The time has come, the walrus said ... to take all the good things I've learned from so many approaches, and DO what I think is right. Without worrying about what other people think. I love that each of my home ed. friends has a unique approach to nurturing their children. I enjoy the debates we have about benefits of each viewpoint. I need to stop agonising over choices so much and get on with it already!!
Today I read a very wisely written post , which expresses eloquently WHY curriculum/method decisions are so emotionally charged, and how to think rationally about it. It's the "what, why and how" of one homeschool family. I love it.
For a few months I have been drifting home to my favourite, eclectic mix of approaches. I've dabbled with a mix of my existing resources, most of which are left-overs from my teaching years. Picking and choosing, experimenting, observing, thinking. Researching new resources, buying secondhand, borrowing and trying.
For our home school (and life), I want
... flexibility and routine, sparkiness and diligence
... to ignite interests, fuel imaginations, have adventures
... wholesome, quality, faith-building content
... challenging, creative, invigorating, interesting
I've spent many hours this term reading reviews and comparing curriculum choices for each subject in our homeschool for next year. For each subject there is such a mind-boggling range of methods, philosophies, depth and breadth of content, price range and ... so many CHOICES. The outcome, my plan, is eclectic and tailored to our children and family life. I'm not striving for unattainable perfection, but am seeking to do my best. I know plans change and reality looks different to imagined reality. I can live with that :)
In the post I linked to earlier Jess summed up her goal so nicely, and it expresses what Pete and I want too ... "a loving, positive family home that equips our children with a love of the Lord and a love of learning."
Jasi is begging to have her turn on the computer. She's desperate to do her maths!
She's said, "Can I do it now?" about 27 times.
Guess that's my cue to get out of the way. Bye for now!
Great post - and so was the one you linked to. When it comes down to it, all you can do is what is right for you, and what is working at that moment in time, regardless of what every one else thinks!
ReplyDeleteI think I needed this reminder today too.. :)
Vanessa, came over here to say hi after you left a comment at my blog recently:)
ReplyDeleteVery true! We each need to do what's right for our family and what works for each child (though I only have one so far!).
I am working on a few changes for next year's homeschooling!
Having a goal is so important, I think. Thank you for this.
ReplyDeleteHi, beautifully said. I make new and different changes every year as I am growing, learning and developing more as a homeschooling Mum and I feel more confident now. Most important is to be led by the Lord! Good post! xxx
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone, I love reading your comments! I'm WAY behind in posting but hope to write more soon.
ReplyDelete