Homeschooling to the Glory of God

This time last year I was anxiously preparing for my first official year of homeschooling. I was digging through site after site trying to find the very best curriculum, educating myself on the latest models for an education at home while messaging every homeschool mom I knew for advice. I was nervous, excited, scared and frankly…a little in over my head. This year though, I have gained some confidence, have a curriculum I’m in love with (and so are my children), and we have a network of homeschoolers who have popped up in our area. 

According to the US Census Bureau, the number of families homeschooling has doubled due to the pandemic. Some are only temporarily bringing the task of formal education into their home and others have decided this is the best measure for their family and are in it for the long run. My husband and I fall into the latter category, at least for now. We had dreamed of homeschooling long before we even said our vows, however, when we moved home to the family farm, we found ourselves in unique circumstances. My sister is an excellent principal at the local elementary school. Last year she was recognized as a State Principal of the Year! The teachers are personable and many of them are professing Christians. The classes are relatively small. It is where I began my classroom education. However, when our oldest turned five, I had a one-year-old and two-year-old at home. They are thirteen months apart. We were healing from a rough season in ministry, and I was tired, drained, and without an ounce of extra strength or mental capacity to consider homeschooling. In August of 2019, we put her on the bus and a huge piece of my heart went to kindergarten. 

Fast forward to that historic spring of 2020. We had limped along for the first six months of school and finally spring break came! We were excited to get her home and rested. What was scheduled as one week off from school quickly turned into virtual learning and then eventually the longest summer vacation on record. In the process of getting to have our oldest home, we had some life altering realizations. She no longer needed ADHD medication if she was at home.  She wasn’t worn out and on sensory overload by 4 PM. Our family life became more peaceful. Our children began to thrive. We knew it was time to pursue our dream of homeschooling. I was nervous, but I knew it was best for our children. Is it best for yours? I have no idea. That is between you, your spouse and God. I believe school choice is a personal decision.  Every child is different, every family system is different, and every school is different. My husband and I have always said that we will evaluate each child, each year and see what is best for that child and that year. Public schools are needed and I’m so thankful we have a great one close by. We may use it again in the years to come! 

Now that August has arrived, it’s easy to begin to fear, doubt and believe the lies that say I’m unqualified, uncapable, and keeping my children from something more “fun”.  I’m still new at this role and the waters are often rough to navigate. In my heart though, I know God has called me to homeschool, at least for this season. I want to do it with joy, humility, daily reliance on Him and through wisdom only He can give. 

As we enter the 2021-22 school year, I’ve created a list of 5 ways I believe we can bring glory to God through our homeschooling (even if you are not homeschooling, most of these can apply to your family as well): 

1. Educate the whole child. Schooling outside of the public setting is a wonderful opportunity to nourish their spirit as well as their academic mind. There are many educationally sound curriculums that incorporate scripture and godly character traits into their teaching exercises. We use scripture to practice handwriting, memorization, historical context and character building. It truly sets the tone of our schooling atmosphere.

“You shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” Deuteronomy 6:7

2. Respect those who educate differently than you do. We understand the need for public schools, and we fully support our family and friends who are involved in the local school system. No form of education is superior to another. The more we can unify and support one another as we all strive to do our best to care for our children the better. School choice should never divide a church, family or community. Some families homeschool very differently from another and this should not be a matter of judgement or condemnation. It’s easy for me to fall into the trap of comparison, but when I do my family and well-being suffers. With gratitude we need to receive what the Lord has called us to do, the children and circumstances we have been given, and with humility learn from each other and move on. 

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

3. Plan and prepare. In our home I have noticed that the better I plan, the more peaceful the atmosphere. There will always been unforeseen circumstances, but the more equipped we are to handle them the better we can adjust. I teach two children at the preschool/kindergarten level and one on the 2^nd grade level. This year, I have a three-tiered roller cart with their activities in each basket. If I simply have random activity options strewn about for the younger two then they quickly make a big mess, and their attention span lasts all of ten minutes. However, if I hold some activities back for certain days and make it seem new, then they are likely to stay occupied while I teach reading to their older sister. 

“Puzzling Monday” – Various puzzles to complete including the alphabet and numbers train. 

“Sensory Tuesday” – Sensory bins with either crushed cereal, beans, sand, or water beads along with various tools to keep them busy. 

“Co-Op Wednesday” – Midweek we get to gather with other homeschool families to study space and music! 

“Build-It Thursday” – This day is an emphasis on blocks, Legos, Lincoln logs, Magna tiles, etc. Each week I’ll give them a task of something to build!

“Favorite Friday” – Friday’s will be the one time they can pick their favorite activity to do. It could be anything from playing tractors and dollhouse to painting! 

4. Memorize scripture. We like to use hand motions or songs to memorize scripture together. It could be a verse a day, week, month or maybe even a semester! You could color it, write it, have a spelling test over it, study it deeply, and maybe even create your own song or play about it! It’s amazing how those verses come back to our minds just when we need it most for comfort, conviction or to battle lies from the enemy. 

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11

5. Begin with prayer and continue with prayer. Every day we begin with prayer together. We ask God to give me the ability to communicate and teach effectively, to give them a love for learning, the ability to learn well, and peace in our home to focus on our school time. We ask God to forgive us of any morning attitude issues and to help us love one another and be patient as we help each other learn and do our best. We also often pray for their aunt as principal and family and friends at the public school as well as other homeschool families who come to mind. When the morning takes a rough turn, we have been known to stop and pray again.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“And for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom…” Danial 1:17

May this school year bring growth inward and outward for your children, much laughter, sweet moments of victory and daily surrender to their Creator and the One who loves them more than you ever could. He loves you, too, sweet momma. With His strength, you’ve got this!