Homeschooling vs. Crisis Management Learning
By Marie Gourley
School Plans Can Change
Our family began the 2019-2020 school year like many of you… we had a plan.
Our plan included things like studying a variety of subjects, taking some modest family trips, and playing basketball. We planned in the scope of our normal.
We know that life is filled with detours, but we did not see COVID-19 coming!
In the span of a week, life changed. My husband was now working from home, and our lives experienced a pretty big pivot!
I imagine yours did too. It didn’t take long for schools in our community to steer into the ocean of e-learning.
Parents found themselves in a world of public schooling at home, and some wondered, “Is this what homeschooling is?”
Homeschooling isn't Crisis Management Learning
There are big differences in crisis management e-learning and bringing learning to life through homeschooling.
Homeschooling is like packing your bags for an exciting trip. As a homeschooling parent, you plan for where you are going, decide what you’re going to take with you, and choose what kind of experiences best fit your family.
Crisis management e-learning is taking what you’ve been given and making the best of it.
Obviously the results of these two methods aren’t going to be the same.
Homeschooling: Where do I start?
The first resource for a homeschooling journey is prayer. I say that with a deep appreciation for the way our God has established the work of my hands in ways I never could.
He knows the most intimate needs and best direction for our children.
After prayer, a joy and exciting part of homeschooling is selecting what materials you will use for the year. There are so many choices!
This is like packing your bags for the trip. We take along what we plan to use, and know that if we have a need along the way, we can shift our plan to include exciting opportunities or experiences.
We might add a critical thinking component to help our child think through decisions more thoroughly, or we might ditch a teaching method that didn’t pan out.
The beauty of homeschooling is that you can truly customize education for your children.
You are in the best position to know their strengths and weaknesses.
You can select top notch materials and lead at a pace that fits for each child.
Homeschooling Resources
If you want to get a look at some of the more mainline curriculum that are available, begin with Cathy Duffy Reviews.
She reviews 102 curriculum choices and gives a pretty honest perspective of style, strengths and weaknesses.
Another good place to start is This Old Schoolhouse, where you will find even more information about starting on this journey.
Extracurricular Activities
The opportunities for extracurricular activities are astounding! If you can think of it, it’s likely a homeschool option.
Our kids went to a 30-hour STEM camp with the Department of Defense that was free to homeschoolers.
They play competitive basketball against homeschool, public and private school teams.
Locally, there are football, baseball, soccer, volleyball, orchestra and choir programs.
Art classes and music lessons are available in many places.
There are cooperative educational groups.
You choose what experiences are the best fit for your child and your family.
Legal Requirements to Homeschool
Part of the journey is knowing the legal requirements for homeschooling in your state.
We live in Indiana, but each state has its own slightly different requirements to homeschool.
The Homeschool Legal Defense Association’s website is full of information about homeschooling, including state legal requirements.
Benefits You Just Can’t Buy
We have learned that the biggest benefit to homeschooling is the relationship we have with our children.
We know them in ways that no one else does. So as parents, we’re the most qualified people to make decisions for them.
Because you are with your children in a side-by-side learning environment, you open the door to conversations that might not happen otherwise, and your influence in their hearts grows.
You're Not Alone
Let’s not forget the homeschool community!
For homeschoolers, the community of parents on this road is strong. We regularly help and encourage one another.
The community we have in the Indianapolis Homeschool Wildcats has been a significant blessing to our family!
Relationships naturally connect on a deeper level because educating your children is an intimate and shared experience.
Know YOUR Why
If you choose to homeschool, it’s a good idea to know the reason behind your decision.
If you are like our family, our “why” has shifted some as we’ve been on this road.
We’ve learned so much about ourselves, and who God created our family to be, both collectively and individually.
Knowing YOUR why will help you keep on going when trials come up.
The Real Difference
So, what makes homeschooling different from the crisis management e-learning?
Homeschooling is an intentionally planned trip.
Crisis management e-learning is a response to a crisis. It’s making the best of what you have on hand without the opportunity for real preparation.
It’s sort of like tossing some stuff in plastic grocery sacks for a week-long camping trip. You’ll get through it, but it won’t be all that enjoyable.
You can do it!
Last thought… Jesus said that when a student is fully trained, he will be like his teacher (Luke 6:40).
Our example and relationship with our kids is worth more than any educational method or curriculum can offer.
We do our best and trust the Lord with the process. He is faithful, and He will establish the work of your hands.
Homeschooling places you in a unique relationship with your children that includes intentionally developing their characters and learning academics in the process.
The Lord chose you, before the foundations of the earth were set, to shepherd and parent your children.
He has already given you everything you need to pack your bags and go on the homeschooling adventure!
Marie is a homeschooling mom in her 11th year. She has 7 children from a junior in high school to the youngest who is nearly ready for preschool.
