anyone feel guilty/inferior over not choosing to do it, I do always try to encourage/inform/and provide resources for anyone who will hold still to listen! Actually,I consider my degree a detriment to homeschooling. Becki, you and everyone else are completely qualified:) no one else can kiss a boo-boo, fix lunch, correct with love etc. like a mom/dad can. Academics really aren't that important. We are praying that our boys will learn as much life skills/hands on things while at home to be able to work for themselves (college is overrated and very liberal - different conversation altogether). As for our daughters, as crazy as it sounds, we want nothing more than for them to aspire to be a helpmeet to their husband and have all the blessings (children) that God wishes to give them. In our world that is very strange but it is biblical. I have had to take a long hard look lately at my attitude/purpose. I am not inferior to any man BUT I was not created to be a man - i was created to be a keeper at home. It is very freeing to realize that I don't have to earn a living in the corporate world, make all the decisions etc.that is my husbands job (again i would never put down any women who do). It is time for America to return to biblcal roles ( a pipe dream I know). Anyway, if anyone would like any info/further discussion on this please realize that our hearts and home are always open. I have tons of resources and would love to help anyone who's interested! You'd be amazed how kids will give up social activities, peers, school etc. to just have mom and dad! Cathy
I just caught up on the blogs. I know I still need to write a "catch ya up on recent events" email and I will soon but, for now, just a note.
I came off of the boat sick and then got back to work so I still feel like I am playing catch up.
I'll write you soon.
Love,
Kellie
If I may, I would caution those of you who feel strongly one way or the other about homeschooling. While I tend to agree with most, if not all, of the pro arguments, there is a very real danger you are flirting with. I'm talking about regarding your preferences as law. I say this, in all honesty, as a frequent victim of it. That is none other than pride. Please realize that not everyone is called by the Spirit to do the same things. All belivers should bear the fruit of the Spirit, but not all have the same gifts of the Spirit. For example, if Becki does not feel called to homeschool, because I know she does feel called to another ministry ('tho I don't know what that is), her obedience to ,that calling is what God is expecting; to do otherwise would not be the success that most of you seem to think it would be. Like a guy in my discipleship class said today : Don't open other people's mail. If we were all hands, the Body couldn't see or speak. If all eyes, the Body couldn't hear. I know how hard it is -- boy, do I! -- to reign yourself in when you see something as plain as day in God's plan for your life; but we all have to bear in mind that is God's plan for your life, not necessarily anyone else's. One person being called to homeschool, and another one not, is no different than one person being called to the ministry and another one not. Are any of us less blessed of God because we are ministering to our families before the families of others? Of course not. God expects and rewards obedience, not to the expectations or preferences of others, but to His direction. So again, I urge you to, as Christ, offer no condemnation for your brothers and sisters who answer their own calling, even when it's different from yours.
Brian
Wow, what a discussion! Enough to motivate me to get off my bottom and write my first post to my own blog:
www.tomsbigpicture.com
Homeschooling comments here:
http://www.tomsbigpicture.com/2006/10/01/why-homeschool-lets-be-practical/
Tom
Brian,
Thanks for your amazing comments. You summed up exactly what I was thinking!
Um, yes Brian, you will be less blessed if you put others before your own family. God did not call you, as a father, to sacrifice your children for the sake of the others. Have you not gained that from all of our talks over the years?
Shannon
Hey, Becki, it is amazing how little time it really takes to teach academics, but for older children it typically takes them several hours each day for school, at least the ones I know. But for preschool and young elementary a couple hours is all it takes for instruction - they may need more to complete their assignments. A major reason for our decision was when we saw how much time was wasted in a school setting because the teachers have to teach to all which means doing things over and over and over. When you are teaching one on one you know when that child has mastered a concept and you can tell when they require review. Homeschooling is not for all but one can not assume that a child is lacking educationally because 8 hours a day is not spent on what looks like education. Still, the character training is the biggest part of homeschooling, at least from the ones I know and respect. I can't imagine how hard I would have to work to undo what my kids would "learn" about character in the schools around here. I've heard stories from the elementaries. I don't want my kids to learn that from anyone but me. I will teach them God's way, not the world's way.
