Topic brought up to me...

First, I want to say thank you to those of you who let me know that my blog has helped them figure things out about homeschooling. My main purpose for this blog is to help those that want/need information about how to go about homeschooling, searching for curriculum, co-op programs, etc. So, when I get emails and messages of "thanks," it is pretty encouraging. The most recent message mentioned parents that homeschool for their selfish benefit and not their children's.

She wrote:
"There is one small problem I have encountered with homeschooling (as we are surrounded by A LOT of homeschooling families). And that is the parents who homeschool for convenience sake, and just do what they have to do to get by. These children end up getting an inferior education to what they would have gotten in public/private school."

Reson and I have actually had this discussion, as well. It's a hard thing to swallow, really, that a parent is not watching out for the well-being of their child. There a few ways we can look at this type of scenario: 1) Is the decision to homeschool a calling that you will dedicate your heart to teaching; 2)Are you homeschooling so that you can control everything and keep your child all to yourself, secluded with no real outside living? 3) Is homeschooling just convenient because you don't want to expose the world to your child?

Obviously, the first one is okay. As my friend wrote, "Full-Time" job is now being a parent, teacher, giver of guidance then you are in it for the right reasons. Your life work is dedicated to your children. You know that you want full responsibility on how they learn and experience the world. Now, does this mean control that is mentioned in 2, no. As I have written before, I want my boys to know what the world has, but I don't want them to learn it from an ungodly person. Is sex bad? No, not in the context marriage. Is alcohol bad? No, but if you allow it to consume your heart and you strive on that then yes. Is learning about evolution bad? No, but it should be taught that over time animals do evolve to adapt to the world they are living in, and humans do not evolve from apes. If you plan to control that your children will only learn certain things, control who they talk to, control can be a devastating situation to almost produce abuse.

I would hope that this type of problem is not the norm for those that homeschool. I do know of two people that were taught in one of the "easiest" forms, and as I told the person who wrote to me, you can see it! Those that homeschool for convenience sake usually have children that show it. They usually had social skill issues, they seemed like they just didn't know how to interact with people. They even seem to have attitude problems.
I am not a fan of using social skills as an issue, however when you have parents that are not really looking to out for their child's best interest, this is one of things that is effected.

We see public schools are harboring stumbling blocks to our children; we cannot be that as our children's parents. We have to show them godly guidance, practice self-control, and most importantly that we love them and want the best for them.

If we don't guide but control our children than homeschooling is not going to be what you wanted it to be.  I also have to state that I'm not 100% sure that the education would be inferior than if they went to public school, however I would say that the family relationship will end up being worse than if the child did for to public school.

As I write this, we watch Mary Poppins. Jane writes in her letter, The Perfect Nanny, "If you won't scold and dominate us. We will never give you cause to hate us." Ouch! Think about that from a parent's view point...
In the end, there are always going to be those parents that homeschool for convenience. It may even be so bad that they just stick workbooks in their children's faces all day, or force another home teacher to teach them. Is the education inferior to a public school teachings, I don't know, but I do know that it may give cause to hate you.

Clarity on the last post

I wanted to clarify some thoughts from the last post. It can be hard to read the last BIG reason to homeschool, and I want to make it known to those that do not homeschool, it is still VERY much a personal choice and conviction. You either have a calling or you don't. I was not homeschooled, however my parent's were involved in my life. There can be a balance with students in public school, but the challenge is very difficult when you have everyone else working against what you are doing at home.

One thing my mom told me everyday was that she started (still does) praying for mine and my brothers' spiritual lives. My mom for a short time was a single parent, and she knew this was her needing to pray that we would remember what she was teaching at home and when we were at church. So, I implore you to pray for your children beyond their health. Pray that they may fight the pressure of ungodly environment that they face everyday for 12+ hours. Pray that they may conquer temptation, and pray that they choose friends that will help them with their walk with Christ.

You may not want to believe it, but school is worse than when you were there. Kindergartners are hearing about sexual activity, sexual orientation from peers that are hearing about life through their ungodly parents. Be wise while your child attends, Be attentive to what they ask and need from you as far as knowledge goes.

Just some extra thoughts from my end that I didn't get to last night.

Public School, the biggest stumbling block of all!

