Homeschooling Dads

I thought this was a really great article about fathers' roles in home education.  It's from the Knowledge House Newsletter June 2010.
A father should be involved as much as possible in the home education of his children. The more he actively participates, the more credibility homeschooling has in the eyes of his children, the less stressed mom will be, and the more likely it will be a long term experience. It's a real blessing to have a father who can spend time with his children during the day. Even a father who works away from home can be their nightly homework checker or Bible teacher. A father may teach some other subjects as well, but most importantly, he must be supportive of his family’s homeschooling endeavor. Fathers should consider the following duties.

Principal (The principal may not do any teaching, but he is in charge to make sure the teachers teach, and he provides the help and support they need to do so.)

-Pray for guidance and blessing.
-Write down goals and a plan of action.
-Make a schedule and see that it is followed.
-Help select curriculum and plan lessons.
-Talk to your children about what they are studying.
-Review your children’s work; grade papers.
-Assist with special projects (science experiments, etc.).
-Go along on field trips.
-Attend workshops and conferences with your wife.
-Offer encouragement to your wife and motivation for your children.
-Enforce the discipline of your children.
-Take an active interest in politics and legislation that may affect home education.
-Provide income for purchasing school supplies and materials.
-Give your wife a break (bring home dinner; take the kids to the park).
-Hand out the diploma or certificate of promotion at the end of the school year.

Spiritual Leader (As the spiritual head of the household, the father should be a good role model.)

-Pray for your family and your homeschool.
-Take the family to church regularly.
-Bring God into everyday conversation.
-Teach your children about God’s creations.
-Teach your children about God’s historical works.
-Teach your children the Ten Commandments.
-Evangelize your children.
-Take your children on "fishing trips" (witnessing).
-Tune in to Christian music on the radio.
-Lead the family in daily devotionals.
-Encourage reciting Bible verses from memory.
-Read the Bible aloud and study Biblical passages together.
-Read Bible stories to children at bedtime.

Instructor (The father may be better at teaching certain subjects; examples follow.)

-Physical Fitness/Sports.
-Woodworking Shop/Auto Mechanics.
-Science and/or Mathematics
-History, Government and/or Economics
-Logic and/or Critical Thinking
-Any other subject dad enjoys, majored in, or otherwise knows well.

Finally in all of these things remember Colossians 3:21 which says, “Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.” Similarly, Ephesians 6:4 states, “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

Happy Father's Day!