More is better…Isn’t it?
‘Our school day is so short compared to public school! I’m worried that we aren’t spending enough time on school. Should we be doing more?’
‘We follow the lesson plans, but I have the nagging feeling that we just aren’t covering enough material in each subject. Should we do more?’
To answer these queries, let’s take a quick peek into a public school classroom.
Squeezing into Jordan’s first grade class, we note that blocks of time are allotted for math instruction, reading, language arts, science, and social studies. Can you guess which ‘subject’ consumes the most time of all?
That subject would be ‘Waiting.’
Poor Jordan.
There he sits, waiting for class to begin.
Waiting for attendance to be called.
Waiting while lunch orders are taken.
Waiting until all 30 children in the classroom have their books out and open to the proper page.
Waiting for all eyes and ears to be pointed at the teacher.
Waiting until the directions are read and explained a third time.
Waiting while the teacher brings a rowdy student back to order.
Waiting while lining up for recess.
Waiting, when the first student has finished the math problem, for the rest of the class to catch up so that all can proceed, together, to the next problem.
Waiting in line for lunch.
Waiting for the class to settle down after lunch.
Waiting while 30 papers are turned in, and on ad infinitum.
In the homeschool, most of this tedious waiting is eliminated, with the result that Jordan’s instruction—which consumes six or more hours in public school-- may be completed well in as little as two hours at home.
Finishing early isn’t a signal that Jordan is doing too little work. Rather, it is simply a reflection of the difference between teaching directed at a classroom packed with bouncing children working at markedly different levels, and one-on-one tutoring in the homeschool.
One of the many advantages to homeschooling is that children may, in their spare time and in a relaxed fashion, investigate areas of particular interest through enrichment reading and activities; it is not necessary, however, to lengthen Jordan’s day or list of assignments, simply because he completes his schoolwork ahead of his public-schooled peers. [Do I hear Jordan cheering?]
Holy Hour of Thankfulness and Discernment
See how the children have grown and changed this school year!
The clothes that fit loosely last Fall are now straining at the seams; shoes whose toes were stuffed with tissue now pinch not-so-little feet. Once-bewildering concepts have been mastered—some, perhaps, with a struggle—and child-like hearts are turning ever more toward Jesus, Who loves them beyond all imagining.
Each year of homeschooling brings change to our children, to our families, to our homes. Remember that Jesus longs to be part of that change, to share in all your decisions, challenges, and victories. The future is in His safe-keeping, for He is already there, waiting for you.
We invite you to spend an hour with Our Lord, before the Blessed Sacrament. Lay the past and future school years before Him. Thank Him for His faithfulness these past months. Ask for His help, as He is always ready to pour graces out upon your family.
If you have students who will soon be entering high school, invite them to make a Holy Hour also. What are their dreams and aspirations? Before the Blessed Sacrament, your students may find direction, inspiration, and insight into their vocations.
Jesus planted the very first stirrings toward homeschooling in our hearts; He daily sustains us and our children as well. Go to Him, that He may pour out His graces abundantly.
