Choosing a Christian Education
There is a cost, and there is a price – this is what I think when I am asked the value of Christian education, from homeschooling to private Christian schooling to Christian College. As parents seek the best “fit” for their children, each option (including “free” public education) has an associated cost; there is also a price paid when a child leaves their family’s faith in worldly pursuits.
Christian education can bear tremendous fruit in the life of a child. Scripture is clear that the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake without wisdom and godly guidance has risks which could lead one off the path of righteousness (Genesis 3:6,7; Proverbs 1:7). This can be a frightening outcome for parents who are weighing educational options. What criteria should they apply when making the choices: Friends? Location? Budget? Are church programs enough to counterbalance the public school’s worldview? These questions periodically arise as finances and other life circumstances change but I ask parents to consider all the ways in which educational settings affect our children for the rest of their lives.
Scripture strongly cautions that teachers should consider their calling and the strength of their conviction before beginning the precious relationship to students: Titus 2:8 – “Teach the Truth”; Titus 2:7 – “You must be an example”; 2 Timothy 4:2 – “Preach the word of God. Be prepared… Patiently correct, rebuke…”. 1 Timothy 4:16 admonishes teachers to “Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.”
Compare these instructions and qualifications to the majority of teachers found in “free” school, whether Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK), International Baccalaureate High School, or Community College courses where the worldview, lifestyle, and personal beliefs of the teachers are varied and diverse. Are these people you want your child “sitting under”? Teaching is a very sacred trust. Consider carefully those under whom your child will sit, and the hours per day, week, and year that teaching will influence them.
Rather than Christian Character being well formed by age eighteen (a long-serving mark of maturity), studies show that the adolescent mind remains heavily influenced and vulnerable through age twenty-five.
Exposure to the world’s values is unavoidable, but the tsunami of worldly values and thinking which permeates general education could cause your child to question and confuse what is truth as they are forced to choose sides on worldview, historical accuracy, life choices and goals. Instead of working towards content mastery and developing life skills of logical reasoning, public speaking and writing, our students may seek to fit into the “norm” and unknowingly adopt much of the worldliness that non-Christian education presents.
I believe that our children benefit from more time to mature and more exposure to loving, thoughtful, and well-educated teachers and professors who will guide them into truth as young adults. They benefit from having mentors who offer lifelong relationships with their students and take joy in their accomplishments as they begin to teach others:
““Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me—a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus.””
PEP meets students social and academic needs by effectively combining responsibility and freedom, taking learning differences and needs into consideration in short- and long-term planning, and giving exposure to rich classical learning which supports higher learning. While the promise of Advanced Placement courses, Community College Dual Enrollment courses and other options can be attractive to parents while their children are still in High School, the trade-off for potential college credit may be the elimination of some core content learning in efforts to universalize the courses, and will certainly be absent of all Christian Worldview. Students taking the International Baccalaureate curriculum know little of American History and Civics as these are not part of their diploma program.
No matter how the Lord leads Christian parents to steward the education of their children, they must include aspects which develop true accomplishment and wisdom from learning, not merely “checking boxes”.
While PEP students develop the logic, language skills, and responsibility which should accompany learning, we believe the Godly process of student discipleship is far more valuable than the GPA. I encourage parents considering PEP to meet with current students, their parents and PEP graduates. The maturity and courtesy we saw in such students impressed our family to choose homeschooling. With your student guided by the Word of God, the Truth of the Gospel, and with godly friends and instructors, you will find the cost was worth it, and the rewards far exceed the price.
Jill Dragiff earned her master’s degree from California State University – Dominguez Hills. She was a pioneer in the homeschool movement early on and also taught humanities in the private school sector over 20 years. She has been involved in curriculum development as well as advanced testing. We are excited to say that she now teaches histories at PEP East St. Johns where she is a well-loved tutor.
Preparing Minds for Action
Child Educational Choices: Christian Parents, Smile and Be Bold!
Way back in 1980, President Jimmy Carter, trying to make a salient point in the Presidential Debate with Ronald Reagan, remarked that he asked his 13-year-old daughter, Amy, what she thought was the most important issue of the day? She said, “Nuclear disarmament.” I was only in college at the time, but I remember wondering, “Why is the President of the United States taking advice on governmental policy from his daughter?” That made me a little nervous; and it made Carter a bit of a laughing stock. He lost that re-election.
When I was homeschooling back in the olden days before everybody was doing it, people would stop my children and ask them if they like homeschooling. At age eight, one of my children would reply, “I really want to go to public school, but my mom won’t let me!” That was horribly embarrassing, but the truth is, God’s design is for parents to raise their children according to their own wisdom, not for children to raise themselves according to their limited knowledge.
Multiple choice (answer at end of article):
Prov. 20:29 The glory of young men is their ___________________.
a) wisdom
b) strength
c) knowledge
The frontal lobe of the brain is not fully developed until about the age of 22. The frontal lobe controls execution function, planning, reasoning, and impulse control. This is why juveniles usually cannot be tried as adults in courts of law. Research suggests that the decision-making capacity of youth is simply not equal to that of mature adults. Of course, we don’t need scientists to tell us that; the Word of God has already informed us of that in principle. So does common sense!
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
”Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with a promise: “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.”
And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.”
The Scriptural order of the home requires that the parents, the oldest, wisest members of the family, make the decisions for the training of the children (which includes the training of the mind until full maturity.) It’s natural for a middle school or high schooler to want to follow the crowd and “fit in” to his culture, just as it is natural for a five-year-old to demand candy at the check out lane. Parents are tempted to let the teenager make the decision on whether to continue Christian education or be educated under a secular system. Now, if the parents prayerfully decide it is in the best interest of his child to attend a public school for reasons of their own, the child can trust this is God’s leading and submit to their decision in a supportive fashion; but if parents just want to “take the road of least resistance” because the teenager will be difficult to live with if he doesn’t get his way on the education decision, then the child has a character issue that must be dealt with before he leaves the home. It can be a growing opportunity for parents and teenager.
“My son, keep your father’s command,
And do not forsake the law of your mother.
Bind them continually upon your heart;
Tie them around your neck.
When you roam, they will lead you;
When you sleep, they will keep you”
Loving parents do want to listen to and consider the desires of their children, but when it comes to the training and admonition of the mind and heart, it’s OK for parents to make the final decision for their teenager’s education, even if the child initially protests, for this is right.
By the way, Amy, we still have nuclear weapons which have proven an effective deterrent to nuclear attack so far. And my child mentioned above now has six children whom they are homeschooling!
Answer to multiple choice question:
b) The glory of young men is their strength.
Mom and Dad, let your son move the furniture and chop the wood, but you decide how to equip his mind with truth and bestow godly character training to his heart. You won’t regret this in the long run. I promise you.
Winning the Education Game
The cards were dealt and the game was underway. After a few rounds, I noticed that Charleston Jane apparently had skipped my turn. What?! Not fair! She kept drawing when it was my turn to draw!
“Charleston Jane! What are you doing? Did you skip my turn?” I asked.
“No, Grammy. It’s my turn,” she replied.
“Why are you drawing more cards?”
“That’s the way you play Crazy 8’s, Grammy!”
I started laughing so hard. “I thought we were playing Gin Rummy!”
You see, before the game began, we decided to play Crazy 8’s. During the deal out, her brothers got into a fight and appealed to me to mete out justice. Thoroughly distracted, I started playing Gin Rummy while Charleston Jane played Crazy 8’s! Same cards. Different game.
In Gin Rummy, the object is to collect all the right cards. In Crazy 8’s, the object is to get rid of all your cards. Once my mindset was corrected, we started over. You could say that I repented.
THE EDUCATION GAME
To win at the Game of Life, at its heart, we must win the Education Game. That’s why Christians historically start schools. We learn how to live from who teaches us and what they teach.
The Game Creator owns the game and makes the rules.
The earth is the LORD’s, and all its fullness,
The world and those who dwell therein. (Psalm 24:1)
To win the game, we play by His rules. Here are the rules.
