November 18, 2008
Homeschooling and the Holidays
by: Zan Tyler
The kids and I were doing research for one of our many Thanksgiving plays. We duly noted that in 1608 the Pilgrims left their beloved homeland of England to settle in Holland because of severe religious persecution. Then I discovered something I didn't know. Even though the pilgrims had religious freedom in Holland, they were concerned that their children would become more Dutch than English. They were worried about socialization! For this and a few other reasons, they made plans to travel to the New World.
In his book Of Plymouth Plantation, William Bradford tells us that the pastor of the pilgrims chose this verse to read as they were preparing for their journey to the New World from Holland in 1620: "I proclaimed a fast by the Ahava River, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask Him for a safe journey for us, our children, and our possessions" (Ezra 8:21, HSCB). Here again, we are reminded that a chief concern for the pilgrims was the welfare of their children.
As homeschoolers, we are on a pilgrimage of our own. Sometimes, just like the pilgrims of old, our journey can be rough. So we need to make sure we focus on all the benefits homeschooling has to offer. One of the great beauties of homeschooling is the ability it gives us to turn all of life into a learning experience for our children. The home is where faith, living, and learning should intersect.
The Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays abound with opportunities to expose our children to some unique learning situations and environments. They also provide effective tools for teaching powerful spiritual lessons.
To take advantage of the educational value of the season, try rescheduling some of your textbook work for after the holidays. You are not neglecting it—just rearranging a bit to make the most of the educational opportunities presented by the holidays. Planning is the key. That's why this November newsletter is devoted to both the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.
Thanksgiving and History
Make sure your children know the true story of Thanksgiving. Many textbooks today leave God totally out of the picture. Create your own Thanksgiving play. Give thanks together as a family for all God has done for you during the past year. You might use this time to share your own spiritual pilgrimage with your children. This is also a great time to tell them about your homeschooling pilgrimage—make sure you articulate to your children the many reasons you have for teaching them at home.
Christmas and Literature
Choose a classic literature selection that is appropriate for the holidays and read it aloud together as a family. Here are a few suggestions to get you started: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens; The Christmas Box by Richard Paul Evans; and The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry. Listen to books on CD during your holiday travels. Read portions of Isaiah, Matthew, Mark, and Luke in your family devotions. If it is appropriate for your family, use advent calendars and wreaths to prepare your children for the coming Christmas celebration.
Christmas and the Arts
Community theatres often offer a plethora of plays during the Christmas season. Sometimes you can find a performance that coincides with the book you are reading together. Most local symphonies and choral groups offer special holiday performances. This is a great time to expose your children to classical music. Make sure you include Handel's Messiah, a magnificent orchestral and choral piece that is Christ-centered. Many area churches will offer a variety of Christmas services and performances, as well as live nativity scenes for your children to enjoy.
The Holidays and Service
Nothing combats the rampant materialism of the holidays like providing your children with creative ways to serve others. Deliver food baskets to the needy; go caroling to shut-ins in your church and community; write missionaries and servicemen who are away from home during the holidays; volunteer with an organization like Project Angel Tree. The possibilities are endless.
A Christmas Gift for Moms that Nourishes the Soul
This year, why not ask for a Christmas gift that will encourage you and edify you in your calling as a Christian woman? Getting away for a spiritually refreshing and renewing weekend may be just the thing!
Apologia will be hosting its first ever conference for homeschool moms on February 27-28, 2009, at the Westin Hotel near the Baltimore-Washington airport. (For more information, click here to visit http://www.apologia.com/live)
As we approach the holidays and a new year, we would do well to pray the same verse over our families that the pilgrims prayed almost 400 years ago over theirs: Lord, please grant "a safe journey for us, our children, and our possessions."
In His Grace,
Zan Tyler
Acquisitions Editor/Speaker
You can read Zan's bio here
Author of 7 Tools for Cultivating Your Child's Potential (order here)
http://www.apologia.com