One of the Hardest Things about Homeschooling...

One of the hardest things about homeschooling (for me) is that the path to the future is so foggy.

Most of us did what I did.  We went to public school.  We attended classes.  We did more or less well. We got grades.  We decided whether or not to go to college.  I realize that schools have different philosophies, but as far as I can tell there is not a ton of variation between typical public schools.  In fact, probably less so now as "Common Core" has become prevalent and testing is forcing many a teacher to focus on teaching to the test.

Homeschooling is different.  Homeschooling varies tremendously depending on the parents and the children.  Some families largely "unschool" and encourage the children to pursue areas of interest.  Some families are fairly regimented, using textbooks and tests like "normal" schools.  We're probably in the middle. I certainly assign worksheets and require the children to complete their work in a set period of time.  However, I very much alter my teaching and requirements depending on the child. 

I also have very limited tolerance for "checking the box" teaching.  If my kid reads through an American History text, passes some tests, and doesn't remember a thing a few months later, then I have failed as a teacher and my child has failed as a student. I want the children to really LEARN about the things they are studying.

Let me put it this way.  I would far rather that we spent an entire year learning about the Revolutionary War (or the Civil War, or the Civil Rights movement, or the Vietnam War) and really LEARN about it, learn about the people and the politics and the background realities and the worldview, than to spend a year on American History and just hit numerous vague highlights.

That puts me in a dilemma, of course.  It is good for the children to learn American History, the grand scope and sweep, not just a few specifics.  So how do I manage that?  I'm thinking we'll use a basic textbook as a spine, and then we'll delve into specific interesting topics in more depth.

That question of what curricula to use is not an easy one.  Back in the early days of homeschooling, most publishers wouldn't even sell to homeschoolers.  Homeschool parents either cobbled something together themselves, or they found something at a 2nd hand shop.

But with 2 million homeschoolers in this country, we now represent a decent wedge of economic pie.  The companies are out in force with wonderful curricula that can make my head spin.  Really, there are too many options :-). I say that with a smile, but it can be overwhelming.

One of my best friends in the world, and a homeschooling mentor, advised me not to stress too much about specific curricula.  Pick something that looks like it'll work, and don't obsess about getting 'the perfect curricula'.  That is wonderful advice and I need to repeat it to myself often.

I find myself leaning more and more on the Lord as I teach our kids.  They have different abilities, personalities, weaknesses, and areas of interest.  It is beyond me to teach them well without the Lord's help.  I depend on Him for wisdom to see this through to the end of our homeschooling journey.

James 1:5-6

New International Version (NIV)

⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. ⁶ But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.