STEP ONE.
You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart (deepest motivation, desires),
with all your soul (entire living, physical being)
and with all your strength (total resources of mind, strength, and wealth).
And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart.
STOP. LET THAT SINK IN A MOMENT FOR YOUR OWN LIFE….OK, CONTINUE…
STEP TWO.
You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them
when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down,
and when you rise up. (Deut. 6:5-7)
STEP THREE
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of
mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;
do not merely look out for your own personal interests,
but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves
which was also in Christ Jesus, who…emptied Himself, taking the
form of a bond-servant…He humbled Himself. For this reason also,
God highly exalted Him. (Phil. 2:3-9)
…AND GAME!
If we endure, we shall also reign with Him. (II Tim. 2:12)
“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you,
and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:11)
SCHOOL CHOICE
So, how do we Christians choose who helps us educate our children?
Look at the school’s (or college’s) ultimate goal.
U.S. Department of Education
“Our mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.”
Christ’s Department of Education
Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (I Cor. 10:31)
The Great Commission of Jesus: “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. “Go and make disciples of all the nations, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you…” (Matt. 28:18-20)
Another word for “disciple”: apprentice. Will we trust our children to Jesus’ internship to prepare for their career, life’s work, their calling, whatever good work He has called them to do?
It seems upside down, countercultural. Our mindset must be to serve others, not ourselves??
The Creator of the ACTUAL Game of Life insists we teach His thoughts, His way, all day, every day.
To win the game, we play by His rules.
Whose game are we playing?
Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.
(Psalm 1:1-3)
PEP’s Vision
To fulfill the Great Commission by discipling a new generation of students to have a passion for glorifying God through their ability to think as freemen, to reason biblically, and to discern and communicate Truth to all areas of society.
In Honor of National Book Month
“Employ your time in improving yourself by other men’s writings so that you shall come easily by what others have labored hard for.”
October is National Book Month. And, while a major aspect of PEP’s curriculum is providing students with edifying literature to read and analyze—from Plato’s Republic to George Orwell’s 1984—we must be able to clearly articulate the reasons behind our focus on reading. After all, as technology becomes increasingly pervasive, both children and adults are turning to screens rather than pages for entertainment. According to a 2018 article by the American Psychological Association, “less than 20 percent of U.S. teens report reading a book, magazine or newspaper daily for pleasure”. And, as that article was published four years ago, we can only assume that now, as technology has continued to advance, that percentage is even lower. Barely any teens want to read anymore, preferring to spend their time on one of the many social media apps jostling for their attention. And, if they’re going to pick up a book, it will likely be a more recent publication—something that probably has very little substance, but a lot of mature content. So why does PEP focus so much on complex literature when it seems like society has all but abandoned it?
The popular children’s author Roald Dahl once said that “if you are going to get anywhere in life, you have to read a lot of books”. All educators should embrace this mantra in their teaching methods. Countless psychologists and academics have emphasized the benefits of reading, especially at an early age. In one study from the National Institute of Health, researchers even found that “reading strengthens your brain” (Healthline), while other studies have found that reading increases a child’s vocabulary and “reduces stress” (Healthline). Armed with greater thinking skills, children who read good books can become successful, eloquent adults. Furthermore, as well as providing cognitive benefits, rich, edifying literature will widen students’ worldviews and encourage morality. But if children and teenagers only read what is poorly written, they will not receive these benefits. PEP’s mission is to provide students with an excellent education, one that will prepare them to face a world that has strayed farther and farther from the truth. And one of the most powerful ways to accomplish this is through reading. By providing them with well-written, layered books, PEP gives its students an opportunity for development that many other educational institutions do not. Plus, by including such great Christian works as St. Augustine’s Confessions, PEP teaches its students to better defend their faith and articulate their beliefs. In honor of National Book Month, we want to emphasize our commitment to teaching quality literature. PEP embraces the works of literature that have been the cornerstones of a classical education, providing students with an education far superior to the norm. As National Book Month has come to a close, let us remember to read books that will benefit our minds, turning to the best writers of the past for enrichment.
So, for the PEP student who may be wondering what the worth of reading such old books is, we have one piece of advice. If this article hasn’t already convinced you, keep turning those pages, and know that you will one day reap the many benefits good books offer.
Sources:
https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2018/08/teenagers-read-book
https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-reading-books#prevents-cognitive-decline
Information, Formation, and Education
By Allen Cagle
“What if education wasn’t first and foremost about what we know, but about what we love?”
Let’s play a word association game... when you hear the word education, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Maybe it’s knowledge, information, tests, college or maybe even tuition! While all of these may be considerations, what if education was less about information and more about formation? Education, properly understood from a Christian vantage point should be understood as a subset of discipleship. I believe the measure of a good education isn’t merely performing well on a test. Education is about formation.
It’s possible to get so caught up in ACT’s, SAT’s, essays, and college prep that we forget why we started PEP in the first place. While we certainly want to excel in academics, I believe it is possible to gain the world (of knowledge) and lose your soul in the process. I truly believe our goal is more about formation than information. Simply learning is not the sine qua non. The goal is to see how information fits into the world God has created and have our hearts shaped into the likeness of Christ as we understand the world God has created for his image bearers to manage. What does this have to do with the disciplines we study? Math works because God created an orderly world. Science exists to showcase his awesome glory. Studying the nature of man in Comp and Lit and Worldview classes becomes meaningful as we understand God’s story of Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Consummation. The Bible warns that there are some who are learners, but do not learn what matters most, God’s truth (see Rom 1:22; 2 Tim 3:7).
I’ve jokingly referred to the PEP curriculum at times as the Uncommon Core. I simply mean to say that we intentionally do something uncommon - we desire to infuse the fear of God (true wisdom) into everything we teach. CS Lewis, an educator himself, said, “Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make man a more clever devil” (“Abolition of Man”). We pray that we are not creating clever devils at PEP; we pray that we are joining with you to disciple your students so that they are equipped to speak truth in love in a world that needs to know the hope of Christ.
Allen Cagle has served as the Senior Pastor at Sunrise Community Church in Atlantic Beach, FL since 2013. He has a BA in Biblical Studies from the University of Mobile and an M.Div. from The Masters Seminary (Los Angeles, CA). He received his Doctorate of Ministry in Applied Theology from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Allen served in associate pastor positions in Los Angeles, CA and Mobile, AL before moving to Jacksonville in January 2013 to serve at Sunrise Community Church. He began teaching at PEP in 2013 and loves sharing his passion for God’s Word and a biblical worldview with teens. Allen and his wife Mindy have three children — Kate, Jacob, and Karis.
Time Management for Teens
Here we are at the beginning of a new school year. You’ve purchased curriculum, decided upon classes and bought all the fun organizing products to help your teen succeed in the coming school year.
Now you must decide how this year is going to play out. Someone will be deciding how much work must be accomplished in each subject your teen is studying. For a large majority of us, this pacing schedule is dictated by a third-party. But the day-to-day is up to us.
It is in the teenage years that we begin to delegate the job of time management to our students. And, rightly so. But one of the greatest things teens struggle with is time management. There are so many things that must be balanced – schoolwork, family time, sports, hobbies and now possibly even a job. So even though you’re loosening the reins, you’ll still need to walk alongside them as they navigate this new skill set.
Start by talking big picture. Break the day into three large chunks – morning, afternoon, and evening. Have your teen choose which of these two chunks of times will be school hours. They will have to choose times that work best for both your family life and their productivity time. Leave the third chunk free for other activities. Do your best to maintain these times either by writing out a large chart for the wall – or by having them keep a weekly planner clearly outlining these times.
If you’re not sure what really works best – have them spend the first three weeks of school keeping track of how they spend their time. Just like you did when you first started budgeting your money – write down where time actually goes. From there, your teen can make a more realistic plan. Remember that it takes at least six weeks to build a habit, so it’s going to be up to you to help them protect their academic time.
