Posted in A lifestyle of learning - thoughts on education
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I just finished reading this part of a chapter in "The Successful Homeschool Family Handbook" by Raymond Moore, and I was so inspired and touched by it, that I had to type it out & share it with you! Apologies for any mistakes in the typing! I can type fast, but I make loads of mistakes ;-)
Love
Ang
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Running the Race with Endurance
As much as I glorify homeschool, I've very often been frustrated and wished for a virtuous way out. I do believe, however, that having formerly been a marathon runner has helped me to be mindful of the fact that the satisfaction is glorious at the end of a long grueling run. Unlike some marathon runners, I ran not to win but for the sheer satisfaction of completing twenty-six-and-
When I began homeschooling, I had a perfectly laid out plan for how it was supposed to be: how well behaved my two and five-year-olds were going to be as I taught the others, how enthusiastic the children were going to be with every new project I assigned, how orderly the house and household chores would be, how pleased family and friends would be.
Well, how many of us know the demand of undivided attention that toddlers and small children require? So I have learned to flexibly arrange my teaching schedule for the older children around the time I spend with the younger two. That has turned out to be much wiser. As far as the children's accepting every project I propose, I make concessions. I have a scientific background but know I can't force them to follow in my footsteps. So as long as some type of project is done regularly within a listed range of areas that exercise creativity as well as demand effort, I've learned to call a truce.
Trying to keep house has been a frustration. There is always that sublime worry that an unexpected and picky guest may arrive and condemn us, despite our lengthy explanations. I manage to rest at ease behind the fact that both God and my husband understand. And as for my family, God bless them. They've seen the incredible results. Yet the constant subtle as well as outright insinuations that we are denying the poor little darlings a chance to experience life as other children do eventually seep into their circle and caused confusion - sometimes serious conflict.
There there's that unsupportive church circle: "How dare you imply that our church school can't offer the best possible education available?" Some even report you to authorities and attempt to have you locked up. We faced this in Texas, Pennsylvania, and Alabama.
So why persist against the odds? What kind of person are you? If your marriage is troubled, do you leave or try to work it out? If you run a race, do you quit when the cramps start shooting or just keep on moving at a slower stride? How deep is your conviction, how ephemeral your purpose in the midst of difficulty?
Who are life's winners? In my opinion, those who hang in there through good and bad times. Total burnout does not occur because there is no terminal verdict for those who understand that boredom, frustration, exhaustion, and mini-failures are but facets, not an end within themselves, to so many of life's ventures. School, marriage, sports, and careers all have low points in which many are tempted to quit. I can't overstate the need to be flexible, to regroup if necessary, or to change speed while keeping your goal.
Most fundamentally, who or what is your motivator? Why do you homeschool your children?? God is my motivator, my lamp, the One who convicted me with this mandate for change. I homeschool, for it is better spiritually, socially, and academically. But when God guides our convictions, only He tells us when to quit. Better academics and socialization are just by-products of a very critical task He has endowed us with. I personally cannot separate my homeschool stand from Him, the Source of my strength and blessings.
Seeking Results, not Perfection
What about the quality of our homeschool? Can we expect a perfect school in an imperfect home? I’m sure all those who pursue homeschooling see a certain level of excellence above and beyond alternative schooling available for our children. But suppose my child really has organic brain damage? Or is seriously emotionally disturbed? Suppose our home/family life is troubled or broken? Suppose I can afford very little teaching material? Suppose it seems that I, their teacher, am just too inadequate. Many families I have talked to about the option of a home school have brushed away its feasibility, claiming that my family’s success was due to learning situations and educational background. How wrong they were, in my mind anyway. Being well educated in many areas is nice, but that’s all. The amount of education is not the key. Insurmountable statistics accrue to verify that. There’s a certain very special something that makes a good teacher. That special something is a spiritual quality, a firmness of character, and lies latently available to be used by any and all parents if they so choose. Love is basic in all this. What patience, an understanding heart, compassionate acknowledgments, and, yes, that very necessary discipline can do cannot be surpassed by degrees and certificates. Whenever I’m troubled, I remember: if there’s difficulty, even tough difficulty, the God who made and knows every star by name and purpose is capable of assisting me. I don’t expect perfection – I don’t know what it is anyway. I seek results and am flexible with that. When I think homeschool is just too frustrating, I am reminded of our family’s first graduate. I marvel at the happiness, hope and balance now in my daughter’s life. I am amazed at the direction she’s choosing. She feels it is largely due to her homeschool background, and so do I. To appreciate my amazement, you must understand that much of time in our early years she had put up a big fight against homeschool, and was only minimally cooperative. We are now in our second year of living in a cramped pioneer-style cabin in a remote area of Building a house from scratch from rough cut lumber, living without running water, doing constant emergency patchwork, baling hay, defending oneself against poisonous plants, snakes, and insects on a daily basis suggest just some of the ways our educational goals had to change. And we’re learning that even if you follow all the rules of the book, whatever book, you’re still not exempt from trauma that can shake your very foundation. Sometimes, perhaps devoid of proper spiritual Armour, I am tempted to feel that a conviction to homeschool is a mistake. But I seek discernment, look toward the glory at the end of the run, and prayerfully remember who can fight for us. And friends are always there, delighted at the gifted children God – and home teaching – have given us
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