Homeschool Encouragement

I’ll be embarking on my 26th year of homeschooling in the fall.

I started my daughter in preschool with a resource that was hands on and literature based, and I read about Charlotte Mason learning at the same time.

I got a vision early on for home education, a lifestyle of learning that would provide space for practical skills teaching, for a close family life, and for character.

I wanted a home that had God at the center, not merely a public school at home.

Although I learned about so many good principles early on, out of fear, I still tried to do too much. I added in yearly grammar texts, and I even added a reading comprehension workbook during one confused season!

As I’ve gained confidence, I’ve been able to simplify so that more of our time is spent studying beautiful, worldview shaping literature and ideas, and almost no time is spent on tedious workbooks or textbooks (math is the exception).

I’ve spent more time discovering my children’s interests and tailoring the curriculum to them, and less time worrying about what other people are doing.

I’ve spent more time reading the books that make our hearts come alive, and less time following antiquated book lists.

I’ve spent more time studying primary documents and historical speeches with my children, and less time on modern interpretations of history.

I’ve spent more time doing what we love, and less time doing what others love.

It’s been a wonderful journey and I’m so grateful for every moment of this sacred calling.