We, as parents, need to recognize that sometimes it is us causing the time management frustrations. We inadvertently overload our teens with coursework or activities and there simply aren’t enough hours in the day to get it all done. Take a hard look at your priorities – and let go of items that are unnecessary.
Teens also need to learn the art of tackling the difficult, or least-liked, projects first. Your teen may be great at getting Math done since it’s their favorite subject, but they always leave Biology for the end. This means that Biology is always looming before them – and when they get there, all of their energy has been spent on easier or more loved subjects. Teach them to put those more difficult tasks into the freshest parts of their day and get them over with. They may also find that they grasp the material better and come to love those once-dreaded subjects.
Teens (along with the rest of us) can also get overwhelmed when large tasks are looming. Show your student how to break the task down into smaller steps and then tackle one step at a time. If the entire list still looks like it’s too much, cover it with a piece of paper so that you’re only looking at one item at a time.
One of the most difficult things about time management seems to be those time-wasters. While we do need down time, we don’t need wasted time. I won’t spend much time discussing social media distractions as that is a whole other article, but we are all painfully aware of how much time can be eaten up by our devices. I recently reading a book by Tim Elmore and in it he makes the point that most new technology claims it will save time, yet it actually beckons us to spend more time using it. This is especially true of social media. We easily get sucked down the rabbit hole of scrolling through our feeds. Technology is not going away, so we must work to manage it. Spend time as a family devising a plan to minimize or compartmentalize your social media time. Be willing to make the same sacrifices with your devices that you are asking your teens to make.
While we are on the subject, if you haven’t already, you should consider a good internet filtering program for your family. Even though we are allowing our teens more and more freedom, it is still good to be “wise as serpents” in this digital age. There are several good monitoring programs out there to choose from.
As teens learn to manage their time and their social media, we need to be ready to administer some tough love. In other words, when they fail at something due to lack of planning or because they made some poor choices, let them also experience the consequences. Don’t adjust the deadlines and don’t quickly step in to take up the slack. Sit back and let them figure it out for themselves. It may mean they receive a poor grade, or they don’t hold up their end of the bargain in a group project – but they need to FEEL that. It is a great learning moment. One that will last much longer than the poor grade. And – if they manage to succeed in still getting the work done, or they have that conversation with a teacher and work out a plan – they have successfully learned the art of conflict resolution.
Recognize that you’ll be taking one step forward and two steps backwards at times. This will be a trial-and-error process as you figure out, together, what works best. It’s a process you’ll have to repeat with each of your children and each outcome will look different. But just like with all other tasks – doing the hard work now will pay off in the future. Here’s to a great school year as you build new habits!
Joanne Mastronicola is our Operations Manager and serves to support PEP from the big overall picture down to the day to day details. To the students who know her, she's “Mrs. M”, because let’s be honest… who really knows how to say her last name? She has a tradition of going on a solo trip on the day of her birthday which has included sky diving and going to Boston for lunch (yes, from Florida to Boston just for lunch). She brings a high level of excellence to her work while embracing the fullness of life along the way. We're so grateful Joanne is such an integral part of PEP!
6 Tips for Teaching Writing
By Lisa McAfee
Wouldn’t it be great if we could just follow a formula to teach our children to write and they would produce works such as Tolstoy’s War and Peace? Well, as you know, that isn’t the case. However, do not give up because you can help your child become a writer. Here are six tips and four writing curriculums to consider in preparing your future scholar for their composition classes at PEP.
1. Provide an environment rich in learning and reading.
In order to write, you need experience from which to draw. Get outdoors, go to museums, read books, have many, many, many discussions about what they have seen and learned. Through these opportunities your child will have background knowledge they need for writing.
2. Find out what interests your pupil.
Have you ever had to write about something that doesn’t interest you? It’s difficult! The same applies to your student when you give them a topic sentence and tell them to compose their thoughts. Writing comes more easily about a topic that is an interest or a passion.
3. Start!
If you are waiting for a time where your reluctant writer asks for you to let them write, you will finish the year without one single thing being written. Start with small steps and increase throughout the year. Always encourage, support, and gently correct.
4. Practice!
Have your child continue writing. Some days will be harder than others, but the more you do something, the better you will get at it. You can help your scholar by having them create lists, funnel ideas down to a manageable size, create an outline, have a central idea, etc.
5. Reteach if necessary.
If your budding writer is struggling with a concept, be sure to stop and help them. By laying the foundation and making sure they understand, writing can happen. However, don’t jump in and rescue because there is such a thing as productive struggle. Let them see if they can figure it out and offer guidance when needed.
6. Set realistic goals and expectations.
Don’t make the writing assignment too easy or too hard. Start where they are and help them move forward. Always be your child’s biggest cheerleader in their learning.
So, what are some curriculums that you can use to help your enthusiastic or reluctant writer? I have found these to be beneficial, with each of them having an incremental approach. All of these resources are ones that I have used or have been highly recommended by fellow homeschool parents.
Lisa McAfee knew from the time she was a junior in high school that she wanted to be a teacher. Teaching is a vital part of who she is and what she enjoys doing since graduating from Miami University. Lisa loves homeschooling and has a deep devotion to helping homeschool families.
Lisa is an alumni home educator of two sons and an Ohio licensed teacher. She has over thirty years of teaching experience in private schools, home education programs, cooperatives, and private tutoring. She has been assessing homeschool students’ work in Ohio since 2000 and has enjoyed seeing and reviewing the progress students make from year to year.
You may find Lisa at Schoolmarm Ohio.
Your Tweens & Teens Need Your Guidance Around Social Media
By Nina Roesner
I remember when my kids were little, social media wasn't a thing. The big concern at the time was how much "screen time" was acceptable. I remember talking in the early 2000's with one older, wiser mom who told me, "Letting your children watch TV unsupervised is like inviting a stranger into your home to influence their morals. You have to watch what they watch, listen to what music they are listening to, and know the families of their friends to protect and raise them right." We limited screens to an hour a day, and I made dinner while they either watched their shows or played their games so I was hearing the content.
Enter Instagram, Youtube, and Facebook.
We had strict rules around social media use, waiting until high school (yes, my oldest took a ton of teasing about this). We would openly talk about what friends were doing, and I soon realized social media put my kid at risk 100% of the time for being exposed to the dark underbelly of culture. Good things also, absolutely. But if I could do it all over again, I'd say NO more often. As you probably know, dealing with teenagers can be challenging. I remember driving off with the wifi router to keep them off the internet while I was gone. I'd give it back when the chores and homework were finished. As the years went on, they became even more mortified at my disrupting their internet access. And, consecutively, the entire world, even PEP, became more reliant on the internet. Every day was a battle on the front lines. It felt like the battle waged between me and the kids, but it was really me against the enemy, and the world's influence. That is nothing new, it's just taken on a different form.
Here's a piece of hope for you - my three are now 20-somethings, and they have said THEIR kids won't have access to social media!
We shall see.
The research is in - the bad effects outweigh the good, and the discussion is likely to be an area of contention. Here's an article from Mayo Clinic about the effects.
It doesn't seem fair that the last part of a child's brain to fully develop is the prefrontal cortex, the home of common sense. At a time when they need wisdom the most, their brains percolate in a slew of hormones and development until they reach 25-27 years old. And thanks to social media, our kids are being exposed to an entire world of which we aren't even aware.
And they aren't prepared to handle.
I write this to encourage you to STAND YOUR GROUND. Fight this fight. TikTok is FULL of pornography. Mental disorders are running rampant because of the Instagram (and other platforms) comparisons to seemingly perfect bodies, perfect lives, airbrushed acne-free skin and happy everything. And our kids think that's what they are supposed to have - but it isn't real.
