I couldn’t think of a clever title for this topic. A couple of weeks ago, the girls were finishing up school and they had their yearly testing.
As a homeschool mom this can be a bit nerve-wracking, almost like a test on my ability to teach. Over the years I have figured out that these tests are standardized testing built from how public schools teach. I have ceased to worry too much about them.
Both girls did very well and once again. Their strengths and weaknesses (according to this outside testing source) were about the same.
What did I learn as their teacher about the testing?
My homeschooling methods are built around the knowledge that I am in control of their education as God directed. The Bible, being our guide, gives great insight into what we are to teach our children. God has given us the directive of what is important in our lives. God’s Word tells us what we then should teach our children.
Schooling is all well and good and I love to learn about history, facts in science and even accomplish math problems. However, our goal in schooling our children should be to train them up in God’s ways so they accomplish His will in their lives.
These verses below help us to see this.
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6
I find this one all encompassing and yet it doesn’t say, train him up in a secular education. It isn’t discounting education. But, by telling us “in the way he should go”, God is telling us to look to Him for guidance.
“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4
How will they learn about our Lord if we do not teach them. Teaching is so much more than opening a textbook. It is talking to them, leading by example and showing them from God’s Word how to conquer all that life throws at us.
“And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children.” Isaiah 54:13
I think this verse speaks volumes as to what is the most important education you will ever give your children. If our children are taught to follow God then no matter what this sinful world throws at them, not only will they be able to resist but they will have peace.
As we have wound down our school year and I give myself time to NOT think of the next. I am reminded that my girls are daily in school still. Education doesn’t stop just because the textbooks are put away. Every day they are learning, accomplishing and basking in the day to day tasks as I teach them the joys of being a wife and mother.
Enjoy this picture of our youngest. You’ve heard the saying “east meets west?” I call this “vintage meets tech.” She loves to dress up and she is in a “prairie” stage right now as we read Little House On The Prairie but she also likes playing her game as well. I’m just grateful her childhood is her own and not being led by schedules, stressful classroom situations and unnecessary learning.