A jumble of activities and adventures have filled the summer! As Joey gears up for his first official day of school, I am busy working on preparations. But, so are the boys.
I have spent the last five years sometimes fretting, sometimes sweating over our family's take on schooling and the "right" way to homeschool. As a product of public education, schooling has meant: uncomfortable desks, no talking, no getting out of your chair without permission, cookie-cutter subjects, and did I mention no talking? So, the idea of homeschooling has felt a bit overwhelming. But, as I've studied and read and contemplated the subject, I have come to realize that there is no "right" way to school. Homeschooling is malleable in terms of how. The important thing is that the child is learning not only personal responsibility, but also a responsible way of life.
So, as we prepare for Joey's first day of Kindergarten, brainstorming is a key component of the process. Joey is developing ideas for what he wants to know (a lot of it is about the life cycle of bugs, how a volcano erupts, and various science experiments). My job is helping to guide him through project-based learning that incorporates basic educational principles that he has to learn (like reading and writing, safety in conducting science experiments, and, for our family, spiritual formation). I also want to be sensitive to, but not bounded by, national and state-wide standards; so, I have familiarized myself with these (which are accessible by searching for your state's or for national standards in education). Virginia's SOLs are listed according to subject and then grade-level. National Common Core standards are especially easy to find for English and Mathematics. So, if you want to be mindful of these standards as you start your homeschooling endeavors, see what these links have to say - but, do not become overwhelmed by them or limit yourself by what they suggest. For example, in the Kindergarten standards, Virginia encourages its students to learn about Betsy Ross's involvement in creating the first American flag, when there is a tenuous link to her doing so. There are myriad better examples of ways to serve - and I would argue fellow man even more than one's country - such as Mother Teresa or Dorothy Day. Maybe you can research local philanthropists that have made an important contribution to the community. Or, look through newspapers or on-line news media for the names of women, in this case, but also men that have made positive differences with even small steps.
There are so many ways to form education to fit the needs of your child. Consider the strengths that your family can offer. For example, Russell plays bagpipes and has a lot of experience with Geology and Astronomy. We can incorporate these aspects of education into our children's lives, especially through an appreciation of music and scientific or natural observation. I have background in pottery and drawing, Classical Languages, Archaeology, basketball and softball - so, we can incorporate an appreciation for the arts, an understanding of other languages and cultures, and the importance of moving his body (not that he needs help with that) into his educational experiences. The Anglican tradition is an important aspect of our family life - so, faith and spiritual formation will be a part of everyday life and not just left up to Sundays.
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| Joey & Ezra at Frontier Culture Museum. senk 2013 |
But, Joey's education won't be an amalgamation of what we know - it will rely strongly on what he wants to know, too. Children need to learn so much, but they especially need to learn the concept of love. When we harbor Christ-like love at the center of their learning, their growth is so much greater. May the upcoming educational pursuits of your children this year balance on just such a thread.
