The Challenges and Disadvantages of Homeschooling

    When Eric (I am his mom) told me that he was hosting the carnival, I immediately thought about the following subject. It always saddens me when I hear about parents giving up on home education because they're afraid that their children aren’t learning enough or aren’t at the right grade level. I hope this post will be an encouragement for those of you who struggle with fear of what the future holds for your less-than-perfect student.   

    In the 21 years that I have been homeschooling (yes, I started homeschooling the minute the doctor thrust Claire into my arms), I've been amazed at how the children get everything they need to be “educated.” To me, learning is not as hard as the educational establishment makes it. What sometimes takes a year to accomplish in a classroom setting can be done in a month’s time at home. A child who is far behind suddenly leaps ahead (sometimes a whole grade level). A creative home environment – free from the public school’s standards – allows them to follow their bents and interests, virtually unhindered by outside distractions, and because of that, I feel that home education is a priceless gift for today's generation of children.  

     One challenge I faced early in my journey of discovering what it meant to be a home educator was learning to be patient and allowing each one of my children to develop at their own pace. I’ll use reading as an example. I’ve taught all of my children to read. My first child learned to read at the age of five and just took off. My second child learned to read at the age of nine and began reading fairly easily out of the Bible (The Bible has some big words). My third child was the slowest and struggled well past the age of ten. We plodded along through 100 Easy Lessons until it finally clicked. I thought she would never get it and there were times I had to bite my tongue, but we took our time because we had time – a precious commodity nowadays. After all, who and what was I measuring her against? The public school system? Her age level? Or an artificial grade level? She never felt bad about not being able to keep up with someone else. She developed at her own pace and with a terrific self image. Instead of dreading reading, she couldn’t wait to read the “big” books all by herself. At the age of eight, my little one is coming along beautifully. She is just about ready to take off. Every child is different and uniquely gifted, so it doesn’t pay to compare them with their siblings or anyone else for that matter.

    Still, another challenge I’ve faced is how to understand my children’s individual learning styles. Eric is an auditory/ kinesthetic learner. He loves making noise and moving things around in his hands while he’s thinking, so it can be really challenging when I’m reading to the younger ones and he walks through the room talking to himself or making what we call “NBNs” – necessary boy noises. Knowing that he's an auditory learner has helped him to understand himself and curb his behavior without making him feel that he’s weird or different. He'll probably make a living with his voice.
      My little one is kinesthetic, too, so giving her things to manipulate with her hands and making sure that she gets to move around during the day is very important. Two of my girls are visual learners, and they’re very content to sit still for hours, working on projects, reading, or writing. Understanding learning styles and finding out which ones your children are dominate in can be challenging, but over time (usually around 9 or 10) it becomes apparent what their strengths and weaknesses are, and everyone in the family can accommodate the way each child learns.

    The only drawback to home education that I can see is that you have to become a student again. What do I mean? Well, you have to study your children daily. You have to figure out what makes them tick. You have to discover the unique giftings that the Lord has planted within each one of them, and make sure that you’re faithful to provide the fertile soil needed for growth. You have to relearn some of the things you forgot since you attended school, and now you even understand them! You have to get organized and disciplined and practice what you preach. And anything you call your children to do, you have to model yourself or else its just hypocrisy and you'll lose their hearts. In other words, you’ve got to change! The hardest thing for me has been to change. But I can honestly say that the changes that have occurred in my life have been by God’s grace and mercy, mostly as a result of trials – not instantly acquired, but slowly over the years. "He gently leads those that have young." Isaiah 40:11 

    Finally, you’ve got to analyze what your definition of real education is because the choices you make today will determine the paths your children take tomorrow. Most assuredly, the journey down the road of public education will produce the expected results: children who are politically correct and can’t think for themselves. Is that what you really want?
   To me, home education is a walk of faith in the school of life. I don't know what tomorrow, next week, or even next year will bring. Maybe there will be new opportunities, and God will do something really spectacular and open up a whole new area of learning for one of my kids. I love it when He does that! If you had told me a few years ago that my oldest daughter Claire, age 21, would be a certified therapeutic riding instructor or hired as a full-time journalist (without a college education), I would have been at a loss to tell you how that could happen. If you had told me that Eric, age 16, would love graphic design and writing about his faith as much as I do, I would have said, “Really? I didn’t see that happening.” If you had told me that Elizabeth, age 12, would be able to bead, crochet, and cross stitch better than I can, I wouldn’t have believed it. And if you had told me that Anna, 8, would willingly pick up after herself and love to clean the bathroom, I definitely wouldn’t have believed that at all!      

