"We dreamed about a literature-rich curriculum that would guide us in having deep, meaningful discussions. The Lord led us to Sonlight!" —Jenny T. of Waukesha, WI
You probably want your children to grow up knowing that God made everyone, He loves everyone and we should love everyone too ... regardless of skin color. But how do we create learning opportunities and conversations that help lead to that reality?
You can probably guess what I'm about to say: I firmly believe that great books (as part of a cohesive curriculum) provide many of the opportunities we need.
What Kind of Curriculum Helps?
Sonlight's curriculum is full of biographies, novels, children's literature, and historical fiction. One key benefit to reading real books with your kids is that they learn to see people of all races and nationalities as normal people.
In Sonlight's curriculum, I include many books that help you get to know cultures very different from your own. You'll meet characters from throughout history and get to know families (fictional and real) from the U.S., Canada, Mexico, South America, the Middle East, Egypt, South Africa, tiny Pacific Islands, India, China, Japan, Australia and many other places. Not surprisingly, these characters have a spectrum of skin colors.
So what will you learn from these families?
Sonlight's Literature-rich Curriculum Shows that People Are People
When my family read Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, we saw the main characters as an ordinary family like us who happened to live in very difficult times. My family is white, the family in the book is black, and race is a central issue in the story. But instead of focusing on our differences, my children came away inspired by the fact that these characters valiantly chose courage in the face of injustice. My kids formed emotional connections with the characters, learned some of the historical realities of discrimination, and learned to see this family as real people with hopes, fears, physical needs and love like ours.
In fact, my children and I were often impressed with just how similar people really are around the world. Maybe their houses are a little different, but they still have houses. Maybe their food is different, but they still eat food. Maybe their practical day-to-day struggles look different than ours, but these characters still have emotions like ours, families like ours and hopes and dreams like ours.
Furthermore, as we read about families around the world who didn't know Christ, it sparked my children's desire to help others know Jesus' love and truth. These books helped us understand that everyone in the whole world needs God just like we do.
Literature-rich Curriculum Combats the Central Idea behind Racism
Since books can help us understand that people are people all over the world, books can help combat the central idea of racism: that other people are scary, creepy, or even less-than-human.
Racism deceives us into thinking that a whole group of people is somehow a "lower" type of human than our group is. In extreme cases, racism teaches that certain groups of people aren't quite humans at all. I think of the caste system in India that condemns hundreds of millions of people to the status of "untouchable" and less-than-human, simply by virtue of their ancestry. I think of tragic genocides throughout history where the aggressors, in order to be able to carry out such violence, convinced themselves that their victims weren't actually humans (for example, the Holocaust and the Rwandan Genocide of 1994).
While genocides are an extreme but real outcome of racism, I pray that we can raise our children to resist all forms of racism. Helping our kids see others as humans goes a long way toward that goal. Even more, helping our kids see others as humans encourages them to reach out and love all those around them ... even those who look different.
I believe that if we can help our children see from early on that people are people—regardless of skin color, we are doing them a great service.
Sonlight's Curriculum Shows that Discrimination (Past and Present) is Real
Beyond helping our kids see people as people, reading and studying Sonlight also brings to light the fact that racism is a real issue—both in our world's history and in the present day. Because most of us live in a rather protected environment, we often have no idea how the rest of the world lives.
Our curriculum and books give you the opportunity to gently introduce your children, over time, to the fact that even though people are still people around the world, some people have it tougher than others. And sometimes, this hardship is tangled up in racism.
When you read about a prince captured in Africa and brought over as a slave to the Americas in The Kidnapped Prince from HBL H, you help your children understand that slaves faced brutal injustices.
Similarly, Sonlight's curriculum will help you put a human face on racial strife in South Africa by way of Journey to Jo'burg in HBL F and Cry, the Beloved Country in 20th Century.
You feel empathy for the plight of Chinese immigrant railroad workers in the U.S. through reading Dragon's Gate in HBL 100.
You see the unvarnished struggles between Native Americans and Spanish conquistadores in The King's Fifth in HBL H.
You glimpse the suffering of Japanese Americans in WWII internment camps when you read Farewell to Manzanar in HBL 100.
You are inspired by Mother Teresa's ministry to the "least of these" in India when you read her biography Teresa of Calcutta in HBL F.
Rest assured that you'll read many lighthearted books in between some of these heavier works. But I believe these books help us raise children who know that the world is a difficult place, and know that they can (like the characters they've read about) choose to act with courage and integrity in the midst of those circumstances.
To sum it up, I believe books woven together in a complete curriculum help us see that people are people, that discrimination is real, and that we can choose to love others instead of being scared of them.
But what do you think? Have you seen this to be true in your home? What kinds of conversations have Sonlight's curriculum and books fostered in your family?
