When most homeschooling parents think about their children’s course of study and what subjects to include in their education, reading, writing, math, science, and history likely come to mind. While teaching these is important, of course, so too are those areas of focus that bring delight, beauty, and meaning.
They may be barely glanced at in the public school setting, but are arguably even more important than those so-called core subjects.
Virtue
The moral foundation parents provide their children is fundamental. Homeschoolers have the advantage of the time and freedom to incorporate the moral and spiritual values they deem most important into their children’s every day. Prioritize the character your children cultivate and their understanding of the divine, truth, goodness, beauty, and diligence. This is the bedrock of an education. What could possibly be more important?Music
It’s easier than you might think to incorporate a rich study of music into your homeschool. We are fortunate to have access with our modern tools to virtually every piece of excellent music ever created. Create playlists that focus on specific composers or that match the time period you’re studying in history and simply play the music in the background. Gather books about music and musicians. If possible, provide your children with instrument lessons.Art
Similarly, a parent need not obtain a degree in art history to be able to easily incorporate an appreciation for art in their homeschool. Choose a work of art each week and hang a print of it to enjoy. Gather books about art, architecture, and artists. Visit museums, watch documentaries, and have your children take art classes. Keep art supplies fully stocked at all times and encourage your children to spend time creating.Nature
There is so much to be learned from a simple study of nature. Get outside as much as possible with your children and encourage their observation and wonder at the many facets of nature around them. At home, hang bird feeders, plant a garden, curate a collection of natural artifacts found in nature, keep a nature journal, read about the natural world, and follow their interests as far as they’d like to explore.Story
An education is largely made up of stories—fictional and nonfictional—that allow civilizations to make sense of the world and their place in it. Enjoy stories with your children through books (read aloud), theater, and movies, and encourage their own creation of stories. Whether they create a stop-motion video with their stuffed animals, write their own short story, or simply relay a story to the family at dinner, the skills employed in the telling of a story are valuable. Celebration
Finally, incorporate an atmosphere of celebration and togetherness in your homeschool. An ordinary lunch can become a picnic in the park. A holiday such as Flag Day can become a week-long study of the flag, including its history and meaning. Birthdays can become surprise-filled delights that could never be matched in a typical school environment. The family time and togetherness that homeschooling affords is such a blessing. Cherish this time with your children and don’t forget to incorporate fun whenever and wherever you can. 
Friends Read Free