Homeschool FAQ

With September in full swing and Labor Day behind us now, I thought it might be interesting to post some frequently asked questions (and answers) regarding our family’s homeschooling objectives and schedule.

Q.  So, when did you start school for the girls?

A.  Well, we never stopped.  We did “something” all summer. Albeit, it was on a very laid back schedule, which actually worked out great for us!  The summer state of mind gave me a greater appreciation for simplicity.

Q.  Are you, Hailey, and Shannon still doing a co-op with your kids?

A.  We decided in April that co-op (as we knew it) would be over.  We felt it was time to move on to what works best for our individual family’s routine, schedule and preferences.  It was such a blessing while it lasted though! 

Q.  Do you belong to any homeschooling groups or charters?

A.  No.  We choose not to participate in our state’s charter program (If you’d like to know why, just ask.  I’d be happy to share our reasons).  We do meet with other homeschooling families at least once a month for a field trip.  These are our friends, not a formal, organized group of any kind.  In addition, Shannon will be hosting a monthly “class” at her house for our kids, as well as for Hailey’s kids.  These classes will feature either cooking or creative arts.  Rather than drop our kids off (like we did before with co-op), we plan on staying together and sharing in fun and fellowship.

Q.  What curriculum are you using for the girls? 

A.  We mainly use Sonlight for our readers and supplement with many other fun and interesting books along the way.  We typically fill our days with art, science projects, cooking, and learning about people, places, and history.  Basically anything and everything that sparks our interests.  On purpose, we don’t do any formal math or writing.  At this age, we believe these subjects are better left to naturally occurring and organic life moments.

Q.  So let me get this straight… you aren’t teaching math or writing? 

A.  That’s correct.  We don’t plan to introduce formal math or formal writing until about 7 or 8 years old.  We’ve done enough research to know that children who learn later, often retain, enjoy, and master the skill set for life.  They go on to be excellent readers, writers, and problem solvers.  Besides, at this point, the girls are well beyond what the state requires for Kinder students.  

Q.  So what do you do all day?  

A.  Morgan and I have intentionally committed these formidable years to teaching  and training  our children in something more valuable than academia… character and obedience.  We believe that nothing worthwhile can be harvested for the long haul, unless the core foundation takes root first.  Therefore, in our home, LIFE becomes the greatest classroom.  We often find teaching moments throughout the day, in any given situation, time, or place.  It could be while playing a game, reading a book, cleaning, cooking, fixing something, running an errand, or doing laundry.  It’s about being intentional.  Our days are filled with as much family time as we can muster.  We no longer have formal school days where we sit down and fill out worksheets.  In their little world, life is school and everything is educational.         

Q.  Does anyone ever stop you to ask why your children are not in school? 

A.  Yes, especially in the last two weeks.  People have stopped to ask me (or the girls directly) if they’re supposed to be in school (and not at the grocery store at 10 or 11 in the morning).  The girls kindly explain that they are homeschooled and the person is usually delighted by their ability to articulate, as well as their good manners. 

Each state has its own legislation on homeschooling and we diligently abide my ours.  

Q.  Are the girls involved in any extra-curricular activities?

A.  Not at the moment.  We took the summer off from gymnastics and golf.  Golf will start back up on Saturdays in October(once the desert heat subsides) and we’re still undecided about returning to gymnastics.  Other than that, we will be attending Community Bible Study (CBS) at the end of this month.  It’s on Thursday mornings and the girls absolutely enjoy it.  Mama does, too.  I’m learning that a life of intentional simplicity is more fulfilling to the soul.   

I have no desire to chauffeur my children from here to there at this age.  There’s nothing more precious than being content at home.  And thankfully, my kids adore being at home.  It’s their favorite place to be!  In fact, I could probably take a lesson or two from them.

Q. What about socialization?

A. Kids in traditional school are constrained by time, peer group, and location.  Homeschooling removes those constraints. Creating an educational setting that works for our family is part of the discovery and journey of homeschooling.  It takes place in the actual world, not in the isolation of a classroom setting.  Our kids are thriving in a more diverse social context, giving them the chance to interact with people of all ages and all walks of life.

My kids love people-  they’re talkative, they’re friendly, and they’re social.  That’s the kind of “real world” socialization we’re practicing.

Q.  Do you plan on homeschooling all the way through high school?

A.  We get this question a lot, every year in fact.  Our plan is to do it as long as the Lord leads us to.  At the moment, we feel like He may have a long-term plan for us but we are not naïve enough to plan out the next 10+ years without frequent prayer, guidance, and discernment from the Lord.         