Have you ever read a book you couldn't stop thinking about? I keep returning to Nurture Shock because it has challenged some of my assumptions about child development.
Take race relations, for example. Popular thought goes something like this: We can raise our children to be color-blind if we just put them in diverse environments and never talk about race.
But does that really work?
The authors of Nurture Shock say it doesn't. Instead, they present convincing evidence from many studies to show that even young children do notice skin color.
I admit that as parents, we can be very uncomfortable talking about race. I am even a touch hesitant to write about it, lest I unintentionally/needlessly offend. In their research, co-authors Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman pick up on parents' extreme hesitance to talk about this issue.
In particular, they note that white parents tend to feel especially uncomfortable talking about race. Perhaps parents seek to avoid any hint of prejudice by simply never mentioning skin color. But we do our children a disservice by remaining mute on the issue. Our children need us to help them make sense of their world in so many other arenas … why not race, too?
Children Are Not Color-blind
Have you noticed that children have a driving need to categorize and organize their world? As the Bronson notes, "Children categorize everything from food to toys to people at a young age." And it appears children categorize by skin color as well.
For example, researchers tested three-year-olds by displaying photographs of other children and asking whom they would like to have as friends. A stunning 86% of the white children chose photographs of other white children. When those same children were five and six, researchers gave them a small deck of cards and asked them to divide the cards into two piles any way they wished. While 16% sorted by gender and 16% used other factors (such as age), 68% of the children sorted the cards by race. Even at six months old (through a fascinating study I don't have time to explain here), children were naturally attuned to race differences. Researcher Dr. Phyllis Katz concluded "At no point in the study did the children exhibit the Rousseau-type of color-blindness that many adults expect."
Since children notice these categories during their most formative years, it follows that we should help them understand what they see.
Here are some pointers from the book:
1. Parents should not just drop hints about racial equality. We should talk about it explicitly.
When parents want to teach their children about racial equality, they tend to say things like "God made everyone equal." But Bronson's findings show such vague statements don't convey much meaning to kids. They don't translate into the concrete messages we want our kids to embrace.
So instead, we can say things more explicitly, such as: "God made people with different skin colors. He loves all of us, no matter what color our skin is or where we come from. Our family also loves people who are black, brown, white and anywhere in between!"
2. As kids generalize in order to understand their own identity, they may say things about race that make you cringe.
This doesn't mean they'll grow up to be racist, but it does mean you have a great opportunity to teach.
When Bronson's young son, Luke, began asserting that his favorite basketball player on TV was the one "with skin like us," Bronson kept talking with Luke until he got to the bottom of the issue. It turns out that Luke was self-conscious about his hair, which looked so different than the black players' hair-styles. I like how Bronson sums it up: "My son was looking for his own identity, and looking for role models. … I dealt with these moments explicitly, telling my son it was wrong to choose anyone as his friend, or his favorite, on the basis of their skin color or even their hairstyle. We pointed out how certain friends wouldn't be in our lives if we picked friends for their color. He got the message, and over time he not only accepted but embraced this lesson. Now he talks openly about equality and the wrongfulness of discrimination."
3. Merely placing children in proximity with children of other races doesn't seem to help unite races.
Bronson says that the more diversity there is in a public high school, the more the students will self-segregate by race. Unless there are specific initiatives to help children think constructively about race relations and form cross-racial friendships, the pressure to fit in with one's own ethnic group trumps.
In their research of many scientific studies, Bronson and Merryman found that merely putting children in situations where they encounter other races isn't enough. Parents need to talk about the fact that we can be friends and interact with people of other races just as we would with people who happen to have the same skin color as we do.
4. Books about race relations can help children understand their world more appropriately.
Bronson didn't spend much time on this point, but I of course found it fascinating! And it reinforced what I already knew: literature helps open up important conversations you need to have with your children.I have found that to be true in my own family. It never crossed my mind that I needed to talk to my children to let them know that just as girls can grow up to be doctors and engineers, so too can Blacks, Native Americans, Whites and Hispanics. But, my children grew up with clear understandings of racial issues.
I believe this is because we studied so many cultures around the world and did not shy away from difficult racial issues. As the children grew, we simply read, discussed and were deeply impacted by Sonlight books we shared, such as:
Why do I think reading is a huge key to helping raise children who don't judge others based on race? Read more here.
If you're as intrigued as I am by these reflections on race relations and child development, I'd suggest you track down a copy of Nurture Shock. Perhaps you'll find the whole book as interesting as I did.
As parents, may we be purposeful in imparting to our children all of our heritage and raising them with a right understanding. Let's help our kids make sense of this fascinating world God created.
Does an accurate American history curriculum for kindergarten actually exist?
