Homeschooling Methods- What's Your Flavor?

Several homeschoolers have asked me how does one possibly choose a method or curriculum over all the myriads of choices available today. It can be so confusing and make a parent feel inadequate for the job. Just when you think you've found the perfect road, someone's children seem brighter and happier. The grass begins to look greener on the other side of the neighbor's fence.

I don't have all the answers but I can give a few suggestions that have helped me in the past.

Why don't you set aside some uninterrupted time to think about your children's personalities and your family's interests. What is your family's 'flavor?' Here are just a few family flavors:

Some are very musically minded
Others are politically active
There are those who are close to the land
Some enjoy the sciences
Some are internationally minded, as we are.

Can you think of some more? Often, although not always, a parent's interests will naturally be passed on to the children. The list is endless... Keep this in mind while you ask yourself the next question:

What kind of people do you want them to be? God gives moms and dads visions for their children. This doesn't mean you should mold them into what you want, but rather bring about the environment and influences in their lives to help them grow towards the person God desires them to be. Of course you cannot know in full, but he gives glimpses. Parents who DAILY ask for wisdom in training their children will have special discernment that they would not otherwise have. If more parents would take this piece of advice seriously, it would save them much heartache. This is the greatest help I can pass on to parents. It has literally changed my life.

Then ask yourself if the curriculum, method or any other competing idea in your mind right now lines up with your family's passions. What are your hopes and dreams for your children? Certain methods and curricula will greatly influence this outcome. Choosing carefully is important. Think specifically and ask yourself hard questions. If you don't know the answers, research and find out. And I do mean 'RESEARCH.' Do your homework and educate yourself. In the early years, just when I thought I had found the perfect plan I learned new things that shed light upon other ideas I had only given a cursory look. This happened more than once. Find out what the underlying ideas are behind the curriculum you are interested in. Do all this prayerfully until you come to a place of peace. And mothers, DO involve your husbands if at all possible. They often has keen insights that you may miss because you are too busy with the details.

When you find it, don't look back. Continue the route believing that God will be faithful to guide you. Learn as you go, altering and adjusting here and there, but stay on the course, even when things aren't going as well as you hoped. So many mothers (I only mention mothers because fathers don't usually fall into this trap) just hop from one curriculum to the next each year. This may produce children with some facts in their heads, but you will achieve far more if you have some specific goals and a method for achieving those goals for your family. Use your failures as an opportunity to glean from others who have traveled a similar path before you. The only reason to change course would be if you became convicted that your original decision was made in your own strength. I made that mistake. I spent hours and hours looking for the ideal 'method' and every once in awhile asked God to help me make the right choice. But my heart was not right. I truly was depending upon my own intelligence. I found myself overwhelmed with choices and didn't know what was right for our family. I had to repent of this attitude and give all my plans up before He directed me to the path he had for us. The peace has been a wonderful balm that keeps me refreshed. I wish this for each person reading this.

one step at a time...