September 20, 2023 – What Kind of Homeschooler Am I?

Mercy Every Minute

Deborah Wuehler, TOS Senior Editor

You Will Find Your Way

Like many new homeschoolers, I started out with a full curriculum provided by one company and kept with that a few years. Many stay with their first curriculum choice for all of their children through all of their school years. However, we moved into a more unique approach and unique curriculum based on what I learned about different teaching methods as well as each child’s desires, strengths, and weaknesses—especially as we moved into the junior high and higher education years.

Somewhere in between all those years, we begin to find our way, our style, or our method of educating. Whether that be a Charlotte Mason style, a classical method, or an education filled with classic literature or unit studies, there are any number of ways to educate. Don’t worry about not fitting into one category or another. You can even create your own eclectic method.

There is no one right way to educate your child at home; however, there are many differing philosophies you may want to consider. There is a free quiz on Discovering Your Homeschool Style from Homeschool Compass where you can discover which educational bent you lean towards.

When you visit our digital magazine at TOSMagazine.com or download the free app (www.TOSApps.com) you can search articles related to styles or philosophies of education, or get answers to any of your homeschool questions by using the search bar, or just skimming through any issue. Every issue of The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine provides simplified definitions of the most popular homeschooling methods and styles.

Some families I know started with only a Bible, a notebook, and a library card. Homeschooling doesn’t have to be expensive or time consuming. Choosing your resources depends on your style or method of education and your own family’s interests. If you are financially burdened, there are free homeschooling resources on the web, as well as discounted, used books in abundance. For new homeschool families, we offer more than sixty free resources to get you started at TryHomeschooling.com. Also, see the free download this month covering brief descriptions of different homeschool philosophies, styles, and methods.

And, don’t forget to listen to this week’s podcast on this subject for more help as you educate God’s children for God’s glory at Home. Where They Belong.

~ Deborah

P.S. Still missing some subjects or electives for your children? Did you know The Old Schoolhouse^® has a curriculum side? Visit SchoolhouseTeachers.com for over 400 courses for the whole family covering every grade, every subject, and every student.

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Stacy Farrell

HomeschoolAdventure.com

You Can Start Today

What kind of homeschooler are you? And how does that align with the kind of homeschooler you hope to be? If you struggle because there’s a great gap between what you wish was true—and what you actually do—I have good news! God’s mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:23), which means every day He gives us a fresh start and the opportunity to make changes.

What Is vs. What Can Be

Of course, that doesn’t necessarily mean we’ll escape the fallout from our failures. But if we have the courage to carefully examine what went wrong, we can glean valuable lessons that can equip us for the future. We have the ability to learn and grow and become more effective in areas that impact our homeschool and family.

Training the Heart

Are you the kind of homeschooler who values consistent routines that build relationships—like reading bedtime stories to your littles? Here are some reading recommendations.

Are you the kind of homeschooler who recognizes the value in writing His Word upon your children’s hearts? Here are some suggestions for how you can do that:

• 15 Best Psalms to Memorize with Your Children 
• 10 Bible Verses About Memorizing Scripture 
• 18 Short Bible Verses for Kids
• 3 Tips to Help You Memorize an Entire Book of the Bible

Have you recently experienced heartbreak and you’re still trying to recover? Or are you fighting a battle against fear? Here’s some guidance and encouragement:

• How do You Homeschool When Your Heart is Breaking?
• Fear: The Biggest Enemy of Homeschooling
• Do Not Fear: 25 Promising Bible Verses to Help You Overcome Fear
• Don’t Run from the Mirror—Why You Need to Teach!
• Eternity in Their Hearts
• Overcoming Your Greatest Fear About Homeschooling

Perfection Is Impossible

On this side of Heaven, we struggle to close the gap between who we are . . . and who we wish to be. But—if we put our trust in Him—one day, in a twinkling, we will fully become what we were created to be. He promises.

His love,
Stacy

GRAB THIS FREEBIE! Do your children struggle with fear? Enjoy this free coloring page AND sneak-peek sample of Overcoming Fear that points families to the Father as the remedy for fear.

