Teaching Fractions to the Active Child

       Fractions is a subject that causes a lot of frustration for students and teachers alike. 

    It’s a more abstract idea than previous subjects that most students have seen to that point. Parents sometimes feel at a loss trying to help their students understand this concept that can bring their child to tears. The following is an example of how fractions can be taught at home in a way that is hands-on and fun. Please note: this method of teaching is a process. It doesn’t have to happen all at once. This entire process can be done over the course of a week or two, and portions of it can be repeated in various ways until the concepts are adequately understood.

When introducing my kids to fractions, I like to begin with a recipe.

Recipes are a great way to get children interested in fractions, while also teaching practical life skills. This is a simple Playdoh recipe that is lots of fun for kids, or if you prefer to use something premade, you can find it inexpensively here. The advantage to making it at the start of this exercise is it demonstrates some of the different forms fractions can come in.


If making playdoh from scratch (or another other baking recipe), I like to begin with a larger glass measuring cup, as well as some smaller individual measuring cups. Show the students how 2- ½ cups fit into a 1cup, 4- ¼ cups fit into a 1cup, etc. Then, you can progress to the glass measuring cup and show the students how measuring with the smaller amounts into the large glass measuring cup reflects the label on the side of the glass measuring cup. Talk about doubling recipes and how that changes the measuring cups you use. Show them what that looks like. It doesn’t matter if they don’t remember everything at this point. You’re introducing the ideas and will come back to it again later. Completing this exercise in multiple forms (making cookies, banana bread, etc.) will help it become solidified in their minds.

This is a good place to take a break for the day.

Follow the recipe to make your playdoh. This is a good opportunity to discuss the importance of following a recipe (or any other directions) correctly, because failure to do so can result in a product that isn’t usable/edible. Even if we don’t understand the reason for certain instructions, it is important to follow them as best you can, especially if they come from parents or other authority figures.

Or, if your student is anxious to continue, you can play with the playdoh until they get bored. I encourage you to let them keep some playdoh in their hands to play with as you’re talking to them about fractions. The more the lesson comes across as play (with a little bit of learning mixed in), the more engaged they will be. Let them play with the playdoh. Make some shapes with them. Take time to enjoy the process. Everyone’s stress level should be low- if it’s high, that means it’s time to take a break for the day.

        When you’re ready to continue, make some playdoh balls that are approximately the same size. Use different colors if you have them. Flatten them out, and cut them into equal sections (as shown), and explain fractions as being a description of the number of pieces being used of a whole. 3/3 represents 1 whole piece circle (it’s all the same color), but if 1/3 of the pieces are replaced with a different color, that means 2/3 of the circle (two pieces) are unchanged. You can also describe it using the analogy of a pizza. Something like, “If your pizza is cut into 6 pieces but there are 12 people at the table, you would cut the pizza slices smaller so that everyone could have some, but the size of the pizza doesn’t change, only the size of the slices- right?”

        Let the student(s) play with moving pieces around from the circles. Have the compare the pieces from circles cut different ways, or let them try to fit a larger piece (1/4), into a smaller piece (1/6) or vice versa. None of this should be rushed. Children learn as they play.

When you are ready to introduce adding fractions, show them the relevance of the common denominator. The goal of the common denominator is to make pieces that are all the same size so you can accurately assess the new amount. By cutting the circles in a way that all the pieces are equal, the sections can be added together and then reduced as necessary.

If anyone is starting to get frustrated, take a break and try again in a day or two.

This is a small habit to implement, but it will help to keep the learning atmosphere light and fun, so learning happens more easily. Forcing things to happen will frustrate everyone and make learning more difficult.

These exercises can be repeated, in part or in whole, as often as needed to help get the student comfortable with fractions and manipulating them. It can also be repeated with cookies, pizza, or a whiteboard and markers. Ideally, repeat the same exercises in a variety of different ways to help keep it engaging. If the student is able to explain the subject matter back to you as if they are teaching it, they have a good foundational understanding of the material.

If you'd like ideas on how to teach other subjects in an engaging way, comment below with your request.

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What is Holding Your Child Back?

What is Holding Your Child Back?

