The decision has been taken. We are going back to the traditional way of homeschooling. After trying the DL program here in BC for 1 year, I realized that my kids were losing the love of learning they used to have. They became one more group of students within the school system. The only difference was that they were working at home.When we started 8 years ago,it never crossed my mind the idea of joining the DL program. Not even for the $1000 per child.Despide my convictions, I wanted to give the DL a try for 1 year and see if my kids were missing something out.
Well, we joined the program but it didn't work. We had great teachers and friends working along side of us supporting my kids and my very own way of homeschooling but it wasn't our teachers but the system which caused our pain.The tension over having to follow the learning outcomes,the stress for one of my daughters to work on topics she wasn't interested in and bringing conflict and constant discussions between us plus the little time left to do other activities was enough for us to take the final decision.
I know that the way learning is presented has everything to do with motivation but definetely when the load of work, isolated subjects and boring topics are part of the job. It is definetely neither pleasant nor motivating to continue.We could have just worked on our own and submit fake work when required but is that really true and honest?
Now that we decided to go back to traditional homeschooling. I am very excited to see what God has in store for us. Thrilled to be able to have the freedom to choose, to explore, to make mistakes and to follow our own interests without anyone watching our steps.For 6 years we studied things deeply. We went on a topic without worrying on finishing on a certain time. No datelines!
The money from the DL program was good but we can't rely on that compromising our convictions and freedom of true homeschooling. We are so blessed here in Canada to be able to homeschool and in fact being called homeschooler.
In the middle of last year, I learned the fact that being a DL student makes students to lose their status as homeschoolers. I was shocked and very upset. I didn't know that!
We need to defend our privilege while we can. There are other countries and even provinces in Canada fighting constantly for this freedom.
After praying and asking God for His very unique peace. I am 100% sure that going back to traditional homeschooling is the way to go. You can only know this kind of peace if you have experienced this kind of peace before. It is a way of seeking,trusting and receiving
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| Fernanda with Christopher Paulini Author of Eragon |
I know God has great plans for my kids and terrific and exciting new learning experiences still to explore.No doubt when we trust in God's plan living and seeking His will.
We can be sure when His voice is calling just as the sheep knows his shepherd's voice.
I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord.Plans to prosper you and not to harm you.Plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
