Tell us a little bit about your family dynamics. While we may not have started out as a Pennsylvania family, we have been one now for four years. Jason, who is a family medicine and obstetric physician, was in the Navy for seven years prior to our move to Pennsylvania. We married in 2006 and have moved about every three years. While Jason and I are originally from Michigan, our kids are from all different places. Our oldest Gavin, seventh grade, was born in Tennessee. While Eli, fifth grade, and Holden, second grade, were both born in Florida. Lydia, our kindergartener, was born on a US Navy base in Japan. The only native Pennsylvanian is our three-year-old Joy, who was born in Hershey. Two things our family loves to do are play board games and travel, especially in our RV. Our unofficial family motto is controlled chaos.
How long have you been homeschooling? What was one of the main reasons you chose to homeschool? This year is our fourth year of homeschooling, which we started to get more time with our kids. We did not like the idea that other people, whom we did not know, were getting eight hours a day with our children while we only saw them four to five hours. My big boys would come home from school cranky and tired; and all the big feelings they couldn’t express at school would come out at the house. The little time we had with them seemed to be overshadowed by stress and fights: the morning mad dash for the bus, the homework hassle, the dinner disaster, and the bedtime battle. Time together wasn’t enjoyable or God-honoring. We wanted more out of our family life than just strife and heavy hearts. Homeschooling has allowed us to refocus on what matters most, building godly character. Jason and I are seeking to raise up men and women of God, who we pray, will go on to lead their families the same way.
In what activities does your family participate? As a family, we attend church regularly, where Jason and I teach fifth grade Sunday School. Disc golf recently became a favorite family activity. While Gavin and Eli are both on travel soccer teams, I am sure dance class is on the horizon for the girls. And, of course, we have our homeschool group that does field trips, art classes, gaga ball games, mom’s night out, and so much more.
What have been your most helpful resources? Other homeschool families, homeschool Facebook groups, and my son’s speech and language pathologist have been huge in providing help and resources. Learning how speech and reading are two sides of the same coin has been instrumental in teaching my kids to read.
What educational philosophy/curriculum do you follow? I am eclectic in our curriculum choices; we do a little bit of everything. I have three kids with ADHD, two who are dyslexic, one who is autistic, and one who just hates math; so I cater to each of their needs. All About Reading is a must-have in our house for teaching reading. I look for Christ-centered curriculum for most subjects since I strive to teach a biblical worldview. And while I do care about academics, my main goal is teaching my kids about God. He is the lens in which we should view everything.
What has been one of the highlights for you in homeschooling your children? I have loved watching my children grow in all aspects, but especially in character. Seeing them deepen their relationships with God and one another has been the biggest blessing of homeschooling. A close second is being there for all their firsts: the first time one of my kids read for pleasure, or the first time one of them finally reads without sounding out the words. The excitement and joy of those moments, and many more like that, are a consistent reminder of why I homeschool.
What was your favorite field trip(s)? We have had some great field trips locally, but our trip out west has been by far the best. We spent time in Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park, two of the most beautiful places I have been. The sheer beauty and majesty left us in awe. Junior Ranger program is great activity for the kids.
What was one of the funniest things to happen during a homeschool day? Many funny things have happened during our school days, but Mad Libs stands out. While the actual sentences may not be appropriate for this article, I can assure you it was good clean potty humor that little boys find hysterical.
What have you found to be a challenge in homeschooling? Any tips in dealing with that challenge? Time management. Finding time to get it all done seems impossible sometimes. A balance between schoolwork, housework, and extras does exist. I haven’t found it, but I know it’s out there. I find that as long as my priorities are set with God first everything else does tend to fall in place.
What advice would you give to someone who has just begun homeschooling? Make homeschool a lifestyle not just something you do. Look for ways to teach in everything. You will be amazed at what you can turn into a teachable moment.