 

Last year, I wrote an article that talks about finding a system of education that works for one’s family, and the importance of identifying a student’s driving motivation, to help make the teaching process easier and also to help increase retention of material learned. Since there is evidence that a student learns better about subjects for which they have an interest, this is a practical strategy for making the education process easier for everyone.

 

Understanding a student’s struggles can be just as important as knowing what motivates them.

 

          There can be several different reasons why students may struggle to learn, even about things they should be interested in. It is important to address these as they are identified, and to try and mitigate them as much as possible, because they all feed into the amount of confidence a student has, and confident students perform better.

         

If your child struggles with learning, answering the following questions may help to isolate the problem so adjustments can be made.

 

Is the student getting enough sleep at night? More than that, are they getting restful sleep? It is possible that a child may be sleeping enough hours but not getting sleep that is making them wake up refreshed in the morning. If a child mouth breathes, moves a lot in their sleep, struggles with sleep apnea, or wakes constantly during the night, these things can be signs that they are likely not getting the sleep they need and it can lead to several issues involving focus, mood, regulation of emotion, and more.

For our children, we have done a variety of things to help improve sleep, including palate expanders (to open airway and make room for adult teeth); chiropractic care (helps improve nervous system function so signals can travel through the body with ease); limit screen time- especially before bed, magnesium supplementation in the form of Epsom salt baths or body butter on their feet (I make an all-natural magnesium body butter that works very well for inducing sleep in wired children and adults and it can be found here), limit sugar and caffeine (good health practices for total body wellness), and occasionally a relaxing tea, such as chamomile or lavender, or a homeopathic remedy like calcarea carbonica if their minds just won’t slow down.

Does the student have a different learning style than the one being used to teach them? Some students learn by seeing things, hearing things, or by participating in activities or moving. A student who learns best by seeing things will struggle to internalize information if it is only told to them. A student who learns by actively doing will not learn as well if they see it on paper or even in a video demonstration. Most students benefit greatly from hands-on, immersive environments because they utilize all of their different learning faculties in these settings and can come away with something regardless of their learning strengths. This is why we try to teach in a hands-on way whenever possible, whether it is through baking, talking about money management, good business practices, etc. There is usually a bigger picture- and end goal- and the smaller subjects are treated as a means-to-an-end, rather than an end in themselves. Understanding the context where something would be used can help greatly with retention.

This applies to children who are so-called dyslexic, or ADHD, as well. They may not do well with education in the conventional sense, but they have their own strengths that are amazing to witness when those strengths are recognized and utilized to their fullest potential. This not only reduces frustration, but also increases confidence for the student, and is especially important if the student has historically struggled to do things “they way everyone else does.”

Is my child afraid to fail? This can be a very difficult trait to identify because it can manifest in different ways- it can look like lack of interest, protesting when asked to perform, refusing to try, etc. Ultimately, it is a form of anxiety for the perfectionist child- the one who wants to be good at things but is reluctant to try for fear they may not be good enough. For our student who struggles with this, Arsenicum Album has proven to be very helpful to help overcome that anxiety so she’s more willing to try. We also make it a practice to remind our kids that we all learn through trying, and practice makes us better. No one is a master of anything the first time, and we also want our kids to see us trying things we aren’t good at so they feel like they can be bad at things, too. Our children watch us very closely, and our actions speak volumes, so it is essential that our actions match the words we are saying to our kids, even if it is a blow to our pride at times. I DON’T want my kids to think I know how to do everything; I want them to see me trying to learn new things and get better at the times I’m not very good at. Because, I want them to be brave enough to do those things, too.

         

You can find more information about these subjects and more in my book: The Science of Homeschooling

 

 

*Note: None of the information here should be taken as medical advice, it is intended as ideas for parents to research on their own in managing their children’s unique situations

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Discover DIY Projects for Creative Learning and Family Bonding

 

Discover DIY Home Improvement Projects for Creative Learning and Family Bonding

Guest Post by: Douglas Summers

In the hustle of daily life, carving out family time becomes a precious goal. Home improvement projects present a unique opportunity for families, especially those who homeschool, to come together in a meaningful way. These activities shared by Kristy Crandall not only beautify your living space but also foster stronger family connections through shared experiences and creativity. Dive into these engaging DIY projects that promise fun, learning, and memorable family bonding.