A friend of mine has given me the pleasure to read one of her old issues of "The Old Schoolhouse" The Magazine for Homeschool Families, and I must say I am in love with this magazine. I love how everything is Christian based. In the Winter 2008-09 issue, David d'Escoto wrote an article called "10 BIG Reasons Not to Send Christian Kids to Public Schools," and I was highly impressed. There was obvious reasons: 1)Public schools do not seek to teach according to your child's individual gifts and callings; 2)more tax money for academics, yet lower tests scores that are causing lower high scores to make the students look advanced; 3)your authority as parent shifts to the teacher, coach, principal, you have no control over sex-ed; 4)family first in Christian life becomes family last in the school system structure; 5)child seeks peer acceptance becomes do whatever you need to necessary against parents to find peer love "The Bible has already forewarned us about what happens to 'a companion of fools'"(Prov.13:20b); 6)the norm for students being grouped in 25-30 kids in a class for 12+ hours a day leads to poor attitudes and low self-esteem; 7)SEX, SEX, SEX, who will teach you child the Biblical way to learn about sex; 8)the Bible is being ripped from the hands of students in schools; 9)the falling away of the Bible, Christian homes are losing their children to Satan at college age and then there is number TEN!

I want to quote this because honestly, I have thought this, but never knew how to word it. I agree 100%.
"Scripturally Unsound" My final point may be the most controversial, but the fact is that public education is causing millions of children to stumble in their walk with out Lord. Can we not logically conclude that it is unbiblical for us to send our children there? Bold words, some may say-I would say they're rather Biblical. Please open your Bible and read Matthew 18:1-6, 1 Corinthians 8 (focusing on verses 11-13), and finally Romans 14:13-23 (focusing on verses 13 and 21). Do you see it? the Bible is making the following facts clear to us: 1)Believers are no longer under law. 2)Believers do have freedom in Christ. 3)A believer's freedom (liberty) in Christ must never ever be used as a license to sin and/or cause another weaker believer to stumble/sin."

Now, I know that many of Christian friends that take their children to public school, and this is not to disrespect their choice, but seriously do we want to force stumbling blocks on our children? Reson has always mentioned that I am not a person that will stay around people that are stumbling blocks to me; so, why would I do that to my boys? When David put the tenth reason into those words above, it just clicked for what my thought processes are for schooling Luk and Logan (and if I am blessed with more, God willing).

The calling to homeschool your child is scary, but in the end it can be the most rewarding thing you could for your family and the highest glory you can give to the Lord. Man, if that doesn't pump you up, I don't know what would... =)

The Price is Right to Homeschool

First and foremost (something I learned recently), you cannot get tax credit when you homeschool. There are three states that give a tax credit, however most will not do it. Here is an article on it. It is a bummer, however think of it this way, the government has no control over the expenses I use for schooling.

Now, to move beyond that, I have heard people that choose not to homeschool because it would be too costly. I would say I get it, but my feeling on it is there is no price on me teaching my boys. If you read my post on why I am homeschooling, it is clear that I don't want the values and morals of the public school system to teach my boys. It is real as simple as that.

However, we can look at the costs. You can make homeschooling the cheapest or most expensive experience you want to make it. I prefer to go the cheaper route, but "hey" if you got it to spend go for it! In saying that, if you don't want to spend money on any material and only have to worry about printing costs, you can. Now, the catch is you are building your own curriculum from scratch, the time in this is intensive. There are plenty of site to help you do this. For example, Progressive Phonics is a free site with printable books to teach your child phonics and handwriting. There are many printables and other educational tools just from getting involved with other mom's blogs.

You also have forums, craigslist, ebay, and other sites that sell used curriculum. This is also a cheaper route to go. For us, going to the convention saved us ALOT of  money. I had already known the cost of everything we wanted, and we save on shipping costs and got up to 25% off the curriculum. While there we had a man tell us about a Christian Virtual Academy. It would cost $2000/year, all subjects covered, teachers, etc. Reson and I wouldn't go this route, but see where it would work with other families. We spent half that amount and I have materials for Luk's entire Elementary (K-5) in Math, Phonics, Geography/Social Studies, and Science. Along with that cost I have one year of Bible (which is inexpensive), two years of Handwriting, and two years of Critical Thinking. You can spend smart and in bulk. We did save in advance for this trip, and it was in our plan of budget.

Some friends were talking about the their children's school lunches were $3.25 this year. A whole $1.00 more than last year, and it is the same food.
So, let's look at this: Reson and I spent: $1100/6 years = 183.3/year
Now, without supplies let's look at school lunches: $3.25 * 5 days = $16.25/week
School year is roughly 43 weeks (Sept-June - 1 wk Spring Break - 2 wk Christmas Break - 1 week Thanksgiving Break) = 39 weeks total * $16.25 = $633.75

WOW! Here's hoping you qualify for reduced or free lunches. This cost is not including the supplies of backpacks, pencils, (let's not forget the freebies!) bad language, and introduction of inappropriate underage sex (at Kindergarten). This is the most concrete way to show that you are paying quite a few pennies to send your kid to public school (and that doesn't include your taxes). Even if you pay $500-800 in curriculum each year, it is still about what you would be paying your public school system to feed you child (and the food is nothing to smile about).

