You Can Homeschool Your Kids

Eight years ago, I walked into my kids' school anxious and excited about the possibility of homeschooling our trio. I had been homeschooled in seventh and eighth grades, and I believe it made a significant impact on who I am today. We had discussed homeschooling our kids in the same grades, but a call from the principal brought the prospect to us much sooner than expected.

Most state laws require that foster children attend public school, but after our adoption was finalized in May 2011, educational decisions were up to us. After making multiple trips to the local elementary school for behavioral issues, we were told to look for other educational options for one of our kids.

That began a journey of prayer and reading countless books in a matter of a few weeks before we had to make our decision. The question was, How would our two other children respond if we brought their sibling home full-time? But the alternative question scared us more, How in the world could we homeschool all three high-needs children?

I asked the principal if I could sit in the classroom and observe each of our children. I truly hope that what I saw that day is not what happens every day in public schools. Perhaps it was God's way of planting me in the right place at the right time.

I watched as young children wandered aimlessly around the classroom, some even entered and exited the room without permission. I watched as teachers struggled to maintain order and provide extra attention to the ones who needed help. I saw kids trying to teach other kids, but they had no idea what they were doing. It was loud. There was constant movement around my kids. Countless distractions. It was no wonder I was getting the reports I was about their behavior and educational progress.

By the time I reached the third class to observe our youngest, I was confident God wanted us to bring our children home. I knew there would be struggles, but it couldn't possibly be more than I was already facing with daily temper tantrums over homework, multiple trips to the school each week, and numerous communications between teachers and myself.

However, when I shared our decision with the school staff they were not pleased. While they wanted the "problem" child to leave, they did not expect for us to remove all three - which I later discovered would cost them almost $21,000 in funding each year.

We started our homeschool program mid-year. This was a blessing in disguise as the kids were already used to a regular school-day routine. They looked forward to learning at home as we created our classroom together, complete with four bookshelves, white board, easel, desks, and chairs.

A good friend let me borrow the book, What Your Child Needs to Know When. I didn't have to guess about what my kids needed to know. I did find out they were all behind where the book said they needed to be.

And so we began our homeschool journey.

Today, as a result of school closures across the nation because of the Coronavirus, numerous moms and dads are teaching their children from home for the first time. While there are countless digital resources at our disposal, they do not make up for the simple advice given by veteran homeschool moms.

I like to call them Homeschooling Heroes.

These women have answered the call to train up their children in the way of the Lord. They are faithful warriors, valiant leaders in their respective communities, and amazing worshipers. They also all happen to be adoptive mothers.

Meet Kris Pelican:

Mother of six (two adopted), foster mom and respite provider for countless others.

Homeschooling 15 years, oldest is 19 and married, the second is about to graduate, and four others are close behind.

Her advice: Practice Grace, Make a Schedule, Have Fun!

Kris encourages new homeschooling families to start their day with worship and movement. It's important to exercise and stay healthy. Character training should be carried throughout every subject. Teach them how to love others - during a math lesson, at the park, talking to a neighbor, at soccer practice, on the mission field, at the store. Let the love of Christ shine through you at all times.

Meet BethAnn Zeller:

Mother of 13, two adopted internationally, grandmother to countless more.

Homeschooling 31 years and counting, plus she operates a small farm!

Her advice: Don't Be Intimidated, Focus on the Basics, Keep a Schedule.

BethAnn reassures young moms, and those new to homeschooling, that it's okay to learn right alongside your kids. When you focus on the basics, especially reading, everything else will fall into place. Try reading to your kids out loud first to pique their curiosity. Engage in your child's education by being present with them. Maintain a flexible schedule and enjoy the small moments together.

Meet Diana Stretcher:

Mother of 20, 7 adopted, some medically fragile, grandmother to more.

Homeschooling 20 years with five kids still at home.

Her Advice: Exercise Grace, Let Kids Research, Relax.

Diane urges homeschool moms and dads to give yourself grace - and your kids too. You don't have to operate like the public school by sitting behind desks and tables to "do school". There are thousands of virtual activities available to us online. Reinforce the teaching with hands-on activities. Practice learning while completing everyday tasks like cooking or doing the laundry. Relax, your homeschool experience will be unique to your family.

More Homeschooling Tips

It should go without saying, but always start your day with prayer. Seek God for guidance. He will sustain your family during this season.

Know that it is okay to enlist help! Participate in co-ops (after the pandemic subsides). Find people who know a subject matter better than you do. Understand your limits and don't feel bad if you have to send your child back to public school for a season.

Keep age-appropriate chores in your daily routine. This will help the household stay functional and provide comfort to all who live there.

Experiment with creative activities. Hold a family talent show. Sit in on the birth of some puppies or piglets. Have your kids help with a family business. Go on missions trips together!

Tips for Homeschooling Adopted Children

Each child's needs will be different, and remember our kids have had everything familiar taken away from them. They will need to establish trust and security with you as their new caregiver.

Leave space for attachment to develop and grow. Minister to your child at their emotional age, not just their physical age.

Don't put your child's educational needs over their spiritual and emotional needs. God has a good plan for your child and it may not be for them to become the next neuroscientist or pro-football player.

Wrapping it all up

God gave you your kids for a reason. He has equipped you to raise them and teach them. You can homeschool your kids, in fact you already are. Every time you redirect your child to say "please" or "thank you", you are teaching them. Every time you show them how to load the dishwasher or make their bed, you are teaching them. Every time they ask you a question and you answer them, you are teaching them.

Don't believe the hype that you have to have a teacher's education to be a teacher. We are all teachers and our kids are learning from the lives we live. They are watching you most of all. They want to know, does mom or dad believe what they are telling me? Are they practicing what they preach?

May God bless the professional teachers of our generation. The battle they face in the classroom each day is intense as restrictions are placed on them, limiting how they can respond to challenging situations. I'm sure many of them are doing their absolute best, but their hands are tied most of the time. They do not replace the role of a child's parent in his or her life.

I encourage you to make the most of this opportunity to teach your children while they are at home during this national crisis. Enjoy it. Rest and relax. Bless your children with your presence, and may you be blessed in return.

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The homeschool journal/planners below can be found at Goldenjoyed Etsy Shop