Creating a Chalkboard Corner

Imagine turning a dull wall or door into an interactive chalkboard! By using chalkboard paint, you create a space where everyone can showcase their artistic flair. This is more than just an art project; it becomes a dynamic family message board for reminders, inspirational quotes, or daily drawings. The versatility of a chalkboard wall offers endless possibilities for expression and communication within your family.

Memory Lane Gallery

Envision a wall in your home dedicated to your family’s journey. By creating a memory lane mural, you bring to life a tapestry of photographs and cherished memories. This project is not just about decorating; it’s a heartfelt reflection of your shared moments. It’s a living, evolving display that celebrates your family's unique story and serves as a daily reminder of the love and experiences that bind you together.

Collaborative Bookshelf Construction

Building a bookshelf as a family is more than a carpentry task; it's a journey in teamwork and creativity. You collaborate on the design, choose the materials, and construct a piece that reflects your family’s style and needs. This project teaches practical skills and offers a sense of accomplishment. The bookshelf becomes a testament to your combined effort, housing not just books, but shared memories of its creation.

Organized Digital Receipts

In the midst of these creative endeavors, organization is key. Rather than hold onto every receipt, use a mobile scanning app to quickly and easily capture any document or image from your device's camera and convert it into a PDF. This method not only declutters your space but also teaches your family about digital organization. Use this to scan a document and keep your project records tidy and accessible.

Cultivating an Indoor Herbal Oasis

Setting up an indoor herb garden introduces a blend of gardening and culinary arts to your family's routine. Choose a sunny spot in your kitchen or another area, and together, plant and nurture a variety of herbs. This activity is not just about growing plants; it’s about responsibility, learning about nature, and enjoying the fresh flavors in your cooking. It's a delightful way to bring the outdoors inside and add a green touch to your home.

Homemade Candle Creation

Crafting candles at home is an enchanting experience. As a family, delve into the art of candle making, experimenting with different scents and colors. This activity is not just about producing candles; it's a sensory journey. It teaches patience, precision, and the joy of seeing your creations come to life. These handmade candles become symbols of your family's creativity and togetherness.

Upcycling Furniture

Choose a piece of furniture and transform it together. This upcycling project is not only environmentally friendly but also a great way to spark creativity and problem-solving. It teaches valuable skills like painting, sanding, and designing. This rejuvenated piece of furniture will not just be a functional item in your home but a representation of your family’s collective creativity and effort.

 

These home improvement projects offer a unique blend of fun, learning, and family bonding. They’re not just about enhancing your home; they’re about creating shared experiences and lasting memories. Whether it's crafting a chalkboard wall, building a bookshelf, or growing an herb garden, each project brings your family together in meaningful and enjoyable ways. So, gather your tools, your creativity, and your family, and embark on these delightful DIY adventures for a home filled with love and learning.

Visit Kristy Crandall to explore insightful resources that will empower you to confidently teach your children at home.

Finding a System that Works for Your Family

Not all schedules are created equal

        I have always found schedules to be a bit of a challenge. On one hand, structure and routine is helpful for setting expectations and creating a natural rhythm during the day. On the other hand, life is unpredictable (especially with children), so there needs to be a certain amount of flexibility or a schedule can add to the frustration and stress instead of taking it away. So, while creating a schedule for your own family, it is important to account for the patterns that already occur naturally within your home, as well as the things that motivate the people affected by the schedule. By taking these details into account, it can make implementation much easier, and can set you up for a better chance of long term success.

Prioritize Practical Motivators

        In our home, we are intentional about trying to keep expectations in the home as true to life as possible. Our children are expected to contribute in age-appropriate ways to the upkeep of our home. We do not give allowance for chores, but emphasize the importance of working together as a family to keep our space clean, so no one is required to do everything on their own. (We do occasionally surprise them with small payment or other reward if they go above and beyond or take initiative to do extra on their own.) 

        Even our youngest children "help" with chores, which usually takes longer in the short run, but as their ability and confidence increase they are able to do the jobs more and more independently. Yesterday, I was feeling exceptionally tired, so after returning from taking them to their various activities I said, "I am going to take a nap. Work on these four tasks together, and when they're done you can play games or watch a movie until I wake up." My 11, 7, 6, and 4 year-old sprang into action and finished their chores together in 30 minutes, and were quietly doing their various activities when I got up. Time doing activities that they want to do has proved to be a powerful and effective motivator for them, and it helps to teach them the importance of time management.

