Our Choice

I think this pretty well sums it up:

1. I have a degree in education, so I know how to teach. I can't imagine a better teacher for my children than myself. Of course, that is not because I'm the best teacher ever--although I'm hoping they'll eventually think that! But rather, I know my children so well, and have their best interests and God's will in mind for them each step of the way. I can tailor lessons to each child's specific abilities and learning styles.



2. I've taught in public and private schools and was not impressed by the politics of mass-produced education.



3. Teaching also led me to appreciate homeschooling's ability to maintain a 3:1 student/teacher ratio. Much better than the 30:1 I experienced as a teacher.



4. We have the means to travel for free to many cool places. When the baby is a little bit older, we plan to make 'field trips far and wide' an integral part of our homeschooling.



5. Homeschooling allows a more flexible schedule. My husband has a constantly varying schedule, and homeschooling allows our kiddos a chance to spend time with daddy. It allows daddy an opportunity to participate in our schooling activities to a greater degree.



6. Although my husband struggles with the 'socialization issue,' I see homeschooling as a way to offer our children more natural and controlled (if necessary) interactions. As a teacher I saw a fair share of bullying and bad attitudes being overlooked by adults, even in a Christian school. I must say, this is *not* the primary reason we homeschool. I don't expect to shelter our children. But I don't want a majority of their time spent in a peer-to-peer culture.



7. We cherish the ability to bring God back into the classroom. I want to teach our children that God is the center of all, that He offers unwavering Truth and Wisdom (yes, with capitals).
   
   According to The Barna Update:
   
   Citing the findings from a just-completed national survey of 2033 adults that showed only 4% of adults have a biblical worldview as the basis of their decision-making. ...Although most people own a Bible and know some of its content, our research found that most Americans have little idea how to integrate core biblical principles to form a unified and meaningful response to the challenges and opportunities of life. We're often more concerned with survival amidst chaos than with experiencing truth and significance.
   
   I desperately want our children to be set apart, and be okay with being set apart. Nothing would please me more than to raise and educate them to see everything through a biblical lens.



8. Most importantly, we feel that God has called us to homeschool, that He has put this desire in our hearts. I pray that He will 'open the eyes of our hearts' to seek His will throughout our schooling days.