About the author

Surprised by Jesus, Stacy went from an unmarried, childless, thirty-something career woman to a Christ-following wife of more than twenty-eight years with two sons she homeschooled K-12. She battled fear and overwhelm, but survived and thrived. Author of more than fifteen books—including the award-winning Philosophy Adventure and newly released Food Prep Guide, she loves to equip and encourage homeschool families. Visit her at HomeschoolAdventure.com or at her newly-launched site: FoodPrepGuide.com.

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Lee Binz

Discovering Your Homeschooling Identity

Homeschooling offers a unique opportunity for parents to tailor their children’s education to perfectly fit their specific needs and values. As homeschooling parents, it’s natural to wonder what type of homeschooler you are and how your approach aligns with others.

Exploring Different Approaches

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to homeschooling. Some parents use a structured curriculum, while others prefer a more relaxed and flexible approach. Consider your teaching style and your child’s learning preferences. Are you a hands-on experimenter, a literature-based enthusiast, or a tech-savvy presenter? Remember, homeschooling allows you the freedom to tailor your child’s education to their unique strengths and interests. If it suits your child and your family, there is no “wrong way.”

Balancing Academics and Real-Life Experiences

Homeschooling is not limited to textbooks and classrooms. Many parents incorporate real-life experiences into their curriculum, such as field trips, community service, and practical life skills. Successful homeschooling incorporates not just textbook knowledge but grows and stretches the student’s character along the way. Embrace the flexibility of homeschooling to create a balanced educational experience that goes beyond traditional academics.

Embracing the Homeschooling Community

You don’t have to do it alone! Connect with other homeschooling parents through local support groups, online communities, and co-op programs. Share ideas, resources, and experiences with fellow homeschoolers. Your child will have the chance to connect with others in their community, but maybe more importantly, you will have a community of other like-minded parents who can come alongside you to support and encourage you. Remember that homeschooling is a journey, and learning from others and adapting your approach will help you achieve your goals.

As a homeschooling parent, you have the freedom to define your unique homeschooling identity. Embrace the diverse approaches available and find the one that aligns with your family’s values, financial situation, and beliefs. There is no right or wrong way to homeschool, and with love, dedication, and a supportive community, you can succeed! For more information, read my article, How to Be a Better Home Educator, and get the free eBook!

About the author

Lee Binz, The HomeScholar, is a speaker and author of more than 30 books about homeschooling high school. An expert on homeschool transcripts and getting scholarships, Lee’s mission is to encourage and equip parents to homeschool through high school. Grab some of the complimentary homeschool resources from Lee and connect with her on Facebook and Instagram.

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Pillar of Hope

Kristen Heider

A God-focused Homeschooler

New homeschoolers and veteran homeschool moms love learning how others homeschool. What curriculum do they use? What teaching methods are they employing? Where do they find hope on those difficult days? Personally, I find inspiration and encouragement when I read about other’s homeschools. When peeking inside someone’s homeschool through articles, blogs, and social media, I keep in mind that the goal is not to compare but to learn and borrow for our own homeschool.

I have been homeschooling for several years now. Many days I think I have finally found my groove, but then something happens and I need to pray and adapt. How would I categorize my homeschooling style? I love many different homeschooling methods including Charlotte Mason, lap-booking, traditional, and eclectic. As a curriculum reviewer, I have access to a variety of homeschool resources. Our children love the variety, but a classical education infused with Charlotte Mason’s philosophy works best for us.

Since we use a variety of methods and resources, flexibility is key to my homeschooling style. And the most important part of our day is keeping the Lord at the forefront. All the math lessons, read-alouds, and science experiments only serve as the backdrop for leading our children to God. No matter what kind of homeschooler you are, keep God in your plans. He will provide you with hope each day.

About the author

Kristen is a housewife and mother to three, having worked at a national park site, a metropolitan zoo, and as a history teacher. Kristen blogs at A Mom’s Quest to Teach, where she relates her family’s learning experiences. Her site is a regular column, covering elements of teaching, crafting, and all the roller coaster rides that entail being a mom

How does a parent teach in a way that helps the homeschool student learn best? Your Child’s Learning Style homeschool course helps parents delve into the quirks and intricacies of different learning styles, learn the methods that go with those learning styles best, and discover how to adapt the curriculum they already have to best fit their child’s learning style.