A Homeschool Day Off?
1. Looking to God
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16
I earnestly would like to gather a small group of moms in my living room and discuss the various ideas from this verse. I think we would all marvel at the hope and help that God offers us as we teach. Bring some friends. Come over. Let’s do it!
For starters: How might we get the Word of Christ to dwell in us? In those we love? Not only is it to dwell but to dwell richly. Think on this and let’s prepare to encourage one another.
Wouldn’t you love to discuss the singing instructions? Why do these words sit right in the midst of believers encouraging one another? Why is music such a point of contention in worship?
Finally, thankfulness for what? When, where and for what am I to be thankful to God? How will we help each other understand this?
Now we are just getting ready to get started. Keep reading the Word and sharing.
2. Training Leaders You are teaching at home. What a breath-taking opportunity. You are training leaders. Leaders who may work in an office, help those who are sick, build houses or bridges, fight for our freedom, coach, teach or preach. But these leaders are trained (at home, by you) to connect the profound truth of God and His sovereign plan to the work and life of every day.
This realization of your future child in a position of leadership challenges you each day to show the connection between the lessons they learn and the true God who created all ideas.
One example of that connection is to show the value of understanding the order and purpose of numbers when searching for a cure of disease.
Another example: During any study of disaster in history, we might ask, “Where was/is God when this is happening?” This opens the door to show God’s goodness in man’s choice and His goodness in restraining evil. The disaster did not consume the whole earth. We can also look forward with hope. The day is coming when evil will have no more power over God’s children.
Being conscious every day in ordinary tasks and assignments for opportunities to show God in all His power and glory, will pave the way for building leaders for tomorrow.
3. Take a Day Off Here is a suggestion.
Suppose unannounced one morning, you suggest to your students, that you and they are taking the day off. Ask each student to consider that math, reading, science, history, projects, research will still go on but each student will determine how — just for today.
Give guidelines: Perhaps some activities are unacceptable. Tell students when you will be available to help —(perhaps all day, except when you are napping.) Finish by giving any rules and by telling them when you will meet to report how the day was spent.
Here’s the valuable part: During your late afternoon evaluation time, notice the excitement (or lack of) for learning. Also, help your students see VALUE in what they chose.
Who knows, the day off may become a regular school feature. Let me know.
4. Championship Reminder
When considering what to teach each child it is best to begin with goals. Once you have a list of things you see your child/children needing, consider methods that best fit individual children. When trying to choose methods consider your child’s:
• special interests
• academic ability
• temperament
• learning style
• gifts
After goals have been written and best teaching methods have been discerned then search for help with books, projects, computer programs, informed people and other curriculum choices. Most texts can be adapted to help you reach your goal, if your methods are individualized.
5. Encourage
Pause to hear your own voice. Are you cheerful even in correction? Do you show how grave a situation is with angry words? Let’s encourage one another to encourage our children to joyful Christian living.
