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The Brown Family

The Brown Family
The Browns, Jim, Monica, Weston, Joseph, Timothy, Christianna, Elaina, Victoria, Alonna and Joshua. WELCOME TO OUR BLOG!

3/22/11

A few thoughts on home schooling

A few days ago a mom was asking my opinion on homeschooling. Here are the contents of the email that I sent to her and I thought that y’all might like to read it to see how we home school. 
I would say, age 5 - read a few books on homeschooling so you can be thinking about how it might look in your home. (libraries are full of good books on homeschooling)  You are home schooling right now - just not officially :) 
We read the Bible every day as a family (well, almost every day) and that in itself is a tremendous education.  We focus on character training and on obedience training.  Children with good character are easier to teach than children that won't listen or go their own way.
So the Bible is our main textbook with children under 5 and we continue with it as our main guide with the older ones.  Lots of reading of good books, help with chores around the house from the earliest age possible. Character training for all of us along the way.  Ruth Beechick has great ideas http://homehearts.com/teaching-toolbox/beechick-basics/ For right now, just collect books (I have bought many from used book sales at libraries and home education events) and other supplies you will need in the future.
My older two are both using Switched on Schoolhouse, but I would not recommend that until your children are at least 3rd or 4th grade. We also are a part of IBLP and use the ATI program.  (loads of character building info there)
We have used a variety of things. .but I would encourage you to mostly dive into life yourself and be creative - develop a business and have your children learn along side you. ..live life yourself and pull them along... my children have learned a TON by being with me at bread demos or health talks and side by side working at the co-op base site.  They have learned how to get along with people and what to do in difficult circumstances. They have learned to think biblically in a variety of circumstances. Reaching out to others through ministry or just basic hospitality has helped them be less selfish.  They have learned a TON by spending time with their daddy, too. At home, on vacation, with him at business meetings, ect. 
It's a big responsibility to educate your children and there will be gaps - but all kids/people have gaps.  To me, the big idea is to point them to the Bible as the place to start and to develop a life long desire to honor God and watch Him help them in their journey.  I believe He wants us to represent Him well in all areas and with focus, we can do it.  Our children see us fail and then they see us get back up again and try again and in most cases, eventually, we succeed.  It's a beautiful thing!
I hope this helped you a little!  ( :
God bless you as you decide what to do with your children.
If I could wish it on anyone, I would say home school your children and develop a business that allows you to have time and money. So you are able to have choices and can follow whatever God asks you to do vs. being mans slave and tied up in a job that pulls the life out of you and keeps you from time with your family.  Your children and extended family and probably your friends will need you more in the future, not less. So I hope you prepare a future that allows you some freedom and some choices.