Homeschool - Doing is More Important Than Planning

Doing homeschool is more important than planning homeschool.

I am a bit of a planner by nature. I love to plan. Implementing.... not so much. But it is the real doing of homeschooling that is the crucial part. You can plan all day long, but if you don not actually do the work, it would not matter. It reminds me of the Parable of the Two Sons.

Matthew 21:28-32

 

The Parable of the Two Sons

"What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work today in the vineyard.'

" 'I will not,' he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.

"Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, 'I will, sir,' but he did not go.

"Which of the two did what his father wanted?"

"The first," they answered.

Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.

There are some homeschoolers who feel called by God to homeschool, and are dragged kicking and screaming into this lifestyle screaming like the first son, "Noooooooo!!!" If they do the work of homeschooling, they will be successful.

Other parents are called to homeschooling and respond by saying, "Sure! No problem!" They may plan and plan, purchase curriculum, and pay for supplemental experiences. But if they get too distracted by their busy lives, and do not actually do the work of homeschooling, then they are not really doing what the Father wanted them to do. If you plan and plan, but then never actually do, then you have missed the mark.

Doing is more important than planning. It is not easier and it is not more fun - at least not for me! But it is absolutely the most important part.

Remember, if you feel overwhelmed with the "doing" part, you may be attempting too much. If you find yourself in this situation, here are a few things you can do.

• Cut back a little. Lower your sights.
• Look for duplication and eliminate it
• Identify the subjects that your students really enjoy and focus your attention there. They will learn more if they are excited about the topic
• Cut back on the non-school activities. Check your appointment calendar and start pruning.

Often the path to homeschool success is by doing less, rather than more. Try these ideas and see if you can improve your success.

Need help homeschooling high school? Lee Binz, The HomeScholar has an award-winning Christian homeschool blog and helps parents homeschool for high school. Check out her homeschool online free minicourse and training webinar on how to give homeschool credit in high school.