Common Homeschool Questions

As the homeschool community continues to grow along with an abundance of resources, home education is becoming a more viable option for more families, and this is the time of year I tend to get a lot of questions about our experience thus far. 

Sharing our journey is one of my favorite things to do because I know how intimidating "homeschool" can be, and yet this season of homeschooling has turned out to be one of great joy for me.  I also remember being full of questions, and the Lord brought wise homeschooling moms whose experience and encouragement has been priceless. 

After taking the step of faith to try homeschool, I found myself completely surprised at the amount of joy it brought to my heart and our home. Not to say it's been easy but deeply rewarding.

Since much of my mind has been focused on processing through these questions with a few others, I thought it would be a good time to carry some of that processing over onto the blog for those God may be leading toward homeschool. 

What approach or method of homeschooling do you use?

The homeschool community has grown rapidly over the last decade breaking many of the homeschool family stereotypes. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were an estimated 54 million K-12 children in the U.S. in spring 2010 with 2.04 million being homeschooled. Homeschooling has grown 300 percent since 1992! With this growth has also come a newfound abundance of resources and methods. It can be difficult to navigate the various curriculum choices, so it's important to find one that aligns with your vision, convictions, and lifestyle.

I knew I wanted primarily to shape our education around a Christian Classical Education model, and as I've researched educational approaches and philosophies, I've begun to interweave Charlotte Mason's philosophy into our curriculum and found it to be a beautiful and natural complement to the classical education model.

What is classical education?

There are many voices who would answer that question in different ways. However, I have noticed similar themes in the various classical circles.

• It uses a classical pattern of learning that includes the Trivium (verbal arts) and Quadrivium (mathematical arts).

"It is the cultivation of wisdom and virtue by nourishing the soul on truth, goodness, and beauty by means of the seven liberal arts and the four sciences."  

"[C]lassical education varies considerably from conventional education. It holds to a different metaphysical paradigm (i.e., it holds to different assumptions about the nature of reality and the way we know it), orders its curriculum around different principles, regards the child differently, is mission driven rather than market driven (indeed, it seeks to heal the market it serves), and seeks different ends for its students."

- Circe Institute, What is Classical Education

• It is language intensive.

"Fully understood, the trivium becomes a three-fold approach to wisdom via words and language. Because language is the matter to be dealt with, reading books, thinking about them, and talking or writing on what has been read is, the practice of grammar, logic, and rhetoric in a nutshell, and all these arts may be practiced utill they are mastered."
- Karen Glass, Consider This: Charlotte Mason and the Classical Tradition

• It is history intensive.

"History is not a subject, History is the subject. It is the record of human experience, both personal and communal. It is the story of the unfolding of human achievement in every area - science, literature, art, music, and politics. A grasp of historical facts is essential to the rest of the classical curriculum. The goal of the classical curriculum is multicultural in the true sense of the word: the student learns the proper place of his community, his state, and his country by seeing the broad sweep of history from its beginning and then fitting his own time and place into that great landscape."
-Susan Wise Bauer, The Well-Trained Mind

• It focuses on teaching the foundational skill of thinking needed to master any subject. 

"Classical Education then is a life-long process of applying the 'tools of learning' - tools that are the skills entailed in grammar, logic, and rhetoric and that travel with the student through his various stages of learning." 

- Christopher A. Perrin, An Introduction to Classical Education

"Its goal is to teach children how to think. It's distinctives include Latin at an early age and conversation with great minds of the past through extensive reading of great literature."

- Sally and Clay Clarkson, Educating the Whole Hearted Child

• It aims to develop virtue.

"It seeks the truth for its own sake, not primarily for pragmatic uses. It aims at wisdom not wealth." 

- Peter Kreeft, The Liberal Arts Tradition: A Philosophy of Christian Classical Education

• It's distinctly Christian.

"It assumes that the supernatural is not the enemy to the natural, that 'grace perfects nature rather than demeaning it' as light perfects all colors."
- Peter Kreeft, The Liberal Arts Tradition

How much time do you spend  researching curriculum?

We're enrolled at Veritas Classical School which supports Christian Classical Education homeschool families through assistance in planning, grading, testing, motivation, and accountability. They provide a suggested curriculum which I have the freedom to tweak, and they provide lesson plans as well. This was extremely helpful in the beginning!

If you're starting out and feel overwhelmed, I would encourage finding a recommended resource or group that provides you with a complete school grade program for the year. Look into local groups such as Classical Conversations or recommended curriculum publishers such as Sonlight and My Father's World that include over the phone support. Then begin with confidence in your selected plan, learn as you go, tweak when needed, and keep notes for the next year. Quicker than you think, you'll figure out how to choose curriculum that best fits your context and goals.