If you have mutually respectful relationships with your kids, your battle will be easier. They will see your heart and if you involve them in the limit-setting, helping them understand the "why" behind your concerns, they will develop self-control in this age against social media addiction (or pornography addiction) by learning how to navigate it in the safest environment they will ever have - your home. If you model following the same rules you impose on your kids, they'll respect you even more - and it will be good for you, too. Kids aren't the only ones impacted by the damaging effects of social media usage. Wondering how to cut back? This may sound counter-intuitive, but there are apps for that! HabitShare is one you might try - inviting your kids into keeping YOU accountable also will build mutual respect in your relationships.
Happy parenting!
Nina Roesner is the CEO and Founder of Greater Impact, a Harper Collins Author, hosts the What to Say & How to Say It podcast, and is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with ICF.
8 Tips for Choosing the Best Homeschool Curriculum
If you’ve homeschooled for any length of time, you probably have accumulated quite a collection of curricula. I recently took a trip to Half Priced Books with two huge Rubbermaid bins filled with memories of bygone homeschool years. Even though I walked away with empty Rubbermaid containers, a smile on my face, and money in my pocket, I still have oodles of books sitting on my shelves! How is that even possible?
Choosing homeschool curriculum can feel like standing at Graeter’s trying to decide whether you feel caramely, chocolatey, or fruity today. (Is there really a wrong choice when it comes to Graeter’s ice cream?) Ice cream is one thing, but when it comes to curriculum the task can feel much more daunting because the stakes, for good reason, seem higher. I’ve twice attended the National Homeschool Convention in Cincinnati, OH. Some people find the convention inspirational but the first time I walked into the vast convention center I found myself completely overwhelmed. Every textbook looked interesting. Every method seemed appealing. Every booth housed veteran homeschool parents voicing opinions about their favorite programs. The options seemed endless. And they all seemed fantastic! Which should I choose? What if I made the wrong choice?
I’ve now homeschooled for nearly 20 years, and I’d like to share with you some general guidelines that I’ve learned along the way concerning choosing homeschool curriculum.
Tip #1: Investigate
Homeschool moms love sharing what has worked for them, and their experience provides valuable intel! Ask for the pros and cons of the curriculum they have used. Dig a little to find out about the learning styles and personalities of their kids to better determine whether their favorite curriculum might work for your child. Read curriculum reviews because they tend to include helpful, practical details. In my experience it’s nearly impossible to accurately evaluate curriculum through a few pages of an online preview so try to get your hands on the books, whether that be from a friend’s bookshelf or an online company with a generous return policy.
Tip #2: Sometimes the best curriculum is free!
If you have a preschool or kindergarten aged child, please do not run out and purchase the latest-and-greatest reading and math curriculum. You don’t need it! Cherish these early years, taking time to explore God’s world with your child. There are plenty of years to jump into spelling lists and times tables. Let your curriculum be trips to the park, library, and pet store. Take advantage of discount days at the zoo, arboretum, and art museum. Memorize scripture together. Let your child dictate and then illustrate a silly story. (Trust me, Grandma will love it!) Let your math lessons be trips to the grocery store. Read aloud. Read books of all sorts. Read. Read. Read! Those early years are precious and the time you spend one-on-one with your child will never be wasted. Best. Curriculum. Ever.
Tip #3: Lay a solid foundation.
This next point might seem to contradict what I’ve just said. Bear with me. Although the elementary years should be enjoyable and somewhat relaxed, this does not mean you should downplay the importance of laying a solid foundation. Despite what modern education “experts” might claim, your elementary-age student should be memorizing math facts and learning phonics. Don’t neglect English grammar, including the basic rules of spelling and punctuation. Look for a quality writing program that will teach your student how to compose a well-structured, stylistically appealing paragraph. Remember, the three R’s (Reading, wRiting, and aRithmetic) truly ARE the basic building blocks for every subject. A solid investment in these foundational skills will reap exponential dividends!
Tip #4: Don’t be afraid to alter course.
Particularly during the elementary years, I found it not at all uncommon to start with a curriculum and then switch after a few months of trying it out. Sometimes you just don’t know whether a curriculum will click until you give it a try, and the beauty of homeschooling is that even with all the backtracking, redoes, and make-up days, your kids will still learn what they need to learn. Don’t get me wrong. I am a planner, and it never set well with me when I felt like I had “wasted” days on an “unsuccessful” curriculum. Looking back, though, I realize that time spent learning with my kids, whatever the curriculum, was never wasted time. And remember, you always have the summer to play catch up!
Tip #5: Know your child.
Every child learns differently. The curriculum that works for one of your children might not work for the next. Be flexible with this! Do not “force” your child into a curriculum that isn’t conducive to his or her learning style. For example, some kids need to see and touch things for concepts to really sink in. Others may do very well with memorizing to music. Still others learn best while being physically active (like doing jumping jacks while practicing spelling words). When choosing curriculum, look for supplementals and suggested activities that seem to resonate with your student’s learning style.
Tip #6: Know you.
It may seem obvious that you should chose a curriculum that suits your child’s learning style, but did you know you should factor yourself into the equation as well? To effectively teach a subject, the material needs to not only make sense to you but also suit your teaching style. I’ve found that in my weaker subjects I need a more scripted curriculum but in my stronger subjects scripting absolutely drives me crazy. Some curriculum moves more slowly, cycling through and recycling concepts. Others move through concepts quickly. It's ok, and I would say necessary, to include your preferences in the equation when choosing curriculum. If a particular curriculum style drives you crazy, DO NOT try to use it with your child because your frustrations will bleed through.
Tip #7: Don’t believe lies.
Homeschool parent mind games can be vicious! Don’t believe the lie that you are going to mess up your child by failing to choose the right curriculum. Don’t think of yourself as a loser because the top-rated curriculum that came highly recommended by your veteran homeschool friend didn’t work for your child. Every child is unique. Every homeschool parent is unique. Could this perhaps be the reason there are so many curriculum choices out there?? You will make mistakes (every homeschool parent does) but those mistakes are redeemable! When you get three months into a curriculum and it’s just not working don’t keep pushing through because, “We aren’t quitters! I paid for this book, by golly I’m going to finish it!” (Confessions of this homeschool mom.) If it’s not working, change gears. A frustrated homeschool parent makes a frustrated student. The cost just isn’t worth it.
Tip #8: Reach out for help!
As you approach those middle school years, the task of homeschooling and choosing the “right” curriculum becomes more daunting because it feels like there’s more at stake. As my older two kids entered middle school, I realized that I needed help not only with teaching the material but also with accountability. I tried several options, from online classes to co-ops, and then landed on Providence Extension Program. PEP has been a great fit for my kids because it has equipped them not only with college-prep academics, but also the accountability and spiritual discipleship that’s so critical during these adolescent years. When we first joined the PEP community, I struggled not only with adjusting to the program but also with grieving bygone days of zoo trips and afternoons at the park. I struggled with feeling as though I had somehow failed as a homeschool mom because I was entrusting most of their teaching to a source outside my home. Those emotions were real, but the lie that I had somehow failed them was just that– a bold faced lie! If you find yourself needing a program like PEP, don’t listen to lies! By endeavoring to homeschool you are accepting a high calling. There is no shame in reaching out for help!
If you’ve read this far looking for specific curriculum recommendations, sorry to disappoint. Don’t get me wrong, I have strong opinions on the subject. (What a novelty! A homeschool mom with strong opinions!) The thing is, after all these years of working through numerous curriculum options, I realize it’s not really the curriculum that’s going to make the difference in your child’s home education. It’s you. So, do your homework, try different options, don’t be afraid to reach out for help, most of all pray that the Lord would equip you to be the homeschool parent he’s called you to be, whatever choices you end up making. You can do this!
MaryEllen's PEP journey began in 2015 when she enrolled her boys in the program and accepted a tutor position in the Comp & Lit department. Over the years, she has witnessed the unique, life-changing benefits of PEP's academically rigorous, Christ-centered program. As PEP Dayton's Administrator, she desires to come alongside parents in raising a generation of Kingdom builders for Christ.
PEP utilizes a classically inspired approach to education to prepare students for their next step in life, be it college or career. Ultimately, we desire to impact both the mind and heart of each PEP student. By encouraging character development, fostering critical thinking, and inspiring a strong work ethic, we aspire to train a generation of disciples to further the Kingdom of Christ.
