I got thinking today and discussing with S about school and the how we keep it joyful. My concern has always been that they grow up and look back on their homeschooling experience administered by a completely inexperienced Mom and say, "No way".
Now thankfully, this most likely will never apply, God willing, because we are raising them in the truth that homeschooling is biblical and there really isn't another option unless God literally calls them to something else. Usually doubtful. (When in doubt, go with the biblical model, not exception) Plus since they will be courted, their future Dh's will have been raised the same way.
Anyway, I was explaining that I was concerned that since I was learning as I go, that they would feel like the idea of homeschooling was not really a meaty and meaningful experience. She was saying how she enjoyed structure but didn't retain from it (I am an unstructured teacher and am always lamenting it) and we got off on all that meant and we talked about how Mom's often teach from the perspective of how THEY learn. What a mistake! I took comfort that they are retaining what I teach them even though it is taught in an unstructured way. Much better than read-the-chapter-answer-the-questions. It actually requires much more than structured teaching does but it pays off in the end.
Ok, somehow I am not talking much about joy, let me get back on track.
So I say "When school's not fun, school is done" and that is the very truth of our existence. I will never know why there has to be tears, frustration or anger in homeschooling. If there are those things, you may usually blame the parents. If the child is consistently acting up-discipline problem. If the child is frustrated with the work-well, that can be any number of problems.
If your child is crying, screaming, ranting, raving, yawning, whining, complaining or refusing, it is time to change your approach, not your child. Lol I mean, you KNOW I am all for discipline. I am NOT talking about a discipline issue. But if you are a super structured person and are trying to teach an artist, forget it. If you are a unstructured teacher and are trying to teach a structured child, then you must learn to teach to their personality. (That one is mine)
There will be JOY in this house when we do school and chores (affectionately called homeblessing here) and anything else.
Laugh, tickle, make up funny things to learn. Please don't MAKE your children learn. (which will end up in their not) but MOLD your children into learners.
If you lack joy in your homeschooling endeavors, it is likely that you may be teaching as if you are teaching yourself instead of adapting to each of your child's needs.
I don't want to put on my "teacher's hat" when I teach. I want to be loving, fun, happy MOM teaching from her heart to the very heart of her babes.
2 comments:
I love this Steph. The three of my children that I have schooled thus far each have had a different learning style and the fun has been adapting to each one of them. Each of them were so different, one was reading at 3 1/2, another at 5, and one at 8. A great example of our children's learning styles is how the Lord has given everyone unique gifts and talents. I have already taken interest in L's style, making learning, adapting, growing a joy for her. She is so much like J, which if I never homeschooled them, I probably would not have noticed as much. Thanks for sharing.
What about when mom is screaming, crying, ranting, raving, whining, complaining, and refusing? Just kidding! Your post reminded me of the joy of teaching my own kids. I love it and it is so fun to see them learn and grow.
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