From introducing PreK concepts to Kindergarten phonics to third grade math, my knowledge of resources, teaching methods, how kids learn, and most importantly my own educational philosophy has grown and developed. It's a journey, and one of the beauties of homeschool is you can always adjust along the way to do what's best for your family and child's learning.  I've found trusted voices, and through their blogs, podcasts, and books my curriculum research happens very naturally throughout the year. I also have a couple of women God has placed in my life that know more than I do, and they graciously allow me to pick their brains.

What is an umbrella school?

Home education is legal in all fifty states but specific regulatory policies differ widely from state to state. The Home School Legal Defense Association can help with understanding the laws of your state. In Tennessee we homeschool under an accredited church-related "umbrella" school, HomeLife Academy where I submit online an attendance record, our  curriculum choices, and grades twice a year.

I'm not sure if I'm cut out to homeschool!

"Your goal as a Christian home educator is not just to make your children good test-takers but rather to shape their hearts and strengthen their minds to become self-motivated, independent learners." - Sally Clarkson, Educating the Whole-Hearted Child

I hear women say all the time they aren't patient enough, smart enough, introverted enough, extroverted enough, creative enough, organized enough, etc to homeschool. I fall into some of those categories myself! However, I've found many moms in the homeschool community that are very much like me and very different from me! One of my peer/ mentors and I could not be more opposite in personality, and I praise God for her friendship not only for her wisdom but for the laid back, creative life she breathes into my overly type A tendencies!

The bottom line is you have to know the choice to homeschool is rooted in conviction that God has called you to it for purposes seen and unseen. Sometimes He makes the reasons clear, but there are times I feel it's in preparation for future reasons only He sees. I wrote Why I Couldn't Choose Homeschool about a season of wrestling over whether or not to pursue homeschool and God showing me first why not to pursue the path.

What about socialization and creating a good community of friends for my children and family?

Socialization can be defined differently, and I consider growth in biblical character, personal confidence, and developing a social competence for relating to people of all ages true socialization. However, the latter part of this question is important. We place high value on friendship and community because I believe it's important to God. We weren't meant to do life in isolation. In believing God was calling us to homeschool, I also had to believe that he would provide us with outlets to build community. I knew I would have to be intentional in this area as well. Through sports, church, and Veritas the boys have developed some special friendships as have I. I think regardless of where your kids go to school, parents will always have to be intentional about helping their kids cultivate healthy friendships with their peers. 

What resources do you recommend for learning more about home education?

For the Children's Sake by Susan Scaeffer Macauley. Without a doubt this is the first one I'd recommend reading. It's an easy read and paradigm shifting. Whether you decide to homeschool or not, you'll see education as a "joyful adventure, a celebration of life, and preparation for living" while finding practical suggestions for extending learning to every aspect of life regardless of the educational avenue your family chooses.

The Well-Trained Mind by Susan Wise Bauer. If you're interested in classical education, peruse through this large volume, but rest easy, it's not meant to be read all at once! Bauer also has helpful articles on her website, welltrainedmind.com

Educating the WholeHearted Child by Clay and Sally Clarkson. Similar to a handbook, you don't have to read it straight through. The Clarksons discuss many of the various methods and answer almost any question you can think of about homeschooling. It's full of vision, practicality, and personal heart warming stories. 

Teaching from Rest by Sarah Mackenzie. If you make the decision to homeschool, I'd recommend this one as a must read! Mackenzie in her typical endearing, authentic fashion gives practical, faith-based inspiration on teaching from a state of rest to counter burn out, fear, and anxiety so common among homeschooling mothers. She is the founder of the Read Aloud Revival and its popular podcast listened to by thousands of homeschool and non-homeschool families. Listen to her discuss the book here. 

Seasons of a Mother's Heart by Sally Clarkson. God used this refreshing, relational book to remind me of the big picture that is happening in my home. Homeschooling my kids is simply one aspect of the greater calling - discipling them to follow Christ. 

This year I've been pushing my mind a little deeper on philosophy of education...

Desiring the Kingdom: Worship, Worldview, and Cultural Formation by James K.A. Smith. Smith asserts that the goal of Christian education is more than the development of a Biblical worldview. Rather than education being primarily about ideas and information, it must form our hearts and desires. More than what we know, it's about what we love because ultimately our days and our dreams will be shaped by the desires of our hearts. Thought provoking!

The Liberal Arts Tradition: A Philosophy of Christian Classical Education by Clark and Jain
A rich paradigm for understanding classical education that goes beyond the basic trivium. "The foundational distinction between traditional education and modern education is that the ancients believed that education was fundamentally about shaping loves."

Consider This: Charlotte Mason and the Classical Tradition by Karen Glass
Poland missionary Karen Glass has a brilliant in-depth understanding of Charlotte Mason's philosophy and Classical Education. Listen to her discuss the book here.

Great audio talks and conversations...

