Sonlight Homeschooling Blog

Apr. 10, 2015

Things Don't Go Well. Homeschool.

By Luke

So many blog posts have recently circled the idea of things not going well. Failure. Dyslexia. A meltdown of everything. Declining health. Terrible days. And one idea reverberates in each, like the hum of the kettle when it's just about to boil:

This is a reason to homeschool.

Life is hard. Things do not always go well, let alone as planned. Each day has its breaks and bruises. Homeschooling offers no guarantee. Homeschooling cannot promise to make your child a genius. No system is going to ensure your child follows in your footsteps. We're dealing with humans, not robots.

Homeschooling is good because of this, not just despite it.

No Guarantee

As homeschoolers, we get to interact with our children individually, as people. We have opportunity to tackle each problem as it comes. We have flexibility to adjust as needed. We get to extend grace, rest in Christ, see His provision (however that comes), all while learning about men and women who have walked similar paths in the past.

Things don't always go well.

All the more reason to homeschool.

~Luke Holzmann
Filmmaker, Writer, Pseudo-Dad

P.S. I smiled when I realized that the entire reason Sonlight offers a guarantee is because the homeschooling system itself can't. Homeschooling is great, but it may not be what your family wants. How can we help you feel confident to try this amazing thing we offer? We can make it so you have a year to try half the curriculum. If on day 4 of week 17 you decide this isn't for you, ship it back and we'll give you a refund. There's no guarantee in homeschooling. That's why Sonlight offers a "Love to Learn, Love to Teach" Guarantee.

Tagged benefits, homeschool | 2 Comments

Apr. 9, 2015

Meet the 2015 Sonlight Scholarship Winners

By Sarita

Many high school graduates have talent. Many score well on standardized tests and get into great colleges. Many hope to make something of themselves.

But you know what strikes me about Sonlight graduates? They seem to have a sense of purpose behind it all. Sure, they also have talent and many score remarkably well on standardized tests. A huge number get into their first-choice colleges. But their drive is rarely money or fame.

A Sonlight dad reads the Bible with his daughter.reads to her 9- and 11-year-old children
Congratulations to Keila Pieters – a soon-to-be Sonlight grad who won our $20,000 scholarship this year! Keila aspires to cultivate her gifts and become a medical missionary. Meet Keila and the other 12 winners.

Sonlight grads have spent years grappling with God's heart for the world. They've read countless biographies of ordinary people who have followed God's unique call on their lives. Many of them understand that God has gifted them in specific ways to serve a hurting and needy world.

That thrills me to no end. My heart is to help parents raise up kids prepared to do whatever God calls them to do. That means they need to be attuned to God's voice, have a desire to follow, and be willing to do the necessary work to prepare. Time and time again, I've seen this happen. For example...

Have you met our 2015 Sonlight scholarship winners? Their diverse interests and passions astound me. Some highlights I noticed:

Sonlight scholarship winners are their own people
You won't find cookie-cutter students here. I think that homeschooling in general, and Sonlight in particular, gives students the freedom to find their own gifts and the courage to follow where God is leading them.
They show stunning creativity
Since they're not bound by the duties, homework and expectations of an institutional school system, these teens have had time to delve into their passions. Hannah formed a family band and led them to release their own album. But her creativity doesn't stop there. She also directed an award-winning documentary. With two sisters born with genetic disorders, Hannah and her family made this documentary to uncover the hidden, and often brutal, discrimination such children often face in the healthcare system. Her hope is to raise awareness so such children receive the love and support they deserve. It's amazing work.
They exemplify academic excellence
As usual, the scholarship winners show impressive test scores and are headed to very respectable colleges. They are ready for the academic rigor inherent in the next step toward living out the calling God has given each of them.
They use their gifts to serve others
Many students focus on building a good resume. But these students go beyond that. I love to read how these scholarship winners cultivate their gifts in order to share them with others. Tabitha – like so many Sonlight teens – serves the children of her church through volunteering at VBS. She also participates in Bible quizzing, and dedicates significant time to helping younger children's Bible quiz teams. Elise shares her love of Irish dance with many children through the thriving business she and her sister run, teaching Irish dance.
They all have inspiring goals
These winners want to share the Gospel with the world, in word and deed. James hopes to be a pastor, while Keila is preparing to go into medical missions. Elise wants to be a teacher, and Tabitha hopes to become a nurse. All want to love and serve those around them with their gifts.

