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Homeschool-Where Do I Begin
Kay Green
You have decided to home school your children. You have been
thinking and praying about it for some time. As September
approaches you know it is time. Where to start? The choices seem
overwhelming.
How well I remember those days. My children had spent the
previous year in a new rural public school. They had completed
1st, 3rd, and 6th grades. They were unhappy with school. I was
unhappy with school. I knew there had to be a better way. I asked
questions of everyone I could find who had home schooled. I read
every book in the library on the subject. I prayed without
ceasing. I ordered curriculum catalogs. I went to the home school
fair. I read even more.
Once my husband and I made the decision there was peace. I knew
that I would be stretched tremendously, but I knew it was the
answer. God was faithful to encourage us over and over. Now the
decision was made, but where to begin.
I felt we needed a structured program with accountability for the
first year. I needed to know what to teach and how to teach. We
selected a complete program from Christian Liberty Academy. This
program provided diagnostic testing, all books and manuals, and
the record keeping. It made me feel secure.
The curriculum choices are staggering. I really suggest you pick
one provider for the first year. At the end of the year
re-evaluate what worked and what didn’t. I really believe that
all curriculum works if you use it. They differences are mostly
about style and design. As you grow in confidence you will feel
more secure about choosing curriculum
I read about learning styles. I realized that my children did not
all learn the same way. My girls were both visual learners. They
were also very self motivated. They were excited about home
school. My son was a busy, wiggly, distracted, hands-on
kinesthetic learner. I understood that could be a challenge to
both of us.
The first year proved to be a time of adjustments for everyone. I
learned how to teach to all three learning styles. The visual
learners loved books, posters, charts, and lists. The kinesthetic
learner wanted hands-on projects, manipulatives, and artwork.
Auditory learners need to talk about what they are learning. This
meant teaching concepts several ways. I learned when I taught to
all three styles all the children learned more.
I read about school style and goals. I begin to understand there
was not one perfect way to home school. What did we want for our
family? We could choose Charlotte Mason method, unit studies, the
principle approach, classical education, independent learning,
textbook based, history emphasis, accelerated education, or
unschooling. So many choices! How to choose what was best for our
children?
After reading about each I felt pulled toward independent
accelerated education. It was suggested that I home school my
youngest because at first grade (age 5) she was already well
ahead of all her classmates. She began reading at age 4 and
scored 2 years ahead of her classmates. My oldest daughter was
also ahead of her age mates by 1-1/2 years. It seemed to fit
these children to teach them to work at their own pace . I wanted
them to learn how to learn.
I developed a weekly goal chart, which showed the minimum work to
be accomplished each day. They were to cross off each assignment
as completed. They enjoyed the control this gave them. They could
choose to do the minimum or work ahead.
They first year also was used to undo the attitudes and
expectations of public school. We worked on attitudes and
character traits. I set up an incentive program to reinforce the
behaviors I wanted to see. I assigned scripture memorization. The
children were allowed to earn points for prizes. They really
enjoy this. The younger children especially respond to this
method. The prizes were all school related.
Scheduling was also import to our school. I wanted to be sure
that all the important things were accomplished each day. We set
a starting time and the order for subjects. We also scheduled
regular breaks and lunch times. The children were finished for
the day when the minimum was completed.
Above everything else my attitude played the most important role.
If I was grouchy or insecure or rushed or out of control
everything else was effected. If I relied on the Lord and have my
attitude and heart right everything ran smoother. I must
constantly seek Him, be in the Word, submit my will, and be
teachable. When I do that He is able to guide me on the right
path.
What are the results? My youngest daughter Allison is 13 She is
happy and challenged. She will complete the last part of 9th
grade this year. She is taking piano lesson. She loves reading
historical fiction and biographies. She loves the Lord and is
thinking about becoming a pastor. She wants to use her musical
gift for the Lord.
My son Jordan is 16. He started as an unmotivated average
student. He scored his highest ever on achievement scores this
spring (98th%). He loves the Lord. He witnesses to kids at the
park. He loves to roller blade and is playing the bass guitar for
adult and youth worship services.
My oldest daughter Melissa is 18. She graduated from American
School (an accredited correspondence high school program) in June
1999 at age 16. She went on a mission trip to Mexico in August.
She is active in a discipleship youth group. She is in her 2nd
year of college to become a preschool teacher.
As you can see, 7 years of home school has brought many
dividends. I urge you to seek the Lord, become friends with other
home school families, and get involved in your church. If we can
do it, so can you.
Take one day at a time and pray every step of the way. Enjoy
watching your children learn about this world in which they live.
Kay Green and her family live in rural Oregon. They have home
schooled for the past 7 years. She loves helping new families
start the journey of home school. She has a web page at
http://www.preciouskids.org She has also written the book:
HOMESCHOOL-A New Beginning!
This book is available through her web page. You can also reach
Kay by e-mail at Kay@preciouskids.org
Article written by Kay Green, Christian homeschool mom to Melissa
20, Jordan 17, Allison 15, Haley 2. Her and her husband of 23
years live in rural Oregon with the kids, 2 dogs, and 2 cats. Kay
owns http://www.MyPreciousKid.com children's ID products and home
business program. Kay loves helping others have a successful home
business too. Kay also owns http://www.PreciousKids.org Adoption
& Homeschool Resources, http://www.123PhoneRates.com $2 a month
800#
and
http://www.CreativeChristians.com Christian Gift Mall
COPYRIGHT 2002 My Precious Kid, Kay Green
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