As parents, we
are involved in our children's education from birth through college
(and really throughout life…it's a never-ending lifestyle of
learning). Whether you help with homework, science projects, field
trips, book reports, etc., and to whatever degree of involvement,
homeschooling takes place. For parents who choose to be their child's
main educator, the only difference is the choice of curriculums, teaching
styles, and education philosophies. No matter which avenue of education
we choose (even when there is no choice…i.e., financial status,
zoning, single parents, etc.), we must never forget: parents are in charge of their
children's education.
Once Chris and I decided
to home educate our children (even before they were born), we began
a research project that continues to bring an on going educational
revival within our home. There is so much information available regarding
education that at times it can be overwhelming. We have learned
to pick and choose according to our educational philosophy, family
vision, and the interests, talents, and giftings of our children. For example, the educational philosophies we've chosen are:
a Character-First Approach as an under lying foundation, then combining
principles from the Classical, Principle, and Delight Directed Approaches
(see "Links" for detailed information regarding the different
educational philosophies). Our family vision consist of several long
term goals based on biblical principles and the desire to fulfill
God's purpose for our lives; then, we have many short term goals that
change and evolve according to the different stages of our lives.
Every outside activity or major decision is made based on our family vision -- if it doesn't help meet our goals…we
don't do it. We've learned to say "no" with confidence and guilt free. Finally, choosing tools to inspire a love of learning
within our children are based on their interests, talents, and giftings
-- this has been the most fun. One of the greatest tools is reading daily from the best literature including Christian
biographies of all the great Godly inventors, scientists, mathematicians, musicians,
and artists of the past. I have spent many moments of joyful crying
as I watch my children fall in love with learning just from reading to them,
and practicing delight directed learning. And as their interests are allowed
to blossom, amazingly, all the other academics do get covered. My oldest child
at the age of nine began a love of learning in all areas of academics. This
is a foundation we want in our children as they obtain -- through
self government -- a good, strong education empowing them to fulfill God's purpose
and plans for their lives.
As you browse
the different links, we hope you enjoy the Christian Character-based
academics as much as we have enjoyed sharing them with you. Please
contact us if you have any comments or questions.
God bless, Chris
and Barbara Fuller
bfuller@ltenews.com