     It keeps us in a state of awe, when despite our fears and doubts about our children’s ability to learn, God causes them to walk in the good works He has prepared ahead of time. It keeps us walking by faith to home educate one year, one month, and even one day at a time. It keeps us humble when we are brought to our knees because we just can’t do this “homeschool thing” one more minute. That’s when God shows us what real education is – total dependence in Him.

     In my opinion, the biggest challenge for homeschoolers will always be to listen to God’s voice above the world’s and being faithful to work alongside Him to fulfill His perfect will for each of our children’s lives. It is our biggest challenge, and our greatest reward.

Blessings to you and your family,
Jill

7:02 PM - Sep. 24, 2007 - post comment

ahhhhh....

Jill, my dear friend, I am so blessed to know you! It is a long journey, and one I think we may never finish until the end of our days, but don't you love it? Finding out more about ourselves, our children, our God, as we travel this path called homeschooling...

You should write more here. I know you are so busy and do it as you can, but your writings never fail to encourage and brighten and extend a spark of gentle understanding for the things you have learned that others will eventually struggle with. You have a gift. I am thankful for it.
I echo much of what you have written here. Blessings!
-Jacque

JacqueDixonSoulRestES - 12:07 AM - Sep. 25, 2007

Beautiful

I love your picture at the top of your blog. Your entire blog page makes me feel peaceful. (I loved the post too!)

Be blessed!

DreweLlyn - 4:07 AM - Sep. 25, 2007

Mrs. Novak

You write so lovely and so very on-topic! I love it! It's always a pleasure to see what's new "Through the windowpane!"

Love,
Jocelyn

Jocelyndixon - 10:09 PM - Sep. 25, 2007

Hello~

It's so nice to read a new post ...just loverly!!! I'm so glad to hear from you again..I understand you've been really busy and just got the GHC out a week or so ago...Be blessed. I love this post you've done and have to just shout, "AMEN" never give up! Don't quit for the sake of being God's caregivers to His children, NEVER GIVE UP! I know it's strong, but one cannot sing, shout, or say it enough. It is about changing though, I have gone through a lot of changes myself since starting to homeschool just 3 years ago and it's a good thing I love learning so much! LOL

I've given you the "You Make Me Smile Award" come by my blog and pick it up.

Nancy

Edited by nancysnook on Sep. 26, 2007 at 12:45 AM

nancysnook - 10:32 PM - Sep. 25, 2007

You've been awarded

http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/PeakmoreAcademy/398164/

have a great weekend!

PeakmoreAcademy - 6:33 PM - Sep. 26, 2007

I really enjoyed your post!

As I was reading this, I pictured my son and his need to walk and talk as he works out a complex concept. I've asked him at times if I made him sit still, would he still be able to describe things in such detail? At that he stops, stares at me, ponders, then clearly states, "No."

Homeschooling...wish I would have started it sooner.

Nice to meet you!
Vicki
balderdashandblokus.blogspot.com

MOMflippedisWOW - 4:22 PM - Sep. 27, 2007

~ Hello! ~

That was a great post...I definitely agree.

We received the latest issue of the Girlhood a few weeks ago and it's beautiful! I've enjoyed reading all the articles...the Little Women's Gazette is a cute idea.

Hope all is well with you!

MAY GOD BLESS,

~Amanda~

P.S. - When should I get my next article ready?

SincerelyAmanda - 10:53 PM - Sep. 27, 2007

Just beautiful

This is one of the best articles I have ever read on why and how we do what we do. Thanks for sharing it. I think it aught to be picked up by a major homeschooling magazine. :)

Thanks for sharing your heart.

Love,
Mrs. Baetz

Anonymous - 2:40 PM - Sep. 28, 2007

Great post.

Thanks for sharing your experiences, esp. since my oldest is only 9. (I have 4 also - 1 girl, then 1 boy, and then 2 more girls. Very interesting!!) She is the right brained learner and has been so challenging for me, b/c I am so opposite her. And I struggle still with expectations of those around me that she isn't fitting the time tables to do things. She took off with reading at 8 3/4 and is doing well now with that. It doesn't help that we have to report lots in PA and also take standardized tests in 3rd, 5th, 8th, and HS. But I see how year by year God is remaking me little by little. I think I am learning more than my dc are. LOL.

Edited by REInvestor on Oct. 1, 2007 at 8:59 PM

REInvestor - 6:57 PM - Oct. 1, 2007

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Dear Mrs. Novak
Thinking of you!!!

Love,
Jocelyn

Jocelyndixon - 9:56 PM - Oct. 4, 2007

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So... Mrs Novak, does this mean you want me to call YOU!! Auntie?!!

