Over the last couple of weeks I have been scouring through endless materials and curriculum to make some changes to our homeschooling this year. It seems to have completely monopolized my time. As my kiddos are getting bigger, I want to make sure that I am doing a good job teaching them, and preparing them for their adulthood.
As I have looked into numerous methods and styles, I found myself feeling frustrated. I would like certain aspects of one, but not other parts of it. I felt discouragement creeping in, and the “year” hadn’t even begun yet!
Well, I think I have figured out a solution, at least for the time being. But that’s not really what I want to talk about. Instead it is the realization I had while trying to find the “perfect method“: I have been looking in the wrong place. Instead of trying to replicate or purchase the right method, I need to look to God for the answers. By spending some time in prayer and God’s Word, I know that He will direct and guide me in the way He desires for me to go.
Living in the society that we do, it can be very easy to just view our home education as a “school” at home. Teacher buys materials, and reads and directs students through preplanned curricula. This is not what I want for my children. I am continuously telling them that they should look to God to lead them throughout their lives, and when it comes to their education, I need to be sure that I am doing that too.
This isn’t just a matter of choosing a Christian method or curriculum, but allowing God to direct the daily teaching. Not only do I want to make The Bible the main source and focus of our learning, but I want God to be leading the whole way.
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
When I taught before my son was born, I’d often be sooo picky in choosing the right curriculum for my students-but what was best was an eclectic version of materials to support materials I designed myself—you know your kids and what they truly need! Prayers for a good school year with your children!
Thanks so much for the prayers, Michy! Good advice, too- eclectic seems to have the best of both worlds.
We do use parts of a boxed curriculum. It’s a Biblically-based curriculum that we trust and love, but I also love supplementing and changing it around to fit our needs. We have come to this point after much prayer. Agreed completely — the Lord needs to lead through it all. (Found you through your guest post on Serving Joyfully and now an e-mail subscriber.)
Hi, and welcome! That’s wonderful that you have found what works well for your family. It sounds like you definitely handled it the right way- prayer and letting God lead. Thanks so much for commenting and also subscribing!