Nurturing Competent Communicators  - Andrew Pudewa
Teaching Boys and Other Kids Who Would Rather Be Building Forts - Andrew Pudewa
What Are We Really Doing Here? - Andrew Pudewa
Cultivating a Well-Trained Mind, an interview with Susan Wise Bauer on the RAR
Read Good Books. The End. - an interview with Carol Joy Seid on the RAR
Discipling Our Kids with Read Alouds - an interview with Mark Hamby on the RAR
Teaching from Rest - an interview with Sarah Mackenzie and Andrew Kern
The Mason Jar: An Introduction to Charlotte Mason with Cindy Rollins
Choosing What is Best: A Conversation with Dr. Christopher Perrin 

Children's Books for Easter

As children mature, their understanding grows, and the depth behind the story of Christ's death is one we want to continue growing in them. I never want to take for granted that my children have "got" the Easter story. The Spirit is still teaching me the wonders of the reality that occurred on the cross and day of Christ's Resurrection. 

For it is the most important of all Christian celebrations, the very foundation of the gospel. 

"For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, then to the twelve." - 1 Corinthians 15:3-5

Books open doors for discussion and stir the holy imagination toward even what we might deem unimaginable. Every Easter, as the children grow, we add a couple new books to our reading list for the season, but we also have a few favorites that keep growing with us. I can open a book we've read annually for four year, and it's beautiful to see new light bulbs come on and hear new questions asked.

As with Christmas, Easter is widely celebrated in our commercial culture. In a world where it seems everyone is enjoying the Easter bunny, egg hunts and candy,  books and traditions can help redeem the cultural rites of spring in a way that keeps us focused on the true treasure of Easter - the Resurrection. 

Devotionals

Journey to the Cross by Helen Haidle (ages 4-12)

With almost exactly 40 readings, this book takes you chronologically through the events of the last week of Jesus' life. It's also full of interesting side notes that bring tremendous insight to the culture of the day and therefore the context of the Passion text.  

Amon's Adventure by Arnold Ytreeide (ages 8 and up)

Hear about the true Easter story from the viewpoint of a fictional child in that time. This captivating story is a little more intense in revealing the reality of the events surrounding Christ's death - betrayal, arrest, beating -  but powerful so more appropriate for older children. It's not divided into 40 daily readings for Lent but can easily be read through the season and each chapter ends with scripture and devotional thoughts for meditating on our relationship with Jesus. 

Picture Books

The Easter Story by Brian Wildsmith 

Big, bold, beautiful illustrations draw children into this telling of the Easter story starting with Jesus and a donkey on Palm Sunday.

Peter's First Easter by Walter Wangerin, Jr. (all ages)

I LOVE this story. Follow the events of Jesus' journey to the cross through the eyes of the apostle Peter. Feel the agonizing pain of his shame in betraying Jesus and then the vibrant joy and wonder as he experiences Christ's love and forgiveness - an emphasized theme. It's a longer picture book; you could definitely read this in several short sittings. 

The First Easter by Carol Heyer 

This book is special because it takes us all the way back to Jesus' birth. He came to earth to give his life for us. Touching on his birth and ministry the story moves quickly into the events leading up to the climax of his life - the crucifixion and Resurrection.  

Petook by Caryll Houselander. Illustrator Tomie de Paola

The Resurrection story told from the unusual perspective of a rooster who crows the good news of life on Easter as his last chick bursts from the egg and "the sky [breaks] into a splendor of light." In de Paola's own words, the story "breathes life into the age-old symbol of the Easter egg." 

The Legend of the Easter Egg by Lori Walburg 

A heart warming fictional story of how the traditional Easter egg - the ancient symbol of new life - fits in with the story of the Resurrection.  

Easter Bunny, Are You for Real? by Myra Harold 

There is an older version of this book and a newer abridged version. I prefer the original copy, but both books do a good job at helping children discern between traditional "springtime" rituals that have been celebrated all over the globe for centuries and the Christian's celebration of the Resurrection at Easter. The narrative is mostly dialogue as two parents answer their children's questions about the real meaning of Easter and the traditional symbols and celebrations such as the Easter bunny, hiding eggs, and candy. 

Easy Readers

Jesus the Savior by  Carine Mackenzie

This book is one from an excellent series of Bible story retellings for children. Whether Old or New Testament, the authors tie each story back to Jesus and the gospel. We have collected most of the Read Aloud Old Testament and New Testament Collections. You can also purchase them individually on Amazon.

Jesus Lives by Larua Derico

Passover Books

Company's Coming by Joan Holub

Little hands will enjoy lifting the flaps as they are introduced to the history and traditions of a Jewish Passover Seder meal. 

The Story of Passover by David Adler

We're fans of David Adler's "first biographies" for children, so I was thrilled when I saw he had written a book for Passover. A simple retelling of the Exodus from Egypt. The last page provides information on a Passover Seder.