Flexible Structure

        This is the schedule I created for my oldest son a couple of months ago, and it has worked well for him. He is very motivated by time to do the things he wants to do. I told him that the 9-12 timeframe is for only school-related activities. If he gets his assigned work done early then he is allowed to choose his own assignments for the rest of the time period. He reads faster than me, so this happens quite often and he watches a documentary, practices Free CAD, watches youtube videos on C++, or chooses some other "assignment" for himself that he has to get approved before starting. He loves being able to choose what he learns about, and if he has that to look forward to he doesn't usually need much nagging to get his work done. The 3-5 time slot is for outside play (if the weather is nice) or for finishing school that he didn't get done earlier. So, if he was dragging his feet in the morning, he loses some of his time outside in the afternoon (which he hates). Its a simple formula, but one that emphasizes time management and the natural consequences of procrastination.

Children love to have some control over their education

        It is also a good, practical way to teach responsible decision-making. Children can make choices within parameters set for them, and are often happy to do so. They are really just small humans who want to feel like they have some control over their own destiny (though they would probably not identify it as such). Each child is different, so the parameters that are set must take the individual child into account, but even simple things like allowing them to choose the order they do their subjects in can motivate them to do more focused work. 

        As part of a space camp my son was a part of this past week, he got to participate in a simulation of a Mars mission with a "real" shuttle and workstation. He played the weather officer, and had to closely monitor changes on the surface of Mars so they could "land" safely. It was a completely immersive experience, and the first time he had been in a high stress situation of that kind. He said he identified an asteroid that would be hitting the planet near where they were supposed to land, and they had only a few minutes to decide what course of action was needed to avoid a crash. When I asked him how he felt about being in a high-stress situation like that he said, "I liked the feeling that people were depending on me to help make the mission a success."

I encourage you to give your children opportunities to show you what they're capable of.

 

Childhood Learning Environments and Their Impact on Emotional Intelligence (and why it matters)

 

               A young boy rides home from school, alone on the school bus. His face and clothes are dirty from being pushed down on the playground at recess; he spent lunch with his teacher, because a classmate falsely accused him of stealing a pudding cup. Today in class, he learned about all of the injustice in the world, and that his classmates don’t like it when he does well on tests. He learned to keep to himself to avoid trouble. Tired and embarrassed, he declines to answer questions about his day over dinner, and instead eats quietly and then excuses himself to go finish his homework and crawl into bed- resigned to repeat the same, humiliating routine tomorrow.

              Stories like this are not uncommon in public schools. Children self-segregate into groups based on the labels given to them by themselves or others, and strong children from troubled homes pick on classmates who stand out for one reason or another. Children from all backgrounds are thrown together into a big melting pot, of sorts, and parents hope that they will make it through unscathed. Most of them don’t. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, twenty-one percent of eighth graders have tried an illicit drug at least once, and almost fifty percent will have tried drugs by twelfth grade. Sixty-two percent of teens 12-17 years old have abused alcohol by twelfth grade. Eleven percent of overdose deaths are in youth 15-24 years old.

              Sandstone Care, a recovery center for adolescents struggling with substance abuse, lists five different reasons why students start using drugs and alcohol: peer pressure, self-medication and escape, performance improvement, Experimentation, and to feel grown up. In a nutshell, many teens begin abusing drugs, at least in part, because of a lack of emotional Intelligence. Students feel unable to handle the social and academic stressors of the classroom setting.

According to Psychology Today, “Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to identify and manage one’s own emotions, as well as the emotions of others.” It enables individuals to navigate social scenarios based on one’s own feelings and the perceived feelings of others, allowing positive experiences and relationships to flourish. Emotional intelligence enables an individual to make others feel heard and cared for, while also exercising restraint when insults occur. It creates a sort of “buffer zone” between individuals, so they can interact and work together peacefully, without a lot of friction.

Emotional Intelligence consists of five main components: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. It requires an awareness of one’s own triggers and motivators, and also the ability to anticipate the emotional responses of those they interact with. Higher emotional intelligence not only increases confidence, but also enables more positive interactions between people.

