I'm starting to think about the new school year coming up more and more. I have some things planned out to use or do. In thinking about the next year, I decided that more and more I need to begin my planning time by spending some time in prayer about how God wants my schooling to look this year. I want to start with important goals and then work from there with the planning.
To do this, I'm planning on praying about each child and writing out specific goals for the coming year. I want to ask for God's wisdom on what is important to teach them - what they need to learn. I want to focus not entirely on academics, but on all areas of life that are important as they grow. Not only is it necessary from them to learn their math or improve in reading, but character issues, their relationship with God, their knowledge and love for the Bible, their love for others and serving are so important! Homeschooling isn't just teaching our children school, but teaching them good attitudes, knowledge, and character. It's about raising them to be the person God wants them to be.
As I determine what is important for each child to learn this year, I will then pray about the specifics on how to carry this out. Will I be teaching some kids individually or will they be working independently. What will all the other children be doing during these times? I have used Managers of Their Chores by Terri Maxwell for great help in figuring out how to carry out these goals. Ultimately God will suplly the wisdom for how to carry out what he calls us to do!
Then it's a matter of carrying it out. This can be the hardest part! Sometimes there are certain things that are importan, but easily forgotten or left out in laziness. I need to be dilligently in teaching and training all areas that the Lord guides me to teach. I'm hoping to ease into certain routines over the end of the summertime. For example, I'm thinking of having some school happen with all the kids in the same room together. To do this, I will need to train the preschoolers / toddler / baby in how to be occupied quietly for a period of time using different activities. In practicing this during the summer before we really "start school" it will be less frustrating when shool does start because they'll already be trained in how to behave at this time.
So, as we get ready for the next year, may we receive all wisdom and guidance from God who knows us and our children better than anyone else. He will guide us in his ways for our families! |
