My Family's Homeschool

One of my original reasons for starting this blog was writing about my family's homeschool and the role I play in it. I'm a second-generation homeschooler, meaning I was homeschooled and now I'm homeschooling. Homeschooling my siblings, yes, but homeschooling nonetheless. It's a little bit norm-defying - trust me, I know!

A Little Backstory

I always had a thing for teaching. As a young teenager, I went through a season of working with two of my preschool-aged brothers. I had my own teacher's corner with a bookshelf, a table, and a little chalkboard. I'd grown up on books like the Little House series and Anne of Green Gables so the small classroom feeling was one I loved. And, like I said before, I did like the idea of being a teacher

when I grew up.

That desire morphed and changed as I got older. I know enough about public schools (and other standardized methods of education) to know that I don't agree with the methods, I don't agree with the process. I believe that children learn best one-on-one (or at least in smaller groups) with a teacher that tailor-makes their curriculum to best meet their needs. No two children are the same. They should not be forced into cookie-cutter boxes and assigned labels. Thus, my preference and love for homeschool.

But that's a ramble for another day!

Why I Love Homeschool

I believe that homeschool is the best thing for my siblings. I don't believe that children should be sent to state-run schools and spend the majority of their childhood and life away from their families and their home.

I love seeing that spark in my little brother's eye when he finally gets something. I love watching him gain new understanding and branch out in his creativity. I love introducing new things to him and watching him grow. I love exploring history with him and learning about new places on the map. I'm learning so much even as I teach him!

It's very rewarding (albeit challenging). And, not for nothing, but I'm not blind to that fact that I am a) getting a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy a unique and special relationship with my brother, one I hope he cherishes for all time, and b) garnering priceless experience and knowledge that can later be applied in my future - wherever God takes me.

Homeschool, in a single word, is a blessing. And it's one I hope more and more Christian parents embrace, especially considering the times we are in.

The Role I Play

With some recent changes that my family has undergone, I have found myself assuming more and more responsibility. My mother has always run things, for the most part, but we used to have roles assigned to different members of the family. I was never in the managing position of homeschool, but with things being the way they are now, I've found myself managing a whole lot more than I used to!

My main role is being teacher to "my little humdinger" as I call him. I've been teaching him since last

year, when he was finishing up third grade. I'm going to write a little more about my experience working with him in another post; it has been quite a journey!

Now I've taken on overseeing the rest of my siblings' work. I'm monitoring their progress and setting up their curricula for next year. I'm helping my mother iron out certain details and trying to track down good deals for books. It's a lot of fun!

I don't always feel like I know all that much. I feel more incompetent than anything, to be honest. But I know that if God hadn't had me doing what I'm doing right now I would be lost. If I wasn't working with my brother right now, he wouldn't be getting all of his needs met. My mother has been handling a lot lately; being able to relieve her of this responsibility has been a relief for both of us.

To be honest, homeschooling has helped me in so many ways. I was in a dark place for a long time. I felt purposeless and broken. God gave me this task right when I needed it most. Pouring my time and energy into homeschool has given me back my purpose... it has kept me in a place of active servitude, rather than idle pathos. And I'm not sure if its right to admit this, but I like being needed. I like feeling like I'm making a difference. It gives me a chance to do something of eternal worth. And I wouldn't trade that gift for anything.