God's Measuring Stick

In reply to those darn Iowa tests http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/3goodkids/5459/... I have never given my four children (19 to 6) a test of any kind. I am thankful (beyond words) to live in a state that doesn't require testing. If the state of Illinois did, I'm afraid I'd have to move.  

     My eldest daughter Claire, age 19 (a staff writer for TOS) is gifted in the areas of writing, music, and working with kids with special needs. My son Eric, age 14 is a whiz at figuring out computer programs, writing, singing, and guitar. These are just some of the areas that they are passionate about.  
    You’ve probably heard the saying "jack of all trades, master of none." Covering all the bases and making our children jump through the world's hoops will only leave them empty or frustrated. I think that's why so many kids still don't know what they want to do when they “grow up”. It's exhausting and a real creativity robber to have to measure up to the world’s criteria. Attaining God's wisdom and knowledge is so less burdensome and so much more productive. 
    You really have to figure out what your definition of education is, and even what your definition of success is. In my opinion home education should be about building relationships with the Lord and family members. The longer I home educate, the more I don't want anything I do to look like the public school system. I don't say that pridefully. I just don't make their way of doing it my goal. They have failed, and are failing. Real education touches a child's heart. The public school system can't even come close to what God had in mind when He put a desire in each one of us for learning.
     As far as play goes, it can be so educational. Your children are only little for such a short time. You don’t have to rush them. Have you read Susan S. MacAulay's book, For The Children's Sake? She talks about the benefits of play. If you wrote down what occurs in your children's play from day to day, you would be amazed at how much they know. And if you play with them you can teach them all kinds of life skills, and they won't even know they're being educated.
    I know home education looks different in the “testing states.” I’m not addressing that right now. What I want to stress is that the freedom to educate our children to grow in their giftings does not fit well with standardized testing (thus the tears). “For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselvs by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise." ~ 2Cr 10:12. The tests of life are the real character builders (God growing our children in grace and truth). We can't educate our children by faith if we’re constantly comparing ourselves or submitting to “Egypt’s" rules and regulations. If you have been set free, stay free...don't look back to Egypt’s vegetable garden. It’s produce will only rot in your mouth!
     The homeschool high school years are so incredible because all the seeds that you have planted in your children while they’re young, along with what the Lord is doing through trials, testings, and circumstances, finally come to fruition. You see the result of only what He could do and it leaves you in awe.
    I know the Lord showed you the futility of taking that test when you didn’t have to. You are a great teacher and on the right track. Your heart for God, being home for your children, your hugs and kisses, your warm mommy lap, and the couch time you give your kids whenever you read them a book are all the credentials you’ll ever need. Keep up the good work!

I have to go now. My son wants to blog and my little girls have been waiting for me to play store with them.    

All Material Copyright © 2005

Jill Novak
All Rights Reserved

3:34 PM - Jul. 5, 2005 - post comment

Tag you are it!

questions on my July 5th post.
Have a blessed Day!

MommytotheSellerschildren - 3:42 PM - Jul. 5, 2005

Your are very right!

I agree with you on what "education" really should be. I recently read When You Rise Up by R.C. Sproul Jr. That book said very similar things to what you are saying. Thank you for sharing and I look forward to reading more of your blogs :). I am going to put you on my friends list OK?

~Tara~

tnschaffer - 3:47 PM - Jul. 5, 2005

What a beautiful post!

Susan Schaeffer Macauley's book really changed my perspective on not just homeschooling, but parenting! I wish I'd have read her book before my children were born rather than when they were almost grown!
You are so right about not comparing ourselves to the public school system which is failing! That was such a hard mindset for me to let go of.
Thanks again for such a beautiful post!

takingthechallenge - 10:10 AM - Sep. 29, 2005

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