I've heard of many Sonlight grads who share these qualities. I thank the Lord that He is raising up the next generation to share His love and truth with the world.

Wherever you are in your Sonlight journey, keep up the good work! Whether or not your children win scholarships when the time comes, I know your efforts will bear fruit in their lives for years to come.

Blessings,
Sarita

P.S. I would love for your child to apply for a scholarship, too. Sonlight students preparing to enter college next year can apply, as long as your family has purchased and the student has used at least five Sonlight Full-Grade or Core programs. We have two scholarship categories: one that ranks academic achievement the highest, and one that ranks creativity and acts of service the highest. You can see full scholarship details and criteria here.

Tagged college, goals, graduation, Homeschooling, missions, scholarships | Leave a comment

Apr. 2, 2015

What's Outside Your Window?

By Judy

The snow is finally beginning to melt here in upstate NY. It has been a long, hard winter. Outside my window this week, just off the back porch, I watched deer looking for fresh food through the melted snow. I snapped a bunch of pictures on my phone, trying to eliminate the reflection in the window glass ... but to no avail.

I was reminded of the window reflections a couple days later as I was reading through some devotional thoughts about Easter. The author of the book I was reading mentioned looking at life through the "window of the resurrection". He offered some very practical thoughts about how viewing circumstances in light of the resurrection should impact how I handle the everyday experiences of life.

One point in particular came to mind again yesterday as I was enjoying lunch with a young friend who is considering homeschooling in the future. She was worried about many things ... how her stopping work to homeschool would impact their finances, how she would accomplish educating their children, how she would handle balancing marriage, parenting and homeschooling. I was able to encourage her that looking at life through the window of the resurrection means that "The resurrection promises you all the grace you need between Jesus's resurrection and yours. Future grace always carries with it the promise of present grace." ("New Morning Mercies" - Paul D. Tripp)

Just like the reflections in my back window affected how I viewed the deer in my yard, so should the resurrection we're planning to celebrate this weekend affect how I (and my friend) view all the rest of life. Do the reflections of God's grace impact your concerns about homeschooling, parenting, marriage, and life in general? I hope as you celebrate the miracle of new life this Sunday, you will take a moment to commit to viewing your days through the window of the resurrection.

We know that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also ... (2 Corinthians 4:13)

Still on the journey ...
~Judy Wnuk

PS ... Looking for some creative ways to celebrate the resurrection with your family? Check out the Sonlight Easter Pinterest page! Karla has found some adorable ideas to share with your kids.

Tagged Easter, Encouragement, resurrection | Leave a comment

Mar. 24, 2015

The True Homeschool Expert

By Karla

Often I speak with parents who find themselves second-guessing decisions they have made regarding their children's education. Obviously, most of us homeschool our children for a reason. Perhaps we feel called to homeschool, or maybe we just feel it is in the best interest of our children that we be their primary teacher. It can be discouraging to encounter those who have the opinion that “professionals” have all the answers and could do a better job than we can in teaching our children.

You know your children better than anyone, so you are in the unique position of knowing what is best for them.Think about how much your child learned in the baby and preschool years. Your baby grew and developed from a helpless infant to an active preschooler who could walk and talk… and lots more. Typical kids learn all kinds of things about colors, sizes, shapes, numbers… long before they start their formal education. Who taught your child these things? Chances are, you did!

It’s not necessarily un-true in that sometimes “professionals” do have years of experience in a particular area, and could be helpful in coming alongside us as we educate our kids… but the idea that they “have all the answers” is false. Every child is unique and there’s not a one-size-fits-all solution for every challenge.

