Authored by Dr. Paul D. Lindstrom, taken from his radio program titled “There’s No Place Like Home.”
Where To Begin
If you decide to teach your children at home, and by that, I mean, in science, history, math, and so and so on, where do you begin? While education is a legitimate function of the family, it is an awesome responsibility. Parents should carefully consider all aspects of the matter before they actually begin the education process.
Legal and Social Considerations
Become aware of all possible legal and social difficulties. If you know what the problems may be, you can thoughtfully plan how to deal with them. In a few states, for example, the school board makes it very difficult for families practicing home education. Look into the specific laws of your state, and the attitudes of local officials. If you foresee any difficulties, consult with education experts about the best way to handle the situation. Another problem could be the disapproval of family or friends. You may even be ostracized for your stand. Whether such trials involve the state or your own family, be prepared. You may have to sacrifice a lot to ensure that your children receive a good, godly education.
Curriculum
Another important consideration is what curriculum you will follow. Do not be satisfied with poorly written books, or with texts written from a humanistic slant. Even math and science books have some sort of bias – and author has to start from some premise. There are many excellent, Christian texts available from a number of publishers. Books should be selected which promote your Christian worldview while presenting clear, challenging educational material!
What Grade Level
Parents should also consider the level at which to begin their children’s education, and the pace at which to proceed. There are tests available to determine your child’s present level of achievement in various subjects. Teaching your child will give you the freedom to go slowly or even to retrace entire courses if your child has difficulty. When your child excels, on the other hand, home education puts no boundaries on how quickly he can progress.
What Program to Choose?
A family can, of course, do all of the planning and educating entirely on its own. For those who prefer a little more guidance, there are excellent programs available for home educating families. These programs help families with legal difficulties, provide a network of supportive, common-minded families, asses children’s progress, design challenging curricula, using good, Christian texts, and grade homework and tests. To many families, the stricter regimen is a blessing. Whether you choose to home educate entirely on your own, or to make use of a pre-set program, plan carefully and prayerfully for the education of your precious children.
Editor’s Note:
Have you started homeschooling as the new year begins? Or are you looking to make a fresh start this semester?
Whether you’re a seasoned homeschooler or embarking on this journey for the first time, it’s a wonderful opportunity to tailor education to your child’s unique needs and interests. As you plan your curriculum, consider incorporating a mix of academic subjects, hands-on projects, and experiential learning. Remember, homeschooling allows for flexibility, so embrace the chance to explore new topics and adapt to your child’s pace. Here’s to a successful and enriching educational adventure!
Here at Christian Liberty Homeschools, we want to help you be successful. Connect with Christian Liberty Homeschools for support and resources. We have the tools you need to be successful. Visit us at: www.homeschools.org