We’re eclectic homeschoolers. This means we take the best of the best from several methods and make it work for our family. After homeschooling a few years, and having friends and family want me to explain more of the how we homeschool, the simplest way for me to explain it is Holy Spirit-led Homeschooling. Today, I’m going to break down what Holy Spirit-led Homeschooling looks like for our family; along with several aspects that work well for us.
Methods of Our Holy Spirit-led Homeschool
- God is in Control - Funny, when we started homeschooling I had my perfect plan laid out. I had our day color coded with hours of sitting in school desks and filling in blanks. I’ve shared before in Letting Go and Letting God: How the Lord Took Over Our Homeschool, and Is this Hell or Homeschool, how the Lord let me get to the point of total exhaustion trying to do-this-school-thing. In total surrender I gave up. From there He has led us into what homeschool is for our family.
- Natural Pace – We don’t focus on grade levels or tests. Each child moves at their natural pace. We homeschool year round which keeps our natural flow. At our ‘slow and steady’ speed we can highlight living; along with the opportunities that each day brings.
- Delight Directed - Any interest that our children have is a topic that we heavily explore. This may be as simple as allowing them to wipe out the local library on the subject to devour the information on their own. This could also be a case where I create a family unit study and we all dive in together.
- Focus on Gifts - Each child has time to develop their God-given gifts. Our oldest son is very artistic. He has created incredible artwork for years. Over these last few years he has dived into photography, editing and stop motion animation. Recently he met the creators of the Jericho the Promise Fulfilled movie (a homeschool graduate). Jadin is greatly inspired. We’ve had many conversations about how the Lord can use all of his passions and gifts for His glory – even Legos.
- Creative Boredom - This goes along with gifts, but I felt it needed its own category. We have seen a lot of creative boredom juices flowing. Creative boredom isn’t negative at all. This is one of the reasons why we homeschool and part of the gift of time that homeschooling brings.
Creative Boredom Examples ~
Naomi created these ‘princess sisters’ out of ice cream spoons. They are complete with interchangeable crowns and wigs.
Zion has developed an interest in wood working. Here he is on his bench that he made ‘for fun’ last weekend.
No directions, no plans, just an idea in his head and a little training on tool safety.
- Travel - During different seasons we’ve had the opportunity to travel quite a bit; we call this roadschooling. We also take advantage of free family activities in Washington D.C. several times per year. We love to go, and see, and do, as much as possible. I think most homeschoolers have this mind-set. If you’re going to drive through a town anyway, why not find several free and educational places to explore!
Jadin and Gabriel, blasting off!
Liam and Gaby at the Magnet Wall
- Family Focus - Jesus is our center, and we see family as a rare gift. I want a big family. Often I have this conversation. I think it’s a blessing for the kids to hear, and leaves the questioners thinking.
Random person on the street, “Why do you have all those kids?”
My answer, “I think having a nice, big, family is a blessing in these crazy days that we live in. Don’t you agree?”
Usually the random questioner stands pondering that statement. Many times they respond, “why, yes…I guess it would be nice to have a big family.”
Of course, I’m not always full of grace. You can read my slight rant at Children are a Blessing {Even at Home Depot}.
- Family Bible Time – Honestly, because we’re all real here, this is something that we’ve been slacking in lately. Believe me, we all feel it. We still read our Bibles individually. (Zion just finished reading the complete Old Testament. He’s eight.) Mainly, it’s those little foxes slipping in, and the enemy attacking. Along with this bickering has increased amongst the kids. I’ll be sharing more about how we’re pulling out of this slump. However, I know that family Bible time is a HUGE part of Holy Spirit-led Homeschooling. Jesus isn’t through with us yet; we’ll learn and grow from this.
- Literature Read Alouds - I’ve shared our favorite summer read alouds. Reading aloud is one of the main facets of our homeschool. You can read here what read aloud time looks like at our house.
- Lapbooks - Creating our own lapbooks is an affordable why for our family to create and document our learning together. We love to create literature lapbooks based on our read alouds.
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Do you mind if I copy and post these items on my wall. I have been homeschooling for years and need to regroup with my youngest. I need to get back to how and why I first started homeschooling.
What do you mean, Debbie? Just copy the reasons for your wall at home? Of course! xoxo
Agreed.
Thanks for sharing! I always enjoy reading how others homeschool and gleaning new ideas! God bless!
I love all your reasons! And they are all mine as well. We are kind-of getting out of the lapbooks now, but my girls still enjoy notebooking.
I really plan to get more into notebooking as we roll into this next year. I’m going to print off all of your free sets
I found your blog a few months ago and immediately knew God had sent me here:) I so want what you share here for our home-school. We use My Father’s World. love it, but would also like to be able to give my girls a bit more freedom to explore their own interests. I think year round school may be the answer to this. We have also gotten bogged down with what grade level we are at and have moved to a natural pace perspective. Thanks for encouraging us to all to lead a Holy Spirit Led Home School.
Love and prayers,
Joyce
Thank you, Joyce. You can find a peaceful balance for your homeschool too. It takes time. I didn’t feel like we were ‘really’ homeschooling until about 4 years in to it. And we have seasons when we get off track, but the Lord is faithful. Thanks so much for reading!
I love how you so beautifully put your perspective of homeschooling into words. I feel the same in every way; you just expressed it so well! So many of the bloggers have inspired me today to continue to give God more of the reigns in our (relatively new) homeschool. I “knew” my calling was still in public education until a few years ago when I finally listened and obeyed the “still small voice” rather than the world’s louder voices. I’m glad I found your post today!
I know that ‘still small voice.’ It’s that same one that told me to quit my job and come home full-time. It didn’t make sense mathmatically, but God is in the details. I love your blog name. I’m all about homeschooling without labels too.
Love so many of your reasons. I try to stay focused on these and not get caught up in the worry. If God is at the centre of it and He knows my kids even better than I do, then I shouldn’t worry about the details. This has been a good reminder.
Also just wanted to say that I love your blog! I subscribe to the e-mails and so normally read it on my phone while I am brushing my teeth in the mornings (us moms of many have to multi-task!) but that makes it more difficult to leave a comment, but please, keep writing! You are encouraging and inspiring many!!!
Ah, Sharla…love you lady! I pray one day I can talk with you seriously about adopting from Ethiopia!
I would love that! E-mail me your address and I’ll send you a free copy of my adoption memoir in the meantime (not to do a review of or promote or have any obligation, but just to read at your leisure and then pray about where God might be leading you).
Great post! Love reading how others homeschool in their own homes. As each year rolls by I zero in more and more on what is important to teach and to be much more relaxed in the process.
Blessings
Diane
I am a divorced-single mom of two little girls, age 5 & 6, and I just want to thank you for your blog! This is my first year homeschooling and my goal is to have a Holy Spirit-led Homeschool, except I never put it in those words till I found your blog. I’m still learning how to do things and the resources for a Christian based homeschool aren’t as easy to find. I love that you have a big family and are so dedicated to the outcome of your children. So Thank you!