High emotional intelligence has implications far beyond high school. According to Forbes, emotional intelligence is the strongest predictor of performance, explaining a full 58% of success in all types of jobs. They also concluded that each point increase in emotional intelligence equates to $1,300 increase in annual income, regardless of location, demographic, or industry.

Emotional intelligence can have life-changing ramifications. And, it is learned. Unlike IQ and personality, which have an impact on success but cannot be altered much, emotional intelligence is something that develops with a person.

Much of this kind of learning is done during the early years in whatever environment one grows up in. For many, this looks like the inside of a classroom- the same setting every day, with the same people every day, experiencing the same pressures and embarrassments every day, sitting through hours of lectures that do not seem relevant to anything tangible. Children learn from the people around them, so when they are surrounded only by their peers, day in and day out, there is very little emotional maturing that can happen.

Conversely, some children learn in the safety of their homes. They are allowed to have some control over their learning experience, get more sleep, and grow up in an environment where learning is encouraged and celebrated instead of ridiculed. The homeschool experience is often more varied, and includes more real-world experiences as the family runs errands, attends get-togethers, classes, and field trips. Homeschool children are able to adapt to a wide variety of social situations.

As a result, peer-reviewed studies on social, emotional, and psychological development show homeschool students perform significantly better than those in conventional schools. They also feel better prepared for college and life after school, and are being sought after, more and more, by colleges because of the level of positive engagement they bring to the campus.

Emotional intelligence is an important facet of the individual’s personal portfolio. It can be learned at any age, but like most things, is best learned in childhood. What’s more, the relationships that are formed in childhood, good and bad, have an impact on the child for the rest of their lives.

 

Real-World, Experiential Learning

 

“The history of education shows that up to 50 years ago, education was principally geared towards getting a job. That’s no longer the case, it seems. If we could agree the purpose of education…, then we can agree the curriculum to fulfill that purpose. Everything else follows. And there may be more than one purpose and there may be more than one curriculum. One size doesn’t fit all. (Schoolsmith, 2019)”

Children should know more than how to fill in bubble answers when they leave school. They should be confident in their abilities to think and reason, and be able to adapt to whatever environment they’re put into. They should be able to speak with respect and a deeply held belief that they have something valuable to say. Children should be able to step into the real world and say, “I’ve seen this before, and I know what to do; this time, I’m just doing it on my own.”

That is a hard goal to attain when children spend forty or more hours a week sitting in a classroom, surrounded by the same people and the same predictable environment. In a survey of 165,000 high school students, “An overwhelming number of students, 87 percent, want to eventually earn a college degree and land a career. But many believe that their schools aren’t helping them develop the skills they’ll need to succeed after graduation.”

In the grand scheme of things, “school age” represents a very small part of peoples’ lives. It is also the period in which their brains are developing and growing to survive in the world they are living in. It does not make sense for them to spend a significant amount of time in a classroom setting for thirteen to twenty years, in a stagnant and predictable environment, only to be thrown out into the chaos of a world that demands improvisation and a plethora of skills that are never taught in school. Is it any wonder that they feel lost when they are suddenly expected to integrate into the world as good and productive citizens? Students who are forced to drop out to help take care of their families understand, better than most, that there is a disconnect between what most schools offer and what they need to succeed, or even just to survive, in their real-life situations.

Academic learning is important, but it needs to have evident real-life applications. Children- especially young children- thrive when they are able to learn things that are “real” and relevant. They love to help out with what they see adults doing, because that’s how they learn to become a part of the same world.

“Learning is the holistic process of adaptation. Learning is not just the result of cognition but involves the integrated functioning of the total person- thinking, feeling, perceiving, and behaving. It encompasses other specialized models of adaptation from the scientific method to problem solving, decision making, and creativity.”.

Teaching children is much like planting a garden. If you are planting a garden, most people know that it is not enough to simply scatter seeds and water them incessantly. Plants need much more than just water. They grow best if they are planted at the proper time of year, they need room to grow, proper soil that is well-drained, nutrient rich, and the proper pH; plants need the proper amount of sunlight, good air flow, protection from extreme elements, and they need time.

