In the Classroom and At Home
The subject of our Hometown History video this week is “In the Classroom.” When I previewed it yesterday, I wondered how appropriate it would be for homeschooling families. Then, I realized that things our hometown friends said about their public school experiences highlighted principles that homeschooling families need, too.
Fairness
John Richard said that, in his public school experience, all children were treated equally. All my life I have heard about parents and grandparents who favored girls or favored boys. I have heard of parents in troubled families who unfairly blame one child for family problems. Favoritism has no place in a public school and it certainly has no place in a family. Isaac and Rebekah found that out when he favored one of their twins and she favored the other one.
Now Isaac loved Esau, because he had a taste for game,
but Rebekah loved Jacob.
Genesis 25:28
Faith and Education Together
Johnnie Faye said that when she first started to school, the school met in a church building. Jimmy said that a lot of churches met in school buildings when he was a child. Of course, some modern churches rent meeting space in schools. The mere fact that churches and schools use the same building doesn’t mean that children in those schools learn about God. However, I do know that the people we interviewed in these videos did learn about God in school, just as I did.
Yesterday a member of our DE Moms community posted the main reason she chose homeschooling. She said: “There are many reasons but the most important one is so I can teach my children about God. I want them to know the truth.” The opportunity to teach the most important things is the best benefit of home education.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Proverbs 9:10
Kindness and Sweetness
David spoke glowingly about a teacher who was very kind and sweet. His wife Wanda told of teachers who were always loving and tender. How wonderful that so many children are growing up learning from their very own kind and sweet mamas. The apostle Paul compared his ministry among the Thessalonians to that kind of mama.
But we proved to be gentle among you,
as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children.
1 Thessalonians 2:7
The Joy of Teaching
John Richard said that the job of teaching motivated students who wanted to learn and who were willing to put effort into it was the best profession there is. I know you have many daily stresses, but don’t forget to relish these years when you have the best profession there is.
My son, observe the commandment of your father
And do not forsake the teaching of your mother;
Bind them continually on your heart;
Tie them around your neck.
When you walk about, they will guide you;
When you sleep, they will watch over you;
And when you awake, they will talk to you.
For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching is light . . .Â
Proverbs 6:20-23a