My rant for the day.

As far as I'm concerned "The Price is Right to Homeschool."

Drum Roll, Please... Curriculum has purchased and here it is...

Well, we did it... all in one trip! I thought that we would come back to the hotel room talk things over, but we were just certain and pleased with our decisions. My prayer had been that when we saw something that Reson and I would just know that "we found it!" God answered my prayers, and I am grateful.

Math: Right Start K-5
Phonics: Explode the Code (Levels 1-8)
Bible: Positive Action K
Science: Real Science-4-Kids Pre-level K-3 (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
Geography: Geography Matters K-4 (Galloping the Globe Bundle) and Maps Charts Graphs (Levels A & B)
Handwriting: Handwriting without Tears Pre-K/K
Critical Thinking: The Critical Thinking Company Pre-K/K K-2 (Mind Benders)
Spanish: Hooked On Phonics

So, here is the why behind all the choices that we made today. I think that it is imperative to those that are just starting out to see why decisions are made. Especially for us, who are new to this and after doing extensive research.

Why Right Start? It is self-explanatory if you do the research on it. The approach is pretty amazing. If you have two children that learn in two different ways they give multiple approaches within the lessons so you can gear it to the way you need it be done. It focuses on your child's brain power, it is natural in the learning process to make errors (it is not a sign of failure), but natural.  Someone in the RS Yahoo forum pointed this out to me,
"In the lessons, things are well laid out, and Dr. Cotter takes the time to explain to the parent why things are being taught a certain way (or why not), with little notes throughout the lessons. For instance, in the lessons on equations we just did, we were teaching 10=9 + 1. Dr Cotter explains in a note:
*A child who sees equal signs only near the end of an equation develops a misconception that the equal sign means do something, rather than that the two sides are equal, or the same. Therefore, the emphasis here is on equations that start, for example, with "10=." Also note the use of the word equation. Do not use the term number sentence; it makes no sense mathematically or grammatically.*"
This is just one of many different approaches they use. Reson and I like this!


Why Explode the Code? A main reason for this decision was that we like the format. I cannot emphasize this enough. YOU HAVE TO LIKE THE FORMAT!!! This curriculum is so focused, and it has a great sequence of order to the way that it teaches reading.

Why Positive Action? Besides looking through the book and liking its' format, the beliefs behind the author is right where Reson and I. Check out the site that I linked above and look at their Mission Statement and what they believe. Nothing but the truth! Love it! We don't teach that worldliness is acceptable, no the Gospel is truth and is what we should practice.


Why Real Science-4-Kids? We wanted Apologia, but we felt that it would be over Luk's head at this point, however the pre-level bundles in this curriculum is fitting for Luk's age and as he gets older will work for what we already bought.

Why Geography Matters? The guy presenting this curriculum really gave us some amazing information on a booth that was not even on our list. First, it has a multiple subject approach. So, it has a bit of literature, cooking, history, Bible, and culture awareness. They have an American geography approach and we decided to save that for later. We picked to look at other countries because in the curriculum standard for a Pre-K/K, they should learn about Holidays, traditions, customs, and cultures. This curriculum does that. Each week gives you a chance to learn about a country, it's food (with a cookbook), pictures of children from that area, and missionaries in the area. As someone whose grandmother was a missionary (and my heart tugging towards this in the future), this curriculum will prepare Luk for some amazing ministry. (Goose-bumps just thinking about it). Also, the guy selling made a great point, we as adults think "teach from beginning to end, but kids think about self. So, the approach, show the kids their our kids their age everywhere that look, eat, and celebrate different. I love it!

Why Handwriting Without Tears? Hmmm... look at the title. LOL. Well, there is more to it. I like the format (you see there that phrase is again). I like seeing the two line approach and not the three line approach. I also like the way they put the letters learned in order (it is not A, B, C, but by straight lines then curved).

Why The Critical Thinking Company? It challenges the mind. We want Luk to enjoy mind challenges, puzzles, and thinking in general.


Why Hooked on Phonics? Well, everyone knows it works, and I got this on sale for $12.

**I want to make this known. He will not be doing all of these subjects everyday. He is too young for that, it would be too much.** I plan to separate it: that core things be done every other day, and more fun things to happen on "off" days. We bought multiple puzzles/games from Family Game Coach to go with days that are lax. If you know Luk, he hates not doing something for one day. Everyday he wants school, so I try to do something everyday.

Why I am Homeschooling my children and more:

Since I will be "officially" starting this Fall, Luk's schooling, I wanted to share why my husband and I decided to school our children at home. I first want to start with my selfish reasoning behind it: I want to be home with my boys. I want to spend my days with them.

