Ministry-to-Children.com » Homeschooling

The #1 Blessing of Homeschooling

Tony Kummer — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 01:31:49 +0000

This article was written by Eric Carpenter, a homeschooling dad from Savannah, Georgia. You can find more of Eric’s articles on his website titled Hammer and Nail.

Educating our three children at home has been a great blessing for the past six-or-so years. I cannot even begin to think of all the privileges and thrills it has brought to our lives. However, if I had to choose the #1 blessing of homeschooling, it would be this: knowing that our children are receiving an integrated education that has Jesus Christ at the very center.

Different families break down the homeschooling responsibilities in different ways. I admit that my wife does most of the homeschooling for our family. My primary duty and privilege is leading our family in worship. This usually involves bible study, prayer, hymn singing, and catechism memorization. This is probably the high point of my day. Seeing my kids grow closer to God while learning more about who he is is absolutely amazing.

One great benefit for our children is the integration of their studies around Jesus Christ. In other words, as they are learning about math, they see that it is God who created math to be the way it is. As they study literature, they see what great gifts God has given to us to be able to read and write prose and poetry. As they study science, God’s hand in creation becomes more apparent to them. As they look at world history, they can see God’s providential care over his people and world. I could go on.

The point is that not only are our children receiving a Christian education, but they also are seeing how Christ relates to all of their academic subjects. He is quite purposely the absolute center of what they are learning. We base this intentional focus upon God on this and this.

When our kids finish school at home and go on to college, they will know what they believe. They will not be confused by a secular education that conflicts with what they are taught in church. Their worldview will be secure.

Of course, all this rests in the sovereignty and providence of God. We thank him for his grace and mercy in making up for where we fail as homeschooling parents.

Breaking News: The California Homeschooling Rights Crisis

Tony Kummer — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 16:07:13 +0000

Late last month, a California Court of Appeal decided that homeschooling is illegal in California unless a parent is a certified teacher. This ruling grossly overreached the case in question and now threatens the rights of over 160,000 homeschoolers in that state. Many are calling this a reckless abuse of judicial power.

I was disturbed when I saw this news on Albert Mohler’s blog. At first, I thought it was an overreaction. Then I kept reading and found out this was as bad as it looked. When any government starts taking these positions, we should all be very concerned.

You can get involved by signing the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) Petition. You can sign for yourself and your spouse.

Learn More

Update: Schwarzenegger Vows To Protect Homeschooling in California

“Every California child deserves a quality education, and parents should have the right to decide what’s best for their children. . . Parents should not be penalized for acting in the best interests of their children’s education. . . This outrageous ruling must be overturned by the courts, and if the courts don’t protect parents’ rights then, as elected officials, we will.”

“Governor vows to protect homeschooling” – by Jill Tucker and Bob Egelko (San Francisco Chronicle)

Thanks to Denny Burk for the link.

Do You Homeschool?

Tony Kummer — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 15:01:39 +0000

I recently wrote an article about Christian homeschooling. Watch this video clip of Dr. Voddie Baucham, author of the new book “Family Driven Faith,” talking about home education. I’ve also started researching home school curriculum.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHAb5Eqk60Q

Is Christian Homeschooling The Answer?

Tony Kummer — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 03:21:05 +0000

Is homeschooling right for my son? For our family, the answer was not as simple as you might think. My oldest son starts first grade next week. I am a full time Children’s pastor – and get to hear plenty of strong opinions on both sides of the issue. Many of our friends want us to join the Christian homeschooling movement. But I need to know what is right for my son?

To help decide, I’ve made this list of pros and cons. This is my homeshcooling verses public schooling list. In our town, we have an excellent public school system, a new Christian school and a strong homeschooling community. I’ve ruled out the private Christian school because of its price. I’d love to hear what you think about this list. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think.

Christian Homeschooling Pros

Christian Homeschooling Curriculum: The whole homeschooling program facilitates learning. It seems like Christian homeschooling can provide an excellent education. There is so much supporting material on the internet. Crosswalk.com provides online homeschooling resources. You might also like LifeWay’s homeschool resource page. I’ve started a list of home school curriculum
Homeschooling would give us more family time. Kids spend so much time in public schools that they become strangers to their parents. Christian homeschooling would allow us to spend time with our son during these short years.
Christian values are a part of Christian homeschooling curriculum. All parents must teach the Bible to their children. But homeschooling curriculum would add a whole new level of religious education.
Christian homeschooling provides a high level of safety. Public schools can be dangerous both physically and emotionally for children. Peer interaction often tends toward bullying. Homeschooling would clearly protect my son.

Christian Homeschooling Cons

Homeschooling would reduce my son’s opportunities to make friends outside of our church. He is a pastor’s kid and spends almost too much time with other Christian children.
My son loves his school. After kindergarten, he couldn’t wait to go back for more. I’m sure he would love homeschooling but he definitely is a social guy.
Christian homeschooling would reduce my contacts with unbelievers. As a Children’s pastor it seems like all I do is talk to other Christian parents. Getting involved in public school means getting involved with unchurched families.
Homeschooling would not give my son experience dealing with with ‘worldly people.’ Dealing with mean people is a skill that kids must learn. Christian homeschooling would protect my son from these people. But only for a little while.

Is Christian Homeschooling The Answer?

After serious consideration, we think public school is right for our son. I know some of you will disagree with me. But several our Christian friends teach at our school. We also get involved. So, this will be a year-by-year decision. I’m sure we’ll be having these same talks next year.

What about you? Are you involved in Christian homeschooling?