I remember an incident that happened when one of my daughters was about three years old. We had gone to a mothers-day-out program, and she was in her own little class, while I was with other mothers. At the end of the time, when I went to collect my child, the teacher had several coloring sheets that didn’t have names on them. She was pretty sure one of them was my daughter’s but she didn’t know which one. After looking them over, I was able to tell her exactly which one belonged to us. You see, I knew my daughter’s coloring style! Rather than scribbling all over the page, she colored in little patches of different colors. Not within the lines, mind you, but she did have a distinctive style that I was familiar with. That was the first time it occurred to me that I was the expert on my child.

That's not to say making decisions is always easy. Sometimes it is good to get input from others who have gone before or have more experience in a certain area. It's comforting to keep in mind, though, that regardless of the decisions you ultimately make, you are serving your children well. In the homeschool environment your children receive personalized attention from the very best teacher for them. We do not have to teach everything to our children. If we can equip them with a love of learning, and give them the tools to discover how to find out more, they will have received an excellent education.

Enjoying the adventure,
~Karla Cook
Lifelong Learner

Tagged Homeschooling, parenting, teaching | Leave a comment

Mar. 20, 2015

It's Not the System

By Luke

Her laugh is cruel. "You don't know how to do this?"

"I'm sorry," he says defensively. "I have gaps in my education. I was homeschooled."

These two argue from time to time; they are both cut of the confidence cloth, proving their worth by what they know, have experienced, or can persuade someone to do. He recently "won" an argument about nutrition when they were debating the healthiest diets. She "won" when he was stumped by Algebra. Hence the comment about gaps.

"I skipped a year of math and everyone just assumed I knew Algebra in high school. So no one ever taught it to me." The irony, completely overlooked, is that this was not a failure of his homeschooling. It was the public high school which didn't recognize his level of instruction thus far. Tests are useful retroactively, rarely proactively. And so he spent four years in a government funded and monitored environment and no one noticed he had yet to learn Algebra.

But blame is not the point here. Why?

Because it's not the system.

The Education System

You and I both know well-educated homeschoolers. We also know people who spent their entire lives in public schools who know much more than us. It's not the system that dictates an outcome. Statics show this. In fact, at least one study says that homeschoolers are twice as likely to be behind a grade level than their peers. Sound terrible? It's not. Why?

Because it's not the system.

Homeschooling is not to blame. Nor is it rightfully to be praised. The system does not make the child. You do.

Like my bickering friends above, the competition between public schooled and homeschooling has no real winner. Indeed, focusing on such things is actually a detriment to both. Instead of trying to boost our confidence by demonstrating what we know, have experienced, or by the people who are on "our team," let's focus on all the things that draw us to homeschooling. We love homeschooling, and with good reason. We love learning together. We're not guaranteed to become a genius. This isn't about proving anything. It's about doing what is best for our family.

...and as Heather Sanders recently said, "Homeschooling is a Method Not a Mandate."

What we love is not the system. It's the opportunity.

~Luke Holzmann
Filmmaker, Writer, Pseudo-Dad

P.S. Like what Heather said? You can find more encouragement, inspiration, and challenge in my Other Posts of Note.

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Tagged benefits, education, family, Homeschooling, learning, school | 1 Comment

Mar. 19, 2015

God, you must have the wrong address ...

By Judy

Yesterday was one of those days when you wonder if there will be enough of you to go around. When you feel like silly putty (did I just age myself?) and wonder how many more ways you can be molded and stretched. It started off with another dump of snow (I really am so over winter), a "raise you out of bed" early morning phone call about an elderly family member who had been admitted to the hospital overnight, a college child who had been sicker than sick for the past 24 hours, and concerns about another elderly family member who was wrestling with physical issues. Suddenly my well-planned day had been rearranged within a matter of minutes. My "to do" list of work projects and grocery shopping turned into an unexpected trip to a hospital, and an unexpected drive to get the ailing college student, and an unexpected brainstorming session for dealing with an elderly parent's struggles ... all punctuated with slogging through ankle deep snow and March mud.

