Re-imagining "School" at Home

 

This school year has been a whole lot different than our earlier years of homeschooling. It seems more official, more intense, more "schooly". It's no doubt due to our charter school's Virtual academy that we've agreed to be a part of. I joined because I wanted some guidance and for it to be a little easier to teach the core subjects especially with a toddler running around. However, I'm finding that it is alot more challenging than I anticipated. We're going into the 7th week of school and Shiloh has already had 3 teachers. We're awaiting the 4th one who we hope will be permanent. We knew going into it that they would be working on the inevitable kinks. Despite the challenges, I'm thankful for the epiphanies that God has given me. Here are 4 of them:

1. Focus on What's Most important

I recognized that if I just go over our Sonlight Education Bible Lesson than I am satisfied with the work we've done that day. Some other must do's are playing outside, writing letters, working, baking, read-aloud, and working on building skills in math and LA. But really, it's the Bible lesson that makes me feel like we've done something worthwhile.  That is what I value the most. It has nature, character development, scripture memory, stories, discussion, and vocabulary. It has it all. My priority is teaching them the time-tested principles in the Bible. Solidifying these truths in them early is of utmost importance.

 

2. Review my Why

When I'm able to re-focus on my goals and the reason why I've chosen to homeschool in the first place, I feel motivated and inspired to enjoy. It gives me energy. It gives me a sense of enjoyment when I remember the big why. And why, I want to recreate in my children the image of the divine. I want to provide them true education. I want to nurture their spirit and prepare them for useful life on this earth and in the earth to come. 

3. Do what's enjoyable and inspiring 

I forgot how amazing it feels to read a good book with my girls. Or to be outside in the garden working on projects. Being outdoors and working outside just feels good. Listening to good music. Creating good music. This is what feels good and right to do. I do not want to leave these important elements of art and beauty out of our school day. I have artsy kids and I need to cultivate that. Horseback riding, music lessons, band practice, story writing, gardening, outdoor projects, all the good stuff. I have to include this in our day. 

4. Take it bit by bit

Habits take time. Cultivating the beautiful takes time. Creating a new rhythm and routine takes time. It's all worth the wait. I will take it little by little. Bit by bit. It may take some time, but I can work on what's most important and keep growing from there. Right now, we're working on a smooth transition in our mornings. We'll move to other habits. The idea is to always be working on something and getting them involved in the process. 

I imagine a homeschool day filled with love, enjoyment, challenge, gratitude, service, creativity, music, inspiration, hard work, community, people, forgiveness, learning, order, positivity and a real experience with Jesus Christ walking and talking with us. This is how I imagine our homeschool environment to be. Like a little heaven on earth inspiring others in living a life of service and love.