Shaping Families

Benefits of Homeschooling

Michael Courtney and her husband Jeremy Nafziger are both involved in homeschooling their four children—possible because Jeremy is employed mostly out of their home. But some of their reasons for homeschooling are a little untypical as you’ll soon catch in this down-to-earth conversation with Michael about their adventures. They had four children in six years who are now ages 6-11, about which she quips, “At the time it made sense but [those years are] a total blur, now.” She admits her own study habits as a child were pretty rotten—she was a daydreamer—so she understands when her own kids try to take shortcuts or detours.

Listen - Transcript - Study Guide

Connecting Point

Natalie Francisco

Michael Ann and Jeremy are not the only parents who have exercised their right to homeschool their children. Whereas their choice to homeschool worked best for them, others may choose other alternative educational options because of their dissatisfaction with the public school system. I must assert that not all secular education is bad or ungodly. It’s been my privilege to teach in both the public and private school sector, and to do so successfully.

This Week's Resource

BOOK

The Well-Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at Home by Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Wyse (first published 1999 by W.W. Norton and now in its third edition) offers a step-by-step, grade-by-grade, subject-by-subject guide to the classical pattern of education called the trivium. Thousands of parents have used the curricula, books lists, and methods of The Well-Trained Mind to teach their children successfully at home–either full-time or as a supplement to classroom education.

BOOKS

Parenting and Partnering with Purpose by Dr. Natalie Francisco. Parenting and Partnering with Purpose is an inspirational resource designed to motivate parents, educators and church leaders to form and maintain strategic partnerships in the education of today's youth. Sound principles for parenting and teaching, as well as suggestions for establishing a Christian day care and school are shared from a biblical perspective given Dr. Francisco's professional training and many years of experience as a mother and an educator.

WEBSITES 

Education Reform Books — A website exploring how children learn, tapping into insights from John Holt, who some consider to be the “father of the modern homeschool movement.” 

Classical Homeschooling — Classical education and its practical applicationin grades K-12 for homeschooling families.

Mid-south Homeschool Convention — A huge regional convention for those interested in homeschooling.

Home School Legal Advantage — The Christian Law Association works on the legal rights of families to homeschool.

Christian Light Publications, based in Harrisonburg, Va., publishers of homeschooling curricula and supplies, along with church and Sunday school materials.

The Homeschool Mom — Homeschool resources website, blog, reviews, teacher helps and more.

Our Educational System Needs a Makeover

Burton Buller

From my observations, home schooling is a mixed bag. I’ve had friends whose home schooled children were accepted into Ivy League schools. And I’ve had friends whose home schooled children could hardly be called educated. It seems to depend a great deal on the education and ability of the person doing the educating.

Losing an Infant. Regina Cyzick Harlow and her husband lost their first child after only 17 hours. She shares her heartbreak—and her hope in a moving interview produced especially for Shaping Families listeners. They also founded a ministry reaching out to other couples and families bearing similar grief from miscarriage, stillbirth, death of a newborn and from SIDS.

Breaded Ranch Chicken

Kimberly's son, AJ often requests this chicken dish. It's a great recipe for company or a special family dinner.  (Originally from Taste of Home 2001.)

• Shaping Families Update - May 12
• Shaping Families Update - May 5
• Shaping Families Update - April 28
• Shaping Families Update - April 21

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