"There is no way I'd ever be able to homeschool secondary school" ... and other lies smart parents believe
By Donna Baer
Cut any parent of a teenager and they bleed educational frustration: Bullying. Anxiety. Bad curriculum. Remote learning deserts. Dystopian worldviews.
Engaged, responsible parents yearn to provide the finest education available to their teenagers. In their ruminations, they will briefly consider homeschooling middle and high school--and then quickly talk themselves out of the proposition. Why? Because they believe lies. As a parent who homeschooled ten children in high school, I’m here to disassemble the dissembling. And no, I won’t promise to avoid puns.
Lie #1:
I’m not smart enough to homeschool the upper grades.
Wrong. You are smart enough. You graduated from high school, didn’t you? That means you mastered the material once, even back when you were more focused on Homecoming than Homer. Now, with your mature adult brain, you can master subject matter quickly. And trust me, you’ll enjoy it this time. With the perspective of age, Shakespeare’s sonnets or the elegance of the DNA molecule can recharge your soul.
And here’s a veteran homeschool hack: You don’t have to master all secondary school subject matter before you begin teaching your teens; you just need to stay one page ahead of them. Online tutorial programs like Khan Academy and Crash Course can refresh your memory or fill in your blind spots. And often, your kids will figure out material on their own and won’t even need you to explain it to them. You can do this!
Lie #2:
My kids would have no social life.
The truth of the matter is, your teens will have a rich, fulsome social life--replete with peers you endorse. Homeschooling is highly efficient, which means your kids will have abundant discretionary time-- a rare privilege in the teen economy. With that free time your kids can explore sports, join musical groups, perform in plays, join a robotics club, hang out with a chess club, or just forge deep, lasting friendships. As a bonus, you’ll have oversight, and will be able to help your teen steer clear of toxic relationships.
Further, there are AMAZING enrichment groups, extension programs, and hybrid teaching organizations that can supplement your homeschool curriculum and bolster your academic weak spots--all while providing your kids with creative, thoughtful peers. Imagine your teens bonding with friends over The Federalist Papers rather than Fortnite!
Lie #3:
I could never get my kids into college.
Repeat after me: I. Got. This.
Colleges LOVE homeschoolers. They fill their diversity quotas! Seriously, colleges appreciate how homeschooled kids can think outside the box and learn independently. Admissions boards have been evaluating homeschool transcripts for decades now. They know a good thing when they see it.
And if the thought of creating a high school transcript sends terror through your veins--relax. There are online templates. And coaching services. And hybrid programs like Providence Extension Program that will walk you through all the steps involved in creating an impressive, professional transcript.
Your teens can take all the achievement exams including the SAT, ACT, AP, and SAT2 tests, registering as homeschool students. With their rich extra-curricular lives, your kids will have plenty of fodder for the dreaded application essays. And it’s been my observation that, because homeschooled teens spend so much time in thoughtful conversation with adults, they nail their admissions interviews. There’s nothing more attractive than competence with confidence.
Lie #4:
Homeschooling would ruin my relationship with my kids.
This is the biggest lie of all. Rather than ruining your relationship, you and your kids will go on a journey together that will bond you for the rest of your lives. When you learn with your teens, stretching and clawing and grasping to master material, you develop a teammate mentality. You empathize with each other. You each appreciate the other’s strengths. You exult together when you reach the “aha! moment.”
For the rest of your lives you’ll share inside jokes and literary references. You’ll send each other articles and music and witty memes. Instead of a superficial relationship, you’ll enjoy vigorous, fulfilling fraternity.
Homeschooling kids of any age is a commitment. It is also a profound, brief opportunity to set your kids up for success and teach them how to love intensely. If you’ve been sucker-punched by the lies about homeschooling secondary school, take a deep breath and take a fresh look. There’s an army of homeschool veterans ready to help you and to weep with you at the finish line when this brief journey ends. You can do this!
Donna Baer is an author and educator. She homeschooled her 10 children in every traditional subject, including AP classes, from prekindergarten through 12th grade—often using Great Courses. She also taught biology, geometry, and Spanish at Oldfields School in Maryland. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Biology from Brown University.
Donna is the author of Strong Happy Family: Unexpected Advice from an Ivy League Mom of Ten and The Bible’s Feasts: The Secrets behind the World’s Oldest Holidays.
She also created the Classical Sunday School series, a comprehensive K–6 religion curriculum that employs the classical method of education.
A frequent speaker at education conventions, Donna has recorded a Teachable course on how to homeschool children from kindergarten through third grade. She also writes a blog that chronicles her passion for creating lifelong learners. All of her books and resources can be found at www.stronghappyfamily.org.
“You can entice kids to embrace their natural curiosity, solve their own problems, and revel in a life of discovery.”
His Loving Invitation Awaits Your Response
Today I share with you a blog post from the website of my friend, Debby Thompson, from the Cru ministry. What does this devotional life topic have to do with education for liberty and God’s Kingdom, you ask? Debby raised her family behind the iron curtain. She knows how a soul experiences freedom even when living and sharing the gospel under a socialist dictatorship.
Guest Post from faithful Christian friend from DebbyThompson.com Living With Eternal Intentionality®
Today I share with you a blog post from the website of my friend, Debby Thompson, from the Cru ministry. What does this devotional life topic have to do with education for liberty and God’s Kingdom, you ask? Debby raised her family behind the iron curtain. She knows how a soul experiences freedom even when living and sharing the gospel under a socialist dictatorship. Her website is called Debby Thompson: Living with Eternal Intentionality. Isn’t that great? That’s what PEP is all about! At PEP this year, we fined tuned our Biblical Worldview classes in 10th-12th grades to concentrate more time on three things:
Looking at the whole human history told in the Bible so students will see where they fit into God’s Universal Historical Plan
Learning the most important academic life-equipping tool of studying whole books of the Bible with respect to their genre and historical context
Practicing the routine of prayer using various tried and true methods people have found helpful in hearing from God
Debby’s article, posted on July 15, 2020, will inspire you and your children to seek first God’s face; only then will you be able to seek to advance His Kingdom and His righteousness. Enjoy!
His Loving Invitation Awaits Your Response
It’s a wonderful thing to receive an invitation! Invitations communicate that we are wanted and chosen. However, there is none more special than when God is doing the inviting. Something amazing happens, when spending time in God’s word, we learn to respond to His invitations. A precious relationship develops with those daily choices. Dietrich Bonhoeffer describes this ongoing relationship with our “Inviting God”: “In our meditation, we ponder the chosen text on the strength of the promise that it has something utterly personal to say to us for this day and for our Christian life, that it is not only God’s word for the Church, but also God’s word to us individually.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together
God’s Quiet Invitation
We are called to a rhythm of life to take time to stop, be still, and listen for that often hidden, quiet voice of invitation. When my work gets hard—circumstances become difficult, schedules get full—more than at any other time, I need to hear His voice for that day. As a result, I often come back to Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:28-30. He calls me back to that rhythm. He invites me (and you) with these encouraging words:
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me–watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll earn to live freely and lightly” (The Message).
Ever since that first invitation that drew our heart into relationship with Him, God continues to invite us. Even though we might ignore His regular invitation, He keeps inviting us. Daily He reminds us of His presence, His leading, and His provision for what we need.
In Deuteronomy 17:18-20, we read God’s invitation to the Kings of Israel to experience His presence:
“And when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself in a book a copy of this Law, approved by the Levitical priests. And it shall be with him, and he shall read in it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God by keeping all the words of this law and these statutes, and doing them, that his heart may not be lifted up above his brothers, and that he may not turn aside from the commandment either to the right hand or to the left, so that he may continue long in his kingdom, he and his children, in Israel.”
Their response to His invitation involves three things:
Writing out the Scriptures for themselves – a slow process of internalizing what God says in how to live and lead God’s people.
