Life school

The Beauty of Homeschooling.

I come from a family that highly values Christian education. 

 

All growing up, there was this negative stigma that came with our encounters with homeschoolers. I, naturally, came to ignorantly believe that homeschoolers were weird, dumb, weird, unfortunate, weird, awkward, and weird.  

 

Never ever ever would I ever consider homeschooling for my children someday. 

 

Besides, doesn't every mother look forward to that day when their child is gone into someone else's care all day?! I mean, after five long years of correction, training, staying up all night, changing diapers, simmering down tantrums, and countless play dates, you're tired and all-day school will finally free you up to start a new career, a hobby, and finally get some things done without a baby, toddler, or preschooler underfoot. 

 

And why would you homeschool? Homeschoolers are weird. And you don't want your child to turn out like them...you want your child socialized, tested, and able to meet educational standards.  

 

Where does one begin, anyway?! You may not have a college degree, the know-how, or the ability to even teach your child, right?!  

 

This series of posts will help turn the tables on the many lies you've encountered about homeschooling and homeschoolers. And how you, yes you, can make homeschooling the most awesome, least awkward thing ever. 

 

As I was digging thru the past five years of homeschooling photos, I must confess that I broke down. The tears flowed as I was reminded of all of the wonderful memories we've shared over this journey I swore I'd never take. 

 

Some days, I want to pull my hair out. I question everything. I mean ev.er.y.thing.  

 

Last year, I'll be honest, I was a disaster. But these kiddos, by God's sufficient grace, did amazing despite my failures.  

 

It was proven when Hunter tested for the last school year and got in the 99% percentile for all areas except one. That's God's grace. I cried on that one, too. 

 

Homeschooling really is beautiful. It is. It's not just sitting down all day and doing book work. No. Not even close. It's mother (and fathers)  and children interacting in God's creation, reading stories of famous American's, making pies and cookies, serving others, discovering together, and learning all of the time. 

 

 

Our very first day of homeschooling, August 2012.  

Our very first day of homeschooling, August 2012.  

Homeschooling is watching butterflies, moths, cocoons, and chrysalises  

Homeschooling is watching butterflies, moths, cocoons, and chrysalises  

Homeschooling is caring for new life.  

Homeschooling is caring for new life.  

Homeschooling is developing a passion. Carter's passion is cooking.  

Homeschooling is developing a passion. Carter's passion is cooking.  

Homeschooling is being together.  

Homeschooling is being together.  

Homeschooling is setting up camp at 10am on a Tuesday.  

Homeschooling is setting up camp at 10am on a Tuesday.  

Homeschooling is understanding where food comes from.  

Homeschooling is understanding where food comes from.  

Homeschooling is French lessons while your little sisters play.  

Homeschooling is French lessons while your little sisters play.  

Homeschooling can be sitting down, but that's kind of rare.  

Homeschooling can be sitting down, but that's kind of rare.  

Homeschooling is creating.  

Homeschooling is creating.  

Homeschooling is painting on a cool, fall day on the porch.  

Homeschooling is painting on a cool, fall day on the porch.  

Homeschooling is Teaching Textbooks math, which is fun and not stressful.  

Homeschooling is Teaching Textbooks math, which is fun and not stressful.  

Homeschooling is baking cookies.  

Homeschooling is baking cookies.  

Homeschooling is watching and waiting patiently.  

Homeschooling is watching and waiting patiently.  

Homeschooling is preparing meals.  

Homeschooling is preparing meals.  

Homeschooling is sometimes a little bit like traditional school, but not really.  

Homeschooling is sometimes a little bit like traditional school, but not really.  

Homeschooling is hands on learning. As much as you want...even in your pajamas. 

Homeschooling is hands on learning. As much as you want...even in your pajamas. 

Homeschooling is the freedom to choose your field trips...and go on as many as you want to.  

Homeschooling is the freedom to choose your field trips...and go on as many as you want to.  

Homeschooling doesn't have to happen at home.  

Homeschooling doesn't have to happen at home.  

Homeschooling is one-on-one, and catered to your learning style.  

Homeschooling is one-on-one, and catered to your learning style.  

Homeschooling means having the most loving teacher in the whole world, who always wants the best for her child.  

Homeschooling means having the most loving teacher in the whole world, who always wants the best for her child.  

Homeschooling is solo cup bowling times.  

Homeschooling is solo cup bowling times.  

Homeschooling is making co-op lunches. 

Homeschooling is making co-op lunches. 

Homeschooling is about learning whatever you want...whenever you want.  

Homeschooling is about learning whatever you want...whenever you want.  

Homeschooling makes us really happy.  

Homeschooling makes us really happy.  

Goodness, is this life beautiful. It's beautiful because of all the reasons mentioned above and so much more.  

 

The days aren't rushed. Sometimes a simple question prompts an entire day of discovery. There is no "wake up" time, no rushing out the door, no lines, buses, or traffic. There's all of the time to explore, get dirty, play outside, learn household chores, develop passions, spend time as a family, and the freedom to go as you please. 

 

Want to to take a vacation in the middle of February? You can. And no one will give you a stack of make up work, or permission slips to stay gone that long.  

 

The next post will include what curriculums I recommend, and finally, I will post about the logistics of starting your homeschool.  

 

I am so thankful for homeschooling. I am thankful to be called by God and for the grace I need to do it. You can too. 

 

Love, Alicia  

 

Homeschooling is learning the states before your first birthday. :)  

Homeschooling is learning the states before your first birthday. :)