A good homeschool history curriculum is difficult to find, isn’t it? And US history is particularly hard to teach. I have very little tolerance for oversimplified books which whitewash the complexity of our nation’s beginnings, idolize outward morality, virtue, and character, or put Columbus and Washington on a pedestal of American exceptionalism. But most truly accurate US history books are geared toward a much older audience, and aren’t designed to give a broad sweeping overview to sensitive kindergarteners or first graders. American history is messy, ugly, grim, and often brutal. Teaching true American history to small children — even with picture books — is not easy.
So how do we find accurate US history books which will capture the tender imaginations of precious five- and six-year-olds?
A diverse and global worldview is so important to me. When my daughter started kindergarten several years ago, we chose to begin with Sonlight’s overview of world history and cultures (Sonlight’s new American history curriculum for kindergarten didn’t exist yet). As someone who spent my early years outside the United States, I think it’s crucial for kids — especially Christian kids! — to see God’s hand on the entire globe. And as a second-generation homeschooler, I have never been impressed with how some curriculum publishers handle elementary US history, anyway. Many tend to over-emphasize America’s place in the vast global world God created, gloss over the nuanced complexity of multifaceted historical figures, and simplify history to the point of inaccuracy.
Yet as Americans, we need to teach our kids about our nation’s beginning, right? We need teach our kids about all the tangled threads of the early years — all the stories — and show them how these threads been knotted and woven together into the nation we have today.
A Sonlight education is a literature-based education, so it’s no surprise that Sonlight’s new Kindergarten program,Exploring American History tells a gentle, age-appropriate story of our nation’s beginnings through dozens and dozens of interconnected stories.
Using a combination of
picture books,
read-alouds,
a bonus book list,
an Instructor’s guide, and
a brand-new two-volume history spine called Heroes & Happenings,
five- and six-year-olds can see how the threads of American history weave together, knots and tangles and all.
But before I tell you more about Heroes & Happenings, the newly-published history spine, let’s pause here and quickly talk about how Sonlight is formatted.
An overview of Sonlight’s History / Bible / Literature (HBL) format
If you want to use Sonlight for more than history, bible, and literature, Sonlight also offers an all-subjects package. This complete grade set includes
the HBL and Instructor’s Guide discussed above, plus
an enormous bonus booklist — 250 ADDITIONAL TITLES! (More on that in a bit.)
Let’s talk about Heroes and Happenings, the new history spine.
Heroes and Happenings is a Sonlight-exclusive, written specifically for this kindergarten curriculum. It’s a two-volume paperback set, illustrated by children’s book artists.
Volume One: Leif Erickson (c. 1000) to Jan Matzeliger (c. 1850)
Volume Two: Thomas Edison (c. 1870) to Temple Grandin (current day)
Each volume is around 150 full-color glossy pages, for a total of 60 stories across 300 pages. What a lot of stories! Although the books progress chronologically, each chapter can stand alone, too. This makes it a great reference book for elementary-age kids who are learning to write research papers, so keep it around after kindergarten ends!
Each of the sixty stories centers around a specific person or event, with a length of about four pages (two 2-page spreads) — just right for young attention spans. And every single page is illustrated, so there’s always something for your little learner to look at as you read aloud.
Heroes and Happenings hits the high points of American history, of course, telling the stories of the Stamp Act and the Constitution Convention through to Westward Expansion and the moon landing. But Sonlight always does a really good job teaching cultural literacy, too. This kindergarten history course also contains all sorts of delightful and unusual tidbits, such as the Ferris wheel, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, bonsai trees, ballet, computer programming, and more.
I also really love the sidebars full of fascinating vocabulary definitions, and all the colorful illustrated maps included alongside the illustrations. Between the
biographies,
additional reading lists,
cultural literacy topics,
maps, and
vocabulary highlights,
there are a nearly infinite number of opportunities here for rabbit trails. This homeschool curriculum is excellent for encouraging curiosity and nurturing lifelong learners.
Heroes and Happenings is full-color, illustrated by picture-book artists, and written in a narrative style which makes it a delight to read aloud. Depending on if you purchase the 4-day package or the 5-day package, there are either 8 or 10 American history picture books included in the Sonlight package and scheduled in to the Instructor’s Guide daily and weekly schedules.
But there’s the potential for literally hundreds more books.
Yes, hundreds.
A bonus list of 250 US history books, recommended by Sonlight
At the end of every Heroes and Happenings chapter, a useful “Want to know more?” section lists at least additional book suggestions. These are a good mix of popular title and hidden gems, along with Coretta Scott King Award books and Caldecott winners. (And there are occasional notes about the books’ content; for instance, the author lists d’Aulaires’ Columbus, but warns it has “more myths and stories about Columbus rather than facts.”)
The last few pages of each volume of Heroes and Happenings also contain an appendix of even more book recommendations, organized chronologically by century. I counted through both volumes by hand, and between the end-of-chapter recommendations and the additional booklist in the appendices, there are 250 total book recommendations.