Reading their hand-written words all the days of their lives – a constant reminder of the benefits of being a king who walked with God.
Learning from the Scriptures – how to deal with pride and other issues of the heart.
God invites ME!
Through many years of walking with the Lord, I’ve discovered countless invitations from a God who loves me. He continues to “woo” me back into a right and deeper relationship with Him. He knows where my heart might be straying at the moment. Therefore, these God-given invitations have the potential to grow me into the character of Jesus as He calls me out of my “doing” and “striving.” His invitations powerfully refine what’s in my heart, shape me, and transform me as I respond to Him in my ongoing spiritual journey.
Consequently, if I sit long enough in God’s presence, I might hear Him inviting me: to listen, to trust, to remember, to love, to forgive, or to rest.
Recently I’ve been invited to WAIT. I’m waiting for a son to return to the Lord . . . waiting for recovery from recent back surgery . . . waiting for clear direction. Without doubt, David’s words in Psalm 27:14 encourage me to “wait expectantly.” This verse tells me to be strong, to let my heart take courage, and to wait for the Lord. Waiting expectantly demands my alertness to my present situation with an eye of watchfulness that God might do something even beyond what I could imagine. So I wait for my God who is a sure and steadfast anchor of my soul. This anchor is built on the goodness of God’s character and gives me hope! In conclusion, I know He is working on my behalf. In His perfect timing, He will give what I need most.
Living With Eternal Intentionality®
Consider what He might be saying to you today—what is His invitation to you?
Meet my dear friend Renée.
Renée McIntosh is a wife, mother of 3 grown children, and a grandmother of 5. She has been on staff with Cru for 45 years – 22 of those years serving in Eastern Europe, and now lives in Franklin, Tennessee. She works alongside her husband, Dorsey on Faculty Commons, involved in International sending. Renee’s greatest passion is studying God’s Word and finding personal application for life and ministry. Her journey with the Lord has deepened through both life’s disappointments and joys. She loves cooking, hospitality, and coming alongside women in personal development, mentoring, and coaching.
TOP 4 COSTLY MISTAKES TO AVOID IN PAYING FOR COLLEGE (AND HOW TO MAKE A COURSE CORRECTION BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE)
As parents, we want to set up our kids for success. Starting life with financially and emotionally crippling college debt does not accomplish this goal! “More than two-thirds of graduates of the class of 2018 entered the labor market with an average of $29,800 in student loan debt. Many may end up in jobs that will never pay enough to allow them to become debt-free.”
As parents, we want to set up our kids for success. Starting life with financially and emotionally crippling college debt does not accomplish this goal! “More than two-thirds of graduates of the class of 2018 entered the labor market with an average of $29,800 in student loan debt. Many may end up in jobs that will never pay enough to allow them to become debt-free” (https://www.salon.com/2019/06/01/killer-loans-college-debt-triggers-depression-and-suicide_partner/).
College debt is the worst way to fund college. Good News! College debt is completely avoidable.
Beyond (or in addition to) the obvious solution of working and saving money to pay for college, you can greatly reduce the cost of college by taking wise action while in high school.
Lisa Marker-Robbins, Cincinnati’s go-to Professional Advisor of college-bound students, sat down with Tammy Treft, the Executive Director of the top-performing homeschool extension program in Cincinnati and Jacksonville, and shared from her 20-years-experience and data-informed advice on how to avoid costly mistakes in paying for college.
(Learning Assistance and Enrichment Program (LEAP): https://leaprogram.com; Providence Extension Program (PEP): www.pep1.org)
This article is a summary of the main points from their interview. You can watch the full interview (in COVID-19-era quality home video Zoom production we’re all used to by now) here:
When applying for college, these TOP TWO CRITERIA help your student stand out among the rest:
Academically rigorous high school course grades—Don’t take Easy Street by getting good grades in unchallenging courses; colleges see right through that!
ACT/SAT test scores
These criteria might get you into your top college, but don’t fall for the false assumption that good grades and high ACT/SAT scores will automatically win high scholarships. Many families are misguided about how college funding works, and face a rude awakening when it’s too late.
When paying for college, avoid making these TOP FOUR COSTLY MISTAKES:
1) Poorly constructed college list
Not all colleges offer substantial scholarships.
Sometimes an out-of-state or private college offers merit scholarships that make them more affordable than your popular state school.
CORRECTION: Think beyond campus beauty, locally popular colleges, or parent alma maters, and look at a college’s scholarship award programs instead. https://leaprogram.com
2) Reliance on Advanced Placement or College Credit Plus/Dual Enrollment
An increasing numbers of colleges do not accept AP credit at all.
Many colleges that do accept AP credit apply it only as an elective. The student is still required to take the course at the college to graduate. This means you do not save money on courses, but only graduate with extraneous credits.
Out-of-state or private colleges are not required to accept and often do not accept CCP credit at all. Ohio state colleges are required to accept the credit, but, like the AP credit, still require the student to take the more rigorous course at their institution to graduate. It is very rare that a student shaves off a year of college through CCP or Dual Enrollment.
CORRECTION: Invest your time in high school in the best education you can find that will give you knowledge and skills to secure a substantial scholarship instead. Students find out too late that they do not get ahead in respect to time, knowledge or finances, rather are behind in all three. www.pep1.org
3) Experiment by switching college majors while at college
Changing majors wastes time and money. The vast majority of college students change their major twice or more, delaying graduation.
Most students then must enroll into a 5th year of college which highly increases the sticker price of college, negating any advanced credit or scholarship money they may have attained.
CORRECTION: Invest in personality and strength-finding tests to guide you into a major with which you will be happy. Consider a gap year to explore apprenticing in various careers to find out what it is like in the real world and if it’s a good fit for you. (You may discover the job you love and will succeed in does not require a college degree at all.) https://leaprogram.com
4) Opting out of academically rigorous courses in the senior year of high school
The GPA used at the end of Junior year is often used when applying for college; what people tend to forget is that you must list the courses you will take your senior year on college applications. Continuing to pursue rigor through the senior year makes a difference in whether you get into the college or not. When they see rigor suddenly drop off, even if it is in the form of often easier CCP or Dual Enrollment courses, that gives colleges a reason to reject your application or lessen scholarship opportunities.
Continuing rigor through the senior year better prepares a student to succeed in college. Most scholarships are renewable if a certain GPA is maintained. If a student didn’t come to college academically prepared to maintain their scholarship beyond the freshman year, that’s painful!
CORRECTION: Continuing with a rigorous program can be a game changer! Without much aid, plan on spending at least $100,000 on public college. For example, the latest data for those who study through the Senior Year (Core F) at Providence Extension Program (PEP) and apply for merit scholarships, they are awarded an average of $14,000/year. Renewed each year, this saves families $56,000! That’s on average; many diligent students have received well above $100,000. Perseverance pays! www.pep1.org
Final consideration:
After examining their upper high school curriculum, Lisa Marker-Robbins recommends PEP as a good option for those who value classical education integrated with biblical worldview and desire to homeschool with some outside help. Perhaps of greater value to many Christian parents than financial benefit is the final biblical and spiritual preparation through the senior year they give their children before they head out of the home. www.pep1.org
The Children’s Crusade: A Bad Idea Then and Now
“The Children’s Crusade (1212) was one of the strangest and most tragic events in the history of the Crusades. Thousands of boys and girls from about 10 to 18 years old became convinced that they could recover Jerusalem [from the Muslims who had centuries before taken it violently in keeping with their goal for global domination]. They expected God to part the waters of the Mediterranean Sea so that they could cross safely to Jerusalem. None of the children reached the Holy Land. Many starved or froze to death…[some] returned home in shame….Others got aboard ships going to the East and either were drowned in storms at sea or sold into slavery by the Muslims” (World Book Encyclopedia, “Crusades”).
