Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Chicago Homeschool Expo
This weekend is my second conference of this season. If you plan to be in Tinley Park, leave a comment and I will look for you there.
Am I doing this right?
Many of the parents who ask this question are just feeling the weight of responsibility for their children's education. They really are "doing it right". Doubts and fears can creep into our minds and make us question our calling and abilities. This often happens when we compare our homeschool to other homeschools. NO TWO HOMESCHOOLS LOOK EXACTLY THE SAME, even if they use the same curricula, even if they share our belief system, even if they are family! That doesn't mean that one is better. My parents homeschooled my younger siblings and did a great job. School at my house looks different, not better or worse, just different. As parents we have the ability to customize and individualize our academics and activities for each child; this is one of the best benefits of homeschooling, but it can also be a detriment when we compare ourselves. If your children are learning and growing, chances are... you ARE doing it right. Perfect doesn't exist in humans.
There are some parents who ask this question from a feeling that something is wrong, and they can't place the problem. For these dear parents, there is hope. You may not be "doing this" wrong, just not best for your family. If you fall into this category, don't lose heart. It helps to go back to your goals. Why did you start this homeschool journey? What are your goals for your child? Are those goals realistic for your child? If you are homeschooling primarily for advanced academic achievement, character studies will frustrate you, and vise versa. There are curricula that blend the two, but you see the point. Anything that doesn't lead toward your goal distracts from it. Some families want their children to experience as much as possible before graduation and are in constant motion with outside activities. This fits with their goal of a well-rounded student. Families have come to me over the years and wondered why their children are struggling with academics, but they are away from home most of the week. Activities are not evil, just make sure that they are beneficial for your child and help them accomplish the goals for that year. I have found that fellowship/ play date groups are great when children are younger, but not as helpful in the jr high/ high school years, when studies take more time and are more involved. But... academic groups are extremely helpful for older students. They allow for discussion and exchange of ideas in a safe environment. Some students are social and groups give them the desire to learn, while some students are more introverted and exhausted/frustrated by all the activity. You know your child. Let your activities be planned and add to your school rather than detract from it.
There are some parents who ask this question from a feeling that something is wrong, and they can't place the problem. For these dear parents, there is hope. You may not be "doing this" wrong, just not best for your family. If you fall into this category, don't lose heart. It helps to go back to your goals. Why did you start this homeschool journey? What are your goals for your child? Are those goals realistic for your child? If you are homeschooling primarily for advanced academic achievement, character studies will frustrate you, and vise versa. There are curricula that blend the two, but you see the point. Anything that doesn't lead toward your goal distracts from it. Some families want their children to experience as much as possible before graduation and are in constant motion with outside activities. This fits with their goal of a well-rounded student. Families have come to me over the years and wondered why their children are struggling with academics, but they are away from home most of the week. Activities are not evil, just make sure that they are beneficial for your child and help them accomplish the goals for that year. I have found that fellowship/ play date groups are great when children are younger, but not as helpful in the jr high/ high school years, when studies take more time and are more involved. But... academic groups are extremely helpful for older students. They allow for discussion and exchange of ideas in a safe environment. Some students are social and groups give them the desire to learn, while some students are more introverted and exhausted/frustrated by all the activity. You know your child. Let your activities be planned and add to your school rather than detract from it.
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