5 Tips To Make You A Better “At-Home Educator”

[stextbox id=”custom”]This is a guest post by James L. Reed.  James is an assistant pastor at Calvary Chapel, Casa Grande, Arizona.  He works in youth and worship music ministry.  If you’re interested in writing an article for this blog, please review the guest post guidelines.[/stextbox]
We began home-schooling in 1998. My son was in third grade and my daughter was in kindergarten. This coming October, my daughter will receive her GED. My son is 3 semesters from a B.S. in Biblical Studies. Both are actively involved in ministry and have plans to serve Jesus for the rest of their lives. I could ask for nothing more.

I’ve been asked over the years about homeschooling. Here are my “Top 5” tips for making you a better “at-home educator.” Remember the following: 1) You’re called; 2) You’re not in competition; 3) Take advantage of every situation; 4) You don’t have to explain your actions to others; and 5) Make yours a peaceful home.

1. You’re called. Why are you home-schooling? Among the many reasons folks decide they can do it better at home, there is one which for the Christian should be the ultimate reason. You’re home-schooling because God called you to do it. If you’re doing it for any other reason, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment, confusion, and failure. Certainly, there are homeschool families not serving the Lord; being a Christian is not a prerequisite for being an at-home educator. But your goal, as a disciple of Christ is training children in a biblical worldview. The goal should be to bring up children who will forever serve our Lord.  (Read Deuteronomy 6:1-7)

2. You’re not in competition. You don’t have to “keep up with the Jones’.” One of the biggest lessons my wife and I learned as we homeschooled our children was that we weren’t in a competition with the next homeschool family, or for that matter, the government school system. Your fellow homeschooling friends may have Einstein for a son. Perhaps you’ve got a friend whose daughter knew eight languages by the time she was four. Great! That’s irrelevant to your family and the education experience you’re traveling through. Do what God has called you to, do it well, and He will bring the increase. Remember your child is special, created in the image of God. He or she has special gifts, talents, personality, and God-given skill which no other person ever had or ever will have! God has a plan! (Read Jeremiah 29:11)

3. Take advantage of every situation. Every moment is a potential learning moment. Another great lesson here is that you don’t always need a textbook. It is amazing what a child can learn by loading the dish-washer! You can discuss water pressure, germs, shapes, colors, and service before self. A trip to the store becomes economics, mathematics and driving safety. You’ve got today with your student. Make it count! (Read Ephesians 5:15-16)

4. You don’t have to explain your actions to others. Don’t be defensive. My wife and I often came under attack for our stand on “at-home education.” The questions and assertions would come often faster than we could answer. Don’t be surprised when family and friends think you’ve gone off-the-ranch in your choice to homeschool. You don’t owe them an explanation. A subtle shift in conversation can be used to cause them to think about their choice to send their children to the government for education. I used to say something like, “Can you show me in the Bible where God instructs you to send your child to the state for education?” I would ask, “Did you dedicate your child to the Lord? If so, is the child yours or His? Is it possible you’re rendering unto Caesar the things which are God’s?” This isn’t about winning a debate; anyone can do that and it doesn’t mean they’re correct. It’s about encouraging Christians to follow Jesus in the education of the children He gave them. (Read Mark 12:17 and think about the principle our Lord was teaching.)

5. Make yours a peaceful home. You’re going to have to work at it, knowing your enemy hates you and everything you’re doing. You will get up early and stay up late. Husband and wife must read the Bible and pray together. You absolutely must walk in Christ’s grace and love while establishing boundaries with the children. Rules should demonstrate placing others above self. I cannot over emphasize this. Your students must understand boundaries are given for their good. A peaceful home is a learning home. (Read Isaiah 54:13-14)