It’s that time of year again. Summer is drawing to a close, and the school year is sneaking closer and closer. Homeschoolers everywhere feel a bit of excitement–mingled with apprehension—growing in their hearts. Moms are writing lesson plans, creating menus and chore charts, ordering workbooks, and restocking their craft boxes. Although these children won’t be traveling to brick and mortar schools, the foundation of their learning is critical. No matter which curriculum we choose, Jesus must be the Cornerstone.
It’s tempting to hyper-focus on how we teach. Should we use unschooling, unit studies, or classical education? Are project-based lessons better than textbooks or workbooks? What should our schedule be? Should we take field trips or enroll in the local co-op?
Ask the right questions.
During our 12 years of homeschooling, I spent my summers asking the wrong questions! My focus was fuzzy. I mistakenly thought the most important thing was academic learning. However, instead of spending countless hours and sleepless nights with websites and curriculum catalogs, I should have been asking what the Headmaster of my life wanted me and my children to know.
Focus on the teacher!
I’ve been wondering, lately, how our homeschooling might have been different had I focused more on the teacher and less on the curriculum. I wish I had started with me. What did He long to grow in my heart so I could plant eternal seeds in my children? If I had focused more on my foundation, I would have been more prepared to pour Jesus and His precepts into my kids.
Keep your eyes on Jesus!
1 John 2:8 NLT states, “Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.” When we focus on walking with Jesus, praying continually, and seeking God in ALL that we do, we position ourselves to be vessels of His wisdom, love, grace, and peace. When we place Jesus at the front of the class in our homeschools and listen to His voice, our schooling and our living will honor Him above all else.
God’s Word strengthens our hearts. Click the link to print these verses to nurture homeschool moms.
Those who paved the way ahead of us help us on our journey. Homeschoolers need each other because each path, each child, and each mama are different–and yet, the same. Click here for printable homeschool tips.
If you’ve found something valuable here–or know a homeschooler who might–please send them a link or share it on your social media. Throughout my mothering journey, I’ve discovered that moms need each other. Let’s walk together.
Denise