I have noticed that our school time is taking a LONG time. Looking at my schedules for the past few weeks, I see I have simply added too much stuff. The girls are taking piano lessons and music theory. Some of the "extra" stuff needs to go. The extra literature I have them reading, the supplemental Grammar with the Charlotte Mason influence, it's all too much.
I have very specific reasons for homeschooling. Giving my children a strong foundation in Christ is the most important. They are getting a solid academic education also. Why do I feel the need to add extra?
It's insecure of me to feel that way. In my time with God, He was pretty blunt that often my adding to an already full educational program is not trusting Him. It's fear that my children will not be "educated" enough and fail in someway later.
But in this fear, I am sacrificing so much! My daughters get stressed trying to "do it all." I feel frustrated because by the time they do finish it all, they want nothing more than to veg. They go to the park or flop in front of mind-numbing television. They don't want to play games as a family. They don't want to seek out their own interests. They don't want to practice their piano.
I've killed the joy of homeschooling for them. And, the worst part, they rarely complain. They are "used" to heavy workloads. A part of me knows that heavy workloads will be the norm in college, and they will be prepared. But... If they burn out before college, I won't have helped them.
I figured out that Jasmine would have enough credits to graduate without taking any electives next year. All she needs is the required courses! But... She will probably continue with music and piano and, as an edge for College, another year of a foreign language. She has also completed her government requirement, which is normally done in 12th grade.
Laura received some high school credits in eight grade because she did half of U.S. History, half of Old Testament Survey, and all of Spanish 1 with her sister.
I'm not bragging. I'm honestly thinking that they need to cut back a bit.
So... I'm cutting some of my "Extras." It's a full schedule with just their basic classes and current electives.
I'm doing the same for my second grader. When three days in a row go by with no time for reading aloud, it's time to simplify. There are days she is unfocused and it takes her longer. But, I've been doing two sciences with her all school year. I've piled it on in Reading, Math, and History too. The result? No time for what I consider vitally important... Read aloud time snuggled together.
Simplify, simplify, cut, cut, cut.
Our Power Thought a couple weeks ago was, "I will not live in fear." I asked God to reveal areas where I am living in fear. This was a big one.
Time to reclaim my homeschool from unrealistic standards and fears of failing my children in their education.
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