Q.  Do you find it difficult to homeschool and be with your kids 24/7? 

A.  Yes and no.  Yes for all the normal reasons, I suppose.  No, because much like having twins, that’s the only thing I know.  My children are on loan for a relatively short period of time.  There has never been a day where I felt like I just needed to get away.  I’d rather have my family together, at home, more than anywhere else- well, except maybe on vacation together.

That’s not to say, I don’t have difficult days.  I have my share- like anyone else who’s trying to live out her calling and do the best she can for her family.  Whether you choose to homeschool or not,  intentional parenting is not for the faint of heart, or the self-centered.  Everyday, we learn to surrender; to die a little more to ourselves, and to accept the goodness and gift of God’s mercy and grace.  Some days are harder than others.  But in the process, God opens our eyes (and our hearts) to the gift of not only being able to homeschool, but simply the amazing gift of being a parent. 

I embrace my calling wholeheartedly.  I truly believe, that, in and of itself, is a gift!

Q.  What has been your greatest challenge about homeschooling thus far? 

A.  Letting go of all my previous notions and ideals regarding “school” (as I knew it).  It’s taken me some time to change my thinking, my expectations, and my heart when it comes to doing what’s best for my children, both mentally and spiritually.  Homeschooling turns education inside out.  I’ve come to a place where I can truly embrace that, own it, and then begin to carve out our own unique path, with confidence. 

Homeschooling has also allowed me to better understand that one of my daughters learns in a way that’s very different from me.  What may seem logical to me, isn’t always the case for her.  At first, I allowed this to challenge me to no end.  Today, I wouldn’t change it for anything.  Through homeschooling, I’ve learned more about her, more about me, more about my weaknesses, and her strengths.  It’s brought us closer as a family and ultimately, closer to my Lord and Savior, whom I depend on for extra doses of grace and guidance. 

Q.  What has been the most surprising thing about homeschooling?  

A.  Probably the fact that although there can be challenges, I find great joy and peace in this way of life.  It’s funny, homeschooling looks nothing like what I thought it was going to when we first began- at least not now.  Whether we choose to educate our children at home or send them elsewhere, education will be taught and learned, one way or another.  But how it’s taught, how it’s inspired, and how we think about the world around us- that’s part of the beauty of teaching our own.  The closeness we share as a family is priceless.  We not only get the gift of discovery and freedom, we get the gift of time.  Time together, in a world where most of us are eager to find more time for ourselves and hand over our young children to the care, teaching, and ideals of someone else. 

Through this journey, I’ve learned more about my husband, my kids (of course), and perhaps most surprising, I’ve learned more about myself.  My children have seen me at my worst and they’ve seen me at my best.  And honestly,  homeschooling has brought out some of that.  But more importantly, they’ve seen my dependence on the Lord and heard me cry out to God when I needed Him most.  If I leave nothing else, I pray that alone, will speak volumes into their future.

Q.  How do you keep focused on the big picture?       

A.  I pray.  I seek wise counsel.  I turn to God’s unfailing Word.  I also try to tune out the noise.  By noise, I mean too much information.  In my short experience with homeschooling, I found it best to access my own family’s needs and desires.  Then pray for the courage to carry that through.  Comparison can be the thief of joy.  Besides, there is no such thing as a cookie cutter homeschooling family.   

As I encounter more and more parents who have successfully homeschooled their children all the way through the high school years, I hear a resounding and assuring theme…

“Stop worrying.”
“Enjoy this time of teaching your children.”
“You can’t mess this up–they will succeed, in spite of you!”

These snippets of wisdom from those who have gone before me, remind me to slow down, look around, to take time to enjoy this amazing journey, and to truly find the joy that each day brings.

Therefore, to me, homeschooling is more about the ride, rather than the destination.  I truly want to enjoy this ride I’m on.  Before I know it,  this ride will be over–I’ll have met the destination face to face. And while I’m certain there will be joy in that moment, I know it will also be bittersweet.

Q.  If there’s one thing you could say to someone who’s thinking about homeschooling, what would it be?

A.  That even if you only end up doing it for one year, it will be the year in which you learned the most about yourself and your child.  It’s a process from the very beginning… a discovery to the heart (if you’re willing to let it be).  You will never regret the time invested in your child during these precious years.  You will never look back and wish you had spent more time doing anything else.