When I tell someone we homeschool, the first question they'd ask, usually, is what curriculum do you use? Well, my answer is, we don't use a curriculum. Then they ask, what grade are they in? Well, according to age they are in blablabla. But according to abilities, it's a whole different story. My 7 year old just finished Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events. These books range from 6th grade to 8th grade according to the public school AR programs. Her math is at her age level. My 5 year old has been reading the Magic Tree House series and is in his 8th book. I am not sure what grade level this series is in, but I am guessing 2nd grade. But he loves math and is doing multiplication. My youngest is almost 4. She reads 3 letter words and knows how to count. Pretty normal for a 3 year old I believe. But she has a great ear. She plays twinkle twinkle little star on the piano in different keys and knows when a white key doesn't fit so she moves on to a black key.
Well the next reaction is usually speechlessness. ;) They don't know what to ask next. When they have composed their thoughts, the next question is usually, so what do you do all day?
Great question. I do what I am supposed to do. I cook, I clean, I practice on my instruments, I read my bible, I read tons of books, I watch my kids and make sure they get what they need to explore or read or do, I teach them truths when they need grace, I take pictures, I play tons of games with them, I get together with my friends, I drive them to different activities, I go work out etc. As I live my life openly as a woman of God, they learn to live life. They are allowed to say no, they are allowed to explore, they are allowed to help, they are allowed to play with snakes, they are allowed to read all day, they are allowed to make a mess, they are allowed to play games, they are allowed to make mistakes ... etc. I only act when I see them idle. My youngest came up to me while I was cleaning a couple days ago and said I want to help, I want to be useful. Are academic skills important? Sure. Will my children know their stuff? Uh, yes. Why don't I use curriculum? To take pressure and expectations off of learning. Do I ever give them work? Sure. Sometimes they make a to do list in the morning and ask me for worksheets. Is it a lot of work? Actually, yes, and no. They help me so much with cleaning and cooking so my workload is very light. But we play so many games and go to so many places together that most of our days are packed even when we didn't plan it. It drains your brain juice to play 3 chess games in a row. Trust me. :-)
Proverbs 21:31
The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord.
Unschooling still requires steps of faith for me. As this proverb says, victory rests with God. We can prepare them for everything but without God and His grace, our kids will be wayward no matter how smart they are now and how successful they become. Trust in the LORD first, take care of spiritual growth, and you will know what He wants you to do about school.
