Are We Making Progress?

This week, The Homeschool Minute from theoldschoolhousemagazine.com had the topic of progress with everything from catching up to accessing progress.  I thought I'd share all the articles I thought had good points.

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Well, it's November now, and I know that while some of you might be tracking right along with your lessons, others might be struggling- the new has worn off, life has gotten hectic, and the bookwork has taken a backseat, or maybe you're still struggling to even get things on track this year!


So, what do you do?

Well, first of all, you don't try to "catch up" by cracking the whip and cramming in 15 lessons a day. That will make both you and the kids crazy. (Trust me, I've tried it before.)

I think you start getting back on track by asking God what He wants you to do with each day and just starting small. Stop beating yourself up and begin just putting one foot in front of the other. Your goal isn't to finish the curriculum on time, is it? Pray about what God wants you to focus on and then just keep your eyes on Him. God can do so much to bless our humble efforts. He works with imperfect moms and imperfect kids all the time. Just follow Him and start anew.

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

Enjoy every minute, no matter where you are in the books!

Nancy Carter
THM Editor

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Mercy Every Minute


Deborah Wuehler, TOS Senior Editor

Are We Making Progress?

This question is always at the back of the mind of every homeschooling parent. We wonder if we are doing enough of this, or teaching enough of that. We wonder if our kids are keeping up or falling behind. We wonder if we are falling behind as their teachers, too!

There are some great ways to track progress. One is setting goals, writing them down, and then marking them off when they are met. Another is testing knowledge in various ways and recording the results. You may also want to see a little bit of change in an attitude or behavior and work toward that goal, praising your child as you go along.

If you don't see change or progress immediately, don't give up. Keep going one day at a time, teaching "line upon line and precept upon precept," and you will see the maturity and knowledge increase as you trust the Lord to work in your children's hearts and lives.

Perhaps you feel like you are stuck in a rut with one of your children or with a certain curriculum. This is the time to pray and then try something different. Sometimes coming at things from a different angle or perspective (or teaching in a different style, such as a more kinesthetic or auditory or visual style) really helps get things going again.

I always say that God rewards our obedience-period. So, trust and obey as you walk with the Lord in the light of His Word. If you have your children home where they belong, you are well on your way to making the best kind of progress.

"For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The LORD gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, How blessed is the man who trusts in You!" Psalm 84:11,12

Trusting God with you,
~Deborah
senioreditor@TheHomeschoolMagazine.com

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It's Just Common Sense


Ruth Beechick, Curriculum Specialist
and
Debbie Strayer, Homeschool Consultant

One reads at 5, another not until 8. Math comes easily for some and with tears for others. One high schooler works independently and another needs much support. Is one better than the other? With so much diversity among children, even those in your own family, how can you be sure they are making the right amount of progress?

Within every child, there is a timetable for development. Each child is "fearfully and wonderfully made," created in secret for a lifetime of purpose and progress. Our job as homeschoolers is to get in sync with God's timetable and leave behind the schoolish notion of one size fitting all. Scope and sequences, typical courses of study, or even what your older children learned at a certain age-all can create in us a sense of anxiety, even feelings of failure. We can worry, "Why isn't this child on the same page as others?"

Start measuring your child's progress from where he is now. Observe what he can do and consider what the natural next steps would be. Lay before your child the tools he needs, but let him pick them up when his ability and maturity are ready. Stay busy practicing present level skills. Focus on creativity and enjoying your time together. Help your child see his success while you wait for the fruit to appear, and have faith in the Author of the schedule.

~ Debbie