Shannon
That's what's great about America. Those who want to decide to homeschool, can. Those who decide on public or private school, can.
Besides, I donts thinks I wood bee to gud at teachin muh kids learnen 'n' stuff.
Wow! I leave the country and come home to THIS! My heart is racing . . . I know all of the pro-public school points - I used to spout them myself (light in the world, deal with the real world, "socialization," . . . the list goes on). For me, it is as simple as "God changed my heart." Does that mean He's going to change everyone who seeks Him on this issue? - I honestly don't know. Georgia, you knew me when my motto was "Carrie Hebert's flesh does not cry out, 'I WANT to homeschool.'" Now, I have to admit, I am actually excited about it! As far as our "reasons," there is not just one, but all the reasons (too many to list here) put together are hard for us to ignore. Our thinking was this: What are our goals? What type of adults do we want to send out into this world, and how can we best do that? No matter what goal we explored (we looked at about 4), homeschooling came up the best option. As far as the "light in the darkness" arguement (remember - I once held this belief), Scott and I believe that if we cultivate their "light" early on, they will have a brighter light when we send them into the world. Also, we would not send Ethan to Africa by himself next year (at 5) to be a missionary, but we might would take him WITH US to Mexico or an inner-city area of Houston when he's 11, let him go with a group of godly people when he's 17, etc. I'm sure you get my point. Well, this is why I don't have a blog . . . because I'm worried I'll lose friends over the issues I actually care about. Okay, I'm going to send it now before I chicken-out! Carrie
Well, I only found out about this topic today, and I hope you don't mind me reopening the issue, Georgia. But I just wanted to say what's on my mind, too.
Quote (Brian):
God expects and rewards obedience, not to the expectations or preferences of others, but to His direction. So again, I urge you to, as Christ, offer no condemnation for your brothers and sisters who answer their own calling, even when it's different from yours.
Exactly!!!! Well said.
We plan on homeschooling our children for most of the same reasons listed by everyone here.
That said, I honestly can't understand some of the comments made on this thread. If the purpose of homeschooling your children is to teach them the ways of Christ, then why do you use words that are so demeaning, condemning and unkind?
Why would you want another Christian to follow YOUR path instead of the path God places before them?
I worry that, as Christians (myself included), we get so excited and caught up in issues we truly believe in (like homeschooling) that we forget that WE are not the Creator. WE are not the Spirit. WE are not the Word of God. WE are not the ones who speak to the hearts of and create the paths for our fellow Christians.
I am a VERY strong proponent of homeschooling, but I hope that I never get to the point where I use my God-given knowledge on the subject to talk down to others. That is not my place nor will it ever be my place.
Nor is it yours.
Thank you for letting me leave my input as well Georgia. :)
I have to say the reason I choose not to homeschool has nothing to do with faith. I am a faithful person, although I do not go by the constraints of Christianity, or Catholism. I also want to direct a question to all of you who say that God says "all children must be home schooled". Isn't this just another way of spouting off the retoric that we say we are tired of our kids hearing at school? Public school is free, yes, and I believe the best option for my family AT THIS POINT. That is to say that I might change my mind sometime in the future, but my son, with me going to college full time working part time and being a single (yes I said single, folks) parent makes home schooling difficult if not impossible to achieve at best. Secondly, I don't have the money for private schooling or home schooling. Does this mean that I am going against Gods word? I think not. He loves us all the same, regaurdless of whether or not we choose to educate or home school our children. If you think that a child can get a better education at home, home school. If not, send them to private or public school.
Just a side note, but my son will not be a recluse shut away in the house with me all the time. I have much more pressing things to do than to cater to his every whim day and night. I have homework, work, and other pressing needs of running the household daily to attend to. He is not feeling left out. We still have plenty of time to play and be together without him being home all day long. Good luck to you people who think that it's God's will to always homeschool your children. Point me to a specific place in the Bible that says that public school (the New Testament) is for heathens or sinners or whatever it is you think those of us who don't home school. Thank you kindly and Bless you.
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