Now that I finally have sponsorship to attend the FPEA
Homeschool Conference this year, I have been sitting at my computer screen for
most of the morning just trying to figure out how to plan my days so that I get
the most from this conference. It’s too bad I can’t multiply myself in order to
get all of the information! There's so much information and I'm so
hungry for the knowledge! But, I have to focus on which workshops will most
apply to me and my family. This has forced me to think strongly about building
the foundation of my children’s homeschooling.
It is difficult to sort through the throng of information
that you get online regarding home education goals. It's impossible to get a clear and concise answer
as to what my homeschool philosophy should be. After all, every family dynamic
is different. Every family has different values and different things that are
important to them and even different educational goals. So, I had to stop for a
moment of looking through the workshops, and just meditate on my reasons for
homeschooling. Which needs require attention now? What subjects am I most
competent in? What do I want my children to get out of this experience?
From all that I have been reading, I know that during the
first year there are adjustments that need to take place. During this first
year it’s going to be all about relationship- getting reacquainted with my
children, their learning styles, and strengths and weaknesses. One thing that I
see a lot of people saying is to pace yourself, and take that first year to
teach the subjects you are most knowledgeable in. I am also aware that after so
long in public school, my children need time to get used to a new routine,
getting to know mom as a teacher, and shifting their focus.
So here is what I came up with.
1.
God is the most important missing element. I
need to begin to teach my children how to have a relationship with God. We need
to build a strong foundation in the Word and Christian values. How to pray,
honoring God, reading the Word and also praise and worship need to be the
cornerstone of our education. This means going back to some seriously
fundamental things that I can admit I have neglected.
2.
Reading and writing is important. My children
need to strengthen their reading and spelling. These are subjects in which I
naturally excel. Therefore, it stands to reason that this is my starting point.
We need to work on phonics, letter sounds, pronunciation, and spelling. I think
I may as well link in handwriting, since both my school-aged children have handwriting
that shows a serious lack of care.
3.
My children have a thirst for science. They are
eager to have more hands-on science since they are not allowed too much science
exploration in school. This may be a good opportunity to tie in biblical
worldview by teaching about creation, plants, animals, and maybe even some
simple physics and/or chemistry.
I have to say that after putting these things in perspective
and writing them down, I was able to get a much better idea of which workshops
suited my needs. The choices became much clearer and my day is now laid before
me with the clarity I needed. Now, to figure out what to wear..