Two-hundred and fifty! This is such a unique and wonderful bonus feature, and not something I’ve ever seen before from Sonlight.
If Sonlight were to have included all of these picture books and juvenile literature selections in the curriculum package, it would have made the bundle absurdly cost-prohibitive, I am sure. Instead, by listing them throughout Heroes and Happenings, Sonlight gives you the option to enrich your experience by reading further and deeper, should you so choose.
(Of course, you don’t have to; the history curriculum is already full and rich as-is. One of Sonlight’s big draws is its utter simplicity; simply open and go! But having access to all these additional book titles is a really incredible perk.)
How does Sonlight’s new kindergarten history program tell the stories of indigenous people and people of color?
When I chatted with friends about this new kindergarten history program, questions about accurate portrayal popped up again and again.
“I’m curious to hear how it handles race.”
“Is this less ethno- and Eurocentric than other curriculums?”
“Is [it] from a colonizer’s perspective?”
“How are women represented?”
“How white-washed is it?”
Are “multiple voices and views are represented?”
These are all important questions. As parents, we have an enormous responsibility
to equip our children to rightly handle truth (Timothy 2:15),
to love those around us (Mark 12:30-31), and
to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly before God. (Micah 6:8)
We need to make correct choices for our family, and evaluate wisely. The books we read and the media we consume play a large part in shaping our worldview, for better for worse. Let’s break down the content in Heroes & Happenings numerically:
3 of the 60 stories are about Native Americans(Squanto, Sequoyah, and the Navajo Code Talkers)
11 of the 60 stories are about African-Americans (David Drake, Bass Reeves, Martin Luther King Jr., and more)
12 of the 60 stories are about women(Temple Grandin, Grace Hopper, Harriet Tubman, and more)
15 of the 60 stories are about events(the Constitutional Convention, immigration, the Statue of Liberty, the Yamaki pine, and more), and
33 of the 60 stories are about men (Randolph Caldecott, John James Audubon, Noah Webster, and more.)
I appreciate how the book doesn’t spend a disproportionate amount of time on pilgrims and pioneers, but spans a broad range of topics, interests, and timelines.
When I’m assessing an American history book, after a scan through the table of contents for a skeletal overview, I also like to physically flip to a few specific sections and spot-read. Glancing at these hot topics generally gives me peek into the author’s perspective, and gives me an idea of what sort of worldview will be communicated to my children. Here are some excerpts and pull-quotes from Heroes & Happenings, so you can assess the book as well.
On the colonists —
“When European settlers came to North America, the people who already lived there…didn’t like having their lands taken over.
Imagine how upsetting it would be if twelve decided to come in to your house, eat your food, use your bathroom, and sleep in your bed. Maybe you could handle it if those twelve people stayed for a week. You might even find it fun if you liked the people.
But now imagine those twelve people stayed in your house for the rest of their lives. They would marry, and have children — it would be too much.
Something like this happened to the Native Americans. The European settlers came, and took over Native American land, and stole their food — it was too much.”
On Tisquantum / Squanto —
“The Europeans didn’t just kidnap Patuxet men, they also brought an unwelcome visitor to them: disease.”
On Thomas Jefferson —
“Thomas Jefferson had written the Declaration of Independence, in which he said, ‘that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator will certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.’ Jefferson wrote that, but he didn’t act as if all men were created equal — he owned many enslaved men and women.
…Jefferson claimed that he wished the enslaved could soon be in a better condition…Although Jefferson wrote this, he did not actually free any of his enslaved people, and freed only a few in his will. This injustice would not end with Jefferson, unfortunately.”
On the Navajo —
“The government forced Navajo children to attend boarding school…the teachers tried to make the children more like European Americans and less like Navajos. Adults at the boarding school cut off the children’s hair, discarded their traditional clothes, took their silver jewelry, and changed their names. Administrators forbade the use of the Navajo language…even during their free time.”
Sonlight never shies away from hard topics (here are 5 reasons to read books about difficult things.) Throughout every Sonlight course, parents are encouraged to engage their child in meaningful conversations — there are even dialogue prompts in the Instructor’s Guide to help start these super-important discussions.
Talk to your kids. No matter what curriculum you choose, it can never replace relationships and conversations. No book can replace empathy, kindness and courage. No history program can replace critical thinking, wisdom, discernment, or teaching our kids how to think and evaluate what they’re reading.
Having been a public school graduate and a public school teacher, I never even considered homeschooling.
I had already sent my oldest child to kindergarten at the local public school, and he was successful. However, something kept nagging me. I realized that I hardly ever saw him. I felt as though I was pushing him out the door every morning and rushing through dinner to get him in bed at a decent hour each night.
I knew that God was prompting me to change my thought process on education, but honestly, I didn’t want to.