Yesterday’s War
“The Children’s Crusade (1212) was one of the strangest and most tragic events in the history of the Crusades. Thousands of boys and girls from about 10 to 18 years old became convinced that they could recover Jerusalem [from the Muslims who had centuries before taken it violently in keeping with their goal for global domination]. They expected God to part the waters of the Mediterranean Sea so that they could cross safely to Jerusalem. None of the children reached the Holy Land. Many starved or froze to death…[some] returned home in shame….Others got aboard ships going to the East and either were drowned in storms at sea or sold into slavery by the Muslims” (World Book Encyclopedia, “Crusades”).
In the Harris’s book, Do Hard Things, a case is made for teenagers to dispel the modern, oppressive cultural lie of low expectations. It encourages teenagers to work hard, train, study, build, and create things for the good of mankind and the glory of God. Going to battle wasn’t mentioned. Why not?
God usually does not call children into battle, but rather He calls armed and trained men. In the nation of Israel, only men 20-years-old and older and who were able to handle a spear and shield were numbered to go to war (2 Chron. 25:5).
Today’s War
"Nothing short of great Civil War of Values rages today throughout North America. Two sides with vastly differing and incompatible world-views are locked in a bitter conflict that permeates every level of society…the struggle now is for the hearts and minds of the people. It is a war over ideas. And someday soon, I believe, a winner will emerge and the loser will fade from memory. For now, the outcome is very much in doubt” (James Dobson Children at Risk, p. 19-20).
Parents are commanded to raise and equip children until maturity in order to win the battle for truth and freedom of their own souls and that of their society. No matter what your 17-year old tells you, they are not fully mature (“At What Age is the Brain Fully Developed?” https://mentalhealthdaily.com/2015/02/18/at-what-age-is-the-brain-fully-developed/). We mustn’t shortchange our children and send them into battle too soon, too unprepared as adults, or even worse, send them to the enemy for training while they are teenagers. The secular state will even offer “free” education to keep them out of the Lord’s training camp. Don’t be fooled!
We must use our time, treasure, and talent to fully “sharpen their axes.” If we send them into battle untrained, they may have their minds captured and enslaved by enemy philosophies and lies. In their immaturity, they are tempted to desert the priorities of Christ’s Kingdom and adopt self-focused worldly goals. In the Great Commission what did Jesus command? Are we to disciple the nation or is the nation to disciple us? We must disciple our teenagers in our homes and church.
“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord… Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate” (Ps. 127:3,5).
Prepare Your Minds for Action! (I Peter 1:13)
Motto of Providence Extension Program www.pep1.org
My Father’s Business (The Worthwhile Work Put Before Our Youth)
Providence Extension Program’s (PEP) Core seeks to replicate the focus of the youthful Christ: to send forth a Kingdom-seeking, Bible-reasoning, liberty-advancing generation.
Providence Extension Program’s (PEP) Core seeks to replicate the focus of the youthful Christ: to send forth a Kingdom-seeking, Bible-reasoning, Liberty-advancing generation.
And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us?” … And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them. (Matthew 1:42-50)
When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. (I Cor. 13:11)
Work is a gift. Working hard is a joy. Part of the curse of Adam ensured that we would toil excessively and the earth would resist our efforts to subdue it, be it cultivating crops, minds, or kids. But don’t confuse the gift with the curse. Enjoying the fruit of our labor brings great joy.
Is PEP hard work? Yes, by design. But it is good and interesting work. To cultivate the mind takes some effort. Our very own flesh, preferring idleness, fights against our desire to accomplish great things.
We are raising our children to maturity and for a purpose. Successful adults don’t shy away from work. When Jesus was 12 years old, He put away the toys and started sharpening His mind and soul for His future station in life. He became a rabbi, a healer, a thought leader, and a sacrificial lamb on our behalf. He proclaimed and set in motion the liberty we enjoy today by establishing His Kingdom. He started training for these roles when He was 12 years old, saving leisure for the Sabbath days and focusing His mind on learning from wise mature rabbis. Our children are capable of doing this, but, unlike Jesus, they need us to continually remind them of the task at hand and the future benefits, and to teach them to enjoy hard work rather than complain. We and our children are called to advance Christ’s Kingdom of liberty and service until He returns.
Remind your PEP disciples of the enormity of the task the King has placed on us, and encourage them to enjoy preparing for the day when they are released into society to bring His healing power to His creation. Being a royal priesthood (ruling and connecting others to God) is an immense privilege!
Prepare your mind for action!
Registration begins April 8, 2020 (space limited). www.pep1.org
How Corona-Induced Isolation School Differs from Traditional Homeschool (and 3 Ways to Make Up for Each Difference)
It’s unnatural to be confined in a single location all day with the same people. In traditional home school, you are home a lot less than you would think. Why? Because “The world is your classroom,” as we say. So how can you get the best of homeschool life while in isolation?
Extended Isolation vs. Full-Social Living
It’s unnatural to be confined in a single location all day with the same people. In traditional home school, you are home a lot less than you would think. Why? Because “The world is your classroom,” as we say. So how can you get the best of homeschool life while in isolation?
Home schoolers get together with friends (of your own choice!) a lot. Try video chatting with encouraging friends.
Home schoolers encourage multi-generational experiences. You can’t visit a retirement home now, but you can video chat with grandma. Or, if that’s too technical for her, you can use that app on your iPhone called “Phone,” and just call her and talk.
You can’t take them to dance or exercise class, foreign language class, or music lessons, but there are plenty those online these days! To make up for your educational isolation, go online to virtual experiences, like a virtual zoo trip (https://www.housebeautiful.com/uk/lifestyle/a31955902/virtual-tour-zoo-trips/) Take advantage of the time, do a search online, and get busy!
Force vs. Freedom
The government is making you homeschool and use their curriculum. Relationally, it could be a good thing to temporarily have school days at home. Many are pointing this out these days. As my father used to say, “Look at the doughnut, not the hole.” It’s temporary. Don’t waste time and energy focusing on the stressful part. Take a moment and look at this as a limited opportunity to have some time with your kids. After they finish their work, pretend it’s Sunday at home with the family, and do what you like together. That’s what traditional homeschoolers can do when they so choose.
It’s beneficial that the schools have given your kids material to study for three reasons:
You get to actually see what they are learning.
It’s planned for you.[*]
It gives you the chance to think about what YOU would be teaching your kids instead if YOU were in control. Real homeschooling = Freedom. Let your mind think like a free person and see where it leads you. You may like it. Uh-oh, homeschooling might not be temporary for your family, after all. :)
Relief money vs. Self-funded
The government usually doesn’t send you $500 per child and postpone your taxes until July 15. Another one-off reality: this may be the first time the government gives you some money and doesn’t dictate how you can or cannot spend it. You can do something homeschoolers do. Use it on great books for your children (after you pay your rent, of course).
Have your child read.
Read aloud to them.
Listen to audio books. (There are plenty of free books and audio books out there, too.)
Here is whole article with some tried-and-true books guaranteed to turn your kids into readers and entertain them for hours: How to Get Your Kids to Read in These Days of Isolation
[*] There are groups who provide ready-made curriculum for homeschoolers and even have tutors who instruct your children so they will know how to study on their own at home. For teenagers in Cincinnati, OH or Jacksonville, FL, here is an excellent option: www.pep1.org
How to Get Your Kids to Read in These Days of Isolation (And Some Book Suggestions)
When I was young, whenever I said I was bored, my father solved my problem with, “Go weed the flower beds!” And so my love of reading flourished. Try this method on your kids when you’re in isolation to instill a love of reading. It worked for my dad.
When I was young, whenever I said I was bored, my father solved my problem with, “Go weed the flower beds!” And so my love of reading flourished. Try this method on your kids when you’re in isolation to instill a love of reading. It worked for my dad.
But seriously, folks... The best way to get your children to enjoy reading is give them GOOD BOOKS to read. A good book is not a fad book or necessarily an easy book. It is enjoyable and inspires thought beyond the book. When they stop reading it, they think about it and may want to talk about it. And, most of all, a good book builds character and emotional intelligence by giving the reader insight into the human soul. I asked some “30-somethings” what favorite books they remember from their homeschool, and below are the top selections. There are a couple from their kids, too.
