In a few weeks we will begin a new adventure- homeschooling Jacob. Many people have asked us why we are choosing to homeschool. I don't think I've given a great answer to anyone and I think it's time I do. I wanted to be able to explain myself better, so I've been praying and thinking and reading. So here goes.
As I we started realizing that Jacob has unique academic talents (reading at 2), we we had to consider this question: What will be the best education for our son? And as I pondered this question, I was brought to a new question- What does God want for the education of our children?
I know that God has uniquely gifted each child and I believe he wants us to develop those talents. I know that the things that God's values are not the same things that the world values. I also know that God has made some specific commandments in raising children. One of those is Deuteronomy 11:18-19 which says, "You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."
I believe that the most important thing to teach our children is God's word and his values. As a former public school teacher I know absolutely that these are not taught in public school. And I am really not sure that we would have enough time in a day to make-up what is lacking in a public school classroom if they are there 6 hours a day (+ ?? hours of getting ready, transporting them back and forth, eating, bathing, and homework). I also know that there are values and influences in a public school that I don't want my kids taught. It's not about evolution and homosexuality. It's teaching them to let other's go first, forgiveness, loving our enemies, etc. etc...
One thing that really impacted me was Jacob's preschool at First Covenant Church. What I loved about it was that they didn't just have a Bible story time. They talked about God throughout the day. While the kids were outside fascinated with a butterfly, the teacher engaged them in a conversation about how God made it able to fly. When a boy was crying because he lost his teddy bear, the class stopped to pray for him. That was an "Aha!" moment for me. This is what the Deuteronomy passage is all about.
Will we homeschool them through high school? I don't know. We will take it one day at a time and continue praying about it. We will reevaluate every year. We do want to make sure the kids can get into a university if they want to. It will just depend on the schools and on each child. They are all different with different needs, talents, and feelings.
Please support us in our decision to homeschool by praying for us and encouraging us and keep the playdates coming!