I wanted to be like everyone else.
I wanted to go with the flow of everyone else.
I wanted to fit in and feel normal.
But that nagging feeling just wouldn’t go away. So I asked my husband to please pray about it, and a few months later, we were embarking on one of the greatest journeys of our life.
When we first started our homeschool journey, it felt like we were missing out on a lot of things. The moment your child finds out who's class he is in as a homeschooler doesn't have the same thrill (spoiler alert: they are in your class!).
The first day of school didn’t quite have the same feel either. When the parents around me were participating in school fairs and parties, we were home. While most of the other moms I knew were chatting about school shopping, teachers, and school policy, I was left with nothing to contribute to these conversations. There were some days where I felt isolated and alone.
It took a complete mindset shift for me to find my groove in the homeschool world, and now, after eight years of homeschooling, I find it laughable that I ever wondered if homeschooling could provide us with the thriving community and abundant blessings that we desired. However, before embracing this new mindset, these are a few concepts that I had to accept first.
1. It’s Worth It to Be Different
Our family was undoubtedly different once we began homeschooling. When we started our journey in our small community, there weren’t many other homeschool families, and we struggled in some areas. But I soon realized that homeschooling was worth it.
Every day, I saw my children growing closer together and thriving in their schoolwork. Since my oldest child used to struggle with anxiety most mornings, it was such a blessing to see him wake up every day happy and excited to face the day.
He didn’t miss anything about school, and I quickly decided that the trade off of not being normal by society's standards was worth it.
My youngest son doesn’t enjoy homeschooling as much. He’s an extrovert who loves people. However, he’s also a follower, and there’s worth in keeping him home too. At home, I can ensure his success in school and help him set aside time for his spiritual growth. Homeschooling is worth it even when the child doesn’t see it yet.
2. Embrace Different
There are interesting and unexpected benefits to being different as well. When my oldest son was in kindergarten, I would wait in the pick-up line every day, and while I waited, I would watch the other parents and notice their vehicles. It seemed to me that everyone had a nicer vehicle than I did. Their cars were full of gadgets and CD players, and automatic doors, and mine...well, we were lucky if the sliding doors on my minivan opened at all.
I complained a lot to my husband during that season about my car, but we just didn’t have the money to upgrade, so my complaints simply brewed in my mind until I was totally dissatisfied with our little minivan.
When we began to homeschool, I was shocked by my newfound satisfaction with our car. My husband even noticed my contentment. Once I took myself out of the comparison pool, I realized that our car was sufficient for our needs and got us around reliably, and it wasn’t an issue that I didn’t have the newest, greatest model anymore.
This is only a small example of the benefits that we have found from being different. With my husband and I modeling to our children the real struggle, our kids have been more likely to accept being different as well. They are more satisfied without having the latest technology, and we struggle less with cases of “The Gimmies.” There are probably a million more small blessings that we find from our choice to be different. Embracing being different is a huge step in shifting your mindset to homeschooling.
3. Find Community Opportunities for Fellowship
Being a homeschooler also means that you are able to look for socialization where you prefer. Many homeschool families seek out a church community to join. Clubs like 4-H have regular meetings where families can fellowship and build community. Of course, don’t forget homeschool co-ops! This is a place where like-minded families can gather to school their children collectively. Co-ops can be a very valuable place to plug in and find common ground. Finding community helps families feel connected and accepted, even as they choose the more untraveled road.
4. Begin Your Own Traditions
One of the things we missed most was the frequent opportunities to invite our family to school functions to see the kids and their work. I remember one day when it just hit me: I didn’t have to give up on those things. I just needed to provide the space myself to do it. So, we began scheduling grandparent’s days, tea parties for our neighbors, and events to get together homeschoolers in our area.
This year, we finished our fifth annual Valentine’s Tea Party. We planned our first Homeschool Science Fair (although the coronavirus derailed those plans). We have hosted Christmas parties and homeschool events, field trips and end-of-year showcases. My kids look forward to our annual events and help plan them, too.
As Christians, we are called to be different anyway. Every part of our lives is designed to say, “Look at me so I can show you Jesus.” We are called to be strangers and aliens in this world. When we get comfortable in our lives, it’s probably time to shake things up anyway, right?
Taking the leap to begin homeschooling can be scary and lonely, but knowing that I was pursuing God’s calling on my life for this season of homeschooling, however long it may be, gave me such peace, and it sustained me through the moments when I was the oddball at the table. By shifting my mindset, I’ve found it's so worth it to be different.
Be different with us! Become a Sonlighter. Learn how...
The summer months are a more relaxed time that you could use to brush up on life skills that get overlooked throughout the traditional school year.