As I was reflecting on yesterday's events during my quiet time this morning, my devotional reading brought me to the story of Gideon, in Judges 6. The angel of the Lord had come to tell Gideon about a job He had for him to do ... and Gideon, in essence, says "God, you must have the wrong address" (Please, Lord, how can I save Israel?) He couldn't imagine how a wheat farmer from the weakest tribe in Israel could possibly save a nation. It reminded me of days when I couldn't imagine how I was going to get through all our scheduled lesson plans for the day, fix dinner and get the laundry done, on top of having been up all night with a colicky baby.

The author of my study book made the following statements which put things into perspective for me this morning ...

Gideon both misunderstands who he is and who God is. If you fail to remember who God is in his power, glory, and grace, and you forget who you are as a child in his family, you will always mismeasure your potential to do what God has called you to do. You will measure your capability based on your natural gifts and the size of whatever it is that God has chosen you to face. Thankfully, since God is with you, you have been blessed with wisdom and power beyond your own that give you potential you would not have on your own. (New Morning Mercies, Paul D. Tripp)

I just spent the weekend at the Great Homeschool Convention in Greenville, SC, sharing these very same thoughts with new homeschoolers. I sat and listened as Sarita shared the same encouragement in her workshop on Staying the Course.

God has chosen you to raise the specific children He has given you. He will equip you for the task! (Sarita Holzmann)

Why would those same principles not apply to my current life circumstances? The answer is, of course, that they are universal concepts. Whether God calls me to homeschool, or to deal with a day full of unexpected interruptions ... He will always equip me for the task. And when I'm tempted, like Gideon, to wonder if God has come knocking at the wrong door, I need to remember that the strength and wisdom to do what He is asking me to do, is not based on my own capability.

So be encouraged today, as I was, that God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. (1 Corinthians 1:27)

Still on the journey ...
~Judy Wnuk

Tagged Encouragement, Homeschooling, wisdom | Leave a comment

Mar. 17, 2015

The Space Between

By Jonelle

I had a friend over who I hadn't seen for awhile. After a light lunch, her eyes welled with tears and she shared that she had recently had a miscarriage.

I listened. I prayed. Hugged. And she had to run. The afternoon wore on. I went on a walk with my dad. Then brought another friend dinner, a celebration of her new baby.

I was struck again by just how fine a line it is between life and death, joy and deep pain.

During this Lenten season, we are doing a series at our church on suffering. Our pastor asked a variety of people to give their testimony, and I was honored to also be asked. A woman spoke about her chronic pain. A man shared about his wife's martyrdom while they were missionaries. Another shared about losing his job and his marriage all at once. I shared my own story of loss and subsequent depression.

It has been wonderful to hear how the Lord reaches down and carries us, how we never walk alone. He is faithful. It has been beautiful to hear these stories and have echos of my own. Oh, yes! That is what the Lord whispered in my ear as well! Oh my, that crushing feeling. I get it friend, I have walked a hard road too.

Sometimes, I am still asked about "socialization;" how will my kids possibly relate to others?

But I realized back in college that I can relate to people because we are all people. I didn't need to have listened to Ben Folds Five or have slept around in high school to be able to connect with the girls around me. We connected because we both longed for friends, because, as people, we want to be seen, be cared for.

So, as you head toward the finish line of another year of school, don't grow weary. Don't give in to the (potentially) alluring lie that your children would be so much more well-rounded if they went to school, that they would be able to understand and connect better with others if they were around them from 8-3 every day. Your children can connect with others because of who they are, because of the walk they will have, because of the path of their life as the Lord leads them.

We all have roads to walk. Even our children. And for this season, it's good to walk with them. When the time comes for them to walk with others, they will know what to do.

Blessings,
Jonelle

Tagged challenges, church, friends, joy, pain, socialization | Leave a comment