Elementary Age:
The Magic Bicycle (Spirit Flyer Series)[*]
The Bronze Bow
Little House in the Big Woods (The Little House on the Prairie series)
Hardy Boys
Begin (The Growly Books series)
A Wrinkle in Time
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (Chronicles of Narnia series)—good for teens, too
Frog and Toad are Friends (Frog and Toad series)—for very young children
Teenage:
Uncle Tom’s Cabin
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (This is also a government-banned book. Enjoy!)
The Hobbit (Lord of the Rings series)
1984
Brave New World
Tale of Two Cities
Jane Eyre
Pride and Prejudice
The Outsiders –for younger teenagers
I’ve grouped these suggestions in two age groups. However, the thing about really good literature is that people of all ages can enjoy it, so don’t be afraid to cross age boundaries!
(I’ve footnoted where to find a couple of the books. Once on those sites, you can look up all the other books, too.) Also, search “Twaddle-Free Books” on Pinterest and have a hay day!
To get you started, here’s a suggestion for teenagers: Introduce them to some good literature they might not get in school. In my humble opinion, the best and most influential American book ever written is Uncle Tom’s Cabin.[†] It has changed the lives of millions of people, including my own. If you have a teenager, let them REALLY be rebellious and listen to this government-banned book on audiobook. This book started the Civil War, which led to the end of slavery in America. It was THE definition of 19th Century “wokeness.” It’s looooooong... so it’ll kill a lot of time. Because of the dialects, I highly recommend listening to it versus reading it. Give your teenager a mindless task to do with their hands: clean house, build with Lego, crochet or knit, and then listen along. You should listen, too. It’ll change your life while entertaining you. That’s something you can’t say about many art forms these days.
Read Aloud[‡]
We read aloud (or listened together to audiobooks) a lot back in the day. It was some of our best times and requires so little effort or paraphernalia. Any of the above books could be read aloud, of course. I laughed so much reading Winnie the Pooh books and Paddington Bear out loud to my younger kids. One of my favorites for mid-elementary age was Rascal by Sterling North. Heart wrenching!
Happy Isolation, y’all!
Beth Smith
[*] https://www.amazon.com/dp/0877843481/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_i_d0FFEbDR8J3ZK
[†] Uncle Tom’s Cabin https://www.audible.com/pd/Uncle-Toms-Cabin-Audiobook/B0047WFXMW?qid=1585317675&sr=1-5&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_5&pf_rd_p=e81b7c27-6880-467a-b5a7-13cef5d729fe&pf_rd_r=4DXJ2JCE3A579GXYN4BH
Here it is for free: https://www.hoopladigital.com/title/11086943
[‡] Here is a website with many recommendations: https://readaloudrevival.com/start-here/
11 Ways To Be A Homeschooled Teenager (And Not Go Crazy)
Ok. So you just found out you’re a homeschooler. For awhile at least. Breathe.
We thought it might be helpful to poll some of the world’s foremost experts in being homeschooled teenagers: Homeschooled teenagers. These are teenagers who were homeschooled before COVID-19 — and we asked them if they have any tips on how to spend all day at home and a) not go crazy b) actually maybe learn something.
Ok. So you just found out you’re a homeschooler. For awhile at least. Breathe.
We thought it might be helpful to poll some of the world’s foremost experts in being homeschooled teenagers: Homeschooled teenagers. These are teenagers who were homeschooled before COVID-19 — and we asked them if they have any tips on how to spend all day at home and a) not go crazy b) actually maybe learn something.
We reached out to 4 homeschooled students from Providence Extension Program to see if they had any tips:
From Judah, age 17:
Engage in something you’re passionate about: From music and painting to racing and hunting, most people know what they enjoy. However, there are many people who just don’t know what they are passionate about. Take some time trying some new hobbies and find out what’s enjoyable to you. Then, when you get bogged down by school you can take a break and grow in your passion. Once you find something you love, it provides something to look forward to in the midst of the piles and piles of homework.
Remember, a bad grade won’t end the world: Believe it or not many people go on after high school and do exceptionally well in life, even after receiving some bad grades. Obviously don’t aim for bad grades, but when you fail an assignment, quiz, or test, recognize that the world’s not over and God’s still with you. While grades in high school are decently important for colleges, future jobs don’t really look back to high school grades. Try to de-stress a bit and don’t beat yourself up.
If it’s not working, stop doing it!: Many homeschool students complain about classes being too hard for them and tasks taking too much time. While some of these may be frivolous complaints, often students have a valid point. Homeschooling can be very difficult at times, but the problem is students continue trying to finish tasks in the same manner when it just doesn’t work. Instead of preparing for a test in your room all night, try some other options: Ask a teacher, parent, or friend for help, prepare more ahead of time and don’t procrastinate, figure out whether you’re an audio or visual learner and study in that manner, etc. Homework and studying can become so much easier if students would take some time to figure out what’s best for them.
From Luke, age 18:
4. Learn to manage your time — later in life you’ll be thankful you did: Own it. Take hold of the time that you have at home and structure your life. Most students across America operate under the dull and strict schedules of public and private schools; homeschooled students have a unique opportunity to take life by the reigns and really structure their day how they see fit. This system allows you to grow in the necessary real-world skill of managing your time. On days at home, set aside a chunk of your day to plan out and outline the goals and tasks that need to be completed. This skill applies not just for being homeschooled, but also later in life in your first job or when it’s time to lead a family. Start small and implement good planning habits now.
5. Connect with friends to keep boredom at bay: We live in a modern age where distance is no barrier to connection. Kids in public and private schools enjoy seeing their friends every day, but that doesn’t mean that homeschoolers can’t be social! Start a study group, do an online conference call, find some way to make your friends a part of your day to day homeschooling life. With homeschooling comes great independence, but also great opportunity to make connections and socialize with loved friends.
From Aida:
6. Make a to do list. Everything probably seems really overwhelming right now but if you separate it into little chunks it won’t seem as terrible. One way might be by separating it by school subject. For example, one big check for math and then under that have little checks for all the tasks you have to do. Use this as motivation like “after I get my big check for math, I’ll take a 15 minute break”. At the end of the day you’ll be able to see all your progress, and who doesn’t love the satisfaction of checking off boxes?
7. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. It’s easy to feel trapped when you’re working alone but the truth is you’re not. Don’t hesitate to reach out to someone. Your teachers and parents are there waiting to help you. I promise you they aren’t against you; they are there to help you. They understand that this can be a confusing time, so let them help you through it.
8. Sleep is your friend! Getting a good night’s rest is one of the biggest things for any schooling, especially homeschooling. It’s super tempting to stay up those few extra hours when you don’t have to be at school at 7:30 and can sleep in. But when you sleep in until lunchtime, you may have gotten hours of sleep, but no more than you normally do. You end up spending the rest of the day doing school and not enjoying free time! Set a bedtime (as childish as it sounds) and an alarm so that you put yourself on a regular sleep schedule. Having a sleep schedule helps keep you awake, alert, and focused.
From Makayla:
9. Listen to music. Finding yourself losing focus while doing homework? Put on some music! But don’t put on music with lyrics, as it can distract you. Put on instrumentals or classical music.
10. No electronics! No teachers, no supervision, so phones can be out, right? Wrong. Cellphones and other electronic devices that have pop-up notifications will easily distract you and make it take twice as long to finish homework, which gives you less time to do the stuff you love!
11. Set goals. Feel yourself getting bogged down? Set a goal! Make a list of tasks you want to complete by a certain time, and give yourself a reward! It could be giving yourself extra video game time, a snack, or anything that motivates you!
Got more ideas?
Submit your tips here or in the comments below, and if we get some good ones, we’ll keep sharing them!
Want to learn more about homeschooling? Visit www.PEP1.org and talk with an administrator on how to homeschool through the teen years with joy.