During the school year, we focused on basic educational standards. Reading, history, writing, and math took center stage for most of the year. While it’s important to learn academics, they don’t count for everything. Incorporating life skills provides your child with a well-rounded education. Sure, it’s amazing the number of life skills your children pick up on as you carry on throughout your day. Having your children tag along at the grocery store, help cook dinner and even attending church can provide them with many life skills they need as they grow.
When
it comes to extending everyday day tasks into deeper developed life skills,
make your actions intentional. Here are 3 essential life skills that you should
take the time to teach your children.
1. Home Skills
How well can your children accomplish daily household tasks? This summer, teach them the basics of cooking, laundry, cleaning, and home repairs.
Keep a chore chart for your children to ensure that they help around the house. Switch it up so they learn about different tasks both inside and outside the house. Diminish any fear your child has of using the dishwasher, microwave, clothes washer or even the lawnmower by empowering usage. You might offer an allowance for the extras chores to encourage a sound work ethic and money management skills.
Cooking is an essential skill for good health and a great way to save money. Share this chore with your children as they grow to ensure they can make their own meals in adulthood.
To
teach everything that goes into providing a meal for the family, assign your
child a day of the week to provide the family dinner. Provide a budget and have
your child plan the meal, purchase the items needed at the grocery store,
follow the recipe and even cleaning up after the dinner. Giving your child the
ability to plan, purchase and cook the meal provides an understanding all that
goes into providing a meal for a family.
Home repairs are life skill easily overlooked. While your comfort level with these tasks could vary, teaching these skills with an audience may elevate your stress level. The idea of a child watching me fumble through hanging a picture on the wall causes sweaty palms even today but my children all know how to find a stud and use a hammer. Teach them basic sewing, how to re-caulking a shower and unclogging a drain. Call these beneficial skills House Repairs 101 and I assure you, your adult children will thank you.
2. Awareness of Self and Others
All
relationships have challenges, even the one you have with yourself. We are
often our biggest critic. Children are no different. It’s important to teach
your child self and stress management, help build self-esteem and promote a
developed sense of humor. Some of this will come as you spend quality time with
your child, having great conversations but some needs a bit more
direction.
Encouraging
a growth mindset can help build self-confidence. Welcome mistakes, let them
express emotions and then guide them to a positive mindset. This practice will
help with self-esteem and provide them a channel to process and diminish
stress. So much learning can come out of raw emotion and stumbles.
Out
of all the emotions, laughter’s the easiest to work through. Encourage laughter
and embrace silliness, both activities are contagious and essential. Life’s
hard, help your child find the humor in it. Remember laughter produces
endorphins, making us feel happier and have less stress.
The myth that homeschoolers lack socialization has been busted over and over again but social skills go beyond socialization. Its imperative children have the ability to build relationships. Encourage them to do the talking when people ask them questions, have them order properly when at a restaurant and reinforce sibling conflict resolution when you can. Learning how to foster relationships will only benefit their future personal and professional life.
Awareness
extends beyond relationship management into learning proper etiquette. I’m not
saying instruct an Emily Post class (although that’s not a bad idea - I always
found her fascinating) but instead, teach your child proper table etiquette,
how to behave in a crowded elevator and instill the importance of a thank you
note.
I
recently read about a family that has one formal dinner every few months. They
set the table properly, follow table etiquette and talk through scenarios of
how to behave while eating in the presence of different audiences. Everyone
needs to know how to behave for a business lunch or fancy dinner. I wish I had
thought of this idea.
3. Financial Literacy
Perhaps
financial literacy rivals as the most overlooked life skill. This can include
saving and investing, budgeting, banking, credit knowledge, and tax
preparation.
Money
management counts as one of the most stressful topics in a relationship and
it’s uncomfortable to include your child in real-life conversations about
household money woes. Because of that, this life skill easily gets skipped. But
sending a child into the world without this instruction and expecting them to
figure it out on their own, only amplifies any issues that may arise in the
future.
At
a very young age, you can start your child on basic chores around the house. A
younger child can set and clear the table, gather their own laundry, and pick
up their toys. As your child ages, their chores can grow, too. Provide an
allowance to have them manage their own money can help them learn the value of
money, a concept often lost on young children. I remember a friend telling me
the story of her grandson. He wanted a toy at the store and when his mom told
him that she didn’t have the money to buy the toy, the boy suggested that they
go to the bank and ask for the money to buy the toy he wanted. As if the bank
has a secret money tree free for the picking. Oh boy, if only!
As your child grows, so will their expenses. Teaching them to budget and encouraging them to save for those bigger items will teach them about money management while you’re still around to provide guidance.
Teaching
teens about credit and spending within their means helps heighten their level
of money management knowledge. Credit is confusing (even for adults), it’s
important to explain the details of saving, investing and using credit wisely.
In all reality, if you don’t provide them this guidance, credit cards and
overspending might tempt them as young adults. The harm caused by learning this
lesson on their own can affect them for many years, even following them into
their own future marriage.
