Saturday, January 1, 2011

Home school in San Antonio de Belen

We've always home-schooled our children. I've never been fond of calling what we do "home school." Pro-homeschooling websites advocated naming your home school, to give the teachers and the children a sense of identity and belonging. We haven't done that either. For now, I guess it will just be, "Kids! Time to get started!"

What we have done is structure a curriculum largely based upon an informal network of trusted friends and informational resources. It contains all the normal features of public school, math, science, reading, writing, spelling, social studies, history, and on and on. It also contains, at our choosing, bible devotional materials, history of the world from a biblical perspective, science from a biblical perspective, and other specific materials that clearly celebrate our Christian heritage and traditions.

We're not "home school separatists," those who are critical and hostile to any other form of education. We are both educators by occupation and enjoy the challenge and fun of teaching our children. In Minnesota and in Illinois, the public schools in our area are well run and do an excellent job of education and activities.

During our time in Costa Rica, our kids will do an abbreviated day, probably three hours, which will be supplemented by one hour with a language tutor, and other activities at the school. We will all learn how missionaries do their work, how Costa Rican culture and government works, and we will immerse ourselves in travel, shopping, and hopefully conversation with Costa Ricans at every opportunity.

We're very comfortable with our decision to home school our children and our decision to continue their education in Costa Rica. We believe this will be an unforgettable time in their young lives, and will hopefully stimulate a desire to be involved in their own similar opportunities as they mature and grow in Christ.

All our children have told us they've crossed the line of faith, and are growing believers in Jesus. We are so excited to have this opportunity together. I can't wait to see how the Lord works on their hearts in January.

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