I'd love to, if that is the case!!!

Love,
Jocelyn

Jocelyndixon - 6:18 PM - Oct. 11, 2007

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Dear Marmee...
Thinking about you! Can't wait to meet you soon!

Love,
Your Jo

Jocelyndixon - 8:19 AM - Oct. 16, 2007

The challenges and disadvantages of homeschooling

I love to read your writings, Jill. You're always so sweet and encouraging. Your book, The Gift of Family Writing, has inspired me to start a Family Journal, in which I write (or anybody else in the family who wants to) about funny things that happen or that somebody says or does that I want to remember later. It's kind of like taking video of the family at different times just for the fun of it, no special occasion. I've been better at looking for things to write about from our daily lives. Thanks for sharing your ideas!

I really like your patience and gentleness with your kids, too!

Penney

Anonymous - 7:39 PM - Oct. 24, 2007

Note from Brielle

Hello Mrs.Novak,
I have heard alot of about you (all good things of course)...from some friends of mine....
So I wanted to stop by and say hello.

I really enjoyed reading your post...
Well I hope you have a wonderful day!

God Bless,
Brielle

BrielleCostumes - 8:19 PM - Oct. 24, 2007

Hello Mrs. Novak

I had so much fun talking with you while you were here. I hope you will come again soon.

I forgot to tell Elizabeth in the comment I left her that I would be sending a letter to her tomorrow, so please tell her for me.

Thank you for coming. You will have to come again for my birthday, in a week! I hope to see all of you again soon!

Love,
Rachel

rjdjohn316 - 11:28 AM - Oct. 29, 2007

Dear Marmee...

Dear Marmee-
Since you signed your comment that way, I guess I can call you it right? Jocelyn said that was her name for you, and no one else could call you it.
It was wonderful to meet you in person too! I was so excited when I heard you were coming with Eric this time! I was glad to make Elizabeth’s acquaintance. We have a lot of things in common, yes, but a lot of things not in common.
I am sorry I didn’t get my sketch book out for you! I am drawing you (and Eric, Elizabeth, and Anna) pictures.
You are very special to me too.
I didn’t think you would be able, I just thought I would ask! I am going to send out invitations to my birthday, but I don’t think anyone will come. I will be expecting the package... and whatever is in it, I will cherish for a long time because it’s from you!.
I love you and all the rest! Give Anna and Elizabeth a hug for me! Tell them I love them too!
Love,
Rachel

rjdjohn316 - 8:55 PM - Oct. 30, 2007

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Wow.... well said, Jill. I've been struggling lately and this was JUST what I needed. Thanks.

You've been on my heart a lot lately. Praying all is well for you.

Blessings, Beckie :o)

LittleEblingsAcademy - 10:10 AM - Oct. 31, 2007

Hello Hello

It was so wonderful having you all here!!
Loved your comment. Thank you. You are such an encouragement. It's easy to be passionate about something and come off as totally confident, even when you aren't. It's friends who encourage each other that let us know we are not just passionate, but on the right track.
Thank you!
love, J

oh, did you read my "When You Leave A Blogger Mom A Comment".... post?? ;)
ttyiab
http://homeschoolblogger.com/JacqueDixonSoulRestES/417915/

JacqueDixonSoulRestES - 2:20 PM - Oct. 31, 2007

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To me, home education is a walk of faith in the school of life.

AMEN!!!!!!

DandelionSeeds - 7:49 AM - Nov. 1, 2007

Hi

Mrs. Novak,

I was one of the girls at Amanda's birthday party. I recently added Mrs. Dixon to my friends list, and figured I would add you as well. =] May I add you?

Oh, I LOVE your magazine for girls! Mrs. Dixon gave us the tea issue last Saturday. We (Megan and I) will definitely be subscribing to TGHC.

Britta

JesusLovesU - 5:08 PM - Nov. 1, 2007

Hello Marmee!

I wanted to let you know that I posted about the Girlhood on my blog. A WHOLE post about it!

Love,
Rachel

rjdjohn316 - 4:51 PM - Nov. 2, 2007

Hello

I wanted to make sure i told you that I blogged about the GHC!

Love,
Rachel

EDIT***********************
Sorry, I forgot I had already posted a comment about it! Uh-DER!

Oh, and uh, I LOVE the header!

Love,
Rachel


Edited by rjdjohn316 on Nov. 2, 2007 at 9:08 PM

rjdjohn316 - 7:06 PM - Nov. 2, 2007

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Hang in there!

