This has been especially true in the area of education. Both Nathan and I grew up in the public schooling system of the 1970's and 1980's, precisely when the severe downhill trend of modern education was beginning. However, we had both been successful students in that system and never considered that perhaps our own experience was lacking some critical elements, or that maybe there was a much better way of guiding children through education during their early years in our homes.
We were inspired to consider alternatives after our oldest sons had attended preschool and public school for a few years, and we felt something lacking in the experience. And even though it was probably one of the most difficult decisions we ever made, we somehow found the courage to begin homeschooling all of our children back in 2008. We were inspired by the Thomas Jefferson Educational model that had become popular among LDS homeschoolers, and we initially used it as a guide for creating a system in our own home.
Our experience over the years taught us well about what worked and what didn't work for our children, and we made adaptations as they grew. We have added and subtracted certain kinds of curriculum. We have changed our organizational systems and study plans. We have been blessed to adopt some wonderful study materials that include a study of the scriptures and the gospel of Jesus Christ. We have even added a whole new person to our family since we started homeschooling! Every step of the way has been an inspired adventure and I wouldn't change it one bit.
We believe that we can state unequivocally that our unusual and unique approach to education, even though in many ways we have just made it up as we have gone along, has been the best decision we could have ever made for our children. It has taken a lot of time, study, prayer, and sacrifice on our part as parents. But the fruits are amazing! Our children have developed engaging, intelligent personalities. They are pleasant, positive, creative, loving and thoughtful. They excel at everything they do academically, physically, socially, and creatively. We enjoy a kind of family environment, rhythm, discipline, and interaction that is sweet and peaceful and uplifting and really fun!
We are not, by any means, perfect parents. Nor are our children perfect children! We have discouraging days, silly arguments, moments of thoughtlessness, and little irritations and frustrations in daily life just like everyone else. Our house can be cluttered and disorganized and chaotic. But, those things are exceptions to an overriding environment of peace, order, love, respect, acceptance, and safety that prevails in our home. And I blame it on homeschool! Or, at least, on the opportunities that have been afforded us due to our decision to homeschool.
That is, we have more time together to develop family relationships. We have more opportunities to talk about the gospel and study the gospel and teach about the principles of the gospel as a family. We have LESS time to be immersed in the outside world and its influences. We have fewer outside "authorities" to whom we have to answer about our daily activities and projects and schedule. We have been able to maintain a central role in our children's lives that has not been replaced by outside demands. We remain aloof from problems of peer pressure and stress in uncomfortable environments. We are planted safely in the holy ground of our home and family life.
We are also the owners of the Glenn J. Kimber Academy in Colorado, through which we have adopted a curriculum including the Book of Mormon and other scriptures as a major text in most subjects.
Last year I offered an elective course from the Kimber curriculum to a group of 5-8 year-old children once a week. It was a history course called, "I Love America." It introduced the children to significant events and principles of American history that will become their foundation for a study of God's hand in the history of our great country.
Please visit the website to read about this school: The Glenn J Kimber Academy
We are now using the Kimber curriculum as part of our everyday studies in both Religious Studies and History and Science (for the older children) but we are not currently offering courses to students outside our family. Our everyday activities include a variety of resources and lesson plans chosen to suit our children's unique needs and talents. And, most importantly, chosen to provide us the opportunity to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ to our children.
I have a strong personal testimony of making the Holy Spirit our guide, especially when it comes to raising our children. I am so thankful for all of the guidance and love I experience by choosing this unconventional path for education!
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