Other Life Skills
Sonlight includes many basic life skills. Reading great books develops critical and creative thinking, supports positive decision making, boosts problem-solving skills and creates a love of learning. The conversations sparked and initiated with the Instructor’s Guides provide proof of the life skills Sonlight student pick up naturally. Adding to the life skills your children pick up daily, we offer many elective programs that can help with critical thinking, public speaking, typing and even basic money management.
One of the things that we love about our catalog is that we get to feature real photos—and stories—of our customers. Thank you to all of the families who shared #sonlightstories for the 2020 catalog cover contest! And congratulations to the three winners featured below!
WINNER: S Family of Saint John, MI
In this picture, J (14), K (13 ), H (11), and R (5) enjoy a Sonlight favorite on the edge of a drop off in Asia Pacific.
Our family are missionaries in Asia Pacific, and we are planting a church here. However, a few years after we taught the gospel, a cult group started to get angry at us. They started riots and tried to get the government to tell us to leave our home. They didn't want the gospel to be preached and hated us because we were teaching it. They threatened us and told us to leave. Around this time, we went out for our annual missions conference. While we were there, the cult made their move. When we came back to a nearby town, we found out that they had burnt our house down! We lost everything we owned, along with years of Sonlight books and curriculum. We wrote Sonlight about our situation, and they graciously replaced many years of books - free of cost! Because they were willing to do that, we have been able to continue our homeschooling experience with a curriculum we really enjoy! We have since rebuilt our house and have moved back to our original village. We are so thankful for Sonlight and all they were willing to do to help us in our time of need!
The S. Family of Saint John, MI
WINNER: A Family of Coquitlam, BC Canada
In this picture, Ezra (3), Nathan (6), Anaiya (5), Amani (11), Eva (12) read Animal Poetry together in our secret garden.
Sonlight has brought so many beautiful books into our lives. When my oldest daughter first became an avid reader, I spent so much time trying to find appropriate, in-print literature for her. I downloaded book lists, met with librarians, bought books about books. And then we found Sonlight. Sonlight sets the standard for what a good children's book should be. We know that we can expect something delightful from each one. Now, everybody gets very excited when it's time to open a Sonlight box. They can't wait to dig into all the new treasures.
The A Family, Sonlighters from Coquitlam, BC Canada
WINNER: G Family of Glendive, MT
In this photo, Garnet (6) couldn't wait to dig into her very first Sonlight Box Day!
What a true joy to now share the very same curriculum I grew up loving with my own children. Teaching and reaching the hearts of our little ones through the hours spent reading quality Sonlight books together each day has been a dream come true. Many precious moments and conversations have been shared during our journey with Core A this year. In using Sonlight, we love that our children’s hearts and minds are being fed, and that their eyes are being so gently and wonderfully opened to the world around them and the precious people in it.
The G Family, Sonlighters from Glendive, MT
Thanks again for making this year's contest a success. Keep sharing your #sonlightstories year-round! We love your Box Day photos, your day to day experiences, and the end-of-the-year #sonlightstack shots of all you've accomplished.
Use the #sonlightstories hashtag when you share on social media.
You can also log into your account on sonlight.com anytimeto upload both images and testimonials. You never know when something you submitted may appear in a catalog, on our homepage, or on the Sonlight blog.
Sonlight officially sold our first piece of curriculum 30 years ago this month.
Back then, there were no complete curriculum programs available; parents had to assemble products piecemeal. After talking with our missionary friends, we learned that this problem was far worse overseas. This was such a problem that many missionaries were forced to leave the field of service because their children's education was suffering. I wanted to help those missionaries stay as long as they could. I started to gather, create, and compile the best-of-the-best educational materials for those overseas, and here in the States, too. See more of our story in the video below.
To celebrate Sonlight’s 30th Anniversary, I wanted to share and celebrate thirty blessings God has allowed over the years. God is good!
Daily Prayer - Every morning we gather at Sonlight to pray. As a company, we pray for our customers, each other, for an unreached people group, and the world around us. I count this a strategic and huge blessing.
Sharing the Sonlight Secret - We believe children respond more positively to great literature than they do to textbooks. We love to come alongside so many families as they learn together using great literature.
Fundraising for Missions - From our inception, Sonlight Curriculum, Ltd. has donated a minimum of 10% of gross income to mission organizations, and since 2005 we have been able to increase our missions giving to more than 50% of company profits. We count this a huge privilege.
Fostering a Love of Learning - We hold helping families love to learn together as a great joy. I’m grateful that families who use Sonlight love learning and are equipped to continue learning throughout life.
Exceptional Employees - Sonlight is filled with fun, talented, skilled, and devoted people in every position, which makes our work environment friendly and enjoyable. We truly care about our customers and each other.