However, planting a garden is more complicated than that. Because, different plants have different individual needs; some plants grow well next to each other, and others inhibit each other’s growth. So, it’s beneficial to strategically plant to allow for optimal growth.

Even if all of these considerations are accounted for with complete precision, plants will grow at different rates. Even multiple plants of the same variety will not grow exactly the same. But, eventually, if their needs are met, all plants should grow strong and hearty- the best version of themselves they can be.

By contrast, if seeds are scattered without much forethought or prep work, they will not grow as well. If the new seedlings are watered incessantly to get them to grow, some will grow, but many will drown. It is easy for the plants to become waterlogged, and many will rot or become diseased. Without good sunlight, plants will become “leggy”- tall and weak; without good airflow they will develop mildew or other fungus; without balanced nutrients, leaves will yellow or growth will be stunted- some will do well, but most will struggle to grow, and almost none will reach their full potential. Water is essential for growth, but too much water, or not enough of other essentials, makes it almost impossible for plants to grow well.

In the same way, academics are important. But, focusing exclusively on academics for the first thirteen, or more, years of life means that children’s development becomes very lopsided, and they are ill-equipped to “withstand the elements” when they arise. It used to be, that academics were secondary to the needs of the family and learning the family trade. For many years, school was a luxury that only the wealthiest families were able to provide for their children. It is a huge blessing that virtually every child now is able to be educated; however, we seem to have reached the other end of the pendulum, where children are well-versed in the things they are taught in school, but they don’t have experience or knowledge of much else. Instead of having a family trade to fall back on, children now are stuck living at home, because they go through school and then feel ill-equipped to do anything once their school tenure is done.

School was never intended to replace home learning, but was meant to be an addition to it, to enhance individuals’ abilities to thrive and provide for their families. Reading, writing, and math make it possible for people to gain knowledge independently, communicate ideas, and engage in fair business transactions. These skills are essential. They are important skills for success in business and in life. But, on their own they leave much to be desired, because there is no context in which to use them.

Until there is practical application for even these basic skills, they are just abstract ideas that possesses very little real-world significance. Perhaps that it what is missing most from the modern approach to education- people used to understand the need for these basic skills so there was a desire to learn them. Today, many people seem to have lost sight of the context and practical application for these skills, so there is very little perceived value in knowing how to do them. Children who are more involved in real-world activities better understand the importance of these skills and have a greater appreciation for school.

Intangible Currency and a Simplified Life

 

When did it become virtuous to work oneself to death? Why has overcommitting and under sleeping come to mean we're "doing it right?" I'm guilty of the same thing- of finding ways to stay busy without any real intentionality. And, its exhausting. And frustrating. Because, the more we push ourselves, the more we struggle to do our tasks well. The more we succeed by the world's standards- throwing more and more balls in the air- the more we feel like we're failing, as our nearly perfect performance becomes more and more flawed with each new commitment. For Christians who are also trying to "be still" as the Bible tells us to, it's another reminder of all the things we are failing to do well. 

I've wrestled with this a lot. Because, the world measures worth in money, achievements, and busyness. In the absence of one, it makes sense that one would need to double up on another. As a stay at home mom with no significant financial contribution, aside from what I save us in would-be childcare, fast food costs, and skincare expenses, I've tried to increase my "value" in other ways. 

I have come to understand that everything is limited- time, strength, mental and physical energy- like a kind of intangible currency we spend to achieve the things we prioritize. When we spend it in one place it reduces the amount we have to use in another, and if we come up short we have to compensate by pulling from other areas. Overexerting in one area often means taking from another for a less than perfect end result. If we're mentally overworked, the task we're attempting often takes longer; if we feel exceptionally stressed in any area we often become irritable and short-tempered. It is discouraging to feel like you're completely spent and still came up short. But, how many of us feel like this every. Single. Day? Is it any wonder that some people give up trying?

This has been one of my hard-learned lessons over the past several years- that "be still" is not another task to accomplish, but permission to pause and breathe. What is it that we are really trying to accomplish? What tasks are causing more stress than they're worth? A question that I ask a lot when it comes to homeschooling my kids is, "what is necessary and beneficial for learning, and what is busywork that can be skipped?" 

