|
I have been homeschooling for 9 years now. You would think that with all the curriculum I have sampled that I would be an expert by now. Unfortunately, I am realizing that I am in the learning stages myself. My oldest is in 9th grade, and is very adamant about going to college on a scholarship. I have not been the best homeschool mom, I admit that there are days when I just shove the books and assignment tracking page in front of her and tell her to check off each lesson as it is completed. There are days when I get so distracted by my preschooler and my hubby's business that I don't even sit down to read to any of my kids. I have tried to use unit studies that would incorporate all of the kids, I have tried the traditional textbook approach, I have even tried unschooling (oh horror)! In all of these trials, the only method that is successful is one that is devoted and bathed in prayer to God, who has more than my agenda in His plans.. He has each one of my children in His hands as well. I posted a prayer request to a group about my struggles with homeschooling a bright but lazy teenager, and how I was feeling that maybe my homeschool journey was over. I am copying a portion of a response that I found really wise. First, I would *write down* why you started to homeschool. If it was any other reason than you felt it was a Bibical mandate, you are free to consider wheather your homeschool journey is over.
If, however, you see it as a Bibical mandate to you, you need to persevere. While our circumstances differ, you know we have our hurdles with special needs, large family, etc. I would be happy to "talk" with you and let you in on some things that have helped...and some things that haven't.
Ultimately, you are training disciples for Christ. His training program at the moment for them (and you?) may be more character issues than academic performance. Then again, maybe it is the academics. I know it doesn't sound like it, but really I believe this is between you and your Lord. I will pray for you and encourage you the best I can no matter what you decide.
If you send the children to school, in some ways your job will be much harder. You may spend alot of time advocating, dealing with the school over the anger/academic issues, dealing with the social issues, expenses that you don't have now like activities and different clothing, lunches, etc.
Whatever you do, persevere. Decide because you know it's right before your loving Lord. Persevere in your character training and relationship development. Don't send them to school if you see yourself "failing" at homeschool. If it's just that, you may be on the brink of progress....it's the darkest just before dawn!
Here is a song and cartoon by the way of encouragement.
Click on the earphones by "Walk in the Dark"...it's carried me through much
|
Comments
|
|
|
|
|
Posted by