There are MANY reasons why families decide to homeschool. They range from religious to educational, to all kinds of personal reasons. The benefits far outweigh the sacrifices that are made by the families that are committed to homeschooling. Each family considering homeschooling must consider whether it is the right option for them, if they are committed to it, and if it is what God would have them do. For us, the overall reason we homeschool is because we know that it is what God wants us to do for our family.

When our oldest was in K5, we knew that he was not learning what he was supposed to be learning. It was not the school or the curriculum, he just didn’t “get it”. I was teaching in the same school.
We also had some extended family issues going on at the time. At the end of his K5 year, we knew it was time that I should stop teaching, and start homeschooling our children. Our oldest was going into 1st, and our daughter was going into PK. We started with ABeka curriculum, because that is what I was comfortable teaching. I had used ABeka several years teaching, and had used it as a student throughout school. It just made sense to use it. However, it did not work for my son. He did not “get it”. Halfway through first grade, he still could not put two letters together to make a blend. I knew I was teaching it right, why wasn’t he getting it? We had him tested. The only thing they came up with was a tracking problem. So he did tracking exercises. Still it didn’t help. In January, in desperation, we decided to switch to Bob Jones HomeSat video lessons, and we just put him in half way as if he were going into a new school. I planned to work with him to catch up through the beginning parts of the BJ books until he “got it”. He started watching the videos, and something clicked. There is a difference between the way that ABeka and Bob Jones teach how to read, and it clicked. Within two weeks of watching the videos, he was picking up early reader books, and reading them. This is why I homeschool. If something is not working, I will do whatever it takes to find something that does work for my child. If he is not “getting it”, I know him. I know how he learns. I am the best one to choose what is best for him.

I have already written about Lydia, child #4. She is profoundly dyslexic and also has dyscalculia. We were told early on that she probably would never learn to read. She was determined to learn to read. We found someone who taught us how to teach her, and then we worked with her. She worked hard. She now enjoys reading chapter books for pleasure. She still struggles with reading, spelling, and math. but she does not let it stop her. She finds ways to get around it. We do adapt her curriculum to fit her ability and needs.

The benefits of homeschooling are probably far more than I can list here. One of the biggest benefits is that I know my kids hearts. I know how my kids will respond in almost any situation. I know what they are thinking….I am there when they need to talk about spiritual things…I am the one that they go to when they want to know what to do about something. Other benefits are that you get to be with your child all day and experience the learning process with them. Family time will be included in your daily plans. Schedules will be more relaxed, and going places during non-peak times are a definite bonus. Choosing your own curriculum, whether it is a boxed set or carefully pieced together for your child, you know what will work best for your child, and will work with your child to see that they are where they need to be academically. You can take breaks when you need to, or days off as needed. One of my favorites, is that you don’t have to leave home. You also will eat better because you are home more and not constantly on the go.

What will my child miss out on? Anything that you think you will miss out on, most likely, you will be able to find something comparable if you look hard enough. There are so many options available for homeschoolers now. There are numerous co-ops available, ranging from academic to enrichment. There are also online classes available for all grades and subjects, ranging from free to several hundred dollars, depending on the quality, length, and extent of instruction. Many facebook groups have formed to keep local homeschoolers connected and plan activities such as field trips, proms, special classes and other activities together. Socialization is not even something that most homeschoolers need to worry about, because of all the activities that they are involved in though their schooling and church.

Is it right for your family? This is something that you need to seriously consider. Are you committed to doing what is right for you children? Are you committed to doing school with them every day? and planning and grading? Is this what God wants for your family? Have you prayed about it? Do you have peace in your heart about it? For us, we had no doubt that God wanted us to homeschool our children, and that He has wanted us to continue homeschooling them for the past 17 years. It hasn’t always been easy, sometimes it has been hard, but we know that we are doing what God wants us to do for our family.