I've heard this phrase many times before - usually from wonderful mentors that have 'been there and done that'. I've come to find myself even quoting these words to friends. . . especially since becoming a mom.
I've also learned that when I use the term 'never' on a grander scale, that seems to be the exact thing the Lord is calling me to do. Excuses of "It's too big, God", "I'm unqualified", "I'm scared", or "I just don't want to" rise to the surface, but the Lord keeps prompting, encouraging, and teaching. This has never (ha!) been more evident than over the past few months with regards to a new adventure for our family.
Drumroll please. . .
We're HOMESCHOOLING! Yes, you heard me right. A few of you are doubling over with laughter or picking up your jaw from the floor this very moment because you know how the Lord has changed my heart towards this journey. Being a public school teacher of first graders for six years, I always said "I will never homeschool". I saw so many children that were 'homeschooled' during kindergarten and then came to me without any skills (academically or socially) once mama found out she actually had to put forth some effort if she was going to teach at home. I know that sounds cruel, but that was the extent of my homeschool knowledge.
A few other reasons I said I'd NEVER homeschool were:
* I LOVED my job. Working in the public arena gave me the opportunity to reach children with the love of Jesus Christ that needed his touch so desperately. I knew I would stay at home with our child (children) when we started a family, but never ventured into 'homeschool' territory.
* I did not want to be both mom and teacher - too hard to change 'hats' during the day
* I love things organized and neat - type A personality to a tee. How in the world would I manage a school at home and keep my sanity?
* I'm selfish. If I homeschool that means I have no time for ME! The kid(s) will be with me 24/7.
* My kids will be 'weird'. I imagined textbook knowledge geeks with no real social skills in denim dresses and slacks (okay, I'm over-exaggerating but you get my point)
* What will my friends, family, and colleagues think after seeing my passion for Christians/Christian families in the public school setting?
I first began to roll around the idea of homeschooling when Cole turned two. It's amazing how these little blessings can change our hearts, isn't it? I began to realize how quickly the time passes and how he won't be my baby forever. The Lord has entrusted this sweet boy to Michael and I to nurture and teach so that he can find TRUE love and joy in Jesus Christ and pass the Gospel message to generations that follow.
As I began to pray about the possibility of schooling at home, the Lord began to affirm this petition with his Word, people, TV shows, other blogs, etc. Dear friends were being used to encourage my heart and they didn't even know it :)
From the recommendation of a friend, I checked out the book "So You're Thinking About Homeschooling" by Lisa Whelchel (Blair from the The Facts of Life tv show). I read the first chapter and was hooked. It's an easy, fun read that takes you through the day of fifteen different homeschool families - GREAT BOOK that I encourage everyone to read! This was the final confirmation I needed that homeschooling was what the Lord wanted Michael and I to do for our family.
Although I still have some of the above mentioned fears/hang-ups about homeschooling, here are a few things I realized as I prayed...
* Michael and I want Cole to be immersed in the Word daily and receive his education through a Biblical perspective - without the cost of private schools.
* We want to monitor what comes in and out of our home and what our child is exposed to. Although Cole will one day take the world by storm on his own, we want him to have the truths and foundations to stand firm in his faith.
* Being mom and teacher down the road is really no different than what I've been doing these past three years. We teach our children to eat/drink correctly, use manners, tie shoes, play pretend, and help them explore this great world as they grow. Math, reading, science, and history really aren't that different.
* There is no ONE way to homeschool. The curriculum choices are endless and resources are readily available.
* No one knows my child better than I do. This was huge as I recounted many nights at home while teaching, struggling to find a way to reach all 21 of my students and make a lesson fit each need. I tried to keep the gifted child interested, help the average child reach their goals, and encourage the struggling child to do their best. With homeschooling, I can do what works best for us and tailor 'school' to best fit my child's needs. I can give my child the individualized time, teaching, and learning tools they need.
* Socialization really is a non-issue. When I think back to my public school days, the kids are told to keep quiet for the most part in the classroom setting, whisper and hurriedly eat lunch, and social cliques are already established on the playground by second grade. Every homeschooler I've talked to and read about says the problem was too much socialization - ha!. Between music lessons, sports, church, afternoon activities, and homeschool co-op/programs, the opportunities are endless.
* I'm falling more in love with this sweet little boy everyday. The thought of being away from him 6-7 hours everyday pained my heart. Time goes by too quickly and there will come a day when it will be time for him to spread his wings and fly. For now, I'll hold him close and treasure every moment. It's amazing how selfishness can wane when looking at the grand scheme - there will be plenty of time for me down the road.
* I don't have to worry about what other people think. Homeschooling isn't for everyone - I'm a firm believer in supporting our public/private schools and Christian teachers/students being a light in dark places. This just happens to be what the Lord has called our family to do.
* Homeschooling gives our family the chance to enjoy life and learn from it at our own pace - not just from textbooks and annual field trips. I remember many times finding a wonderful activity and thinking, "how am I going to do this with 21 children?". Or wanting to spend an entire day on a subject (instead of the alloted 30 min. during the day) but being worried about test scores, evaluations, and parent/teacher opinions.
* We will commit to homeschooling one year at a time. If ever the Lord prompts us towards other avenues, we will be ready to follow.
These are just a few ways the Lord has pricked my heart and changed my attitude towards the homeschooling world. It's also amazing how He will equip us for what He asks us to do. In just the past week alone, I've learned of three more friends that will be homeschooling their child(ren) in the future. Looks like a support group/co-op is in the making! Who wants to join us?!
I still have three years before Cole will be in kindergarten, but I'm anxious to learn all that I can until then. I've actually started doing about 30 min. of 'school' 3-4 times a week where we learn new words (we've done color words, number words, and are now working on sight words - he's mastered and, the, and you!), cut, color, read, build, and use 'play' concepts to master new skills. We both love it and Cole usually asks for more :)
Since I'm a newbie on this adventure, I welcome any advice you current homeschoolers can give. . . curriculum, to-dos, not-to-dos, etc. I may even begin a blog specific to this journey to record all that I'm learning (then print it all for my own reference - ha!). I'm excited to see how the Lord uses this endeavor in our family and changes all of us for His Glory.
Learning from Him,
Adrian
