One of the many poems I have written includes the phrase "panacea turpentine." Unfortunately, I can't find the context for this meaningless, yet totally awesome, word pairing.
I think I justified it because a panacea is a cure-all and turpentine is a paint thinner, so it almost, almost makes sense. And it sounds cool enough to let it slide.
Why am I telling you this?
To this day, I can't think of the word "panacea" without immediately thinking of the word "turpentine," and I thought of the word "panacea" today... hence the title of this post. And this post is a confession:
I tend to think of Sonlight as a panacea.
...turpentine.
I find myself often feeling like Sonlight is the best option for homeschooling. I believe that Sonlight is fantastic. I work here and see how how much effort is put into the materials; I see how much is done to take care of the end users. I believe in Sonlight's approach to education. I think it is the best. And I'm not the only one.
So it's often hard for me to hear about how much people love other programs and don't find Sonlight helpful. I mean, Sonlight should be right for everyone! Literature-rich homeschooling, "Real" books, a guarantee to knock your socks off, and tons of helpful resources to make it work for you.
But in all my excitement--and I am very excitable--I forget a very important fact: Sonlight is not for everyone; we as a company even go out of our way to make that very clear.
And I was reminded of that this morning when I got a message about a blogger who had recently posted:
Reasons I'm Not Buying Sonlight.
I've been following Luke and his story for some time now. He's an expectant adoptive dad and a real nut for Sonlight Curriculum. ...I mean, here he doesn't even have children yet and he has plans that THIS is going to be the educational method they'd use....
Oh my! What had I said?
Please check out Mrs. C's post. It turns out I hadn't turned her off to Sonlight forever as I had initially feared. But for her and her family, Sonlight isn't the best option (at least for now <smile>).
So, is Sonlight the best? I believe it is. But if it is not right for your family, go with what is.
I wish Sonlight was a panacea, but I don't want it to be a turpentine to your family's educational journey.
~Luke Holzmann
Filmmaker, Writer, Expectant Father
RebeccaSmith,
It is my pleasure to pray for people and their needs. Thanks for making it possible for me to participate in that little way in your life. And I look forward to hearing more of your adoption story as well!
Mrs. C,
I realized after reading your post that you meant it in a good way, but it was hard to tell in the summary that showed up in my inbox <smile>.
Thanks so much for stopping by, and I know I'll see you around, and maybe even turn you to the Son"light" side <Bwahahaha ha!>!
~Luke
That was a terrible pun. Terrible.
I think I may need to use it more often <smile>.
:] I meant you were a nut in a good way, Luke!
I think the point on the website about studying pretty much only American history from k through 12 is well-taken, however. I think around fourth grade or so, we really need to focus a bit on world history, or know where some of the major players are on the map and the languages spoken, etc.
Wendy, I agree that we do need to think about where we're going and what we're trying to teach "big picture" wise from time to time.
Thanks, Luke for your kind post.
Hey Luke! Thanks for watching my blog and especially your prayer. It is greatly appreciated.
I don't use "SL" but I do use their approach for History, Reading and Science. Also, I do copy some of their book selections.
Excited to meet and follow another adopting family. Blessings to you and your family.
Thanks for all your comments. It makes my day (I think I say that all the time, but it's so true).
I am the eldest son of John and Sarita Holzmann, yes. I just added a Meet Luke Holzmann button to my Profile. Check it out... now with pictures! <smile>
I'd be thrilled if you'd at least look at Sonlight, Becoming Me. That would be awesome!
~Luke
Hmmmm, I just started homeschooling preschool and we aren't go to do a curriculum this year...I was already set on A Beka for next year, but I'll have to do some Sonlight research.
We use Sonlight and LOVE the books. We have switched to unschooling but was unable to give up the cozy books they offer. I still continue to buy the core's and put all of the yummy books on our shelves.
Seeing your last name I am wondering it you are related to Sarita Holzmann?? I am guessing yes?
Anyways..keep up the writing. It is thought provoking.
Interesting issue...I get where you're coming from. I think SL is for almost everyone, if they'd just give it a chance. Yet, really, I know there are some kids who just can't/won't sit through some of the books (although mine can't get enough).
The 27 reasons actually refined my homeschool vision. They gave me much food for thought. I plan to blog about figuring out a homeschool style soon and plan to include the link to that article.
I must say, if I were to ever leave SL, it would only be because it is hard to use it with multiple kids with the age span of mine (3 yrs). Next week we start the school year with 3 cores going (Yikes!) so we'll just have to take each year as it comes. If we ever left, it'd be an emotional ordeal for each member of our family, lol.