With only a few weeks until we launch back into our school routine, I thought it might be encouraging to myself and others if I wrote down some goals/guidelines for our homeschool. These are not all original. They are ideas I've adopted as my own over the years. They will not be expressed perfectly in my homeschool. But they are the desire of my heart for this year.
- Make it a priority to have regular time in the Word before the day begins, before the computer comes on, before I even start a load of clothes. (But not before I make coffee.
 ) I must honor Him first and ask Him to give me the desire and power to do what pleases Him before each day starts. Otherwise, it is not pretty!
- Respect my husband. Ask him how to pray for him each day. Ask him for ideas about how to be his helpmeet each day. And then do it!
- Get my kids up at a scheduled time. This will be a big change this year. In the past, it has not been a priority. I am feeling led to be a little more careful with our time this year, making the most of each day. I only have a few years left with my oldest. I must be purposeful.
- Guard our school day hours: no computer, no phone calls, don't let household tasks interfere, use school time for school (appointments, errands,well-meaning friends). There will be time for all of these things after school.
- "Inspect what I expect." This is a quote from my dear husband. I must be willing to do some follow up and hold my kids accountable. In the past, I've let this slide in the name of comfort. That is teaching my kids slothfulness. We will be doing chores every morning and afternoon.
These are just some of the things that have been on my heart that I am praying for our next school year. I hope reading them will be a blessing and encourage you.
~Jenn
The Teacher
by Leslie Pinckney Hill (1880-1960)
LORD, who am I to teach the way
To little children day by day,
So prone myself to go astray?
I teach KNOWLDEGE, but I know
How faint they flicker and how low
The candles of my knowledge glow.
I teach them POWER to will and do,
But only now to learn anew
My own great weakness through
and through.
I teach them LOVE for all mankind
And all God's creatures, but I find
My love comes lagging far behind.
Lord, if their guide I still must be,
Oh let the little children see
The teacher leaning hard on Thee.
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