Should Freedom Matter to Homeschoolers?

You better believe it should!

Too often Americans take their freedoms for granted. Just look at families around the world whose country does not allow them to homeschool. They are fighting for their freedom to raise their children according to their beliefs & values. Although this article is not about the fight for freedom, I think it is important that we as homeschoolers recognize all the freedoms we have.

As we prepare to celebrate our political freedom on the 4th of July, let’s take a look at what we have in the United States.

Parents have the right to choose how, when & where their children will be educated. I know there are some limitations in some states, but overall you have the freedom to choose:

…how you spend your time each day with your kids

…what’s most important to teach your children during different stages of their growth

…what values you will teach your children

…what faith you will instill in your children

…what style of teaching you will use in your homeschool

…whether you will teach inside, outside or on a field trip

…if you should participate in a co-op, use a video, play games, read a book or some other method to teach reading, writing & arithmetic (& much more)

…the list can go on & on

As homeschooling parents you have a myriad of freedoms. Do you realize all the freedoms you have?

Most of the time we think of freedoms that help us do what we want to do or how we want to homeschool. One of the most important freedoms is the freedom to serve others.

As your children are homeschooled, be sure to regularly involve them in service projects. I’m not talking about “service programs”. What I’m referring to is real life service to those around you. It begins by teaching your sons to open the doors for ladies…all ladies. It continues by watching your neighbor’s child when they have to visit a friend in the hospital. Or, taking a meal to an elderly friend.

These are everyday, ordinary ways of training your children to serve. They should be part of your life already so your kids will enjoy the Freedom to Serve by Serving.

Although I’ve mentioned this above, you are not confined to a classroom. Most public & private schools spend 99% of their time in a classroom, sitting in a desk, working through a textbook. This is not the best way to learn.

You have the freedom to use the BEST homeschool resources possible. (And yes, I’ll be discounting some of those homeschooling resources in our Freedom Sale)

Homeschooling resources include real living books (not textbooks), unit studies, hands-on activities, lapbooks, science experiments, visits to museums & parks, nature studies…

Real Learning where real life is happening.

Let’s face it. Sometimes you need some extra sleep.

I remember when my middle daughter was playing basketball games out of town in her high school years. They would get home at midnight from some games. (We got home earlier because she rode the team bus). Her teammates had to get up for school the next morning. She had the freedom to sleep in, feel rested and be ready for a productive day.

“Sleeping In” isn’t necessarily lazy. Sleep is so important and we often don’t take advantage of this freedom.

Remember: Education is a lifetime experience, not a 12 year experience and you’re done.

Education happens all day long, so take advantage of those educational opportunities when they arise in your homeschool.

Teach character when your children are arguing

Teach biology when you notice the bugs at the park

Teach math when you are in the grocery store

The list can go on and on. You have the freedom to educate your children all day long. It is a blessing & a freedom, so take advantage of it.

Today’s the last day to get our Independence Writing Lesson for free with IEW orders:

IEW Special: Independence Writing Lesson Free

Our Patriotic Holidays Unit Study is a fun way to encourage learning more about the 4th of July. You’ll receive books to read, videos to watch, activities to enjoy and snacks to eat. All based on Independence Day.

In addition to 4th of July, there are units for Flag Day and Election Day. Click here to read more about Patriotic Holidays Unit Study.

Question: What freedom do you enjoy most? You can leave a comment by clicking here.

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