 Who wouldn't want to spend everyday with these kids? Precious!

Yes, I just finished getting my Bachelor's degree in English Literature, however my dream in life has been to be a wife and stay-at-home mom. Back story on my education: My husband always knew that getting my degree was a foundation for if anything unforeseeable where to happen in our lives. However, if God blessed us with good health, a home, and a job for Reson, I would stay home with the boys. If anything were to happen to Reson in terms of health or job, I could support the family. With that being said, we never even thought about homeschooling until Luk was about a year old.

There were two main reasons that I brought it up to Reson.
1) I knew I could do it. I WANTED to do it! 2) I want my children to learn from me.
Now, what this told my husband was: 1) It was not something that I felt forced to do. 2) He knew that our boys would learn the moral/spiritual life that we wanted for them.

His NUMBER ONE OBJECTIVE: SOCIALIZATION!!!
My response: LAME!

If you ask my mom, "What was the number one reason Aislynn got in trouble in school?" She would respond, "TALKING!" During lunch, I would get sent to the silent table because I was talking too loud, and during class I would get my stick pulled for talking to my neighbor. So, what did I tell the husband with his objective? "Are you kidding me?" I got in trouble everyday for socializing. I won!

When people use this as excuse, I laugh. It's a lazy answer. Do you not talk to your kids? Do your kids not talk to you? When you go to the market, do your kids not see what it means to hold a conversation with other people? Do you not teach the behavior, values, and norms that you want your child to learn? The term "socialization" means "a continuing process whereby an individual acquires a personal identity and learns the norms, values, behavior, and social skills appropriate to his or her social position." Yeah... I'm pretty sure you can hit all those points at home, trips to the market, library, church... ANYWHERE. Are we confusing "socialization" with "talking." If there is one thing I learned from attending public school, they did NOT teach me the values and social skills I want my boys to learn.

Let me break this down because I think this would help any family that is thinking about homeschooling fight this ridiculous "con":
Personal Identity: In my home, my husband and myself know our boys' identity better than anyone else. Public school - A teacher that only begins to know my real son at the end of the year when he must move on to another grade and teacher. Bottom line - I can flourish their real identity better than anyone.
Learns the norms: What are "norms"? They are standards. Public school - Teach curriculum to 20+ students, make sure they pass a test, and those are the standards. Bottom line - My standards go beyond testing. I have a standard that you be a man of God. I have a standard that you love your neighbor as yourself. I have a standard that you respect ALL people. I have a standard that you learn at your own pace.
Values/Behaviors: Does this really need explanation? Public school - No teacher will teach my boys the values and behavior I expect. No PEER will teach my boys the values and behavior that our Heavenly Father expects.  Bottom line - My husband and I will teach the values and behavior expected.
Social Skills: meaning - communication/interaction. Public School: I learned that I couldn't talk without getting in trouble. I also learned that if a teacher didn't agree with me I got in trouble. In this area, my mom got called a lot from my school. By the time I got to high school, it was a good thing she worked there because I would just go to her room. =) Bottom line - My sons can speak their minds, share their thoughts, and we can talk to each other.
The next time someone says, "But what about socialization?" You can proudly say, I will be teaching my children the socialization they deserve because they will learn to socialize the way I expect them to. You may also want to make sure they know what that word means!
Bottom line - Homeschooling is the perfect environment for socialization!

This leads to our overall reasoning behind homeschooling the boys. We believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for our salvation. He died so that we may spend eternity with Him. God commanded that as parents, we teach our children in the way that they should go, which is to be men of God. I want my boys to learn about sex, relationships, communication, science, reading, EVERYTHING from our worldview, Christianity.
1) I am homeschooling to teach my boys the will and plan that God has for their lives. If they want want to be astronauts. GREAT! Let's discuss how God create this grand universe.  You want to be a farmer, a traveler? Let's discuss the intricate detail on how plants make this planet livable, or we can talk about how God created people of all cultures with many languages.
2) I am homeschooling because I can. God gave me the gift to be a mother and teacher. I can teach my children what they need.
3) I am homeschooling because I feel led now more than ever.  Our world is getting a little crazy. We have our priorities all mixed up.

I would like to clarify that with this I can teach my boys about the world, but in the way I feel Christ would have me to do so. Reson and I do not seclude the boys. Luk watches movies and T.V. Yes, I read Harry Potter, and he will read them, too. Yes, he watched "The Princess and the Frog" and learned that following the ways evilness leads to a life not in Heaven. Everything that this world has is a learning experience. If there is anyone I want my boys to hear the truth from, it is from my husband and me. I think this would sum up my thought processes...