Homeschooling has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Seriously, I love what we do and not just for the reasons you may think. But first before I go any further let me disclose something. Contrary to popular belief homeschooling isn’t for everyone. Not because some will be unable to do so successfully, but because like the most important decisions in life homeschooling is a calling.
Throughout the years we’ve had many experiences. Trial and error with curriculum, joining (and yes) leaving groups, and scheduling conflicts and compromise to name a few. And through it all I have seen my girls grow in confidence and curiosity. Yet, the most unexpected benefits were not limited to my girls. I started realizing how homeschooling was and still is chaning me.
Math: Friend or Foe
As a young student I had a natural drive to push myself in school. Grades were apart of how I judged myself. And for the most part I was happy with what I saw. But then there came a year where math seemed to be a stumping lock. I had to work twice has hard to make the grade (the grade I wanted that is). And though I made it through I never forgot that feeling. I absolutely disdain the feeling of being in over my head.
I was filled with dread imagining my girls reaching that point. But as students we have to expect that there will be times when we don’t know the answers. It says so in its name. The word student derives from the latin word studere which means painstaking application. So dreading the inevitable wasn’t the best use of my time. And unbeknown to me I had been better prepared than I expected. Each day that we discussed, reviewed, and work on problems together I was learning too.
https://celebratekids.com/how-to-do/
“Telling children what to do is not the same thing as teaching them how to do it.”
– Dr. Kathy Koch
I love what Dr. Kathy Koch said. Read it again. Telling and teaching are not the same. This is so true. As parents (and teachers alike) it is so easy to make this mistake. Telling them this and that without realizing we haven’t properly taught them ‘how.’ So I’ve learned to be a student before a teacher. And always their parent first and foremost.
Flexibility
I am a planner, an organizer, a list maker, and box checker. I know this about myself and felt that these traits made me more then qualified for what laid ahead. And while these characteristics did come in handy, they also revealed a weakness. Flexibility. I am not a go with the flow, whatever the day may bring girl. Never have been. But when it comes to homeschooling this is characteristic you must possess.
While my plans set the stage for the day there was just no way of knowing how it would turn out. Some subjects can be completed with very little instruction on my part. While others may need to be monitored. But the best days, the ones that leaving me smiling at the end of my day are not the ones where all the boxes were checked off. The days that I can’t wait to tell my husband about are the ones where the lessons took over.
http://www.ladydspeaks.com/the-joy-of-missing-out-homeschooling-parents/
“Homeschooling is not about productivity. Homeschooling is about relationships.”
– Pam Barnhill
When reading about animals and their natural habitats leads to an unexpected and in depth conversation; that ultimately ends with us gathering around the computer in search of more facts. And maybe even watching a funny/cute video or two. Those are the truly successful days. Sure it wasn’t on the calendar, but that’s what makes homeschooling so unique. Time can be spent how you want it, doing what you want, for as long as you want to in any one subject.
Yes, I can go on and on about how homeschooling has enriched education for my girls. And I probably have. But I totally underestimated how I would profit. I’ve only scratched the surface with you here. Though each homeschooling family could have very different reasons as to why they’ve chosen this journey. All have or will experience these unexpected benefits. Which is just icing on the cake.
“How much better to get wisdom than gold, and good judgement than silver!”
Proverbs 16:16 NLT