Mike
http://www.letterperspectives.com
personalized photo letters for name art

Anonymous - 11:21 PM - Nov. 2, 2007

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Dearest Marmee
I have been missing you so much and I pray that our next meeting is not far off. I loved having you all here. Anna and Elizabeth were so lovely and I was glad to have the farm experienced kids here. lol

I wish we could come up to see you guys for a day or two. lol

Anyway, I wrote about my goat soap stuff a little on my homestead blog:
http://homesteadblogger.com/Jocelyndixon/75017/?
And I will be getting right onto making it soon... tonight!!

Love,
your Jo

Jocelyndixon - 11:53 AM - Nov. 5, 2007

dear Marmee

I wanted to say thank you for coming by and wishing me a happy birthday. I am at the library and I didn't get to open your gift yet, but when I get home, I will!

I loved the Forget-Me-Not bracelet. It is so pretty!

Tell everyone I love them. I hope to see you again soon, Marmee!

Love,
Rachel

rjdjohn316 - 12:21 PM - Nov. 5, 2007

Hello Marmee!

Hello! I thought I would come over and let you know that I have the Homesteading Carnival up at the Tea house! Come and see who is in it!

Maybe you'd want to submit something for next time! That would be fun! Tell Elizabeth I'm awaiting her next letter!

Love and miss you all,
Rachel

rjdjohn316 - 6:23 AM - Nov. 12, 2007

Hello Marmee!

Will you post again. I know you don't alot, but I'd like to read another one of your posts!

I am very much enjoying my birthday present from you! I love it!

Love,
Rachel

rjdjohn316 - 12:38 PM - Nov. 15, 2007

Hello Marmee

How are you today? I hope you ae good. I left comments for everyone, including Anna!

I hope you liked your pictures... I tried to draw a Barn Swallow, but it looked HORRIBLE! So I drew you a flower instead... I couldn't find a Hollyhock though. I thought you would like the Day Lily though...

Love,
Rachel

rjdjohn316 - 12:24 PM - Nov. 21, 2007

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Thinking of you today, Jill....
Praying all is well for you and yours.

Blessings, Beckie :o)

LittleEblingsAcademy - 6:32 AM - Nov. 24, 2007

Congratulations on receiving the Homeschool Blogging Award nomination.

Thanks for the article....Bravo!
Congratulations on receiving the Homeschool Blogging Award nomination.
You're part of a great bunch.

We are having a Homeschool Book Giveaway at
http://Heartofwisdom.com/blog A new book will be given away each week
(Bloggers receive three entries by posting a link). Thanks.
Robin @ HeartofWisdom
http://heartofwisdom.com/blog

Anonymous - 4:51 AM - Dec. 10, 2007

What a beautiful entry!

God totally surprises and amazes us, doesn't He with what He can do when we just give Him room to work. Stories like yours really encourage the rest of us when we get concerned that we aren't getting a certain skill at a certain time. What wisdom and experience you've gained from your 21 years of homeschooling. :O) Thanks for sharing!

tn3jcarter - 7:52 AM - Dec. 14, 2007

Homeschool Articles

Dear Homeschool Blogger:
Thank you for what you are doing for the homeschool community! I am writing this comment to inform you about a website I am working on. <a href="http://www.homeschooledandhappy.org">You can view the website by following this link</a>. I know there are numerous websites out there on homeschooling, but I would like this website to a one stop easy to use resource on homeschooling. I would like this website to have as many articles on homeschooling as possible. Would you be willing to let me use some of your blog post/articles on this website? I would, of course, have a link back to your blog so that people would know where it came from. I will post them in the articles section of my web site.

Also do you know of any homeschool groups in your state? If so could you send me a little information about them? I am planning a section of the website that will have as many homeschool groups as possible listed in each state. I would also like to do the same thing with events.

I want this website to be a resource not only for present homeschoolers, but also for those who are interested in homeschooling. Like I said, I know that there are many website out there, but some of them are hard to find/hard to use. I hope to change that with my site. I here many complaints from those interested in homeschooling about how expensive it will be to homeschool, therefore, I would like everything on my website to be free to everyone. I am looking for people who have written books on the topic that can be added to my books section.

I do have advertising, but I do need to cover my expenses somehow and if I plan to create the website I would like to create, it will take considerable time to do so.

If you have any advice, input, or information you would like to send me, please contact me. Thanks in advance!
- Joe
<a href="http://www.homeschooledandhappy.org">www.homeschooledandhappy.org</a>
<a href="http://beyondcomplancy.blogspot.com">http://beyondcomplacency.blogspot.com</a>
jkolb@homeschooledandhappy.org

Anonymous - 9:16 AM - Feb. 4, 2008

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