When we first embarked on this homeschooling odyssey, I bought lots of maps and consulted with fellow travellers.  I soon realized my family's journey was unique, and I did not necessarily want to jump on the wagon trail.

The corporate world realizes the value of vision statements.  I worked in an organization which created a corporate vision statement.  It gave all the employees a common understanding of organizational goals and defined the overall purpose of their individual contribution.

Developing a family vision statement .... or in my case, a paragraph, requires one to reflect on core family  values.  What is your vision for your family?  Think long term .... what legacy do you want your children to pass onto THEIR children?  Choosing action verbs in stating core values, creates an overall implementation plan.

I cannot claim any expertise in this area, but putting a pen to paper is a starting point.  Here are the notes we jotted down 10 years ago ...... they have served us well in guiding our path on this journey:

As education is largely accomplished by imitation, exposing our children to the greatest works of literature, art, music, and persons of virtue and accomplishment throughout the history of western civilization, will train their minds, souls and will to be great. We have chosen to homeschool to encourage our children to both know and love what have been the greatest achievements of civilization and to understand the unity underlying them; a unity that leads back to one loving, merciful God of all. We endeavor to provide a discovery-based, literate and enthusiastic environment where lifelong learning become self-initiated and self-fulfilling. As children of God we will strive always to know, love and serve God through discovering God's gifts to us and sharing our God-given gifts with others.

Our core values are  based on our core canon, The Holy Bible.  In  A Thomas Jefferson Education, the author DeMille, argues the importance of a core canon.   A basic TJEd  principle  is to  know and live out your core canon .... putting this concept into words is the essence of creating a vision statement.

We created our vision statement long before hearing about A Thomas Jefferson Education .   Whatever your educational philosophy, a vision statement is so helpful .... it is a customized map for the journey.  Do you have a family vision statement?  I challenge you to work on one over the next few days.   Once you've formulated your statement post your Vision Statement on your blog, add your link here.   Taking this initiative will be helpful on your own family's journey and for those who need to find their own compass.

Grab this button for your blog entry!   Add your entry's url address to Mr. Linkey below so you can share your Vision Statement with others.

Related Tags: A Thomas Jefferson Education, vision statement, mission, family, education

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Posted by skoogzoo

Thanks for inviting me. I am always learning and trying to inspire. These latest posts were essays I presented to the kids a while ago. I'm always hoping for fanfare from the family. HA! It's usually more like <big yawn> "can we go now". Now they are wondering what I posted that warrented an invite. <giggle> See "Our crazy year..." to learn how my mom inspired me. Sometimes pay back takes a loooooong time! But it is worth it! Now with Dad home from work our vision is developing some interesting turns... stay tuned!

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Posted by Redbud

May we just use yours? lol

Sherry
http://redbudslane.blogspot.com

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Posted by Crimson Wife

I didn't specifically call it a "vision statement" but the first 3 paragraphs of my post here work as one:
http://bendingthetwigs.blogspot.com/2007/03/our-educational-philosophy.html

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Posted by Anonymous

I've finally gotten my vision statement together, inspired initially by your request. Thanks!

Barbie
www.mixednutts.wordpress.com

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