When homeschool moms sit down to think about what they want their children to learn in the upcoming school year, they often find their judgement clouded by public school scopes and sequences, requirements and standards. It’s as if we are unable to think on our own without the input of governmental charts and goals. We find our decisions muddied by the “what-ifs” – “What if I don’t get all the requirements in the right order?” – “What if they don’t do well on THE test?” – “What if I missed something?”
But, WHAT IF they are wrong?
What if our society needs outside-the-box thinkers?
What if our cities need responsible citizens?
What if our nation needs people who hunger for wisdom, and are willing to pursue it with passion?
What if standardization squashes the human intellect in favor of assembly line automatons – no one unique, no one passionate, no one taking responsibility, no one caring.
But, what if this year, YOU set the standards for YOUR child? What if this year, you homeschooled with their passions in mind? What if this year, you stopped worrying about requirements and tests, and focused on thoughtful discussions, well-written books, an appetite for learning, and the satisfaction of subjects mastered, or at the very least, subdued?
What if this year, you stopped filling buckets, and instead lit fires?
What would that look like?
My challenge for you as you begin to plan this next year is to not be afraid of setting standards for your homeschool that honor the individuality of your child and the God who created them while honoring the family God put your child in and family he’s molding you into. Take time out this week to plead with the Lord to show you the fires He wants you to light, the focus He wants you to take, the JOY He wants to bring back to your homeschool and your child’s education.
“Train up a child in the way he should go;
even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
Psalm 22:6
Resources I highly recommend to help you set these kinds of standards
for your homeschool:
Homeschooling with Purpose
(will help you stay focused in your homeschooling)
Homeschooling with Purpose eBook
Also available on Kindle here!
- Are you wanting to start homeschooling, but feel overwhelmed by all the choices?
- Do you currently homeschool, but feel like you are doing a disastrous job?
- Are you a veteran homeschooler, but feel…
Homeschooling Made Simple
(will give you the confidence to keep your homeschool simple and joy-filled)
Kersten says
I. Love. This. Post. That is all. Thank you.
Susan says
Proverbs 22:6
Valerie says
Oh how I love this! Oh how it speaks to the longing within! Love it! Love it! Love it!
Sarah DICKISON says
I’ve been using Lifepacs since the very beginning. We’re approaching our 10th year of homeschool. The boxed curriculum that I use makes me feel secure in knowing I’m “teaching” them the standard information they will need when they grow up. But, it creates anxiety and regret in me to know that there’s so many more important things for them to learn in this life both now and when they are grown. I’m disappointed in myself for staying in the box and not heeding to this longing I have. To take charge of their education and redirect it toward the things that I think Jesus would truly have them to know. I love our curriculum. However, I pray that one of these days I will gather the courage to put it away and try what’s really on my heart for my children.
Amy says
OR…use your curriculum, but own it rather than it owning you. You can use just about ANY curriculum if you make it work FOR you. I know Lifepacs are a very “box” curriculum, BUT even just taking the box outside could change your entire perception! What about adding in little tidbits here and there, talking more, slowing down as needed, and taking the time to gather your children next to you and read aloud from something not in the curriculum? All of these things are easy, doable pieces of mothering that will greatly expand your homeschooling without throwing out all the comfort the box gives you. 🙂
Sarah DICKISON says
What a great encouragement! I didn’t realize just how much more I’m actually doing with them, until you said it that way. Thank you !