Homeschooling: The Why's

When we started homeschooling, I kept reading everywhere that you should know "why" you homeschool. At that point in time, it wasn't as important. The longer we have homeschooled, the more important I have learned it is to know your why.

Why do we homeschool?
We want our children to learn and know the world through the eyes of faith. At this point in time, we feel that the best way for us to do that is through homeschooling. In our homeschool, we value faith and knowledge of God and His ways, appreciation for the created world, and knowledge and skills used in His service.

Will we always homeschool?
I don't know. We have talked about putting our kids in school if we lived in other places, but for now, we feel the best choice is to have our kids home. As they get older and our family changes, we will continue to evaluate if this is the best choice for our family.

What is wrong with public school?
I will readily admit that there are some great public schools and teachers in them. Both hubby and I went to public schools and loved them. In our area, at this time, we have some concerns about what our children would be learning. 

Why is it important to know your "why"?
There are a lot of great days, but there will also be days when you wonder "Why am I doing this?". That's when you have to know, from your heart, why you are doing it. That statement, also, provides some anchor when you sense a need in your child or you are evaluating your curriculum and your daily schedule. It proves to be invaluable.

Some great homeschooling websites for you this week:
Confessions of a Homeschooler Blog : Great Blog with all kinds of resources, including a preschool manipulatives curriculum

The Old Schoolhouse Magazine  Another great resource in the magazine and their email newsletters with tips on all kinds of homeschool topics

North Carolina Home Educators If you're here in NC, start with the NCHE website for guidelines on homeschooling in our state and for info on their annual conference in May


Next week ... 

"Let's talk Curriculum" or
"How do you know what to teach?"