The Story of Passover by Bobbi Katz

A fairly thorough children's book explaining the Seder meal.

Read Aloud Novels

The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S.Lewis (ages 8 and up)

Not an Easter book per se, but a tale of redemption that continually stirs our hearts for Jesus. Aslan, the true ruler of Narnia, must give his life to save a traitor. Sound familiar. The wicked White Witch thinks she has killed Aslan, but the dawning of a new day brings the promise of new life...

The Robe by Lloyd Douglas (ages 12 and up)

A Roman soldier gambles and wins the robe of the crucified Christ; he soon finds himself on a journey to learn the truth about the former owner of the robe. An Easter classic of adventure, faith, romance, and ultimately redemption that makes for a great family read aloud. I'm a fan  old classic movies, and I've caught The Robe  several times on TMC. Moves me every time! There is a newer version which I have not seen. 

Little Pilgrim's Progress by Helen Taylor (ages 7 and up)

The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan

Throughout Bunyan's famous allegory of the Christian life, we see the gospel. How beautifully he captures the heart of Easter and the cross.

Little Christian burdened by his sins comes to the cross "and his burden loosed from off his shoulders, and fell from off his back; and began to tumble, and so continued to do till it came to the mouth of the sepulchre, where it fell in, and I saw it no more. Then was Christian glad and lightsome, and said with a merry heart, 'He hath given me rest, by his sorrow, and life, by his death.' Then he stood still a while, to look and wonder; for it was very surprising to him that the sight of the Cross should ease him of his burden. He looked therefore, and looked again, even till the springs that were in his head sent the waters down his cheeks. Now as he stood looking and weeping, behold three Shining Ones came to him, and saluted him, with 'Peace be to thee.' So the first said to him, 'Thy sins be forgiven.' The second stripped him of his rags, and clothed him with a change of raiment. The third also set a mark on his forehead, and gave him a roll with a seal upon it, which he bid him look on as he ran, and that he should give it in at the celestial Gate: so they went their way. Then Christian gave three leaps for joy, and went on singing."

Makes me want to sing ... 

"At the Cross, at the cross where I first saw the light, And the burden of my heart rolled away, It was their by faith I received my sight, And now I am happy all the day"

Additional Lent and Easter Posts:
Lent Passion: Music That Stirs the Soul
Lent Traditions and Resources: Preparing Little Hearts for Easter
Celebrating Easter in Our Home Part 1: Easter Mountain
Celebrating Easter in Our Home Part 2: A Messianic Passover

Lent Passion: Music That Stirs the Soul

As we journey to the cross during Lent, music helps set the tone and the scene for this season of reflection in a special way. 

Worship takes what we know to be true and connects our head knowledge with a deeply intimate, soul stirring experiential knowledge. 

Beautiful music is sweetly soul satisfying in its ability to touch our entire being - mind, heart, and body. It carries with it the potential to move us deeply at every level of our existence. We learn from the ancient Greeks that there are three components to music that influence us on three different levels. Melody connects with the mind, harmony connects with the heart, and rhythm connects with the physical body. Music moves us because it touches upon our intellectual, emotional, and physical self all at once.

Scripture Cards for Lenten Lights (Printable)

Tonight we start one of our treasured traditions, Lenten Lights. 

The Naming of Stirring Affections

What started as The Vaughans, a personal blog to keep out of town family connected, has evolved into Stirring Affections! Picking an official title for the blog felt like so much pressure. Yet I believed if God was leading me to invest more time here sharing resources and encouragement for discipleship in the home then He would clarify the vision with a name. 

Since the beginning in the garden, God has cared about naming. Naming gives meaning and identity. Every name in scripture has a meaning that tells us something about that person's relationship with God. 

Stirring Affections is about desiring for my children to have an intimate relationship with Christ. It's about cultivating a discipleship relationship that is more formative than informative, that's more about what we love than just what we know.

Stirring Affections is about discipling our children in a way that awakens their hearts and minds to the wonder and beauty of the gospel. 

Lent Traditions and Resources: Preparing Little Hearts at Home forEaster

This year Easter comes on March 27 which means Ash Wednesday is next week, February 10, and the journey of Lent begins.

Psalms: How Do I Talk To God?

In our chronological Bible study we're currently in the life of David, and this week we'll spend our breakfast Bible time meditating on some of the psalms. A psalm a day makes for a simple yet meaningful devotional time together!

Children want to know, How do you talk to God? 

Since the second temple, the psalms have been used as a prayer book. We find in Psalms beautiful examples of humbled hearts laid bare before the Lord. We see praise and thanksgiving flow from intimate relationship experienced with a personal God. We see a longing for justice that recognizes God as the sole source of deliverance. The psalms shape our response to God whether we're experiencing joy or difficulty.