From Our House to Yours
Why homeschool? House rules can change!
Having homeschooled for 17 years with Heart of Dakota, I have found many worthwhile reasons to do so! In this From Our House to Yours series, we are exploring reasons to homeschool. My sons and I came up with our own list of reasons, just for fun one day. I left a piece of paper on the counter, and throughout the day, we all added reasons to homeschool. The list grew and grew! I am sharing some of our family’s reasons to homeschool here each week, in no particular order. Some of these reasons come from my own experience teaching in brick and mortar schools prior to homeschooling my children. This week’s reason is kind of an eclectic grouping of reasons that I will call “House Rules Can Change.”
No Gum Rule
A few students in every brick and mortar school always seemed to ruin it for everyone. Basically, they would not chew gum or dispose of it properly. In other words, they’d blow big bubbles loudly. They’d stick their gum in each other’s hair. Or, they’d stick their gum to the bottom of their desks… repeatedly. Many children chewed gum quietly and responsibly. However, since a few students could not do so, the “No Gum Rule” was established. In homeschooling, my children can chew gum if they can do so responsibly. As long as they chew it quietly so as not to bother others, as long as they dispose of it properly, and as long as they don’t chew gum when talking, I am fine with it! Our house rule can change for one child only if needed (like for the child who stuck gum on his end table). When that child turned a year older, he had another chance at chewing gum. So far, so good.
No Snacks Rule
A few students in every brick and mortar school always seemed to ruin it for everyone. Basically, they would take snacks that were outrageous. In other words, they would take King-sized candy bars, leftover pizza, or a six-pack of Coke. Or, the reverse would be true. Some students simply had no snacks, and others could not share their snacks (another school rule due to allergies). Many children took responsible, reasonable snacks to school. However, since a few students could not do so, the “No Snacks Rule” was established. In homeschooling, my children can have a morning snack or an afternoon snack whenever they are hungry. I have a list they can choose from, but they can come up with their own snacks within reason. Our house rule can change for one child only if needed (like for the child who thought a cup of chocolate chips would be reasonable). When that child had a week with no snacks, he had another chance at snacking. So far, so good.
No More Than 2 Books from the Library Rule
A few students in every brick and mortar school always seemed to ruin it for everyone. Basically, they would be irresponsible with their library books. In other words, they would check out 30 books and return none… ever. Or, the reverse would be true. Some students simply checked out no books, and others could not share their books because the books were their responsibility (another rule). Many children checked out the number of books they could actually read and return within a week. However, since a few students could not do so, the “No More Than 2 Books from the Library Rule” was established. In homeschooling, my children can have as many books in their possession as we own, and we encourage them to share. Our house rule can change for one child only if needed (like for the child who thought he could take his brother’s books and lose them). When that child returned the books, he had another chance at borrowing brother’s books. So far, so good… I think.
In Closing
In closing, one reason why it is a good idea to homeschool is you can make and change rules on a case by case basis. A rule that once made sense may not anymore. Or, a rule that makes sense for one child may not for another. In homeschooling, we can make sensible rules that are subject to change. So, why homeschool? House rules can change!
In Christ,
Julie
P.S. One ‘teacher rule’ I don’t miss is the NO COFFEE RULE! That was nearly the death of me. Come to my house anytime! We will have a cup (or two or three or four) of coffee together, as fellow homeschool moms. At least until noon. That’s my coffee rule for now at least, but it may be subject to change.