Raising Globally-Minded Children - One of our goals at Sonlight is to help raise children with God's heart for the world. We’re grateful to provide children an education that helps them understand their role in what God is doing throughout the world.
Prepare Ambassadors for Christ - Children are being raised up to become effective ambassadors for Christ and the people and culture around them through Sonlight’s history and Christian focus.
Meaningful Conversations - Sonlight has been able to help families facilitate meaningful conversations that equip parents to pass on values and worldview to their children.
Support Missionaries - We’ve been able to support missionaries all over the world continue their important work with the support of a full Christian education for their children.
Homeschool Conventions - We are blessed to attend conventions and help families on their homeschool journey by meeting them in person and sharing about Sonlight.
Excellent Professional Support - Over the years we’ve partnered with great professionals who continue to support and guide us in our business decisions.
Charitable Mission Support - Sonlight has given millions to reputable missions organizations like the Far East Broadcasting Company and the Seed Company over the years. When families buy Sonlight, each dollar helps fuel the gospel in the far ends of the earth.
Reading Books - Quick math tells us that over the years there have been billions of words, millions of pages, and hundreds of books read by families using Sonlight. What a blessing.
Customer Advocacy - Sonlight thrives and grows thanks to customers sharing their #sonlightstories with their friends and families. Over the years we’ve received thousands of testimonials and photos of happy, thriving children using Sonlight to help potential customers see that our approach works.
Sonlight Customer Support - We have the best customer support team in the business. Sonlight’s Customer Service team truly cares about Sonlight’s mission and the education of each student, and Sonlight Advisors are experienced homeschooling moms dedicated to helping you homeschool successfully.
Replaced Prayer Books - Over the years we’ve been able to replace 2 prayer books because unreached people of the world have been reached. Praise!
Sonlight Graduates - Sonlight graduates are remarkable and poised to make a difference in the world and eager to serve the Lord. They are competent and qualified graduates in a wide breadth of majors and fields.
Second Generation Sonlighters - As we enter our 30th year, we now have many second-generation Sonlighters. We are blessed to provide everything needed for two generations of children to have a life-long love of learning, a strong Christian foundation, and a solid academic base.
Sonlight Headquarters - When I started Sonlight in our garage thirty years ago, I never imagined we would be in the state-of-the-art facility we are in today.
The Sonlight Catalog - Our team works so hard on the catalog every year and it really shows. May you look back as fondly, as we do, at catalogs of the past and continue to send pictures and testimonials to fill future pages.
Equip Children to Fulfill God's Call - Sonlight has been able to provide a well-rounded education from which students can launch in any direction that God calls. We seek to help you nurture the hearts and minds of your children to live for Christ.
New Books - Occasionally, we have to replace a book in our curriculum. Maybe a book goes out of print or maybe a better book comes along. This is an exciting opportunity to keep providing new literature!
Sonlight.com - Can you believe that we used to only take paper orders? The website has allowed us to be nimble in our offerings, automated between our departments, and helps us provide you information about Sonlight and general homeschooling.
Sonlight Blog - The Sonlight blog gives us the opportunity to provide encouragement and advice on everything Sonlight homeschooling. Whether you are new to homeschooling or a veteran, the Sonlight blog is a resource for everyone.
Literature-Rich - As the original literature-based curriculum, we are in a unique position to be able to define what that means. As more and more companies continue to develop curriculum, our customers stand by the literature-rich model and help it thrive within the homeschool market.
Publishing Books - Sometimes, good books go out of print. Through our own publishing house, we are able to keep good books in print.
Launched Multiple Brands - Through the years, we’ve been blessed to launch multiple brands to help homeschoolers meet their individual needs. The most recent brand is Happy Cheetah Reading, a remedial reading option.
Employee Safety and Health - At any given time we have a number of Sonlight Curriculum Consultants and employees traveling to conventions, to work, and to important meetings. Praise the Lord that traveling has been conducted safely!
Sonlight Grad Working at Sonlight - That’s right! We have our first Sonlight graduate now employed at Sonlight. She is just as you would expect, smart, articulate, and compassionate. It truly feels like we’ve come full circle.
Family - In some cases to acknowledge one's family on a list of blessings might be cliche but in the case of Sonlight, family is the most important - yours and mine. We’re grateful for your families for supporting Sonlight over the last 30 years, and I’m grateful for mine for not only allowing me to provide you Sonlight but walking next to me. Sonlight's truly family-owned and operated.
At the heart of why I created Sonlight is to help you educate your unique children, develop their specific gifts, and nurture their hearts towards God’s work in the world. I’m so joyful that Sonlight has been able to come alongside you to help you nurture and bless your children. So as God directs their lives, they are open and ready to continually follow.
Thank you for bringing us along on your homeschool journey for the last 30 years. I can’t wait to see what the future brings.