One of the reasons, I think, people get overwhelmed by the idea of homeschooling, is because school has become such a big, complex, amorphic monster. Like so many other things in our lives, education has become a construct of rules and rubrics- a check-the-boxes-to-make-sure-nothing-is-missed deity that is a necessary evil people tolerate because they have to. I think it is time to re-evaluate this perception. All of the books and computer programs, worksheets, and teaching aids are great, but they should be tools we use, not the immovable, apathetic dictator they often become. 

What do children absolutely need to know to succeed in life? Academically, they need to know how to read and write and do math. For a long time, those were the only things that were taught in school- everything else was taught at home, learning the family trade and how to keep a home. Do you know those things well enough to teach them with the help of aids? If no, are you able to find someone who can? Suddenly, the big scary monster is a manageable size, and you are free to fill in other lessons and activities that are of interest or you feel are important. This is just one example of practical simplification, and how it gives us the freedom to enjoy our work. 

"Be still" does not mean we are meant to be idle- there are many passages in the Bible that talk about the importance of work. But, I do think it means slowing down and being intentional; clearing our minds enough that we are able to be present and engaged- with those around us and with God. Perhaps that is one of the greatest gifts children give us- engaging with and teaching them necessitates that we slow down and act intentionally. When we try to get them to move at our pace there is frustration and resentment, maybe even anger; but, if we can slow down and help them at their pace without feeling the pressure to accomplish quickly, in the end we are able to accomplish so much more with minimal discord. 

And, isn't this what Jesus taught when he was on earth? More tasks, rules, and rituals does not make a person "better." Rather, it's important to focus on what really matters. In his case it was to focus on him as the only means of salvation, but the concept applies to other areas of life, also. When we understand what matters we are able to be more efficient in the work we do, and ultimately we can accomplish more with our sanity intact. 

And so, I encourage you to be still, even in your work; to be intentional, and strip your work down to what really matters. In the end, that's the most satisfying part anyway- knowing you did something that mattered, and you did it well. 

The Academic Case for Homeschooling

 

“…Last, but not least, every child wants to know. There they are, those desires, ready to act on occasion and our business is to make due use of this natural provision for the work of education. We do make use of the desires, not wisely, but too well. We run our schools upon emulation, the desire of every child to be first; and not the ablest, but the most pushing, comes to the front. We quicken emulation by the common desire to get and to have, that is, by the impulse of avarice. So we offer prizes, exhibitions, scholarships, every incentive that can be proposed. We cause him to work for our approbation, we play upon his vanity, and the boy does more than he can. What is the harm, we say, when all those springs of action are in the child already? The athlete is beginning to discover that he suffers elsewhere from the undue development of any set of muscles; and the boy whose ambition, or emulation, has been unduly stimulated becomes a flaccid person. But there is a worse evil. We all want knowledge just as much as we want bread. We know it is possible to cure the latter appetite by giving more stimulating food; and the worst of using other spurs to learning is that a natural love of knowledge which should carry us through eager school-days, and give a spice of adventure to the duller days of mature life, is effectually choked; and boys and girls ‘cram to pass but not to know; they do pass but they don’t know.’ The divine curiosity which should have been an equipment for life hardly survives early schooldays.” (Mason, 2017)

Charlotte Mason was a teacher in England the early 1900s. Although she taught thousands of children, in her later years she began teaching parents and caregivers on how children learn and thrive best. She stressed the importance of giving children exposure to a wide variety of ideas and experiences, and giving them the freedom to interpret the information for themselves. She believed in encouraging curiosity, and guiding self-motivated learning for the sake of understanding, rather than force-feeding information that was disconnected from the world the children lived in. She believed that all children had the capacity to learn in this way- in a society where poor children learned a trade rather than receiving a formal education- regardless of their social or economic “advantage,” because all children are born with the capacity to observe and create their own ideas accordingly.

To varying degrees, homeschool families largely ascribe to this same philosophy in the instruction of their children. While textbooks and worksheets are often used, there is a more pronounced focus on real-world, experiential learning, which is more engaging and increases retention; textbook concepts are often reinforced through practical application, so there is a better understanding of their relevance for real life. This may contribute to the results of a recent study by the National Home Education Research Institute, which concluded, “The home-educated typically score 15 to 30 percentile points above public-school students on standardized academic achievement tests.” These percentages were even more pronounced in minority students. In addition, “Research facts on homeschooling show that the home-educated are doing well, typically above average, on measures of social, emotional, and psychological development. Research measures include peer interaction, self-concept, leadership skills, family cohesion, participation in community service, and self-esteem.”

