September isn't an easy time for home educators. Conversations, both in real life and on Facebook, become filled with new schools, uniform and Mum's coffee mornings. Schools sound wonderful academically and even spiritually. Every school seems to have an outstanding OFSTED report and to be a lovely Church of England school, usually with a godly headteacher.
There always seem to be a fair few parents who wondered about home education who decide that their child is going to school. This does pinpoint that we are on a quieter route.
As home educators, it is easy to feel inadequate spiritually and academically. Yes, and what is more that is probably true. None of us is sufficient of ourselves. God is our sufficiency.
If we are taking this less trodden road because it is our conviction that this is how we should bring up a child in the nuture and admonition of the Lord then our duty is to be faithful. God has promised to give wisdom to those who ask.
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Of course, we need to provide the best possible education. It is easy to be overwhelmed by all the possibilities. If you are a new Christian home educator, then start with Bible, English and maths and build out. It is easy to be thrown by home educators whose children are taking maths GCSE aged 7 or by concerns about whether you should provide DT. Do the basics first and remember that you are doing this to the Lord and not to man.
Home educators need encouragement so we shouldn't forget to meet up with others either formally or informally. The best ideas usually come from other home educating parents. School ideas may not work at home.
Enjoy the children. Enjoy being able to take them outside when everyone else is in school.
Enjoy being able to go to museums and on trips when they are not full of families on school holidays.
Enjoy seeing the children when they aren't over tired.
Enjoy not having to get tired children to do home work.
Enjoy seeing the children learn and talking to them about what the Lord has done.
Bless the Lord, O my soul and let all that is within me bless His holy name.
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There always seem to be a fair few parents who wondered about home education who decide that their child is going to school. This does pinpoint that we are on a quieter route.
As home educators, it is easy to feel inadequate spiritually and academically. Yes, and what is more that is probably true. None of us is sufficient of ourselves. God is our sufficiency.
If we are taking this less trodden road because it is our conviction that this is how we should bring up a child in the nuture and admonition of the Lord then our duty is to be faithful. God has promised to give wisdom to those who ask.
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
James 1 v 5
This is the time to go back to basics. This is the time to revisit why we home educate. One of the best things that we were advised was to write this down.Of course, we need to provide the best possible education. It is easy to be overwhelmed by all the possibilities. If you are a new Christian home educator, then start with Bible, English and maths and build out. It is easy to be thrown by home educators whose children are taking maths GCSE aged 7 or by concerns about whether you should provide DT. Do the basics first and remember that you are doing this to the Lord and not to man.
Home educators need encouragement so we shouldn't forget to meet up with others either formally or informally. The best ideas usually come from other home educating parents. School ideas may not work at home.
Enjoy the children. Enjoy being able to take them outside when everyone else is in school.
Enjoy not having to get tired children to do home work.
Enjoy seeing the children learn and talking to them about what the Lord has done.
Bless the Lord, O my soul and let all that is within me bless His holy name.
Psalm 103 v1
Thank you. September and Christmas are my biggest doubting times.
ReplyDeleteYes, I think that the glitzy bits of school can make us worry. Perhaps, we should also remember that man looks on the outward appearance but the Lord looks on the heart.
DeleteGreat post, thanks.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I found your post, today, a useful reminder of where we need to go for help.
Delete