The academic advantage of homeschooling extends beyond the elementary and secondary education years. Alpha Omega Publications states, “’The high achievement level of homeschoolers is readily recognized by recruiters from some of the best colleges in the nation,” said Dr. Susan Berry, who researches and writes about educational topics like the fast growing rate of homeschooling. “Schools such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard, Stanford, and Duke University all actively recruit homeschoolers.’”

“Educational consultant and former homeschool mom Dori Staehle recruited both homeschool and public school students in her job as a college admissions counselor. Staehle said that schools have caught on to the fact that homeschoolers represent a desirable pool of talent, often possessing impressive reading lists, letters of recommendation, AP credits, and experience in volunteering and the arts.”

Business Insider states, “…the term "homeschooling" is actually kind of a misnomer: Learning at home is only part of the equation. It's really about involving the surrounding community in raising the kids — that's when education starts to excel. Away from the standardized tests and rigid schedules in public education, kids can let their creative sides flourish, learn about the world they live in, and, when it's time, earn acceptance into the best colleges in the world.”

While homeschooled students thrive academically, in the early years and through college, public school students tend to struggle. “According to research…just under 40 percent of students score at college and career ready levels on NAEP. "College and career ready" means these scores strongly predict that students will be able to succeed doing college-level academics, or with on-the-job training in a position requiring only a high school diploma.” This contrast is shocking, especially when one considers that taxpayers pay an average of $13,000 per year, per public school student.

It is daunting to undertake a task as monumental as homeschooling, and to know that your children rely on you to prepare them for the “real world” later. However, there is a lot of evidence to support the positive outcome for students taught at home, regardless of the education level of their parents. Homeschool parents are able to give their children unparalleled attention and a much more personalized education experience than even the best overworked teacher. Children learn the most through experiences, and experiences are much easier to have with the flexibility of a homeschool environment.

A Note for the Struggling Parent

The more I reflect on what it means to be a parent, the more amazed I am at the privilege, and humbled by the calling. It's not just about two people falling in love and procreating, it's about a sacred responsibility, and an opportunity have a lasting effect on the world for generations to come. How will the world be different because of the influence I have had on my children? Who will they become?

Children are amazing. They have such a capacity to learn and to love. Young children have minds designed to absorb everything they are exposed to- but, not only that- minds that process the information they're given so that it becomes the bedrock of their understanding of how the world works. As they grow up, they try to reconcile the new information with what they already know of the world. Children are not just more expensive "pets" that require more supervision, they are smaller people looking for their place and their purpose in the world.

When I look at my own children, I see mini people who want to be a part of,,, everything. They want to know how things work and why things are the way they are, and they want to help with the things I'm doing- they ALWAYS want to help. Sometimes, it's because they're curious, sometimes it's because they want to spend time with me; but, there's almost always someone helping me do chores, make dinner, etc. That's my secret to getting things done- my kids help me when they want to or they quit and find their own source of entertainment. But, I've found that if I let them participate for a little while they'll become bored and do their own thing, instead of fussing and interfering with my work all day long.

That's not to say that they don't fuss or interfere. Every day I'm reminded that they're little sinners just like me. But, they're also just trying to find their way like the rest of us; and, though it's hard, it's a wonderful, humbling task to be the one who gets to help guide them through the first crucial years of their life. 

I want to encourage the parents who are struggling right now, especially those who have recently decided to homeschool and feel like they're drowning. What you are doing DOES matter. The sacrifices you're making DO make a difference. We don't always get to know what impact our contributions make in the grand scheme of things, but sometimes we can catch a glimpse of the beautiful people our children are growing into. They are the next generation that will someday make the decisions and pull the weight of the labor force for our nation. The values that are taught to them- directly or indirectly- will stay with them for the rest of their lives and will influence the place they take in the world. 

Do your best. Expect to fail. And, when you do, show your children what it means to get up and try again. That may be the most important lesson of all. 

Photo Credit: Peony Photos @Jenna_Sullivan25